TopScan Lite
TopScan Lite is a simplified version of our flagship TopScan system. Ideal for simple experiments or labs on a tight budget, TopScan Lite offers the same excellence in video tracking and automated analysis found in TopScan, but at a more affordable price (quotes start at US$3450).
Product Description [PDF opens in new window]
System Requirements
- Windows-based PC (XP, 2000)
- Intel high-speed processor (Pentium 4 or better)
- Special videocard for real-time analysis
- Large HDD capacity for storage
- Good lighting conditions
- IR camera or red light for dark experiments
- Video-multiplexer for multi-camera feed
TopScan Lite allows top-down tracking of animal movement based on a single-point, also known as "center-of-mass" tracking. The program monitors distance travelled, travel path, and speed, as well as variables related to user-defined zones. This is ideal for studies that do not involve complex tracking of individual limbs or head orientation, and the program can be used to monitor locomotor behavior, open field, novel-object recognition, place preference or light/dark chambers, and all kinds of mazes (including the Morris water maze). Additionally, TopScan Lite can be integrated with AnnoStar, our manual scoring tool, which allows user annotation of specific behaviors.
As with the full TopScan suite, TopScan Lite allows the user to define zones within the experimental apparatus in order to track animal position. This is ideal for studies where fine motor detection is not required, such as thigmotaxicity in the Morris water maze, or open field. However, for more precise measurements, such as specific sniffing behaviors in novel object tasks, we recommend that customers purchase the full system. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about which program would best suit your needs.
Complete turnkey systems (including all necessary hardware and software) are available. Custom design of your environment to facilitate analysis, including lighting condition setup, IR/red light setup, cage enclosures, video integration, and video-feed to computer is also available.