An inexpensive, microcomputer-based system for recording movements in real time.

An inexpensive, microcomputer-based system was developed for recording movements in real time. The positions of 5 serially illuminated, infrared emitting diodes fixed on the object of interest were tracked by a remote, position-sensing photodiode. Positional information from the photodetector was digitized by an LSI 11/23+ microcomputer (sampling rate = 50/s/channel) and stored for subsequent analysis. Any microcomputer equipped to perform analog-digital conversion is compatible for use with this system. The small size of the components that are mounted on the animal allows movement to occur virtually unimpeded and makes this recording system especially suited for small animal observation.