Freezing duration and percentage per time bin
Total freezing duration and percent time freezing computed for each user-defined time bin (e.g., per CS presentation, per minute, per trial block).
CSV
← Capabilities
Freezing Detection
Automated freezing quantification with integrated apparatus control
Dual-mode detection — motion threshold and body segmentation — delivers reproducible freezing scores without inter-rater variability.
2modes
Detection algorithms
<100ms
Onset resolution
TTL/serial
Apparatus integration
Reproducible
Cross-lab scoring consistency
The problem
Manual freezing scoring is subjective and unreproducible
Freezing — the complete absence of movement except respiration — is the primary dependent variable in fear conditioning, yet most labs still rely on manual scoring. Inter-rater reliability varies, threshold criteria differ between observers, and scoring a single cohort can consume days of trained observer time.
- Inter-rater variability in freezing threshold introduces systematic differences between scorers
- Manual scoring of a 30-animal cohort typically requires 8-15 hours of observer time
- Threshold criteria drift within and across sessions, reducing reproducibility of longitudinal studies
The solution
Automated dual-mode detection with apparatus integration
ConductVision scores freezing using two complementary algorithms — motion threshold detection and body segmentation analysis. Both modes operate at sub-100 ms onset resolution. Integrated TTL and serial control enables automated stimulus delivery (tone, shock, light) synchronized to behavioral recording.
- Dual detection modes — motion threshold and body segmentation — cross-validated for reliability
- Sub-100 ms onset resolution captures precise freezing onset and offset timestamps
- TTL and serial integration enables automated CS/US delivery synchronized to recording
Endpoints
Fear conditioning dependent variables
Bout analysis
Number of freezing episodes, mean bout duration, and inter-bout interval per time bin. Captures the temporal microstructure of freezing behavior.
CSV
Motion index with event timestamps
Continuous motion index time series aligned to CS/US event markers. Enables visualization of freezing dynamics relative to stimulus presentations.
CSV
Applications
Fear learning and anxiety paradigms
Contextual fear conditioning
Quantify freezing to context during acquisition, consolidation testing, and extinction. Automated scoring ensures identical threshold criteria across all sessions and cohorts.
Measures
- Percent freezing per time bin
- Freezing onset latency
- Context discrimination index
Cued fear conditioning and extinction
Score freezing during CS presentations, inter-trial intervals, and extinction sessions. TTL integration synchronizes tone delivery with behavioral recording.
Measures
- CS-evoked freezing
- Extinction rate
- Spontaneous recovery index
Fear reconsolidation studies
Precise temporal quantification of freezing before and after reconsolidation manipulation. Sub-second resolution captures rapid changes in defensive behavior.
Measures
- Pre-reactivation freezing
- Post-manipulation freezing
- Memory destabilization index
Anxiolytic screening
Dose-dependent modulation of conditioned freezing scored automatically. Consistent threshold eliminates scorer bias in drug efficacy assessment.
Measures
- Freezing suppression ratio
- Dose-response curve
- Fear potentiated startle
Compared to typical systems
How ConductVision differs
| Feature | ConductVision | Typical systems |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring method | Automated — dual algorithm | Manual observer or single threshold |
| Detection modes | Motion threshold + body segmentation | Single mode |
| Apparatus integration | TTL and serial — tone, shock, light | Separate apparatus controller |
| Inter-rater reliability | Not applicable — deterministic | Variable — observer dependent |
| Scoring time per session | Seconds (automated) | 15-30 minutes (manual) |
Related capabilities
Behavior Classification
ML-powered frame-level behavioral classification with temporal smoothing and custom classifier training.
Native Hardware Integration
Direct apparatus control via serial/TTL from within the tracking interface.
Zone and Spatial Analysis
Configurable spatial zones with automated dwell time, entry count, and heatmap analysis for any arena.
Score freezing consistently across your entire cohort
Upload a fear conditioning session and compare automated scoring against your manual annotations.
