Free interval based on hardware

Background

This topic contains details about defining a Free interval. For the main procedure, see Free interval.

To specify the hardware state or value

In the Free Interval window, under Interval start or Interval stop, choose Hardware and select the following:

1.In the Start at / Stop at field, enter the time of the start (or stop) of the interval relative to the Hardware event specified in the next steps.

example 1 To start an interval 1 s before the PhenoTyper’s white light switches on, next to Start at enter 0:00:01:000 before event.

example 2 To stop an interval 10 s after a pellet was dropped, next to Stop at enter 0:00:10:000 after event.

2.From the Select device type list, choose the type of device you want to use.

3.From the Select name list, select the name of the device of the chosen type. The names in this list have been assigned to that device type in the Arena - Hardware mapping window in the Arena Settings.

4.From the Select signal/command list, select the variable or the command you are interested in.

5.From the Signal value list, choose which value the signal should have to define the start/stop of the interval, using the operators available (<=, >= or false/true).

Return to To specify a Free interval

Notes

▪The Cumulative value option is available for numerical variables like Number of pellet drops, Number of licks, Duration of licks, or counts (for example, Input 1 L->H count).

▪When Cumulative value is selected, hardware events are summed up and EthoVision “remembers” that at any time. Keep this option selected if, for example, you want to start an interval when the Signal value is >= 10.

▪When Cumulative value is not selected, each hardware event is a state that lasts one sample time (for example, 0.04 s if the sample rate is 25). At any time, EthoVision does not “know” how many events have occurred up to that time. De-selecting Cumulative value provides results when the Signal value selected is 1. De-select Cumulative value when you want to specify multiple intervals, for example for each time a pellet is dropped.

▪The options under Interval start and Interval stop are based on the Hardware state dependent variable. For more information, see also Hardware state under Analysis of Trial Control data in the EthoVision XT 19 - Trial and Hardware Control - Reference Manual.