Knowledge Base

Problem

EthoVision incorrectly detects a static object inside the arena (e.g., a colored insert or apparatus component) as the tracked animal because it shares similar color/contrast characteristics. The user wants to exclude the object from the tracking area.

Details

This typically occurs when a fixed object within the arena has similar brightness or color to the animal being tracked. EthoVision's detection algorithm may identify the object as a potential subject. The solution does not require changes to detection settings alone; instead, the arena boundary itself can be reshaped to exclude the object's location.

Solution

1. In EthoVision, open the Arena Setup for the relevant experiment.
2. Use the arena drawing tools to modify the arena boundary to create a 'doughnut' or cutout effect around the static object:
- Draw the outer arena boundary as normal.
- Draw an additional shape (inner exclusion zone) around the object to cut it out of the trackable area.
- This effectively makes the object's location an obstacle/excluded region so EthoVision will not detect anything within it.
3. Alternatively, define the object's footprint as an 'Obstacle' zone type if your arena setup supports it, so the detection algorithm ignores that area.
4. If possible, physically remove the object from the arena between sessions, or use a cover/material that does not contrast with the background in the same way as the animal.
5. Re-run detection settings and verify in the Detection preview that the object is no longer being flagged as the subject.