RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Diffuse retro-reflective imaging for improved video tracking of mosquitoes at human baited bednets
JF bioRxiv
FD Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
SP 691949
DO 10.1101/691949
A1 Vitaly Voloshin
A1 Christian Kröner
A1 Chandrabhan Seniya
A1 Gregory P. D. Murray
A1 Amy Guy
A1 Catherine E. Towers
A1 Philip J. McCall
A1 David P. Towers
YR 2019
UL http://biorxiv.org/content/early/2019/11/07/691949.abstract
AB Robust imaging techniques for tracking insects have been essential tools in numerous laboratory and field studies on pests, beneficial insects and model systems. Recent innovations in optical imaging systems and associated signal processing have enabled detailed characterisation of nocturnal mosquito behaviour around bednets and improvements in bednet design, a global essential for protecting populations against malaria. Nonetheless, there remain challenges around ease of use for large scale in situ recordings and extracting data reliably in the critical areas of the bednet where the optical signal is attenuated. Here we introduce a retro-reflective screen at the back of the measurement volume, which can simultaneously provide diffuse illumination, and remove optical alignment issues whilst requiring only one-sided access to the mea-surement space. The illumination becomes significantly more uniform, although, noise removal algorithms are needed to reduce the effects of shot noise particularly across low intensity bednet regions. By systematically introducing mosquitoes in front and behind the bednet in lab experiments we are able to demonstrate robust tracking in these challenging areas. Overall, the retro-reflective imaging setup delivers mosquito segmentation rates in excess of 90% compared to less than 70% with back-lit systems.