Abstract:ObjectiveTo set up a system for computer-based image-processing for animal‘s locomotor activity test in sedative Chinese materia medica(CMM),Kaixin Powder, one of traditional complex prescription. MethodsCombining the advantage of computer sciences,information knowledge,and imaging analyzed technique into the open field test,the data of mice locomotor activities were collected and analyzed with technique of pattern-recognition,data mining,etc.The total distance,time and speed of movement,resting time and their ratios in the open field were developed;and those various indexes in central area and peripheral area in the open field were established.The system was also verified by using Kaixin Powder.Results Those indexes were sensitive and objective for judging animal‘s locomotor activity.The correlation coefficient of those indexes collected by computer and manpower was over 0.9,which indicated that the system had better reproducibility and stability.Conclusion The results show that the system could provide an automatic and intelligent method for studying sedative CMM with integration for monitor,collection,analysis,storage,statistics,and output of experimental data and results.