Experimental investigation of the movements of organisms often entails the acquisition and processing of large samples of spatio-temporal data. An interactive, interpretive, on-line computer television system (viz., the Bugsystem) was initially developed at the University of California at Santa Barbara in order to expedite such analyses. Aspects of the structure of this prototype system are outlined. Its effectiveness is evaluated with regard to the problems confronting the bio-behavioral researcher. A second generation system has been developed under a research grant from EPA. Utilizing new hardware and software, it in many ways constitutes a generalization of its prototype. Features of the refined system are described which provide for the following: a large degree of machine-independence, significant expansion of the size of data records, inclusion of experimental parameters and variables within the data structure, investigation of rotational and flectional movement, statistical analysis, advanced graphics and tracking of organisms in three dimentional space. Current utilization of the Bugsystem for future development are discussed.

"Department of Electrical Engineering, Southeastern Massachusetts University." "January 1980." Includes bibliographical references (page 36). Grant no.