User-Defined Neuro-Dynamics (UDND) is an advanced research extension to NeuralWorks Professional II/PLUS that supports the design of new neural network paradigms that can then be incorporated into Professional II/PLUS and used in deployed applications. Key neural network components that can be customized with UDND include network topology, processing element neuro-dynamics, the network control strategy, and learning/recall parameter definitions.

After the basic network architecture is defined, specific summation, transfer, learning rule, noise, output, and error functions can be written in C and then compiled for use in the architecture. UDND also supports checkpoint processing and special event processing, so that links to external programs can be activated during either learning or recall. All important network events, such as Network Loaded, Network Saved, Learn Start, Learn Complete, Recall Start, and Recall Complete generate software interrupts that can be trapped and handled in application specific ways.

User Defined Neuro-Dynamics® (UDND) is an advanced optional extension of Professional II/PLUS. UDND allows you to use the C programming language to define your own learning rules, transfer functions, error functions, and other aspects of processing in neural networks. These functions are compiled and linked to produce Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs), or shared object files on Unix platforms, which are called by Professional II/PLUS.

Fast Easy Design
Using UDND you can modify learning rules, have the new network up and running in as little as 30 minutes, and know that it will work. Creating a completely new network type takes longer, but you will discover it is easier and quicker than other methods of network design. Equally as important, creating a new learning rule or network this way makes it possible to quickly and effectively compare it to other supported network types. This is an essential advantage only available with UDND.

Customize These Functions
In addition to the broad range of basic building blocks proved by NeuralWare, UDND makes it possible to customize the following functions:

- summation
- transfer
- output
- error
- learn
- noise
- check point processing
- special event processing

When you have finished your customization, an single command compiles and links your code into a DLL (or Unix shared object file) ready for Professional II/PLUS. Properly constructed functions are also compatible with NeuralWorks Designer Pack.

Only Write the Essentials
The UDND advantage is that it lets you modify only the building blocks particular to your applications. In many instances it takes only a few lines of code to construct a new paradigm. Through well defined and strictly followed interface specifications, all of the other building blocks fit seamlessly together into the new system. These greatly reduces debugging time, because the only routines which need to be tested are the new building blocks.

All of the capabilities of Professional II/PLUS, including network editing tools, general graphing and analysis tools, and utilities are available with the your new functionality.

UDND specifications are available online in Adobe® Acrobat® (pdf) format.