Subnetworks
Subnetworks are used when special rules are required that go beyond what is available using the standard update method. For example, some networks must have their nodes updated in a special order, or must have their synapses updated in a way which requires more information than is available locally to the synapses. Subnetworks are distinguished by being surrounded by a gray line, with a special tab in the upper left-hand corner:
The upper-left tab, or "subnetwork tab," is the your interface with the subnetwork and its properties.
Subnetworks are created either by using the insert menu in the network window, or right clicking and using the new network submenu. Neurons and synapses cannot currently be added inside subnetworks, though subnets can be connected to anything outside of themselves.
Connections can exist between any two nodes, at whatever level of
the subnetwork hierarchy. Subnetworks (networks within networks) are
themselves network objects, with lists of neurons and nodes, and
perhaps additional subnetworks. If a subnetwork itself has subnetworks,
those are not shown as such in the GUI.
Subnetwork Tab
The tab is your interface with the subnetwork via the GUI. The text inside the tab displays what type of subnetwork it is. If you drag the tab, it will drag the entire subnetwork. By double-clicking on the tab, one can view the subnetwork's properties, while right clicking on it reveals actions that are specific to the subnetwork. Here are some standard operations available in the subnetwork tab (more specific actions and operations are described in the documentation for specific subnetork types).
Delete
Deletes the entire subnetwork.
Double Click
If you double-click on the subnetwork tab it calls up that network's properties dialog. These properties depend on the subnetwork type.
Hide / Show Outline
Hides or reveals the outline drawn around the nodes of that subnetwork
Randomize
Unless otherwise noted, this simply calls the randomization method on each neuron, which sets it to a value from within its upper and lower bounds. In some cases it is overridden to perform other operations on the subnetwork as well. For example, backprop network randomization randomizes biases.
Set Properties
Same as double clicking. Calls up the property dialog for that subnetwork type.