Method of training a neural network and a neural network trained according to the method

A neural network, comprising:

• a plurality of inputs and one or more outputs which produce an output dependant on data received by the input according to training of interconnections between the inputs, hidden neurons and the outputs,
• wherein interconnections are trained such that the relationship between the inputs and the outputs is constrained according to the expectations of the relationship between the inputs and the outputs,
• wherein one or more output neurons produce a numeric preliminary output, the preliminary output being manipulated to produce a final output,
• wherein during training of the neural network each possible non-numeric final output is numerically encoded into a training preliminary output such that the uniqueness and adjacency relations between each non-numeric final output value is preserved, and
• wherein, in use, the preliminary output is converted to an estimated nonnumeric final output based on the nearest numerically encoded equivalent final output used in training the neural network.

A neural network, comprising:

• trained interconnected neurons,
• wherein one or more neurons produce a numeric preliminary output, the preliminary output being manipulated to produce a final output,
• wherein during training of the neural network each possible non-numeric final output is numerically encoded into a training preliminary output such that the uniqueness and adjacency relations between each non-numeric final output are preserved, and
• wherein, in use, the preliminary output is converted to an estimated nonnumeric final output.