Algorithm Development: Overview                       

NeuroMAX is not intended to be a “black box” that takes in raw data and outputs spike times. Instead, we have found that users fully recognize the complexities of spike-sorting and multi-unit data analysis, and do not necessarily want the details of this process hidden. In addition to the open implementation platform¹ of the NeuroMAX tools, users are encouraged to create new spike detection or sorting algorithms that meet their specific requirements. You can easily create a custom algorithm that will be your unique way to visualize and understand a specific set of data.

NeuroMAX includes files, instructions, and examples that aid in interaction with the data in an intuitive manner when creating your own unique research tools. By combining our proven tools and quantitative measurements with your customized MATLAB routines, you can now produce the best, most consistent spike-sorting results possible.

There are two steps to implementing the power and flexibility of NeuroMAX:

1. Transform your unique algorithms to the NeuroMAX tool format, to meet your specific research requirements. You’ll store these new NeuroMAX tools in the appropriate NeuroMAX toolbox: either Spike Detection, Spike Sorting, Spike Train Analysis, or Display Tools.

2. Create a chain of NeuroMAX tools, using standard tools and/or your own custom tools.

To assist with transforming your MATLAB algorithms to a NeuroMAX tool, we provide a simple yet powerful tutorial and MATLAB .m files. The .m files contain all the structural coding required in a NeuroMAX tool. The tutorial leads you quickly and easily through the steps necessary to add your algorithm to the standard code, resulting in a new NeuroMAX tool.

The next steps link any combination of tools into a NeuroMAX chain: detect events, sort the spikes, confirm the accuracy, analyze the results, and display data in a professional graphics presentation.

¹Open implementation platform: allows developers of a program to alter pieces of the underlying software to fit their specific needs. Because we provide the standard tools and structures, you don’t have to start with a blank slate when creating a unique analysis algorithm.