# Cognex ViDi Tools and Concepts

The Cognex ViDi deep learning software is used to train a vision-optimized deep neural network (VODNN), based on a labeled image set. The trained network can do the following:

- Locate and identify features in images.
- Locate and read characters and strings in images.
- Identify, locate and characterize defects in images.
- Classify images.

The operation of the ViDi tools is divided into two phases.

1. Training phase: This is where the tools analyze the labeled, training image set and the network is trained.
2. Runtime phase: This is where the tools operate on input images and produce markings based on their training data.

The ViDi Graphical User Interface (GUI) is used for the following:

- Manage images that will comprise your training set.
- Quickly and accurately label images.
- Link multiple ViDi tools into tool chains.
- Validate the performance of trained tools.
- Export trained networks and tool chains for use at runtime.

The topics in this section provide an overview of the ViDi GUI used to program the ViDi tools, and the concepts that underlie the tools.