Particle Data Transform for Negative Value Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Particle data analysis from analyzers faces challenges due to noise from spillover and the inability to display negative data points on logarithmic scales, which limits the clarity and usefulness of the data.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that transform particle data using a weighted combination of mathematical functions for positive and negative values, allowing for smooth transition to logarithmic scaling for high values and user-definable power functions near zero, enabling efficient display and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a pure logarithmic scale is used to display particle data, then the dynamic range of 10,000:1 can be displayed, but negative data points cannot be displayed and are lost or collapsed on the display axis
Solution Approach 1:
The display scale is segmented into multiple regions: a first region for negative data values with linear scaling, a second region for positive data values with logarithmic scaling, and a third region for very high positive values with linear scaling. This segmentation allows different scaling behaviors in different regions, enabling both negative data points and the full dynamic range to be displayed effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
Different scaling properties are applied to different regions of the display: linear scaling is applied locally to negative values and very high values, while logarithmic scaling is applied locally to intermediate positive values. This local quality approach allows each region to have the scaling特性 most suitable for displaying data in that range.
2Measurement precision
If compensation is applied to reduce spillover noise in particle data, then measurement precision is improved, but negative data values are introduced that cannot be displayed on logarithmic scales
Solution Approach 1:
The display system dynamically adapts its scaling behavior based on the input data values. The transform function automatically switches between linear and logarithmic scaling modes depending on whether the data point is negative, zero, or positive, eliminating the need for manual intervention or data filtering while preserving both measurement precision and display capability.
3Ease of operation
If biexponential model (Logicle) display is used to address negative data points, then negative data can be displayed, but computation-intensive root finding operations and lookup tables are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a simple, computationally inexpensive transform function that can be evaluated directly without requiring complex root-finding algorithms or pre-computed lookup tables. This 'cheap' computational approach achieves the same goal of displaying negative data points as the biexponential model but with significantly reduced computational complexity and faster execution.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method is provided for processing data from a particle analyzer. The method includes transforming data using at least one transform that provides: transformation according to a weighted combination of a first mathematical function and a logarithmic function for positive data values, such that the transformation corresponds to the first mathematical function for positive particle data values approaching zero, and to the logarithmic function for positive particle data values approaching infinity; and transformation corresponding to a second mathematical function for negative data values. The transformed data may be then output for display or storage. In another embodiment, the transforming involves substituting the particle data for an independent variable in the transform to directly obtain values to be plotted based on the input particle data values.