Project summary

At a scientific user facility, outside users collect data on one or more instruments, which is typically recorded in instrument-specific coordinates.

Each user needs to do two things with this data: convert it into more universal (physical) coordinates, and correct for any instrumentation-specific artifacts in the data. This process is termed "data reduction".

A common paradigm for data reduction is for the instrument operator to create a new program and interface for each instrument, to achieve these ends. The source data files are "reduced" at user facility, where there is direct access to both the programs and the data. The reduced output files are then carried home by the users.

This project aims to simplify this part of the user experience. A visual-programming interface is created in the user's browser, allowing reduction of the source data by remote control. Reduction protocols are built up using facility-supplied functions (in icon form) wired together to create a data flow diagram. The user (or instrument operator) can change the reduction protocol, and repeat the procedure as needed, and the resultant reduced files can be downloaded by the users at will. Standard reduction protocols are made available by the facility and instrument operator.

Changes to the protocol (and the addition of new instruments and new protocols) will not require changes to the user interface, and instrument-specific functions for reduction will be maintained by the instrument operators, rather than a full-blown unique reduction program for each instrument or type of instrument.