A method for converting data includes generating a first data vector of data measurements related to processing of at least one workpiece. Each element of the first data vector is associated with at least one of a plurality of positions on the workpiece. A cumulative distribution of the elements in the first data vector is generated. An outlier region of the data measurements is identified based on the cumulative distribution. A binary outlier data vector is generated from the first data vector by assigning a first binary value to the data elements in the first data vector in the outlier region and assigning a second binary value to the remaining data elements in the first data vector.