Method for reducing frequency of taking background/reference spectra in FTIR or FTIR-ATR spectroscopy and handheld measurement device embodying same

A measurement apparatus for use in one of FTIR spectroscopy and FTIR-ATR spectroscopy of a sample, such a measurement apparatus comprising:

• a means for irradiating the sample;
• a detection device that is configured and arranged to detect radiation emanating from the sample and providing an output of the detected radiation;
• a processing device including a digital processor or microprocessor, which is operably coupled to the detection device for controlling operation of the measurement apparatus including the irradiating means and the detection device and processing the detection device outputs;
• an applications program for execution on the processing device, such an applications program including instructions, criteria and code segments for carrying out a methodology including the steps of:
• determining if there is a pre-existing reference spectrum available;
• acquiring one or more scans of a sample of interest;
• determining one of acceptability of the pre-existing reference spectrum or of a modified pre-existing reference spectrum either (a) before acquiring the one or more scans of the sample or (b) after acquiring the one or more scans of the sample;
• wherein said determining the acceptability of the pre-existing reference or of the modified pre-existing reference spectrum includes:
• acquiring a present reference scan;
• comparing the present reference scan and the pre-existing reference spectrum to determine if there are any non-conformities there between;
• if one or more non-conformities are found between the present reference scan and the pre-existing reference spectrum, determining if the one or more non-conformities are resolvable or not;
• if the one or more non-conformities are resolvable;
• resolving each non-conformity in a manner determined to resolve the one or more non-conformities;
• and
• if the one or more non-conformities are not resolvable, then acquiring a new reference spectrum.

A non-transitory computer medium on which is stored an applications program for execution on a logic circuit including a digital processor or microprocessor;

• such an applications program including instructions, criteria and code segments for performing a methodology including the steps of:
• determining if there is a pre-existing reference spectrum available;
• acquiring one or more scans of a sample of interest;
• determining one of acceptability of the pre-existing reference spectrum or of a modified pre-existing reference spectrum either (a) before acquiring the one or more scans of the sample or (b) after acquiring the one or more scans of the sample;
• wherein said determining the acceptability of the pre-existing reference spectrum or of the modified pre-existing reference spectrum includes:
• acquiring a present reference scan;
• comparing the present reference scan and the pre-existing reference spectrum to determine if there are any non-conformities there between;
• if one or more non-conformities are found between the present reference scan and the pre-existing reference spectrum, determining if the one or more non-conformities are resolvable or not;
• if the one or more non-conformities are resolvable;
• resolving each non-conformity in a manner determined to resolve the one or more non-conformities;
• and
• if the one or more non-conformities are not resolvable, then acquiring a new reference spectrum.