On-line acquisition of data from Raman and infrared spectrometers with a time-sharing computer

Considerations leading to the interface and software design of an on-line data acquisition system are presented. The system makes extensive use of conversation mode programing and the nature and extent of the operator-computer program interactions are discussed. The system employs close-loop control of the acquisition process with the possibility of operator intervention at any stage. Control actions and data reduction may be initiated asynchronous to the data acquisition process. An illustration of the use of the system for correcting relative Raman intensities is given.