METHOD OF CORRELATING A RECORD OF SAMPLE DATA WITH A RECORD OF REFERENCE DATA

摘要

A method of aligning a time record of sample data, such as a mass chromatogram of an unknown substance, with a time record of reference data, such as a mass chromatogram of a known substance. A coarse time-related alignment between the sample data and the reference data is produced independently of any similarities and differences between the sample data and the reference data. A determination is made of which, if any, distinguishing coarsely aligned sample data are within a predetermined time-related tolerance of any distinguishing reference data. For each distinguishing sample data which is within a predetermined time-related tolerance of a respective distinguishing reference date, a fine time-related alignment is produced between the respective sample data and its respective reference data. The respective sample data is then recorded with substantially the same time designation as the respective reference data.