Abstract: A method for collecting and analyzing spectrum data to identify a composition of a sample material is described. The method includes obtaining a sample material, receiving a geographical location of the sample material at a handheld instrument, and analyzing the sample material to obtain sample spectrum data using the handheld instrument. The method also includes determining whether to perform an analysis of the sample spectrum data using the handheld instrument, or to perform the analysis of the sample spectrum data using a remote computer. The method also includes determining a composition of the sample material based on an analysis of the sample spectrum data and recording in a memory area at least one of the composition and the geographical location of the sample material.

Abstract: A method for collecting and analyzing spectrum data to identify a composition of a sample material is described. The method includes obtaining a sample material, receiving a geographical location of the sample material at a handheld instrument, and analyzing the sample material to obtain sample spectrum data using the handheld instrument. The method also includes determining whether to perform an analysis of the sample spectrum data using the handheld instrument, or to perform the analysis of the sample spectrum data using a remote computer. The method also includes determining a composition of the sample material based on an analysis of the sample spectrum data and recording in a memory area at least one of the composition and the geographical location of the sample material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transacting ticket vouchers and other suitable cashless instruments at gaming tables are disclosed. A network interface to a cashless instrument transaction clearinghouse can facilitate communications across disparate units and gaming properties to enable the automated validation, acceptance and tracking of cashless instruments at both a given site and across a WAN. Cashless instrument transactions at gaming tables can include ticket to gaming chip and gaming chip to ticket conversions, and can be made involving automated validation, acceptance, storage and tracking of cashless instruments having associated monetary and/or promotional values. Softcount procedures are adjusted to include more readily traceable cashless instruments. Cashless instrument promotional values can include courtesy “roundups” of monetary amounts, as well as general and specific gaming table promotions to encourage play across many different casino gaming venues.