Embodiments of the present invention improve data processing, and in particular, improve rule engines for data processing and improve processing auto-ID data. Methods that employ such an elastomeric member to reduce the modulus of the track over the structure to a magnitude approximating the modulus of track over the terrain surrounding the structure are also disclosed. The selected ions are directed onto the sample for sample preparation. Acoustic energy received at the second handheld device may then be processed using signal processing techniques tailored to detection of the particular information encodings employed.