Method, apparatus, and article to facilitate distributed evaluation of objects using electromagnetic energy

A method of operating a test device having a control circuit, at least one source, at least one sensor, and at least one communications port, to test objects, the method comprising:

• operating the at least one source of the test device by the control circuit of the test device according to a first sequence during a first period to emit electromagnetic energy in a plurality of bands in a first order defined by the first sequence;
• capturing electromagnetic energy in at least one part of an optical portion of an electromagnetic spectrum returned to the test device during the first period with the at least one sensor of the test device;
• operating the at least one source of the test device by the control circuit according to a second sequence during a second period to emit electromagnetic energy in a plurality of bands in a second order defined by the second sequence, the second sequence different from the first sequence and the second order different from the first order;
• capturing electromagnetic energy in at least one part of an optical portion of an electromagnetic spectrum returned to the test device during the second period with the at least one sensor of the test device;
• and
• transmitting signals remotely from the test device via the at least one communications port of the test device, the signals indicative of at least one sensed characteristic of the captured electromagnetic energy.