A method of providing a set of data for optimizing the operation of a mechanical, electromechanical, electronic, or other device which includes the steps of:a. identifying and making available a string of binary digits representing the sum (1+D)f(t) of a recent event-related function Dm f(t) and that one of a series of historical event-related functions Dm+1 f(t), Dm+2 f(t) in which m is smaller t