A probabilistic method for optimizing the inspection of a heat exchanger that determines the maximum number of degraded tubes that can be permitted to remain in service for a contemplated interval of time without exceeding an allowable probability of a tube burst, based upon Extreme Value Probability Distribution theory. The IPG is implanted in the mastoid area of the skull and communicates with at least one external appliance, such as a Behind-the-Ear unit. The ampule cooperates with a generally cylindrical plunger. The thin film transistor is formed in a pixel. The methods effectively represent the characteristics of a color histogram of an image in comparison to conventional art, and improve the performance of image retrieval when an image retrieval search is conducted.