Abstract: At least one computer processor can replace visual words of an unsupervised machine learning classification model with visual objects of an image. At least two co-occurring single visual objects adjacent to each other in pixels of the image can be combined to obtain a compound visual object. The unsupervised machine learning classification model can be augmented to model the image as a mixture of subjects, where each subject is represented through placements of the visual objects in a mixture of concentric spheres centering on a mixture of intersections on a mixture of horizontal layers. At least one processor can learn latent relationships between the placements of the visual objects in a three-dimensional space depicted in the image and image semantics. Learning the latent relationships trains the unsupervised machine learning classification model to perform image subject classification through the placements of the visual objects in a new image.

Abstract: A test apparatus and a method are provided for testing a peripheral component interconnect (PCIE) slot by simulating the disconnection and reconnection of a device in the slot. The test apparatus detects whether a PCIE slot is in fact connected to an external device, and if so simulates an action of removing the external device from the PCIE slot and an action of re-inserting the apparently removed external device back into the PCIE slot to test the slot, thereby replacing any manual disconnection and reconnection.

Abstract: A testing device is capable of simulating plugging and unplugging operations in relation to an USB port of an electronic device. The testing device comprises a processing unit to detect an electrical connection between the testing device and the USB port, and to control an indicator to cycle between a state of recognizability and a state of unrecognizability even though a physical connection to the USB port of the electronic device exists at all times. The state of recognizability indicates the testing device is capable of being recognized by the electronic device, and the state of unrecognizability indicates the testing device is incapable of being recognized by the electronic device. Reading and writing tests are carried out by the testing device each time that recognizability is indicated, to repeatedly test the integrity of the USB port being tested.