1. A method for constructing a multi-counter finite-state machine augmented with state value lists, said method comprising the computer-implemented steps of: providing by computer an empty augmented finite-state machine that has only a start state, with no transitions and no value list; accumulating by computer a finite-state machine of each counter of the multi-counter that corresponds to one or more pattern-amount pairs into the augmented finite-state machine to form a merged machine representing a plurality of single-counter finite-state machines each representing a different one of a plurality of counters and wherein at least one state of the merged finite-state machine each corresponds to a multiplicity of states each of a different one of said single-counter finite-state machines, including converting state values of states of the finite-state machines of the counters of the multi-counter into state-value lists of states of the merged machine, wherein at least one of the state value lists indicates a pattern value for at least two of the plurality of counters, and updating the merged machine with the state-value lists.