Abstract: A data storage and retrieval device and method is disclosed. The device includes at least one magnetic storage medium configured to store target data and at least one re-configurable logic device comprising an FPGA coupled to the at least one magnetic storage medium and configured to read a continuous stream of target data therefrom, having been configured with a template or as otherwise desired to fit the type of search and data being searched. The re-configurable logic device is configured to receive at least one search inquiry in the form of a data key and to determine a match between the data key and the target data as it is being read from the at least one magnetic storage medium. This device and method can perform a variety of searches on the target data including without limitation exact and approximate match searches, sequence match searches, image match searches and data reduction searches.

Abstract: A tunable high resolution spectral estimator is disclosed as a method and apparatus for encoding and decoding signals, signal analysis and synthesis, and for performing high resolution spectral estimation. The invention is comprised of an encoder coupled with either or both of a signal synthesizer and a spectral analyzer. The encoder processes a frame of a time-based input signal by passing it through a bank of lower order filters and estimating a plurality of lower order covariances from which a plurality of filter parameters may be determined. Coupled to the encoder, through any appropriate data link or interface including telecommunication links, is one or both of a signal synthesizer and a spectral analyzer. The signal synthesizer includes a decocer for processing the covariances and a parameter transformer. The signal synthesizer includes a decoder for processing the covariances and a parameter transformer for determining filter parameters for an ARMA filter.