Abstract: A device for sharing and synchronizing data objects with peer devices. The device has a memory, interface for communication with a peer, and a processor. The memory is configured to store therein least one data object that is deemed either an original or a copy. When in communication with a peer device, the processor transmits a request for the peer device to send an original data object that corresponds to a data object stored in the memory if the stored data object is a copy and it is to be modified. The processor then stores the requested data object in the memory as an original data object or, if the requested data object is not received, marks the data object stored in the memory as an original. Then the processor may modify data in the original data object stored in the memory.

Abstract: A method of learning user characteristics over time and matching them with information on commercial products, advertisements, and services. The learned information resides in a user-controlled device to provide privacy. The device creates keywords based on content or web pages being watched. Keywords locate stored and learned user and commercial information to initiate new Internet searches. New responses are analyzed to learn even more about the user and products. For each user characteristic and commercial information component, structures are created in a database with links and weights to define and refine matching and ranking of the structures. The structures are grouped and the weights are used to rank the search results by user interest. A list corresponding to the grouped structures reflecting highest user interests the device has learned is presented to the user when requested or when the device determines an appropriate time to do so.

Abstract: A method of displaying information of interest to a user as stored in an attribute database. The attribute database is a database of parent and linked child objects that has data about a user's characteristics and interests (content, commercial products, services, etc.) learned over time. A presentation database of parent and child objects is created from the objects in the attribute database using presentation templates to identify which of the attribute objects to use to create the presentation objects. The attribute child objects are sorted based on at least one trait in the attribute child objects and the presentation objects are linked together in the same order as the sorted attribute objects. The ordered presentation child objects are then linked to the corresponding presentation parent object and the selected presentation parent object and linked presentation child objects are displayed on a display.

Abstract: A data separator produces a reference clock from encoded data through the use of a digital logic that simulates the operation of an analog phase-locked loop. The digital phase-locked loop includes a counter oscillator that develops a period value which is incrementally modified in accordance with time variations in the new input data to maintain the regenerated data in proper phase relationship with the clock. The counter oscillator includes a zero-crossing counter which produces a reference clock signal to a clock and data regeneration circuit. The counter is incremented until its count is equal to the previously computed normal period value. This counter value is latched by a syncronized input data and represents the required period adjustment. As the data is syncronized with the reference clock the value of this adjustment approaches zero.