Abstract: A signal processor used to process an analog read signal representing data stored on a magnetic disk allows for a faster read operation without requiring an increase in its circuit area or buffer memory space. The signal processor includes a decision feedback equalizer which selectively provides a feedback signal added to a read signal in reproducing data read from a storage medium. The signal processor also performs error correction. In performing error correction, the load of the error correcting process is detected and the processing speed is altered depending upon the detected load.

Abstract: A semiconductor circuit includes a decision feedback equalizer (DFE) for waveform-equalizing an input signal and generating a waveform-equalized input signal. The DFE compares the waveform-equalized signal with a predetermined reference voltage to generate a decision signal having first and second decision values and an error signal which lies between the waveform-equalized signal and the decision signal. A dispersion value calculator is connected to the DFE, calculates first and second dispersion values of the first and second decision values of the decision signal using the error signal, and produces a compensation signal using the first and second dispersion values. An asymmetry compensator is connected to the DFE and the dispersion value calculator. The asymmetry compensator receives the input signal and corrects an asymmetry in the input signal in accordance with the compensation signal and supplies the corrected input signal to the DFE.

Abstract: After a card user pays money for a value of services by using the card, it often occurs that a third party pays a fraction or the whole of the money paid by the card user. A conventional card settlement is insufficient for this purpose. To solve this, when money is paid to a service provider, the money is paid by using a credit card of a representative, and thereafter a server computer of a settler including a credit card company presents information necessary for a Dutch account payment process to a Dutch account payer via a network.

Abstract: A fee management system for managing ATM fees at an ATM that is installed at a business establishment and is connected to a server via a network. The fee management system includes a section that designates a purchase of a merchandise card at the ATM and informs the server of the purchase via the network, and a section that calculates an amount to be discounted from an ATM transaction fee when applicable. The fee management system also includes a section that, when a transaction fee is charged for a transaction at the ATM, subtracts at least a part of the amount of the transaction fee to be discounted from an account of a business establishment where the merchandise card can be used.

Abstract: A signal processor used to process an analog read signal representing data stored on a magnetic disk allows for a faster read operation without requiring an increase in its circuit area or buffer memory space. The signal processor includes a decision feedback equalizer which selectively provides a feedback signal added to a read signal in reproducing data read from a storage medium. The signal processor also performs error correction. In performing error correction, the load of the error correcting process is detected and the processing speed is altered depending upon the detected load.

Abstract: There is provided a claim management system capable of enabling a customer utilizing a credit card settlement to determine a financial institution for settlement and a settlement method after the time of purchasing goods. When the customer selects deferred determination of a settlement financial institution and a settlement scheme in utilizing the credit settlement, the claim management system independent of individual financial institutions manages a claim vested in the customer. The claim management system periodically inquires the customer of the determination of a settlement financial institution and a settlement scheme and when the customer selects further deferment of the determination, requests the customer to pay interest.

Abstract: A servo controller for correcting a read position of a head when reading data recorded on a recording medium. In accordance with the amplitude ratio of data signals read from each segment of a servo section defined on a recording medium, the servo controller generates an AGC signal corresponding to the next segment before reading the next segment. The data signal read from a phase detection segment of the servo section is amplified to an amplitude greater than the predetermined determination range. The amplified data signal is converted to a two-value digital signal in accordance with the determination range. The phase used during servo control is calculated in accordance with the digital signal.

Abstract: A servo controller for correcting a read position of a head when reading data recorded on a recording medium. In accordance with the amplitude ratio of data signals read from each segment of a servo section defined on a recording medium, the servo controller generates an AGC signal corresponding to the next segment before reading the next segment. The data signal read from a phase detection segment of the servo section is amplified to an amplitude greater than the predetermined determination range. The amplified data signal is converted to a two-value digital signal in accordance with the determination range. The phase used during servo control is calculated in accordance with the digital signal.

Abstract: A servo controller for correcting a read position of a head when reading data recorded on a recording medium. In accordance with the amplitude ratio of data signals read from each segment of a servo section defined on a recording medium, the servo controller generates an AGC signal corresponding to the next segment before reading the next segment. The data signal read from a phase detection segment of the servo section is amplified to an amplitude greater than the predetermined determination range. The amplified data signal is converted to a two-value digital signal in accordance with the determination range. The phase used during servo control is calculated in accordance with the digital signal.