Information medium reading apparatus and method for reading information medium

An information medium reading device for use with an information medium having a magnetic datum recorded thereon and an image datum positioned on a surface of the information medium, the information medium reading device comprising:

• a magnetic head structured to read the magnetic datum recorded in the information medium, and output an analog magnetic signal;
• an image sensor structured to take a photo of the image datum positioned on the surface of the information medium, and output an analog image signal;
• an analog switch unit structured to select one of the analog magnetic signal and the analog image signal according to a mode signal of a signal-reading mode, and output the selected one;
• an analog front-end unit having an analog/digital (A/D) conversion function for converting an analog signal to a digital signal, while using a voltage according to a black reference voltage at the time of image reading, as a bottom voltage, within a predetermined converted voltage range;
• a level adjustment unit structured to make a level adjustment by way of adding a bias voltage, corresponding to a center value of the predetermined converted voltage range, with respect to a voltage level of the analog magnetic signal;
• and
• a timing control unit structured to create a timing signal including a clock for a process appropriate to the analog image signal or the analog magnetic signal, according to the mode signal of a signal-reading mode;
• and controlling operations of at least the analog switch unit, the analog front-end unit, and the level adjustment unit, in accordance with the created timing signal;
• wherein the analog magnetic signal, for which the level adjustment has been made in the level adjustment unit, is input into the analog front-end unit, and an A/D conversion is carried out for converting an analog signal to a digital signal.