Medium loading system and image forming system

Abstract

The invention discloses a medium loading system and an image forming system, the medium loading system includes: a supply unit that supplies air to a plurality of loaded recording media from edge sides of the recording media to float and separate the recording media; an image capturing unit that captures an image of the recording medium from an edge side of the plurality of recording media to which the air is supplied by the supply unit; an imaging object other than the recording medium, which is imaged by the imaging unit; and a processor that detects an abnormality in the imaging unit on the basis of a change between a plurality of captured images obtained by the imaging unit capturing an image of the subject.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a medium loading system and an image forming system. Background Art

[0002] The sheet supply device described in Japanese Patent Gazette No. 2015-24868 comprises: a loading portion that can load a sheet bundle formed by laminating a plurality of sheets in the vertical direction; an air supply unit that blows air to the sheet bundle loaded on the loading portion to float at least the uppermost sheet; an adsorption / transmission unit that is disposed above the loading portion and adsorbs the uppermost sheet floated by the air supply unit and transmits it in a specified transmission direction; a first light source that emits a first slit light in the shape of a strip having a component extending in the vertical direction, the first slit light being in contact with at least the first slit light in the plurality of sheets that have been floated A first slit light intersecting a first edge of a sheet and a second edge of a second sheet thereunder; a photographing unit, which photographs the first slit light irradiated on the first sheet and the second sheet and has a photographing direction different from the emitting direction of the first slit light of the first light source in a plane parallel to the first sheet and the second sheet; a calculating unit, which calculates the interval between the first sheet and the second sheet in the vertical direction based on the first slit light photographed by the photographing unit; and an air volume regulating unit, which regulates the air volume of the air supply unit based on the interval between the first sheet and the second sheet in the vertical direction calculated by the calculating unit. Summary of the invention

[0003] As a media loading system, consider a media loading system comprising: a supply unit, which supplies air to the multiple recording media loaded thereon from the edge side thereof so that the recording media float and separate; and a photographing unit, which photographs the recording media from the edge side of the multiple recording media to which the air is supplied by the supply unit.

[0004] In this media loading system, if an abnormality in the photographing unit (for example, damage or dirt on a part of the photographing unit) is not discovered and is ignored, poor photography may occur when the photographing unit photographs a plurality of recording media from their edge sides.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to suppress imaging defects when an imaging unit images a plurality of recording media from their edges, compared to a case where an abnormality of the imaging unit is left unchecked.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a media loading system is provided, comprising: a supply unit, which supplies air to a plurality of loaded recording media from edge sides thereof to cause the recording media to float and separate; a photographing unit, which photographs the recording media from edge sides thereof to which the air is supplied by the supply unit; a photographic object other than the recording medium photographed by the photographing unit; and a processor, which detects abnormalities in the photographing unit based on changes among a plurality of photographic images obtained by the photographing unit photographing the photographic object.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the media loading system based on the first aspect, the processor detects abnormality of the photographic unit based on changes between a plurality of photographic images taken when the supply unit stops supplying air to the recording medium.

[0008] According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the media loading system based on the second aspect, when the processor does not detect an abnormality in the photographic unit, the supply unit starts to supply air to the recording medium, and the photographic unit photographs the recording medium from the edge side of the multiple recording media to which air is supplied by the supply unit.

[0009] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the medium loading system according to the second or third aspect, the photographic target is arranged on the side opposite to the photographic section relative to the position of the recording medium arranged in a state where air is supplied from the supply section.

[0010] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the media loading system based on any one of the first to fourth aspects, the supply unit adjusts the supply amount of the air according to the intervals between multiple recording media photographed by the photographic unit, and does not perform the adjustment of the supply amount of the air when the processor detects an abnormality in the photographic unit.

[0011] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the medium loading system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the photographic object is a part of the medium loading system.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the medium loading system according to the sixth aspect, the photographic object is the part in which a hole is formed.

[0013] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the medium loading system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the photographic object is an image of an object provided on a part of the medium loading system.

[0014] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the medium loading system according to the eighth aspect, the object image is an image having a bright portion and a dark portion having a boundary with the bright portion.

[0015] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, in the medium loading system based on any one of the first to ninth aspects, there is a moving mechanism, which moves the photographic object between a photographing position where the photographic unit photographs the photographic object and a retreat position retreated from the photographic position.

[0016] According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the medium loading system based on the tenth aspect, the moving mechanism causes the photographic object to be located at the photographic position where the photographic unit is focused when the photographic unit photographs the photographic object, and causes the photographic object to be located at the retreat position when the photographic unit photographs the recording medium.

[0017] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the medium loading system according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects, a notification unit is provided for notifying a user of information indicating that the processor has detected the abnormality when the processor has detected the abnormality.

[0018] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the medium loading system according to the twelfth aspect, the notification section notifies the user of information urging replacement or cleaning of the imaging section or its parts as the information.

[0019] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the medium loading system according to any one of the first to thirteenth aspects, the processor has a dedicated mode for detecting abnormality of the imaging unit according to a user's instruction.

[0020] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming system comprising: the medium loading system of any one of the first to fourteenth aspects; and an image forming unit which forms an image on a recording medium fed from the medium loading system.

[0021] (Effect)

[0022] According to the first aspect, compared with the case where the abnormality of the imaging unit is left unattended, it is possible to suppress imaging defects when the imaging unit images a plurality of recording media from the edge sides of the recording media.

[0023] According to the second aspect, compared with a case where the processor detects abnormality in the imaging unit based on changes between photographic images captured while the supply unit supplies air to the recording medium, erroneous detection when the processor detects abnormality in the imaging unit can be suppressed.

[0024] According to the third aspect, compared with a case where the photographing unit photographs a plurality of recording media from their edge sides regardless of whether the processor detects an abnormality in the photographing unit, poor photographing can be suppressed when the photographing unit photographs the recording media from their edge sides.

[0025] According to the fourth aspect, the photographing direction in which the photographing unit photographs the plurality of recording media from their edge sides can be aligned with the photographing direction in which the photographing unit photographs the subject.

[0026] According to the fifth aspect, compared with a case where the supply unit adjusts the supply amount of air regardless of whether the processor detects an abnormality in the imaging unit, it is possible to suppress improper adjustment of the supply amount.

[0027] According to the sixth aspect, the number of parts can be reduced compared with a case where the photographic object is a photographic object provided separately from the parts of the medium loading system.

[0028] According to the seventh aspect, compared with a case where the imaging target is a part without a hole, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection by the processor when detecting an abnormality in the imaging unit.

[0029] According to the eighth aspect, there is more freedom in configuration compared to the case where the photographic object is the part itself of the medium loading system.

[0030] According to the ninth aspect, compared with a case where the target image is an image without a boundary between a bright portion and a dark portion, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection by the processor when detecting an abnormality in the imaging unit.

[0031] According to the tenth aspect, compared with a case where the photographic subject is always located at the photographing position, the photographic subject is less likely to become an obstacle when the photographing unit is not photographing the photographic subject.

[0032] According to the eleventh aspect, compared with a case where the photographing unit positions the photographing object at a photographing position where the photographing unit is not focused when photographing the photographing object, it is possible to suppress photographing defects when the photographing unit photographs the photographing object.

[0033] According to the twelfth aspect, the user can recognize that there is an abnormality in the imaging unit.

[0034] According to the thirteenth aspect, the user can improve the abnormality of the imaging unit.

[0035] According to the fourteenth aspect, compared with a case where an abnormality of the imaging unit is detected only at a preset timing, it is possible to suppress imaging defects when the imaging unit images a plurality of recording media from the edge sides of the recording media.

[0036] According to the fifteenth aspect, compared with a case where the abnormality of the imaging unit is left unattended, it is possible to suppress imaging defects when the imaging unit images a plurality of recording media from the edge sides of the recording media. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment;

[0038] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the medium delivery device of the present embodiment;

[0039] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a supply portion of the medium delivery device according to the present embodiment;

[0040] Figure 4 It means in Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a state in which air is supplied to a plurality of sheet members in the structure shown;

[0041] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the control unit of the medium feeding device according to the present embodiment;

[0042] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit of the medium feeding device according to the present embodiment;

[0043] Figure 7 is a side view showing a sheet member and a photographic object provided on a side plate of the device body in a state where air is supplied from a supply portion in the medium delivery device of the present embodiment;

[0044] Figure 8 is a side view showing a sheet member and a photographic object provided on a side plate of the device body in a state where the supply of air from the supply portion is stopped in the medium delivery device of the present embodiment;

[0045] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of abnormality detection processing executed in the medium feeding device of the present embodiment;

[0046] Fig.10 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the flow of abnormality detection processing executed in the medium feeding device of the present embodiment;

[0047] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram showing a moving mechanism provided in a medium delivery device according to a modified example;

[0048] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example in which a photographic object is set on a suction portion;

[0049] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of using an adsorption portion as a photographic object;

[0050] Fig.14This is a schematic diagram showing a modified example in which a side plate having a hole formed therein is used as a photographic object. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] An example of an embodiment of the present invention is described below based on the drawings. In addition, arrow H shown in the drawings indicates the vertical direction of the device, arrow W indicates the width direction of the device (horizontal direction), and arrow D indicates the depth direction of the device (horizontal direction).

[0052] <Image Forming Apparatus 100 >

[0053] The image forming apparatus 100 is an apparatus for forming an image on a sheet member P, such as Figure 1 As shown, the medium feeding device 10 and the image forming unit 102 are provided. In addition, the medium feeding device 10 may be a structure that is pre-set on the device body 101 of the image forming device 100, or a structure that is additionally installed with respect to the device body 101 of the image forming device 100 by selection or the like. The sheet member P is an example of a recording medium. The medium feeding device 10 is an example of a medium loading system. The image forming device 100 is an example of an image forming system.

[0054] <Image Forming Unit 102 >

[0055] Figure 1 The image forming unit 102 shown is a component that forms an image on the sheet member P fed out from the medium feeding device 10. As the image forming unit 102, for example, an electrophotographic image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet member P using toner is used.

[0056] In the electrophotographic image forming section, for example, each process of charging, exposure, development, transfer, and fixing is performed to form an image on the sheet member P. Specifically, in the electrophotographic image forming section, for example, each process of charging, exposure, development, and transfer is performed to form an image on a transfer body, and after the image is transferred from the transfer body to the sheet member P, the image is fixed on the sheet member P, so that the image can be formed on the sheet member P.

[0057] In addition, as an example of the image forming unit, it is not limited to the above-mentioned electrophotographic image forming unit, for example, it may be an inkjet image forming unit, and various image forming units may be used. In the inkjet image forming unit, for example, ink droplets are ejected from an ejection unit toward the sheet member P to form an image on the sheet member P.

[0058] <Medium delivery device 10>

[0059] Figure 1 The medium delivery device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a device for delivering a sheet member P toward the image forming unit 102. Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , the medium delivery device 10 includes a loading unit 12, a delivery unit 16, a camera 18, and a photographic object 70. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , the medium delivery device 10 includes a side guide plate 13 and a supply unit 14. Figure 5 As shown, the medium feeding device 10 includes a control unit 40. The camera 18 is an example of a photographing unit.

[0060] <Loading Section 12 and Side Guides 13>

[0061] The loading section 12 is a structural section for loading the sheet member P. Figure 2 As shown, the loading section 12 includes: a bottom plate 12A on which a plurality of sheet members P are loaded in a vertically stacked state; and a lifting device (not shown) for lifting the bottom plate 12A in the vertical direction. The lifting device lifts the bottom plate 12A so that the position of the topmost sheet member P loaded on the bottom plate 12A is at a predetermined height.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the side guides 13 are structural parts that contact the side ends of the plurality of sheet members P from the side sides of the plurality of sheet members P. Specifically, the side guides 13 are respectively arranged at the side ends of both sides of the sheet member P loaded on the bottom plate 12A. That is, a pair of side guides 13 is provided. The pair of side guides 13 restrict the position of the sheet member P in the width direction by contacting the side ends of both sides of the sheet member P loaded on the bottom plate 12A (that is, the two end edges in the width direction (arrow Y direction) of the sheet member P).

[0063] The loading unit 12 is movable to the side of the sheet member P relative to the apparatus body 11. Specifically, the loading unit 12 is mounted on the apparatus body 11 (see FIG. 1 ) so as to be movable along the width direction (arrow Y direction) of the sheet member P. Figure 1 ) In addition, the side guide plate 13 is provided on the loading portion 12 and moves integrally with the loading portion 12 .

[0064] In this embodiment, the loading section 12 including the side guides 13 is removed from the device main body 11 (see Figure 1 ) in one direction of the width (e.g. Figure 2 After the sheet member P is replenished in the pulled-out state, the sheet member P is pulled out in the other direction in the width direction relative to the device body 11 (for example, Figure 2 Insert in the direction of the arrow Y2).

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the loading unit 12 is pulled out from the apparatus body 11 , the lifting device lowers the bottom plate 12A to the lowest position, and when the loading unit 12 is inserted into the apparatus body 11 , the lifting device raises the bottom plate 12A.

[0066] <Supply Department 14>

[0067] The supply unit 14 is a structural unit that supplies air to the sheet members P from the edge side of the plurality of sheet members P loaded on the loading unit 12 to float and separate the sheet members P. Figure 2 As shown, the supply portion 14 is, for example, disposed on one side of a pair of side guide plates 13 ( Figure 2 The inside of the Y2 direction side of the arrow. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the supply unit 14 includes a duct 50 having a supply port 50A formed therein and a blower 54 that supplies air to the interior of the duct 50 .

[0068] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the duct 50 extends in the up-down direction, and a supply port 50A is formed at the upper end portion of the duct 50 and on the side facing the loaded sheet member P. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the blower 54 is disposed on the lower side of the duct 50 to supply air into the duct 50 .

[0069] In the supply unit 14, as Figure 4 As shown, the air supplied by the blower 54 to the inside of the duct 50 rises inside the duct 50 and is supplied to the side end side (an example of the edge side) of the sheet member P through the supply port 50A. Furthermore, the air is supplied between the sheet members P existing on the upper side among the plurality of sheet members P in the loaded state, so that the plurality of sheet members P float and separate.

[0070] In this embodiment, the supply unit 14 supplies the plurality of sheet members P from one side end side ( Figure 2 For example, the supply unit 14 may also replace one side end side (the side of the arrow Y2 in the figure) of the plurality of sheet members P. Figure 2 Y2 direction side in the arrow), or in addition, from the other side end side ( Figure 2 Air is supplied to at least one of the arrow Y1 direction side in the drawing), the front end side (the downstream side in the delivery direction described later), and the rear end side (the upstream side in the delivery direction described later).

[0071] <Sending part 16>

[0072] The delivery unit 16 is a unit that delivers the uppermost sheet member P separated by the supply unit 14 in a delivery direction (see FIG. Figure 2Specifically, as shown in the figure, Figure 2 As shown, the delivery section 16 is disposed above the uppermost sheet member P among the plurality of sheet members P loaded on the bottom plate 12A of the loading section 12 . The delivery section 16 includes a suction section 30 and a delivery roller 26 .

[0073] The suction unit 30 is disposed above the front end of the top sheet member P in the loaded state. The suction unit 30 suctions the floating top sheet member P and moves the top sheet member P in the suction state in the feeding direction (refer to FIG. 1 ). Figure 2 The sheet member P moves as indicated by the arrow W1 in the figure, and is conveyed in the delivery direction.

[0074] The delivery roller 26 is disposed on the delivery direction side relative to the adsorption unit 30, receives the sheet member P conveyed by the adsorption unit 30, and moves the received sheet member P toward the image forming unit 102 (see FIG. Figure 1 ) sent out.

[0075] <Camera 18>

[0076] The camera 18 is a device for photographing a structural portion of the sheet member P from the edge side of the plurality of sheet members P to which air is supplied by the supply unit 14. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the camera 18 is disposed on the lateral side relative to the side ends of the plurality of sheet members P (specifically, on the inner side in the device depth direction D).

[0077] In the present embodiment, the camera 18 photographs the side end of the sheet member P from one side in the width direction of the sheet member P (specifically, the inner side in the device depth direction D) as a still picture, for example. The camera 18 has a lens 18A for forming an image of the sheet member P. The lens 18A is disposed at an end in the photographing direction of the camera 18. In addition, the medium feeding device 10 includes a light source (not shown) for irradiating light to the side ends of the plurality of sheet members P loaded on the loading portion 12.

[0078] <Photograph 70>

[0079] The photographic object 70 is a photographic object other than the sheet member P photographed by the camera 18. The photographic object 70 is arranged on the side opposite to the camera 18 with respect to the position of the sheet member P in a state where air is supplied from the supply unit 14. Specifically, the photographic object 70 is arranged on one side ( Figure 2 Y2 direction of arrow in the figure).

[0080] In this embodiment, the photographic object 70 is relative to Figure 2 The side guide plate 13 on the arrow Y2 direction side is arranged at Figure 2 The side plate 11A on the side in the direction of arrow Y2 Figure 2 The side plate 11A constitutes a part of the frame of the device body 11 of the medium feeding device 10, for example.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the photographic object 70 is fixed to the medium feeding device 10. That is, the position of the photographic object 70 is fixed and does not move.

[0082] In this embodiment, if Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1 , in a state where the plurality of sheet members P loaded on the loading portion 12 are floated by supplying air from the supply portion 14, the plurality of sheet members P and the photographic object 70 overlap when viewed from the camera 18. Figure 8 As shown, when air is not supplied from the supply section 14 to the multiple sheet parts P loaded on the loading section 12, the multiple sheet parts P and the photographic object 70 do not overlap when observed from the camera 18, and the multiple sheet parts P are loaded on the lower side of the photographic object 70.

[0083] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the photographic object 70 is an object image provided on a part of the medium feeding device 10. The object image is an image having a bright portion 71 and a dark portion 72 having a boundary 73 between the bright portion 71. Specifically, as the object image, for example, an image with a checkered pattern or a test pattern with a geometric pattern can be used. Figure 8 , an example is shown in which an image of a checkered pattern is used as the photographic object 70, that is, the target image.

[0084] <Display section 35>

[0085] The display unit 35 is an example of a notification unit, and notifies the user of the prompt information by displaying the prompt information to be prompted to the user. Specifically, as described later, when the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18, the display unit 35 notifies the user of information indicating that the CPU 41 has detected an abnormality in the camera 18 (hereinafter referred to as abnormal information). The display unit 35 notifies the user of information urging the replacement or cleaning of the camera 18 or its parts (for example, the lens 18A) as abnormal information. The display unit 35 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display and an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display.

[0086] <Control Unit 40>

[0087] like Figure 5As shown, the control unit 40 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, a memory 44, and a communication interface (I / F) 45. Each component is connected to each other via a bus 49 so as to be able to communicate with each other. The CPU 41 is an example of a processor.

[0088] CPU 41 is a central processing unit that executes various programs or controls various parts. ROM 42 stores various programs including control programs and various data. RAM 43 temporarily stores programs or data as a work area. Memory 44 is composed of storage media such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive: mechanical hard disk), SSD (Solid State Drive: solid state drive) or flash memory, and stores various programs including operating systems and various data. In addition, the control program can also be stored in memory 44.

[0089] The communication interface 45 is an interface for communicating with other components such as the camera 18, the delivery unit 16, the blower 54, the image forming unit 102, and the display unit 35. The communication interface 45 communicates with other components by using wired, wireless, Internet, and local area network communication means.

[0090] In the control unit 40, the CPU 41 reads various programs including the control program from the ROM 42 or the memory 44, and executes the program using the RAM 43 as a work area. The CPU 41 controls the operation of each part of the medium feeding device 10 by executing the control program. The functional structure realized by the cooperation of the CPU 41 as a hardware resource and the information processing program as a software resource is described below. Figure 6 It is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 40 according to the present embodiment.

[0091] In the control unit 40, the CPU 41 executes the control program, such as Figure 6 As shown, it functions as a trigger acquisition unit 80, a photography control unit 81, an image acquisition unit 82, an abnormality detection unit 83, a supply control unit 84, and a display control unit 85.

[0092] The trigger acquisition unit 80 acquires detection information of a preset trigger. A trigger is an action or process in the medium delivery device 10 that becomes an opportunity for abnormality detection processing to be performed. As a trigger, for example, an insertion action of inserting the loading unit 12 into the device body 11 can be cited. The preset trigger is detected by a detection unit (not shown) such as a detection sensor.

[0093] When the preset trigger is the insertion action of inserting the loading unit 12 into the device body 11 as described above, a detection sensor for detecting that the loading unit 12 has been inserted is provided in at least one of the loading unit 12 and the device body 11, and when the detection sensor detects that the loading unit 12 has been inserted, its detection information (specifically, a detection signal) is sent to the trigger acquisition unit 80. Thus, the trigger acquisition unit 80 acquires the detection information that the detection unit has detected the preset trigger.

[0094] The photographing control unit 81 is a functional unit that controls the camera 18. When the trigger acquisition unit 80 acquires the detection information, the photographing control unit 81 controls the camera 18 to photograph the photographing object 70. In the photographing control, the camera 18 photographs the photographing object 70 while the supply unit 14 stops supplying air to the sheet member P.

[0095] The image acquisition unit 82 acquires information of an image obtained by photographing the object 70 by the camera 18 (hereinafter referred to as object image information).

[0096] The abnormality detection unit 83 performs image analysis based on the object image information acquired by the image acquisition unit 82. In the image analysis, the abnormality of the camera 18 is detected based on the changes between the multiple photographic images obtained by the camera 18 when the photographic object 70 is photographed. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the abnormality detection unit 83 detects the abnormality of the camera 18 based on the changes between the multiple photographic images taken in a state where the supply unit 14 stops supplying air to the sheet member P.

[0097] Here, the abnormality of the camera 18 specifically includes, for example, damage and dirt on parts (e.g., lens 18A) of the camera 18. The dirt on the parts (e.g., lens 18A) includes attachment of attached matter (e.g., powder of the sheet member P (e.g., paper powder and wiping powder), toner, etc.) to the parts.

[0098] Specifically, the abnormality detection unit 83 detects abnormality of the camera 18 based on the difference (for example, brightness, presence or absence of deformation, presence or absence of shadow, presence or absence of streaks, etc.) between a reference image captured in advance and a photographic image captured at a preset timing (specifically, the timing when the trigger is detected). The reference image is captured at a timing such as when the image forming apparatus 100 (specifically, the medium delivery device 10) is shipped, set up, or started for the first time.

[0099] The supply control unit 84 is a functional unit that controls the supply unit 14. When the abnormality detection unit 83 does not detect an abnormality in the camera 18, the supply control unit 84 causes the supply unit 14 to start supplying air to the sheet member P. On the other hand, when the abnormality detection unit 83 detects an abnormality in the camera 18, the supply control unit 84 does not adjust the supply amount of air. Specifically, when the abnormality detection unit 83 detects an abnormality in the camera 18, the supply control unit 84 does not start the operation of the supply unit 14 and maintains the stopped state.

[0100] The display control unit 85 is a functional unit that controls the display unit 35. When the abnormality detection unit 83 detects an abnormality, the display control unit 85 performs notification control on the display unit 35 to notify the user of abnormality information indicating that the abnormality detection unit 83 has detected an abnormality. The abnormality information includes information urging replacement or cleaning of the camera 18 or its parts (for example, the lens 18A).

[0101] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the abnormality detecting section 83 does not detect an abnormality in the camera 18, the photographing control section 81 causes the camera 18 to photograph a plurality of sheet members P while the supply section 14 supplies air to the sheet members P. The supply control section 84 adjusts the supply amount of the supply section 14 according to the intervals between the sheet members P photographed by the camera 18, and controls the stopping and operation of the supply section 14.

[0102] Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the abnormality detection unit 83 does not detect an abnormality in the camera 18, the supply unit 14 starts supplying air to the sheet member P, and the camera 18 photographs the sheet member P from the edge side of the plurality of sheet members P to which the air is supplied by the supply unit 14. Furthermore, the supply unit 14 adjusts the amount of air supplied according to the intervals between the plurality of sheet members P photographed by the camera 18. On the other hand, when the abnormality detection unit 83 detects an abnormality in the camera 18, the supply unit 14 does not adjust the amount of air supplied. That is, the supply unit 14 does not operate and maintains a stopped state.

[0103] In addition, in the control unit 40, the abnormality detection unit 83 detects the abnormality of the camera 18 based on the difference between the reference image and the photographic image as described above, but is not limited to this. The abnormality detection unit 83 may detect the abnormality by, for example, comparing a plurality of photographic images that are sequentially photographed over time. In this case, for example, the image data of a photographic image that is photographed after the past photographic image is input into a learning model obtained by machine learning the image data of the past photographic images that are sequentially photographed, and the change between the past photographic images and the past photographic images is detected to detect the abnormality of the camera 18.

[0104] <Abnormality Detection Processing in Medium Feeding Device 10>

[0105] The abnormality detection process executed in the medium feeding device 10 will be described. Fig. 9 This is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of abnormality detection processing according to the present embodiment.

[0106] This process is performed by the CPU 41 reading and executing a control program from the ROM 42 or the memory 44. As an example, when the medium feeding device 10 is operated, this process is started.

[0107] First, if Fig. 9 As shown, the CPU 41 determines whether a preset trigger (for example, an insertion operation of inserting the loading unit 12 into the device body 11) is detected (step S101). When the CPU 41 detects the preset trigger (step S101: Yes), the CPU 41 transfers to step S102. On the other hand, when the CPU 41 does not detect the preset trigger (step S101: No), the CPU 41 repeats step S101 until the preset trigger is detected.

[0108] In step S102 , the CPU 41 causes the camera 18 to capture an image of the object 70 .

[0109] Next, the CPU 41 performs image analysis on the image captured by the camera 18 (step S103 ).

[0110] Next, the CPU 41 determines whether there is an abnormality in the camera 18 based on the image analysis (step S104). When the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality in the camera 18 (step S104: Yes), the operation of the supply unit 14 is not started, and the stop state is maintained (step S105), and abnormal information (specifically, a message urging the replacement or cleaning of the camera 18 or its parts) is displayed to the user on the display unit 35 (step S106), and the present process is terminated.

[0111] On the other hand, when the CPU 41 determines that the camera 18 has no abnormality (step S104 : No), it causes the supply unit 14 to start supplying air to the sheet member P (step S107 ), executes the sheet member P feeding operation from the loading unit 12 (step S108 ), and ends the present process.

[0112] <Function of this embodiment>

[0113] In the present embodiment, the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 based on changes between a plurality of photographic images obtained by the camera 18 photographing the photographic object 70. Therefore, compared with a case where the abnormality of the camera 18 is ignored, it is possible to suppress poor photography when the camera 18 photographs the sheet members P from the edge sides of the plurality of sheet members P. As a result, the supply amount of air supplied by the supply unit 14 can be appropriately adjusted based on the photographic images, and poor feeding of the sheet members P in the medium feeding device 10 can be suppressed.

[0114] In the present embodiment, specifically, the CPU 41 detects abnormality in the camera 18 based on changes between a plurality of photographic images captured in a state where the supply unit 14 stops supplying air to the sheet member P.

[0115] Here, when the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 (hereinafter referred to as form A) based on the change between photographic images taken in a state where the supply unit 14 supplies air to the sheet member P, floating matter (for example, powder of the sheet member P (for example, paper powder and wiping powder), toner, etc.) that floats due to the supply of air may be photographed together with the photographic object 70. In this case, it is considered that even if the camera 18 is not abnormal, it is erroneously detected that the camera 18 has an abnormality.

[0116] In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 based on changes between multiple photographic images taken when the supply unit 14 stops supplying air to the sheet member P, thereby suppressing false detection when the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 compared to form A.

[0117] In the present embodiment, when the CPU 41 does not detect an abnormality in the camera 18 , the supply unit 14 starts supplying air to the sheet members P, and the camera 18 images the sheet members P from the edge sides of the plurality of sheet members P to which the supply unit 14 supplies air.

[0118] Therefore, compared with a case where the camera 18 images the sheet members P from their edges regardless of whether the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 , photographic defects when the camera 18 images the sheet members P from their edges can be suppressed.

[0119] In addition, in the present embodiment, the photographing object 70 is arranged on the side opposite to the camera 18 with respect to the position where the sheet member P in a state where air is supplied from the supply unit 14 is arranged.

[0120] Therefore, the photographing direction of the camera 18 photographing the sheet members P from the edge sides of the plurality of sheet members P and the photographing direction of the camera 18 photographing the photographic object 70 can be aligned. Therefore, when the camera 18 photographs the sheet members P from the edge sides of the plurality of sheet members P and when the camera 18 photographs the photographic object 70, the photographing direction of the camera 18 does not need to be changed.

[0121] In the present embodiment, the supply unit 14 adjusts the air supply amount according to the intervals between the plurality of sheet members P captured by the camera 18 , and does not adjust the air supply amount when the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 .

[0122] Therefore, compared with a case where the supply unit 14 performs adjustment of the supply amount of air regardless of whether the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 , it is possible to suppress poor adjustment of the supply amount.

[0123] The photographic object 70 is a target image and is provided on the side plate 11A of the frame of the device body 11 of the medium feeding device 10. Therefore, compared with the case where the photographic object 70 is a part of the medium feeding device 10 itself, there is more freedom in arrangement.

[0124] Furthermore, the object image of the photographic object 70 is an image having a bright portion 71 and a dark portion 72 having a boundary 73 between the bright portion 71. Therefore, compared with a case where the object image is an image without a boundary between the bright portion and the dark portion, it is easier to recognize an abnormality, and erroneous detection when the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 can be suppressed.

[0125] In this embodiment, the medium feeding device 10 includes the display unit 35. When the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18, the display unit 35 notifies the user of information indicating that the CPU 41 has detected an abnormality in the camera 18. Therefore, the user can recognize that the camera 18 has an abnormality.

[0126] Specifically, in this embodiment, the display unit 35 notifies the user of information urging replacement or cleaning of the camera 18 or its parts (eg, the lens 18A) as abnormality information.

[0127] <Modification of abnormality detection processing>

[0128] In the abnormality detection process, during the operation of the medium delivery device 10, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, the CPU 41 performs abnormality detection processing when detecting a preset trigger (for example, an insertion operation of the loading unit 12 into the device body 11). Thus, in this embodiment, the abnormality of the camera 18 is detected at a preset timing, but the present invention is not limited to this.

[0129] For example, Fig.10 As shown, the CPU 41 may also have a special mode for detecting an abnormality of the camera 18 according to the user's instructions, and perform abnormality detection processing according to the user's instructions. In this structure, step S110 is executed instead of step S101. In step S110, the CPU 41 determines whether the user's instructions are obtained. When the user's instructions are obtained (step S110: Yes), the CPU 41 transfers to step S102. On the other hand, when the user's instructions are not obtained (step S110: No), the CPU 41 repeats step S110 until the user's instructions are obtained.

[0130] In this configuration, compared with a case where an abnormality of the camera 18 is detected only at a preset timing, it is possible to suppress imaging defects when the camera 18 images the sheet members P from the edge sides of the plurality of sheet members P.

[0131] <Modification of Moving the Photographic Subject 70>

[0132] In this embodiment, the photographic object 70 is fixed, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the photographic object 70 may also be a movable structure. Fig.11 As shown, the medium feeding device 10 may include a moving mechanism 90 that moves the photographic object 70 between a photographing position where the camera 18 photographs the photographic object 70 and a retreat position retreated from the photographing position.

[0133] The moving mechanism 90 includes, for example, a support body 91, a moving body 92, and a tension spring 93. The support body 91 is a structural part that supports the photographic object 70. Specifically, the support body 91 is formed of a rod body extending in the up-down direction. The support body 91 is mounted via a shaft 94 so as to be rotatable relative to the side guide 13. The photographic object 70 is mounted on the upper end of the support body 91. By rotating the support body 91, the photographic object 70 can be moved to the photographic position ( Fig.11 (B)) and the retreat position ( Fig.11 (A) Fig.11 (C)).

[0134] Photography Location( Fig.11 The position shown in (B) is the position where the camera 18 is used to photograph the photographic object 70. Specifically, the photographic position is a position where the photographic object 70 is arranged within the photographic range of the camera 18, a position where photography by the camera 18 can be performed, and further, a position where the focus of the camera 18 is focused. In this embodiment, the photographic object 70 is arranged at a position overlapping with the camera 18 when viewed from the depth direction D of the device at the photographic position.

[0135] Retreat position ( Fig.11 (A) Fig.11The position shown in (C) is a position where the photographic object 70 is retracted from the photographic position. Specifically, the retracted position is a position where the photographic object 70 is blocked from the camera 18 by the side guide 13, and is a position where photographing by the camera 18 cannot be performed.

[0136] The tension spring 93 is a spring for pulling the photographic subject 70 toward the retreat position side relative to the photographic position by elastic force. In the present embodiment, one end of the tension spring 93 is attached to the support body 91, and the other end is attached to the side guide 13. Then, the tension spring 93 pulls the photographic subject 70 toward the retreat position side relative to the photographic position via the support body 91 by elastic force. Thus, the photographic subject 70 is located at the retreat position.

[0137] The movable body 92 is attached to the side guide 13 so as to be movable in a moving direction for positioning the photographic object 70 at the photographic position by pressing the lower end of the support body 91 along the device width direction W. The movable body 92 has a contact portion 95 that contacts the bottom plate 12A that rises when the loading portion 12 is inserted into the device body 11, thereby moving the movable body 92 in the moving direction.

[0138] In the moving mechanism 90, when the raised bottom plate 12A passes through the contact portion 95, the bottom plate 12A contacts the contact portion 95, and the moving body 92 moves in the moving direction, so that the photographic object 70 moves from the retreat position to the photographic position. In this structure, the camera 18 photographs the photographic object 70 at the timing when the photographic object 70 is located at the photographic position. In other words, when the camera 18 photographs the photographic object 70, the moving mechanism 90 places the photographic object 70 at the photographic position.

[0139] Furthermore, in the moving mechanism 90, when the bottom plate 12A completely passes through the contact portion 95, the photographic object 70 is returned to the retracted position by the tension spring 93. Therefore, the photographic object 70 is located at the retracted position in a state where the loading section 12 is inserted into the apparatus body 11. In other words, the moving mechanism 90 causes the photographic object 70 to be located at the retracted position when the camera 18 photographs the sheet member P.

[0140] In the present modification, as described above, the medium feeding device 10 includes the moving mechanism 90 that moves the photographic subject 70 between the photographing position where the camera 18 photographs the photographic subject 70 and the retreat position retreated from the photographing position.

[0141] Therefore, compared with a case where the photographic subject 70 is always located at the photographic position, when the photographic subject 70 is not photographed by the camera 18 , the photographic subject 70 is less likely to become an obstruction.

[0142] In the present modification, the moving mechanism 90 positions the photographic object 70 at the photographic position where the camera 18 focuses when the camera 18 photographs the photographic object 70 , and positions the photographic object 70 at the retracted position when the camera 18 photographs the sheet member P.

[0143] Therefore, when the camera 18 captures the photographic subject 70 , photographic defects when the camera 18 captures the photographic subject 70 can be suppressed compared to a case where the photographic subject 70 is located at a photographic position where the camera 18 is not focused.

[0144] <Modification of the Photographic Object 70>

[0145] In this embodiment, the photographic object 70 is set as an object image provided on the side plate 11A of the frame of the device body 11 of the medium delivery device 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The photographic object 70 may also be provided on a part other than the side plate 11A of the frame of the device body 11. Specifically, for example, Fig.12 As shown, the photographic object 70 may be provided on the side surface 30A of the adsorption portion 30 .

[0146] In addition, if Fig.13 As shown in FIG. 1 , the photographic object 70 may also be a part of the medium delivery device 10. That is, the part of the medium delivery device 10 itself may also be the photographic object 70. Fig.13 In the above, the adsorption part 30 and the side plate 11A, which are parts of the medium feeding device 10, become the photographic object 70. In this structure, the number of parts is reduced compared to the case where the photographic object 70 is a photographic object provided separately from the parts of the medium feeding device 10. In this structure, for example, the photographic object has a bright part 31 and a dark part 32 having a boundary 33 between the bright part 31, and the outline of the part is used as the boundary 33.

[0147] In addition, if Fig.14 As shown, the photographic object 70 may be, for example, a part having a hole 39 formed therein. The part may be, for example, a side plate 11A of the frame of the device body 11 of the medium delivery device 10. In this structure, specifically, the photographic object 70 is constituted by the main body of the side plate 11A and the hole 39. And, the part including the hole 39 is photographed as the photographic range of the camera 18.

[0148] According to this configuration, compared with a case where the photographic object 70 is a part without the hole 39, the boundary of the hole 39 is made bright and dark, so it is possible to suppress erroneous detection when the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18. In this configuration, for example, the photographic object has a bright portion 61 of the side plate 11A and a dark portion 62 (specifically, the hole 39) having a boundary 63 between the bright portion 61 and the edge of the hole 39 as the boundary 63. In addition, the hole 39 is composed of a plurality of holes 39A formed in the up-down direction and a plurality of holes 39B formed in the device width direction W.

[0149] In addition, in the present embodiment, the object image of the photographic object 70 is an image having a bright portion 71 and a dark portion 72 having a boundary 73 between the bright portion 71, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The object image may be an image having no boundary between the bright portion and the dark portion. Specifically, the object image may be an image that is entirely monochrome (for example, white or gray).

[0150] Alternatively, the photographic subject 70 may be illuminated by a light source (not shown) to overexpose the photographic subject 70. In this case, if there is an adhering object on the lens 18A, a shadow is cast on the photographic image.

[0151] In addition, in the present embodiment, the photographic object 70 is arranged on the side opposite to the camera 18 relative to the position of the sheet member P in the state where the air is supplied by the supply unit 14, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the photographic object 70 may be arranged on the side opposite to the sheet member P relative to the camera 18. In addition, the photographic object 70 may be arranged on the side in the device width direction W relative to the camera 18. In addition, when the photographic direction in which the camera 18 photographs the sheet member P from the edge side of the plurality of sheet members P is different from the photographic direction in which the camera 18 photographs the photographic object 70, the camera 18 changes the photographic direction to photograph.

[0152] <Other Modifications>

[0153] In this embodiment, the camera 18 is used as an example of the photographing unit, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As an example of the photographing unit, for example, a video recorder for photographing moving pictures or the like may be used, as long as it is a component capable of photographing the sheet member P.

[0154] In addition, in this embodiment, if Figure 2 As shown, the camera 18 is arranged on one side in the width direction of the loaded plurality of sheet members P, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the camera 18 may be arranged on the other side in the width direction of the loaded plurality of sheet members P instead of or in addition to one side in the width direction of the loaded plurality of sheet members P.

[0155] In addition, in this embodiment, the display unit 35 is used as an example of the notification unit, but it is not limited to this. As an example of the notification unit, for example, a speaker that notifies the user of the information indicating that the abnormality of the camera 18 is detected by voice, etc., can also be used as long as it is a structural unit that notifies the user of the information.

[0156] In the present embodiment, the CPU 41 detects abnormality of the camera 18 based on changes between a plurality of photographic images captured when the supply unit 14 stops supplying air to the sheet member P, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the CPU 41 may detect abnormality of the camera 18 based on changes between photographic images captured when the supply unit 14 stops supplying air to the sheet member P.

[0157] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the CPU 41 does not detect an abnormality in the camera 18, the supply unit 14 starts to supply air to the sheet members P, and the camera 18 photographs the sheet members P from the edge sides of the plurality of sheet members P to which the air is supplied by the supply unit 14, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the camera 18 may photograph the sheet members P from the edge sides of the plurality of sheet members P regardless of whether the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18.

[0158] In addition, in the present embodiment, the supply unit 14 adjusts the air supply amount according to the intervals between the plurality of sheet members P photographed by the camera 18, and does not adjust the air supply amount when the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The supply unit 14 may also adjust the air supply amount regardless of whether the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18.

[0159] In the present embodiment, when the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 , the display unit 35 notifies the user of information indicating that the CPU 41 has detected an abnormality in the camera 18 , but the present invention is not limited thereto and the user may not be notified of this information.

[0160] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications, changes, and improvements can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, the above-mentioned modified examples can also be appropriately combined into a plurality of configurations.

[0161] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the processor refers to a processor in a broad sense, including a general-purpose processor (for example, the CPU, etc.) or a special-purpose processor (for example, GPU: Graphics Processing Unit: graphics processor, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit: application-specific integrated circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array: programmable gate array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0162] In addition, the actions of the processors in the above-mentioned embodiments are not performed by only one processor, but may be performed by cooperation of multiple processors in physically separated locations. In addition, the order of the actions of the processors is not limited to the order described in the above-mentioned embodiments, and may be changed appropriately.

[0163] <Note> (((1)))

[0165] A medium loading system comprising:

[0166] a supply unit configured to supply air to the plurality of loaded recording media from edge sides thereof so as to float and separate the recording media;

[0167] a photographing unit configured to photograph a plurality of recording media to which air is supplied by the supply unit from edge sides of the recording media;

[0168] a photographic subject other than the recording medium photographed by the photographing unit; and

[0169] processor,

[0170] The processor detects abnormality of the imaging unit based on changes among a plurality of photographic images obtained by the imaging unit imaging the imaging object. (((2)))

[0172] The medium loading system according to (((1))), wherein:

[0173] The processor detects abnormality of the imaging unit based on changes between a plurality of photographic images captured in a state where the supply unit stops supplying air to the recording medium. (((3)))

[0175] The medium loading system according to (((2))), wherein:

[0176] When the processor does not detect an abnormality in the photographing unit,

[0177] The supply section starts supplying air to the recording medium, and the photographing section photographs the recording medium from the edge sides of the plurality of recording media to which the air is supplied by the supply section. (((4)))

[0179] The medium loading system according to (((2))) or (((3))), wherein:

[0180] The imaging target is arranged on the opposite side of the imaging unit with respect to a position where a recording medium in a state where air is supplied by the supply unit is arranged. (((5)))

[0182] The medium loading system according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))), wherein:

[0183] The supply department

[0184] adjusting the air supply amount according to the intervals between the plurality of recording media photographed by the photographing unit,

[0185] When the processor detects an abnormality in the imaging unit, the air supply amount is not adjusted. (((6)))

[0187] The medium loading system according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))), wherein:

[0188] The photographic object is a part of the media loading system. (((7)))

[0190] The medium loading system according to (((6))), wherein:

[0191] The photographic object is the part in which the hole is formed. (((8)))

[0193] The medium loading system according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))), wherein:

[0194] The photographic object is an image of an object provided on a part of the medium loading system. (((9)))

[0196] The medium loading system according to (((8))), wherein:

[0197] The target image is an image having a bright portion and a dark portion having a boundary with the bright portion. (((10)))

[0199] The medium loading system according to any one of (((1))) to (((9))), wherein:

[0200] A moving mechanism is provided for moving the photographic subject between a photographing position at which the photographing unit photographs the photographic subject and a retreat position at which the photographic subject retreats from the photographing position. (((11)))

[0202] The medium loading system according to (((10))), wherein:

[0203] The moving mechanism

[0204] When the photographing unit photographs the photographing object, the photographing object is positioned at the photographing position where the photographing unit focuses on the photographing object.

[0205] When the photographing unit photographs the recording medium, the photographing object is positioned at the retreat position. (((12)))

[0207] The medium loading system according to any one of (((1))) to (((11))), wherein:

[0208] A notification unit is provided for notifying a user of information indicating that the processor has detected the abnormality when the processor has detected the abnormality. (((13)))

[0210] The medium loading system according to (((12))), wherein:

[0211] The notification unit notifies a user of information urging replacement or cleaning of the imaging unit or its parts as the information. (((14)))

[0213] The medium loading system according to any one of (((1))) to (((13))), wherein:

[0214] The processor has a dedicated mode for detecting abnormality of the imaging unit according to a user's instruction. (((15)))

[0216] An image forming system comprising:

[0217] The medium loading system described in any one of (((1))) to (((14)));

[0218] An image forming unit forms an image on the recording medium fed from the medium loading system.

[0219] According to the configuration of (((1))), compared with a case where the abnormality of the imaging unit is left unattended, it is possible to suppress imaging defects when the imaging unit images a plurality of recording media from the edge sides of the recording media.

[0220] According to the structure of (((2))), compared with the case where the processor detects abnormality in the photographic unit based on changes between photographic images taken when the supply unit supplies air to the recording medium, erroneous detection when the processor detects abnormality in the photographic unit can be suppressed.

[0221] According to the structure of (((3))), compared with a case where the photographic unit photographs a plurality of recording media from the edge side of the recording media regardless of whether the processor detects an abnormality in the photographic unit, poor photography when the photographic unit photographs the recording medium from the edge side of the plurality of recording media can be suppressed.

[0222] According to the structure of (((4))), the photographing direction in which the photographing unit photographs the plurality of recording media from their edge sides can be aligned with the photographing direction in which the photographing unit photographs the subject.

[0223] According to the structure of (((5))), compared with the case where the supply unit performs adjustment of the supply amount of air regardless of whether the processor detects an abnormality in the imaging unit, improper adjustment of the supply amount can be suppressed.

[0224] According to the structure of (((6))), the number of parts can be reduced compared with the case where the photographic object is a photographic object provided separately from the parts of the medium loading system.

[0225] According to the structure of (((7))), compared with the case where the imaging object is a part without a hole, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection when the processor detects an abnormality in the imaging unit.

[0226] According to the structure of (((8))), there is more freedom in configuration compared to the case where the photographic object is the part itself of the medium loading system.

[0227] According to the structure of (((9))), compared with the case where the target image is an image with no boundary between the bright part and the dark part, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection when the processor detects abnormality in the imaging unit.

[0228] According to the structure of (((10))), the photographic subject is less likely to become an obstacle when the photographing unit is not photographing the photographic subject, compared with a case where the photographic subject is always located at the photographing position.

[0229] According to the structure of (((11))), it is possible to suppress poor photography when the photographing unit photographs the photographing subject, compared with a case where the photographing subject is located at a photographing position where the photographing unit is not focused when the photographing unit photographs the photographing subject.

[0230] According to the structure of (((12))), the user can recognize that there is an abnormality in the photographic unit.

[0231] According to the structure of (((13))), the user can improve abnormalities in the photographic unit.

[0232] According to the configuration of (((14))), compared with a case where an abnormality of the imaging unit is detected only at a preset timing, it is possible to suppress imaging defects when the imaging unit images a plurality of recording media from the edge sides of the recording media.

[0233] According to the structure of (((15))), compared with the case where the abnormality of the imaging unit is left unattended, it is possible to suppress imaging defects when the imaging unit images a plurality of recording media from the edge sides of the recording media.

Claims

1. A medium loading system, characterized in that: have: a supply unit configured to supply air to the plurality of loaded recording media from edge sides thereof so as to float and separate the recording media; a photographing unit configured to photograph a plurality of recording media to which air is supplied by the supply unit from edge sides of the recording media; a photographic object other than the recording medium photographed by the photographing unit; as well as processor, The processor detects abnormality of the imaging unit based on changes among a plurality of photographic images obtained by the imaging unit imaging the imaging object.

2. The media loading system according to claim 1, wherein: The processor detects abnormality of the imaging unit based on changes between a plurality of photographic images captured in a state where the supply unit stops supplying air to the recording medium.

3. The media loading system according to claim 2, wherein: When the processor does not detect an abnormality in the photographing unit, The supply section starts supplying air to the recording medium, and the photographing section photographs the recording medium from the edge sides of the plurality of recording media to which the air is supplied by the supply section.

4. The medium loading system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: The imaging target is arranged on the opposite side of the imaging unit with respect to a position where a recording medium in a state where air is supplied by the supply unit is arranged.

5. The medium loading system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The supply unit adjusts the supply amount of the air according to the intervals between the plurality of recording media photographed by the photographing unit. When the processor detects an abnormality in the imaging unit, the supply unit does not adjust the supply amount of the air.

6. The medium loading system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The photographic object is a part of the media loading system.

7. The media loading system according to claim 6, wherein: The photographic object is the part in which the hole is formed.

8. The medium loading system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The photographic object is an image of an object provided on a part of the medium loading system.

9. The media loading system according to claim 8, wherein: The target image is an image having a bright portion and a dark portion having a boundary with the bright portion.

10. The medium loading system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: A moving mechanism is provided for moving the photographic subject between a photographing position at which the photographing unit photographs the photographic subject and a retreat position at which the photographic subject retreats from the photographing position.

11. The media loading system according to claim 10, wherein: The moving mechanism causes the photographic object to be located at the photographic position where the photographic unit focuses when the photographic unit photographs the photographic object. The moving mechanism positions the photographic object at the retreat position when the photographing unit photographs the recording medium.

12. The media loading system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: A notification unit is provided for notifying a user of information indicating that the processor has detected the abnormality when the processor has detected the abnormality.

13. The media loading system of claim 12, wherein: The notification unit notifies a user of information urging replacement or cleaning of the imaging unit or its parts as the information.

14. The media loading system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The processor has a dedicated mode for detecting abnormality of the imaging unit according to a user's instruction.

15. An image forming system, characterized in that: have: The media loading system of any one of claims 1 to 14; and An image forming unit forms an image on the recording medium fed from the medium loading system.

Images