Medium loading system and image forming system

Abstract

To suppress photographing defects when a plurality of recording media are photographed from an edge side of the recording media by a photographing part.SOLUTION: A medium loading system comprises: a supply part for supplying air from an edge side of a plurality of loaded recording media to the recording media to float and separate the recording media; a photographing part for photographing the plurality of recording media from the edge side of the recording media to which air is supplied by the supply part; a photographing object other than the recording media, photographed by the photographing part; and a processor. The processor detects abnormality in the photographing part from a change between a plurality of photographed images obtained by photographing the photographing object by the photographing part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] The sheet feeding device described in Patent Document 1 includes a loading section capable of loading a sheet stack formed by stacking a plurality of sheets vertically, an air blowing unit that blows air onto the sheet stack loaded on the loading section to lift at least the topmost sheet, an adsorption / conveying unit that is provided above the loading section and that adsorbs the topmost sheet that has been lifted by the air blowing unit and conveys it in a predetermined conveying direction, and a first slit light that is a band having a component that extends vertically and that intersects with at least a first edge of a first sheet and a second edge of a second sheet below the first sheet among the plurality of lifted sheets. the first sheet and the second sheet; a photographing means for photographing the first slit light irradiated onto the first sheet and the second sheet and having a photographing direction different from the direction in which the first slit light from the first light source is emitted in a plane parallel to the first sheet and the second sheet; a calculation means for calculating the vertical distance between the first sheet and the second sheet based on the first slit light photographed by the photographing means; and an air volume adjustment means for adjusting the air volume of the air blowing means based on the vertical distance between the first sheet and the second sheet calculated by the calculation means. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-24868 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A possible media loading system is one that includes a supply unit that supplies air to the recording media from the edge of the loaded recording media, thereby floating and separating the recording media, and a photographing unit that photographs the recording media from the edge of the multiple recording media to which air is supplied by the supply unit.

[0005] In this media loading system, if an abnormality in the photographing unit (for example, damage or dirt in the photographing unit's parts) is not discovered and the abnormality is left unattended, poor photographing will occur when the photographing unit photographs multiple recording media from the edge of the recording media.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to reduce imaging failures when an imaging unit images multiple recording media from the edge of the recording media, compared to when an abnormality in the imaging unit is left unattended. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The first aspect is a media loading system comprising a supply unit that supplies air to the recording media from the edge of a plurality of loaded recording media, thereby floating and separating the recording media; a photographing unit that photographs the recording media from the edge of the plurality of recording media to which air is supplied by the supply unit; a subject other than the recording media that is photographed by the photographing unit; and a processor, wherein the processor detects an abnormality in the photographing unit based on changes between multiple photographed images of the subject taken by the photographing unit.

[0008] In a second aspect, in the first aspect, the processor detects an abnormality in the photographing unit based on changes between multiple captured images taken when the supply unit has stopped supplying air to the recording medium.

[0009] In a third aspect, in the second aspect, when the processor does not detect an abnormality in the photographing unit, the supply unit starts supplying air to the recording medium, and the photographing unit photographs the recording medium from the edge side of the multiple recording media to which air is being supplied by the supply unit.

[0010] In a fourth aspect, in the second aspect, the subject to be photographed is placed on the opposite side of the photographing unit with respect to a position where the recording medium is placed in a state where air is supplied by the supply unit.

[0011] In a fifth aspect, in the first aspect, the supply unit adjusts the amount of air supplied according to the spacing between the multiple recording media photographed by the photographing unit, and if the processor detects an abnormality in the photographing unit, does not adjust the amount of air supplied.

[0012] In a sixth aspect, in the first aspect, the subject to be photographed is a component of the medium loading system.

[0013] In a seventh aspect, in the sixth aspect, the object to be photographed is the part having a hole formed therein.

[0014] In an eighth aspect, in the first aspect, the photographed object is an image of an object provided on a component of the medium loading system.

[0015] In a ninth aspect, in the eighth aspect, the target image is an image having a bright area and a dark area having a boundary between the bright area and the dark area.

[0016] In a tenth aspect, in the first aspect, the imaging device further includes a moving mechanism that moves the imaging target between an imaging position where the imaging unit images the imaging target and a retreat position where the imaging unit retreats from the imaging position.

[0017] In an eleventh aspect, in the tenth aspect, the moving mechanism positions the subject to be photographed at the photographing position where the photographing unit is in focus when the photographing unit photographs the subject, and positions the subject to be photographed at the retracted position when the photographing unit photographs the recording medium.

[0018] A twelfth aspect is the first aspect, further comprising a notification unit that, when the processor detects the abnormality, notifies a user of information indicating that the processor has detected the abnormality.

[0019] In a thirteenth aspect, in the twelfth aspect, the notification unit notifies the user of the information urging replacement or cleaning of the imaging unit or a component thereof.

[0020] In a fourteenth aspect, in the first aspect, the processor has a dedicated mode for detecting an abnormality in the imaging unit in response to an instruction from a user.

[0021] A fifteenth aspect includes the medium loading system according to any one of the first to fourteenth aspects, and an image forming section that forms an image on a recording medium sent out from the medium loading system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the configuration of the first aspect, imaging failures when the imaging unit images a plurality of recording media from the edge side of the recording media are suppressed compared to when an abnormality in the imaging unit is left unattended.

[0023] According to the configuration of the second aspect, false detections when the processor detects an abnormality in the photographing unit are reduced compared to when the processor detects an abnormality in the photographing unit based on changes between captured images taken when the supply unit is supplying air to the recording medium.

[0024] According to the configuration of the third aspect, regardless of whether the processor detects an abnormality in the photographing unit, photographing errors are reduced when the photographing unit photographs multiple recording media from the edge of the recording media, compared to when the photographing unit photographs the multiple recording media from the edge of the recording media.

[0025] According to the configuration of the fourth aspect, the photographing direction in which the photographing unit photographs the recording media from the edge side of the recording media and the photographing direction in which the photographing unit photographs the subject can be aligned.

[0026] According to the configuration of the fifth aspect, improper adjustment of the supply amount is suppressed compared to when the supply unit adjusts the supply amount of air regardless of whether the processor has detected an abnormality in the imaging unit.

[0027] According to the configuration of the sixth aspect, the number of parts is reduced compared to when the object to be photographed is provided separately from the parts of the medium loading system.

[0028] According to the configuration of the seventh aspect, false detections when the processor detects an abnormality in the imaging unit are suppressed compared to when the imaging target is a component that does not have a hole.

[0029] According to the configuration of the eighth aspect, there is more freedom in placement compared to when the object to be photographed is the component of the medium loading system itself.

[0030] According to the configuration of the ninth aspect, false detections when the processor detects an abnormality in the imaging unit are suppressed compared to when the target image is an image without a boundary between a bright area and a dark area.

[0031] According to the configuration of the tenth aspect, the subject is less likely to be an obstacle when the photographing unit is not photographing the subject, compared to when the subject is always located at the photographing position.

[0032] According to the configuration of the 11th aspect, when the photographing unit photographs the subject, poor photographing is suppressed compared to when the photographing unit positions the subject at a photographing position where the photographing unit is not in focus.

[0033] According to the configuration of the twelfth aspect, the user can be made aware that there is an abnormality in the imaging unit.

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

[0035] According to the configuration of the 14th aspect, poor photography is suppressed when the photography unit photographs multiple recording media from the edge of the recording media, compared to when abnormalities in the photography unit are detected only at predetermined timings.

[0036] According to the configuration of the fifteenth aspect, imaging failures when the imaging unit images a plurality of recording media from the edge side of the recording media are suppressed compared to when an abnormality in the imaging unit is left unattended. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a medium feeding device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a supply unit of the medium feeding device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which air is supplied to a plurality of sheet members in the configuration shown in FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 5] 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a control unit of the medium feeding device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of a control unit of the medium feeding device according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a side view showing a sheet material in a state where air is supplied from a supply unit and a photographing target provided on a side plate of the device body in the medium feeding device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a side view showing a sheet member in a state where the supply of air from the supply unit is stopped, and a photographing target provided on a side panel of the device body in the medium feeding device according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of an abnormality detection process executed in the medium feeding device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart according to a modified example showing the flow of an abnormality detection process executed in the medium feeding device according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a moving mechanism provided in a medium feeding device according to a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example in which the subject to be photographed is provided on an adsorption section. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example in which the suction part is used as the subject to be photographed. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example in which a side plate having a hole formed therein is used as a subject to be photographed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] An example of an embodiment according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, arrow H indicates the up-down direction (vertical direction) of the device, arrow W indicates the width direction (horizontal direction) of the device, and arrow D indicates the depth direction (horizontal direction) of the device.

[0039] <Image forming apparatus 100> The image forming apparatus 100 is an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet material P, and as shown in FIG. 1, includes a medium feeding device 10 and an image forming unit 102. The medium feeding device 10 may be configured to be pre-installed in the device body 101 of the image forming apparatus 100, or may be configured to be added and attached to the device body 101 of the image forming apparatus 100 as an option or the like. The sheet material P is an example of a recording medium. The medium feeding device 10 is an example of a medium loading system. The image forming apparatus 100 is an example of an image forming system.

[0040] <Image forming unit 102> 1 is a component that forms an image on the sheet material P sent out from the medium sending device 10. As the image forming unit 102, for example, an electrophotographic image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet material P using toner is used.

[0041] In an electrophotographic image forming unit, for example, the steps of charging, exposing, developing, transferring, and fixing are performed to form an image on a sheet member P. Specifically, in an electrophotographic image forming unit, for example, the steps of charging, exposing, developing, and transferring are performed to form an image on a transfer body, and the image is transferred from the transfer body to the sheet member P, and then the image is fixed to the sheet member P, thereby forming an image on the sheet member P.

[0042] Note that the image forming unit is not limited to the electrophotographic image forming unit described above, but may be, for example, an inkjet image forming unit, and various other image forming units can be used. In the inkjet image forming unit, for example, an image is formed on the sheet member P by ejecting ink droplets from an ejection unit onto the sheet member P.

[0043] <Media delivery device 10> The medium feeding device 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a device that feeds a sheet material P toward an image forming unit 102. As shown in FIG. 2, the medium feeding device 10 includes a stacking unit 12, a feeding unit 16, a camera 18, and a photographing target 70. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 4, the medium feeding device 10 includes a side guide 13 and a supply unit 14. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the medium feeding device 10 includes a control unit 40. The camera 18 is an example of a photographing unit.

[0044] <Loading section 12 and side guide 13> The stacking section 12 is a component on which sheet members P are stacked. As shown in Fig. 2, the stacking section 12 includes a bottom plate 12A on which a plurality of sheet members P are stacked in a vertically stacked state, and an elevator device (not shown) that raises and lowers the bottom plate 12A in the vertical direction. The elevator device raises the bottom plate 12A so that the position of the topmost sheet member P of the sheet members P stacked on the bottom plate 12A is at a predetermined height.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 2, the side guides 13 are components that come into contact with the side edges of the sheet materials P from the lateral sides of the sheet materials P. Specifically, the side guides 13 are arranged at both side edges of the sheet materials P stacked on the bottom plate 12A. That is, a pair of side guides 13 are provided. The pair of side guides 13 contacts each of the side edges of the sheet materials P stacked on the bottom plate 12A (i.e., both edges of the sheet materials P in the width direction (arrow Y direction)), thereby restricting the position of the sheet materials P in the width direction.

[0046] The stacking unit 12 is movable to the side of the sheet material P relative to the device body 11. Specifically, the stacking unit 12 is attached to the device body 11 (see FIG. 1) so as to be movable along the width direction (direction of arrow Y) of the sheet material P. The side guides 13 are provided on the stacking unit 12 and move integrally with the stacking unit 12.

[0047] In this embodiment, the user manually pulls out the loading section 12 including the side guides 13 from the device main body 11 (see Figure 1) in one direction in the width direction (for example, the direction of arrow Y1 in Figure 2), and after the sheet material P is replenished in the pulled-out state, it is inserted into the device main body 11 in the other direction in the width direction (for example, the direction of arrow Y2 in Figure 2).

[0048] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the loading section 12 is pulled out from the device main body 11, the lifting device lowers the bottom plate 12A to the lowest position, and when the loading section 12 is inserted into the device main body 11, the lifting device raises the bottom plate 12A.

[0049] <Supply section 14> The supply unit 14 is a component that supplies air to the sheet materials P from the edge side of the plurality of sheet materials P stacked on the stacking unit 12, thereby floating and separating the sheet materials P. As shown in FIG. 2, the supply unit 14 is disposed, for example, inside one side (the side in the direction of arrow Y2 in FIG. 2) of the pair of side guides 13. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the supply unit 14 includes a duct 50 having a supply port 50A formed therein, and a blower 54 that supplies air into the duct 50.

[0050] 3 and 4, the duct 50 extends in the vertical direction, and a supply port 50A is formed at the upper end of the duct 50 on the side facing the stacked sheet materials P. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the blower 54 is disposed below the duct 50 and supplies air into the inside of the duct 50.

[0051] In the supply unit 14, the air supplied into the duct 50 by the blower 54 rises inside the duct 50 and is supplied to the side end side (an example of the edge side) of the sheet material P through the supply port 50A, as shown in Fig. 4. Then, by supplying air between the sheet materials P present on the upper side among the plurality of stacked sheet materials P, the plurality of sheet materials P float and separate.

[0052] In the present embodiment, the supply unit 14 supplies air from one side end side (the side in the direction of arrow Y2 in FIG. 2) of the plurality of sheet members P, but this is not limited thereto. For example, instead of or in addition to one side end side (the side in the direction of arrow Y2 in FIG. 2) of the plurality of sheet members P, the supply unit 14 may supply air from at least one of the other side end side (the side in the direction of arrow Y1 in FIG. 2), the leading end side (the downstream side in the feeding direction described below), and the trailing end side (the upstream side in the feeding direction described below).

[0053] <Transmission Unit 16> The delivery unit 16 is a component that delivers the uppermost sheet member P separated by the supply unit 14 in a delivery direction (see arrow W1 in FIG. 2). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the delivery unit 16 is disposed above the uppermost sheet member P of the plurality of sheet members P stacked on the bottom plate 12A of the stacking unit 12. The delivery unit 16 includes an adsorption unit 30 and a delivery roll 26.

[0054] The suction unit 30 is disposed above the leading edge of the topmost stacked sheet material P. The suction unit 30 then adsorbs the levitated topmost sheet material P and moves in the delivery direction (see arrow W1 in FIG. 2) while adsorbed, thereby conveying the sheet material P in the delivery direction.

[0055] The delivery roll 26 is disposed on the delivery direction side of the adsorption unit 30, receives the sheet material P conveyed by the adsorption unit 30, and delivers the received sheet material P toward the image forming unit 102 (see FIG. 1).

[0056] <Camera 18> The camera 18 is a component that photographs the sheet materials P from the edge side of the plurality of sheet materials P to which air is supplied by the supply unit 14. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera 18 is disposed on the lateral side of the side edges of the plurality of sheet materials P (specifically, on the far side in the device depth direction D).

[0057] In this embodiment, the camera 18 captures, for example, a still image of the side edge of the sheet material P from one side in the width direction of the sheet material P (specifically, the far side in the device depth direction D). The camera 18 has a lens 18A that forms an image of the sheet material P. The lens 18A is disposed at the end of the camera 18 in the shooting direction. The medium feeding device 10 is also provided with a light source (not shown) that irradiates light onto the side edges of the multiple sheet materials P stacked on the stacking section 12.

[0058] <Subject 70> The photographing target 70 is a photographing target other than the sheet material P that is photographed by the camera 18. The photographing target 70 is disposed on the opposite side of the camera 18 from the position where the sheet material P is disposed in a state where air is being supplied by the supply unit 14. Specifically, the photographing target 70 is disposed on one side in the width direction (the side in the direction of the arrow Y2 in FIG. 2) of the plurality of sheet materials P stacked on the stacking unit 12.

[0059] In this embodiment, the subject 70 is disposed on the surface of the side plate 11A, which is disposed on the side of the side guide 13 on the arrow Y2 side in Fig. 2, on the arrow Y1 side in Fig. 2. The side plate 11A forms, for example, a part of the frame of the device body 11 of the medium feeding device 10.

[0060] In this embodiment, the subject 70 to be photographed is fixed in the medium delivery device 10. That is, the subject 70 to be photographed does not move and its position is fixed.

[0061] 7, in a state where air is supplied from the supply unit 14 to the plurality of sheet materials P stacked on the stacking unit 12 and the plurality of sheet materials P is floating, the plurality of sheet materials P and the subject 70 to be photographed overlap as viewed from the camera 18. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8, in a state where air is not supplied from the supply unit 14 to the plurality of sheet materials P stacked on the stacking unit 12, the plurality of sheet materials P and the subject 70 to be photographed do not overlap as viewed from the camera 18, and the plurality of sheet materials P are stacked below the subject 70 to be photographed.

[0062] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the photographed object 70 is a target image provided on a component of the medium delivery device 10. The target image is an image having a bright portion 71 and a dark portion 72 with a boundary 73 between the bright portion 71. Specifically, the target image may be, for example, an image of a checkered pattern or a test chart with a geometric pattern. Note that Fig. 8 shows an example in which a checkered pattern image is used as the target image of the photographed object 70.

[0063] <Display section 35> Display unit 35 is an example of a notification unit, and notifies the user of presentation information by displaying the presentation information to be presented to the user. Specifically, as will be described later, when CPU 41 detects an abnormality in camera 18, display unit 35 notifies the user of information indicating that CPU 41 has detected an abnormality in camera 18 (hereinafter referred to as abnormality information). Display unit 35 notifies the user of information urging replacement or cleaning of camera 18 or a component thereof (e.g., lens 18A) as the abnormality information. This display unit 35 is, for example, configured with a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like.

[0064] <Control unit 40> 5, the control unit 40 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 41, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 42, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 43, a storage 44, and a communication interface (I / F) 45. Each component is connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 49. The CPU 41 is an example of a processor.

[0065] The CPU 41 is a central processing unit that executes various programs and controls each component. The ROM 42 stores various programs, including the control program, and various data. The RAM 43 serves as a working area and temporarily stores programs or data. The storage 44 is configured with a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or a flash memory, and stores various programs, including the operating system, and various data. The control program may also be stored in the storage 44.

[0066] The communication interface 45 is an interface for communicating with other components such as the camera 18, the transmission 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 communication means such as wired, wireless, the Internet, and an intranet.

[0067] In the control unit 40, the CPU 41 reads various programs including a control program from the ROM 42 or storage 44, and executes the programs using the RAM 43 as a work area. The CPU 41 executes the control program to control the operation of each part of the medium feeding device 10. The following describes the functional configuration realized by the cooperation of the CPU 41 as a hardware resource and the information processing program as a software resource. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the control unit 40 according to this embodiment.

[0068] In the control unit 40, the CPU 41 executes a control program to function as a trigger acquisition unit 80, an imaging control unit 81, an image acquisition unit 82, an abnormality detection unit 83, a supply control unit 84, and a display control unit 85, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0069] The trigger acquisition unit 80 acquires detection information when a predetermined trigger is detected. A trigger is an operation or process in the medium feeding device 10 that triggers the abnormality detection process to proceed. An example of a trigger is an insertion operation in which the stacking unit 12 is inserted into the device main body 11. The predetermined trigger is detected by a detection unit (not shown) such as a detection sensor.

[0070] As described above, when the predetermined trigger is an insertion operation in which the loading unit 12 is inserted into the device main body 11, a detection sensor that detects the insertion of the loading unit 12 is provided on at least one of the loading unit 12 and the device main body 11, and when the detection sensor detects the insertion, the detection information (specifically, a detection signal) is sent to the trigger acquisition unit 80. As a result, the trigger acquisition unit 80 acquires detection information that the detection unit has detected the predetermined trigger.

[0071] The photographing control unit 81 is a functional unit that controls the camera 18. When the trigger acquisition unit 80 acquires detection information, the photographing control unit 81 performs photographing control on the camera 18 to photograph the photographing target 70. In the photographing control, the camera 18 is caused to photograph the photographing target 70 in a state in which the supply unit 14 stops supplying air to the sheet member P.

[0072] The image acquisition unit 82 acquires information about the image of the object 70 captured by the camera 18 (hereinafter referred to as object image information).

[0073] The abnormality detection unit 83 performs image analysis based on the target image information acquired by the image acquisition unit 82. In the image analysis, an abnormality in the camera 18 is detected based on a change between multiple captured images of the target 70 captured by the camera 18. Therefore, in this embodiment, the abnormality detection unit 83 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 based on a change between multiple captured images captured while the supply unit 14 has stopped supplying air to the sheet material P.

[0074] Here, specific examples of abnormalities in the camera 18 include damage and dirt on a part (for example, the lens 18A) of the camera 18. Dirt on a part (for example, the lens 18A) includes adhesion of a substance (for example, powder from the sheet member P (for example, paper powder and dusting powder), toner, etc.) to the part.

[0075] Specifically, the abnormality detection unit 83 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 based on the difference (for example, brightness, presence or absence of distortion, presence or absence of shadows, presence or absence of streaks, etc.) between a reference image captured in advance and an image captured thereafter at a predetermined timing (specifically, at the timing when the above-mentioned trigger is detected). The reference image is captured, for example, at the time of shipping, installation, initial startup, etc. of the image forming device 100 (specifically, the medium sending device 10).

[0076] 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 material 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 amount of air supplied. Specifically, when the abnormality detection unit 83 detects an abnormality in the camera 18, the supply control unit 84 does not start operation of the supply unit 14, but maintains it in a stopped state.

[0077] 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 the abnormality. The abnormality information includes information that prompts replacement or cleaning of the camera 18 or a component thereof (for example, lens 18A).

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the abnormality detection unit 83 does not detect an abnormality in the camera 18, the photography control unit 81 causes the camera 18 to photograph a plurality of sheet materials P in a state in which the supply unit 14 is supplying air to the sheet materials P. The supply control unit 84 adjusts the supply amount of the supply unit 14 according to the intervals between the sheet materials P photographed by the camera 18, and controls the stop and operation of the supply unit 14.

[0079] Therefore, in this 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 materials P, and the camera 18 photographs the sheet materials P from the edge side of the plurality of sheet materials P to which air is being supplied by the supply unit 14. The supply unit 14 then adjusts the amount of air supplied according to the spacing between the plurality of sheet materials 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. In other words, the supply unit 14 does not operate and remains stopped.

[0080] As described above, the abnormality detection unit 83 in the control unit 40 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 based on the difference between the reference image and the captured image, but this is not limited to this. The abnormality detection unit 83 may detect an abnormality, for example, by comparing multiple captured images taken sequentially over time. In this case, for example, image data of an image taken after a sequentially captured past image may be input to a trained model that has undergone machine learning of image data of the sequentially captured past images, and changes from the previous captured image may be detected to detect an abnormality in the camera 18.

[0081] <Abnormality Detection Process in Medium Delivery Device 10> A description will be given of the abnormality detection process executed in the medium feeding device 10. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the abnormality detection process of this embodiment.

[0082] This process is performed by the CPU 41 reading and executing a control program from the ROM 42 or the storage 44. As an example, this process starts when the medium feeding device 10 starts operating.

[0083] 9, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a predetermined trigger (for example, an insertion operation in which the stacker 12 is inserted into the device main body 11) has been detected (step S101). If the CPU 41 detects the predetermined trigger (step S101: YES), the CPU 41 proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the CPU 41 does not detect the predetermined trigger (step S101: NO), the CPU 41 repeats step S101 until the predetermined trigger is detected.

[0084] In step S102, the CPU 41 causes the camera 18 to capture an image of the subject 70. Next, the CPU 41 performs image analysis on the image captured by the camera 18 (step S103).

[0085] Next, the CPU 41 determines whether or not there is an abnormality in the camera 18 based on the image analysis (step S104). If the CPU 41 determines that there is an abnormality in the camera 18 (step S104: YES), it does not start the operation of the supply unit 14, but keeps it stopped (step S105), and displays abnormality information for the user (specifically, a message urging the user to replace or clean the camera 18 or its components) on the display unit 35 (step S106), and ends this process.

[0086] On the other hand, if the CPU 41 determines that there is no abnormality in the camera 18 (step S104: NO), it causes the supply unit 14 to start supplying air to the sheet material P (step S107), performs a sending operation to send out the sheet material P from the stacking unit 12 (step S108), and terminates this processing.

[0087] <Actions according to this embodiment> In this embodiment, the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 based on changes between multiple captured images of the object 70 captured by the camera 18. Therefore, compared to when the abnormality in the camera 18 is left unattended, poor capture is reduced when the camera 18 captures images of the sheet materials P from the edge side of the multiple sheet materials P. As a result, the amount of air supplied by the supply unit 14 is appropriately adjusted based on the captured images, and poor feed of the sheet materials P in the medium feed device 10 is reduced.

[0088] In this embodiment, specifically, the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 based on a change between a plurality of captured images taken in a state in which the supply unit 14 stops supplying air to the sheet member P.

[0089] Here, in a case where the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 due to a change between images captured while the supply unit 14 is supplying air to the sheet material P (hereinafter referred to as form A), there is a risk that floating matter caused by the supply of air (for example, powder of the sheet material P (for example, paper powder and dusting powder), toner, etc.) may be captured together with the photographic target 70. In this case, it is conceivable that the camera 18 may be erroneously detected as having an abnormality even though no abnormality has occurred in the camera 18.

[0090] In contrast, in this embodiment, as described above, the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 based on changes between multiple captured images taken when the supply unit 14 has stopped supplying air to the sheet material P, and therefore, compared to form A, false detections when the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 are reduced.

[0091] In addition, in this embodiment, if the CPU 41 does not detect any abnormality in the camera 18, the supply unit 14 starts supplying air to the sheet material P, and the camera 18 photographs the sheet material P from the edge side of the multiple sheet materials P to which air is being supplied by the supply unit 14.

[0092] Therefore, regardless of whether the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18, poor photography is suppressed when the camera 18 photographs the sheet material P from the edge side of the multiple sheet materials P compared to when the camera 18 photographs the sheet material P from the edge side of the multiple sheet materials P.

[0093] In this embodiment, the subject 70 to be photographed is disposed on the opposite side of the camera 18 from the position where the sheet member P to which air is being supplied by the supply unit 14 is disposed.

[0094] Therefore, the photographing direction in which the camera 18 photographs the sheet members P from the edge side of the plurality of sheet members P can be aligned with the photographing direction in which the camera 18 photographs the photographing target 70. Therefore, there is no need to change the photographing direction of the camera 18 when the camera 18 photographs the sheet members P from the edge side of the plurality of sheet members P and when the camera 18 photographs the photographing target 70.

[0095] In addition, in this embodiment, the supply unit 14 adjusts the amount of air supplied according to the spacing between the multiple sheet materials P photographed by the camera 18, and if the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18, the supply unit 14 does not adjust the amount of air supplied.

[0096] Therefore, compared to the case where the supply unit 14 adjusts the amount of air supplied, regardless of whether the CPU 41 has detected an abnormality in the camera 18, improper adjustment of the amount of supplied air is suppressed.

[0097] Furthermore, the photographed object 70 is an object image provided on the side panel 11A of the frame of the device body 11 of the medium feeding device 10. Therefore, there is more freedom in placement than when the photographed object 70 is a component of the medium feeding device 10 itself.

[0098] Furthermore, the target image of the photographed object 70 is an image having a bright portion 71 and a dark portion 72 with a boundary 73 between the bright portion 71 and the dark portion 72. Therefore, it is easier to identify abnormalities compared to when the target image has no boundary between the bright portion and the dark portion, and false detections when the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 are suppressed.

[0099] In this embodiment, the medium feeding device 10 has a display unit 35 that notifies the user of information indicating that the CPU 41 has detected an abnormality in the camera 18 when the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18. This allows the user to recognize that there is an abnormality in the camera 18.

[0100] Specifically, in this embodiment, the display unit 35 notifies the user of the abnormality information, urging the user to replace or clean the camera 18 or a component thereof (for example, the lens 18A). This allows the user to correct the abnormality in the camera 18.

[0101] <Modification of abnormality detection process> In the abnormality detection process described above, when the CPU 41 detects a predetermined trigger (for example, an insertion operation in which the stacker 12 is inserted into the device main body 11) during operation of the medium feeding device 10, as shown in Fig. 9, the abnormality detection process proceeds. In this manner, in this embodiment, an abnormality in the camera 18 is detected at a predetermined timing, but this is not limited to this.

[0102] For example, as shown in Fig. 10, the CPU 41 may have a dedicated mode for detecting an abnormality in the camera 18 in response to a user instruction, and the abnormality detection process may proceed in response to the user instruction. In this configuration, step S110 is executed instead of step S101. In step S110, the CPU 41 determines whether or not a user instruction has been acquired. If a user instruction has been acquired (step S110: YES), the CPU 41 proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if a user instruction has not been acquired (step S110: NO), the CPU 41 repeats step S110 until a user instruction is acquired.

[0103] In this configuration, compared to when an abnormality in the camera 18 is detected only at predetermined timings, poor imaging when the camera 18 images the sheet materials P from the edge side of the sheet materials P is suppressed.

[0104] <Modification in which the subject 70 is moved> In the present embodiment, the subject 70 to be photographed is fixed, but this is not limiting. For example, the subject 70 may be configured to be movable. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, the medium delivery device 10 may include a moving mechanism 90 that moves the subject 70 to a photographing position where the camera 18 photographs the subject 70 and a retreat position where the subject 70 is retreated from the photographing position.

[0105] The moving mechanism 90 has, for example, a support 91, a moving body 92, and a tension spring 93. The support 91 is a component that supports the subject 70 to be photographed. Specifically, the support 91 is formed of a rod extending in the vertical direction. The support 91 is rotatably attached to the side guide 13 by a shaft 94. The subject 70 to be photographed is attached to the upper end of the support 91. The subject 70 to be photographed can be moved between a photographing position (the position shown in FIG. 11(B)) and a retracted position (the position shown in FIGS. 11(A) and (C)) by rotating the support 91.

[0106] The shooting position (the position shown in FIG. 11(B)) is a position where the camera 18 shoots the subject 70. Specifically, the shooting position is a position where the subject 70 is located within the shooting range of the camera 18, where shooting by the camera 18 is possible, and where the camera 18 is focused. In this embodiment, the subject 70 is located at the shooting position at a position where it overlaps with the camera 18 when viewed in the device depth direction D.

[0107] The retracted position (the position shown in FIGS. 11(A) and 11(C)) is a position where the subject 70 has retracted from the photographing position. Specifically, the retracted position is a position where the subject 70 is shielded from the camera 18 by the side guide 13 and cannot be photographed by the camera 18.

[0108] The tension spring 93 is a spring that uses its elastic force to pull the subject 70 toward the retracted position relative to the shooting position. In this 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. The tension spring 93 uses its elastic force to pull the subject 70 toward the retracted position relative to the shooting position via the support body 91. This positions the subject 70 at the retracted position.

[0109] The movable body 92 is attached to the side guides 13 so as to be movable in a movement direction in which the lower end of the support body 91 is pushed along the device width direction W to position the subject 70 for photography. The movable body 92 has a contact portion 95 that comes into contact with the bottom plate 12A, which rises when the loading unit 12 is inserted into the device body 11, and moves the movable body 92 in the movement direction.

[0110] In the moving mechanism 90, when the rising bottom plate 12A passes through the contact portion 95, the bottom plate 12A comes into contact with the contact portion 95, and moves the moving body 92 in the movement direction, thereby moving the subject 70 from the retracted position to the photographing position. In this configuration, the camera 18 photographs the subject 70 at the timing when the subject 70 is positioned at the photographing position. In other words, when the camera 18 photographs the subject 70, the moving mechanism 90 positions the subject 70 at the photographing position.

[0111] Furthermore, in the moving mechanism 90, when the bottom plate 12A has passed through the contact portion 95, the tension spring 93 returns the photographing target 70 to the retracted position. Therefore, when the loading unit 12 is inserted into the device body 11, the photographing target 70 is located at the retracted position. In other words, the moving mechanism 90 positions the photographing target 70 at the retracted position when the camera 18 photographs the sheet material P.

[0112] In this modified example, as described above, the medium delivery device 10 is equipped with a moving mechanism 90 that moves the subject 70 to a shooting position where the camera 18 shoots the subject 70 and a retreat position where the subject 70 is retreated from the shooting position.

[0113] Therefore, compared to when the subject 70 is always positioned at the photographing position, the subject 70 is less likely to be an obstacle when the camera 18 is not photographing the subject 70.

[0114] In addition, in this modified example, when the camera 18 photographs the subject 70, the moving mechanism 90 positions the subject 70 at a photographing position where the camera 18 is focused, and when the camera 18 photographs the sheet material P, the moving mechanism 90 positions the subject 70 at a retracted position.

[0115] Therefore, when the camera 18 photographs the object 70, poor photographing is suppressed compared to when the object 70 is positioned at a photographing position where the camera 18 is not in focus.

[0116] <Modification of the photographic subject 70> In the present embodiment, the subject 70 to be photographed is an image of a target provided on the side plate 11A of the frame of the device body 11 of the medium feeding device 10, but this is not limiting. The subject 70 to be photographed may be provided on a component other than the side plate 11A of the frame of the device body 11. Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 12 , the subject 70 to be photographed may be provided on the side surface 30A of the suction unit 30.

[0117] Furthermore, the photographed object 70 may be a component of the medium feeding device 10, as shown in FIG. 13. That is, the component of the medium feeding device 10 itself may be the photographed object 70. In FIG. 13, the suction unit 30 and the side panel 11A, which are components of the medium feeding device 10, are the photographed object 70. In this configuration, the number of components is reduced compared to when the photographed object 70 is a photographed object provided separately from the components of the medium feeding device 10. In this configuration, for example, the photographed object has a bright portion 31 and a dark portion 32 having a boundary 33 between the bright portion 31 and the dark portion 32, and the outline of the component is the boundary 33.

[0118] 14, the photographing target 70 may be, for example, a part having a hole 39 formed therein. The part in question may be, for example, a side panel 11A of the frame of the device body 11 of the medium feeding device 10. In this configuration, specifically, the photographing target 70 is made up of the body of the side panel 11A and the hole 39. The part of the part including the hole 39 is photographed as the photographing range of the camera 18.

[0119] With this configuration, the contrast between light and dark is made clearer at the boundaries of the holes 39 than when the photographed object 70 is a part that does not have the holes 39, thereby reducing false detections when the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18. In this configuration, for example, the photographed object has a bright portion 61 due to the side panel 11A and a dark portion 62 (specifically, the holes 39) that has a boundary 63 between the bright portion 61, and the edges of the holes 39 form the boundary 63. The holes 39 are made up of a plurality of holes 39A formed along the vertical direction and a plurality of holes 39B formed along the width direction W of the device.

[0120] In addition, in this embodiment, the target image of the subject 70 to be photographed is an image having a bright area 71 and a dark area 72 with a boundary 73 between the bright area 71 and the dark area 72, but is not limited to this. The target image may also be an image without a boundary between the bright area and the dark area. Specifically, the target image may be an image that is entirely monochromatic (for example, white and gray).

[0121] Furthermore, the subject 70 may be illuminated with a light source (not shown) to overexpose the subject 70, thereby capturing an image of the subject 70. In this case, if any foreign matter is attached to the lens 18A, a shadow will appear in the captured image.

[0122] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the photographing target 70 is disposed on the opposite side of the camera 18 from the position where the sheet material P is disposed while air is being supplied by the supply unit 14, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the photographing target 70 may be disposed on the opposite side of the sheet material P from the camera 18. Furthermore, the photographing target 70 may be disposed on one side of the camera 18 in the device width direction W. Note that, when the photographing direction in which the camera 18 photographs the sheet material P from the edge side of the plurality of sheet materials P differs from the photographing direction in which the camera 18 photographs the photographing target 70, the camera 18 is configured to change the photographing direction to photograph.

[0123] <Other variations> In the present embodiment, the camera 18 is used as an example of the photographing unit, but this is not limiting. An example of the photographing unit may be, for example, a video that photographs moving images, or any other component that can photograph the sheet member P.

[0124] 2, the camera 18 is disposed on one side in the width direction of the stacked sheet members P, but this is not limiting. For example, instead of or in addition to being disposed on one side in the width direction of the stacked sheet members P, the camera 18 may be disposed on the other side in the width direction of the sheet members P.

[0125] In addition, in the present embodiment, the display unit 35 is used as an example of a notification unit, but this is not limiting. An example of the notification unit may be, for example, a speaker that notifies the user by voice of information indicating that an abnormality in the camera 18 has been detected, or any component that notifies the user of the information.

[0126] In the present embodiment, the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18 based on a change between a plurality of captured images taken in a state in which the supply unit 14 stops supplying air to the sheet material P, but this is not limited to this. For example, the CPU 41 may detect an abnormality in the camera 18 based on a change between captured images taken in a state in which the supply unit 14 is supplying air to the sheet material P.

[0127] Furthermore, 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 materials P, and the camera 18 photographs the sheet materials P from the edge side of the plurality of sheet materials P to which air is being supplied by the supply unit 14. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the camera 18 may be configured to photograph the sheet materials P from the edge side of the plurality of sheet materials P, regardless of whether the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18.

[0128] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the supply unit 14 adjusts the amount of air supplied in accordance with the spacing between the plurality of sheet members P photographed by the camera 18, and does not adjust the amount of air supplied if the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18. However, this is not limiting. The supply unit 14 may be configured to adjust the amount of air supplied regardless of whether the CPU 41 detects an abnormality in the camera 18.

[0129] Furthermore, 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. However, this is not limited to this. The medium sending device 10 may be configured not to notify the user of this information.

[0130] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications, changes, and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the above-described modified examples may be appropriately combined to form a configuration.

[0131] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the term "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., the aforementioned CPU, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.).

[0132] Furthermore, the operations of the processors in the above embodiments may not only be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located at physically separate locations working together. Furthermore, the order of the operations of the processors is not limited to the order described in the above embodiments, and may be changed as appropriate.

[0133] <Additional Notes> (((1))) a supply unit that supplies air to the recording media from the edge side of the stacked recording media to float and separate the recording media; an imaging unit that images the recording media from the edge side of the recording media to which air is supplied by the supply unit; a subject to be photographed other than the recording medium, the subject being photographed by the photographing unit; a processor; Equipped with The processor detects an abnormality in the imaging unit based on a change between a plurality of images of the imaging target captured by the imaging unit. Media loading system.

[0134] (((2))) The processor: An abnormality in the photographing unit is detected based on a change between a plurality of photographed images taken in a state in which the supply unit stops supplying air to the recording medium. The media loading system according to (((1))).

[0135] (((3))) If the processor does not detect an abnormality in the imaging unit, The supply unit starts supplying air to the recording media, and the photographing unit photographs the recording media from the edge side of the recording media to which air is being supplied by the supply unit. The media loading system according to (((2))).

[0136] (((4))) The subject to be photographed is The recording medium is placed on the opposite side of the photographing unit from the position where the recording medium is placed while air is being supplied by the supply unit. The medium loading system according to (((2))) or (((3))).

[0137] (((5))) The supply unit includes: adjusting the amount of air supplied in accordance with the intervals between the plurality of recording media photographed by the photographing unit; When the processor detects an abnormality in the imaging unit, the adjustment of the amount of air supplied is not executed. A medium loading system according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))).

[0138] (((6))) The subject to be photographed is a component of the media loading system. A medium loading system according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))).

[0139] (((7))) The object to be photographed is the part having a hole formed therein. A media loading system as described in (((6))).

[0140] (((8))) The photographed object is an image of an object provided on a component of the media loading system. A medium loading system according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))).

[0141] (((9))) The medium loading system according to (((8))), wherein the target image is an image having a bright portion and a dark portion having a boundary between the bright portion and the dark portion.

[0142] (((10))) a moving mechanism that moves the subject to be photographed between a photographing position where the photographing unit photographs the subject and a retreat position where the photographing unit retreats from the photographing position; Equipped with A medium loading system according to any one of (((1))) to (((9))).

[0143] (((11))) The moving mechanism includes: When the photographing unit photographs the photographing target, the photographing target is positioned at the photographing position where the photographing unit is in focus; When the photographing unit photographs the recording medium, the photographing target is positioned at the retreat position. A media loading system as described in (((10))).

[0144] (((12))) a notification unit that, when the processor detects the abnormality, notifies a user of information indicating that the processor has detected the abnormality; The medium loading system according to any one of (((1))) to (((13))) comprises:

[0145] (((13))) The notification unit The information includes: Notifying the user of information urging replacement or cleaning of the imaging unit or its parts A media loading system as described in (((12))).

[0146] (((14))) The processor: A dedicated mode for detecting abnormalities in the imaging unit in response to a user instruction is provided. A medium loading system according to any one of (((1))) to (((13))).

[0147] (((15))) A medium loading system according to any one of (((1))) to (((14))), an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium sent out from the medium loading system; An image forming system comprising:

[0148] According to the configuration (((1))), imaging failures when the imaging unit images multiple recording media from the edge of the recording media are suppressed compared to when an abnormality in the imaging unit is left unattended.

[0149] According to the configuration (((2))), false detections when the processor detects an abnormality in the photographing unit are reduced compared to when the processor detects an abnormality in the photographing unit based on changes between images taken when the supply unit is supplying air to the recording medium.

[0150] According to the configuration (((3))), regardless of whether the processor detects an abnormality in the photographing unit, photographing defects are reduced when the photographing unit photographs multiple recording media from the edge of the recording media, compared to when the photographing unit photographs multiple recording media from the edge of the recording media.

[0151] According to the configuration (((4))), the photographing direction in which the photographing unit photographs the recording media from the edge of the recording media and the photographing direction in which the photographing unit photographs the subject can be aligned.

[0152] According to the configuration (((5))), improper adjustment of the supply amount is suppressed compared to when the supply unit adjusts the air supply amount regardless of whether the processor detects an abnormality in the imaging unit.

[0153] According to the configuration (((6))), the number of parts is reduced compared to when the object to be photographed is provided separately from the parts of the medium loading system.

[0154] According to the configuration (((7))), false detections when the processor detects an abnormality in the imaging unit are reduced compared to when the imaging target is a part that does not have a hole.

[0155] According to the configuration (((8))), there is more freedom in placement compared to when the object to be photographed is the component of the medium loading system itself.

[0156] According to the configuration (((9))), false detections when the processor detects an abnormality in the imaging unit are reduced compared to when the target image is an image without a boundary between light and dark areas.

[0157] According to the configuration (((10))), the subject is less likely to be an obstacle when the photographing unit is not photographing the subject, compared to when the subject is always located at the photographing position.

[0158] According to the configuration (((11))), when the photographing unit photographs the subject, poor photographing is suppressed compared to when the photographing unit positions the subject at a photographing position where the photographing unit cannot focus.

[0159] According to the configuration (((12))), the user can be made aware that there is an abnormality in the imaging unit.

[0160] According to the configuration (((13))), the user can correct the abnormality in the imaging unit.

[0161] According to the configuration (((14))), compared to when abnormalities in the photographing unit are detected only at predetermined timings, photographing errors are reduced when the photographing unit photographs multiple recording media from the edge of the recording media.

[0162] According to the configuration (((15))), imaging failures when the imaging unit images multiple recording media from the edge of the recording media are suppressed compared to when an abnormality in the imaging unit is left unattended. [Explanation of symbols]

[0163] 10 Media feeding device (an example of a media loading system) 11 Device body 11A side plate 12 Loading section 12A Bottom Plate 13 Side guide 14 Supply section 16 Transmission section 18 Camera (example of a camera) 18A Lens 26 Sending Roll 30 Adsorption part 30A side 31 Akabe 32 Dark part 33 Boundary 35 Display unit (example of notification unit) 39 holes 40 Control Unit 41 CPU (an example of a processor) 61 Akabe 62 Dark part 63 Boundary 70 Shooting Target 71 Akabe 72 Dark part 73 Boundary 80 Trigger acquisition unit 81 Shooting control unit 82 Image acquisition unit 83 Abnormality detection unit 84 Supply control section 85 Display control unit 90 Moving mechanism 91 Support 92 Mobile 93 Tension Spring 94 Shaft 95 Contact area 100 Image forming device (an example of an image forming system) 101 Device body 102 Image forming unit P sheet member (an example of a recording medium)

Claims

1. a supply unit that supplies air to the recording media from the edge side of the stacked recording media to float and separate the recording media; an imaging unit that images the recording media from an edge side of the recording media to which air is supplied by the supply unit; A subject other than the recording medium to be photographed by the photographing unit; A processor; Equipped with The processor detects an abnormality in the imaging unit based on a change between a plurality of images captured by the imaging unit of the imaging object. Media loading system.

2. The processor, An abnormality in the image capturing unit is detected based on a change between a plurality of captured images captured in a state in which the supply unit stops supplying air to the recording medium. The media loading system of claim 1 .

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

4. The subject to be photographed is The recording medium is placed on the opposite side of the photographing unit from the position where the recording medium is placed in a state where air is being supplied by the supply unit. The media loading system of claim 2 .

5. The supply unit includes: adjusting the amount of air supplied in accordance with the intervals between the recording media photographed by the photographing unit; When the processor detects an abnormality in the imaging unit, the adjustment of the amount of air supplied is not executed. The media loading system of claim 1 .

6. The subject is a part of the media loading system. The media loading system of claim 1 .

7. The subject to be photographed is the part having a hole formed therein. The media loading system of claim 6 .

8. The image of the object is an image of an object provided on a component of the media loading system. The media loading system of claim 1 .

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

10. A moving mechanism that moves the subject to a photographing position where the photographing unit photographs the subject and a retreat position where the subject is retreated from the photographing position. Equipped The media loading system of claim 1 .

11. The moving mechanism includes: When the photographing unit photographs the photographing target, the photographing target is positioned at the photographing position where the photographing unit is in focus; When the photographing unit photographs the recording medium, the photographing target is positioned at the retreat position. The media loading system of claim 10.

12. a notification unit that, when the processor detects the abnormality, notifies a user of information indicating that the processor has detected the abnormality. The media loading system of claim 1 .

13. The notification unit is The information includes: Notifying a user of information that prompts replacement or cleaning of the imaging unit or its parts The media loading system of claim 12 .

14. The processor, A dedicated mode for detecting abnormalities in the imaging unit upon user instruction is provided. The media loading system of claim 1 .

15. A medium loading system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, an image forming unit that forms an image on the recording medium sent from the medium loading system; An image forming system comprising:

Images