Agitation device, terminal device, printing device, control method, and ink management system

Abstract

To provide an agitation device, terminal device, printer and control method which suppress an increase in size of the printer and allow a user to grasp an agitation state of ink.SOLUTION: An agitation device 2 comprises: an agitation operation unit 25 as agitation means which agitates ink in a cartridge; a communication unit 27 as communication means which communicates with an external device; and a control unit 21 which functions as agitation information generation means which generates agitation information about a cartridge 151 in which agitation of the ink is performed, and functions as communication control means which controls the communication unit 27 so as to transmit the agitation information to the external device in response to a transmission request from the external device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an agitation device, a terminal device, and a printing device. 、 Control Method and ink management system Regarding. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, inks used in printing are solutions in which various coloring materials are dissolved in a solvent, or dispersions in which coloring materials are uniformly or nearly uniformly dispersed throughout a dispersion medium. However, for example, white ink generally contains titanium oxide as a coloring material (white component), and in the case of ink containing dispersoids with a large specific gravity such as titanium oxide, the dispersoids are prone to settling.

[0003] When printing is performed using ink in which dispersoids have settled, there is a risk that the ink concentration will become non-uniform, resulting in uneven color, and that the whiteness of the ink will decrease over time as it is used, resulting in a decrease in print quality, etc. Furthermore, there is a risk that the settled dispersoids will clog the nozzles and nozzle surfaces that eject the ink, causing ejection defects that prevent the ink from being ejected normally. For this reason, it is preferable to carry out printing in a state where the ink has been agitated and redispersed.

[0004] Since the settling of dispersoids progresses over time, it is preferable to carry out stirring as close as possible to immediately before printing. In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which an agitating unit for agitating ink is provided within a printing device, and the ink within a cartridge is appropriately agitated. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-311993 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, because a member for stirring the ink in the ink cartridge (ink storage section) is provided inside the printing device, there is a problem in that the structure inside the printing device becomes large.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides an agitation device, a terminal device, and a printing device that can suppress an increase in size of the printing device and can grasp the ink agitation state. 、 Control Method and ink management system One of the advantages is that it provides [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to obtain the above advantages, the stirring device of the present invention comprises: agitation means for agitating the ink in the cartridge; an agitation information generating unit for generating agitation information relating to the cartridge in which the ink has been agitated; A communication means for communicating with an external device; a communication control means for controlling the communication means to transmit the mixing information to the external device in response to a transmission request from the external device; The present invention is characterized in that it is provided with: Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the agitation state of the ink can be grasped satisfactorily. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the main parts of a terminal device, an agitation device, and a printing device that cooperate with each other in the embodiment. [Diagram 2] 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic control configuration of a terminal device, an agitation device, and a printing device that cooperate with each other in the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 3] 5 is a flowchart showing processing between the agitation device and a terminal device in the present embodiment. [Figure 4]5 is a flowchart showing a process between a printing device and a terminal device in the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] An embodiment of a mixing device, a terminal device, a printing device, and a control method according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the embodiments described below are subject to various limitations that are technically preferable for implementing the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples. In the following embodiment, the printing device is described as a nail print device that prints on the printing target of fingernails, but the printing target of the printing device in the present invention is not limited to fingernails, and may be, for example, toenails. In addition, the printing target may be anything other than nails, such as nail tips or the surfaces of various accessories.

[0012] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the main parts of a printing device, an agitating device, and a terminal device that cooperate with each other in this embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the main control configuration of the printing device, the agitating device, and the terminal device shown in Fig. 1.

[0013] [Printing device configuration] 1, the printing device 1 of this embodiment has a substantially box-shaped housing 101. In the following embodiment, the X direction and the Y direction in the printing device 1 refer to the directions shown in FIG.

[0014] An opening 102 is formed on the front side (the near side in the Y direction in FIG. 1) of a housing 101 of the printing device 1, approximately in the center in the left-right direction of the device (the X direction in FIG. 1). The opening 102 is a finger insertion opening for inserting into the device a finger corresponding to the nail to be printed, and has a width and height sufficient to allow the finger to be inserted and removed. In this embodiment, a finger placement section 103 for placing a finger (not shown) corresponding to the nail to be printed is provided inside the opening 102 inside the housing 101. Although not shown, the finger placement section 103 has a structure for fixing the placed finger, and it is preferable to regulate the height direction of the finger, etc. The height, width, and depth of finger placement section 103 may be such that a finger can be stably placed thereon, and the specific extent of these may be set appropriately.

[0015] An operation unit 13 is provided on the top surface (top plate) of the housing 101. The operation unit 13 is used by the user to input various information. The operation unit 13 is composed of operation buttons for performing various inputs, such as a power switch button for turning the power of the printing device 1 on / off, a stop switch button for stopping operation, and a print start button for instructing the start of printing. When the operation unit 13 is operated, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is output to the control unit 11 of the control device 10, and the control unit 11 performs control according to the operation signal, causing each part of the printing device 1 to operate.

[0016] Furthermore, a display unit 14 is disposed on the top surface of the housing 101. The display unit 14 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence display (OLED), or other displays (flat displays). The display unit 14 displays various images and information on the display based on a display signal input from the control unit 11 described below. The display of the display unit 14 of this embodiment may be configured integrally with a touch panel. In this case, the touch panel also functions as the operation unit 13 that receives touch operations by the user and performs various inputs.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 1 includes the operation unit 13 and display unit 14 described above, as well as a printing mechanism 15, a photographing unit 16, a communication unit 17, a control device 10, and the like.

[0018] The printing mechanism 15 is a printing means that includes a housing section that houses the cartridge 151, and an X-direction movement motor 152 and a Y-direction movement motor 153 (see FIG. 2) that serve as movement means for moving the cartridge 151, and performs printing using the cartridge 151. In this embodiment, cartridge 151 is an ink cartridge with an integrated head that incorporates an ink storage section (not shown) and is equipped with an inkjet type print head mechanism (not shown) that ejects the ink in the ink storage section as fine droplets and prints on the surface to be printed.

[0019] An ink ejection surface is integrally formed on the surface of the cartridge 151 that faces the surface to be printed (the surface of the nail in this embodiment). On the ink ejection surface, ejection openings (nozzle openings, ink ejection openings, not shown) of a nozzle array consisting of a plurality of nozzles that eject ink of each color are formed in a row. The control unit 11, which functions as a print control unit, controls the print head mechanism so that the cartridge 151 ejects a predetermined amount of ink from the nozzle openings to perform printing. For example, the cartridge may have only an ink storage section and be connected to a separately configured print head mechanism when used for printing. Cartridge 151 may also be a pen plotter that uses a pen impregnated with ink instead of an inkjet print head mechanism.

[0020] The cartridge 151 mounted on the printing mechanism 15 is not particularly limited, but for example, a cartridge 151 having ink storage portions corresponding to the color inks of yellow (Y; YELLOW), magenta (M; MAGENTA), and cyan (C; CYAN) is provided. The cartridge 151 having ink storage portions corresponding to the color inks is a design printing cartridge 151 for printing a design (nail design) in color.

[0021] The printing mechanism 15 of this embodiment also has a cartridge 151 for base printing that has an ink storage section for storing base ink. The base printing cartridge 151 forms a base of white or the like (white or a color close to white, such as pink or blue) on the nail before printing a design. When printing on fingernails, a base ink can be applied to the nail before printing the design (nail design) using the colored inks for the design, thereby improving the color development of the colored inks and producing a beautifully finished print (nail print). Furthermore, by providing both the cartridge 151 for design printing and the cartridge 151 for base printing, it becomes possible for a single printing device 1 to automatically perform the processes from applying the base to printing the nail design.

[0022] The ink stored in the ink storage section of the cartridge 151 for design printing is, for example, a solution in which various color materials are dissolved in a solvent, or a dispersion liquid in which the color materials are uniformly or nearly uniformly dispersed throughout the dispersion medium. However, among the cartridges 151, the cartridge 151 for base printing in particular stores, in an ink storage section, base ink including a dispersion liquid in which a dispersoid such as titanium oxide as a color material (white component) is dispersed in a dispersion medium.

[0023] In the case of ink containing dispersoids with a large specific gravity, such as titanium oxide, relative to the dispersion medium, the dispersoids are likely to settle. Since the settling of dispersoids progresses over time, it is preferable to stir the ink as soon as possible before printing. For this reason, in this embodiment, the outside of the printing device 1 is provided with an agitation device 2, which will be described later, for agitating the ink in the cartridge 151. This is common to cartridges 151 that contain ink containing dispersoids and solutes with a large specific gravity. For this reason, not only the cartridge 151 for base printing, but also the cartridge 151 for design printing may similarly be agitated by the agitation device 2 when the cartridge contains ink that separates multiple types of materials inside.

[0024] In this embodiment, the cartridge 151 is movable in the left-right direction (X direction) and the front-rear direction (Y direction) of the device, the X-direction movement motor 152 constitutes an X-direction movement mechanism that moves the cartridge 151 in the X direction, and the Y-direction movement motor 153 constitutes a Y-direction movement mechanism that moves the cartridge 151 in the Y direction. The X-direction movement motor 152 and the Y-direction movement motor 153 are, for example, stepping motors. Furthermore, the print mechanism 15 has a position detection sensor 154 for detecting the position of the cartridge 151. The position detection sensor 154 is, for example, an origin sensor that detects the origin positions of the cartridge 151 in the X and Y directions, an encoder sensor that grasps the movement status of the cartridge 151, etc. Note that the specific type and configuration of the position detection sensor 154 are not particularly limited.

[0025] Furthermore, the printing device 1 of this embodiment has a reading unit 155 for reading the identification mark of the cartridge 151 at the mounting portion of the cartridge 151 or the like. The identification label is identification information for identifying each cartridge 151, and is, for example, an ID (identification number) or the like given to each cartridge 151 at the time of manufacturing the cartridge 151. The identification information is, for example, symbol data consisting of numbers, alphabets, or the like, either alone or in combination, and is stored in a memory chip in the cartridge 151. The reading unit 155 includes a device or the like capable of decoding data obtained by encoding the identification information stored in the memory chip and reading the identification information of each cartridge 151, such as the type of ink, the amount of ink filled, and the ink concentration. The identification information may also be given in the form of a barcode or QR code (registered trademark), and in this case, the reading unit 155 includes a sensor or the like capable of reading these. Note that the identification label given to the cartridge 151 may be one that can identify the cartridge 151, and the form or the like is not particularly limited. The reading unit 155 is applied with a device that can read the identification label given to the cartridge 151 according to the identification label.

[0026] The photographing unit 16 includes a camera 161 and a light source 162 . The camera 161 photographs the nail of the finger placed on the finger placement section 103 and obtains an image of the nail that is to be printed. The light source 162 is, for example, an illumination lamp such as a white LED. The camera 161 of the photographing unit 16 photographs the nail or the finger including the nail, which is the printing target, to obtain a nail image (not shown). In this embodiment, data of the nail image obtained by the camera 161 is sent to, for example, a terminal device 3, which is an external device described later, and the control unit 31 of the terminal device 3 detects the nail contour that defines the nail area, which is the printing area, from the nail image.

[0027] The communication unit 17 is a communication unit for communicating with an external device. In this embodiment, the "external device" refers to a terminal device 3, which will be described later, and the like. In this embodiment, the printing device 1 acquires data of a design (nail design) to be printed on the nails from the terminal device 3 or the like, and the communication unit 17 transmits and receives information to and from the terminal device 3 or the like. Note that the external device is not limited to the terminal device 3, and may be various servers or the like.

[0028] The communication between the printing device 1 and the terminal device 3, etc. is performed, for example, by wireless LAN. However, the communication between the printing device 1 and the terminal device 3, etc. is not limited to this, and may be by any method. For example, it may be a method using a network line such as the Internet, or a method using wireless communication based on a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi. This communication is not limited to a wireless connection method, and may be configured to enable transmission and reception of various data between the two devices by wired connection. The communication unit 17 is equipped with an antenna chip and the like that corresponds to the communication method and communication standard of various external devices that are expected to communicate.

[0029] The control device 10 installed in the printing device 1 is a computer equipped with a control unit 11 having a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) not shown, and a memory unit 12 having a ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory) (neither shown). The ROM of the storage unit 12 stores various programs for operating the printing device 1, various data, and the like. The control unit 11 loads various programs stored in the ROM or the like into a working area of ​​the RAM and executes them to comprehensively control the operations of each unit of the printing device 1. That is, the control unit 11 cooperates with a program (such as a print processing program) to realize various functions for the printing device 1 to perform print processing and the like. In this embodiment, the control unit 11 mainly functions as a display control means for controlling the operation of the display unit 14, a printing control means for controlling the operation of each part of the printing mechanism 15, an imaging control means for controlling the operation of each part of the imaging unit 16, a communication control means for controlling the operation of the communication unit 17, etc., and also functions as a status determination means, etc.

[0030] The control unit 11 as a display control means generates display data to be displayed on the display of the display unit 14 and outputs it to the display unit 14. For example, the control unit 11 generates image data for displaying a nail image acquired by the photographing unit 16, display data for displaying a design (nail design) or the like on the display unit, and display data for displaying various message screens, guidance screens, error display screens, and the like on the display of the display unit 14.

[0031] The control unit 11 as a print control means controls the operation of the print mechanism 15. Specifically, it controls the print head mechanism according to print data and ejects ink as appropriate. The control unit 11 as a print control means also grasps the position of the cartridge 151 according to the output from the position detection sensor 154, and operates the X-direction movement motor 152 and the Y-direction movement motor 153 to move the cartridge 151 in the X and Y directions as appropriate. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the control unit 31 of the terminal device 3 or the control unit 11 of the printing device 1, which serves as a status determination means, determines that the ink in the cartridge 151 is in a stirred state suitable for printing, it instructs the printing mechanism 15 of the printing device 1 to perform a printing operation.

[0032] The control unit 11 as an imaging control means controls the operation of the camera 161 and light source 162 of the imaging unit 16 to cause the light source 162 to illuminate the nail and its surroundings, and the camera 161 to capture an image of the nail, etc.

[0033] The control unit 31 of the terminal device 3 controls the communication unit 35 to communicate with the agitation device 2 to receive agitation information related to the cartridge 151 from the agitation device 2 . In this embodiment, the printing device 1 operates by receiving various instructions, such as an instruction to start printing, from the terminal device 3, and the control unit 11 of the printing device 1 receives these instructions via the communication unit 17. When an instruction is received from the terminal device 3 or the like, the control unit 11 causes each unit of the device to operate according to the instruction. In addition, when the selection of a design (nail design), the detection of the nail contour from the nail image, the generation of print data, etc. are performed by an external device such as the terminal device 3, the communication unit 17 is controlled to receive data of the selected design, the detected nail contour, the generated print data, etc. from the external device such as the terminal device 3.

[0034] Furthermore, the control unit 11 as a state determining means determines, in light of the agitation information, whether or not the ink in the cartridge 151 is in an agitation state suitable for printing at the time printing is performed using the cartridge 151. Specifically, the control unit 11, as a status determination means, compares the mixing end time included in the mixing information with the current time when printing is performed using the cartridge 151, and if a set time or more has passed since the mixing end time, it determines that the ink in the cartridge 151 is not in a mixing state suitable for printing.

[0035] Note that the "set time" here differs depending on the type of ink, the length of time it has been stirred, the model of the stirring device 2, the stirring method, etc. For this reason, a threshold value for the "set time" may be set for each type of ink. That is, for example, for a standard ink, the "set time" is set to about 3 hours, but for an ink in which the dispersoids settle at a relatively high rate (i.e., the ink settles easily), the "set time" may be set to about 1 hour, or any other appropriate time.

[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 11 determines whether the identification mark of the cartridge 151 included in the mixing information received from the terminal device 3 matches the identification mark of the cartridge 151 read by the reading unit 155, and if they do not match, determines that a cartridge 151 other than the cartridge 151 for which information has been obtained that it has been mixed is attached to the device.

[0037] [Configuration of the mixing device] The stirring device 2 is a device that stirs the ink contained in the cartridge 151 used in the printing device 1 outside the printing device 1. 1, the mixing device 2 has a substantially box-shaped housing 201. The mixing device 2 mixes the cartridge 151 attached inside the housing 201. The upper part of the housing 201 is an openable and closable lid 26. The lid 26 is attached to the body of the housing 201 via, for example, a hinge (not shown) and is opened and closed when the cartridge 151 is attached or detached (see the arrow in FIG. 1). There is no particular limitation on the configuration for opening and closing the lid part 26. For example, in this embodiment, the agitator 2 is provided with a lid opening / closing mechanism 261 (see FIG. 2) for electrically opening and closing the lid part 26, and when the agitator 2 receives an opening / closing request for opening and closing the lid part 26 from the terminal device 3, which is an external device, the control unit 21 of the agitator 2 opens and closes the lid part 26 by the lid opening / closing mechanism 261 in response to the request, and also causes the communication unit 35 to transmit agitation information to the terminal device 3.

[0038] Although not shown, the housing 201 is provided with, for example, a holding section for holding the cartridge 151 in a housed state when the cartridge 151 is housed therein, and a locking mechanism for maintaining the state held in the holding section. This prevents the cartridge 151 from jumping out of the housing 201 even during stirring. Note that the configuration for holding the cartridge 151 during ink stirring is not particularly limited, and various mechanisms can be applied. In addition, for example, by receiving an opening / closing request to open the lid portion 26, the locking mechanism is released along with the opening of the lid portion 26, and the cartridge 151 can be removed from inside the stirring device 2.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the agitator 2 includes a cover 26 and a cover opening / closing mechanism 261, as well as an operation unit 23, a reading unit 24, an agitation operation unit 25, a communication unit 27, a control device 20, and the like. The operation unit 23 is used by the user to input various information. The operation unit 23 is composed of operation buttons for performing various inputs, such as a power switch button for turning on / off the power of the stirring device 2, and a stirring start button for instructing the start of a stirring operation. When the operation unit 23 is operated, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is output to the control unit 21 of the control device 20, and the control unit 21 performs control according to the operation signal to operate each part of the agitation device 2. The agitation device 2 may receive input instructions from an operation unit 33 of the terminal device 3 described later and operate based on the input instructions.

[0040] The reader 24 reads the identification mark attached to the cartridge 151 housed in the housing 201 . The reading unit 24 is configured with a sensor or the like capable of reading an identification mark given in the form of, for example, a barcode, a QR code, or the like, similar to the reading unit 155 provided in the printing device 1. As the reading unit 24, one capable of reading the identification mark given to the cartridge 151 is applied.

[0041] The stirring operation unit 25 is a stirring unit that stirs the ink in the cartridge 151 . The stirring operation unit 25 stirs the ink in the cartridge 151 by, for example, vibrating, rocking, or the like the cartridge 151 together with the holding unit that holds the cartridge 151 in accordance with the identification information. The stirring operation unit 25 includes a stirring motor 251 for vibrating, or the like the holding unit. The operating speed etc. of the agitation motor 251 (vibration, rocking rhythm, pattern, etc. in addition to speed) are set appropriately. It is believed that the faster the operating speed, the greater the agitation effect, but the faster the operating speed, the louder the motor noise will be. Also, excessive agitation can cause problems such as foaming depending on the ink in the cartridge 151. For this reason, it is preferable that the operating speed etc. of the agitation motor 251 be determined according to the type of ink indicated by the identification information.

[0042] The operating speed etc. of the stirring motor 251 may be constant or variable. When the operating speed etc. of the stirring motor 251 is variable, the operating speed etc. of the stirring motor 251 may be set by the operation unit 23 of the stirring device 2, or may be set by an external device such as the terminal device 3. When the operation etc. of the stirring motor 251 is controlled in accordance with various settings, the operation control may be performed by the control unit 21 of the stirring device 2, or may be performed by an external device such as the terminal device 3.

[0043] Furthermore, the stirring operation unit 25 is not limited to a unit that stirs the ink in the cartridge 151 by vibrating or rocking the cartridge 151. For example, the cartridge 151 may be rotated, in which case the rotation speed, number of rotations, etc. may be appropriately adjusted. Furthermore, the stirring device 2 may apply minute vibrations or the like to the ink in the cartridge 151, instead of or in combination with the vibration, rocking, or rotation of the cartridge 151 by the stirring motor 251. For example, various actuators or ultrasonic vibration mechanisms that vibrate a holding portion that holds the cartridge 151 may be provided to transmit vibrations to the cartridge 151 held in the holding portion.

[0044] The specific configuration of the stirring operation unit 25 is not particularly limited. For example, the operation content of the stirring operation unit 25 may be appropriately selected and switched so that stirring is performed by an optimal method depending on the type of ink contained in the cartridge 151 set in the stirring device 2. The stirring time may also be appropriately set depending on the type of ink.

[0045] The communication unit 27 is a communication unit for communicating with an external device. In this embodiment, the "external device" refers to a terminal device 3, which will be described later, and the like. In this embodiment, in response to a transmission request from an external device such as a terminal device 3, the mixing information is transmitted to the terminal device 3. Here, the "agitation information" includes at least identification information (in this embodiment, an identification mark such as an ID) for identifying the cartridge 151 that has agitated the ink, and information on the time when the agitation ended. The specific communication method between the agitation device 2 and the terminal device 3 is similar to that of the communication unit 17 of the printing device 1, and therefore will not be described here.

[0046] The control device 20 provided in the stirring device 2 is a computer having a control unit 21 equipped with a CPU and the like (not shown), and a storage unit 22 equipped with a ROM, RAM and the like (not shown). The storage unit 22 stores various programs, data, etc. for performing the stirring operation. In this embodiment, the identification mark read from the cartridge 151 by the reading unit 24 is stored in the memory unit 22. The control unit 21 also functions as a clock and a timer, and acquires information such as the time when mixing was started and the time when mixing was completed for the cartridge 151. The information such as the time when mixing was completed is stored in the storage unit 22 as mixing information in association with the identification mark of the cartridge 151 in which mixing was performed.

[0047] The control unit 21 in this embodiment functions as an agitation control unit, a communication control unit, etc., and also functions as an agitation information generating unit, etc. The control unit 21, which serves as the stirring control means, controls the stirring motor 251 of the stirring unit 25. The operating speed, etc. of the stirring motor 251 may be adjusted as appropriate by the control unit 21. The control unit 21 may set the operating speed, etc. of the stirring motor 251 as appropriate, taking into consideration the ink usage status (e.g., the time elapsed since the last use), the type of ink to be stirred, the remaining amount of ink, etc. Also, a fixed value may be set in advance as a default.

[0048] The control unit 21 as a communication control means operates the communication unit 27 to communicate with the terminal device 3 (external device), and transmits mixing information to the terminal device 3 in response to a transmission request from the terminal device 3 (external device). In addition, when an open / close request is sent from an external device such as terminal device 3 to open and close the lid portion 26 after the ink in the cartridge 151 has been stirred, the control unit 21, which serves as a communication control means, causes the control unit 21 to transmit "mixing information" via the communication unit 27 to the external device that sent the open / close request (terminal device 3 in this embodiment).

[0049] The control unit 21, which serves as an agitation information generating means, generates agitation information regarding the cartridge 151 in which ink has been agitated. Specifically, the identification mark of the cartridge 151 is associated with at least information on the time when mixing was completed to generate “mixing information.” As described above, the generated “mixing information” is stored in the storage unit 22. The contents of the "agitation information" are not limited to those exemplified here. For example, the information may include model information of the agitation device 2, the agitation time (time from the start to the end of agitation) indicating how long the agitation was performed, and specific details of the agitation (for example, the operating speed of the agitation motor 251 during agitation, and if agitation operations such as rotation or application of fine vibrations other than vibrations using the agitation motor 251 were performed, the details of these, etc.).

[0050] [Terminal device configuration] The terminal device 3 is, for example, a portable terminal device such as a smartphone, a tablet-type terminal device (hereinafter referred to as a "tablet PC (Personal Computer)"), or a mobile phone. Note that the terminal device 3 is not limited to such a portable terminal device, and may be, for example, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, or the like.

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the terminal device 3 includes an operation unit 33, a display unit 34, a communication unit 35, a control device 30, and the like.

[0052] The operation unit 33 is capable of performing various inputs and settings in response to user operations, and is, for example, a touch panel integrally provided on a display unit 34 described later. When the operation unit 33 is operated, an input signal corresponding to the operation is transmitted to the control unit 31. Various operation screens are displayed on the touch panel configured in the display unit 34 under the control of the control unit 31, and the user can perform various input, setting, and other operations by touching the touch panel. Note that the operation unit 33 for performing various input, setting, and other operations is not limited to a touch panel. The communication unit 35 communicates with the printing device 1 and the mixing device 2. Note that the specific configuration of the communication unit 35 is similar to that of the communication unit 17 of the printing device 1 and the communication unit 27 of the mixing device 2, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0053] The control device 30 is a computer including a control unit 31 having a processor such as a CPU (not shown), and a storage unit 32 having a ROM, a RAM, etc. (neither of which are shown).

[0054] The control unit 31 controls each unit of the terminal device 3. The control unit 31 reads out a specified program from among the system programs and application programs stored in the storage unit 32, expands it in a work area of ​​the RAM, and executes various processes according to the program. In particular, in this embodiment, a nail print application program 321 (referred to as "Nail Print AP" in FIG. 2) is stored in the memory unit 32, and the control unit 31, in cooperation with this program, realizes various functions related to printing control processing using the printing device 1. In addition, the storage unit 32 also stores data on designs (nail designs) used for nail printing.

[0055] In this embodiment, the control unit 31 functions as a communication control unit that controls the communication unit 35 to transmit and receive information. The control unit 31, which functions as a communication control means, receives mixing information regarding the cartridge 151 from the mixing device 2, which mixes the ink in the cartridge 151, via the communication unit 35, and transmits the mixing information to the printing device 1, which prints using the cartridge 151.

[0056] In this embodiment, the control unit 31 is configured to transmit a request to open and close the lid portion 26 of the stirring device 2 and a request to transmit the stirring information to the stirring device 2 after the stirring device 2 stirs the ink in the cartridge 151. Note that the request to open and close the lid portion 26 and the request to transmit the stirring information do not have to be transmitted simultaneously, and there is no restriction on the order in which they are transmitted. However, in this embodiment, when a request to open the lid part 26 is transmitted from the terminal device 3, the lid part 26 of the agitator 2 is opened and the lock of the cartridge 151 is released. This allows the user to remove the cartridge 151 from the agitator 2, so it is preferable that the agitation information is transmitted to the terminal device 3 immediately before or after the removal of the cartridge 151 so that it is clear that the agitation information relates to the cartridge 151.

[0057] The control unit 31 also transmits a print start instruction to the printing device 1 to instruct the printing device 1 to start printing, and transmits the mixing information to the printing device 1. The print start instruction and the mixing information do not have to be transmitted at the same time, and there is no restriction on the order in which they are transmitted. However, as described below, the printing device 1 refers to the agitation information to determine whether or not printing processing can be performed, so the agitation information is sent to the printing device 1 around the time of the print start instruction.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 31 of the terminal device 3 may function as a nail information detection unit or a print data generation unit, for example, by performing image analysis on the nail image acquired by the photographing unit 161 of the printing device 1 to detect the range of the nail to be printed (i.e., the nail outline) and generate print data by fitting a desired nail design within this nail outline. Also, various correction processes may be performed on the print data. In this embodiment, the stirring device 2 is separated from the printing device 1, and the stirring status of the cartridge 151 can be appropriately grasped according to information from the stirring device 2. Furthermore, if the detection of nail information, generation of print data, correction processing of print data, etc. are performed by the external terminal device 3, and the control unit 11 of the printing device 1 receives the final print data and performs printing processing, the processing load of the control unit 11 can be reduced.

[0059] [Operation of the mixing device, printing device and terminal device] Next, the operations and control methods of the stirring device 2, the printing device 1, and the terminal device 3 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0060] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing between the agitation device and the terminal device in this embodiment. In this embodiment, for example, after the printing process of the printing device 1 has ended for one day, or before the printing process of the printing device 1 is started, the cartridge 151 is removed from the printing device 1 and set in the stirring device 2, and the ink is stirred by the stirring device 2. The stirring operation may be started automatically when the cartridge 151 is attached to the stirring device 2, or may be started by receiving a stirring instruction from the terminal device 3 or the like. The stirring operation may be automatically stopped after a certain period of time, but it is preferable that the stirring be performed until immediately before printing is performed using the cartridge 151, and the stirring operation may be performed continuously or intermittently as needed until a request to open the lid portion 26 or an instruction to remove the cartridge 151 is sent from the terminal device 3 or the like, which will be described later. In this embodiment, a case will be illustrated in which stirring is continued continuously until a request to open the lid portion 26 is sent from the terminal device 3 or the like.

[0061] When the cartridge 151 is removed from the printing device 1 and set in the mixing device 2 (i.e., attached to the holder), as shown in FIG. 3, the reading unit 24 of the mixing device 2 reads the identification mark of the cartridge 151 and stores it in the memory unit 22, etc. (step S1). Then, at the same time as being set, or upon receiving an instruction from the terminal device 3 or the like, the stirring process is performed in the stirring device 2 (step S2). The stirring continues, for example, until an open / close request to open and close the lid portion 26 is transmitted from the terminal device 3 or the like. The cartridge 151 set in the stirring device 2 and subjected to the stirring process is, for example, a cartridge 151 for base printing that stores base ink containing dispersoids such as titanium oxide as a coloring material (white component) in an ink storage section. The cartridge 151 to be stirred is not limited to the cartridge 151 for base printing, and if the cartridge 151 has ink in which multiple types of materials inside are separated, the stirring device 2 may also be used to stir the ink.

[0062] When starting printing using the printing device 1, or when removing the cartridge 151 from the agitating device 2 and installing it in the printing device 1, a request to open the lid portion 26 is sent from the terminal device 3 to the agitating device 2, requesting that the lid portion 26 be opened and the cartridge 151 be removed (step S3). When a request to open and close the lid 26 is received from the terminal device 3 (step S4), the control unit 21 of the stirring device 2 ends the stirring, and as a stirring information generating unit, associates the end time (mixing end time) with the identification mark of the cartridge 151, and stores it as "mixing information" in the storage unit 22 (step S5, mixing information generating step). Note that the storage process in step S5 may be performed after the stirring process in step S2 is completed. Then, the generated "mixing information" is transmitted to the terminal device 3 (step S6, transmission step). When the terminal device 3 receives the mixing information from the mixing device 2 (step S7), the process ends. In the illustrated example, the agitation device 2 transmits the "agitation information" to the terminal device 3, triggered by an open-receive request from the terminal device 3, but it is not essential that the open-receive request be used as a trigger. For example, a command requesting the transmission of the "agitation information" may be prepared regardless of the open-receive request, and the "agitation information" may be transmitted in accordance with this command.

[0063] In the agitator 2, the cartridge 151 held in the housing 201 is unlocked (step S8), and the lid portion 26 is opened and closed (step S9). When an open / close request is received from the terminal device 3, the agitator 2 may be automatically unlocked and the lid portion 26 may be opened and closed in accordance with a command or the like included in the open / close request. When the agitator 2 is unlocked and the cover 26 is opened, the agitation process of the agitator 2 ends. After that, the user removes the cartridge 151 from the agitator 2 and installs the cartridge 151 in the printing device 1 to be used.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the process between the printing device and the terminal device in this embodiment. In this embodiment, when the cartridge 151 is attached to the printing device 1, the reading unit 155 reads the identification mark of the cartridge 151 and stores it in the storage unit 12 or the like (step S11). When the "agitation information" is sent from the terminal device 3 (step S12), the printing device 1 receives the "agitation information" (step S13, receiving step). For example, when the cartridge 151 is mounted, the printing device 1 may send a command to the terminal device 3 requesting the terminal device 3 to send the "agitation information", and the terminal device 3 may then send the "agitation information" to the printing device 1 that has sent the command.

[0065] Furthermore, when a user inputs a request to start printing by operating the operation unit 13 of the printing device 1 or the operation unit 33 of the terminal device 3, a print instruction (print start instruction) is sent from the terminal device 3 to the printing device 1 (step S14). Note that the "mixing information" may be sent from the terminal device 3 to the printing device 1 at this point. When a print instruction is received from the terminal device 3 (step S15), the control unit 11 of the printing device 1 compares the identification mark of the cartridge 151 installed in the device read by the reading unit 155 with the identification mark included in the "mixing information" and judges whether they are the same or not (step S16). If the identification mark read by the reading unit 155 matches the identification mark included in the "mixing information" (step S16; YES), the control unit 11 of the printing device 1 further judges whether the mixing end time of the cartridge is within a set time from the current time or not (step S17, state judgment step). Note that the "set time" is, for example, 3 hours as described above, but is not limited to this. Also, in step S17, it is judged whether it is within the set time or not, but it is not limited to this and it may be judged whether it is shorter than the set time or not.

[0066] If the mixing end time of the cartridge 151 is within the "set time" from the current time (step S17; YES), the control unit 11 controls each part of the printing mechanism 15 to perform printing processing (step S18). Note that data required for printing processing, such as print data, may be transmitted from the terminal device 3 when a print instruction is transmitted from the terminal device 3 to the printing device 1. Furthermore, such data may be transmitted to the printing device 1 at any earlier stage. Furthermore, the print data, etc. may be generated by the control unit 11, etc. of the printing device 1 and output to the printing mechanism 15 as appropriate. In this embodiment, by sharing mixing information regarding mixing between the printing device 1 and the mixing device 2 in this manner, when the ink in the cartridge 151 is mixed by a device other than the printing device 1 (i.e., the mixing device 2), the mixing status of the cartridge 151 subsequently installed in the printing device 1 (i.e., whether mixing was performed appropriately within a set time, for example) can be automatically determined.

[0067] In contrast to the above, if the identification mark read by the reading unit 155 does not match the identification mark included in the "mixing information" (step S16; NO), or if the identification marks match (step S16; YES) but the mixing end time of the cartridge 151 is not within the "set time" from the current time (if the "set time" has been exceeded, such as if more than three hours have passed, step S17; NO), the control unit 11 determines that the cartridge 151 cannot be used for printing. In this case, the control unit 11 displays an error message on the display unit 14 or the like indicating that the printing process cannot be executed (step S19), and ends the process.

[0068] In this manner, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a cartridge 151 in which the ink is not properly agitated from being used for printing. The error display is not limited to being displayed on the display unit 14 of the printer 1, and may also be displayed on the display unit 34 of the terminal device 3, for example. Even if an error is displayed, printing itself may be possible. For example, even if the mixing end time of the cartridge 151 is not within the "set time" from the current time (step S17; NO), the user may be asked to decide whether or not to perform printing together with an explanation of the situation, such as how much the "set time" has been exceeded.

[0069] As described above, according to this embodiment, since there is no need to provide an agitation means within the printing device 1, it is possible to prevent the printing device 1 from becoming larger. Furthermore, even if the printing device 1 is not provided with a display unit 14, the display unit 34 of the terminal device 3 can serve as a substitute for the display unit 14, thereby enabling the printing device 1 to be further miniaturized. The terminal device 3 includes a communication unit 35, which is a communication means for communicating with an external device, and a control unit 31, which is a communication control means for controlling the communication unit 35 to transmit and receive information, and the control unit 31 receives agitation information related to the cartridge 151 from the agitation device 2 that agitates the ink in the cartridge 151 via the communication unit 35, and transmits the agitation information to the printing device 1 that performs printing using the cartridge 151. When printing is performed using an ink in which dispersoids are likely to settle, it is preferable to stir the ink as close as possible to immediately before printing. In this embodiment, ink stirring is performed by an external device (stirring device 2 in this embodiment) different from the printing device 1, and stirring information indicating the ink stirring status for cartridge 151, etc. is shared between the printing device 1 and the stirring device 2 via the terminal device 3. Therefore, it is possible to automatically determine whether or not the ink in the cartridge 151 to be used for printing in the printing device 1 is in an appropriate agitation state. Since the base printing can be performed using ink that has been properly stirred, high-quality nail printing can be performed without uneven density, etc. Also, it is possible to prevent the nozzle opening of the cartridge 151 from clogging and causing ejection problems.

[0070] In addition, in the stirring device 3 of this embodiment, when ink is stirred until the lid portion 26 is opened, the stirring device 3 receives ``stirring information'' at the time of a request to open the lid portion 26, and receives ``stirring information'' immediately after stirring has ended, and can share this information between the printing device 1 and the stirring device 2. This makes it possible to more reliably determine whether the ink stirring state is appropriate.

[0071] Furthermore, the control unit 31, which functions as a communication control unit of the terminal device 3 in this embodiment, transmits a print instruction (print start instruction) to the printing device 1 to instruct the printing device 1 to start printing, and also transmits agitation information to the printing device 1. Therefore, when printing with the printing device 1, it is possible to determine whether the ink in the cartridge 151 to be used for printing is in an appropriate agitation state, and it is possible to prevent the erroneous use of ink that has not been agitated for a long time for printing.

[0072] In addition, the stirring device 2 of this embodiment generates stirring information and transmits the stirring information to an external device such as a terminal device 3, thereby enabling the stirring status of the cartridge 151 in which ink has been stirred in the stirring device 2 to be shared between the stirring device 2 and the external device. This allows the external device that receives the agitation information to determine whether the ink in the cartridge 151 is in an appropriate agitation state.

[0073] In this embodiment, the agitation information includes at least identification information for identifying the cartridge 151 that has agitated the ink and information on the time when the agitation ended. As a result, when an external device such as the printing device 1 receives the mixing information, it can accurately determine when the cartridge 151 to be used for printing was mixed.

[0074] Furthermore, the stirring device 2 of this embodiment is provided with a lid portion 26 that is opened and closed when the cartridge 151 is attached and detached, and stirs the cartridge 151 by attaching it inside. When an open / close request is sent from an external device to open the lid portion 26 after the ink in the cartridge 151 has been stirred, the control unit 21, which serves as a communication control means, transmits stirring information via the communication unit 27 to an external device, such as the terminal device 3, which is the external device that sent the open / close request. Therefore, it is possible to share with an external device the agitation information at the timing of removal of the cartridge 151. This makes it possible to prevent a cartridge in which a long time has passed since the ink was agitated from being used for printing.

[0075] The printing device 1 of this embodiment also includes a printing mechanism 15 as a printing means that prints using the cartridge 151, a control unit 11 as a printing control means that controls the printing mechanism 15, a communication unit 17 that communicates with an external device (terminal device 3 in this embodiment), and the control unit 11 as a communication control means that receives mixing information regarding the cartridge 151 from the external device (terminal device 3 that communicates with the mixing device 2) via the communication unit 17. As a result, even if the ink is stirred by an external device other than the printing device 1 (the stirring device 2 in this embodiment), stirring information indicating the ink stirring status for the cartridge 151, etc. is shared between the printing device 1 and the stirring device 2 via the terminal device 3. Therefore, it is possible to automatically determine whether or not the ink in the cartridge 151 to be used for printing in the printing device 1 is in an appropriate agitation state.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 11 is provided as a state determination means for determining whether or not the ink in the cartridge 151 is in a state suitable for printing at the time of printing using the cartridge 151 in accordance with the mixing information, and the control unit 11 controls the printing mechanism 15 to perform a printing operation when the ink in the cartridge 151 is in a state suitable for printing. In this manner, in this embodiment, printing is performed when the ink in the cartridge 151 is in an appropriately agitated state. Therefore, even when printing is performed using ink in which dispersoids are prone to settling, printing with insufficient stirring can be prevented.

[0077] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the control unit 11, as a state determination means, determines that the ink in the cartridge 151 is not in a state suitable for printing if, at the time printing is performed using the cartridge 151, a set time or more has passed since the end of mixing time included in the mixing information. Since the settling of dispersoids in the ink progresses over time, it is preferable to stir the ink as soon as possible before printing. In this embodiment, if too much time has passed since stirring was completed, it can be determined that the ink is not suitable for printing, and ink in which dispersoids have undergone severe settling can be prevented from being used for printing. This makes it possible to perform high-quality printing without uneven density.

[0078] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and various modifications are possible without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0079] For example, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, an example is given of a printing device 1 and an agitation device 2 transmitting and receiving agitation information via a terminal device 3, but it is not essential to use the terminal device 3 as an external device. For example, the communication unit 17 of the printing device 1 and the communication unit 27 of the mixing device 2 may be capable of communicating directly with each other, and the mixing device 2 may transmit mixing information directly to the printing device 1 as an external device. In this case, the printing device 1 may transmit an open / close request to the agitation device 2 to open and close the lid portion 26. Even if the terminal device 3 is used as the external device, the agitation device 2 may transmit the agitation information to the printing device 1 without going through the terminal device 3. In this case, the display unit 34 of the terminal device 3 may display an error message in step S19.

[0080] In this case, when the ink is stirred by an external device (stirring device 2 in this embodiment) other than the printing device 1, stirring information indicating the ink stirring status for the cartridge 151 is shared between the printing device 1 and the stirring device 2. Therefore, it is possible to automatically determine whether or not the ink in the cartridge 151 to be used for printing in the printing device 1 is in an appropriate agitation state. Since the base printing can be performed using ink that has been properly stirred, high-quality nail printing can be performed without uneven density, etc. Also, it is possible to prevent the nozzle opening of the cartridge 151 from clogging and causing ejection problems.

[0081] In this embodiment, the printer 1 is described as having both a cartridge for base printing and a cartridge for design printing as the cartridge 151, but the printer is not limited to this. For example, the printer may be a dedicated machine for base printing that has only a cartridge 151 for base printing that stores ink that needs to be stirred by the stirring device 2 (for example, base ink containing titanium oxide, etc.). In this case, after printing the base, the finger is switched to a printer having a cartridge for design printing that prints various color inks (i.e., design ink), and the nail design is printed.

[0082] Furthermore, the printing device 1 does not necessarily have to include a cartridge for base printing as the cartridge 151. Even in this case, if the cartridges for design printing include a cartridge that stores ink containing dispersoids with a high specific gravity, the same process as in this embodiment is performed for that cartridge.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the printing device 1 performs printing operations in cooperation with the terminal device 3 (such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal) which is an external device, but the printing device is not limited to this. For example, the printing device may be configured to be able to complete printing operations by itself. In this case, for example, the selection of a design (nail design), image processing for detecting a nail outline from a nail image, generation of print data, etc. may all be performed by the printing device 1. In this case, even if one does not have a terminal device, one can enjoy nail printing using the printing device.

[0084] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. The inventions described in the claims originally attached to this application are set forth below. The claim numbers in the appended claims are the same as those in the claims originally attached to this application. [Additional Notes] <Claim 1> agitation means for agitating the ink in the cartridge; an agitation information generating unit for generating agitation information relating to the cartridge in which the ink has been agitated; A communication means for communicating with an external device; a communication control means for controlling the communication means to transmit the mixing information to the external device in response to a transmission request from the external device; A stirring device comprising: <Claim 2> 2. The mixing device according to claim 1, wherein the mixing information includes at least identification information for identifying the cartridge that has mixed the ink and information on the time when mixing was completed. <Claim 3> 3. The mixing device according to claim 1, wherein the communication control means transmits the mixing information directly or indirectly to a printing device as the external device. <Claim 4> A communication means for communicating with an external device; a communication control means for controlling the communication means to transmit and receive information; Equipped with The terminal device is characterized in that the communication control means receives mixing information regarding the cartridge from an mixing device that mixes the ink in the cartridge via the communication means, and transmits the mixing information to a printing device that prints using the cartridge. <Claim 5> the communication control means issues an instruction to remove the cartridge to the stirring device via the communication means; 5. The terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the communication means receives the mixing information in response to the instruction. <Claim 6> 6. The terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the communication control unit transmits a print start instruction to the printing device to start printing, and transmits the agitation information to the printing device. <Claim 7> A printing means for performing printing using a cartridge; A print control means for controlling the print means; A communication means for communicating with an external device; a communication control means for receiving mixing information related to the cartridge from an external device, that is, an mixing device or a terminal device communicating with the mixing device, via the communication means; A printing device comprising: <Claim 8> a state determining unit that determines whether the ink in the cartridge is in a state suitable for printing based on the mixing information at the time when printing is performed using the cartridge, 8. The printing device according to claim 7, wherein the print control means controls the printing means so as to perform a printing operation when it is determined that the ink in the cartridge is in a state of agitation suitable for printing. <Claim 9> The printing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the state determination means determines that the ink in the cartridge is not in a state suitable for printing if, at the time of printing using the cartridge, a set time or more has passed since the end of mixing time included in the mixing information. <Claim 10> Stir the ink in the cartridge generating agitation information relating to the cartridge in which the ink has been agitated; In response to a transmission request from an external device, the mixing information is transmitted to the external device. A control method comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1 Printing device 11 Control section 12 Storage section 14 Display section 15 Printing mechanism 151 Cartridge 155 Reading unit 17 Communications Department 2. Mixing device 21 Control section 22 Memory section 24 Reading section 25 Mixing section 26 Lid 27 Communications Department 3 Printing device 31 Control Unit 32 Storage section 34 Display section 37 Communications Department

Claims

1. agitation means for agitating the ink in the cartridge; an agitation information generating unit for generating agitation information relating to the cartridge in which the ink has been agitated; A communication means for communicating with an external device; a communication control means for controlling the communication means to transmit the mixing information to the external device in response to a transmission request from the external device; A stirring device comprising:

2. The mixing device according to claim 1 , wherein the mixing information includes at least identification information for identifying the cartridge that has mixed the ink and information on the time when mixing was completed.

3. 3. The mixing device according to claim 1, wherein the communication control means transmits the mixing information directly or indirectly to a printing device as the external device.

4. A communication means for communicating with an external device; a communication control means for controlling the communication means to transmit and receive information; Equipped with The terminal device is characterized in that the communication control means receives mixing information regarding the cartridge from an mixing device that mixes the ink in the cartridge via the communication means, and transmits the mixing information to a printing device that prints using the cartridge.

5. the communication control means issues an instruction to remove the cartridge to the stirring device via the communication means; 5. The terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the communication means receives the mixing information in response to the instruction.

6. 6. The terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the communication control means transmits a print start instruction to the printing device to instruct the printing device to start printing, and transmits the agitation information to the printing device.

7. A printing means for performing printing using a cartridge; A print control means for controlling the print means; A communication means for communicating with an external device; a communication control means for receiving mixing information related to the cartridge from an external device, that is, an mixing device or a terminal device that communicates with the mixing device, via the communication means; A printing device comprising:

8. a state determining unit that determines whether the ink in the cartridge is in a state suitable for printing based on the mixing information at the time when printing is performed using the cartridge, 8. The printing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the print control means controls the printing means so as to perform a printing operation when it is determined that the ink in the cartridge is in a state of agitation suitable for printing.

9. The printing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the state determination means determines that the ink in the cartridge is not in a state suitable for printing if, at the time of printing using the cartridge, a set time or more has passed since the end of mixing time included in the mixing information.

10. Stir the ink in the cartridge generating agitation information relating to the cartridge in which the ink has been agitated; In response to a transmission request from an external device, the mixing information is transmitted to the external device. A control method comprising:

11. A printing device that prints using ink filled in an ink cartridge; an agitator for agitating the ink filled in the ink cartridge; a terminal device that, when the ink cartridge is removed from the stirring device and the ink cartridge is installed in the printing device, receives stirring status information of the ink cartridge from the stirring device and transmits the received stirring status information to the printing device; An ink management system comprising:

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