Printing System

Abstract

To provide a printing system that uses environmentally-friendly consumable supplies.SOLUTION: The printing system comprises: a liquid supply container that stores liquid; a printing device that receives liquid supply from the liquid supply container and performs printing; a photographing device that obtains image information including at least a portion of the liquid supply container; an obtaining part that obtains reference information; a determining part that collates the image information with the reference information and performs determination on whether liquid supply should be made or not, in accordance with a collated result; and a control part that controls the printing device in accordance with the determination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a printing system. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, printers are refilled with ink using consumables such as ink cartridges and ink bottles. For example, as described in Patent Document 1, a technology is known for replacing ink cartridges, in which a wireless tag provided on the ink cartridge is used to recognize color information of the ink cartridge, and a carriage moves according to the information, so that the ink cartridge that needs to be replaced is positioned at the replacement position. Also, as described in Patent Document 2, a technology is known in which an ink bottle with a concave-convex portion is used to properly connect the ink bottle to the ink inlet on the printer by fitting it to the concave-convex portion on the ink tank. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. WO2003 / 082582 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2017-222152 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when consumable containers such as ink cartridges and ink bottles are equipped with wireless tags or IC chips, plastic and metal are mixed, and there is a risk of a large environmental impact when they are disposed of. In addition, when discarding plastic containers, if the containers have uneven surfaces, the amount of waste increases, which increases the environmental impact. For this reason, a printing system that uses environmentally friendly consumables is desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a printing system including a liquid supply container that contains liquid, a printing device that receives liquid supply from the liquid supply container and performs printing, an imaging device that acquires image information including at least a portion of the liquid supply container, an acquisition unit that acquires reference information, a determination unit that compares the image information with the reference information and determines whether or not the liquid can be supplied based on a comparison result, and a control unit that controls the printing device based on the determination. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a printing system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram of the printing apparatus. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a liquid supply container. [Figure 4] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure for a liquid refill process. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a replenishing process. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a carriage in a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a liquid supply container in a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a printing device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a liquid replenishment process in the third embodiment. [Figure 10] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the liquid supply container. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the replenishing process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] A. First embodiment: FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a printing system 500 in the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an internal block diagram of a printing device 100 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 500 includes the printing device 100 and a liquid supply container 200, which is an example of a consumable. The liquid supply container 200 is a consumable of the printing system 500. The printing device 100 is an inkjet printer that receives liquid supply from the liquid supply container 200 that contains liquid and performs printing. Specifically, in the printing device 100, liquid is injected from the liquid supply container 200 into a liquid container 113 arranged on a carriage 110, and the liquid injected into the liquid container 113 is supplied to a print head 115 to perform printing on a printing medium. The printing device 100 is an on-carriage type printer in which the liquid container 113 is mounted on the carriage 110. The carriage 110 moves back and forth in a main scanning direction Dm when performing a printing operation. The main scanning direction Dm is the width direction of the printing medium on which printing is performed.

[0008] A plurality of liquid containers 113 are provided. In this embodiment, for example, five liquid containers 113 are provided. Of the five liquid containers 113, three liquid containers 113 contain cyan ink, magenta ink, and yellow ink, and two liquid containers 113 contain black ink. When the printing device 100 is in an initial state or when the liquid in the liquid containers 113 has been consumed, the liquid is replenished into the liquid containers 113 using the corresponding liquid supply containers 200. For example, five types of liquid supply containers 200 are prepared corresponding to the five liquid containers 113.

[0009] The printing device 100 includes a control device 400, an imaging device 300, a carriage 110, a locking mechanism 112, a notification unit 120, and a waste liquid tank 117. As shown in Fig. 2, the control device 400 includes a memory unit 140 configured with RAM and ROM, and a CPU 50. The CPU 50 functions as an acquisition unit 10, a determination unit 20, a control unit 30, and a print execution unit 40 by executing a program pre-installed in the memory unit 140. However, some or all of the functions of each of these units may be realized by a hardware circuit.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 1, the imaging device 300 is a camera that captures an image including image information for identifying the liquid supply container 200. The imaging device 300 is exposed when the cover 122 on the top of the printing device 100 is opened. It is preferable that a plurality of imaging devices 300 are provided so that the liquid supply container 200 can be photographed from a plurality of angles. It is also preferable that the imaging device 300 is rotatable so that the imaging target range can be switched between a state before the liquid supply container 200 and the printing device 100 are connected and a state in which the liquid supply container 200 and the printing device 100 are connected. In this embodiment, the imaging device 300 is provided in the printing device 100, but may be configured to be detachable from the printing device 100, such as a smartphone or mobile phone having a camera. The image information includes information for identifying which liquid container 113 the liquid supply container 200 corresponds to. For example, the image information includes at least one or more pieces of information for identifying the liquid supply container 200 as follows.

[0011] <First information> Information showing the external shape of the liquid supply container 200 <Second information> Color information relating to the liquid contained in the liquid supply container 200, such as a film or label having a portion printed in that color, or a film or label on which textual information representing the color is printed, or at least a portion of the liquid supply container is dyed in that color, etc. <Third information> Character information provided on the liquid supply container 200, such as the product number of the liquid supply container 200 <4th information> Code information provided on the liquid supply container 200, for example, a QR code (registered trademark) including information related to the liquid supply container 200 <5th information> Information regarding an infrared-reflective material, such as aluminum, included in the liquid supply container 200

[0012] The five types of liquid supply containers 200 corresponding to the five liquid containers 113 are configured to be identifiable by at least one of the above-mentioned first to fifth information. For example, when the liquid supply containers 200 are configured to be identifiable by the first information, the five types of liquid supply containers 200 each have a different external shape. For example, when the liquid supply containers 200 are configured to be identifiable by the second information, the liquid supply containers 200 have color information on their outer surfaces that indicates the color of the liquid contained therein. For example, when the liquid supply containers 200 are configured to be identifiable by the third information, the liquid supply containers 200 have character information on their outer surfaces that corresponds to each type. For example, when the liquid supply containers 200 are configured to be identifiable by the fourth information, the liquid supply containers 200 have code information on their outer surfaces that corresponds to each type. For example, when the liquid supply containers 200 are configured to be identifiable by the fifth information, the liquid supply containers 200 have members that reflect infrared rays and have different sizes, shapes, etc. according to the types.

[0013] Moreover, the first to fifth information and other information can be appropriately combined to form image information. The image information can be obtained from the image captured by the imaging device 300 using a known image analysis technique.

[0014] The acquisition unit 10 acquires the reference information stored in the storage unit 140. The reference information is information that serves as a reference for use by the determination unit 20 when making a determination, such as reference image information. The reference information may be stored in an external device of the printing device 100. The determination unit 20 compares the image information acquired by the imaging device 300 with the reference information acquired by the acquisition unit 10, and makes a determination as to whether or not liquid can be supplied from the liquid supply container 200 according to the comparison result. The determination unit 20 performs the comparison using a known technique such as pattern matching. The control unit 30 controls the printing device 100 according to the determination of the determination unit 20. For example, the control unit 30 controls various operations in the printing device 100 when injecting liquid from the liquid supply container 200 into the liquid container 113 according to the determination of the determination unit 20. The print execution unit 40 performs control for performing printing. Details of the determination content of the determination unit 20 will be described later.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1, the carriage 110 includes five liquid containers 113, five cover members 111, a print head 115, and five lighting units 130. The five liquid containers 113 communicate with the print head 115 and contain liquid to be supplied to the print head 115. The print head 115 mounted on the carriage 110 ejects the liquid contained in each liquid container 113 toward, for example, a print medium. Each liquid container 113 includes a liquid inlet 114 as a liquid inlet portion through which liquid is injected from the outside and flows in. The liquid inlet 114 communicates with the print head 115. The liquid inlet 114 may be a hole with an inlet provided on a plane of an exterior member or an adapter mounted so as to cover at least a part of the top surface of the liquid container 113, or may be a conduit provided along the central axis of the hole. When liquid inlet 114 is a conduit, the conduit may protrude outward from the entrance of the hole, or may be provided so that its tip is recessed inside the hole. Alternatively, there may be no exterior member or adapter, and a cylindrical conduit serving as liquid inlet 114 may protrude from the wall of liquid container 113, or a hole serving as liquid inlet 114 may be formed in the wall of liquid container 113. In this embodiment, liquid inlet 114 serving as a liquid inlet communicates with print head 115 via liquid container 113. Note that the number of liquid containers 113, cover members 111, and lighting units 130 is not limited to five, and may be one or more.

[0016] Cover members 111 are provided corresponding to each liquid container 113. Cover members 111 are levers that can be switched between two states: a closed state in which liquid inlet 114 of liquid container 113 is covered, and an open state in which liquid inlet 114 is exposed. Cover member 111 can be switched between the closed state and the open state by a user rotating operation part 111b, which is the other end, around one end 111a as a fulcrum.

[0017] The five lighting units 130 are light source devices provided at positions corresponding to the five liquid containers 113, respectively. The lighting units 130 are switched between a lighted state and an unlighted state under the control of the control unit 30.

[0018] The lock mechanism 112 is a mechanism that can switch between a first state in which the cover member 111 cannot transition from a closed state to an open state, and a second state in which the cover member 111 can transition from a closed state to an open state. In this embodiment, the lock mechanism 112 is a plate-like member provided above the carriage 110, and can be set to the first state by covering the operation unit 111b to restrict a user's operation of the operation unit 111b. The plate-like member has an opening 112a for exposing the operation unit 111b.

[0019] In FIG. 1, the printing device 100 is in a stopped state where a printing operation is not being performed, and in this state, the carriage 110 is located at a home position at one end of the main scanning direction Dm. In the home position of the carriage 110, all of the operation units 111b are covered by the locking mechanism 112, so that the user cannot pour liquid from the liquid supply container 200 into the liquid container 113. On the other hand, when the control unit 30 identifies the liquid container 113 to which the liquid supply container 200 is connected, that is, the liquid container 113 to which liquid is to be replenished, in accordance with the determination of the determination unit 20, the control unit 30 moves the carriage 110 so that the opening 112a is positioned above the target cover member 111 in order to set the cover member 111 covering the identified liquid container 113 to the second state. In this way, the control unit 30 switches the locking mechanism 112 from the first state to the second state. Note that the printing device 100 does not necessarily have to include the locking mechanism 112.

[0020] Notification unit 120 notifies the user about the refilling of liquid and related information using the remaining amount of liquid under the control of control unit 30. Examples of related information include the time required to refill liquid, the number of prints possible when all the liquid in liquid supply container 200 is refilled, and information indicating whether the amount of liquid in liquid container 113 is sufficient to complete refilling. In this embodiment, notification unit 120 is a display device, but is not limited to this, and for example, an audio device such as a speaker may be used.

[0021] The waste liquid tank 117 is a container that contains liquid that is not used for printing and is ejected from the print head 115. For example, the waste liquid tank 117 communicates with a cleaning mechanism (not shown) that sucks liquid from the print head 115. The liquid inside the print head 115 that is sucked by the cleaning mechanism flows into the waste liquid tank 117. The waste liquid tank 117 is a replaceable detachable member, and is a consumable item that is replaced with a new waste liquid tank 117 when a predetermined amount of liquid is contained in the tank.

[0022] 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a liquid supply container 200 in this embodiment. The liquid supply container 200 is a container that contains liquid. In this embodiment, the liquid supply container 200 has a transparent or semi-transparent wall portion 210 that allows the remaining amount of contained liquid to be visually confirmed. Also, in this embodiment, the liquid supply container 200 has color information 201, character information 202, and code information 203 printed thereon that relate to the contained liquid.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of the liquid refill process. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the refill process. The liquid refill process is a process for supplying the liquid contained in the liquid supply container 200 to the liquid container 113. The liquid refill process is started, for example, when the user opens the cover 122 shown in FIG. 1. At the start of this process, the conditions for the liquid to be refilled are determined in advance. For example, this condition is that the control device 400 detects that the remaining amount of liquid in the liquid container 113 is small. The remaining amount of liquid can be detected by, for example, a known technique, such as an optical detection technique.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 4, the imaging device 300 acquires image information in step S100. More specifically, the imaging device 300 captures images at predetermined intervals to acquire captured images, and acquires image information from the captured images. Next, the acquisition unit 10 acquires reference information in step S110. Note that steps S100 and S110 are not limited to this order, and may be performed in any order or in parallel. Also, step S110 may be performed after step S120, which will be described later.

[0025] Next, in step S120, determination unit 20 determines whether liquid supply container 200 can be recognized from the captured image acquired in step S100. That is, for example, it is determined whether liquid supply container 200 has been placed within the capture target range of imaging device 300 by a user. If liquid supply container 200 can be recognized, the process proceeds to step S130. On the other hand, if liquid supply container 200 cannot be recognized, the process returns to step S100. That is, printing system 500 repeats the processes of steps S100 to S120 until liquid supply container 200 can be recognized. Note that the liquid refill process may be terminated when a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0026] In step S130, the determination unit determines whether or not the recognized liquid supply container 200 is capable of refilling liquid container 113, which is the target for refilling liquid. More specifically, the determination unit 20 compares the image information of liquid supply container 200 recognized in step S120 with the reference information acquired in step S110 to determine whether or not the liquid supply container 200 corresponds to the liquid container 113 to be refilled. As the determination condition, for example, any one or more of the following conditions, including a first condition, can be adopted. The determination condition is determined in advance at the start of the liquid refill process.

[0027] <First condition> Liquid supply 200 contains a liquid of a predetermined color. <Second condition> The liquid supply container 200 contains at least a predetermined amount of liquid. <Third Condition> The liquid supply container 200 is an authentic product.

[0028] Whether or not the above-mentioned first condition is satisfied can be determined by using, for example, the above-mentioned second information in the image information.

[0029] Whether or not the above-mentioned second condition is satisfied can be determined by, for example, calculating the amount of liquid contained in the liquid supply container 200 using the first information in the above-mentioned image information and the image information acquired in step S100.

[0030] Whether or not the above-mentioned third condition is satisfied can be determined by using, for example, the third information and the fourth information in the above-mentioned image information.

[0031] In addition to the first condition, the second and third conditions and other conditions may be appropriately combined to set the judgment conditions. The judgment conditions may be stored in the storage unit 140 or in a device external to the printing device 100.

[0032] If the determination unit 20 determines in step S130 that refilling is not possible, that is, if the determination conditions are not met, the control unit 30 proceeds to step S145, controls the notification unit 120 to notify the user that the liquid supply container 200 does not contain the ink to be refilled, and ends the liquid refill process. On the other hand, if the determination unit 20 determines that refilling is possible, that is, if the determination conditions are met, the control unit 30 proceeds to the process of step S140, and performs refill processing.

[0033] In the refill process, the control unit 30 controls the printing device 100 so that the liquid container 113 to be refilled can be refilled with liquid from the liquid supply container 200. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the control unit 30 moves the carriage 110 so that the cover member 111 covering the liquid inlet 114 of the liquid container 113 to be refilled, i.e., the target cover member 111, can be opened and closed. More specifically, the control unit 30 moves the carriage 110 so that the operation unit 111b of the target cover member 111 is positioned so as to overlap with the opening 112a. This allows the cover member 111 covering the liquid inlet 114 of the liquid container 113 to be refilled to be switched from a closed state to an open state via the opening 112a. The control unit 30 also lights up the lighting unit 130 provided at a position corresponding to the liquid container 113 to be refilled, to notify the user of the liquid container 113 to be refilled. In addition, in the refilling process, the control unit 30 may notify information regarding the connection method between the liquid supply container 200 and the liquid container 113, such as the position of the liquid inlet 114 and the connection procedure between the liquid inlet 114 and the liquid supply container 200, via the notification unit 120.

[0034] Furthermore, in the refilling process, control unit 30 may notify the user of related information using notification unit 120. For example, in the process of step S120, determination unit 20 determines remaining amount information related to the remaining amount of liquid in liquid supply container 200 using image information, and calculates the time required to inject a predetermined amount of the remaining liquid into liquid container 113, i.e., the time required for refilling. Control unit 30 may then notify the user of the calculated time required for refilling via notification unit 120. Control unit 30 may also notify the user of a guide tailored to the refilling operation via notification unit 120 in accordance with a captured image including an image showing the connection state between liquid supply container 200 and liquid inlet 114 as a liquid inlet acquired by imaging device 300.

[0035] 4, the printing device 100 determines whether or not refilling is complete in step S150. The printing device 100 determines that refilling is complete when, for example, the user presses a refill completion button. If refilling is complete, the printing device 100 proceeds to step S160. On the other hand, if refilling is not complete, the printing device 100 returns to step S150. In other words, the printing device 100 repeats step S150 until refilling is complete.

[0036] Finally, in step S160, the control unit 30 performs a refill completion process. The refill completion process is a control process that is performed by the control unit 30 when the liquid supply from the liquid supply container 200 is completed. As the refill completion process, for example, any one or more of the following processes can be adopted.

[0037] <First process> Return the carriage 110 to the home position <Second Processing> The completion of the replenishment is notified via the notification unit 120. <Third Processing> Turn off the lighting unit 130 that was turned on

[0038] Furthermore, the replenishment completion process may be a combination of the above-mentioned first to third processes or other processes as appropriate. The replenishment completion process is determined according to the replenishment process in step S140.

[0039] According to the printing system 500 of the present embodiment described above, the control unit 30 can determine whether or not liquid can be supplied from the liquid supply container 200 by using the image information acquired by the imaging device 300, and can therefore make the determination without providing the liquid supply container 200 with a wireless tag or an uneven shape for determination. Therefore, it is possible to use environmentally friendly consumables, specifically the liquid supply container 200.

[0040] Furthermore, since the image information includes the color information 201, the text information 202, and the code information 203, the control unit 30 can accurately determine whether or not liquid can be supplied.

[0041] Furthermore, since the printing system 500 includes a plurality of imaging devices 300, the liquid supply container 200 can be photographed from a plurality of angles. Therefore, more accurate image information can be acquired. Furthermore, by photographing the liquid supply container 200 from a plurality of angles, the determination unit 20 can generate three-dimensional information of the liquid supply container 200 using the photographed images. This can prevent the determination unit 20 from erroneously recognizing that the liquid supply container 200 is an actual three-dimensional liquid supply container 200, even if a photograph of the liquid supply container 200 is displayed in front of the imaging devices 300.

[0042] Furthermore, in the refill process, control unit 30 moves carriage 110 to a connection position where liquid supply container 200 and liquid container 113 can be connected, so that the user can easily recognize the position to connect liquid supply container 200 to.

[0043] Furthermore, since the captured image includes an image showing the connection state between liquid supply container 200 and liquid container 113, the refilling operation by the user can be acquired in real time. Therefore, guidance can be provided that is tailored to the user's operation.

[0044] Furthermore, notification section 120 notifies the user of information regarding the method of connecting liquid supply container 200 and liquid container 113 in accordance with the determination of control section 30, thereby assisting the user in the refilling operation. This makes it possible to prevent the user from performing the operation incorrectly.

[0045] Furthermore, lighting section 130 indicates the position of liquid container 113 to which liquid supply container 200 is to be connected, so that the user can easily recognize the position to which liquid supply container 200 is to be connected.

[0046] Furthermore, in response to the determination by determination unit 20, control unit 30 moves carriage 110 so as to open and close cover member 111 so that liquid can be replenished to liquid container 113 to which liquid supply container 200 is to be connected. This makes it possible to prevent the user from connecting liquid supply container 200 to liquid inlet 114 of a wrong liquid container 113 that is not actually the intended refill target.

[0047] B. Second embodiment: FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a carriage 110A in the second embodiment. The printing device 100 in the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the carriage 110A is configured to include a liquid supply container that is detachable from the carriage 110A instead of the liquid container 113, but the other configurations are the same. As shown in FIG. 6, the carriage 110A has a liquid inlet portion 114A that communicates with the print head 115 and into which the liquid flows. The liquid inlet portion 114A is cylindrical and is connected to the liquid supply container. This allows the liquid to be supplied from the liquid supply container to the liquid inlet portion 114A. The carriage 110A also has a cover member 111 for attaching and detaching the liquid supply container to the carriage 110A, and a lighting portion 130 (not shown).

[0048] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a liquid supply container 200A in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the liquid supply container 200A is a cartridge that is detachable from the carriage 110A. The liquid supply container 200A includes a container body 212 that contains liquid, and a liquid supply port 213 that supplies the liquid in the container body 212 to the outside. The liquid supply port 213 is connected to the liquid inlet portion 114A, so that the liquid in the container body 212 is supplied to the liquid inlet portion 114A via the liquid supply port 213. Unlike the first embodiment, in this embodiment, the liquid inlet portion 114A communicates with the print head 115 without passing through the liquid container 113, and the liquid is supplied to the print head 115. In addition, in the liquid supply container 200A, for example, color information 201, character information 202, and code information 203 are printed on the side surface of the container body 212.

[0049] According to the printing system 500 of the present embodiment described above, the control unit 30 can determine whether or not liquid can be supplied from the liquid supply container 200A using the image information acquired by the imaging device 300, and can therefore make the determination without providing the liquid supply container 200A with a wireless tag or a projection-recess shape for determination. This makes it possible to use an environmentally friendly consumable product, specifically, the liquid supply container 200A that is a cartridge.

[0050] C. Third embodiment: 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a printing device 100B in the third embodiment. The printing device 100B in the third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that it is an off-carriage type printer with a liquid container 113 in a position different from the carriage 110, that it has an imaging device 300 on the outside of the cover 122, and that it has a locking mechanism 112B. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the liquid refill process in the third embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the user brings the liquid supply container 200 shown in FIG. 3 close to the imaging range of the imaging device 300, for example, in front of the imaging device 300, to make the determination unit 20 recognize the liquid supply container 200. In the refill process, the control unit 30 switches the lock mechanism 112B to the second state and opens the cover member 111 covering the liquid container 113 to be refilled. The lock mechanism 112B is an engagement mechanism provided on the cover member 111, and the engagement mechanism can be displaced by the control unit 30 to release the engagement with the main body of the printing device 100B. Note that in the third embodiment, a line head that is not attached to the carriage 110 and has liquid ejection nozzles arranged over the entire area in the width direction of the printing paper may be used as the print head.

[0052] According to the printing system 500 of the present embodiment described above, the control unit 30 can determine whether or not liquid can be supplied from the liquid supply container 200 by using the image information acquired by the imaging device 300, and can therefore make the determination without providing the liquid supply container 200 with a wireless tag or an uneven shape for determination. This makes it possible to use the liquid supply container 200, which is an environmentally friendly consumable item. This allows the user to refill the liquid container 113 with liquid from the liquid supply container 200 via the liquid inlet 114.

[0053] D. Other embodiments: (D1) FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the liquid supply container 200C. In the above-mentioned first embodiment, instead of the liquid supply container 200 which is a container that contains one type of liquid, that is, an ink bottle of one color, the liquid supply container 200C may be a container in which containers that contain two or more types of liquid are integrated as shown in FIG. 10. When the printing device 100 is used for the first time, such a liquid supply container 200C can simultaneously supply liquid to a plurality of empty liquid containers 113, so that the liquid can be efficiently supplied. The liquid supply container 200C includes a transparent or semi-transparent wall portion 210C that allows the remaining amount of the contained liquid to be visually confirmed. Furthermore, the liquid supply container 200C has character information 202C and code information 203C printed thereon.

[0054] Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a refill process when a liquid refill process is performed using liquid supply container 200C. As shown in Fig. 11, control unit 30 switches from the first state to the second state by moving carriage 110 out of the range in which lock mechanism 112 is located so that all cover members 111 can be transitioned to the open state.

[0055] (D2) In the above embodiment, the processes of steps S100 to S130 may be repeated from when it is determined that refilling is possible in the liquid refill process until refilling is completed. In other words, even if it is determined once that liquid supply container 200 contains the liquid to be refilled, whether or not the liquid supply container 200 contains the liquid to be refilled is repeatedly determined until refilling is completed. This embodiment can prevent the user from refilling ink with a different liquid supply container 200 midway through the process.

[0056] (D3) In the above embodiment, printing device 100 may notify the user according to the amount of liquid contained in liquid supply container 200. For example, printing device 100 can use the amount of liquid contained in liquid supply container 200, which is included in the image information acquired by imaging device 300, to determine the time required to complete refilling or the number of possible prints, and notify the user of these.

[0057] (D4) In the liquid refill process of the above embodiment, the printing system 500 may replace detachable members as other replaceable consumables. The detachable members are, for example, the waste liquid tank 117, the lighting unit 130, a display, etc. The imaging device 300 acquires image information including at least a portion of the detachable member, and the acquisition unit 10 acquires reference information regarding the detachable member. The determination unit 20 compares the image information with the reference information, and makes a determination as to whether or not the detachable member can be replaced depending on the comparison result. The control unit 30 controls the printing device 100 depending on the determination of the determination unit 20.

[0058] E. Other forms: The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be realized in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. For example, the present disclosure can be realized by the following aspects. The technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments corresponding to the technical features in each aspect described below can be appropriately replaced or combined to solve some or all of the problems of the present disclosure, or to achieve some or all of the effects of the present disclosure. Furthermore, if the technical feature is not described as essential in this specification, it can be appropriately deleted. Furthermore, in the first and third embodiments, the term "replenish" includes supplying liquid from the liquid supply container 200 to raise the liquid level of the liquid container 113, includes filling an empty liquid container 113 with liquid when the printing device 100 is used for the first time, and also includes raising the liquid level from a state in which there is liquid remaining in the liquid container 113. The liquid level does not necessarily have to be raised to a full position by "replenishment".

[0059] (1) According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a printing system is provided. The printing system includes a liquid supply container, a printing device that receives liquid from the liquid supply container and performs printing, an imaging device that acquires an image including image information for identifying the liquid supply container, an acquisition unit that acquires reference information, a determination unit that compares the image information with the reference information and determines whether or not the liquid can be supplied based on the comparison result, and a control unit that controls the printing device based on the determination. According to this aspect, the liquid supply container is not provided with a wireless tag or a concave-convex shape for determination, and therefore it is possible to use a liquid supply container that is an environmentally friendly consumable.

[0060] (2) In the above aspect, the image information may include at least one of code information, character information, color information, information on a member that reflects infrared light, and an external shape of the liquid supply container. According to this aspect, the control unit can make a determination with high accuracy.

[0061] (3) In the above aspect, a plurality of image capturing devices may be provided. According to this aspect, images of the liquid supply container can be captured from a plurality of angles, making it possible to obtain image information with higher accuracy.

[0062] (4) In the above embodiment, the liquid supply container has a wall through which the remaining amount of liquid contained therein can be visually confirmed, the image information includes information regarding the remaining amount through the wall, the determination unit generates related information using the remaining amount by determining the remaining amount using the information regarding the remaining amount, and the printing system may further include a notification unit that notifies the related information. According to this embodiment, the information regarding the remaining amount of liquid can be used to determine the related information, such as the time required to complete refilling or the number of possible prints, and notify them.

[0063] (5) In the above aspect, the imaging device may be detachably attached to the printing device. According to this aspect, a user can use a desired imaging device.

[0064] (6) In the above aspect, the printing device may include a print head capable of ejecting the liquid, and a liquid inlet portion that communicates with the print head and through which the liquid flows in. According to this aspect, the liquid can be caused to flow in from the liquid inlet portion and supplied to the print head. Printing can be performed by moving the carriage.

[0065] (7) In the above aspect, the print head and the liquid inlet portion may be mounted on a carriage that is movable in a main scanning direction, and when the determination portion determines that the liquid can be supplied, the control portion may move the carriage to a connection position where the liquid inlet portion and the liquid supply container can be connected. According to this aspect, a user can easily recognize the position to connect the liquid supply container.

[0066] (8) In the above aspect, the captured image may include an image showing a connection state between the liquid inlet and the liquid supply container. According to this aspect, it is possible to provide guidance suited to a user's operation.

[0067] (9) In the above aspect, a notification unit may be further provided that, when the determination unit determines that the liquid supply is possible, notifies a user of information regarding a connection method between the liquid inlet unit and the liquid supply container. According to this aspect, it is possible to assist a user in a refilling operation.

[0068] (10) In the above aspect, the printing device may include a plurality of the liquid inlets and a lighting unit provided at a position corresponding to each of the plurality of liquid inlets, and the lighting unit may indicate the position of the liquid inlet to which the liquid supply container is to be connected when the determination unit determines that the liquid supply is possible. According to this aspect, a user can easily recognize the position to which the liquid supply container is to be connected.

[0069] (11) In the above aspect, the printing device further includes a cover member that is movable between a closed state that covers the liquid inlet and an open state that exposes the liquid inlet, and a locking mechanism that is switchable between a first state in which the cover member cannot transition from the closed state to the open state and a second state in which the cover member can transition from the closed state to the open state, and the control unit may control the locking mechanism that corresponds to the liquid inlet to which the liquid supply container is to be connected to be switched from the first state to the second state in response to the determination. This aspect makes it possible to prevent a user from connecting a liquid supply container to an incorrect position.

[0070] (12) According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a printing system is provided. The printing system may include a printing device having a replaceable detachable member, an imaging device that acquires image information including at least a part of the detachable member, an acquisition unit that acquires reference information, a determination unit that compares the image information with the reference information and determines whether the detachable member can be replaced based on the comparison result, and a control unit that controls the printing device based on the determination. According to this aspect, the detachable member does not need to be provided with a wireless tag or a concave-convex shape for determination, and therefore it is possible to use environmentally friendly consumables.

[0071] In addition to the above-described forms, the present disclosure can be realized in the form of a computer program for causing a computer to execute the above-described method, a non-transitory recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10...acquisition unit, 20...determination unit, 30...control unit, 40...print execution unit, 50...CPU, 100..., 100B...printing device, 110, 110A...carriage, 111...cover member, 111a...one end, 111b...operation unit, 112, 112B...locking mechanism, 112a...opening, 113...liquid container, 114...liquid injection port, 114A...liquid inlet portion, 115...print head, 117... Waste liquid tank, 120...notification section, 122...cover, 130...lighting section, 140...storage section, 200, 200A, 200C...liquid supply container, 201...color information, 202, 202C...character information, 203, 203C...code information, 210, 210C...wall section, 212...container body, 213...liquid supply port, 300...imaging device, 400...control device, 500...printing system, Dm...main scanning direction

Claims

1. 1. A printing system comprising: A printing device for printing; a liquid supply container as a consumable item consumed in the printing device, the liquid supply container supplying liquid used in the printing to the printing device; an imaging device for acquiring an image including at least a portion of the liquid supply container; An acquisition unit that acquires reference information; a determination unit that compares image information acquired from the captured image with the reference information and determines whether or not the printing device can be replenished with liquid from the liquid supply container or whether or not the liquid supply container can be replaced based on a comparison result, the determination unit making a determination as to whether or not the replenishment or replacement can be performed using at least a condition that the liquid supply container contains liquid of a predetermined color and a condition that the liquid supply container is a genuine product; A control unit that controls the printing device in response to the determination; Equipped with the reference information is reference image information of the liquid supply container, and the reference image information is image data; Printing system.

2. 2. The printing system of claim 1, A printing system, wherein the image information of the captured image includes an appearance of the liquid supply container.

3. 3. The printing system according to claim 1, the captured images include images of the liquid supply container captured from multiple angles; The determination unit further generates three-dimensional information of the liquid supply container from images of the liquid supply container captured from the multiple angles, and if it recognizes that the captured liquid supply container has a three-dimensional shape, makes a determination as to whether or not the refill or replacement is necessary.

4. A printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A printing system, wherein the imaging device includes at least one of a camera, a smartphone having a camera, and a mobile phone having a camera.

5. A printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The captured image includes an image showing a state in which the liquid supply container and the printing device are connected.

6. A printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The captured image includes an image showing a state before the liquid supply container and the printing device are connected to each other.

7. 7. The printing system according to claim 5, A printing system, wherein the captured image includes an image of a user refilling liquid.

8. A printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The printing system further includes a notification unit that notifies information regarding a method for connecting the liquid supply container to the printing device when the determination unit determines that refilling from the liquid supply container or replacement of the liquid supply container is possible.

9. The printing system according to claim 8 , wherein the notification unit provides guidance suited to a user's work.

10. A printing system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A printing system, wherein the conditions are stored in a storage unit external to the printing device.

11. A printing system comprising: A printing device for printing; a liquid supply container as a consumable item consumed in the printing device, the liquid supply container supplying liquid used in the printing to the printing device; an imaging device for acquiring an image including at least a portion of the liquid supply container; An acquisition unit that acquires reference information; a determination unit that compares image information acquired from the captured image with the reference information and determines whether or not the printing device can be refilled with liquid from the liquid supply container or whether or not the liquid supply container can be replaced based on a comparison result, the determination unit making a determination as to whether or not the refill or replacement can be performed using at least a condition that the liquid supply container contains liquid of a predetermined color and a condition that the liquid supply container is a genuine product; A control unit that controls the printing device in response to the determination; Equipped with A printing system, wherein the liquid supply container is a container integrated with storage portions for storing two or more types of liquid, and the container is provided with one piece of code information.

Images