An ink identification and detection system includes an imaging apparatus.
An ink tank is mounted to the imaging apparatus. The ink tank has a
transparent portion. An ink is contained in the ink tank. The ink
includes a fluorescing material. An ink detection device is
communicatively coupled to a controller. The ink detection device is
configured to emit light in a non-visible spectrum of light through the
transparent portion to the ink, and is configured to detect light in a
visible or near-infrared spectrum of light emitted through the
transparent portion by the fluorescing material in the ink. The ink
detection device supplies a signal representing the detected light to the
controller for identifying the ink.