JP2004202781A - Method for detecting replacement of ink tank - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect replacement of an ink tank easily and inexpensively with high accuracy. <P>SOLUTION: In a recorder performing recording while reciprocating a carriage mounting an ink jet recording head and an ink tank for storing ink being supplied to the recording head and arranged separately from the recording head, the carriage is moved to a position where the ink tank can be replaced, a maximum positional variation of the carriage is detected at that position, and then a decision is made whether the ink tank was possibly replaced or not by comparing the maximum positional variation with a specified threshold value. Possibility of replacement is informed to a user through a host connected with the recorder and confirmation of whether the ink tank was actually replaced or not is received from the user. When actual replacement was confirmed, the specified threshold value is optimized using the detected maximum positional variation. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for detecting replacement of an ink tank, and more particularly, to a method for detecting replacement of an ink tank in an ink jet recording apparatus using an ink tank and a recording head that are separated from each other.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an ink jet recording head (hereinafter, referred to as a recording head) is mounted on a carriage, and a recording operation in which ink is ejected onto a recording medium to perform recording while reciprocating the recording head, a moving direction of the carriage (main scanning direction). 2. Description of the Related Art A so-called serial type inkjet recording apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a recording apparatus) that performs recording by repeating a transport operation of transporting the recording medium in a direction perpendicular to the direction (sub-scanning direction) is known.
[0003]
Such a recording apparatus includes a head cartridge in which a recording head and an ink tank are integrated on a carriage, and performs recording by scanning the carriage relative to a recording medium in a main scanning direction. It is known that a head and an ink tank are configured as separate bodies, a carriage is mounted thereon, and the carriage is scanned to perform recording.
[0004]
In addition, such a recording apparatus is provided by an application program or the like installed in a host computer (hereinafter referred to as a host) because of low noise, low running cost, and easy downsizing of the apparatus. A printer that prints based on an output instruction, a copier that integrates with a scanner that reads a document image, prints a copy of the document, and a facsimile that sends and receives and outputs the document image via a communication line such as a telephone line. Widely used in
[0005]
In such a recording apparatus, various methods are used for an apparatus that uses a recording head and an ink tank, each of which is configured separately, in order to confirm replacement of the ink tank.
[0006]
Conventionally, as a method for confirming the ink tank replacement, (1) a method of reading identification information (ID) from a ROM attached to the ink tank and detecting the ink tank replacement by referring to the identification information (ID); A method in which a pressure sensor is provided on a carriage on which an ink tank is mounted, and ink tank replacement is detected based on pressure fluctuations when the ink tank is attached and detached. (3) When the printer body cover is opened and then closed, the ink tank is directly sent to the user via a driver. There is a known method for asking whether or not the user has exchanged a new one.
[0007]
However, such a method increases the cost of the apparatus and complicates the mechanism.Therefore, a sensor for determining whether the user has touched the carriage is provided, and a signal from the sensor is detected to replace the ink tank. A technique for judging whether or not it has been proposed has also been proposed.
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional example, the determination as to whether or not the user has replaced the ink tank is made by simply comparing the signal from the sensor with a threshold value stored in the ROM in advance. However, there is a problem that it may detect that the ink tank has been replaced, even though the ink tank is not actually replaced, by detecting vibration or the like caused by simply opening and closing the cover of the apparatus. was there.
[0009]
In order not to judge such a vibration as an ink tank replacement operation, it is sufficient to increase the threshold value.However, simply increasing the threshold value indicates that the ink tank has been replaced. There is also a problem that it is extremely difficult to determine an optimum threshold value because detection may not be possible.
[0010]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-described conventional example, and it is possible to easily and inexpensively determine ink tank replacement with high accuracy without increasing the size of the apparatus. It is intended to provide a detection method.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, a method for detecting replacement of an ink tank according to the present invention comprises the following steps.
[0012]
That is, ink is ejected from the ink jet recording head while reciprocatingly scanning a carriage equipped with an ink jet recording head and an ink tank storing ink to be supplied to the ink jet recording head, the ink jet recording head being separated. A method for detecting ink tank replacement in a printing apparatus that performs printing on a printing medium by moving the carriage to a replaceable position for replacing the ink tank; A detecting step of detecting the amount of change in position, and a determining step of comparing the maximum amount of change in position detected in the detecting step with a predetermined threshold value to determine whether there is a possibility that the ink tank has been replaced. And, based on a determination result in the determination step, A notification step of notifying a user via a host connected to the printing apparatus that the ink tank has potential, a receiving step of receiving confirmation from the user whether the ink tank has been actually replaced, An optimizing step of optimizing the predetermined threshold value using the maximum position change amount detected in the detecting step when it is confirmed that the tank has been actually replaced. A method for detecting tank replacement is provided.
[0013]
Further, the present invention may be in the form of a program described by a computer-executable code so that each step of the recording control method is executed by a computer.
[0014]
Further, the program may be provided to be stored in a computer-readable storage medium so that the program can be read by a computer.
[0015]
Thus, the present invention can be realized in the form of a program or a storage medium.
[0016]
Still further, the present invention may be in the form of a recording apparatus capable of executing the above-described ink tank replacement detection method.
[0017]
That is, the present invention provides an ink jet recording head and the ink jet recording head separated from the ink jet recording head while reciprocally scanning a carriage mounted with an ink tank storing ink to be supplied to the ink jet recording head. What is claimed is: 1. A printing apparatus for performing printing on a printing medium by discharging ink, comprising: a moving unit that moves the carriage to a replaceable position for replacing the ink tank; and a maximum position change amount of the carriage at the replaceable position. Detecting means for detecting whether there is a possibility that the ink tank has been replaced by comparing the maximum position change amount detected by the detecting means with a predetermined threshold value; and Based on the result of the judgment by the judgment means, the possibility is recorded in the recording Notification means for notifying a user via a host connected to the printer, receiving means for receiving confirmation from the user whether or not the ink tank has been actually replaced, and the ink tank has been actually replaced. And optimizing means for optimizing the predetermined threshold value using the maximum position change amount detected by the detecting means.
[0018]
With the above configuration, the present invention provides an ink jet recording head and an ink jet recording head separated from the ink jet recording head while reciprocally scanning a carriage mounted with an ink tank storing ink to be supplied to the ink jet recording head. In a recording apparatus that performs recording on a recording medium by discharging ink, a carriage is moved to a replaceable position for replacing an ink tank, and a maximum position change amount of the carriage at the replaceable position is detected. By comparing the maximum position change amount with a predetermined threshold value, it is determined whether there is a possibility that the ink tank has been replaced, and based on the determination result, it is determined that the ink tank may be replaced. Notify the user via the host connecting the Receiving the actual confirmation of whether or replaced, if it is confirmed that the ink tank was actually exchanged, to optimize the predetermined threshold using the maximum position change amount detected.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Now, in more detail, the configuration of the above-described solving means is, more specifically, a measuring step of measuring the time the carriage stays at the replaceable position moved in the moving step, and a threshold value optimized in the optimizing step. And storing the data in a nonvolatile memory.
[0020]
In the optimizing step, a new maximum position is set by reflecting an average value of the maximum position change amount of the carriage obtained at the time of ink tank replacement in the past to reflect the maximum position change amount detected in the detecting step. It is preferable that an average value of the change amount is calculated, and the predetermined threshold value is optimized based on the calculated average value of the new maximum position change amount.
[0021]
Further, it is desirable that the average value of the new maximum position change amount is stored in a nonvolatile memory.
[0022]
In the printing apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the detecting means for detecting the maximum change amount of the carriage at the replaceable position of the ink tank includes a linear encoder for detecting the position of the carriage in the moving direction.
[0023]
Further, it is desirable to include a DC motor as a drive source of the moving means for moving the carriage.
[0024]
Further, the ink jet recording head preferably includes an electrothermal converter for generating thermal energy to be applied to the ink in order to discharge the ink using thermal energy.
[0025]
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described more specifically and in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0026]
In the embodiments described below, a recording apparatus using a recording head according to an inkjet method will be described as an example.
[0027]
In this specification, “record” (sometimes referred to as “print”) refers not only to the formation of significant information such as characters and figures, but also to the perception of human beings, whether significant or insignificant. Irrespective of whether or not it is made obvious so that it is obtained, a case where an image, a pattern, a pattern, or the like is widely formed on a recording medium or a case where the medium is processed is also described.
[0028]
In addition, the term “recording medium” refers to not only paper used in general recording devices, but also a wide range of materials that can accept ink, such as cloth, plastic films, metal plates, glass, ceramics, wood, and leather. Shall be.
[0029]
Further, “ink” (sometimes referred to as “liquid”) is to be interpreted broadly as in the definition of “recording (printing)”, and when applied on a recording medium, an image or pattern , Or a liquid that can be used for forming a pattern or the like, processing a recording medium, or processing ink (for example, coagulation or insolubilization of a colorant in ink applied to a recording medium).
[0030]
Further, the term “nozzle” generally refers to an ejection port, a liquid path communicating with the ejection port, and an element that generates energy used for ink ejection, unless otherwise specified.
[0031]
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a main part of a recording apparatus using a recording head according to an ink jet system, which is a typical embodiment of the present invention.
[0032]
In FIG. 1, a recording medium 1a inserted at a sheet feeding position of the recording apparatus 100 is conveyed in a direction indicated by an arrow P by conveying rollers 1b held by a chassis 3, and conveyed to a recordable area of a recording head 7. A platen 5 is provided below the recording medium 1a in the recordable area. The carriage 1 can be moved in the direction (main scanning direction) along the axial direction of the carriage 1 by the guide shaft 2 and the guide rail 3a, and the carriage motor 8 drives the scanning area including the recording area in the main scanning direction. Reciprocal scanning along the directions indicated by arrows Q1 and Q2.
[0033]
In FIG. 1, the recording head 7 mounted on the carriage 1 reciprocates along the guide shaft 2 by the driving force of the carriage motor 8 transmitted via the belt 9, and ejects ink. The recording head 7 is provided with a plurality of ink ejection ports, is configured to be separable from the recording head 7, and has a configuration in which ink is supplied from an ink tank that stores ink mounted on the carriage 1. I have. Further, when the recording head 7 is mounted on the carriage 1, the ink ejection port is located on the lower side so that ink is ejected and recorded on the recording medium 1a located below the carriage.
[0034]
In this embodiment, it is assumed that the ink ejected by the recording head 7 is black (Bk) ink, and that 128 ink ejection ports are arranged in one line at a resolution of 360 dpi.
[0035]
Further, in FIG. 1, a linear encoder 40 having a slit having a period of 1/300 inch is provided at a rear portion of the carriage 1 so that the position of the carriage 1 can be detected with a precision of 1/300 inch. .
[0036]
A control circuit provided in the printing apparatus 100 operates the carriage motor 8 to cause the carriage 1 to reciprocate in the main scanning direction.
[0037]
In this embodiment, the carriage motor 8 is a DC motor, and the linear encoder 40 is used in a normal recording operation, and slits provided at predetermined intervals in the linear encoder 40 are detected by an optical sensor provided at the rear of the carriage. By doing so, the position or moving speed of the carriage can be detected, and the scanning speed of the carriage can be kept constant by DC servo control. In such DC servo control, it is effective to use a linear encoder to control the moving speed of the carriage 1 and to manage the position of the carriage 1.
[0038]
In addition, the recording apparatus according to this embodiment includes a memory (not shown) that stores a count value obtained by counting the number of ink droplets ejected from the recording head 7, so that the amount of ink consumption can be reduced. The configuration is such that the recording apparatus main body can be detected.
[0039]
In this embodiment, when the cover (not shown) of the printing apparatus main body is opened by using the linear encoder 40, the carriage 1 moves to a position where the ink tank can be replaced, and the carriage 1 that is generated when the ink tank is attached to or detached from the carriage 1 is removed. The configuration is such that the position change can be detected and it can be checked whether or not the ink tank has been replaced.
[0040]
Then, only when it is determined that the ink tank has been replaced, a trigger signal for causing the user to confirm whether or not the ink tank has been replaced is generated, and this signal is supplied to the printer driver. The user can confirm the replacement of the ink tank. The count value is reset only when the user informs the printing apparatus that the ink tank has been replaced.
[0041]
Further, as means for detecting the carriage position, a rotary encoder may be used instead of the linear encoder as described above.
[0042]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the printing apparatus shown in FIG.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 600 includes an MPU 601, a program corresponding to a control sequence to be described later, a ROM 602 storing required tables, and other fixed data, and an update used for the next processing even if the power is turned off. An NVRAM 602a such as an EEPROM or FeRAM for storing data, a special-purpose integrated circuit (ASIC) 603 for generating control signals for controlling the carriage motor 8, controlling the transport motor M2, and controlling the recording head 7, A system bus 605 for interconnecting the RAM 604, an MPU 601, an ASIC 603, and the RAM 604 provided with an expansion area and a work area for executing a program, and for receiving and sending analog signals from a sensor group described below. A / D conversion and convert the digital signal to MPU60 Composed of such supplies A / D converter 606.
[0044]
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 610 denotes a computer (or a reader for reading an image, a digital camera, or the like) serving as a supply source of image data, and is generally called a host device. Image data, commands, status signals, and the like are transmitted and received between the host device 610 and the recording device 100 via an interface (I / F) 611.
[0045]
Reference numeral 620 denotes a switch group, which instructs activation of a power switch 621, a print switch 622 for instructing a print start, and a process (recovery process) for maintaining the ink ejection performance of the recording head 3 in a good state. And a switch for receiving a command input by the operator, such as a recovery switch 623 for performing the operation. Reference numeral 630 denotes a position sensor 631 such as a photocoupler for detecting a home position h, and a temperature sensor 632 provided at an appropriate position of a recording device for detecting an environmental temperature. It is a sensor group.
[0046]
Further, reference numeral 640 denotes a carriage motor driver for driving the carriage motor 8 for reciprocally scanning the carriage 2 in the direction of arrow A, and reference numeral 642 denotes a transport motor driver for driving the transport motor M2 for transporting the recording medium P.
[0047]
The ASIC 603 transfers drive data (DATA) of the print element (ejection heater) to the print head while directly accessing the storage area of the RAM 602 during print scan by the print head 7.
[0048]
Next, an ink tank replacement confirmation process in the recording apparatus having the above configuration will be described with reference to flowcharts shown in FIGS.
[0049]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a process for allowing the user to confirm the replacement of the ink tank from a change in the position of the carriage. Note that, when the cover of the recording apparatus is opened, this process is automatically started by a cover sensor (not shown) detecting this.
[0050]
First, in step S201, the carriage 1 is moved to the head / tank replacement position. In step S202, time measurement is started using a timer. At the same time, the stop position of the carriage is stored in the RAM 604, and the carriage motor (DC motor) 8 is turned on. The control is started to perform servo lock, and control is performed so that the carriage is kept at the same position.
[0051]
The servo lock control is executed by an interrupt process by a timer. Based on an output signal from the linear encoder, the amount of change in the position of the carriage is detected. Is controlled to return to the position. At the same time, the maximum position change amount (DMAX) from the initial stop position is updated, and the updated maximum position change amount is stored in the NVRAM 602a.
[0052]
In step S203, the process waits until the cover sensor detects that the cover is closed. If the cover close is detected, the process proceeds to step S204, ends the time measurement by the timer, and moves the carriage 1 to the replacement position. Determine the time (ETIME). Thereafter, in step S205, the carriage 1 returns to the standby position.
[0053]
Then, in step S206, it is checked whether the time (ETIME) during which the carriage 1 has been moving to the replacement position is 5 seconds or more. Here, if ETIME <5 seconds, it is determined that the time is too short for the user to operate the tank at the exchange position, and the process ends. On the other hand, if ETIME ≧ 5 seconds, the process proceeds to step S207 to check whether the maximum position change amount (DMAX) is larger than the threshold value (TH).
[0054]
Here, if DMAX ≦ TH, the carriage has been stopped for a long time so that the user can operate the ink tank at the ink tank replacement position, but the change in the carriage position is small. The fluctuation is small, and it is determined that no one has performed an operation such as ink tank replacement, and the process ends. On the other hand, if DMAX> TH, it is determined that the user may have replaced the tank while the carriage was stopped at the ink tank replacement position, and the process proceeds to step S208.
[0055]
Then, in step S208, information indicating that the ink tank may have been replaced is transmitted to the host device 610, and in step S209, the current maximum position change amount (DMAX) is stored in the RAM 604. Then, finally, the value of the threshold (TH) is optimized, and then the processing is terminated.
[0056]
This optimization processing will be described below.
[0057]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a process for learning the position change amount based on the confirmation of the user and optimizing the threshold value.
[0058]
First, in step S301, confirmation information of ink tank replacement is received from the host device 601, and if there is no fact of ink tank replacement, the process is terminated as it is. However, if the fact of ink tank replacement is confirmed, the process proceeds to step S302. move on.
[0059]
In step S302, in order to reflect the maximum position change amount (DMAX) obtained this time to a new average position change amount (NDAVE), the process is performed to obtain the past average position change amount (PDAVE) stored in the NVRAM 602a. The value of the number of sampled data (SN) is incremented by “+1”. In the subsequent step S303, the past average position change amount (DAVE) and the current maximum position change amount (DMAX) stored in the NVRAM 602a are newly added. A new average position change amount (NDAVE) is calculated using the number (SN) of the sample data with “+1”.
[0060]
In step S304, the new average position change amount (NDAVE) is compared with the upper limit value (ULMT). Here, if NDAVE> ULMT, the process proceeds to step S305, where the value of the average position change amount (NDAVE) is replaced with the upper limit value (ULMT), and thereafter, the process proceeds to step S308. On the other hand, if NDAVE ≦ ULMT, the process proceeds to step S306, where the new average position change amount (NDAVE) is compared with the lower limit value (LLMT).
[0061]
If NDAVE <LLMT, the process advances to step S307 to replace the average position change amount (NDAVE) with the lower limit value (LLMT), and then the process advances to step S308. On the other hand, if NDAVE ≧ LLMT, that is, if LLMT ≦ NDAVE ≦ ULMT, the newly calculated average position change amount (NDAVE) is used, and the process proceeds to step S308.
[0062]
Now, using the average position change amount (NDAVE) determined as described above, in step S308, a new threshold value (TH) is offset from the average position change amount (NDAVE) by an offset value (OFFSET: when an ink tank is replaced). It is obtained by subtracting a fixed margin amount for detecting the actual change amount.
[0063]
The new threshold value thus updated is stored in the NVRAM 602a, and is prepared for the next detection.
[0064]
Therefore, according to the embodiment described above, if there is a possibility that the ink tank has been replaced due to the time the carriage was at the ink tank replacement position or a change in the position of the carriage at that position, the user is notified of that fact. Thus, it is possible to confirm whether or not the ink tank has been actually replaced. Further, a threshold value for determining that there is a possibility that the ink tank has been replaced is learned each time from the amount of change in the position of the carriage obtained when the user actually replaces the ink tank. Since the optimization is performed, a more accurate judgment can be made.
[0065]
In addition, since the position change in the carriage main scanning direction from the carriage stop position that occurs when the ink tank is replaced is detected using the output signal from the linear encoder, it is not necessary to provide a special detection mechanism in the device, so the ink tank is not required. There is also an advantage that the improvement in the detection accuracy of replacement does not lead to an increase in the size of the device.
[0066]
Furthermore, in the above embodiments, the description has been made assuming that the liquid droplets ejected from the recording head are ink, and the liquid contained in the ink tank is ink, but the contained matter is limited to ink. Not something. For example, an ink tank may contain a processing liquid discharged to a recording medium in order to improve the fixing property and water resistance of the recorded image or to improve the image quality.
[0067]
The above-described embodiment includes a means (for example, an electrothermal converter or a laser beam) for generating thermal energy as energy used for causing ink to be ejected, particularly in an ink jet recording system. By using a method that causes a change in the state, it is possible to achieve higher density and higher definition of recording.
[0068]
Regarding the typical configuration and principle, it is preferable to use the basic principle disclosed in, for example, US Pat. Nos. 4,723,129 and 4,740,796. This method can be applied to both the so-called on-demand type and the continuous type. In particular, in the case of the on-demand type, it is arranged corresponding to the sheet or liquid path holding the liquid (ink). Applying at least one drive signal corresponding to recording information and providing a rapid temperature rise exceeding nucleate boiling to the electrothermal transducer, thereby causing the electrothermal transducer to generate heat energy, and This is effective because a film in the liquid (ink) corresponding to this drive signal can be formed on a one-to-one basis by causing film boiling on the heat acting surface. By discharging the liquid (ink) through the discharge opening by the growth and contraction of the bubble, at least one droplet is formed. When the drive signal is in a pulse shape, the growth and shrinkage of the bubble are performed immediately and appropriately, so that the ejection of liquid (ink) having particularly excellent responsiveness can be achieved, which is more preferable.
[0069]
As the pulse-shaped drive signal, those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,463,359 and 4,345,262 are suitable. Further, if the conditions described in US Pat. No. 4,313,124 of the invention relating to the temperature rise rate of the heat acting surface are adopted, more excellent recording can be performed.
[0070]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a serial type recording apparatus that performs recording by scanning a recording head is used. However, a full line type recording apparatus using a recording head having a length corresponding to the width of a recording medium is used. May be. As a full-line type recording head, either a configuration that satisfies the length by a combination of a plurality of recording heads as disclosed in the above specification or a configuration as one integrally formed recording head is used. May be.
[0071]
In addition, not only the cartridge-type recording head in which the ink tank is provided integrally with the recording head itself described in the above embodiment, but also the electrical connection with the apparatus main body by being mounted on the apparatus main body. A replaceable chip-type recording head that can supply ink from the apparatus main body may be used.
[0072]
It is preferable to add recovery means for the printhead, preliminary auxiliary means, and the like to the configuration of the printing apparatus described above because the printing operation can be further stabilized. Specific examples thereof include capping means for the recording head, cleaning means, pressurizing or sucking means, preheating means using an electrothermal transducer or another heating element or a combination thereof. It is also effective to provide a preliminary ejection mode for performing ejection that is different from printing, in order to perform stable printing.
[0073]
Further, the printing mode of the printing apparatus is not limited to a printing mode of only a mainstream color such as black, and may be a printing head integrally formed or a combination of a plurality of printing heads. The device may be provided with at least one of the full colors.
[0074]
In the above-described embodiment, the description has been made on the assumption that the ink is a liquid.However, even if the ink solidifies at room temperature or below, an ink that softens or liquefies at room temperature may be used. Alternatively, in the ink jet system, the temperature of the ink itself is controlled within a range of 30 ° C. or more and 70 ° C. or less to control the temperature so that the viscosity of the ink is in a stable ejection range. It is sufficient if the ink is sometimes in a liquid state.
[0075]
In addition to the above, the recording apparatus according to the present invention may include, as an image output terminal of an information processing apparatus such as a computer, an integrated or separate apparatus, a copying apparatus combined with a reader or the like, and a transmission / reception function. It may take the form of a facsimile machine.
[0076]
【The invention's effect】
Therefore, according to the present invention described above, there is an effect that replacement of an ink tank can be easily and accurately detected.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an external perspective view showing an outline of a configuration of an ink jet recording apparatus which is a typical embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the printing apparatus shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a process for confirming replacement of an ink tank with a user based on detection of a change in a carriage position.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a process of learning a position change amount by user confirmation.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Carriage 1a Recording medium 1b Conveying roller 2 Guide shaft 3 Chassis 3a Guide rail 5 Platen 7 Recording head 8 Carriage motor 9 Belt 40 Linear encoder 100 Recording device

Claims (1)

The ink jet recording head is separated from the ink jet recording head, and ink is ejected from the ink jet recording head to perform recording while reciprocatingly scanning a carriage equipped with an ink tank storing ink to be supplied to the ink jet recording head. A method for detecting ink tank replacement in a printing apparatus that performs printing on a medium, comprising:
A moving step of moving the carriage to a replaceable position for replacing the ink tank;
A detecting step of detecting a maximum position change amount of the carriage at the replaceable position,
A determination step of determining whether there is a possibility that the ink tank has been replaced by comparing the maximum position change amount detected in the detection step with a predetermined threshold value;
A notification step of notifying a user of the possibility via a host connected to the recording apparatus, based on a determination result in the determination step,
A receiving step of receiving confirmation from the user whether the ink tank has been actually replaced,
An optimizing step of optimizing the predetermined threshold value using the maximum position change amount detected in the detecting step when it is confirmed that the ink tank has been actually replaced. To detect ink tank replacement.

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