Appeal 2007-0960
Application 10/066,529
Appellants argue that Smith is directed to compensating and
controlling the temperature of the printhead or pen. Although Appellants
note that Smith estimates the printhead temperature to ultimately control its
temperature, this estimation is based solely on the temperature sensors--not
the three enumerated elements that estimate the printhead assembly’s
temperature as claimed. In this regard, Appellants argue that the use profile
described in Smith is not used to estimate the printhead temperature, but
rather to control printhead temperature and maintain uniformity in the ink
drops (Br. 6-8; Reply Br. 2-3).
The Examiner argues that Smith uses the measured/current
temperature (thermistor output) in conjunction with thermal models (thermal
response) that is compared with the nozzle profile (ejection history) to
control the printhead temperature. Regarding the thermal model, the
Examiner notes that Smith’s uses two parameters that are directly affected
by the use profile of the nozzle (i.e., whether the ejection elements have
been fired or not). According to the Examiner, at low printhead
temperatures, the nozzle has not been fired or has been unused for a period
of time. At high temperatures, however, the Examiner notes that the nozzle
has been fired or used frequently.
For the reasons that follow, we affirm.
ISSUES
(1) Have Appellants established that the Examiner erred in finding
that Smith estimates an actual temperature of the printhead assembly based
on (1) a measured or current operating temperature of the printhead
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