DETAILED ACTION
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Continued Examination Under 37 CFR 1.114
A request for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, including the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e), was filed in this application after final rejection. Since this application is eligible for continued examination under 37 CFR 1.114, and the fee set forth in 37 CFR 1.17(e) has been timely paid, the finality of the previous Office action has been withdrawn pursuant to 37 CFR 1.114. Applicant's submission filed on 2/10/2026 has been entered.
Claims’ Status
Claims 1-15 and 17-20 are currently pending, with Claims 10-12 being previously withdrawn due to a restriction requirement. Claims 1 and 17-18 have been amended. Claim 16 has been cancelled. No new claims have been added.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-9, 14, and 18-20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Jung et al (US 2019/0251318 A1, hereafter Jung).
Re Claim 1, Jung discloses a display panel (FIG. 9; [0104]-[0114]) comprising:
a substrate (210; [0104]);
a plurality of display elements (311, 312, repeated, hereafter just 311, 312; [0109]) disposed over the substrate (210; [0109]);
a plurality of first light-blocking layers (290; [0113], blocks some degree of light, such as UV light) disposed over a top of the plurality of display elements (311, 312, specifically top of 311; [0114]) and corresponding to places between the plurality of display elements (311, 312; [0114]);
a plurality of second light-blocking layers (350; [0104]) disposed over a top of the plurality of first light-blocking layers (290; [0137]) and corresponding to the places between the plurality of display elements (311, 312; [0137]);
a sensor electrode layer (SE; [0101]) disposed over and spaced apart from a top of the plurality of second light-blocking layers (350; [0137]);
and a color filter layer (130, 150; [0081], [0136]) disposed over a top of the sensor electrode layer (SE; [0134]) and including color filters (130; [0081]) corresponding to the plurality of display elements (311, 312; [0081]).
Re Claim 2, Jung discloses the display panel according to Claim 1, while further disclosing wherein the plurality of first light-blocking layers (290) are connected to each other ([0113]), and the plurality of second light-blocking layers (350) are connected to each other ([0137]).
Re Claim 3, Jung discloses the display panel according to Claim 1, while further disclosing wherein each of the plurality of first light-blocking layers (290) extend substantially in a first direction (DR1, see FIG. Z1 below; [0100], with PX in circular configuration), and the plurality of first light-blocking layers (290) are arranged in a second direction (DR2, see FIG. Z1 below; [0100]) crossing the first direction (DR1; [0100]), and
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wherein each of the plurality of second light-blocking layers (350) extends in the first direction (DR1; [0100], with PX in circular configuration), and the plurality of second light-blocking layers (350) are arranged in the second direction (DR2; [0100]).
FIG. Z1: Annotated version of FIG. 11 of Jung
Re Claim 4, Jung discloses the display panel according to Claim 3, while further disclosing wherein, among the plurality of display elements (311, 312), each of display elements (311, 312) arranged on one row (FIG. 11, top row) extending in the first direction (DR1) emits light of a wavelength belonging to a same wavelength band (wavelength associated with green; [0118]).
Re Claim 5, Jung discloses the display panel according to Claim 3, while further disclosing wherein a width of each of the plurality of display elements (311, 312) in the second direction (DR2) is the same ([0092], in the configuration with same size light emission areas).
Re Claim 6, Jung discloses the display panel according to Claim 5, while further disclosing wherein the plurality of display elements (311, 312) include first display elements (311, 312) arranged on a first row (FIG. 11, second row, with R, B pixels) extending in the first direction (DR1; [0118]), second display elements (311, 312) arranged on a second row (FIG. 11, first row, with G pixels) extending in the first direction (DR1; [0118]), and third display elements (311, 312) arranged on a third row (FIG. 11, fourth row, with R, B pixels) extending in the first direction (DR1; [0118]), and
wherein a first length (312, top surface length, L1 in FIG. Z2 below) of the first display elements (311, 312) in the first direction (DR1; [0118]), a second length (312, bottom surface length, L2 in FIG. Z2 below) of the second display elements (311, 312) in the first direction (DR1; [0118]), and a third length (311, bottom surface length, L3 in FIG. Z2 below) of the third display elements (311, 312) in the first direction (DR1) are different from one another ([0118], lengths of a single pixel used for convenience, as the sectional surface lengths between the different pixel colors are equivalent in the current embodiment, and lengths are equal in all directions due to circular pixel nature).
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FIG. Z2: Annotated version of FIG. 9 of Jung
Re Claim 7, Jung discloses the display panel according to Claim 6, while further disclosing wherein the first display elements (311, 312 in FIG. 11, second row, with R, B pixels) emit red light ([0118], at least the R pixel portions), the second display elements (311, 312 in FIG. 11, first row, with G pixels) emit green light ([0118]), and the third display elements (311, 312 in FIG. 11, fourth row, with R, B pixels) emit blue light ([0118], at least the B pixel portions), and
wherein the first length (L1) is greater than the second length (L2) and less than the third length (L3, L2 < L1 < L3; [0118], see FIG. Z2).
Re Claim 8, Jung discloses the display panel according to Claim 5, while further disclosing wherein the color filters (130) include first color filters (130) arranged on a first row (FIG. 11, second row, with R, B pixels) extending in the first direction (DR1; [0118]), second color filters (130) arranged on a second row (FIG. 11, first row, with G pixels) extending in the first direction (DR1; [0118]), and third color filters (130) arranged on a third row (FIG. 11, fourth row, with R, B pixels) extending in the first direction (DR1; [0118]), and wherein a first length (L4 in FIG. Z3 below) of the first color filters (130) in the first direction (DR1; [0118]), a second length (L5 in FIG. Z3 below) of the second color filters (130) in the first direction (DR1; [0118]), and a third length (L6 in FIG. Z3 below) of the third color filters (130) in the first direction (DR1) are different from one another ([0118], lengths within a single pixel used for convenience, as the sectional lengths between the different color-output lens are equivalent in the
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current embodiment, and lengths are equal in all directions due to circular lens nature).
FIG. Z3: Annotated version of FIG. 9 of Jung
Re Claim 9, Jung discloses the display panel according to Claim 8, while further disclosing wherein the first color filters (130 in FIG. 11, second row, with R, B pixels) transmit red light ([0118], at least the R pixel portions), the second color filters (130 in FIG. 11, first row, with G pixels) transmit green light ([0118]), and the third color filters (130 in FIG. 11, fourth row, with R, B pixels) transmit blue light ([0118], at least the B pixel portions), and
wherein the first length (L4) is greater than the second length (L5) and less than the third length (L6, L5 < L4 < L6; [0118], see FIG. Z3).
Re Claim 14, Jung discloses the display panel according to Claim 1, while further disclosing wherein the color filter layer (130, 150) further includes a color light-blocking layer (150; [0136]) between the color filters (130; [0136]).
Re Claim 18, Jung discloses the display panel according to Claim 1, while further disclosing wherein the color filter layer (130, 150) further includes a color light-blocking layer (150; [0136]) between the color filters (130; [0136]), and
wherein an electrode (SE) of the sensor electrode layer (SE) in a display area (DA; [0102]) is arranged between the plurality of second light-blocking layers (350) and the color light-blocking layer (150; [0136]).
Re Claim 19, Jung discloses the display panel according to Claim 1, while further disclosing the panel comprises an encapsulation layer (246; [0110]) covering the plurality of display elements (311, 312; [0113]),
wherein the plurality of first light-blocking layers (290) are disposed on the encapsulation layer (246; [0113]).
Re Claim 20, Jung discloses the display panel according to Claim 1, while further disclosing the panel comprises:
a first organic material layer (322; [0127]) covering the plurality of first light-blocking layers (290; [0127]); and
a second organic material layer (IL3; [0076]) covering the plurality of second light-blocking layers (350; [0076]),
wherein the plurality of second light-blocking layers (350) are disposed on the first organic material layer (322; [0127]), and the color filter layer (130, 150) is disposed on the second organic material layer (IL3; [0076]).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains. Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
This application currently names joint inventors. In considering patentability of the claims the examiner presumes that the subject matter of the various claims was commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the claimed invention(s) absent any evidence to the contrary. Applicant is advised of the obligation under 37 CFR 1.56 to point out the inventor and effective filing dates of each claim that was not commonly owned as of the effective filing date of the later invention in order for the examiner to consider the applicability of 35 U.S.C. 102(b)(2)(C) for any potential 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) prior art against the later invention.
Claims 13 and 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Jung as applied to Claim 1.
Re Claim 13, Jung discloses the device according to Claim 1, while further disclosing the plurality of second light-blocking layers (350) overlaps the plurality of first light-blocking layers (290; [0113]).
Jung’s embodiment as shown in FIG. 9 does not explicitly disclose the plurality of second light-blocking layers (350) overlaps the plurality of first light-blocking layers (290) specifically in a “plan view”. However, a “plan view” would be formed from looking at the relevant elements of FIG. 9 (350, 290) from above. The new “plan view” look at FIG. 9 would show that the second light-blocking layers (350) and first light-blocking layers (290) are overlapping each other, as shown in FIG. 9.
Re Claim 17, Jung discloses the device according to Claim 1, while further disclosing wherein an electrode (SE) of the sensor electrode layer (SE) in a display area (DA; [0102]) overlaps the plurality of second light-blocking layers (350; [0137]).
Jung’s embodiment as shown in FIG. 9 does not explicitly disclose the electrode (SE) of the sensor electrode layer (SE) in a display area (DA) overlaps the plurality of second light-blocking layers (350) specifically in a “plan view”. However, a “plan view” would be formed from looking at the relevant elements of FIG. 9 (SE, 350) from above. The new “plan view” look at FIG. 9 would show that the sensor electrode (SE) and second light-blocking layers (350) are overlapping each other, as shown in FIG. 9.
Claim 15 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Jung as applied to Claim 14.
Re Claim 15, Jung discloses the device according to Claim 14, while further disclosing the plurality of first light-blocking layers (290) is inside the color light-blocking layer (150; [0136]), and the plurality of second light-blocking layers (350) is inside the color light-blocking layer (150; [0136]).
Jung’s embodiment as shown in FIG. 9 does not explicitly disclose specifically in a “plan view” that the plurality of first light-blocking layers (290) is inside the color light-blocking layer (150), and the plurality of second light-blocking layers (350) is inside the color light-blocking layer (150). However, a “plan view” would be formed from looking at the relevant elements of FIG. 9 (290, 350, 150) from above. The new “plan view” look at FIG. 9 would show that the second light-blocking layers (350) and first light-blocking layers (290) are inside the dimensions of the color light-blocking layer (150).
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, see Remarks – pg. 2, para. 1 to pg. 4, para. 3, filed 2/10/2026, with respect to the rejection(s) of Claim 1 under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) have been fully considered and are persuasive. Therefore, the rejection has been withdrawn. However, upon further consideration, a new ground(s) of rejection is made in view of Jung under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1). Applicant’s arguments with respect to Claim 1 have been reconsidered in light of the new rejection but are moot because the new ground of rejection does not rely on any reference applied in the prior rejection of record for any teaching or matter specifically challenged in the argument.
Conclusion
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to COLIN RUSSELL MCCUTCHEON whose telephone number is (703)756-1897. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Friday, 12:30-9:30 EST.
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If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, DREW N RICHARDS can be reached at (571) 272-1736. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
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/COLIN RUSSELL MCCUTCHEON/Examiner, Art Unit 2892
/NORMAN D RICHARDS/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2892
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