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 .
Status of Claims
The following is in response to the communication filed 2/26/2026.
Claims 1-20 are currently pending.
Claims 1 and 12 have been amended.
Claims 4-6 and 15-17 have been previously withdrawn.
Claims 1-3, 7-14, and 18-20 have been examined.
Response to Arguments
Examiner thanks the applicant for pointing out that the explanation for the objection to the specification was inadvertently left out of the Non-final Rejection dated 12/01/2025. The details the specification objection specifically for the title being non-descriptive have been included within this action below.
Applicant’s arguments with respect to claims 1 and 12 have been considered 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. In particular the amended claims 1 and 12 are further rejected in light of Lee et al. US 20180233703 A1.
See below for further detail.
Specification
The title of the invention is not descriptive. A new title is required that is clearly indicative of the invention to which the claims are directed.
The following title is suggested: PROTECTED PIXEL DEFINITION AREA OF ORGANIC LIGHT-EMITTING DISPLAY DEVICE WITH METAL LAYER
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action.
Claims 1, 2, 7, 8, 12, 13, and 18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Lee et al. US 20180233703 A1 (hereinafter Lee).
Regarding claim 1, Lee discloses:
An organic light-emitting display device (Lee, Abstract) comprising:
a substrate; (Lee, Fig. 2, substrate 100)
an insulating layer disposed on the substrate; (second insulation layer 130 and planarization layer 140, [0043]-[0044] second insulation layer 130 is made from SiOx and planarization layer 140 is formed of SiOx and may be considered an insulating layer consisting of a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer. )
a first electrode disposed on the insulating layer; (first electrode EL1)
a pixel defining layer (pixel defining layer PDL) disposed on the first electrode and defining an emission area by an opening exposing at least part of the first electrode; (Subpixel SP1 is defined by and the pixel defining layer PDL. See also [0056].)
a metal layer (mirror pattern MR, [0052] mirror pattern is made from a metal.) disposed on the pixel defining layer (See Fig. 2, [0053], the mirror pattern MR has substantially the same shape as the pixel defining layer PDL.) and in a non-emission area (mirror area MA) around the emission area (See Fig.1 the mirror area MA includes the mirror pattern MR which his surrounds the sub pixel area SP1, SP2, SP3.);
an organic light-emitting layer (intermediate layer 233) disposed on the first electrode (first electrode 231) in the opening; and (See Fig. 2)
a second electrode (second electrode EL2) disposed on the organic light-emitting layer (subpixel SP1) in the emission area and the non-emission area, (See Fig. 2, [0055] the second electrode is disposed on the pixel defining layer PDL and the light emitting structure 150.)
wherein the metal layer (mirror pattern MR) is disposed between the pixel defining layer (pixel defining layer PDL) and the second electrode (second electrode EL2) in the non-emission area and spaced from the first electrode(first electrode EL1) in a thickness direction of the organic light-emitting display device. (See Fig. 2, the mirror pattern is above and spaced apart from the first electrode EL1.)
Regarding claim 2, Lee further discloses:
wherein the metal layer is in direct contact with the pixel defining layer. (See Fig. 2, [0053].)
Regarding claim 7, Lee further discloses:
wherein the insulating layer (Fig.2, second insulation layer 130 and planarization layer 140) comprises a first organic insulating layer (second insulating layer 130) and a second organic insulating layer. (planarization layer 140)([0043]-[0044] second insulation layer 130 is made from SiOx and planarization layer 140 is formed of SiOx and may be considered an insulating layer consisting of a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer.)
Regarding claim 8, Lee further discloses:
The organic light-emitting display device of claim 7, further comprising a conductive layer (Fig. 2,source electrode SE ) disposed between the first organic insulating layer (second insulating layer 130) and the second organic insulating layer. (planarization layer 140)
Regarding claim 12, Lee discloses:
An organic light-emitting display device (Lee, Abstract) comprising:
a substrate; (Lee, Fig. 2, substrate 100)
a thin film transistor (thin film transistor TFT) disposed on the substrate (substrate 100) and comprising a semiconductor layer (active layer ACT), a gate electrode (gate electrode GE), a source electrode (source electrode SE), and a drain electrode (drain electrode DE);
an insulating layer disposed on the thin film transistor; (second insulation layer 130 and planarization layer 140, [0043]-[0044] second insulation layer 130 is made from SiOx and planarization layer 140 is formed of SiOx and may be considered an insulating layer consisting of a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer. )
a first electrode disposed on the insulating layer; (first electrode EL1)
a pixel defining layer (pixel defining layer PDL) disposed on the first electrode and defining an emission area by an opening exposing at least part of the first electrode; (Subpixel SP1 is defined by and the pixel defining layer PDL. See also [0056].)
a metal layer (mirror pattern MR, [0052] mirror pattern is made from a metal.) disposed on the pixel defining layer (See Fig. 2, [0053], the mirror pattern MR has substantially the same shape as the pixel defining layer PDL.) and in a non-emission area (mirror area MA) around the emission area (See Fig.1 the mirror area MA includes the mirror pattern MR which his surrounds the sub pixel area SP1, SP2, SP3.);
an organic light-emitting layer (intermediate layer 233) disposed on the first electrode (first electrode 231) in the opening; and (See Fig. 2)
a second electrode (second electrode EL2) disposed on the organic light-emitting layer (subpixel SP1) in the emission area and the non-emission area, (See Fig. 2, [0055] the second electrode is disposed on the pixel defining layer PDL and the light emitting structure 150.)
wherein the metal layer (mirror pattern MR) is disposed between the pixel defining layer (pixel defining layer PDL) and the second electrode (second electrode EL2) in the non-emission area and spaced from the first electrode(first electrode EL1) in a thickness direction of the organic light-emitting display device. (See Fig. 2, the mirror pattern is above and spaced apart from the first electrode EL1.)
Regarding claim 13, Lee further discloses:
wherein the metal layer is in direct contact with the pixel defining layer. (See Fig. 2, [0053].)
Regarding claim 18, Lee further discloses:
wherein the insulating layer (Fig.2, second insulation layer 130 and planarization layer 140) comprises a first organic insulating layer (second insulating layer 130) and a second organic insulating layer. (planarization layer 140)([0043]-[0044] second insulation layer 130 is made from SiOx and planarization layer 140 is formed of SiOx and may be considered an insulating layer consisting of a first insulating layer and a second insulating layer.)
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
The text of those sections of Title 35, U.S. Code not included in this action can be found in a prior Office action.
Claims 3 and 14 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Lee as applied to claims 1 and 12 above, and further in view of Choung et al US 10396136 B2 (hereinafter Choung) and Tsujimura et al US 20200295290 A1 (hereinafter Tsujimura).
The following annotated Fig. 3 of Choung will be used in discussion.
PNG
media_image1.png
538
457
media_image1.png
Greyscale
Regarding claim 3, Lee appears to disclose all the elements of claim 1.
Lee further discloses, the metal layer (Lee, Fig. 2, mirror pattern MR) is disposed on the upper surface of the pixel defining layer (pixel defining layer PDL) and a side wall of the opening (See Fig. 2, the mirror pattern MR extends down a onto the side wall of the pixel defining layer PDL). The metal layer (mirror pattern MR) is between the pixel defining layer PDL and the second electrode layer EL2.
However, Lee does not appear to disclose, “a first functional layer disposed between the first electrode and the organic light-emitting layer in the opening of the pixel defining layer,” “the first functional layer extends to an upper surface of the pixel defining layer” or that the metal layer is disposed between the pixel defining layer and the first functional layer.”
Choung which teaches an organic light emitting display (Choung, Abstract), discloses:
a first functional layer (Choung, Fig. 3, first intermediate layer 321) disposed between the first electrode (pixel electrodes 210) and the organic light-emitting layer (organic emission layer 322) in the opening (annotated Fig. 3, opening between two pixel defining layers 180) of the pixel defining layer, (pixel defining layer 180)
wherein the first functional layer (first intermediate layer 321) extends to an upper surface of the pixel defining layer, (pixel-defining film 180), (Fig. 3, The first intermediate layer 321 is a continuous layer over the pixel-defining layer 180.) and
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the device of Lee to have the first functional layer disposed between the first electrode and the organic light-emitting layer in the opening of the pixel defining layer and the first functional layer extends to an upper surface of the pixel defining layer as taught by Choung for purposes of having hole injection layer. (Choung, Col. 7, lines, 42-51.) A hole injection layer is known to promote the injection of holes from the pixel electrode into the corresponding organic light-emitting layer as evidenced by Tsujimura et al. US 20200295290 A1. (Tsujimura, [0115].)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention that the device of the combination of Lee as modified by Choung would by necessity result in the metal layer being between the pixel defining layer and the first functional layer. Lee teaches that the metal layer (Lee, Fig. 2, mirror pattern MR) is deposited on the pixel defining layer (Lee, Fig. 2, pixel defining layer PDL) and Choung teaches the first functional layer. (Choung, Fig. 3, The first intermediate layer 321 is a continuous layer over the pixel-defining layer 180.) The result of the combination would have been predictable as each element merely performs the same function as it does separately and does not produce a ‘new’ or ‘different function.’ Those skilled in the art the use of the old elements in combination would have been obvious.
Regarding claim 14, Lee appears to disclose all the elements of claim 12.
Lee further discloses, the metal layer (Lee, Fig. 2, mirror pattern MR) is disposed on the upper surface of the pixel defining layer (pixel defining layer PDL) and a side wall of the opening (See Fig. 2, the mirror pattern MR extends down a onto the side wall of the pixel defining layer PDL). The metal layer (mirror pattern MR) is between the pixel defining layer PDL and the second electrode layer EL2.
However, Lee does not appear to disclose, “a first functional layer disposed between the first electrode and the organic light-emitting layer in the opening of the pixel defining layer,” “the first functional layer extends to an upper surface of the pixel defining layer” or that the metal layer is disposed between the pixel defining layer and the first functional layer.”
Choung which teaches an organic light emitting display (Choung, Abstract), discloses:
a first functional layer (Choung, Fig. 3, first intermediate layer 321) disposed between the first electrode (pixel electrodes 210) and the organic light-emitting layer (organic emission layer 322) in the opening (annotated Fig. 3, opening between two pixel defining layers 180) of the pixel defining layer, (pixel defining layer 180)
wherein the first functional layer (first intermediate layer 321) extends to an upper surface of the pixel defining layer, (pixel-defining film 180), (Fig. 3, The first intermediate layer 321 is a continuous layer over the pixel-defining layer 180.) and
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the device of Lee to have the first functional layer disposed between the first electrode and the organic light-emitting layer in the opening of the pixel defining layer and the first functional layer extends to an upper surface of the pixel defining layer as taught by Choung for purposes of having hole injection layer. (Choung, Col. 7, lines, 42-51.) A hole injection layer is known to promote the injection of holes from the pixel electrode into the corresponding organic light-emitting layer as evidenced by Tsujimura et al. US 20200295290 A1. (Tsujimura, [0115].)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention that the device of the combination of Lee as modified by Choung would by necessity result in the metal layer being between the pixel defining layer and the first functional layer. Lee teaches that the metal layer (Lee, Fig. 2, mirror pattern MR) is deposited on the pixel defining layer (Lee, Fig. 2, pixel defining layer PDL) and Choung teaches the first functional layer. (Choung, Fig. 3, The first intermediate layer 321 is a continuous layer over the pixel-defining layer 180.) The result of the combination would have been predictable as each element merely performs the same function as it does separately and does not produce a ‘new’ or ‘different function.’ Those skilled in the art the use of the old elements in combination would have been obvious.
Claims 9, 10, 19, and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Lee in view of Kim et al. KR 20180062253 A (hereinafter Kim, Google translation previously provided.)
Regarding claim 9, Lee discloses all the elements of claim 1.
Lee does not appear to disclose “the metal layer ([0025] second pixel defining sub-layer 219b’ is an inorganic material (i.e. a metal)) comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of ytterbium (Yb) and magnesium (Mg).
However, Kim teaches “an organic light emitting display device capable of preventing outgassing generated in outer layers of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) from affecting the OLED” (Kim, Abstract), discloses:
the metal layer (Kim, Fig. 1, first outgassing barrier layer 500 and second outgassing barrier layer 400) comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of ytterbium (Yb) and magnesium (Mg). (page 2/8 of the Google translation of Kim, the metal forming the outgassing barrier layer is Ytterbium)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the device of Lee to have the metal layer comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of ytterbium (Yb) and magnesium (Mg) as taught by Kim for purposes of preventing the OLED from being deteriorated by the outgas. (Page 3/8 of the Google translation of Kim.)
Regarding claim 10, Lee discloses all of elements claim 1.
Lee does not appear to disclose “wherein a thickness of the metal layer is about 19 angstroms (A) to about 1000 A.”
Kim teaches “an organic light emitting display device capable of preventing outgassing generated in outer layers of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) from affecting the OLED” (Kim, Abstract), discloses:
“wherein a thickness of the metal layer (Kim, Fig. 1, first outgassing barrier layer 500) is about 19 angstroms (A) to about 1000 A.” (Page 2/8 of the google translation of Kim, metal forming the first outgassing barrier and the thickness of the second outgassing barrier layer may be tween 10 Å to 50 Å. Which is within the range of 19 angstroms (Å) to about 1000 Å.)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the device of Lee to have a thickness of the metal layer is about 19 angstroms (A) to about 1000 A as taught by Kim for purposes of preventing the OLED from being deteriorated by the outgas. (Page 3/8 of the Google translation of Kim.)
Regarding claim 19, Lee discloses all the elements of claim 12.
Lee does not appear to disclose “the metal layer ([0025] second pixel defining sub-layer 219b’ is an inorganic material (i.e. a metal)) comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of ytterbium (Yb) and magnesium (Mg).
However, Kim teaches “an organic light emitting display device capable of preventing outgassing generated in outer layers of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) from affecting the OLED” (Kim, Abstract), discloses:
the metal layer (Kim, Fig. 1, first outgassing barrier layer 500 and second outgassing barrier layer 400) comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of ytterbium (Yb) and magnesium (Mg). (page 2/8 of the Google translation of Kim, the metal forming the outgassing barrier layer is Ytterbium)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the device of Lee to have the metal layer comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of ytterbium (Yb) and magnesium (Mg) as taught by Kim for purposes of preventing the OLED from being deteriorated by the outgas. (Page 3/8 of the Google translation of Kim.)
Regarding claim 20, Lee discloses all of elements claim 12.
Lee does not appear to disclose “wherein a thickness of the metal layer is about 19 angstroms (A) to about 1000 A.”
Kim teaches “an organic light emitting display device capable of preventing outgassing generated in outer layers of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) from affecting the OLED” (Kim, Abstract), discloses:
“wherein a thickness of the metal layer is about 19 angstroms (A) to about 1000 A.” (Page 2/8 of the google translation of Kim, metal forming the first outgassing barrier and the thickness of the second outgassing barrier layer may be tween 10 Å to 50 Å. Which is within the range of 19 angstroms (Å) to about 1000 Å.)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the device of Lee to have a thickness of the metal layer is about 19 angstroms (A) to about 1000 A as taught by Kim for purposes of preventing the OLED from being deteriorated by the outgas. (Page 3/8 of the Google translation of Kim.)
Claim 11 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Lee in view of Kwon US 20170025483 A1 (hereinafter Kwon).
Regarding claim 11, Lee discloses all the elements of claim 1.
Lee does disclose the metal layer (mirror pattern MR) which by necessity would have a shape that is defined by the top surface of the pixel defining layer (pixel defining layer PDL) upon which is it deposited on but does not appear to disclose the plan view geometry of the metal layer or the pixel defining layer. Therefore does not appear to explicitly teach, “an octagonal shape in a plan view. “
However, Kwon which teaches an OLED display which includes a first electrode and pixel defining layer having a polygonal shape opening (Kwon, Abstract), discloses:
…. an octagonal shape in a plan view. (Fig. 1, the third opening OM3 of the pixel defining layer PDL. [0080] OM3 has a polygonal shape that is an octagon.)
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to modify the device of Lee to have the pixel defining layer (and therefore the metal layer that is deposited on said pixel defining layer) with an octagonal shape in plain view as taught by Kwon for purposes improving manufacturing yield in a high resolution OLED display with a limited display area. (Kwon, [0016].)
Prior Art Made of Record
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Cui et al. CN 113193151 A – A display panel using an OLED with where the device comprises a conductive layer (Fig. 1, conductive layer form a storage capacitor 152) disposed between the first organic insulating layer (first insulating layer 14) and the second organic insulating layer.( second insulating layer 15)
Kim et al. US 20160087245 A1 - A display panel using an OLED with where the device comprises a conductive layer (Fig. 2, power line 102) disposed between the first organic insulating layer (interlayer insulating layer 109) and the second organic insulating layer.(planarization layer 111)
Conclusion
Applicant's amendment necessitated the new ground(s) of rejection presented in this Office action. Accordingly, THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. See MPEP § 706.07(a). Applicant is reminded of the extension of time policy as set forth in 37 CFR 1.136(a).
A shortened statutory period for reply to this final action is set to expire THREE MONTHS from the mailing date of this action. In the event a first reply is filed within TWO MONTHS of the mailing date of this final action and the advisory action is not mailed until after the end of the THREE-MONTH shortened statutory period, then the shortened statutory period will expire on the date the advisory action is mailed, and any nonprovisional extension fee (37 CFR 1.17(a)) pursuant to 37 CFR 1.136(a) will be calculated from the mailing date of the advisory action. In no event, however, will the statutory period for reply expire later than SIX MONTHS from the mailing date of this final action.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to HEIM KIRIN GREWAL whose telephone number is (703)756-1515. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Thursday 9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST.
Examiner interviews are available via telephone, in-person, and video conferencing using a USPTO supplied web-based collaboration tool. To schedule an interview, applicant is encouraged to use the USPTO Automated Interview Request (AIR) at http://www.uspto.gov/interviewpractice.
If attempts to reach the examiner by telephone are unsuccessful, the examiner’s supervisor, DAVIENNE MONBLEAU can be reached at (571) 272-1945. The fax phone number for the organization where this application or proceeding is assigned is 571-273-8300.
Information regarding the status of published or unpublished applications may be obtained from Patent Center. Unpublished application information in Patent Center is available to registered users. To file and manage patent submissions in Patent Center, visit: https://patentcenter.uspto.gov. Visit https://www.uspto.gov/patents/apply/patent-center for more information about Patent Center and https://www.uspto.gov/patents/docx for information about filing in DOCX format. For additional questions, contact the Electronic Business Center (EBC) at 866-217-9197 (toll-free). If you would like assistance from a USPTO Customer Service Representative, call 800-786-9199 (IN USA OR CANADA) or 571-272-1000.
/HEIM KIRIN GREWAL/Examiner, Art Unit 2812
/DAVIENNE N MONBLEAU/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2812
Prosecution Insights