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 .
Information Disclosure Statement
The information disclosure statement (IDS) submitted on is in compliance with the provisions of 37 CFR 1.97. Accordingly, the information disclosure statement is being considered by the examiner.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
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 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.
Claims 1-3, 5-6, 8-15 and 17 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Jung et al.; US 11,895,856 B2; 09/2019 in view of Oota; US 8,358,057 B2; 02/2011 and further in view of Yamazaki et al.; US 12,610,713 B2; 04/2022
Claim 1: Jung discloses a method for manufacturing a light emitting device (Col. 5 lines 57- 58 The electronic device EA may include a display device DD) , the method comprising: providing a base layer (Col. 7 lines 29-32 The base substrate BS) on which first ( Col. 7 lines 12 – 13 a light emitting element ED) and second (Col. 7 lines 13-14 a plurality of light emitting elements ED) pixel regions ( Col. 7 lines 11-13 display element layer DP-EL) configured to emit first ( Col. 3 lines 36-40 a first filter to transmit the first color light) and second ( Col. 3 lines 36-40 a second filter to transmit the second color light) color lights different from each other ( Col. 3 lines 22 – 30 a second color light having a longer wavelength than the first color light ), respectively, are defined; and forming, on the base layer (Fig. 15 BS), an electron transport layer ( Fig. 15 electron transport region ETR) including first (Fig. 15 ED-1) and second (Fig. 15 ED-2) transport regions overlapping the first (Fig. 15 CF-B) and second (Fig. 15 CF-G) pixel regions, respectively, wherein the forming of the electron transport layer (Fig. 15 ETR) includes: applying an electron transport composition ( Col. 12 lines 1 – 5 The electron transport region ETR may have a single layer formed of a single material, a single layer formed of a plurality of different materials, or a multilayer structure having a plurality of layers formed of a plurality of different materials) including a metal oxide (Col. 2 lines 64 – 65 In an embodiment, the metal compound may include a metal oxide) and a photoacid generator ( Col. 9 lines 8 -9, 4-isopropyl-4′-methyldiphenyliodonium tetrakis (pentafluorophenyl)borate is a photoacid generator) on the first (Fig. 15 CF-B) and second (Fig. 15 CF-G) pixel regions such that first (Fig. 15 ED-1) and second ( Fig. 15 ED-2) preliminary transport regions are formed; and irradiating the first ( Fig. 15 ED-1) and second (Fig. 15 ED - 2) preliminary transport regions with light ( Col. 12 lines 20 – 25 The electron transport region ETR may be formed using one or more suitable methods such as a vacuum deposition method, a spin coating method, a cast method, a Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) method, an inkjet printing method, a laser printing method, and/or a laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) method. ) to form the first (Fig. 15 ED-1) and second transport (Fig. 15 ED-2 ) regions from the first and second preliminary transport regions (Fig. 15 ED-1 and ED-2), respectively, wherein the light for irradiating is provided from a light irradiation device outside the light emitting device ( as discussed above for the LITI method ) wherein in the irradiating with the light, an amount of the light per unit area irradiated on the first preliminary transport region ( Col. 22 lines 21-27 the first color light may be blue light; The LITI laser would be adjusted based on how the material absorbs energy since a material’s color is determined by the wavelengths of light it reflects and absorbs ) is different from an amount of the light per unit area irradiated on the second preliminary transport region ( Col. 22 lines 21 – 27 the second color light may be green light; Since the color is different the amount of light irradiated would be different as discussed above ); wherein in the irradiating of the first ( Fig. 15 ED-1 ) and second preliminary transport regions ( Fig. 15 ED-2 ) with the light provided from the light irradiation device ( as discussed above for the LITI method ) outside the light emitting device, a common mask ( Fig. 15 CF-B ) on which a first opening ( Fig. 15 OH1 ) overlapping the first preliminary transport region ( Fig. 15 ED-1 ) and a second opening ( Fig. 15 OH2 ) overlapping the second preliminary transport region ( Fig. 15 ED-2 ) are defined is used, and a transmittance ( Col 20 lines 31-32 a second filter CF-G which transmits the second color light ) of the light passing through the first opening ( Fig. 15 OH1 ) is different ( Col. 17 lines 12-13 A plurality of light emitting elements ED-1, ED-2 and ED-3 may emit lights in different wavelength regions ) from a transmittance of the light passing ( as previously stated ) through the second opening ( Fig. 15 OH2 ).
Jung does not appear to disclose a period of time during which the light provided from the light irradiation device irradiates the first preliminary transport region is different from a period of time during which the light provided from the light irradiation device irradiates the second preliminary transport region, wherein in the irradiating of the first and second preliminary transport regions with the light provided from the light irradiation device outside the light emitting device, a common mask on which a first opening overlapping the first preliminary transport region and a second opening overlapping the second preliminary transport region are defined is used, and a transmittance of the light passing through the first opening is different from a transmittance of the light passing through the second opening; wherein in the irradiating of the first and second preliminary transport regions with the light provided from the light irradiation device outside the light emitting device, a common mask on which a first opening overlapping the first preliminary transport region and a second opening overlapping the second preliminary transport region are defined is used, and a transmittance of the light passing through the first opening is different from a transmittance of the light passing through the second opening.
Oota discloses a period of time during which the light provided from the light irradiation device ( Fig. 7 second exposure masks the emitting layer EML2 ) irradiates the first preliminary transport region ( Col 14. lines 57 – 65 the organic layer ORG of each pixel PX1 includes a hole injection layer HIL, a hole-transporting layer HTL, the emitting layer HIL, a hole transporting layer HTL the emitting layer EML1 an electron transporting layer ETL and an electron injection layer EIL ) is different from a period of time during which the light provided from the light irradiation device ( Fig. 6 first exposure masks the emitting layer EML1 ) irradiates the second preliminary transport region ( Col 14 lines 65 – The organic layer ORG of each pixel PX2 includes the hole injection layer HIL, the hole-transporting layer HTL, the emitting layer EML2, the electron-transporting layer ETL, and the electron injection layer EIL ).
Oota does not appear to disclose in the irradiating of the first and second preliminary transport regions with the light provided from the light irradiation device outside the light emitting device, a common mask on which a first opening overlapping the first preliminary transport region and a second opening overlapping the second preliminary transport region are defined is used, and a transmittance of the light passing through the first opening is different from a transmittance of the light passing through the second opening.
However, Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) teaches in the irradiating of the first ( Fig. 7C opening in the 151R mask ) and second preliminary transport regions ( Fig. 8A opening in the 151G mask ) with the light provided from the light irradiation device ( as shown in Fig. 7C and 8A ) outside the light emitting device ( as shown in the figures ), a common mask ( mask 151 shown in Figs. 7C, and 8A – 8B ) on which a first opening ( Fig. 17A light-emitting element 370R ) overlapping the first preliminary transport region ( Fig. 17A light-emitting layer 383R ) and a second opening ( Fig. 17A light-emitting element 370G ) overlapping the second preliminary transport region ( Fig. 17A light-emitting layer 383G ) are defined is used, and a transmittance of the light passing through the first opening ( Fig. 17A #370R emits red (R) light ) is different from a transmittance of the light passing through the second opening ( Fig. 17A #370G emits green (G) light ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) with Jung and Oota to implement a period of time during which the light provided from the light irradiation device irradiates the first preliminary transport region is different from a period of time during which the light provided from the light irradiation device irradiates the second preliminary transport region, wherein in the irradiating of the first and second preliminary transport regions with the light provided from the light irradiation device outside the light emitting device, a common mask on which a first opening overlapping the first preliminary transport region and a second opening overlapping the second preliminary transport region are defined is used, and a transmittance of the light passing through the first opening is different from a transmittance of the light passing through the second opening because this approach achieves precise, targeted control over the light dose applied to each distinct region.
Claim 2: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 1 (as discussed above).
Jung teaches the irradiating with the light includes: irradiating the first preliminary transport region with a first light (Col. 22 line 25 the first color light may be blue light) ; and irradiating the second preliminary transport region with a second light( Col. 22 lines 25 – 26 the second color light may be green light ), wherein in the irradiating with the first light ( Col. 22 line 25 the first color light may be blue light), a first mask ( Fig. 15 CF-B ) is disposed on the electron transport composition ( Fig. 15 ED-1 ETR-1 ) and a first opening ( Col. 19 lines 27-28 one or more openings OH defined in the pixel defining layer PDL; Fig. 15 OH1 ) overlapping the first preliminary transport region (Fig. 15 ED-1) is defined in the first mask (Fig. 15 CF-B), wherein in the irradiating with the second light (Col. 22 lines 25 – 26 the second color light may be green light ), a second mask (Fig. 15 CF-G) is disposed on the electron transport composition (Fig. 15 ED-2 ETR-2) and a second opening ( Fig. 15 OH2 ) overlapping the second preliminary transport region (Fig. 15 ED-2 ) is defined in the second mask (Fig. 15 CF-G).
Claim 3: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 2 ( as discussed above).
Jung teaches an intensity of the first light (Intensity is related to the amount of energy carried by light, and energy is directly proportional to the frequency of light, which is inversely proportional to wavelength. Col. 22 lines 21 – 24 the second color light may be light of a longer wavelength region than the first color light ) is different from an intensity of the second light ( Col. 22 lines 21 – 24 the second color light may be light of a longer wavelength region than the first color light ).
Claim 5: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 2 (as discussed above).
Jung teaches on the base layer (Fig. 15 BS), a third pixel (Fig. 15 third filter CF-R) region configured to emit a third color light ( Col. 22 lines 22 – 24 the third color light may be light of a longer wavelength region than the first color light and the second color light ) different from the first (Fig. 15 CF-B) and second (Fig. 15 CF-G) color lights is further defined; the applying of the electron transport composition ( Fig. 15 ED-3 ETR-3 ) further comprises applying the electron transport composition ( Fig. 15 ED-3 ETR-3 ) on the third pixel (Fig. 15 CF-R) region to further form a third preliminary transport region (Fig. 15 ED-3) ; and the irradiating with the light further comprises irradiating the third preliminary transport region (Fig. 15 ED-3) with a third light using a third mask (Fig. 15 CF-R) in which a third opening (Fig. 15 OH3) overlapping the third preliminary third region (Fig. 15 ED-3) is defined such that a third transport region (Fig. 15 ED-3 ETR-3) is formed.
Claim 6: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 5 (as discussed above).
Jung teaches an intensity of the first light (Intensity is related to the amount of energy carried by light, and energy is directly proportional to the frequency of light, which is inversely proportional to wavelength. Col. 22 lines 21 – 22 the second color light may be light of a longer wavelength region than the first color light ) is different from an intensity of the second light ( Col. 22 lines 21 – 22 the second color light may be light of a longer wavelength region than the first color light ), and an intensity of the third light ( Col. 22 lines 22 – 24 the third color light may be light of a longer wavelength region than the first color light and the second color light ) are different from one another.
Claim 8: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 2 (as discussed above).
Jung teaches on the base layer (Fig. 15 BS), a third pixel (Fig. 15 CF-R) region configured to emit a third (Fig. 15 CF-R ) color light different from the first ( Fig. 15 CF-B) and second ( Fig. 15 CF-G) color lights is further defined; the applying of the electron transport composition (Fig. 15 ED-3 ETR-3) further comprises applying the electron transport composition (Fig. 15 ED-3 ETR-3) on the third pixel region (Fig. 15 ED-3) to further form a third preliminary transport region (Fig. 15 ED-3 ETR-3); and in the irradiating of the second preliminary transport region (Fig. 15 ED-2 ETR-2) with the second light (Fig. 15 CF-G) , a third opening ( Fig. 15 OH3) overlapping the third preliminary transport region (Fig. 15 ED-3 ETR-3) is further defined in the second mask ( Fig. 15 CF-G ), and the third preliminary transport region (Fig. 15 ED-3 ETR-3) is irradiated with the second light ( Col. 22 lines 21 – 22 the second color light may be light of a longer wavelength region than the first color light ).
Claim 10: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 1 (as discussed above).
Jung teaches a first light control film ( Fig. 15 CF-B ) having a first light transmittance (Col. 20 lines 30 – 31 a first filter CF-B which transmits the first color light) is disposed in the first opening (Fig. 15 OH1).
Claim 11: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 10 (as discussed above).
Jung teaches a second light control film ( Fig. 15 CF-G ) having a second light transmittance (Col. 20 lines 31 – 32 a second filter CF-G which transmits the second color light ) different from the first light transmittance ( Col. 20 lines 30 – 31 a first filter CF-B which transmits the first color light) is disposed in the second opening ( Fig. 15 OH2).
Claim 12: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 1 (as discussed above).
Jung teaches the first opening ( Fig. 15 OH1 ) is provided in plurality ( Col. 3 lines 13 – 15 a display device includes a plurality of light emitting elements) and in a slit form ( Fig. 14 PXA-B ) having a first slit width ( Fig. 14 PXG1 ) between two adjacent first openings ( Fig. 15 OH2 and OH3 ) of the plurality of first openings ( Fig. 15 OH1 ) .
Claim 13: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 12 (as discussed above).
Jung teaches the second opening ( Fig. 15 OH2 ) is provided in plurality ( Col. 3 lines 13 – 15 a display device includes a plurality of light emitting elements) and in a slit form (Fig. 14 PXA-G ) having a second slit width ( Fig. 14 PXG1 ) between two adjacent second openings ( Fig. 15 OH2 ) of the plurality of second openings ( Fig. 15 OH2 ), and the second slit width (Fig. 14 PXG2) is different from the first slit form ( Fig. 14 PXG1 ).
Claim 14: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 1 (as discussed above).
Jung teaches on the base layer (Fig. 15 BS) , a third pixel region ( Fig. 15 CF-R ) configured to emit a third color light ( Col. 22 lines 22 – 24 the third color light may be light of a longer wavelength region than the first color light and the second color light) different from the first ( Col. 20 lines 30 – 31 a first filter CF-B which transmits the first color light) and second ( Col. 20 lines 31 – 32 a second filter CF-G which transmits the second color light) color lights is further defined; the applying of the electron transport composition (Fig. 15 ED-3 ETR-3) further comprises applying the electron transport composition (Fig. 15 ED-3 ETR-3) on the third pixel region (Fig. 15 CF-R) to further form a third preliminary transport region (Fig. 15 ED-3 ETR-3); and in the irradiating with the light, a third opening (Fig. 15 OH2) overlapping the third preliminary transport region (Fig. 15 ED-3 ETR-3) is further defined in the common mask (Fig. 15 color filter layer CFL), and a transmittance ( Fig. 15 CF-R) of the light passing through the third opening (Fig. 15 OH3) is different from the transmittance ( Fig. 15 CF-B) of the light passing through the first opening (Fig. 15 OH1) and the transmittance ( Fig. 15 CF-G) of the light passing through the second opening (Fig. 15 OH2).
Claim 15: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 1 (as discussed above).
Jung teaches on the base layer (Fig. 15 BS), a third pixel region (Fig. 15 CF-R) configured to emit a third color light ( Col. 20 lines 32 – 33 a third filter CF-R which transmits the third color light) different from the first ( Col. 20 lines 30 – 31 a first filter CF-B which transmits the first color light) and second ( Col. 20 lines 31 – 32 a second filter CF-G which transmits the second color light) color lights is further defined; the applying of the electron transport composition (Fig. 15 ED-3 ETR-3) further comprises applying the electron transport composition (Fig. 15 ED-3 ETR-3) on the third pixel region (Fig. 15 CF-R) to further form a third preliminary transport region (Fig. 15 ED-3 ETR-3); and in the irradiating with the light, a third opening (Fig. 15 OH2) overlapping the third preliminary transport region (Fig. 15 ED-3 ETR-3) is further defined in the common mask (Fig. 15 color filter layer CFL), and a transmittance ( Fig. 15 CF-R) of the light passing through the third opening (Fig. 15 OH-3) is substantially the same ( Col. 21 lines 8 – 10 the display device DD of an embodiment may include a polarization layer in a light controlling layer PP, instead of the color filter layer CFL) as any one of the transmittance of the light passing through the first opening (Fig. 15 OH1) and the transmittance of the light passing through the second opening (Fig. 15 OH2).
Claim 17: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 1 (as discussed above).
Jung teaches the base layer (Fig. 15 BS) comprises first electrodes ( Fig. 15 first electrode EL1 ) corresponding to the first ( Fig. 15 CF-B ) and second (Fig. 15 CF-G) pixel regions, respectively, and after the forming of the electron transport layer ( Fig. 15 ED-1 ETR; Col 7 lines 62 – 64 the electron transport region ETR may include an electron transport layer ETL as sub functional layers), the method further comprises: on the electron transport layer ( Fig. 15 ETR (ETL)), forming a light emitting layer ( Fig. 15 ED) including first (Fig. 15 ED-1 ) and second (Fig. 15 ED-2) light emitting layers corresponding to the first (Fig. 15 CF-B) and second (Fig. 15 CF-G) pixel regions, respectively; and forming a second electrode ( Fig. 15 second electrode EL2) on the light emitting layer ( Fig. 15 ED-2).
Claim 7 is rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Jung et al.; US 11,895,856 B2; 09/2019 in view of Oota; US 8,358,057 B2; 02/2011 and further in view of Yamazaki et al.; US 12,610,713 B2; 04/2022 as it relates to claim 5 above and further in view of Moriya et al.; US 2006/0178013 A1; 02/2005.
Claim 7: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 5 (as discussed above).
Neither Jung nor Oota nor Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) appear to disclose a period of time during which the first light is irradiated, a period of time during which the second light is irradiated, and a period of time during which the third light is irradiated are different from one another.
However, Moriya teaches a period of time ( [0180] the pixel signals S1, S2, … and Sn supplied from the data lines 6a are written into the pixels at a predetermined timing) during which the first light ( [0180] S1 ) is irradiated, a period of time ( [0180] the pixel signals S1, S2, … and Sn supplied from the data lines 6a are written into the pixels at a predetermined timing) during which the second light ( [0180] S2 ) is irradiated, and a period of time ( [0180] the pixel signals S1, S2, … and Sn supplied from the data lines 6a are written into the pixels at a predetermined timing) during which the third light ( [ 0180] S3) is irradiated are different from one another ( [0179] the pixel signals S1, S2, …, and Sn written into the data lines 6a may be sequentially supplied).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Moriya with Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki to implement a period of time during which the first light is irradiated, a period of time during which the second light is irradiated, and a period of time during which the third light is irradiated are different from one another because treatment can be tailored to specific wavelengths thus increasing the functionality of the light emitting device.
Claim 16 is rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Jung et al.; US 11,895,856 B2; 09/2019 in view of Oota; US 8,358,057 B2; 02/2011 and further in view of Yamazaki et al.; US 12,610,713 B2; 04/2022
as it relates to claim 1 and further in view of Yuan; US 2024/0284742 A1; 01/2022.
Claim 16: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 1 (as discussed above).
Neither Jung nor Oota nor Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) appear to disclose the irradiating with the light, a first decomposition amount of acid is decomposed from the photoacid generator in the first preliminary transport region, and a second decomposition amount of acid is decomposed from the photoacid generator in the second preliminary transport region, and the second decomposition amount is different from the first decomposition amount.
However, Yuan teaches the irradiating with the light ( [0016] irradiating the preliminary electron transport region with light), a first decomposition amount of acid ( [0176] the portion of the first film #10 and the portion of the second film #20 are changed into 2-Aminoethanethiol by removing the Boc group under light irradiation) is decomposed from the photoacid generator ( [0156] the photoacid generator ) in the first preliminary transport region ( Fig. 1 13R electronic transport layer (ETL) 133c ), and a second decomposition amount of acid ( [ 0020] In one or more embodiments, the photoacid generator may be represented by Formula 1 or Formula 2 ) is decomposed from the photoacid generator ([0156] the photoacid generator) in the second preliminary transport region ( Fig. 1 13G electronic transport layer (ETL) 133c), and the second decomposition amount ( Formula 1 and Formula 2 are different compounds) is different from the first decomposition amount ( [0153] The electron transport region ETR may include: a metal oxide; and an acid and a conjugate base of the acid which are generated by decomposition of and a photoacid generator).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Yuan with Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) to implement the irradiating with the light, a first decomposition amount of acid is decomposed from the photoacid generator in the first preliminary transport region, and a second decomposition amount of acid is decomposed from the photoacid generator in the second preliminary transport region, and the second decomposition amount is different from the first decomposition amount because each of the regions is configured to generate different output wavelengths and is made of different chemical compositions.
Claims 19-21 are rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Jung et al.; US 11,895,856 B2; 09/2019 in view of Oota; US 8,358,057 B2; 02/2011 and further in view of Yamazaki et al.; US 12,610,713 B2; 04/2022 as it relates to claim 1 and further in view of Yamazaki; US 2024/0334796 A1; 07/2021.
Claim 19: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 1 (as discussed above).
Neither Jung nor Oota nor Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) appear to disclose the forming of the electron transport layer further comprises: after the applying of the electron transport composition and before the irradiating with the light, performing heat treatment on the first and second preliminary transport regions.
However, Yamazaki ( ‘796 ) teaches the forming of the electron transport layer ( [0022] The common layer may include at least one of an electron-transport layer ) further comprises: after the applying of the electron transport composition ( [0257] The light-emitting layer preferably includes a phosphorescent material and a combination of a hole-transport material and an electron-transport material ) and before the irradiating with the light ( [0279] For light used for light exposure ), performing heat treatment ( [0362] The heat treatment is performed at a temperature lower than the upper temperature limit of the EL layer ) on the first ( [0029] first EL layer ) and second ( [0029] second EL layer ) preliminary transport regions.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Yamazaki ( ‘ 796 ) with Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) to implement the forming of the electron transport layer further comprises: after the applying of the electron transport composition and before the irradiating with the light, performing heat treatment on the first and second preliminary transport regions because performing heat treatment first improves optical physical properties.
Claim 20: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 1 (as discussed above).
Neither Jung nor Oota nor Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) appear to disclose the forming of the electron transport layer further comprises; after the irradiating with the light, performing heat treatment on the first and second transport regions.
However, Yamazaki ( ‘796 ) teaches the forming of the electron transport layer ( [0022] The common layer may include at least one of an electron-transport layer ) further comprises; after the irradiating with the light ( [0279] For light used for light exposure), performing heat treatment ( [0362] The heat treatment is performed at a temperature lower than the upper temperature limit of the EL layer ) on the first ( [0029] first EL layer ) and second ( [0029] second EL layer ) preliminary transport regions.
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Yamazaki ( ‘796 ) with Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) to implement the forming of the electron transport layer further comprises; after the irradiating with the light, performing heat treatment on the first and second transport regions because post-irradiation heat treatment or annealing can repair radiation induced damage.
Claim 21: Jung, Oota, and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) disclose the method of claim 1 (as discussed above).
Neither Jung nor Oota nor Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) appear to disclose the irradiating with the light , the forming of the electron transport layer further comprises: performing first heat treatment on the first and second transport regions at a first temperature ; and after the performing of the first heat treatment , performing second heat treatment on the first and second transport regions at a second temperature different from the first temperature .
However, Yamazaki ( ‘796 ) teaches the irradiating with the light ( [0279] For light used for light exposure ), the forming of the electron transport layer ( [0022] The common layer may include at least one of an electron-transport layer) further comprises: performing first heat treatment ( [0362] The heat treatment is performed at a temperature lower than the upper temperature limit of the EL layer) on the first ( [0029] first EL layer) and second transport ( [0029] second EL layer) regions at a first temperature ( [0362] The substrate temperature at the time of the heat treatment is higher than or equal to 50 ̊ C and lower than or equal to 200 ̊ C ); and after the performing of the first heat treatment ( [0362] The heat treatment is performed at a temperature lower than the upper temperature limit of the EL layer ), performing second heat treatment ( [0371] subsequent heat treatment for changing a side surface of the insulating layer) on the first ( [0029] first EL layer ) and second ( [0029] second EL layer ) transport regions at a second temperature ( [0371] it is sometimes possible to lower the substrate temperature required for subsequent heat treatment ) different from the first temperature ( [ 0372] The substrate temperature in the heat treatment of this step is preferably higher than that in the heat treatment after the application of the insulating layer).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Yamazaki ( ‘796 ) with Jung, Oota and Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) to implement the irradiating with the light, the forming of the electron transport layer further comprises: performing first heat treatment on the first and second transport regions at a first temperature; and after the performing of the first heat treatment, performing second heat treatment on the first and second transport regions at a second temperature different from the first temperature because one temperature could be used for annealing and another could be used for aging.
Claim 22 is rejected under U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Jung et al.; US 11,895,856 B2; 09/2019 in view of Steiger et al. US 2022/0376180 A1; 05/2018 and Oota; US 8,358,057 B2; 02/2011
Claim 22: Jung discloses a method for manufacturing a light emitting device (Fig. 15 display device DD) , the method comprising: providing a base layer (Fig. 15 BS) on which first ( Fig. 15 first filter CF-B) and second (Fig. 15 second filter CF-G) pixel regions configured to emit first ( Col. 20 lines 30 – 31 a first filter CF-B which transmits the first color light) and second ( Col. 20 lines 31 – 32 a second filter CF-G which transmits the second color light) color lights different from each other, respectively, are defined; and forming an electron transport layer (Fig. 15 ETR ) including first ( Fig. 15 ED-1) and second (Fig. 15 ED-2 ) transport regions overlapping the first (Fig. 15 CF-B) and second (Fig. 15 CF-G) pixel regions, respectively, wherein the forming of an electron transport layer (Fig. 7 ETL) includes: applying an electron transport composition ( Col. 12 lines 1 – 5 The electron transport region ETR may have a single layer formed of a single material, a single layer formed of a plurality of different materials, or a multilayer structure having a plurality of layers formed of a plurality of different materials) including a metal oxide (Col. 2 lines 64 – 65 In an embodiment, the metal compound may include a metal oxide) and a photoacid generator ( Col. 9 lines 8 - 9 4-isopropyl-4′-methyldiphenyliodonium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate is a photoacid generator ) on the first (Fig. 15 CF-B) and second (Fig. 15 CF-G) pixel regions such first (Fig. 15 ED-1) and second ( Fig. 15 ED-2 ) preliminary transport regions are respectively formed; and irradiating the first (Fig. 15 ED-1) and second (Fig. 15 ED-2) preliminary transport regions with light such that the first (Fig. 15 ED-1 ETR-1) and second (Fig. 15 ED-2 ETR-2) transport regions are formed from the first (Fig. 15 ED-1) and second (Fig. 15 ED-2) preliminary transport regions, respectively.
Jung does not appear to disclose mass ratios of the photoacid generator to the metal oxide of the first and second preliminary transport regions are substantially the same, in the irradiating with the light, a first decomposition amount of acid is decomposed from the photoacid generator in the first preliminary transport region, and a second decomposition amount of acid is decomposed from the photoacid generator in the second preliminary transport region is different from the first decomposition amount, light provided from a light irradiation device outside the light emitting device, and wherein a period of time during which the light provided from the light irradiation device irradiates the first preliminary transport region is different from a period of time during which the light provided from the light irradiation device irradiates the second preliminary transport region; wherein in the irradiating of the first and second preliminary transport regions with the light provided from the light irradiation device outside the light emitting device, a common mask on which a first opening overlapping the first preliminary transport region and a second opening overlapping the second preliminary transport region are defined is used, and a transmittance of the light passing through the first opening is different from a transmittance of the light passing through the second opening.
However, Steiger teaches mass ratios of the photoacid generator ( [0072] photoacid generator in mass concentrations more preferably 1.5 mg/ml to 55 mg/ml ) to the metal oxide ( [0071] metal oxide precursor in mass concentrations preferably from 5 mg/ml to 30 mg/ml) of the first ( [0006] the first layer is a charge transport layer) and second ( [0007] a second charge transport layer) preliminary transport regions are substantially the same ( [0059] Preferably the molar ratio of the at least one photo acid generator to the metal oxide precursor in the composition is 1 to 1), in the irradiating with the light ( [0068] The at least one photo acid generator that is used in the liquid phase composition is preferably a material, which releases upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation, preferably UV radiation, one or more acid molecules ), a first decomposition amount of acid ( [0050] upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation releases at least one acid molecule) is decomposed from the photoacid generator ( [0050] one photo acid generator ) in the first preliminary transport region ( [ 0006] first layer is a charge transport layer ), and a second decomposition ( [0095] The second layer can also be patterned according to the method used for the patterning of the first layer ) amount of acid is decomposed from the photoacid generator in the second preliminary transport region ( [0050] upon exposure to electromagnetic radiation releases at least one acid molecule ), and the second decomposition amount is different from the first decomposition amount ( [0096] The different pattern layers of one level, e.g. first layers, might have different chemical compositions ).
Steiger does not appear to disclose light provided from a light irradiation device outside the light emitting device, and wherein a period of time during which the light provided from the light irradiation device irradiates the first preliminary transport region is different from a period of time during which the light provided from the light irradiation device irradiates the second preliminary transport region wherein in the irradiating of the first and second preliminary transport regions with the light provided from the light irradiation device outside the light emitting device, a common mask on which a first opening overlapping the first preliminary transport region and a second opening overlapping the second preliminary transport region are defined is used, and a transmittance of the light passing through the first opening is different from a transmittance of the light passing through the second opening; wherein in the irradiating of the first and second preliminary transport regions with the light provided from the light irradiation device outside the light emitting device, a common mask on which a first opening overlapping the first preliminary transport region and a second opening overlapping the second preliminary transport region are defined is used, and a transmittance of the light passing through the first opening is different from a transmittance of the light passing through the second opening.
Oota discloses light provided from a light irradiation device outside the light emitting device ( Col. 9 lines 31 – 35 The light irradiation causes the decomposition or polymerization of at least one component of the material, for example the dopant material, or causes the change in the molecular structure thereof ), and wherein a period of time during which the light provided from the light irradiation device ( Fig. 7 second exposure masks the emitting layer EML2 ) irradiates the first preliminary transport region ( Col 14. lines 57 – 65 the organic layer ORG of each pixel PX1 includes a hole injection layer HIL, a hole-transporting layer HTL, the emitting layer HIL, a hole transporting layer HTL the emitting layer EML1 an electron transporting layer ETL and an electron injection layer EIL ) is different from a period of time during which the light provided from the light irradiation device ( Fig. 6 first exposure masks the emitting layer EML1 ) irradiates the second preliminary transport region ( Col 14 lines 65 – The organic layer ORG of each pixel PX2 includes the hole injection layer HIL, the hole-transporting layer HTL, the emitting layer EML2, the electron-transporting layer ETL, and the electron injection layer EIL ).
Oota does not appear to disclose in the irradiating of the first and second preliminary transport regions with the light provided from the light irradiation device outside the light emitting device, a common mask on which a first opening overlapping the first preliminary transport region and a second opening overlapping the second preliminary transport region are defined is used, and a transmittance of the light passing through the first opening is different from a transmittance of the light passing through the second opening.
However, Yamazaki teaches in the irradiating of the first ( Fig. 7C opening in the 151R mask ) and second preliminary transport regions ( Fig. 8A opening in the 151G mask ) with the light provided from the light irradiation device ( as shown in Fig. 7C and 8A ) outside the light emitting device ( as shown in the figures ), a common mask ( mask 151 shown in Figs. 7C, and 8A – 8B ) on which a first opening ( Fig. 17A light-emitting element 370R ) overlapping the first preliminary transport region ( Fig. 17A light-emitting layer 383R ) and a second opening ( Fig. 17A light-emitting element 370G ) overlapping the second preliminary transport region ( Fig. 17A light-emitting layer 383G ) are defined is used, and a transmittance of the light passing through the first opening ( Fig. 17A #370R emits red (R) light ) is different from a transmittance of the light passing through the second opening ( Fig. 17A #370G emits green (G) light ).
It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, to utilize the teachings of Yamazaki with Jung, Steiger, and Oota to implement mass ratios of the photoacid generator to the metal oxide of the first and second preliminary transport regions are substantially the same, in the irradiating with the light, a first decomposition amount of acid is decomposed from the photoacid generator in the first preliminary transport region, and a second decomposition amount of acid is decomposed from the photoacid generator in the second preliminary transport region is different from the first decomposition amount, light provided from a light irradiation device outside the light emitting device, and wherein a period of time during which the light provided from the light irradiation device irradiates the first preliminary transport region is different from a period of time during which the light provided from the light irradiation device irradiates the second preliminary transport region; wherein in the irradiating of the first and second preliminary transport regions with the light provided from the light irradiation device outside the light emitting device, a common mask on which a first opening overlapping the first preliminary transport region and a second opening overlapping the second preliminary transport region are defined is used, and a transmittance of the light passing through the first opening is different from a transmittance of the light passing through the second opening because properly balanced mass ratios can help maintain film uniformity, stability, and overall process reliability and also first and second decompositions can be different amounts due to different reaction mechanisms in the materials of each region in the device and for the light irradiation this would be due to varying material properties and sensitivities along with layer-specific photochemical reactions as well as this approach achieves precise, targeted control over the light dose applied to each distinct region.
Response to Amendment / Arguments
Applicant’s arguments, see pages 11-13, filed 03/04/26, with respect to the rejection of claim 1 under 35 U.S.C. 103 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 Yamazaki ( '713 ).
Applicant’s argument, see page 13, filed 03/04/26, with respect to the rejection of claim 7 under 35 U.S.C. 103 have been fully considered. However, Yamazaki ( ‘713) addresses the amendment to cover “provided from light irradiation outside the light emitting device.”
Applicant’s argument, see page 13 – 14, filed 03/04/26, with respect to the rejection of claim 16 under 35 U.S.C. 103 have been fully considered. However, Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) addresses the amendment to claim 1.
Applicant’s argument, see page 14, filed 03/04/26, with respect to the rejection of claims 19-21 under 35 U.S.C. 103 have been fully considered. However, Yamazaki ( ‘713 ) addresses the amendment to claim 1.
Applicant’s arguments, see 14-15, filed 03/04/26, with respect to the rejection of claim 22 under 35 U.S.C. 103 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 Yamazaki ( '713 ).
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.
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/K.N.F./Examiner, Art Unit 2817
/MARLON T FLETCHER/Supervisory Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2817
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