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 .
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 - 4 and 8 - 11 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wen et al. [CN 111554715 A], “Wen” in view of Tu [WO 2022/246906 A1] and further in view of Chou et al. [US 2021/0389631 A1], “Chou”.
(Examiner note: machine translation CN 111554715 A (Wen) and US PUB [US 2024/0016029 A1](Tu) are used for easier referencing).
Regarding claim 1, Wen discloses a display panel (as shown in Fig. 1, abstract), comprising:
an array substrate (10 and abstract);
an anode layer (121 and 13), positioned on the array substrate (as shown), wherein the anode layer comprises a reflective layer (121);
the reflector layer (121 – page 4 the first electrode is a light reflecting anode ) has a plurality of reflective surfaces on one side of the reflector layer facing away from the array substrate (as shown); and two adjacent reflective surfaces are intersected (as shown); and
a light-emitting layer (123, page 4 light emitting layer), positioned on one side of the anode layer first electrode layer facing away from the array substrate (as shown).
Wen does not explicitly disclose the anode layer also includes a first electrode layer positioned sequentially along a direction away from the array substrate such that the light-emitting layer is positioned on one side of the first electrode layer facing away from the array substrate.
However, having a plurality of layers for an anode layer is well-known in the semiconductor art. Tu discloses a display panel (Fig. 8, abstract), comprising: an array substrate (¶[0105] and 101); an anode layer (23, 21 and 22), positioned on the array substrate (as shown), wherein the anode layer comprises a reflective layer (21, ¶[0054] and ¶[0070]) and a first electrode layer (22, ¶[0052]) positioned sequentially along a direction away from the array substrate (as shown); the reflector layer has a plurality of reflective surfaces on one side of the reflector layer facing away from the array substrate; and two adjacent reflective surfaces are intersected (as shown); and a light-emitting layer (302, ¶[0109]), positioned on one side of the first electrode layer facing away from the array substrate (as shown). The second conductive layer (22) is a light-transmitting conductive layer (¶[0052]) and aids in the light extraction efficiency of the display panel is improved (¶[0055]).
Therefore it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to use a second conductive layer as a part of the anode structure as taught in Tu in the device of Wen such that the anode layer also includes a first electrode layer positioned sequentially along a direction away from the array substrate such that the light-emitting layer is positioned on one side of the first electrode layer facing away from the array substrate because such a modification will aid in the light extraction efficiency of the display panel is improved (¶[0055] of Tu).
Wen discloses the reflector layer (121) has a non-planar convex surface facing away from the substrate and the light emitting layer (123) conforms with the convex spacing of the reflector layer (121) resulting in the layer having a non-planar surface facing away from the substrate. Wen in view of Tu teaches a first electrode layer can be formed on the reflector layer. Wen in view of Tu does not disclose the first electrode layer has a non- planar surface facing away from the substrate.
Wen does show the light-emitting layer conforms to the shape of the anode layer. Chou discloses a multi-stack of layers each conforming to the shape of the lower layer. Chou discloses stacked structure of a metal oxide layer (Fig. 7, 152), a metal layer (Fig. 7, 151) and the electrode (PE-B). The electrode (PE-B) is made of, for example, silver or silver alloy, and the auxiliary electrode AE-A (151) is made of, for example, molybdenum, aluminum, or molybdenum aluminum alloy (¶[0059]). Each layer conforms to the lower layer and has a non- planar surface facing away from the substrate (101).
Therefore it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to have a first layer that conforms to the shape of the layer below as taught in Chou in the device of Wen as modified such that the first electrode layer has a non- planar surface facing away from the substrate because such a modification would allow improve adhesion between the two layers thereby improving the efficiency of the display device (¶[0057] and ¶[0065] of Chou).
Regarding claim 2, Wen as modified disclose claim 1, Wen further discloses the anode layer (Fig. 1, (121/13) further comprises: a second electrode layer (13 and page 5 teaches the material of the position-occupying protrusion 13 may also be a conductive material), positioned between the reflective layer (121) and the array substrate (10).
Regarding claim 3, Wen as modified disclose claim 2, Wen further discloses the second electrode layer (Fig. 1, 13) comprises a first opening (as shown) on one side of the second electrode layer facing away from the array substrate (10), and the reflective layer (121) is partially located (as shown) within the first opening so that the reflective layer has a concave area corresponding to the first opening on one side of the reflective layer facing away from the array substrate (10) – See Fig. 1.
Regarding claim 4, Wen as modified disclose claim 3, Wen further discloses the first opening extends along a thickness direction of the second electrode layer and runs through the second electrode layer (as shown in Fig. 1 and 2).
Regarding claim 8, Wen discloses a display device (as shown in Fig. 1, abstract) comprising a display panel, the display panel (abstract and Fig. 1) comprising:
an array substrate (10, abstract);
an anode layer (121 and 13), positioned on the array substrate (10), wherein the anode layer comprises a reflective layer (121 – page 4 the first electrode is a light reflecting anode);
the reflector layer (121) has a plurality of reflective surfaces (as shown) on one side of the reflector layer facing away from the array substrate (10); and
two adjacent reflective surfaces are intersected (as shown in Fig. 1); and
a light-emitting layer (123, page 4 teaches light emitting layer) positioned on one side of the anode layer facing away (as shown) from the array substrate (10).
Wen does not explicitly disclose the anode layer also includes a first electrode layer positioned sequentially along a direction away from the array substrate such that the light-emitting layer is positioned on one side of the first electrode layer facing away from the array substrate.
However, having a plurality of layers for an anode layer is well-known in the semiconductor art. Tu discloses a display panel (Fig. 8, abstract), comprising: an array substrate (¶[0105] and 101); an anode layer (23, 21 and 22), positioned on the array substrate (as shown), wherein the anode layer comprises a reflective layer (21, ¶[0054] and ¶[0070]) and a first electrode layer (22, ¶[0052]) positioned sequentially along a direction away from the array substrate (as shown); the reflector layer has a plurality of reflective surfaces on one side of the reflector layer facing away from the array substrate; and two adjacent reflective surfaces are intersected (as shown); and a light-emitting layer (302, ¶[0109]), positioned on one side of the first electrode layer facing away from the array substrate (as shown). The second conductive layer (22) is a light-transmitting conductive layer (¶[0052]) and aids in the light extraction efficiency of the display panel is improved (¶[0055]).
Therefore it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to use a second conductive layer as a part of the anode structure as taught in Tu in the device of Wen such that the anode layer also includes a first electrode layer positioned sequentially along a direction away from the array substrate such that the light-emitting layer is positioned on one side of the first electrode layer facing away from the array substrate because such a modification will aid in the light extraction efficiency of the display panel is improved (¶[0055] of Tu).
Wen discloses the reflector layer (121) has a non-planar convex surface facing away from the substrate and the light emitting layer (123) conforms with the convex spacing of the reflector layer (121) resulting in the layer having a non-planar surface facing away from the substrate. Wen in view of Tu teaches a first electrode layer can be formed on the reflector layer. Wen in view of Tu does not disclose the first electrode layer has a non- planar surface facing away from the substrate.
Wen does show the light-emitting layer conforms to the shape of the anode layer. Chou discloses a multi-stack of layers each conforming to the shape of the lower layer. Chou discloses stacked structure of a metal oxide layer (Fig. 7, 152), a metal layer (Fig. 7, 151) and the electrode (PE-B). The electrode (PE-B) is made of, for example, silver or silver alloy, and the auxiliary electrode AE-A (151) is made of, for example, molybdenum, aluminum, or molybdenum aluminum alloy (¶[0059]). Each layer conforms to the lower layer and has a non- planar surface facing away from the substrate (101).
Therefore it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the invention to have a first layer that conforms to the shape of the layer below as taught in Chou in the device of Wen as modified such that the first electrode layer has a non- planar surface facing away from the substrate because such a modification would allow improve adhesion between the two layers thereby improving the efficiency of the display device (¶[0057] and ¶[0065] of Chou).
Regarding claim 9, Wen as modified disclose claim 8, Wen further discloses the anode layer (Fig. 1, (121/13) further comprises: a second electrode layer (13 and page 5 teaches the material of the position-occupying protrusion 13 may also be a conductive material), positioned between the reflective layer (121) and the array substrate (10).
Regarding claim 10, Wen as modified disclose claim 9, Wen further discloses the second electrode layer (Fig. 1, 13) comprises a first opening on one side of the second electrode layer facing away from the array substrate (as shown), and the reflective layer (121) is partially located within the first opening so that the reflective layer has a concave area corresponding to the first opening (as shown) on one side of the reflective layer facing away from the array substrate (10).
Regarding claim 11, Wen as modified disclose claim 10, Wen further discloses the first opening extends along a thickness direction of the second electrode layer (Fig. 1, 13) and runs through the second electrode layer (as shown).
Claims 5 and 12 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Wen et al. [CN 111554715 A], “Wen” in view of Tu [WO 2022/246906 A1] and Chou et al. [US 2021/0389631 A1], “Chou” as applied to claims 3 and 10, and further in view of Lee et al. [US 2022/0123078 A1], “Lee”. (Examiner note: machine translation CN 111554715 A and US PUB [US 2024/0016029 A1] are used for easier referencing).
Regarding claim 5, Wen as modified discloses claim 3, Wen further discloses a side wall of the first opening and a side of the second electrode facing the array substrate form an angle of 90 degrees (see Fig. 1 of Wen). Wen does not disclose a side wall of the first opening and a side of the second electrode facing the array substrate form an angle between 5 degrees to 80 degrees.
However, Lee discloses a pattern electrode structure (Fig. 4, PE) can be formed with an angle in order to improve the emission efficiency (¶[0085] of Lee).
Therefore it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to before the effective filing date of the invention to optimize the shape of the electrode structure as taught in Lee in the device of Wen as modified such that a side wall of the first opening and a side of the second electrode facing the array substrate form an angle between 5 degrees to 80 degrees because such a modification would improve the emission efficiency (¶[0085] of Lee). Future, it has been held that adjusting the shape of an article involves only routine skill in the art. In re Dailey, 149 USPQ 47 (CCPA 1966). See MPEP 2144.04.
Regarding claim 12, Wen as modified discloses claim 10, Wen further discloses a side wall of the first opening and a side of the second electrode facing the array substrate form an angle of 90 degrees (see Fig. 1 of Wen). Wen does not disclose a side wall of the first opening and a side of the second electrode facing the array substrate form an angle between 5 degrees to 80 degrees.
However, Lee discloses a pattern electrode structure (Fig. 4, PE) can be formed with an angle in order to improve the emission efficiency (¶[0085] of Lee).
Therefore it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to before the effective filing date of the invention to optimize the shape of the electrode structure as taught in Lee in the device of Wen as modified such that a side wall of the first opening and a side of the second electrode facing the array substrate form an angle between 5 degrees to 80 degrees because such a modification would improve the emission efficiency (¶[0085] of Lee). Future, it has been held that adjusting the shape of an article involves only routine skill in the art. In re Dailey, 149 USPQ 47 (CCPA 1966). See MPEP 2144.04.
Response to Arguments
Applicant’s arguments with respect to the claims have been considered but are moot in view of the new grounds of rejection required by Applicant’s amendment.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure.
Chen et al. [US 2023/0030283 A1] discloses the organic light emitting diode includes: a base; a micro-nano structure layer on a side of the base; a first electrode on a side of the micro-nano structure layer away from the base; an electroluminescence layer on a side of the first electrode away from the micro-nano structure layer; and a second electrode on a side of the electroluminescence layer away from the first electrode.
Gong et al. [US 2021/0223638 A1] discloses the array substrate includes a plurality of pixel units, at least some of which respectively having a reflective region provided with a reflective layer in a concave-convex shape.
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 PRIYA M RAMPERSAUD whose telephone number is (571)272-3464. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Wed 9am-6pm.
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PRIYA M. RAMPERSAUD
Examiner
Art Unit 2897
/P.M.R/Examiner, Art Unit 2897 /MARK W TORNOW/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2891
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