Office Action Predictor
Last updated: April 15, 2026
Application No. 18/335,125

DISPLAY DEVICE

Non-Final OA §102§112
Filed
Jun 14, 2023
Examiner
WASHINGTON, TAMARA Y
Art Unit
2872
Tech Center
2800 — Semiconductors & Electrical Systems
Assignee
E Ink Holdings INC.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
81%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
2y 8m
To Grant
89%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 81% — above average
81%
Career Allow Rate
464 granted / 571 resolved
+13.3% vs TC avg
Moderate +8% lift
Without
With
+8.0%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 8m
Avg Prosecution
52 currently pending
Career history
623
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
0.8%
-39.2% vs TC avg
§103
41.5%
+1.5% vs TC avg
§102
29.8%
-10.2% vs TC avg
§112
17.7%
-22.3% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 571 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §112
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 . Priority Receipt is acknowledged of certified copies of papers required by 37 CFR 1.55. Information Disclosure Statement Acknowledgement is made of receipt of Information Disclosure Statement(s) (PTO-1449) filed 06/14/2023 and 09/05/2023. An initialed copy is attached to this Office Action. Claim Objections Claims 4, 11-13, and 15 are objected to because of the following informalities and suggested corrections are listed: Claim 4, lines 2 and 3: “…wherein the area of the first overlaid region and the area of the second overlaid region are within the same sub-pixel region are unequal.” Claim 11, lines 2 and 3: “…and each adjacent [[two]] to of the some of the first color filter elements.” Claim 12, lines 2 and 3: “…wherein the first color filter element and the second color filter element are aligned to one of the sub-pixel regions are of the same color.” Claim 13, lines 2 and 3: “…wherein the first color filter element and the second color filter element are aligned to one of the sub-pixel regions are of the different colors.” Claim 15, lines 2 and 3: “…wherein the shape of the first overlaid region and the shape of the second overlaid region are within the same sub-pixel region are complementary.” Appropriate correction is required. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112 The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b): (b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention. The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph: The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention. Claims 2, 3, 9, and 15 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention. The term “complementary” in claims 2 and 15, line 3, is a relative term which renders the claim indefinite. The term “complementary” is not defined by the claim, the specification does not provide a standard for ascertaining the requisite degree, and one of ordinary skill in the art would not be reasonably apprised of the scope of the invention. For examination purposes, “complementary” will be taken as “fitting within the display”. The term “shape” in claims 2, 9, and 15, lines 1 and 2, is a relative term which renders the claim indefinite. The term “shape” is not defined by the claim, the specification does not provide a standard for ascertaining the requisite degree, and one of ordinary skill in the art would not be reasonably apprised of the scope of the invention. For examination purposes, “shape” will be taken as “fitting within the display” Claim 3 recites the limitation "the other section" in lines 1 and 2. There is insufficient antecedent basis for this limitation in the claim. For examination purposes, "the other section" will be taken as "an area outside of the section". Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 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. Claim(s) 1-15 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Noguchi et al., (hereafter Noguchi) (US 2018/0307367 A1). With respect to Claim 1, Noguchi discloses a display device (Figure 1), comprising: a display panel having a display surface (display surface of 10, Figure 1; see also ¶[0057]) and a plurality of sub-pixel regions (plurality of sub-pixel regions , ¶[0092]) located on the display surface (display surface of 10, Figure 1; see also ¶[0057]); a conductive layer (11 and 18, Figure 1, and 40, Figure 2; see also ¶[0050]) located on the display surface (display surface of 10, Figure 1; see also ¶[0057]); a first color filter array (32R and 32G, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) located on the conductive layer (11 and 18, Figure 1, and 40, Figure 2; see also ¶[0050]), comprising a plurality of first color filter elements (32R are red and may be arrayed and 32G are green and may be arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]), wherein each of the first color filter elements (32R are red and may be arrayed and 32G are green and may be arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) is aligned to one of the sub-pixel regions (plurality of sub-pixel regions (SPix, Figure 14), ¶[0092]), and thus an orthogonal projection (see 32R, 32G and 32B, in Figure 14 how they are orthogonally projected) of each of the first color filter elements (32R are red and may be arrayed and 32G are green and may be arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) onto one of the sub-pixel regions (plurality of sub-pixel regions (SPix, Figure 14), ¶[0092]) defines a first overlaid region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14); and a second color filter (32B, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) located on the first color filter array (32R and 32G, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]), including a plurality of second color filter elements (32B can by arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]), wherein each of the second color filter elements (32B are blue arrayed elements, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) is aligned to one of the sub-pixel regions (plurality of sub-pixel regions (SPix, Figure 14), ¶[0092]), and thus an orthogonal projection (see 32R, 32G and 32B, Figure 14 how they are orthogonally projected) of each of the second color filter elements (32B can by arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) onto one of the sub-pixel regions (plurality of sub-pixel regions (SPix, Figure 14), ¶[0092]) defines a second overlaid region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14), wherein the first overlaid region and the second overlaid region are within the same sub-pixel region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14); wherein a section of the first overlaid region does not overlap (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14) a section of the second overlaid region within the same sub-pixel region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14). PNG media_image1.png 499 679 media_image1.png Greyscale With respect to Claim 2, Noguchi further discloses, as best understood, wherein the shape of the first overlaid region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14) and the shape of the second overlaid region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14) within the same sub-pixel region are complementary (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14). With respect to Claim 3, Noguchi further discloses, wherein an area outside of the section of the first overlaid region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14) overlaps an area outside of the section of the second overlaid region within the same sub-pixel region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14). With respect to Claim 4, Noguchi further discloses, wherein the area of the first overlaid region and the area of the second overlaid region within the same sub-pixel region are unequal (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14). With respect to Claim 5, Noguchi further discloses, wherein at least two of the first overlaid regions have unequal areas (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14). With respect to Claim 6, Noguchi further discloses wherein at least two of the second overlaid regions have unequal areas (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14). With respect to Claim 7, Noguchi further discloses wherein the first overlaid region surrounds the second overlaid region within the same sub-pixel region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14). With respect to Claim 8, Noguchi further discloses wherein the second overlaid region surrounds the first overlaid region within the same sub-pixel region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14). With respect to Claim 9, Noguchi further discloses, as best understood, wherein the shape of one of the first overlaid regions is the same as the shape of one of the second overlaid regions (see annotated Figure 14; both are polygons). With respect to Claim 10, Noguchi further discloses wherein the plurality of first color filter elements (32R are red and may be arrayed and 32G are green and may be arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) are separated from each other , and the plurality of second color filter element (32B can by arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) are separated from each other. With respect to Claim 11, Noguchi further discloses wherein some of the first color filter elements (32R are red and may be arrayed and 32G are green and may be arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) are arranged along a direction, and each adjacent two of the some of the first color filter elements (32R are red and may be arrayed and 32G are green and may be arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) are of different colors (4 is red and 5 is green, Figure 6). With respect to Claim 12, Noguchi further discloses wherein the first color filter element (32R are red and may be arrayed and 32G are green and may be arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) and the second color filter element (32B can by arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) aligned to one of the sub-pixel regions (plurality of sub-pixel regions (SPix, Figure 14), ¶[0092]) are of the same color (see ¶[0105]). With respect to Claim 13, Noguchi further discloses wherein the first color filter element (32R are red and may be arrayed and 32G are green and may be arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) and the second color filter element (32B can by arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) aligned to one of the sub-pixel regions (plurality of sub-pixel regions (SPix, Figure 14), ¶[0092]) are of different colors (see ¶[0105]). With respect to Claim 14, Noguchi discloses a display device (Figure 1), comprising: a display panel having a display surface (display surface of 10, Figure 1; see also ¶[0057]) and a plurality of sub-pixel regions (plurality of sub-pixel regions (SPix, Figure 14), ¶[0092]) located on the display surface (display surface of 10, Figure 1; see also ¶[0057]); a conductive layer (11 and 18, Figure 1, and 40, Figure 2; see also ¶[0050]) located on the display surface (display surface of 10, Figure 1; see also ¶[0057]); a first color filter array (32R and 32G, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) located on the conductive layer (11 and 18, Figure 1, and 40, Figure 2; see also ¶[0050]), comprising a plurality of first color filter elements (32R are red and may be arrayed and 32G are green and may be arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]), wherein each of the first color filter elements (32R are red and may be arrayed and 32G are green and may be arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) (4 is a plurality of red elements and 5 is a plurality of green elements, Figure 6) is aligned to one of the sub-pixel regions (plurality of sub-pixel regions (SPix, Figure 14), ¶[0092]), and thus an orthogonal projection (see 32R, 32G and 32B, in Figure 14 how they are orthogonally projected) of each of the first color filter elements (32R are red and may be arrayed and 32G are green and may be arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) onto one of the sub-pixel regions (plurality of sub-pixel regions (SPix, Figure 14), ¶[0092]) defines a first overlaid region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14); and a second color filter array (5 is a plurality of green elements, Figure 6) located on the first color filter array (32R and 32G, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]), including a plurality of second color filter elements (32B can by arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]), wherein each of the second color filter elements (32B can by arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) is aligned to one of the sub-pixel regions (plurality of sub-pixel regions (SPix, Figure 14), ¶[0092]), and thus an orthogonal projection (see 32R, 32G and 32B, in Figure 14 how they are orthogonally projected) of each of the second color filter elements (32B can by arrayed, Figure 14; see also ¶[0105]) onto one of the sub-pixel regions (plurality of sub-pixel regions (SPix, Figure 14), ¶[0092]) defines a second overlaid region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14), wherein the first overlaid region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14) and the second overlaid region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14) are within the same sub-pixel region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14); wherein a section of the first overlaid region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14) does not overlap (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14) a section of the second overlaid region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14) within the same sub-pixel region; wherein the area of the first overlaid region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14) and the area of the second overlaid region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14) within the same sub-pixel region are equal (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14). With respect to Claim 15, Noguchi further discloses, as best understood, wherein the shape of the first overlaid region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14) and the shape of the second overlaid region (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14) within the same sub-pixel region are complementary (see annotated Figure 6 and see Figure 14). Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Kang et al., (US 2019/0020865 A1) teach a display device with color filters and sub-pixel regions. Park et al., (US 9,093,669 B2) teach a display device with color filters and sub-pixel regions. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to TAMARA Y WASHINGTON whose telephone number is (571)270-3887. The examiner can normally be reached Mon-Thur 730-530 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, Stephone Allen can be reached at 571-272-2434. 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. /TYW/Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2872 /STEPHONE B ALLEN/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2872
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Prosecution Timeline

Jun 14, 2023
Application Filed
Dec 29, 2025
Non-Final Rejection — §102, §112
Apr 02, 2026
Response Filed

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Study what changed to get past this examiner. Based on 5 most recent grants.

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
81%
Grant Probability
89%
With Interview (+8.0%)
2y 8m
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 571 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

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