Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Application No. 18/336,284

DISPLAY PANEL AND DISPLAY APPARATUS

Non-Final OA §102§103§112
Filed
Jun 16, 2023
Examiner
LEE, ALVIN LYNGHI
Art Unit
2813
Tech Center
2800 — Semiconductors & Electrical Systems
Assignee
Hefei Visionox Technology Co. Ltd.
OA Round
1 (Non-Final)
87%
Grant Probability
Favorable
1-2
OA Rounds
3y 4m
To Grant
98%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 87% — above average
87%
Career Allow Rate
55 granted / 63 resolved
+19.3% vs TC avg
Moderate +11% lift
Without
With
+10.7%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
3y 4m
Avg Prosecution
48 currently pending
Career history
111
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§103
52.4%
+12.4% vs TC avg
§102
15.8%
-24.2% vs TC avg
§112
26.1%
-13.9% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 63 resolved cases

Office Action

§102 §103 §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 . Election/Restrictions Applicant’s election of Species A in the reply filed on January 06, 2026 is acknowledged. Claim 19 is withdrawn from further consideration pursuant to 37 CFR 1.142(b) as being drawn to a nonelected Species, there being no allowable generic or linking claim. Election was made without traverse in the reply filed on January 06, 2026. Drawings The drawings are objected to because the entirety of Fig 3 does not show the alternating arrangement of pixel circuits disclosed in [0055]. The bottom two pixel circuits in the column with the label 211 do not alternate the same as the other columns. [0053] discloses the first circuit 211 for driving the first sub-pixel 110a and the second circuit 212 for driving the second sub-pixel 110b. The arrangement of the bottom two pixels causes the red pixel circuit to appear to connect with the blue sub-pixel and the blue pixel circuit to appear to connect with the red sub-pixel. Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance. The drawings are objected to under 37 CFR 1.83(a). The drawings must show every feature of the invention specified in the claims. Therefore, the first circuits and the second circuits for driving at least one first pixel column are located in at least two first circuit columns adjacent along the first direction of claim 3 must be shown or the feature(s) canceled from the claim(s). No new matter should be entered. Corrected drawing sheets in compliance with 37 CFR 1.121(d) are required in reply to the Office action to avoid abandonment of the application. Any amended replacement drawing sheet should include all of the figures appearing on the immediate prior version of the sheet, even if only one figure is being amended. The figure or figure number of an amended drawing should not be labeled as “amended.” If a drawing figure is to be canceled, the appropriate figure must be removed from the replacement sheet, and where necessary, the remaining figures must be renumbered and appropriate changes made to the brief description of the several views of the drawings for consistency. Additional replacement sheets may be necessary to show the renumbering of the remaining figures. Each drawing sheet submitted after the filing date of an application must be labeled in the top margin as either “Replacement Sheet” or “New Sheet” pursuant to 37 CFR 1.121(d). If the changes are not accepted by the examiner, the applicant will be notified and informed of any required corrective action in the next Office action. The objection to the drawings will not be held in abeyance. Specification The disclosure is objected to because of the following informalities: [0072] refers to a reference character “first pixel circuit 110” but in the remainder of the disclosure the reference character is referred to as “first pixel unit 110.” This appears to be a typo. Applicant is asked to maintain consistency in terminology. 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. Claim 2 is 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 claim appears to be directed to Fig 3. [0053] discloses the first circuit 211 for driving the first sub-pixel 110a and the second circuit 212 for driving the second sub-pixel 110b. [0055] discloses the configuration in Fig 3 as having an arrangement pattern where the first circuit column is different from an arrangement of the first pixel column. The limitation in the last two lines of the claim appears to describe the driving circuits for the first pixel column are located in two different pixel circuit columns along a first direction (x direction). There does not appear to be any drawings or disclosure where pixel circuits from two different pixel circuit columns drives one pixel column. For purposes of examination, Examiner will interpret the limitation to mean the first circuit column and first pixel column will have an alternating arrangement such that the first circuit column and first pixel column have a staggered arrangement pattern different from each other. Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102 In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis (i.e., changing from AIA to pre-AIA ) for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status. The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action: A person shall be entitled to a patent unless – (a)(2) the claimed invention was described in a patent issued under section 151, or in an application for patent published or deemed published under section 122(b), in which the patent or application, as the case may be, names another inventor and was effectively filed before the effective filing date of the claimed invention. Claims 1, 3-6, and 20 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(2) as being anticipated by Yang et. al. (US 20220069047 A1), hereinafter Yang. Regarding claim 1, Yang teaches a display panel (Fig 9 display panel 100, [0060]) comprising a first display area (Fig 9 light-transmission region LA of display region DA1, [0060]), a second display area (Fig 9 display region DA3, [0060]), and a transition display area (Fig 9 display region DA2 including wiring region WA of DA1, [0060]) located between the first display area (Fig 9 light-transmission region LA of display region DA1, [0060]) and the second display area (Fig 9 display region DA3, [0060]), a light transmittance of the first display area (Fig 9 light-transmission region LA of display region DA1, [0060]) being greater than (DA1 has an effective light transmission region LA, [0060]) a light transmittance of the transition display area (Fig 9 display region DA2 including wiring region WA of DA1, [0060]), the display panel (Fig 9 display panel 100, [0060]) comprising: first pixel units (Fig 10 light-emitting unit LU1, [0108]) located in the first display area (Fig 9 light-transmission region LA of display region DA1, [0060]) and each comprising a first sub-pixel (Fig 10 left light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]), a second sub-pixel (Fig 10 middle light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]), and a third sub-pixel (Fig 10 right light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]), the first sub-pixels (Fig 10 left light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]), the second sub-pixels (Fig 10 middle light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]) and the third sub-pixels (Fig 10 right light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]) being arranged in an array (Fig 10); and first pixel circuits (Fig 10 pixel circuit unit CU1, [0108]) located in the transition display area (Fig 9 display region DA2 including wiring region WA of DA1, [0060]) and each comprising a first circuit (Fig 10 left pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) for driving the ([0109]) first sub-pixel (Fig 10 left light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]), a second circuit (Fig 10 middle pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) for driving the ([0109]) second sub-pixel (Fig 10 middle light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]) and a third circuit (Fig 10 middle pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) for driving the ([0109]) third sub-pixel (Fig 10 right light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]), the first circuits (Fig 10 left pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]), the second circuits (Fig 10 middle pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) and the third circuits (Fig 10 middle pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) being arranged in an array (Fig 10) in the transition display area (Fig 9 display region DA2 including wiring region WA of DA1, [0060]), wherein the first pixel circuits (Fig 10 pixel circuit unit CU1, [0108]) for driving the ([0109]) first pixel units (Fig 10 light-emitting unit LU1, [0108]) in a same column are located in at least two adjacent columns (Fig 10), and an arrangement pattern of the first circuits (Fig 10 left pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) and the second circuits (Fig 10 middle pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) is the same (Fi g 10) as an arrangement pattern of the first sub-pixels (Fig 10 left light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]) and the second sub-pixels (Fig 10 middle light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]) respectively driven by ([0109]) the first circuits (Fig 10 left pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) and the second circuits (Fig 10 middle pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]). Regarding claim 3, Yang teaches the third sub-pixels (Fig 10 right light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]) are arranged in sequence (Fig 10) along a second direction (Fig 10 y-direction) to form a second pixel column, a plurality of the third circuits (Fig 10 middle pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) are arranged along the second direction (Fig 10 y-direction) to form a second circuit column (Fig 10), and an arrangement pattern of the third circuits (Fig 10 middle pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) is the same (Fig 10) as an arrangement pattern of the third sub-pixels (Fig 10 right light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]). Regarding claim 4, Yang teaches the first circuit (Fig 10 left pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) and the first sub-pixel (Fig 10 left light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]) driven by the first circuit (Fig 10 left pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) are arranged in a same row (Fig 10), the second circuit (Fig 10 middle pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) and the second sub-pixel (Fig 10 middle light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]) driven by the second circuit (Fig 10 middle pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) are arranged in a same row (Fig 10), and the third circuit (Fig 10 middle pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) and the third sub-pixel (Fig 10 right light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]) driven by the third circuit (Fig 10 middle pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) are arranged in a same row (Fig 10). Regarding claim 5, Yang teaches signal lines (Fig 10 data lines 110, [0106]) comprising first signal lines (Fig 10 sub-data line 111, [0105]) located in the transition display area (Fig 9 display region DA2 including wiring region WA of DA1, [0060]), the first signal line (Fig 10 sub-data line 111, [0105]) being connected to (Fig 10) a plurality of first pixel circuits (Fig 10 pixel circuit unit CU1, [0108]) for driving the ([0109]) first pixel units (Fig 10 light-emitting unit LU1, [0108]) in a same column (Fig 10); and the first signal line (Fig 10 sub-data line 111, [0105]) comprising a first segment (Fig 10 not labeled vertical segment between sub-segment 111a and 111b, [0105]) and a second segment (Fig 10 sub-segment 111b, [0105]) connected successively, the first segment (Fig 10 not labeled vertical segment between sub-segment 111a and 111b, [0105]) being configured to connect the first pixel circuits (Fig 10 pixel circuit unit CU1, [0108]) located in different rows (Fig 10) and the second segment (Fig 10 sub-segment 111b, [0105]) being configured to connect the first pixel circuits (Fig 10 pixel circuit unit CU1, [0108]) located in different columns (Fig 10). Regarding claim 6, Yang teaches a connecting wire (Fig 10 connection line CL, [0078]), the first pixel circuit (Fig 10 pixel circuit unit CU1, [0108]) and the first pixel unit (Fig 10 light-emitting unit LU1, [0108]) connected to the first pixel circuit (Fig 10 pixel circuit unit CU1, [0108]) are arranged in a same row (Fig 10), the connecting wire (Fig 10 connection line CL, [0078]) extends in a first direction (Fig 10 x-direction) and is configured to connect the first pixel unit (Fig 10 light-emitting unit LU1, [0108]) and the first pixel circuit (Fig 10 pixel circuit unit CU1, [0108]), and a material of the connecting wire (Fig 10 connection line CL, [0078]) comprises a transparent material (transparent conductive material, [0078]). Regarding claim 20, Yang teaches a display apparatus (Fig 45 not labeled display device, [0184]) comprising the display panel (Fig 9 display panel 100, [0060]) of claim 1. 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 2 and 7 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yang et. al. (US 20220069047 A1), hereinafter Yang. Regarding claim 2, Yang fails to teach the first sub-pixels and the second sub-pixels are alternately arranged along a second direction to form first pixel columns, two first pixel columns adjacent in a first direction are staggered along the second direction, so that the first sub-pixels and the second sub-pixels are alternately arranged along the first direction; and the first circuits and the second circuits are arranged along the second direction to form first circuit columns, the first circuits and the second circuits for driving at least one first pixel column are located in at least two first circuit columns adjacent along the first direction. However, Yang teaches the light emitting unit arrangement shown in Fig 10 is an example and teaches other configurations. Further, Yang teaches an embodiment with a light emitting unit arrangement similar to that of the invention in Fig 12. Additionally, it would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to move the position of the sub-pixels such that the pixel circuits and corresponding sub-pixels do not have the same arrangement pattern, since it has been held that rearranging parts of an invention involves only routine skill in the art. In re Japikse, 86 USPQ 70. In doing so, the first sub-pixels (Fig 10 left light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]) and the second sub-pixels (Fig 10 middle light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]) would be alternately arranged along a second direction (Fig 10 y-direction) to form first pixel columns, two first pixel columns adjacent in a first direction would be staggered along the second direction (Fig 10 y-direction), so that the first sub-pixels (Fig 10 left light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]) and the second sub-pixels (Fig 10 middle light-emitting element L1 of unit LU1, [0108]) are alternately arranged along the first direction (Fig 10 x-direction); and the first circuits (Fig 10 left pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) and the second circuits (Fig 10 middle pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) would be arranged along the second direction (Fig 10 y-direction) to form first circuit columns, the first circuits (Fig 10 left pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) and the second circuits (Fig 10 middle pixel circuit C1 of unit CU1, [0108]) for driving at least one first pixel column are located in at least two first circuit columns adjacent along the first direction (Fig 10 x-direction). Regarding claim 7, Yang fails to teach a material of the second segment and the material of the connecting wire both comprise a transparent material, and the connecting wire and the second segment are arranged in a same layer. Regarding the choice of having a material of the second segment and the material of the connecting wire both comprise a transparent material, and the connecting wire and the second segment are arranged in a same layer, this combination would have been obvious to try. As stated above, Yang teaches the connection wire can be on the same layer or different layers ([0078]-[0079]). The connection wire can also be made of metal and then made transparent to optimize transparency and conductivity ([0078]). One having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that having the connecting wire and the second segment made of the same material and on the same layer would improve manufacturing throughput. That is, "a person of ordinary skill has good reason to pursue the known options within his or her technical grasp. If this leads to the anticipated success, it is likely that product [was] not of innovation but of ordinary skill and common sense. In that instance the fact that a combination was obvious to try might show that it was obvious under § 103." KSR Int'l Co. v. Teleflex Inc., 550 U.S. 398, 421. Claims 17 and 18 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Yang et. al. (US 20220069047 A1), hereinafter Yang, in view of Wang et. al. (US 20240179944 A1), hereinafter Wang. Regarding claim 17, Yang fails to teach the transition display area comprises a plurality of annular areas surrounding a circumference of the first display area and being distributed concentrically with the first display area, and the first pixel circuits for driving the first pixel units in a same column are distributed in sequence within a same annular area; the first display area is arranged symmetrically about a second axis of symmetry, the second axis of symmetry extends along a second direction and passes through a center of the first display area, the first pixel circuits corresponding to two columns of first pixel units distributed symmetrically about the second axis of symmetry are located in a same annular area, and the first pixel circuit is located at a side of the first pixel unit connected to the first pixel circuit away from the second axis of symmetry; and two transition signal lines for connecting the first pixel circuits in a same annular area are arranged symmetrically about the second axis of symmetry. However, Wang teaches different embodiments with a first display area, a second display area, and a transition display area (Fig 3A-E). Figs 3C and 3D having an annular region symmetric about the second axis of symmetry ([0101]). This symmetry aids in providing uniformity of an active layer ([0101]). Further, Wang teaches having the driving circuits for a first display area (Fig 9 device region 102, [124]) located in the transition area (Fig 9, [0088]). This allows for an improvement in the screen-to-body ratio ([0137]). One having ordinary skill in the art before the effective filing date of the claimed invention being motivated to improve the device uniformity and screen-to-body ratio would apply the teachings of Wang to Yang, as each element performs the same function as it does separately and the result from the combination of the different structures would have been predictable. Thus, by combining the different symmetric structures with variations in placement of circuits the structure of the claimed invention would be realized. MPEP 2143(I)(G) In doing so, the transition display area (Wang: Fig 9 transition region 103, [0129] corresponds to Yang: Fig 9 display region DA2 including wiring region WA of DA1, [0060]) would comprise a plurality of annular areas (Wang: Fig 3C, 10) surrounding a circumference (Wang: Fig 3C) of the first display area (Wang: Fig 9 device region 102, [0088] corresponds to Yang: Fig 9 light-transmission region LA of display region DA1, [0060]) and being distributed concentrically with (Wang: Fig 3C) the first display area (Wang: Fig 9 device region 102, [0088] corresponds to Yang: Fig 9 light-transmission region LA of display region DA1, [0060]), and the first pixel circuits (Wang: Fig 9 pixel circuit 230, [0124] corresponds to Yang: Fig 10 pixel circuit unit CU1, [0108]) for driving the first pixel unit (Wang Fig 9 anodes 322, [0124] corresponds to Yang: Fig 10 light-emitting unit LU1, [0108]) in a same column are distributed in sequence within a same annular area (Wang Fig 9 for driving aspect and Fig 10 for arrangement); the first display area (Fig 9 light-transmission region LA of display region DA1, [0060]) is arranged symmetrically (Wang: [0101]) about a second axis of symmetry (Wang: Fig 3C line L1, [0101]), the second axis of symmetry (Wang: Fig 3C line L1, [0101]) extends along a second direction (Wang: up and down corresponds to Yang: Fig 10 y-direction) and passes through a center of the first display area (Wang: Fig 9 device region 102, [0088] corresponds to Yang: Fig 9 light-transmission region LA of display region DA1, [0060]), the first pixel circuits (Wang: Fig 9 pixel circuit 230, [0124] corresponds to Yang: Fig 10 pixel circuit unit CU1, [0108]) corresponding to two columns (Yang: not shown; a pixel circuit can drive more than one light-emitting element, [0074]) of first pixel units (Wang Fig 9 anodes 322, [0124] corresponds to Yang: Fig 10 light-emitting unit LU1, [0108]) distributed symmetrically about the second axis of symmetry (Wang: Fig 3C line L1, [0101]) are located in a same annular area (Wang: Fig 3C), and the first pixel circuit (Fig 10 pixel circuit unit CU1, [0108]) is located at a side of the first pixel unit (Fig 10 light-emitting unit LU1, [0108]) connected to the first pixel circuit (Fig 10 pixel circuit unit CU1, [0108]) away from the second axis of symmetry (Wang: Fig 3C line L1, [0101]); and two transition signal lines (Yang: Fig 10 portion of data lines 110 going to pixel circuit units CU2, [0106]; Examiner notes there would be signal lines for the pixel circuits in the transition region otherwise the circuits would not function) for connecting the first pixel circuits (Wang: Fig 9 pixel circuit 230, [0124] corresponds to Yang: Fig 10 pixel circuit unit CU1, [0108]) in a same annular area are arranged symmetrically (the transition signal lines would be wired to the respective circuit on either side of symmetry) about the second axis of symmetry (Wang: Fig 3C line L1, [0101]). Regarding claim 18, Yang as modified in claim 17 teaches a plurality of the first pixel circuits (Fig 10 pixel circuit unit CU1, [0108]) are arranged symmetrically about the second axis of symmetry (Wang: Fig 3C line L1, [0101]), and a plurality of the transition signal lines (Fig 10 portion of data lines 110 going to pixel circuit units CU2, [0106]) are arranged symmetrically about the second axis of symmetry (Wang: Fig 3C line L1, [0101]). Allowable Subject Matter Claims 8-16 are objected to as being dependent upon a rejected base claim, but would be allowable if rewritten in independent form including all of the limitations of the base claim and any intervening claims. Regarding claim 8, the closest art is Yang et. al. (US 20220069047 A1), hereinafter Yang. Yang teaches transition pixel units (Fig 10 light-emitting unit LU2, [0112]) located in the transition display area (Fig 9 display region DA2 including wiring region WA of DA1, [0060]); transition pixel circuits (Fig 10 pixel circuit unit CU2, [0112]) located in the transition display area (Fig 9 display region DA2 including wiring region WA of DA1, [0060]) and configured to drive ([0108]) the transition pixel units (Fig 10 light-emitting unit LU2, [0112]); and the signal lines (Fig 10 data lines 110, [0106]) further comprising transition signal lines (Fig 10 portion of data lines 110 going to pixel circuit units CU2, [0106]) located in the transition display area (Fig 9 display region DA2 including wiring region WA of DA1, [0060]), the transition signal line (Fig 10 portion of data lines 110 going to pixel circuit units CU2, [0106]) being connected (Fig 10) to a plurality of transition pixel circuits (Fig 10 pixel circuit unit CU2, [0112]) for driving the transition pixel units (Fig 10 light-emitting unit LU2, [0112]) in a same column (Fig 10), and the first signal line (Fig 10 sub-data line 111 going to pixel circuit units CU1, [0105]) and the transition signal line (Fig 10 portion of data lines 110 going to pixel circuit units CU2, [0106]) corresponding to the first pixel unit (Fig 10 light-emitting unit LU1, [0108]) and the transition pixel unit (Fig 10 light-emitting unit LU2, [0112]) located in a same column (Fig 10). Yang fails to teach the first signal line and the transition signal line corresponding to the first pixel unit and the transition pixel unit located in a same column being connected to each other. Claims 9-16 would also be allowable because they are dependent on claim 8. Conclusion The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. Du et. al. (US 20220293715 A1) teaches a structure similar to Yang. The Examiner has pointed out particular references contained in the prior art of record within the body of this action for the convenience of the Applicant. Although the specified citations are representative of the teachings in the art and are applied to the specific limitations within the individual claim, other passages and figures may apply. Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to ALVIN L LEE whose telephone number is (703)756-1921. The examiner can normally be reached Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5 pm (ET). 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, STEVEN GAUTHIER can be reached at (571)270-0373. 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. /ALVIN L LEE/Examiner, Art Unit 2813 /STEVEN B GAUTHIER/Supervisory Patent Examiner, Art Unit 2813
Read full office action

Prosecution Timeline

Jun 16, 2023
Application Filed
Mar 17, 2026
Non-Final Rejection — §102, §103, §112 (current)

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Prosecution Projections

1-2
Expected OA Rounds
87%
Grant Probability
98%
With Interview (+10.7%)
3y 4m
Median Time to Grant
Low
PTA Risk
Based on 63 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

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