Prosecution Insights
Last updated: April 19, 2026
Application No. 19/019,758

LIGHT EMITTING DEVICE, DISPLAY DEVICE, PHOTOELECTRIC CONVERSION DEVICE, ELECTRONIC APPARATUS, ILLUMINATION DEVICE, AND MOVING BODY

Final Rejection §103
Filed
Jan 14, 2025
Examiner
SITTA, GRANT
Art Unit
2622
Tech Center
2600 — Communications
Assignee
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
OA Round
2 (Final)
72%
Grant Probability
Favorable
3-4
OA Rounds
2y 11m
To Grant
86%
With Interview

Examiner Intelligence

Grants 72% — above average
72%
Career Allow Rate
664 granted / 924 resolved
+9.9% vs TC avg
Moderate +14% lift
Without
With
+13.9%
Interview Lift
resolved cases with interview
Typical timeline
2y 11m
Avg Prosecution
32 currently pending
Career history
956
Total Applications
across all art units

Statute-Specific Performance

§101
2.8%
-37.2% vs TC avg
§103
60.1%
+20.1% vs TC avg
§102
23.7%
-16.3% vs TC avg
§112
6.8%
-33.2% vs TC avg
Black line = Tech Center average estimate • Based on career data from 924 resolved cases

Office Action

§103
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 . Response to Arguments Applicant's arguments filed 1/6/2026 have been fully considered but they are not persuasive. Applicant contends: PNG media_image1.png 284 776 media_image1.png Greyscale Examiner respectfully disagrees and cited on page 5 of the Office Action. Kim-2 expressly states, “[0016] Activation times of the first gate line through the (m+n−1)-th gate line can be varied depending on loads of the gate lines.” Kim2 goes on to state: “[0156] With respect to the gate lines Gn+1˜Gm+n−1 of the third group GRC, as described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 7A, the loads of the gate lines are further increased because the vertical gate lines are added to connect the diagonal gate lined to the gate driver. The number of the pixel units connected commonly to one gate line can be decreased gradually as the number of the gate line is increased with respect to the gate lines Gn+1˜Gm+n−1 of the third group. The load of the gate line is decreased gradually and thus the charging time is required to be decreased gradually. As illustrated in FIG. 18B, the charging time is limited to a minimum time Tmin according to the data rate of the data driver.” Examiner believes it takes more gate lines to connect but less loads. For example a 2x3 pixel layout requires 4 gate lines when the gate lines are laid out diagonally vs. 2 gate lines when laid horizontally. PNG media_image2.png 226 386 media_image2.png Greyscale VS PNG media_image3.png 214 377 media_image3.png Greyscale Applicant further states: PNG media_image4.png 402 660 media_image4.png Greyscale Kim-1 teaches an organic light emitting display includes an image display unit having a plurality of pixels, and first and second pixel power lines that receive pixel-driving voltages from first and second power supplies, respectively. The second pixel power lines are interleaved with the first pixel power lines. Adjacent pixels of the same color from among the plurality of pixels provided in the image display unit are coupled to pixel power lines corresponding to different power supplies. This is to solve or mitigate the problem of non-uniform brightness of the entire image display unit due to voltage drops in the pixel power lines. Kim-2 as noted above [016, 156] runs the gate lines diagonally to decrease the loads. Examiner agrees with Applicant more gate lines will increase the length of some of the gate lines and certainly increase the length over all, but there will be less pixels on each gate line. Kim-2 does discuss a narrow bezel because of the single sided driving method [0048]. Examiner believes this to mean the data and gate drivers are placed on one side but this alone does not necessitate diagonal gate lines as the gate lines could have been run down and horizontal like more typical layouts. Examiner does not believe multiple power line to address voltage drop and diagonal gate lines to reduce load on the gate lines are mutually exclusive and would have been well within the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art to combine for their respective advantages. Applicant further contends: PNG media_image5.png 132 666 media_image5.png Greyscale PNG media_image6.png 158 672 media_image6.png Greyscale As noted above, Examiner understand the diagonal gate lines, in Kim-2, to help reduce the load [16, 156] Kim-2. Furthermore, the test for obviousness is not whether the features of a secondary reference may be bodily incorporated into the structure of the primary reference; nor is it that the claimed invention must be expressly suggested in any one or all of the references. Rather, the test is what the combined teachings of the references would have suggested to those of ordinary skill in the art. See In re Keller, 642 F.2d 413, 208 USPQ 871 (CCPA 1981). Examiner points out that Kim-2 is classified in CPC G09G 3/30 and the patent of Kim-1 is classified G09G 3/32, which is a sub-class of G09G3/30. Examiner believes the common grouping points to what would have been available to one of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the invention. PNG media_image7.png 56 880 media_image7.png Greyscale Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103 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. Claim(s) 1-4 and 6-8 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim et al (2011/0128268) in view of Kim et al (2016/0217729) hereinafter, Kim2 In regards to claim 1, Kim teaches a light emitting device comprising (abstract): An organic light emitting display includes an image display unit having a plurality of pixels, and first and second pixel power lines that receive pixel-driving voltages from first and second power supplies, respectively. The second pixel power lines are interleaved with the first pixel power lines. Adjacent pixels of the same color from among the plurality of pixels provided in the image display unit are coupled to pixel power lines corresponding to different power supplies. This is to solve or mitigate the problem of non-uniform brightness of the entire image display unit due to voltage drops in the pixel power lines. a plurality of pixel circuits each including a light emitting element configured to emit light with a brightness corresponding to a pixel signal (fig. 2 and fig. 3 pixels)); a driving circuit configured to select, from the plurality of pixel circuits, a pixel circuit to write the pixel signal (fig. 2 (300/200)); and PNG media_image8.png 676 548 media_image8.png Greyscale a plurality of power supply lines configured to supply power supply voltages to the plurality of pixel circuits (fig. 2 (Vdds)), wherein the plurality of power supply lines include a power supply line extending in a first direction in a portion overlapping a part of the plurality of pixel circuits (fig. 2 vertical)), Kim fails to teach a number of pixel circuits to be selected by the driving circuit at a first timing from two or more pixel circuits, of the plurality of pixel circuits, arranged along the first direction is not more than two, and However, Kim2 teaches wherein a number of pixel circuits to be selected by the driving circuit at a first timing from two or more pixel circuits, of the plurality of pixel circuits, arranged along the first direction is not more than two, and (fig. 1 s100-s400))(fig. 3 (diagonal gate lines)(fig. 9 sequential scanning) PNG media_image9.png 514 864 media_image9.png Greyscale PNG media_image10.png 632 566 media_image10.png Greyscale It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the teachings of Kim’s voltage drop prevention means, to further include a number of pixel circuits to be selected by the driving circuit at a first timing from two or more pixel circuits, of the plurality of pixel circuits, arranged along the first direction is not more than two, as taught by Kim2, in order to vary loads on gate lines [0016] Therefore, Kim in view of Kim2 teaches a wherein number of pixel circuits to be selected by the driving circuit at a second timing from two or more pixel circuits, of the plurality of pixel circuits, arranged along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is not more than two (fig. 3, diagonal pixels with sequential scanning one would provide for example in fig. 3 P11 and next P21/P12, next Pm../P22/P13) Kim2. In regards to claim 2, Kim in view of Kim2, teaches the device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of power supply lines further include a power supply line extending in the second direction in a portion overlapping a part of the plurality of pixel circuits (fig. 2 VDD1 and VDD2 extending in vertical and horizontal directions) Kim. In regards to claim 3, Kim in view of Kim2, teaches device according to claim 1, wherein the number of pixel circuits to be selected by the driving circuit at the first timing from the two or more pixel circuits, of the plurality of pixel circuits, arranged along the first direction is not more than one, and the number of pixel circuits to be selected by the driving circuit at the second timing from the two or more pixel circuits, of the plurality of pixel circuits, arranged along the second direction is not more than one. (fig. 3, diagonal pixels with sequential scanning one would provide for example in fig. 3 P11 and next P21/P12, next Pm../P22/P13) Kim2. In regards to claim 4, Kim in view of Kim2, teaches device according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of scanning lines configured to supply selection signals to the plurality of pixel circuits from the driving circuit, wherein at least one of the plurality of scanning lines includes a portion obliquely intersecting both the first direction and the second direction (fig. 3 G2 intersecting horizontal and vertical direction) Kim2. In regards to claim 6, Kim in view of Kim2, teaches device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pixel circuits are arranged in rows and columns, and each of the rows is parallel to the first direction or each of the columns is parallel to the first direction (fig. 2 rows and columns in Kim ). In regards to claim 7, Kim in view of Kim2, teaches device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pixel circuits are arranged in rows and columns, and each of the rows and each of the columns obliquely intersect the first direction (fig. 2 rows and columns in Kim and (fig. 3 G2 intersecting horizontal and vertical direction) Kim2 ). In regards to claim 8, Kim in view of Kim2, teaches display device comprising a light emitting device according to claim 1, and an active element connected to the light emitting device [0056] OLED Kim. Claim(s) 5 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim et al (2011/0128268) in view of Kim et al (2016/0217729) hereinafter, Kim2 further in view of Wang (2018/0151140) hereinafter, Wang. In regards to claim 5, Kim and Kim2 fail to teach the device according to claim 4, wherein the driving circuit supplies a selection signal with a higher driving force to a longer scanning line. However, Wang teaches wherein the driving circuit supplies a selection signal with a higher driving force to a longer scanning line.(fig. 4 (line 1 and T_(N/2))). PNG media_image11.png 402 642 media_image11.png Greyscale It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the teachings of Kim and Kim2 to further include wherein the driving circuit supplies a selection signal with a higher driving force to a longer scanning line as taught by Wang in order to optimize the overall quality performance (abstract) Claim(s) 9-12 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Kim et al (2011/0128268) in view of Kim et al (2016/0217729) hereinafter, Kim2 further in view of Yamazaki et al (2013/0320337) hereinafter, Yamazaki In regards to claim 9, Kim and Kim2, fail to teach a photoelectric conversion device comprising an optical unit including a plurality of lenses, an image sensor configured to receive light having passed through the optical unit, and a display unit configured to display an image, wherein the display unit displays an image captured by the image sensor, and includes a light emitting device according to claim 1. However, Yamazaki teaches a photoelectric conversion device comprising an optical unit including a plurality of lenses, an image sensor configured to receive light having passed through the optical unit, and a display unit configured to display an image, wherein the display unit displays an image captured by the image sensor, and includes a light emitting device according to claim 1.(fig. 6e 3053,3054, 3055, 3056, 3057) [0212, 226]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the teachings of Yamazaki to further include a photoelectric conversion device comprising an optical unit including a plurality of lenses, an image sensor configured to receive light having passed through the optical unit, and a display unit configured to display an image, wherein the display unit displays an image captured by the image sensor, and includes a light emitting device according to claim 1 as taught by Yamazaki in order to in order to combine elements that provide a display that is versatile, high-performance and reliable [0212-0214] In regards to claim 10, Kim in view of Kim2, fails to teach an electronic apparatus comprising a housing provided with a display unit, and a communication unit provided in the housing and configured to perform external communication, wherein the display unit includes a light emitting device according to claim 1. However, Yamazaki an electronic apparatus comprising a housing provided with a display unit, and a communication unit provided in the housing and configured to perform external communication, wherein the display unit includes a light emitting device according to claim 1.[0212]. It would have been obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art to modify the teachings of Kim and Kim2 to further include an electronic apparatus comprising a housing provided with a display unit, and a communication unit provided in the housing and configured to perform external communication, wherein the display unit includes a light emitting device according to claim 1 as taught by Yamazaki in order to combine elements that provide a display that is versatile, high-performance and reliable [0212-0214] In regards to claim 11, Kim and Kim2 in view of Yamazaki teaches, see rational of claim 10, an illumination device comprising a light source, and at least one of a light diffusing unit and an optical film, wherein the light source includes a light emitting device according to claim 1 [193] Yamazaki. In regards to claim 12, Kim and Kim2 in view of Yamazaki teaches see rational of claim 10, moving body comprising a main body, and a lighting appliance provided in the main body, wherein the lighting appliance includes a light emitting device according to claim 1. [0212-0214] Yamazaki. Conclusion THIS ACTION IS MADE FINAL. 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 GRANT SITTA whose telephone number is (571)270-1542. The examiner can normally be reached M-F 7:30-4:00. 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, Patrick Edouard can be reached at 571-272-6084. 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. /GRANT SITTA/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2622
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Prosecution Timeline

Jan 14, 2025
Application Filed
Oct 09, 2025
Non-Final Rejection — §103
Jan 06, 2026
Response Filed
Feb 12, 2026
Final Rejection — §103 (current)

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

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Prosecution Projections

3-4
Expected OA Rounds
72%
Grant Probability
86%
With Interview (+13.9%)
2y 11m
Median Time to Grant
Moderate
PTA Risk
Based on 924 resolved cases by this examiner. Grant probability derived from career allow rate.

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