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 .
Specification
The title of the invention is not descriptive. A new title is required that is clearly indicative of the invention to which the claims are directed.
Double Patenting
A rejection based on double patenting of the “same invention” type finds its support in the language of 35 U.S.C. 101 which states that “whoever invents or discovers any new and useful process... may obtain a patent therefor...” (Emphasis added). Thus, the term “same invention,” in this context, means an invention drawn to identical subject matter. See Miller v. Eagle Mfg. Co., 151 U.S. 186 (1894); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Ockert, 245 F.2d 467, 114 USPQ 330 (CCPA 1957).
A statutory type (35 U.S.C. 101) double patenting rejection can be overcome by canceling or amending the claims that are directed to the same invention so they are no longer coextensive in scope. The filing of a terminal disclaimer cannot overcome a double patenting rejection based upon 35 U.S.C. 101.
Claim 1 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 101 as claiming the same invention as that of claim 1 of prior U.S. Patent No. US 12,294,791. This is a statutory double patenting rejection.
Instant Application – claim 1
US 12,294,791 – claim 1
1. An image sensor, comprising:
1. An image sensor, comprising:
a first pixel having a first photoelectric converter that converts tight into an electric charge;
a first pixel having a first photoelectric converter that converts light into an electric charge;
a second pixel having a second photoelectric converter that converts light into an electric charge and is located next to the first photoelectric converter in a first direction;
a second pixel having a second photoelectric converter that converts light into an electric charge and is located next to the first photoelectric converter in a first direction;
a third pixel having a third photoelectric converter that converts light into an electric charge and is located next to the first photoelectric converter in a second direction that intersects the first direction;
a third pixel having a third photoelectric converter that converts light into an electric charge and is located next to the first photoelectric converter in a second direction that intersects the first direction;
a first signal line that is electrically connected to the first pixel and to which a first signal based on the electric charge converted by the first photoelectric converter is output;
a first signal line that is electrically connected to the first pixel and to which a first signal based on the electric charge converted by the first photoelectric converter is output;
a second signal line that is electrically connected to the second pixel and to which a second signal based on the electric charge converted by the second photoelectric converter is output;
a second signal line that is electrically connected to the second pixel and to which a second signal based on the electric charge converted by the second photoelectric converter is output;
a third signal line that is electrically connected to the third pixel and to which a third signal based on the electric charge converted by the third photoelectric converter is output;
a third signal line that is electrically connected to the third pixel and to which a third signal based on the electric charge converted by the third photoelectric converter is output;
a first transistor having a first drain terminal electrically connected to the first pixel via the first signal line, a first gate terminal electrically connected to a first current source circuit, and a first source terminal electrically connected to ground;
a first transistor having a first drain terminal electrically connected to the first pixel via the first signal line, a first gate terminal electrically connected to a first current source circuit, and a first source terminal electrically connected to ground;
a second transistor having a second drain terminal electrically connected to the second pixel via the second signal line, a second gate terminal electrically connected to a second current source circuit, and a second source terminal electrically connected to ground; and
a second transistor having a second drain terminal electrically connected to the second pixel via the second signal line, a second gate terminal electrically connected to a second current source circuit, and a second source terminal electrically connected to ground; and
a third transistor having a third drain terminal electrically connected to the third pixel via the third signal line, a third gate terminal electrically connected to a third current source circuit, and a third source terminal electrically connected to ground.
a third transistor having a third drain terminal electrically connected to the third pixel via the third signal line, a third gate terminal electrically connected to a third current source circuit, and a third source terminal electrically connected to ground.
Conclusion
The prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure. US 2020/0260035, discloses an imaging device with current source circuits. US 2015/0281614, discloses an imaging device with a plurality of transistors and a current source. US 2011/0254986, discloses an imaging device with a current source transistor.
Any inquiry concerning this communication or earlier communications from the examiner should be directed to GEVELL V SELBY whose telephone number is (571)272-7369. The examiner can normally be reached Monday-Thursday 6 AM - 3:30 PM; Friday 6-10 AM.
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/GEVELL V SELBY/Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2638
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