Appeal Number: 2006-1372
Application Number: 09/197,767
electrode itself fills the contact hole, and none of the additional references remedies this
shortcoming of Sato. We agree with appellants.
Sato discloses (column 14, lines 5-23) that third metal layer 180 is formed on
third insulating layer 170 and penetrates the insulating layer to contact the surface of the
second metal layer below the insulating layer. Sato further states (column 13, lines 40-
43) that third metal layer180 is “formed through insulating layer.” The pixel electrode
181 is formed by patterning metal layer 180. Thus, Sato discloses forming as a single
element the reflective pixel electrode and the conductive material which penetrates the
insulating layer to connect the pixel electrode to the drain electrode. Nothing in Sato
suggests forming the two portions separately and of different materials. Further, Okita
discloses (column 7, lines 59-61) that metal electrode 108 is connected through hole 507
to transparent pixel electrode 508. Figure 6 of Okita shows no separation between pixel
electrode 508 and the material in contact hole 507, and we find no disclosure in Okita
that would suggest having the two elements separate. Thus, Okita does not remedy the
deficiency of Sato.
Fukunaga discloses (column 40, line 65-column 41, line 20) that by using the
functional layer as a flattening layer, high speed and response and high yield can be
obtained. Further, the high degree of smoothness allows for a high aperture ratio, which
lowers power consumption. Last, the use of the functional layer for the color filter
reduces the number of manufacturing steps and the amount of material, which increases
yield. In other words, it is not the material of the embedded conductive layer that yields
high speed response, low power consumption, and low prices, as asserted by the
examiner, but, rather, it is the color functional layer. Thus, Fukunaga fails to cure the
deficiency of Sato.
Miyawaki discloses (column 7, line 67-column 8, line 11) that when an indium tin
oxide pixel electrode is formed over an insulating layer, the indium tin oxide may not
reach the transistor drain through the insulating layer resulting in a poor connection
between the pixel electrode and the drain. Miyawaki teaches using a metal such as
tungsten or aluminum, which will reach the drain through the insulating layer, thereby
increasing the reliability of the liquid crystal display. Thus, Miyawaki suggests using
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