The document provides an overview of the technology landscape and patent analysis for organic photodiodes applicable to sensors and detectors. It introduces the objective of analyzing the technology segmentation, trends, key players, and illustrative patents. The summary identifies that most patenting activity is in the US, with applications in optical sensing, imaging, radiation detection, and other areas. Patent filings increased until 2013, with over 70 key players identified.

1. Organic Photo Diodes
Applicable To Sensors & Detectors
Patent & Technology-
Landscape Analysis

2. o Introduction
 Objective of the landscape project
o Technology
 Technology map
 Technology segmentation based on application
o Summary of Landscape Analysis
o Notes on Non-patent Literature Analysis
Contents
2

3. Contents
o Landscape Analysis (Annexure)
 Landscape by patent office
 Landscape by technology segmentation
 Landscape by assignees
 Patent application trend by year
 Expiry of patents by year
 Distribution by IPC
 Top illustrative patents & applications
 Top 5 cited prior art
 Most recent applications
 Detailed analysis
o Notes
3

4. Objective of the Landscape Project
o Objective of the landscape project is to understand the
overall technology and patent landscape of organic
photodiode applicable to sensors and detectors
o The objective includes understanding the technology
landscape using statistical analysis of published patents &
applications and NPLs, identification of patenting trends,
technology segmentation by application areas
o Develop a technology map and identify key players in this
technology segment
o Focus - This IP Landscape report is focused on organic
photodiode applicable to sensors and detectors
4

5. Semiconductor Devices
Based on materials
Inorganic Organic
Based on
Construction
Two
regions
Three
regions
Four
regions
Multi
region
Technology Map
e.g Photo
diode, LED
e.g
Transistor
e.g RAM,
ROM
e.g Hall
effect
sensor
Organic
photodiodes
& Organic LEDs
5

6. Technology Segmentation based on Application
o Organic photodiodes are widely used in optical
sensing/detecting
o Based on applications, we have grouped prior
art relating to organic photodiodes (sensors &
detectors) into four major categories:
 Optical
 Radiation
 Imaging
 Other applications
6

7. Technology Segmentation based on Application
Segmentation of OPD
as a sensor or detector
based on applications
Optical Technology
Optical Sensors, Light Sensing Devices,
Manufacturing Of Optical Sensors
Gas Detection, Analyte Detection, Fluid flow
measurement
Bio & Chemical Sensor
Automation Technology
Radiation
Technology
X-ray Detection, Radiation detection,
Manufacturing Of X-ray Detectors
Camera, Image Recognition
Imaging Technology
Image Sensors, Image sensors in x-ray
devices, Manufacturing Of Image Sensors
Display Devices, Touch Screen & Input
Devices
Other Technologies Electronics applications / device, sensing /
detecting applications in general
7

8. Optical Technology Applications
o Use of organic photodiodes in optical sensing
applications including optical/photo sensors in
industrial, medical, agricultural, safety, food
packaging applications
o Gas detection, analyte detection, flow
measurement
o Applied to Bio sensor and chemical sensor
o In applications of automation technology
o Used in manufacturing of optical sensors
o Example - CN1447582
8

9. Radiation Technology Applications
o X-ray detection, Radiation detection
applications including medical diagnostics and
CT scanning
o Position and motion determination
o Manufacturing of opto-electronic components
o Example - US7238950
9

10. Imaging Technology Applications
o Light sensing applications including imaging &
display devices, security imaging applications
o Spectrographic applications
o Camera and camera related applications
o Used in manufacturing of image sensors
o Example - US6303943
10

11. Other Technologies
o Manufacturing of electronic devices using
organic photodiodes
o Applications involving manufacturing
o Example - US7936035 , CA2682928
11

12. Summary of Landscape Analysis (1 of 2)
o Organic photodiodes have been widely used as sensors
and detectors and it has been patented considerably
o We have considered prior art relating to organic
photodiodes applicable to sensors and detectors for our
analysis
o Considering the distribution of patents across different
patent jurisdictions, most of the patenting activity is
concentrated in United States (USPTO)
o From a technology application stand point, the patenting
activity is 37% in optical technology, 30% in imaging
technology, 28% in radiation technology and 5% in other
areas
12

13. Summary of Landscape Analysis (2 of 2)
o Based on our analysis, patent / publications relating
to organic photodiode applicable to sensors and
detectors started in the year 1997; it was
considerable during the period of 2007-2008; the
patenting activity was lower in the year 2009 and it
reached its peak in the year 2013
o There are more than seventy key players (including
companies and individuals) involved in this
technology space. Out of these, fifteen key players
are actively filing patents world wide
13

14. Landscape Analysis
(Annexure)

15. Landscape by Patent Office
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
US EP WO
Applications
Patents
15
Patent Registry Vs Number of Patents (including Applications)

16. Landscape by Technology Segmentation
 Organic photodiodes are widely
patented in optical technology,
imaging and radiation respectively
 Optical technology (37%) includes
optical sensing, industrial, medical,
agricultural, safety, food packaging,
chemical & bio sensors, etc.,
 Imaging (30%) applications relate
to Imaging apparatus and display
devices
 Radiation (28%) relates to for x-ray
& radiation detectors
37%
28%
30%
5%
OpticalImaging
Others
Radiation
16

17. Landscape by Assignees – Key Players
Siemens
Philips
Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast -
Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek Tno
Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
ISORG [FR]
Cambridge Display Technology Limited
Eastman Kodak Company
General Electric Company
COMMISSARIAT ENERGIE ATOMIQUE [FR]
National University Corporation University
Of Toyama
Leica Geosystems Ag
Osram Opto Semiconductors Gmbh
Molecular Vision Limited
Nitto Denko Corporation
GUERINEAU EMMANUEL [FR]
17

18. Landscape by Assignees
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
Key Players Vs Number of Prior art
18

19. Patent Application Trend by Year
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
Issued year Vs Number of Prior art
* Based on trend in 1st quarter of 2014
19

20. Expiry of Patents by Year
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
2016 2018 2019 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033
Number of patents Vs Expiry year
20

21. Distribution by IPC – Major IPC distribution
52%
24%
24%
G01N
H01L
G01T
IPC DESCRIPTION % of all
H01L SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; ELECTRIC SOLID STATE DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE
PROVIDED FOR
52%
G01T MEASUREMENT OF NUCLEAR OR X-RADIATION 24%
G01N INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
24%
21

22. Distribution by IPC
15%
13%
9%
8%
7%7%
7%
34%
G01T1/20
H01L27/30
G01T1/24
G01N21/77
H01L27/146H01L51/00
H01L51/42
Others
22

23. Illustrative Patent: Optical
WO2010034584: Flow sensor and uses thereof
Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Inventor: HAYDEN, Oliver; HUANG, Jiaye
Publication Date: April 1, 2010
Abstract: The present invention relates to flow sensors
having the highest possible resolution in the nl region,
which represent the flow behavior in a flow-conducting
system in a manner nearly impossible to be influenced by
outside conditions. In particular, the integrated organic
photodiodes represented herein allow non-invasive flow
speed measurements in the smallest of ranges, and thus
the quantitative determination of flow rates
23 Note: is hyperlink to patent document

24. Illustrative Patent: Imaging
US7148486: Image detector for x-ray devices
with rear-contact organic image sensors
Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Inventor: Heismann; Bjoern (Erlangen, DE),
Leppert; Juergen (Forchheim, DE), von der
Haar; Thomas (Nuremberg, DE)
Publication Date: December 12, 2006
Abstract: An image detector for an x-ray device
includes photosensors which have at least two
contacts on which an electrical signal occurs
when x-rays are detected. In each case, at least
one contact of the photosensors is arranged on
its rear side, facing away from the image
source. Further, the material used for the
photosensors is an organic photodiode
material.
24 Note: is hyperlink to patent document

25. Illustrative Patent: Radiation
US8637831: Hybrid organic photodiode
Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Inventor: Oliver Hayden, Tobias Rauch, Reiner Franz
Schulz, Maria Sramek, Sandro Francesco Tedde
Publication Date: January 28, 2014
Abstract: An x-ray detector that is suitable for both
imaging and dose rate measurement has a hybrid
photoactive layer arranged between an electrode and
a substrate. The hybrid photoactive layer includes a
number of scintillators as well as a bulk heterojunction
and is designed to produce indirect x-ray conversion.
The bulk heterojunction absorbs the scintillator
radiation to form electron-hole pairs that are detected
electrically. The production takes place by a spraying
process, in particular a co-spraying process of bulk
heterojunction solution and scintillator particle
suspension.
25

26. Illustrative Patent: Other Areas
US7936035: Photoelectric conversion element, solid-state image pickup
device, and manufacturing method of the photoelectric conversion element
Assignee: FUJIFILM Corporation
Inventor: Maehara, Yoshiki; Goto, Takashi; Tsutsumi, Kiyohiko; Ogawa,
Kyohei; Komiyama, Takashi; Senga, Takeshi; Kasahara, Takehiro
Publication Date: May 3, 2011
Abstract: A photoelectric conversion element comprises: a pair of electrodes;
and an organic photoelectric conversion layer between the pair of electrodes,
wherein one of the electrodes is a first electrode that collects electrons
generated in the organic photoelectric conversion layer; the other one of the
electrodes is a second electrode that collects holes generated in the organic
photoelectric conversion layer; and the photoelectric conversion element
further comprises a hole blocking layer that comprises silicon oxide and
inhibits injection of holes into the organic photoelectric conversion layer from
the first electrode while applying a bias voltage between the electrodes, the
hole blocking layer being disposed between the first electrode and the
organic photoelectric conversion layer, and an oxygen/silicon composition
ratio of the silicon oxide is 0.5 or greater and 1.2 or less.
26

27. Top 5 Cited Prior Art
US6303943: Organic diodes with switchable photosensitivity
useful in photo detectors
Assignee: Uniax Corporation
Inventor: Gang Yu, Yong Cao
Publication Date: October 16, 2001
Abstract: Organic photodetectors with switchable
photosensitivity are achieved using organic photoactive layers
in electrode/organic/electrode structures. The photosensitivity
can be switched on and off by the biasing voltage across the
detectors, the switching voltage imparting photosensitivity
above 1 mA/W at a preselected operating bias and near zero
photosensitivity at a cut-off bias substantially equivalent in
magnitude to the built-in potential of the photodetector. The
photocurrent can be probled with a read-out circuit in the loop.
These photodetectors can be arranged in linear arrays or in
two-dimensional matrices that function as high performance,
linear or two-dimensional image sensors.
Top
cited
patent
Referenced by 53
documents
27

28. Top 5 Cited Prior Art
US20050217722: Organic photoelectric conversion element and
method of producing the same, organic photodiode and image
sensor using the same, organic diode and method of producing the
same
Assignee: Not Available
Inventor: Komatsu, Takahiro; (Kasuga-shi, JP) ; Sakanoue, Kei;
(Fukuoka-shi, JP) ; Yatsunami, Ryuichi; (Fukuoka-shi, JP) ; Mizusaki,
Masakazu; (Fukuoka-shi, JP) ; Kitada, Takashi; (Ogori-shi, JP) ; Inoue,
Masahiro; (Onojyo-shi, JP)
Publication Date: October 06, 2005
Abstract: The organic photoelectric conversion element in
accordance with the invention comprises at least one pair of
electrodes 12 and 16, a photoelectric conversion region (layer) 15
arranged between the electrodes and containing at least an electron
donating organic material and an electron accepting organic
material, and a buffer layer 14 containing at least one inorganic
matter and inserted between the photoelectric conversion region
and at least one electrode of the above-cited pair of electrodes.
Top
cited
patent
Referenced by 32
documents
28

29. Top 5 Cited Prior Art
US20040056180: Image sensors made from organic semiconductors
Assignee: Not Available
Inventor: Yu, Gang; (Santa Barbara, CA)
Publication Date: March 25, 2004
Abstract: Image sensors with monochromatic or multi-color response
made from organic semiconductors are disclosed. The image sensors
are comprised of image sensing elements (pixels) each of which
comprises a thin layer (or multiple layers) of organic semiconductor(s)
sandwiched between conductive electrodes. These image sensors can
be integrated or hybridized with electronic or optical devices on the
same substrate or on different substrates. The electrical output
signals from the image sensors resulting from the input image are
probed by a circuit connected to the electrodes. The spectral
response of the image sensing elements can be modified and
adjusted to desired spectral profiles through material selection,
through device thickness adjustment and/or through optical filtering.
Several approaches for achieving red, green, and blue full-color
detection are disclosed. Similar approaches can be used for multiple-
band detection (wavelength multiplexing) in desired response profiles
and in other selected spectral ranges.
Top
cited
patent
Referenced by 32
documents
29

30. Top 5 Cited Prior Art
US6747290: Information device
Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
Inventor: Yamazaki; Shunpei (Tokyo, JP), Koyama; Jun (Kanagawa, JP)
Publication Date: June 8, 2004
Abstract: Problems exist in areas such as image visibility, endurance of
the device, precision, miniaturization, and electric power consumption
in an information device having a conventional resistive film method or
optical method pen input function. Both EL elements and photoelectric
conversion elements are arranged in each pixel of a display device in an
information device of the present invention having a pen input
function. Information input is performed by the input of light to the
photoelectric conversion elements in accordance with a pen that
reflects light by a pen tip. An information device with a pen input
function, capable of displaying a clear image without loss of brightness
in the displayed image, having superior endurance, capable of being
miniaturized, and having good precision can thus be obtained.
Top
cited
patent
Referenced by 31
documents
30

31. Top 5 Cited Prior Art
US6483099: Organic diodes with switchable
photosensitivity
Assignee: DuPont Displays, Inc.
Inventor: Yu; Gang (Santa Barbara, CA), Cao;
Yong (Goleta, CA)
Publication Date: November 19, 2002
Abstract: Organic diode detectors with
switchable photosensitivity are achieved using
organic photo layers in the photodiodes and a
detector circuit which applies a reverse or
forward bias voltage across the diodes. The
diodes can be arranged in matrices which
function as high performance, two-dimensional
image sensors. These image sensors can achieve
full color or selected color detection capability.
Top
cited
patent
Referenced by 25
documents
31

32. Most Recent Applications
WO2014032874: Radiation detector and method for
producing a radiation detector
Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Inventor: ARCA FRANCESCO [IT]; SCHMID GUENTER
[DE]; SCHMIDT OLIVER [DE]; TEDDE SANDRO
FRANCESCO [DE]
Publication Date: June 8, 2004
Abstract: The invention relates to a radiation detector
comprising a hybrid-organic photodiode for X-ray
detection. For charge carrier distribution that is as
uniform as possible within the entire absorption layer,
the inorganic filler is varied within the organic
absorption layer. This results in an approximately
identical absorption rate over the entire thickness of
the absorption layer.
Most
Recent
Applications
32

33. Most Recent Applications
US20140035083: Elevated Photodiode with a
Stacked Scheme
Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR
MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
Inventor: Wan, Meng-Hsun; Chu, Yi-Shin; Chen, Szu-
Ying; Chen, Pao-Tung; Liu, Jen-Cheng; Yaung, Dun-
Nian
Publication Date: February 6, 2014
Abstract: A device includes an image sensor chip
having formed therein an elevated photodiode, and
a device chip underlying and bonded to the image
sensor chip. The device chip has a read out circuit
electrically connected to the elevated photodiode.
Most
Recent
Applications
33

34. Most Recent Applications
US20140021454: Device For Spraying, Method Therefor,
And Organic Electronic Construction Element
Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Inventor: Furst; Jens; (Herzogenaurach, DE) ; Hayden;
Oliver; (Herzogenaurach, DE) ; Kern; Johannes;
(Herzogenaurach, DE) ; Rauch; Tobias; (Furstenfeldbruck,
DE) ; Sterzl; Tobias; (Nurnberg, DE) ; Tedde; Sandro
Francesco; (Erlangen, DE) ; Zaus; Edgar; (Furth, DE)
Publication Date: January 23, 2014
Abstract: The embodiments relate to a device and a
method for spraying coatings of organic construction
elements. The embodiments relate, in particular, to the
spraying of coatings made up of components that do not
dissolve in the same solvent, for example, and/or the
spraying of a plurality of coatings one after the other. A
plurality of spray heads is used, for example one after
the other and/or next to one another.
Most
Recent
Applications
34

35. Detailed Analysis - US8513612
Assignee Koninklijke Philips N.V.
Title Imaging measurement system with a printed organic photodiode array
Abstract An imaging system includes a macro organic photodiode array with rows and columns of printed
photodiodes. The array may be bendable for easy manufacture and assembly on a curved
support within an imaging system. Two or more layers of photodiodes may be provided for use
in a spectral CT imaging system or as slices.
Application Imaging Application Area Scanner or other imaging scanner data
measurement system
Inventor Levene; Simha, Altman; Ami , Wainer; Naor , de Leeuw; Dagobert M. , Haskal; Eliav
Legal status Alive
o Based on our analysis US8513612 deals with imaging technology, in
particular imaging scanner data measurement system
o There are 32 patents & applications dealing with this technology
relating to organic photodiode
o Philips has approximately 6 patents & applications relating to organic
photodiode applicable to sensors and detectors
35

36. Detailed Analysis - US8507865
Assignee Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
Title Organic photodetector for the detection of infrared radiation, method for the production
thereof, and use thereof
Abstract An organic photodetector detects infrared radiation, particularly radiation within the spectral
region of over 1100 nm, the so-called imager region. Contrary to the currently known
photodetectors, such as the Bolometer, II-VI semiconductor, and quantum well detectors, the
photodetector contains semiconducting nano-particles for shifting the range of detection,
requires no technical and cost-intensive effort in the production thereof, and may be
constructed of flexible substrates by simple printing methods.
Application Radiation Application Area Infrared radiation detector
Inventor Boberl; Michaela, Furst; Jens, Heiss; Wolfgang , Kovalenko; Maksym, Rauch; Tobias
Legal status Alive
o Based on our analysis US8507865 deals with Radiation technology, in
particular, infrared radiation detector
o There are 30 patents & applications dealing with this technology relating to
organic photodiode
o Siemens has approximately 32 patents & applications relating to organic
photodiode applicable to sensors and detectors
36

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