JP3501671B2 - Defect picture element coordinate identification device for display device - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a display for efficiently inspecting and correcting display defective products generated in the manufacturing process of a display device regardless of the panel form before the driver is mounted and the module form after the driver is mounted. More specifically, the present invention relates to a defective pixel coordinate specifying device for a display device, which is preferably used when the display device is a direct-view type liquid crystal display device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, a liquid crystal display device is modularized by mounting a driver and a drive circuit on a liquid crystal display panel. Then, depending on the application, for example, those used as a projection type such as projection, the liquid crystal display device is combined with an optical system such as a light source lamp or a projection lens. On the other hand, those used as a direct-view type such as a liquid crystal television set and a liquid crystal display often combine a transmissive liquid crystal display device with a backlight and a reflective liquid crystal display device with a front light.

When shipping such a liquid crystal display device, in order to prevent defective lighting products from leaking to the market, it is usually
The lighting inspection is performed in each state of the panel form and the module form.

In this lighting inspection, it is determined whether or not the lighting state of the liquid crystal display device satisfies the prescribed standard, and as a result, those which do not satisfy the prescribed standard are rejected and not shipped to the market.

However, even a liquid crystal display device determined to be a rejected product may be able to clear the prescribed standard by modifying the wiring pattern or the like depending on the occurrence of a defect. Even some devices can be repaired as good products by modification.

This defect correction process also differs depending on the application of the liquid crystal display device. For example, a personal computer, a liquid crystal TV (television), or a personal digital assistant (PDA).
The so-called direct-view type such as istant) and the projection type such as a projector and OHP differ in the coordinate specifying step and the correcting step for specifying the position of the pixel to be corrected as follows.

First, a case will be described in which a direct view type liquid crystal display device is repaired in a panel form before mounting.

The liquid crystal display device is subjected in advance to a direct lighting inspection on a backlight to confirm defects such as point defects and disconnections. Then, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, directly on the glass surface of the color filter forming side substrate (hereinafter referred to as CF substrate) 1b of the liquid crystal display device 1,
An inspector makes a marking 26 at a rough position around the defective picture element and is conveyed to the next correction step. It should be noted that this FIG.
In 1 (b), 1a indicates a thin film transistor formation side substrate (hereinafter referred to as a TFT substrate).

In the correction step, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the liquid crystal display device 1 is provided with a CF having markings 26.
Set the substrate 1b side down on the set plate 2,
After that, the probe pins 35 located below the terminals of the liquid crystal display device 1 press-contact with each other. The liquid crystal display device 1 is a lighting signal input device (not shown) via the probe pin 35.
It is turned on by the signal from.

The inspector visually observes the position where the marking 26 is previously made in the previous step by illumination from the light source 36 located below the probe pin 35 through the glass of the TFT substrate 1a. Then, while confirming the position of the marking 26, the operation board 38 is operated to the approximate position to move the XY table 15.

On the upper side where the liquid crystal display device 1 is conveyed, C
The CD camera 5 and the repair laser 37 are installed with their optical axes aligned. The inspector looks at the enlarged image on the monitor 11 while changing the magnification, specifies the position of the picture element in which the defect is confirmed, and narrows down the corrected portion.
And cutting the wiring pattern with a laser,
The picture elements themselves were made into black dots, and the defective picture elements were corrected. In addition, in FIG. 13, reference numeral 4 denotes a microscope cylinder.

Next, a description will be given of a case where a defect is corrected in a module type after mounting a projection type liquid crystal display device.

Regarding the projection type liquid crystal display device, the inspection method and the defect position specifying method are described in, for example, JP-A-9-73.
No. 059 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-39268. In this projection type liquid crystal display device,
In order to approximate the usage pattern of the final product, as shown in FIG. 14, with the liquid crystal display device 1 set on the liquid crystal projection 41 and projected on the screen 42, inspection and defects are performed using the same optical system as the product. The position of the picture element was specified.

However, the liquid crystal projection 41
In general, when projecting, the obstacles such as the projection lens and the polarizing plate are arranged in the immediate vicinity of the liquid crystal display device 1.
Even if the defective picture element can be identified on the screen 42, the marking for indicating the position of the defective picture element cannot be directly provided on the display surface of the liquid crystal display device. Therefore, after the position of the defective picture element is obtained by using the coordinate specifying device as shown in FIG. 14, the defective picture element is corrected. Note that FIG.
(A) is a top view, FIG.14 (b) is a side view, 8 shows transmitted illumination, 15 shows a precision XY table.

[0015]

In view of the recent trends in the liquid crystal industry, the price of the liquid crystal display device itself has fallen sharply, while the number of products produced tends to increase.

In particular, direct-viewing type liquid crystal display devices are expected to be used in various fields other than the OA field such as personal computers, which have been mainstream until now,
Increased production is expected.

Therefore, the method using the conventional coordinate specifying device or defect correcting device as described above has the following problems.

First, a liquid crystal display device, which has been marked in the inspection process in advance, is set on a correction device, and an inspector moves the XY table while visually confirming the marking position, and is displayed in the visual field range of the microscope. Move the liquid crystal display to the position. Then, the modification is narrowed down while changing the magnification, the wiring pattern is cut by a laser, and the picture element itself is made into a black dot to carry out the modification.

A great deal of time is spent on the incidental work time required for the correction, that is, the work required to confirm the defective picture element and specify the repaired portion. This has been a cause of prolonging the time (reducing the takt time) required to repair one display device in the defect repairing device.

The method of simply increasing the number of defect repairing devices in order to prevent this is not practical because the defect repairing device itself is very expensive and large-scale and the installation space of the device is large. As it is, it will not be possible to cope with the rapid increase in production in the future, so it is necessary to increase the tact time of the defect correction device.

On the other hand, in the inspection of the conventional projection type liquid crystal display device, as described above, the coordinate specifying device capable of specifying the position of the defective pixel in advance is used in advance. However, this coordinate identification device needs to perform inspection and position identification while projecting an image using the same optical system as the product, and since the optical system of the product is largely different for each model, model switching is required. It took an enormous amount of time, and it was necessary to manufacture the coordinate identification device for each model.

Further, in the projection type coordinate specifying device, since the display screen of the liquid crystal display device is projected on the screen, the installation space of the device becomes large. In addition, since it is necessary to create a dark room around the device, the environment in which the device is installed becomes large, and in addition, it is necessary to inspect the projected image in the dark room. Had caused a decrease in his eyesight.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and it is possible to quickly and surely specify the coordinates of the defective pixel position of the display device, and the defective pixel coordinates of the display device. The purpose is to provide a specific device.

[0024]

A defective picture element coordinate specifying device for a display device according to the present invention comprises moving means for supporting the display device and moving it to a predetermined position, and the display device supported by the moving means. A drive circuit for applying a display signal to each pixel to drive each pixel, and a defective pixel determining means for determining a defective pixel by capturing an optical change of each pixel of the display device driven by the drive circuit. A coordinate specifying means for specifying the position coordinates of the confirmed defect picture element and a recording means for recording the position coordinate of the specified defect picture element , wherein the defect picture element confirming means is the table.
And a microscope cylinder for observing the display surface of the display device.
Image capturing means for capturing an image of the display surface through a cylinder;
Light energy that illuminates the location where the optical change is confirmed on the display surface.
And a light energy irradiating means,
Display the confirmation location with the optical axis aligned with the microscope tube
It has a pair of illuminations which respectively radiate light from both sides of the surface, thereby achieving the above object.

Defect picture element coordinate specifying device for display device of the present invention
Is a moving hand that supports the display device and moves it to a predetermined position.
And a display signal on the display device supported by the moving means.
And a drive circuit for driving each picture element by applying
The optical change of each picture element of the display device driven by
Defect picture element determining means for determining and determining defect picture element
Coordinate specifying means for specifying the position coordinates of the defective picture element,
A recording means for recording the position coordinates of the identified defective picture element
And the defective picture element determining means has a display surface of the display device.
A microscope tube for observing, and the display through the microscope tube
Image capturing means for capturing an image of the surface, and
A means for irradiating light energy that illuminates the location where optical changes are confirmed
The light energy irradiating means has
It has lighting that emits light from an oblique direction.
The above object is achieved by the above.

The light energy irradiating means may be composed of a halogen light source and a fiber.

The light energy irradiation means may be a light emitting diode.

The light energy irradiating means may be a laser light generator.

It is preferable to have adjusting means for adjusting the incident angle and the illumination intensity of the light emitted from the light energy irradiating means with respect to the display device.

Marking means for displaying an alignment reference for specifying the position of the defective picture element is displayed on the screen on which an image is displayed based on the optical change of each picture element captured by the defective picture element determining means. It is preferable to have.

The recording means is used in each manufacturing process of the display device,
It is preferable to provide information transmitting means capable of transmitting information to and from the information concentrating device to which various kinds of information obtained in the inspection process, the coordinate specifying process and the defect correcting process are transferred and concentrated.

The operation of the present invention will be described below.

In the present invention, the moving means for supporting and moving the display device, the drive circuit for turning on the display device supported by the moving means , and the illuminated display device. Defect image element determining means for irradiating a pixel with light and capturing the optical change to determine the defective pixel, coordinate specifying means for specifying the position coordinates of the defective pixel, and recording the position coordinates of the defective pixel has a recording means for, the defect pixel determination means, the table
Through the microscope tube for observing the display surface of the display device.
Image capturing means for capturing an image of the display surface with the
Light energy illuminating hand illuminating the location where the optical change is confirmed
The light energy irradiation means has a step
From both sides of the display surface with the optical axis aligned with the lens barrel
Since the display device has a pair of illuminations for irradiating light, whether the display device has a module form or a panel form, it is possible to quickly confirm a defective pixel and specify a correction portion.

In the present invention, the display device is supported and transferred.
Moving means for moving and display device supported by the moving means
Drive circuit for turning on the
Defect pixels by irradiating the pixels with light and capturing the optical changes
Defect picture element determining means and the position coordinates of the defect picture element
Record the position coordinates of the defective picture element
And a recording means for
Through the microscope tube for observing the display surface of the display device.
Image capturing means for capturing an image of the display surface with the
Light energy illuminating hand illuminating the location where the optical change is confirmed
It has steps and the light energy irradiation means is
Since it has lighting that emits light from an oblique direction,
Even if the device is modular,
In addition, it is possible to quickly check defective pixels and identify repaired parts.
And are possible.

The defective picture element determining means is a CCD (charge connection).
Compound device) By means of capturing optical changes such as a camera
Optical changes can be captured. And the light
Energy irradiation means clarifies where optical changes are confirmed
In order to adjust the optical axis of the microscope tube,
Irradiate light from both sides, or light from diagonal directions.
To illuminate the screen with the optical changes on the display surface.
Used for image capture. For example, if an illumination composed of a halogen light source and a fiber is used, the light follows a linear path, so that it does not escape to an unnecessary place around. Or, lighting or light-emitting diode etc. condensed by a condenser lens,
It is only necessary to use the optimum illumination means according to the display device. Alternatively, a laser light generator may be used, and if a laser pointer or the like is used, it is possible to indicate the visual field range by providing an indicating means and an angle adjusting mechanism.

Further, if adjusting means for adjusting the incident angle of the light emitted from the light energy irradiating means to the display device and the illumination intensity are respectively provided, the optimum illuminating light suitable for the display device is used to detect the defective pixel. It is possible to specify.

An image is displayed on the screen of a monitor or the like based on the optical change of each picture element captured by the defective picture element determining means. If the alignment reference such as a cross line is displayed on the screen, the coordinate position can be easily specified as the reference for moving the defective picture element to a predetermined position.

The recording means is used in each manufacturing process of the display device.
It is preferable to provide an information transmitting means capable of transmitting information to and from the information concentrating device to which various information obtained in the inspection process, the coordinate specifying process and the defect correcting process are transferred and concentrated. As a result, it is possible to perform inspection, defect correction, and the like based on various information obtained through the information transmission means, so that work efficiency is improved.

[0039]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) In this embodiment, a description will be given of a case where a defective pixel coordinate is specified for a liquid crystal display device in a module form.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of the defective pixel coordinate specifying apparatus of this embodiment.

In this defective pixel coordinate specifying apparatus, a precision XY table 15 driven by a motor is installed on a pedestal 16, and a set plate for positioning and setting the liquid crystal display device 1 on the precision XY table 15. 2 and the positioning block 3 are attached.

As a method of fixing the liquid crystal display device 1 to the set plate 2, a method by a vacuum adsorption method, a method of fixing the liquid crystal display device 1 in the form of a module by a permanent magnet, or a method of holding the liquid crystal display device 1 by a mechanical clamp is used. There may be considered a method of doing so, a method of providing a positioning hole in the liquid crystal display device 1 and inserting the positioning hole into the positioning pin.

The set plate 2 has a hole larger than the picture element area of the liquid crystal display device 1. A microscope barrel 4, a CCD camera 5, and a coaxial incident illumination 6 for observing the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 1 are installed above the set plate 2. Further, a transmission illumination 8 (or a coaxial incident illumination) is provided below the set plate 2,
The optical paths of the coaxial epi-illumination 6 and the optical path 9 from the transmitted illumination 8 coincide with each other. Therefore, the transmitted illumination 8 can be confirmed by the CCD camera 5 through the hole in the set plate 2,
The defective pixel can be determined by capturing the optical change of each pixel. In this embodiment, fiber illumination including a halogen light source and fibers is used as the coaxial epi-illumination 6 and the transmitted illumination 8.

Further, a personal computer 10, a monitor 11, a keyboard 12, a mouse 13 and an electronic line generator 14 are installed on the gantry 16.

Next, the control of this defective pixel coordinate specifying apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the defective pixel coordinate specifying apparatus.

The liquid crystal display device 1 is connected to the lighting circuit 19 and is set on the set plate 2 on the precision XY table 15 in a lighting state. The optical change of each picture element is captured by the CCD camera 5 through the microscope tube 4 by the light irradiation from the transmissive illumination 8, and the captured video signal is transmitted as a video signal to the personal computer 10 through the superposed board 18. Is entered.

A monitor 11 is connected to the personal computer 10, and the video signal input to the personal computer 10 through the superimposed board 18 is superimposed and displayed on the background of the display screen of the personal computer 10.

A keyboard 12 and a mouse 13 are connected to the personal computer 10 so that various inputs can be made.

Further, an electronic line generator 14 is connected to the personal computer 10, and a cross line 21 serving as an alignment reference (mark) on the screen of the monitor 11 is displayed.
Can be projected.

The motor controller 17 can freely control the precision XY table 15 according to an instruction from the personal computer 10.

Next, the operation of this defective picture element coordinate specifying device will be described with reference to FIGS.

First, as shown in FIG. 3, in the inspection step which is a previous step, marking 26 is provided around the defective pixel of the liquid crystal display device 1 in advance. Then, the liquid crystal display device 1
After the lighting circuit 19 is connected to, the positioning block 3 is set on the set plate 2 as a reference and fixed.

Next, the precision XY table 15 in FIG.
The liquid crystal display device 1 is displayed up to a position where a picture element 20 in one corner of the liquid crystal display device 1 previously registered in the motor controller 17 by using
To move. At this time, the image input to the CCD camera 5 is displayed on the screen of the monitor 11 via the superimposing board 18 as shown in FIG. Then, the cross line 21 is simultaneously displayed on the screen of the monitor 11 as a reference line by the electronic line generator 14.

Thereafter, the inspector moves the precision XY table 15 by using the keyboard 12 or the mouse 13 while checking the monitor 11, and the single picture element 20 is crossline 21 as shown in FIG. 4B. The liquid crystal display device 1 is moved so as to coincide with the intersection area 22.

The position data (Sx1, Sy1) of the precision XY table 15 at this time is stored in the personal computer 10.

From these Sx1 and Sy1, the distances X1 and Y1 from the origin 25 of the precision XY table 15 shown in FIG. 5 to the picture element 20 in one corner can be obtained by the following equations (1) and (2).

X1 = Sx1 × P (1) Y1 = Sy1 × P (2) P: In the same manner as the resolution of the precision XY table 15, one corner on the opposite side from the origin 25 of the precision XY table 15. The distances X2 and Y2 to the picture element 23 are also obtained.

As a result, the tilt Aθ of the liquid crystal display device 1 with respect to the orthogonal axis of the precision XY table 15 shown in FIG. 5 can be obtained by the following equation (3).

Aθ = tan ⁻¹ {(Y2-Y1) / (X2-X1)} (3) From the above, what positional relationship the liquid crystal display device 1 has with respect to the orthogonal axis of the precision XY table 15. It is required to determine whether it is installed (horizontal position, vertical position, tilt direction).

Next, the position of the defective picture element 24 is obtained as follows.

First, the inspector moves the precision XY table 15 with the marking 26 provided on the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 1 as a mark as shown in FIG. Move to a position where you can see in the field of view. In this embodiment, with the optical path 7 of the coaxial epi-illumination 6 and the optical path 9 of the transmissive illumination 8 with which the liquid crystal display device 1 is irradiated as a mark, the marking 26 portion is moved to a position where it is reflected in the visual field of the microscope 4. At this time, the image input to the CCD camera 5 is
Monitor 11 via superimpose board 18
Is displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. Then, the cross line 21 generated by the electronic line generator 14 is simultaneously displayed as a reference line on the screen of the monitor 11.

Thereafter, the inspector moves the precision XY table 15 by using the keyboard 12 or the mouse 13 while checking the monitor 11, and the defective picture element 24 crosses the cross line 21 as shown in FIG. 6B. The liquid crystal display device 1 is moved so as to coincide with the area 22.

The position data (Rx, Ry) of the precision XY table 15 at this time is stored in the personal computer 10.
To memorize.

From these Rx and Ry, the precision XY shown in FIG.
Distance T from the origin 25 of the table 15 to the defective pixel 24
x and Ty are calculated by the following equations (4) and (5).

Tx = Rx × P (4) Ty = Ry × P (5) P: Resolution of the precision XY table 15 Based on these, the defective pixel in the liquid crystal display device 1 shown in FIG. The position coordinates (bx, by) of 24 are the following formula (6).
And (7).

Bx = (Tx−X1) × cos (Aθ) − (Ty−Y1) × sin (Aθ) (6) by = (Tx−X1) × sin (Aθ) + (Ty−Y1) × cos (Aθ) (7) The position coordinates of the defect picture element 24 obtained by the above equations (1) to (7) are calculated by the personal computer 10 and recorded. As a result, the position coordinates of the defective picture element 24 are obtained.

Finally, the liquid crystal display device 1 is removed from the set plate 2 and the cable with the lighting circuit 19 is removed.

(Embodiment 2) In this embodiment, description will be given of a case where a defective pixel coordinate is specified in a panel type liquid crystal display device.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the structure of the defective pixel coordinate specifying apparatus of this embodiment.

In this defective pixel coordinate specifying apparatus, a precision XY table 15 driven by a motor is installed on a frame 16. A set plate 2 for positioning and setting the liquid crystal display device 1 is attached to the precision XY table 15, and a lighting jig 27 for turning on the liquid crystal display device 1 is attached to the set plate 2. ing.

As a method of setting the liquid crystal display device 1 on the lighting jig 27, as shown in FIG. 8, a positioning pin 28 attached to a base plate 27a in the lighting jig 27 is used.
A method of pressing the liquid crystal display device 1 on the plate and then closing and fixing the upper lid 27b can be mentioned. The upper lid 27b has a metal electrode 2
9 is attached to a portion corresponding to the panel electrode 30 of the liquid crystal display device 1, and a signal from a lighting circuit (not shown) is input to the panel electrode 30 through the metal electrode 29.

The set plate 2 and the lighting jig 27 are provided with a hole larger than the picture element area of the liquid crystal display device 1. A microscope barrel 4, a CCD camera 5, and a coaxial incident illumination 6 for observing the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 1 are installed above the set plate 2. Further, a transmission illumination 8 is provided below the set plate 2, and the optical paths 7 of the coaxial incident illumination 6 and the optical path 9 from the transmission illumination 8 coincide with each other. Therefore, the transmitted illumination 8 can be confirmed by the CCD camera 5 through the hole of the set plate 2, and the defective pixel can be determined by capturing the optical change of each pixel. In the present embodiment, fiber illumination including a halogen light source and fibers is used as the coaxial incident illumination 6 and the transmitted illumination 8.

Further, a personal computer 10, a monitor 11, a keyboard 12, a mouse 13 and an electronic line generator 14 are installed on the gantry 16.

The method of obtaining the position coordinates of the defective picture element by using this defective picture element coordinate specifying device is the same as that in the first embodiment, and therefore its explanation is omitted here.

As shown in the first and second embodiments, whether the liquid crystal display device is a module form or a panel form, by exchanging the portion where the liquid crystal display device is set, the defective pixel The position coordinates of the defective pixel can be reliably obtained without major modification or model change of the coordinate specifying device itself. Further, the form of the liquid crystal display device does not need to be a single state completely separated from the glass substrate (hereinafter, referred to as a large plate) as described above.
The position coordinates of the defective picture element can be similarly obtained in a striped state in which a plurality of liquid crystal display devices are connected in a row and divided in only one direction, or in a large plate state in the preceding stage.

In the first and second embodiments described above,
The illumination means plays a large role as a mark for driving the position of the marking 26 into the field of view of the microscope cylinder 4 as well as for capturing an image in the CCD camera 5. Although the coaxial epi-illumination 6 and the transmissive illumination 8 made of fiber illumination are given as an example here, the present invention is not limited to these, and the oblique illumination 39 from an oblique direction as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7. May be. In addition, it is possible to select the optimum illumination means according to each display device, such as condensed illumination by a condenser lens and LED illumination. The angle of incidence of the illumination light on the display device can be appropriately changed by an angle adjusting mechanism 40 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, and the angle must be adjusted and fixed to the optimum angle for the defect recognition of each display device. You can Further, in the sense of a mark for driving the marking position into the field of view of the microscope tube, a pointing device such as a laser pointer and an angle adjusting mechanism are provided, and the angle is adjusted to indicate the field of view of the microscope tube. It is also possible.
The illumination intensity can be adjusted by adjusting a knob provided on each of the light source power sources (not shown) regardless of the halogen light source, the LED light source, the laser pointer, or the like.

In the first and second embodiments described above,
As a method of confirming the marking 26 provided on the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 1, a method of driving the operator into the visual field of the microscope cylinder 4 by visual inspection is used, but the method is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, the objective lens portion of the microscope barrel 4 is used as a revolver 31 so that the magnification can be changed. First, the marking area 26 is confirmed by observing the entire pixel area with a low magnification lens. A method of gradually switching to the high-magnification lens and specifying the position of the defective pixel 24 may be used.
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9B, a low-magnification camera 32 is provided independently of the high-magnification microscope barrel 4, and first, the entire pixel area is observed by the low-magnification camera 32 to make a marking 26.
Alternatively, a method may be used in which the position of the defect picture element 24 is identified by switching the camera image of the monitor 11 to the high-magnification microscope tube 4 side.

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, one pixel 20 of the liquid crystal display device 1 and one pixel 23 and the defective pixel 24 of the opposite side are arranged in the cross line 21 on the screen of the monitor 11. When driving into the intersecting area 22, the inspector specified the position by directly moving the precision XY table 15, but the position is not limited to this.
For example, the image processing board may be used in place of the superimposing board 18 to perform automatic alignment so that the defect picture element 24 is automatically aligned with the intersection area 22 and the position coordinates of the defect picture element 24 are specified. it can. In this case, depending on the resolution of the board or the camera, the marking step can be omitted depending on the combination.

(Embodiment 3) In the present embodiment, an example of a defective picture element coordinate specifying device in which information transmitting means is provided between the information concentrating device will be described.

The position coordinates of the defect picture element 24 specified as in the first and second embodiments must be transmitted as data to the defect repairing apparatus which is the next step.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the defective pixel coordinate specifying device 51 and the information concentrating device (host computer) 50 are connected via a network line 34 as an information transmitting means. There is. Similarly, the lighting inspection device 52 of the display device, the defect correction device 53, and each manufacturing device 54 for manufacturing each member of the display device are also connected to the information concentration device 50 via the network line 34. .

As a result, the CIM (Comp
uter Integrated Manufactur
ing), and various information obtained in each manufacturing process, inspection process, and defect correction process of the display device is concentrated in the information concentrating device 50 via the network line 34.
As a result, various kinds of information can be transmitted / received to / from the information concentrating device 50 of a specific device.

As such information, in addition to the position coordinate data of the defective picture element 24 described above, for example, lot number, panel number, date and time of each process introduction, process person in charge, non-defective / defective product determination result, defective content. , Non-defective product rate (yield), defect correction result, and the like.

Under such a system, information such as the position coordinate data of the defective picture element 24 and the content of the defect obtained by the defective picture element coordinate specifying device of the present invention is transmitted to the information concentrating device 50 via the network line 34. To be done. As a result, in the defect repairing process, which is the next process, the defect repairing device 53 can receive the above information from the information concentrating device 50 via the network line 34.

As described above, in the third embodiment, the information obtained from each manufacturing apparatus can be transmitted / received to / from the information concentrating apparatus 50 via the network line 34, so that the display apparatus can be efficiently produced. . More specifically, by providing the automatic alignment function, the connection to the lighting circuit 19 of the liquid crystal display device 1, the setting to the set plate 2 and the like with automatic supply / discharge means, the defect picture element coordinate identification device can be inspected by an inspector. It is no longer necessary to stand up, and the coordinate specifying process of the defect picture element 24 and the defect correcting process can be completely automated by using the information in the inspection process. As a result, personnel costs can be reduced and product costs can be reduced.

The means for transmitting information between each device and the information concentrating device in this way is not limited to the network line 34 described above. For example, a floppy disk,
Magneto-optical disc, writable compact disc (CD-
R), rewritable compact disc (CD-RW), rewritable DVD (DVD-RAM), and other electromagnetic media (recording media)
Even if the above information is recorded on each recording medium and information is transmitted between each device and the information concentrating device, the same effect as this embodiment can be obtained.

In Embodiments 1 to 3, the display device is applicable to all kinds of display devices such as a transmissive type, a reflective type, a semi-transmissive (partially transmissive) type, and a transmissive / reflective switching type. It is possible. By adopting an illumination method suitable for each display device, the position coordinates of the defective picture element 24 of these display devices can be specified according to the state of capturing the image in the CCD camera. For example, amorphous silicon liquid crystal display device, low temperature polysilicon liquid crystal display device (LPS), high temperature polysilicon liquid crystal display device (HP
S), LCD on single crystal silicon device, EL (El
Electro Luminescence display device, plasma display device, plasma addressed liquid crystal display device (PA)
It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to obtaining the defective pixel position coordinates of various display devices such as LC).
In any case, the illumination light amount is set in an optimal state for each display device such as transmissive illumination and reflective illumination.
Since it is only necessary to switch the amount of illumination light, there is no problem of switching the model of the optical system unlike the projection type.

[0089]

As described in detail above, according to the present invention, the pixel defect coordinate position is surely specified and the coordinate data is used in the subsequent process regardless of the module form or the panel form. It is possible to use. Therefore, the so-called direct-view type of personal computers, liquid crystal TVs, personal digital assistants (PDAs), video cameras with liquid crystal displays, car navigation applications, etc., whose production is expected to increase in the future as prices are expected to decline When repairing a defective pixel in a liquid crystal display device, efficient and reliable repair can be performed without significantly increasing the number of installed extremely expensive and large-scale defect repair devices.

The defective pixel coordinate specifying apparatus of the present invention is inexpensive and does not require a vast installation space. In addition, since it is easy to switch models by properly preparing the set plate for installing the display device and the lighting circuit, it is excellent in model versatility, and by providing an illumination means according to the display device, Defect pixels can be determined.

By connecting the defective pixel coordinate specifying device, various manufacturing devices, inspection devices, defect repairing devices and the like of the present invention to the information concentrating device via the information transmission means such as a network line, various information can be obtained by each device. Obtainable. Therefore,
It enables quick and reliable production. Further, by providing the defective pixel coordinate specifying apparatus of the present invention with the automatic supply / discharge means and the automatic alignment means, it is not necessary for the inspector to stand in the coordinate specifying step, so that the labor cost can be reduced.

As described above, by accurately specifying and correcting the pixel defect position coordinates such as point defects and disconnection defects, it is possible to improve the non-defective product rate and further realize the cost reduction of the product. be able to.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a defective pixel coordinate specifying device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control system for controlling the defective pixel coordinate specifying apparatus according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an appearance image of a liquid crystal display device marked by an inspector in a lighting inspection process in a module state.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an image captured by a monitor in the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a method for obtaining defective pixel coordinate data in the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an image captured by a monitor in the first and second embodiments.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a defective pixel coordinate specifying device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a lighting jig in the defective pixel coordinate specifying apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another example of a microscope cylinder usable in the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a system in which each device and an information concentrating device are connected via a network line in the third embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an appearance image of a liquid crystal display device marked by an inspector in a lighting inspection process in a panel state.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a conventional defect repairing apparatus.

13 is a diagram showing a main part of the defect repairing apparatus of FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a conventional projection type coordinate specifying device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Liquid crystal display 2 set plates 3 Positioning block 4 microscope tube 5 CCD camera 6 Coaxial epi-illumination 7 Optical path of coaxial epi-illumination 8 Transmitted illumination 9 Optical path of transmitted illumination 10 personal computer 11 monitors 12 keyboard 13 mice 14 Electronic line generator 15 Precision XY table 16 mounts 17 Motor Controller 18 Superimpose Board 19 Lighting circuit 20, 23 One-sided picture element 21 cross line 22 intersection area 24 Defect picture element 25 origin 26 Marking 27 Lighting jig 27a base plate 27b Top lid 28 Positioning pin 29 Metal electrodes 30 panel electrodes 31 revolver 32 Low magnification camera 34 network lines (information transmission means) 39 Oblique lighting 40 Angle adjustment mechanism 50 host computer (information concentrator) 51 Coordinate specifying device 52 Lighting inspection device 53 Defect repair device 54 Manufacturing equipment

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Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A moving means for supporting a display device to move it to a predetermined position, a drive circuit for applying a display signal to the display device supported by the moving means to drive each picture element, Defect picture element determining means for determining a defect picture element by capturing an optical change of each picture element of the display device driven by a drive circuit, and coordinate specifying means for specifying a position coordinate of the confirmed defect picture element, and recording means for recording the position coordinates of the identified defective pixel
And the defect picture element determining means observes the display surface of the display device.
And a picture of the display surface through the microscope tube for
Image capturing means for capturing an image and optical means on the display surface
It has a light energy irradiation means that illuminates the change confirmation point,
The light energy irradiating means uses the microscope cylinder as the confirmation point.
Light from both sides of the display surface with their optical axes aligned.
Defect pixel coordinate specifying device for a display device having a pair of illuminations for illuminating . 2. A display device is supported and moved to a predetermined position.
And a display signal applied to the display device supported by the moving means.
And a drive circuit for driving each picture element, and light of each picture element of the display device driven by the drive circuit
Determining Defect Picture Element by Determining Defect Picture Element Based on Geological Change
And a coordinate specifying means for specifying the position coordinates of the fixed defect picture element
And a recording means for recording the position coordinates of the specified defective picture element.
And the defect picture element determining means observes the display surface of the display device.
And a picture of the display surface through the microscope tube for
Image capturing means for capturing an image and optical means on the display surface
It has a light energy irradiation means that illuminates the change confirmation point,
The light energy irradiating means is oblique to the confirmation location.
A device for identifying defective pixel coordinates of a display device that has illumination that emits light from the direction . Wherein the light energy irradiation means, the defect pixel coordinate specification device for a display device according to claim 1 or 2 consisting of halogen light source and the fiber. Wherein said light energy irradiation means, the defect pixel coordinate specification device for a display device according to claim 1 or 2 consisting of light emitting diodes. Wherein said light energy irradiation means, the defect pixel coordinate specification device for a display device according to claim 1 or 2 which is a laser light generator. 6. The defect of the display device according to claim 2, further comprising adjusting means for adjusting an incident angle and an illumination intensity of the light emitted from the light energy irradiating means with respect to the display device. Picture element coordinate identification device. 7. A mark for displaying an alignment reference for specifying the position of the defective picture element on a screen on which an image is displayed based on the optical change of each picture element captured by the defective picture element determining means. 7. A defective picture element coordinate specifying device for a display device according to claim 1, further comprising means. 8. The recording means communicates information with each other with an information concentrating device to which various kinds of information obtained in each manufacturing process, inspection process, coordinate specifying process and defect correcting process of the display device are concentrated. The defective pixel coordinate specifying device for a display device according to claim 1, further comprising a possible information transmitting means.