KR20010016253A - A pa11et apparatus for testing LCD modules - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A palette device for testing liquid crystal display module is provided to automate a test process by setting parameters required according to an LCD module automatically, thereby reducing the test time period of the LCD module and performing the test efficiently. CONSTITUTION: A computer(201) sets various kinds of parameters according to LCD(liquid crystal display) modules and has a test program for registering the LCD module. A pallette(110) sets voltage/current limit information based upon the set parameters. The pallette(110) outputs the external pattern of the computer(201) to a test target LCD module in case of external pattern test or outputs the driving pattern generated according to the transferred parameters to the test target LCD module. The pallette(110) displays alarm when the voltage/current applied to the test target LCD module exceed the limit and reports the sensed voltage/current values to the computer(201).

Description

A pa11et apparatus for testing LCD modules}

The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display (LCD) liquid crystal display (LCD) module testing apparatus, and more particularly to a pallet apparatus for testing the LCD module while moving the zone (zone) in the LCD production / test line.

In general, an LCD module (LCM) is a display device including a panel in which liquid crystal is injected between a substrate and a substrate, a driver for driving the panel, a backlight (B / L), and the like. Widely used in monitors, etc.

These LCD modules are manufactured on the basis of precise semiconductor technology, and require complex testing in the manufacturing process because they are complex systems containing a myriad of devices. In particular, in the LCD production line, pallets are used to carry out various tests on the mounted LCD module when the produced LCD module is moved along the production line to improve the test efficiency. In general, to test the LCD module, a power supply (Vdd1 / Vdd2, data level, B / L, etc.) for operating the LCD and driving signals (Vsync, Hsync, CLK, RGB data, etc.) for driving the pixels are required. In this case, the pallet for testing shall provide these signals.

However, the conventional pallet has a problem that the test takes a long time because the manual adjustment of the Vdd voltage / current, B / L voltage / current, etc. must be manually adjusted at the beginning of the test to satisfy the characteristics required for each LCD module.

An object of the present invention is to provide a pallet apparatus that is equipped with an LCD module to be tested in order to solve the above problems and automatically sets the required parameters according to the LCD module to be tested to automate the test process. .

1 is a view illustrating a concept of testing an LCD module while moving a zone using a pallet;

2 is a configuration example of a pallet according to the present invention;

3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a pallet assembly board according to the present invention;

4 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a test procedure according to the present invention;

5 is a flowchart showing a second embodiment of a test procedure according to the present invention;

6 is an example of a main console screen according to the present invention;

7 is an example of an LCM information screen according to the present invention;

8 is an example of a pattern information screen according to the present invention;

9 to 11 are examples of a pattern editing screen according to the present invention;

12 is an example of a system information screen according to the present invention;

13 is an example of a work log information screen according to the present invention.

* Explanation of symbols for main parts of the drawings

110: pallet 120: transport belt

201: computer 202: external signal connection board

203: power supply 204: contact connector

111: status display and manual operation panel 112: pallet assembly board

113: inverter 114: buffer board

206: LCD module

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a system for transporting a pallet by a transfer belt in a line for producing and testing an LCD module, and testing an LCD module mounted on the pallet, according to an LCD module. A computer equipped with a predetermined test program for setting various parameters and registering an LCD module; Input the set parameter according to the LCD module to be tested from the computer and set the current voltage limit value, and if it is an external pattern test, receive an external pattern from the computer and output it to the LCD module under test, or if it is an internal pattern test, Generates a predetermined driving pattern and outputs it to the LCD module under test, monitors the current / voltage applied to the LCD module under test, displays an alarm when it exceeds the set limit value, and reports the monitored current / voltage value to the computer. Characterized in that it comprises a pallet device.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a concept of testing an LCD module while moving a zone using a pallet according to the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the LCD production / test line is equipped with a test target LCD module, a pallet 110 for providing a driving signal and power required for the LCD module, and a transport belt 120 for transferring the pallet 110. , To test the LCD module loaded on the pallet 110 consists of four test baths (a ~ d). And each test is equipped with a computer system (102a, b, d) equipped with a test program, when the pallet 110 equipped with the LCD module to be tested arrives automatically connected to the set value and test for the LCD module Perform the LCD module test in this manner. At this time, each computer can be connected to the main computer via LAN.

The first test operation (a) is an in-line test operation in which an LCD module is mounted on a pallet and a test pattern or method required for the LCD module under test is set. These settings can be set on the computer in advance and downloaded from the main computer or PC and set automatically according to the type of LCD module on the pallet. When the test is finished in the first test control (a), the pallet 110 is moved to the second test control (b) by the transfer belt 120 and tested. For example, if the second test cloud b is a test cloud using an external pattern, the LCD module mounted on the pallet 110 is tested according to a test pattern provided from the outside. After the test in the second tide, the pallet 110 is moved to the third test tide (c) by the transfer belt 120. If the third test bath (c) is a burn-in chamber (environmental test bath), the LCD module is tested for a predetermined time in a predetermined temperature and humidity environment. When the test is completed in the third transport, the pallet 110 is moved to the fourth test transport (d) again, and the final test is made. The amount / addition is determined according to the test result, and the test for the corresponding LCD module is completed.

As described above, the pallet 110 tests the LCD module by moving each zonal force by the transport belt 120 in the test line after mounting the LCD module as a test object.

2 is a configuration example of a pallet according to the present invention, the pallet 110 of the present invention is connected to the status display and manual operation panel 111, the host computer to transmit and receive various test-related setting information and data and to receive an external pattern signal Pallet assembly board 112 for providing a driving signal to the LCD module by receiving or generating an internal pattern signal, an inverter 113 for providing backlight power of the LCD module, a signal specification required by the LCD module for driving signals of the pallet assembly board It is composed of a buffer board 114 for transmitting to the test 201 receives the test-related information from the computer 201 to test the LCD module 206.

Referring to FIG. 2, a computer PC 201 loads a test program according to the present invention, reads model information of an LCD module mounted on a pallet through a barcode reader (not shown), etc., and reads the LCD driving information from the pallet 110. To be sent). Then, the power supply device (P / S) 203 is operated to supply the required power, and if necessary, an external pattern signal is provided through the external signal connection board 202 and the connection connector 204.

The main console screen provided by the test program operating on the computer 201 is divided into a status console screen on the left and a control console screen on the right as shown in FIG. 6, and a control console screen for setting desired information. Click on the relevant box under "Information Control" and enter it. That is, in order for the test program to provide data related to the setting to the pallet, the corresponding LCD module must be registered in advance. In the case of a new model, the new LCD module must be registered in the test program before input.

To register a new model, click the relevant box (one of LCM information, pattern information, system information, or work log) in "Information Control", and a window for requesting a password will appear. At this time, the 'LCM information' box is used to newly register the LCD or to add, change, or delete the information of the registered LCD, that is, the LCD resolution, driving timing, driving voltage, driving pattern file, and limit information. The 'information' box is used to create a pattern or to add, change or delete information about the driving pattern for driving in an internal test or aging chamber. The 'System Information' box is used to change the information on whether or not to perform an internal test. The 'Work Log' box is used to enter a screen showing the work items for the tested pallet.

When the 'LCM information' box is clicked, the LCM information screen as shown in FIG. 7 appears. When registering a new LCD module, select the LCD type to register in the 'Base LCM Model' window. According to the LCD type selected in the 'Base LCM Model' window, the set timing information appears in the 'Interface Timing Information' combo box, and the set power input in the 'Power Sequence' combo box. The order and time appear, and the set LCD driving power appears in the 'Input Voltage Information' combo box. In addition, the pattern and interval information combo box shows the set LCD drive pattern file and pattern interval time, and the voltage / current limit information combo box shows the set LCD drive voltage and The low and high limit values for the current are shown, and the 'Int Delay' and 'Ext Delay' combo boxes show the set LCD drive clock delay time. In the 'wet electronics' combo box, the setting status of the LCD driving in the wet electronic section is shown, and in the 'on / off' combo box, the setting status of the LCD driving on / off time in the aging chamber is displayed.

Therefore, when registering a new LCD module, first select the type of LCD to register in the Base LCM module window, and if there is a change in the information displayed, select the setting value provided in the corresponding window or directly enter the setting value. in) After completing the change, key-in the model name of the LCD to be registered in the model input window and click the 'Register' button to display the name of the registered LCD model at the top of the LCD information screen.

When changing the registered LCD model, select and click the registered LCD model name at the top of the LCD information screen to display the LCD properties of the selected model. If there is a change, select the setting value provided in the corresponding window or directly set the value. After key-in to complete the change, click on the 'Register' button. After registering or changing the LCD information, click the 'CLOSE' button to return to the main console screen. If you want to delete the registered LCD model, select the registered LCD model name on the LCD information screen and press the right button of the mouse to display a window asking if you want to delete it and click the OK button to delete it.

As shown in FIG. 8, the pattern information screen is displayed when the 'pattern information' box of the information control is clicked on the control console screen. In FIG. 8, when the 'Pattern Edit' box is clicked, a screen for generating a pattern is displayed as shown in FIGS. 9 to 11 according to the pattern type. 9 is a gray-level pattern editing screen, FIG. 10 is an RGBW gray level pattern editing screen, and FIG. 11 is a raster pattern editing screen.

Referring to FIG. 9, the gray level is selected from the 'Pattern Type' combo box in the gray level pattern editing screen, and the horizontal is selected from the 'H / V Type' combo box. Or choose Vertical, and choose one of R, G, B, and W in the 'Color' combo box. When inserting a pattern from the 'Control Type' combo box after selecting 64 gray or 256 gray from the 'GRAY TYPE' combo box, select 'Insert Pattern' and then press' OK ( Click 'Confirm' button to add the pattern. To delete a pattern, select the delete pattern in the 'Control type' combo box and click the 'OK' button. In addition, if you want to see the pattern, select the display pattern in the 'Control Type' combo box and then select the pattern name you want to see in the 'Registed System Pattern' window. In this manner, the pattern generation or driving of the RGBW gray level pattern and the raster pattern is performed to complete the generation of the driving pattern, and then the 'close' button is clicked to return to the pattern information screen.

The created pattern appears in the system pattern window of the pattern information screen. Key in the pattern name in the pattern group window, and then select patterns in the system pattern window one by one using the button between the system pattern window and the pattern group window. Click the button to move to the pattern group window one by one. Up to 10 patterns can be moved. When the move is complete, click the 'close' button to return to the main console screen. If you want to delete the pattern in the pattern group window, select the delete pattern in the 'Control type' combo box, select the pattern to delete in the pattern group window on the right side of the screen, and then click the 'confirm' button. do.

Clicking on the 'System Information' box of the information control opens the system information screen as shown in FIG. Referring to FIG. 12, the combo box of the 'SYSTEM STATION' is used to distinguish whether the system is a LINE IN or FINAL. The 'PALLET ID' box may be used. Used to check and enter the pallet ID. The 'ID Card Control' combo box is used to select whether or not to initialize the ID card. The 'LOG File' combo box selects the number of log file storage days. Used to Click on the 'Close' button to return to the main console screen.

Clicking the 'Work log' box on the control console screen opens the work log screen as shown in FIG. On the work log screen, detailed information of the work situation can be recorded and stored, enabling detailed LCD history management and checking the efficiency of line operation. Click on the 'Close' button to return to the main console screen.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the external signal connection board 202 is a board for externally supplying an LCD driving signal, and the power supply device (P / S) 203 is a basic for generating power required by the LCD module. Provide power. The pallet assembly board 112 downloads the test information about the LCD module 206 from the PC 201 and stores the test information in the internal EEPROM, generates an internal pattern driving signal, and generates the LCD through the buffer board 114. Module 206, the Vdd and B / L voltage / current values applied to the LCD module 206 are compared with the set limits, and the status display and manual operation panel 111 Pass the status information to) to display it. The inverter 113 generates and provides power for the backlight of the LCD module, and the buffer board 114 receives the driving signal from the pallet assembly board 112 and receives the TTL driving signal, LVDS driving signal, The signal is converted to any one of the TMDS driving signals and provided to the LCD module 206.

In addition, the status display and the manual manipulation panel 111 turn on / off the corresponding lamp according to the control signal received from the pallet assembly board 112 and transmit the user's key operation to the pallet assembly board 112 in the manual manipulation mode. . Status display and manual operation panel 111 may process only the status display as needed.

In each case, the pallet 110 is supplied with power to the pallet after the automatic connection is made through the computer side and the connector 204. At this time, if the pallet is normally operated, the run LED of the status monitoring board is Lights up. The pallet assembly board 112 is divided into an automatic mode by computer control when the automatic connection is successful, and a manual mode when the connector 204 is separated.

Figure 3 is a detailed block diagram showing the configuration of a pallet assembly board according to the present invention. The pallet assembly board 112 receives an external pattern signal from the computer 201 side and receives an external signal connection unit 301 for transmitting the external pattern signal to the LCD module 206, a pattern generation unit 305 for generating an internal pattern signal, RS232 driver 302 for communication with PC, YEPROM 303, CPU 304, analog-to-digital converter 306, power generator 307, buffer board connection 308 for connection with buffer board do.

Referring to FIG. 3, the external signal connection unit 301 is connected to the PC side to receive a pattern signal input from the outside at the time of a test by the external pattern, and the pattern generation unit 305 is controlled from the CPU 304. The predetermined patterns are generated according to the information, and the Y pyrom 303 stores setting values received from the PC 201. The RS232 driver 302 is a communication driver chip for connecting the CPU 304 of the pallet assembly board 112 and the PC 201 in an RS-232C manner, and the CPU 304 is initially associated with a test from the PC 201. The controller receives the information, stores the data in the Y-Pyrom 303, controls the pattern generator 305 to generate a pattern with the set value received from the PC 201, and monitors the monitoring data received from the A / D converter 306. Compared with a limit set therein, the control unit displays the occurrence of an error through the status display unit and reports the result to the PC 201.

The pattern generator 305 generates a pattern according to the control of the CPU 304, and the buffer board 114 drives the drive signal input through the external signal connector 301 or the drive input through the pattern generator 305. The signal is transmitted to the buffer board 114. The power generator 307 provides the Vdd1, Vdd2, and power required by the LCD module 206 by using the power received from the PC 201 side. The A / D converter 306 receives the analog monitoring voltage and current of the power applied to the LCD module 206 through the buffer board 114, converts it to digital, and provides it to the CPU 304.

Next, the operation of the present invention configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

4 is a flowchart illustrating a first embodiment of a test procedure according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the pallet arrives at the test bath, contact is automatically made. At this time, information data and an input voltage and an external tester pattern signal for driving the LCD module are input through the automatic connection connector (401).

Subsequently, after determining whether the automatic contact succeeds, the time is checked if the automatic contact fails, and when the time exceeds the predetermined time, the automatic connection failure error occurs and ends (402, 403, 404).

If AUTO-CONTAC is successful, pallet assembly board receives various information such as LCD type, operating power, data signal level, display pattern, display time, current voltage value from computer test program after power on and reset. In the Y. pyrom 303 (405, 406). Based on the information received from the computer, the pallet assembly board determines the LCD driving clock, panel operating power, and data signal level.

After the setting is completed, select whether it is a test by an external pattern or a test by an internal pattern, turn on the LCD driving power, and drive the LCD with an internal pattern or an external pattern signal to drive the LCD according to the selection. 407-411). That is, the pallet assembly board 112 outputs a VCC, VDD, B / L power supply, LCD driving signal and data signal according to the setting information transmitted from the computer 201. At this time, VCC and VDD are input to the LCD module, and BL power is supplied through the inverter to turn on the backlight of the LCD module. The external tester pattern signal, that is, the external driving signal and the data signal are input to the pallet assembly board 112 through the PC side connector 204 and transmitted to the LCD module 206 through the buffer board 114. In case of the internal test mode, the voltage and signal level for driving the corresponding LCD module are provided according to the information of the LCD type, operating power, data signal level, display pattern, display time, voltage and current limit setting.

In this way, the LCD module is driven according to the set driving pattern to monitor the voltage / current values of power applied to the LCD module while displaying the pattern. The sensed voltage / current value is read by the CPU 304 via the A / D converter 306 and transmitted back to the computer 201. If the current sensing value is larger or smaller than the set limit, it indicates overcurrent or no lighting. In addition, by checking the VDD and the output signal and transmits the presence or absence of the abnormality (412 ~ 415).

Fig. 5 is a flow chart showing a second embodiment of the test procedure according to the present invention, showing the flow in the aging chamber. When the pallet arrives at the aging circumstance, it is difficult to connect with the computer system, and thus the information such as the LCD type, the operating power, the data signal level, the display pattern, the display time, the current limit setting, etc. stored in the Y pyrom inside the pallet is restored (501).

Subsequently, the LCD driving power and the driving signal are input according to the read value, and the limit value is set (502 to 504).

Subsequently, the LCD driving pattern is generated and applied to the LCD module, and the A / D converter is operated to read monitoring values (505 and 506). If the read value exceeds the high limit, the corresponding error LED is turned on. If the watch value is exceeded, the corresponding error LED is lighted (507 to 509, 511).

When the system power supply 15V is turned off, the test is terminated. Otherwise, the test process is repeated to apply a driving signal and monitor the current voltage value (510).

As described above, according to the present invention, after setting various parameters required for the test target LCD module in the line for producing and testing the LCD module, the test set is automatically downloaded according to the test target LCD module. By shortening the test time of the LCD module, the test can be efficiently performed.

Claims (6)

In the system to be able to transfer the pallet by the conveying belt in the line for producing and testing the LCD module, and to test the LCD module mounted on the pallet, A computer equipped with a predetermined test program for setting various parameters according to the LCD module and registering the LCD module; Input the set parameter according to the LCD module to be tested from the computer and set the current voltage limit value, and if it is an external pattern test, receive an external pattern from the computer and output it to the LCD module under test, or if it is an internal pattern test, Generates a predetermined driving pattern and outputs it to the LCD module under test, monitors the current / voltage applied to the LCD module under test, displays an alarm when it exceeds the set limit value, and reports the monitored current / voltage value to the computer. Liquid crystal display module test system comprising a pallet device. The method of claim 1, wherein the pallet device A status display board displaying the status according to the alarm signal; A buffer board which receives a driving pattern and provides a driving signal in a signal method required according to the type of the LCD module; It receives the parameter from the computer and sets the current voltage limit value. If it is an external pattern test, it receives an external drive pattern from the computer and outputs it to the buffer board or if it is an internal pattern test, generates a predetermined drive pattern according to the received set value. And a pallet assembly board which outputs to the buffer board and monitors the current voltage applied to the LCD module to provide an alarm signal to the status display board when a limit value is exceeded. Device. The method of claim 2, wherein the pallet assembly board, An external signal connection unit for receiving an external pattern signal from the computer and transmitting the external pattern signal to the LCD module; A pattern generator for generating an internal pattern signal; An RS232 driver for communicating with the computer; Ypyrom for storing various parameters; A power generator for supplying power required by the LCD module; A buffer board connection unit for connecting to the buffer board; An analog / digital converter for monitoring and converting the voltage current applied to the LCD module to digital; And a CPU which communicates with the computer by executing a predetermined program, controls the pattern generator, and outputs an alarm signal to the status display board by reading data from the analog-to-digital converter and comparing it with a limit value. Pallet device for testing. 4. The pallet according to claim 3, wherein the CPU drives the LCD module by reading the drive information stored in the EPROM when the pallet device is unable to receive data from the computer. Device. The method of claim 2, wherein the buffer board Pallet for the liquid crystal display module test characterized in that the drive signal is received from the pallet assembly board converted into any one of the TTL drive signal, LVDS drive signal, TMDS drive signal required according to the LCD type and provided to the LCD module Device. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the status display board further comprises a key input unit for input when operating in the manual mode. And the LCD driving information can be selected and stored by the key input in the case of the computer failure or manual mode.