TWI643180B - Technique for testing a display unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A technique for inspecting a display unit is disclosed. The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for inspecting a display unit. The method of the present disclosure includes the following steps herein. Providing at least one sensor device having a matrix of photodetectors, wherein the photodetector matrix has a first number of photodetectors in a first direction and a second number in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction Light detector. The display unit to be inspected is moved relative to the at least one sensor device to detect an output signal of the photodetector. The display unit is inspected based on the detected output signal. Also disclosed is a device according to the method, the device being configured to perform the method.

Description

Technology for checking display units

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure generally relates to the field of inspecting display units. In particular, an apparatus and method for inspecting a display unit is proposed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Display units, such as (O) LEDs and LC displays, are used in a variety of different fields and the vast majority are manufactured automatically. For example, such display units are increasingly being installed in motor vehicles.

In general, the goal of the manufacturer of the display unit is to automatically manufacture a flawless and functionally reliable display unit and to ensure high quality. Various factors may vary during the manufacturing process, such as the quality of the material being processed or the manufacturing sub-process in which a slight deviation from the specified value occurs. Handling defective materials or sub-processes with errors can cause defects or even complete failure of the display unit.

Therefore, care has been taken in material selection to prevent production errors. Further, the subprocess is subject to continuous quality control. In addition, the display unit that has been manufactured is inspected prior to delivery. This check can be performed here by the worker showing the predetermined pattern on the display unit. Since the human eye has limited resolving power, certain errors may be almost or even undetectable, and such errors may not be discovered.

A test device is taught in the document US 2011/0221784 A1, which is connected to a display with pixels. The test device includes a measurement unit for measuring the pixels. The measured optical density value is converted into a corresponding pressure value by a control device. Further, the optical density value is compared to the target luminosity value and the pressure value of the pixel can be changed accordingly to achieve the target luminosity value. Thus, the control device is connected to an energy supply device, which in turn is connected to the display.

Document US 6,111,424 describes a method for detecting defective pixels by an infrared camera. The infrared camera is configured to record and analyze the thermal characteristics of the pixel in response to corresponding electronic signals. According to the same electronic signal, the non-defective pixels are heated identically and produce the same infrared image. A defective pixel is not heated identically and reaches a temperature different from that of the non-defective pixel, so that the defective pixel can be detected by an infrared camera.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure is based on the object of providing a method and apparatus for automatically checking a display unit.

A method for inspecting a display unit is disclosed in accordance with one aspect. In the method, at least one sensor device having a matrix of photodetectors is provided, wherein the photodetector matrix has a first number of photodetectors in a first direction and a second direction in a direction perpendicular to the first direction The second number of photodetectors. The display unit to be inspected is moved relative to the at least one sensor device to detect an output signal of the photodetector. The display unit is checked based on the detected output signal.

This relative movement can be performed in such a way that either the display unit position is fixed and at least one sensor device is moved, or the sensor device position is fixed and the display unit is moved. The relative movement may also include movement of the sensor device and the display unit. The display unit to be inspected can be moved substantially in the second direction to detect the output signal of the photodetector. Alternatively to this, the display unit to be inspected can be moved substantially in a first direction or in a direction between the first and second directions (ie oblique to the first and second directions).

For a sensor device, it can be any photosensitive device known to those skilled in the art having a photodetector, such as a CCD wafer or a photoresistor matrix.

The first number of photodetectors can be larger than the second number of photodetectors. The first number of photodetectors can ensure a resolution of at least 1000, 1500 or 2000 DPI (dots per inch) in the first direction. The second number and/or relative movement (which may also be combined with the read frequency of the photodetector) may ensure a resolution of at least 1000, 1500 or 2000 DPI in the second direction.

In this method, the display unit can be manipulated during movement of the display unit relative to the at least one sensor device. This manipulation of the display unit can be made according to its movement and/or position relative to the at least one sensor device. The display unit can include a plurality of display elements, and each display element can be manipulated according to the motion and/or position of the display unit relative to the at least one sensor device.

For display elements, it can be a pixel or a face element. Each pixel may include two or more sub-pixels. Each sub-pixel can be configured to emit light having different wavelengths (eg, red, green, and blue light).

The display unit may include a matrix of display elements having a third number of display elements in a first direction and a fourth number of display elements in a second direction. Here, the fourth number may be greater than the third number, or the first number may be at least equal to the third number and the second number may be less than the fourth number.

Additionally, at least one temperature sensor device having a temperature detector can be provided. The display unit to be inspected moves relative to the at least one temperature sensor device to detect an output signal of the temperature detector. The at least one temperature sensor device can have a first number of temperature detectors in a first direction and a second number of temperature detectors in a second direction. Here, the second number of temperature detectors can be larger than the first number of temperature detectors. The first number of temperature detectors may be equal to the first number of light detectors and the second number of temperature detectors may be less than or equal to the second number of light detectors. For temperature detectors, it can be a thermocouple or a radiation sensor (radiation heat detector or pyroelectric detector).

According to a second aspect, an apparatus for inspecting a display unit is disclosed. The apparatus includes a receiving device configured to receive a display unit to be inspected and a first sensor device having a first photodetector matrix, wherein the first photodetector matrix has a first amount of light in a first direction a detector and a second number of photodetectors in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. Further, the apparatus includes a transfer device and an inspection device coupled to the containment device and/or the first sensor device for moving the first sensor device relative to the containment device, the inspection device for light based The output signal of the detector checks the displayed display unit.

The apparatus can also include a manipulator device for manipulating the display unit in accordance with movement and/or position of the received display unit relative to the first sensor device. The manipulator device can be configured to synchronize the manipulation of the display unit with the speed of the conveyor. Additionally, the display unit can include a plurality of display elements, and the control device can be configured to selectively manipulate or not manipulate the first display element of the display that is in the region of the first sensor device. The one or more second display elements can be manipulated differently than the first display element. This includes not manipulating the second display element when the first display element is manipulated.

The apparatus can include a second sensor device having a second photodetector matrix, wherein the second photodetector matrix can have a third number of photodetectors in a first direction and a fourth number in a second direction Light detector. In particular, the third number can be greater than the fourth number. Additionally, the second sensor device can be disposed offset from the first sensor device in the second direction. The manipulation device can selectively manipulate the second display element of the display unit that is in the range of the second sensor device differently than the first display element (including the second display element when the first display element is manipulated) .

The apparatus can also include a third sensor device having a third photodetector matrix, wherein the third photodetector matrix can have a fifth number of photodetectors in a first direction and a sixth in a second direction The number of light detectors. In particular, the fifth number can be greater than the sixth number. The sensor device is configurable in a second direction offset from the first and second sensor devices. The manipulation device may be different from the first and/or second display element (including not manipulating the third display element when the first and/or second display element is manipulated) to selectively manipulate the display unit just in the third sensor A third display element in the range of the device.

Manipulating at least one of the first, second, and third display elements can include manipulating the display element at a predetermined voltage level, color, light intensity, grayscale, light/dark pattern or other pattern, and/or a particular manipulator frequency . This manipulation may include static or time varying manipulation of the display elements.

The first, second and third sensor devices can be configured to detect a variety of different light properties (eg, different wavelength ranges, especially colors). For light that can be detected by the sensor device, it can be light and/or visible light and/or polarized light in the infrared range and/or the ultraviolet range. To this end, at least one filter can be provided correspondingly before the photodetectors of the one or more sensor devices. The filter may include a polarizing filter or a color filter, but may also include a correction filter or a conversion filter.

In particular, the display element or the manipulation of the display unit can be carried out substantially wirelessly (for example via WLAN or Bluetooth) or via at least one cable connection. For this purpose, a receiving unit in the display unit and a transmitting unit in the manipulator device can be provided. The transmitting unit in the manipulator device can in turn be connected to the receiving unit in the display unit wirelessly or via a cable.

At least the first sensor device can be a line sensor in which the second number is equal to one. At least the first number of photodetectors of the first sensor device can be associated with the length of the display unit to be inspected and/or a specified relative movement (for example a specified transmission speed) in addition to the desired resolution. The second and/or third sensor devices may likewise be line sensors, respectively, in which the second number is equal to one. The first and/or second number may be selected in accordance with a prescribed relative movement of the display unit relative to the conveyor. The first, second and possibly third sensor devices may each be configured as a single device or as an integrated device comprising first, second and possibly third sensor devices.

The receiving device may be a tray or frame having an opening or a tray or frame having an opening in which a receiving device may be placed. The receiving device can be a conveyor belt that is moved by the conveyor device, in particular an endless conveyor belt or comprises the conveyor belt, in particular an endless conveyor belt. Alternatively to this, the receiving device can be coupled to the transfer device. For example, the receiving device can be constructed stationary. Additionally, a transfer device can be coupled to the at least one sensor device.

The conveying device can be configured to move the receiving device in a direction opposite to the moving direction after the first inspection of the display unit in order to be able to re-examine the display unit. The conveying speeds in the moving direction and in the direction opposite to the moving direction may be set identically or differently. Upon re-inspection, the display unit can be manipulated differently or identically by the manipulator device.

Based on the inspection results, the display unit can be calibrated. The calibration may include color and/or brightness calibration of the display unit to be inspected. Calibration of the display unit can be by means of a manipulator device or otherwise.

The receiving device can be designed such that the received display unit (ie its active side) faces the base surface on which the device (for example the bottom of the space) is arranged. Thus, at least the first sensor device can be disposed between the receiving device and the base surface. Alternatively to this, a display unit can be arranged between the at least one sensor device and the base surface.

The display unit may comprise a plurality of display elements, and the inspection device may be configured to identify display element errors. Display component errors can include erroneous handling, incorrectly repeated light/dark patterns, and color errors. The inspection device can additionally or alternatively also be configured to identify mechanical errors (such as inclusions and tension) of the display unit.

In addition to manipulating the display elements, in particular the sub-pixels, it is also possible to check different mixed colors with reference colors, which comprise a specific proportion of the reference color. Thus, the inspection device can check the mixed color as the detected photodetector signal or the corresponding fraction of the reference color in the mixed color in order to be able to derive, for example, sub-pixels.

The apparatus can also include illumination means for illuminating the display unit. The illumination device can be configured to emit light having specific optical properties (eg, in the infrared wavelength range or polarized light). For this purpose, the illumination device may comprise one or more filters.

The illumination device can illuminate the display unit with infrared light. Additionally or alternatively to this, at least the first sensor device may have infrared sensitivity. The inspection device can be configured to identify inclusions in the display unit (eg, air inclusions in the display stack) based on the infrared light detected by the photodetector. The illumination device may additionally or alternatively be configured to illuminate the display unit with polarized light. The first sensor device or the second sensor device may have polarization sensitivity. The inspection device can be configured to recognize the tension in the display unit based on the polarized light detected by the photodetector.

Furthermore, the apparatus may comprise a cleaning device configured to clean the contained display unit, wherein the cleaning device is preferably placed upstream of the first sensor device in the conveying direction. The cleaning device may be a compressed air device that drives compressed air onto a display unit that is housed by the receiving device. Additionally, the cleaning device can be a device that wets the display unit by the fluid in a first step and dries the wetted portion in a second step.

Even though some of the above aspects are related to the description of the method, these aspects are also applicable to the design of the device. Again, the aspects described above with respect to the device can be applied to the method in a corresponding manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The details of the specific embodiments are described in the following description in order to provide a basic understanding of the disclosure herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be utilized in other embodiments that do not implement these details.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the methods, functions, and steps presented below may be through the use of software code in conjunction with a processor or through the use of a specific application integrated circuit ("application specific integrated circuit", ASIC) or digital The signal processor (DSP) is implemented.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an apparatus 100 for inspecting a display unit 102. Apparatus 100 includes a containment device 104, a sensor device 106, an inspection device 108, and a delivery device 110. The housing device 104 and the conveyor device 110 can be integrated into a single device.

The inspection of a single display unit 102 is always described in the following description, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that a plurality of display units 102 can be accommodated and automatically received in turn with appropriate design of the containment device 104 and the transfer device 110. For display unit 102, it can be a fully or partially assembled (O) LED or LC display. Further, display unit 102 can include a plurality of display elements, such as pixels. The pixels may each include a plurality of sub-pixels that emit light of different wavelengths.

The receiving device 104 is configured to receive the display unit 102 to be inspected. For this purpose, the receiving device 104 has at least one tray 104A into which the display unit 102 can be placed. Here, the active surface of the display unit 102 provided with display elements (not shown) is directed to the sensor device 106 under the accommodating state. To this end, the tray 104A can be configured as a frame having a central opening through which the display elements of the display unit 102 can be detected by the sensor device 106.

The position of the display unit 102 with respect to the receiving device 104 can be determined by the tray 104A. Further, the position of the display unit 102 can thus be predefined, and at least one of the sensor devices 106 can be aligned toward the tray 104A accordingly.

The first sensor device 106 can be constructed as a CCD device. The first sensor device 106 has a first photodetector matrix, wherein the photodetector matrix has a first number of photodetectors along a first direction (see arrow A in FIG. 5) and along with the first direction A second number of photodetectors in a second, vertical direction. The second direction is schematically shown by arrow B in FIG. 1 and parallel to the direction of movement of the receiving device 104. This moving direction extends parallel to the second direction for simplicity in FIG. 1 and subsequent drawings, but the moving direction is not limited thereto. In particular, in order to increase the location resolution of the sensor device 106, the direction of movement may extend obliquely to the second direction (eg, in an angular range of 10 ^o to 80 ^o , especially 30 ^o to 60 ^o with respect to the second direction ⁾ Inside). The first sensor device 106 is coupled to the inspection device 108 and transmits an output signal of the photodetector to the inspection device.

The first number of photodetectors in the first direction can be selected such that they are greater than the second number of photodetectors in the second direction. Depending on the surface to be inspected of the display unit 102, it can be expedient for the first number of light detectors to be selected such that the first number of light detectors extends beyond the maximum width of the region of the display unit 102 in the first direction and at the same time guarantees, for example, 2000 DPI. Or greater expected resolution. The second number of photodetectors of the first sensor device 106 may be one such that the first sensor device 106 is configured as a line sensor.

For the receiving device 104, which in this embodiment is a conveyor belt moved by the conveyor device 110, specifically an endless conveyor belt, to automatically inspect the display member 102 during a continuous process. The transfer device 110 can for this purpose comprise a motor (not shown) which is coupled to the receiving device 104. The conveyor belt moves at a predetermined speed in accordance with the applied motor drive torque. The inspection device 108 can be electrically coupled to the delivery device 110 and control the transmission device or receive signals related to the transmission. Additionally, the transfer device 110 can be configured to adjust a preset speed. This speed can be preset by the inspection device 108. Alternatively or additionally to this, the transfer device 110 or other device may issue a transmission speed or other signal relating to the transmitted parameters (such as the current position of the receiving device 104 or the display unit 102) to the inspection device 108.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the transfer device 110 is coupled to the containment device 104 and the sensor device is positionally fixed. The transport device 110 drives the containment device 104 such that the display unit 102 on the containment device 104 moves in the second direction B. Alternatively to this, the transfer device 110 can be coupled to the containment device 104 and the sensor device 106 such that the transfer device 110 not only causes the containment device 104 but also the sensor device 106 to move. The movement of the sensor device 106 can here be performed in the same direction of movement as the direction of movement of the receiving device 104, wherein the moving speed of the sensor device 106 can be less than or greater than the moving speed of the receiving device 104 in order to allow for the use of sensing The device 106 scans the entire receiving device 104. The direction of movement of the sensor device 106 can also be opposite or perpendicular to the direction of movement of the receiving device 104. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the sensor device 106 is located below the receiving device 104. If the display unit 102 should be disposed with its active side up in the receiving device 104, the sensor device 106 is correspondingly disposed above the receiving device 104.

Alternatively to this, the receiving device 104 may not be coupled to the transfer device 110. Therefore, the transfer device 110 can only move the sensor device 106.

The inspection device 108 is configured to check the display unit 102 based on the output signal of the photodetector of the first sensor device 106. The inspection device 108 has a processor 108A and a memory 108B for this purpose. The processor 108A is configured to run a computer program to perform the methods presented herein. The computer program can be stored in the memory 108B (for example, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic medium, or an optical medium). Additionally, a predetermined value or pattern for display unit 102 and/or its display elements can be stored in memory 108B that can be compared to an output signal detected by the photodetector. Based on the comparison of the output signal of the photodetector with a predetermined value or pattern, inspection device 108 can determine whether the display unit is defective or flawless.

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart 200 of a method for inspecting display unit 102. The method can be performed by the device 100 or other device shown in FIG.

In a first step 202, at least one sensor device 106 is provided and the display unit 102 to be inspected is received by the receiving device 104. This situation is illustrated in Figure 1.

In step 204, the display unit 102 to be inspected is moved relative to the first sensor device 106 by the transfer device 110. If the display unit 102 to be inspected moves into the area detected by the photodetector of the sensor device 106, then each photodetector detects a signal in step 206, respectively. For the detected signal, it can be any type of light, such as various wavelengths or brightness, which is converted to an electrical signal by an AD converter of inspection device 108. The inspection device 108 can be configured to distinguish between the delivery device 110, the containment device 104, the display unit 102, and the surrounding space. Thus, the signal detected by sensor device 106 can be filtered by inspection device 108 prior to further processing.

In step 208, the inspection device 108 checks the display unit 102 based on the detected output signal. The inspection of the display unit 102 by the inspection device 108 can include comparing the detected output signal to at least one predetermined pattern, a predetermined value, such as a predetermined wavelength or brightness, and/or detecting the detected signals of the respective display elements. Compare. Based on the inspection result of the display unit 102 by the inspection device 108, it can be automatically determined whether the display unit 102 is innocent or defective.

In the following description, devices which have been described in the previous figures but which have similar or identical functions in other device structures are given the same reference numerals. The various embodiments can be combined with one another.

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of an apparatus 300 for inspecting the display unit 102. Unlike device 100 shown in FIG. 1, device 300 additionally includes a manipulator device 116.

The manipulator device 116 is configured to manipulate the display unit, for example, based on the movement and/or position of the received display unit 102 relative to the sensor device 106. This manipulation can be done wirelessly, for example via an NFC interface or a wireless network.

Additionally, the manipulator device 116 can be configured to synchronize the manipulation of the display unit 102 with the transfer speed of the transfer device 110 or the position of the display unit 102 (eg, with respect to the sensor device 106). The manipulator device 116 may for this purpose include a sensor that determines the position and/or transmission speed of the display unit 102 and/or the receiving device 104 (eg, the tray 104A). Depending on the determined position, manipulation of the display unit 102 can be synchronized at one or more predetermined times. Manipulation by the manipulator device 116 may also include not manipulating particular display elements (especially when simultaneously manipulating other display elements).

The coupling for determining the position of the display unit 102 or detecting the movement of the display unit 102 may be performed by an NFC wafer in the display unit 102 and an NFC wafer correspondingly included by the manipulator device 116. The coupling is not limited to NFC wafers, but can also be performed by photosensitive devices and LEDs (or other light sources), Hall switches or other devices. The manipulator device 116 can also be coupled to the inspection device 108 and can be manipulated by and/or synchronized with the inspection device.

In particular, the display element or the manipulation of the display unit 102 can be performed substantially wirelessly (for example by WLAN or Bluetooth) or by at least one cable connection. For this purpose, the manipulator device 116 and the display unit 102 can each have a transmitting and/or receiving unit in order to allow one-way or two-way communication.

The manipulator device 116 can selectively or not manipulate the first display element of the display unit 102 in the area of the sensor device 106. It is therefore possible to check the display unit 102 under different conditions, such as different voltage levels, colors, light intensities, gray levels, light/dark patterns and/or predetermined manipulator frequencies.

FIG. 4 shows another embodiment of an apparatus 400 for inspecting the display unit 102. The device 400 of FIG. 4 includes an optional cleaning unit 114, a second sensor device 402, and an optional illumination device 410 in addition to the device illustrated in FIG.

The second sensor device 402 has a second photodetector matrix, wherein the second photodetector matrix has a third number of photodetectors in a first direction and a fourth number of photodetectors in a second direction. The second sensor device 402 can be identical in structure to the first sensor device 106. The second sensor device 402 is disposed offset from the sensor device 106 in a second direction. The sensor devices 106, 402 shown in Figure 4 and the subsequent additional sensor devices can be co-located in a single device.

It is proposed that the cleaning unit 114 be integrated into a device for inspecting the display unit 102, wherein it is meaningful according to a device configuration that the cleaning unit 114 is positioned at a location in front of the sensor device 106, 402 in the conveying direction. . The cleaning unit 114 has a function of eliminating dirt on the display unit 102. The dirt can cause changes in the optical path or optical characteristics (wavelength, light intensity, etc.) between the display unit 102 (or its display elements) and the sensor devices 106, 402. Therefore, the dirt can make the inspection of the display unit 102 difficult or distorted. The cleaning unit 114, in one embodiment, may be a compressed air device that drives air onto the display unit 102 at a predetermined pressure. Likewise, the cleaning unit 114 can wet the display unit 102 with fluid in a further embodiment and then dry the wetted surface.

The illumination device 410 shown in Figure 4 is configured to illuminate the display unit 102 with a predetermined type of light source. For a preset type of light source, it may be infrared light, ultraviolet light, polarized light or visible light of a predetermined wavelength. The display unit 102 having inclusions and/or surface damage reflects, for example, infrared light differently from the display unit 102 without inclusions and/or surface damage. For inclusions, it can be a gas inclusion or a foreign object inclusion. Brightening the display unit 102 with polarized light allows for the identification of the tension in the display unit 102 because such tension causes a change in the polarization of the reflected light. Thus, at least one of the sensor devices 106, 402 can be configured to detect infrared light, ultraviolet light, polarized light, and/or visible light of only a particular wavelength (eg, by a filter coupled upstream, including a polarizer).

The manipulator device 116 is configured to manipulate the display unit 102 to be in a different position than the display element (or has been found and has left the area again) in the area of the photodetector of the first sensor device 106 A display element in the area of the photodetector of the second sensor device 402. The apparatus 400 for inspecting the display unit 102 shown in Fig. 4 provides, inter alia, a light/dark error for inspecting the display unit 102, wherein the inspection can be performed differently than the inspection as described above. Depending on the position of the display element, the manipulator device 116 can manipulate the display element such that the display element displays a bright pattern in the area of the photodetector of the first sensor device 106 and is displayed in the area of the second sensor device 402 Dark pattern. The inspection device 108 can check the display unit 102 based on the output signal of the photodetector, for example to identify an erroneous display element that is always on (bright) or always off (dark).

To illustrate the manipulation of the display unit 102 by the manipulator device 116, the temporal variation of the maneuver is schematically illustrated in FIG. 5 using a light/dark pattern. The movement of the display unit 102 proceeds in the second direction and is indicated by arrow B. The manipulation of the display elements of the display unit 102 by the manipulator device 116 is here synchronized with the transfer speed and/or the current position of the display unit 102 (or the receiving device 104). For this purpose, the manipulator device 116 can receive corresponding signals from the transmitting device 110 or other devices.

At time T1, according to FIG. 5, the receiving device 104 with the received display unit 102 is also in front of the light detectors of the first sensor device 106 and the second sensor device 402. In this example, the display element is in a closed state. The manipulator device 116 steers the display elements of the display unit 102 when the display unit 102 has reached or has exceeded the photodetector of the first sensor device 106. As shown in Figure 5, the display elements are manipulated by the sensor device 106 such that the display elements display a clear pattern.

At time T2, a plurality of display elements are above the first sensor device 106 such that the entire first sensor device 106 is covered by the correspondingly manipulated display element. Upon further movement of display unit 102 after time T2, manipulator device 116 manipulates the display elements of the area that have left the sensor device 106 again, causing these display elements to return to their initial state or display a predetermined hue. The initial state is the off state in this example.

At time T3, the display element reaches the photodetector of the second sensor device 402. The display element is not re-controlled and the closed state can be checked by a dark pattern.

Thus, a display element that is always on (bright) or always off (dark) when there is an error can be detected by the sensor device 402 or the sensor device 106 and recognized by the inspection device 108.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of an apparatus 600 for inspecting the display unit 102. In addition to the devices illustrated in Figures 1, 3 and 4, the device 600 further includes a third sensor device 604, a first filter 618 disposed between the display unit 102 and the sensor devices 106, 402, 604, Second filter 606 and third filter 608.

For the filters 618, 606, and 608 shown in FIG. 6, they may be polarizing filters, correction filters, conversion filters, or color filters, respectively. In an advantageous embodiment of the apparatus 600 shown in Figure 6, each sensor device 106, 402, 604 is associated with detection of a single reference color. Therefore, a color filter 618 that passes only red light may be disposed before the first sensor device 106. A color filter 606 that passes blue light may be disposed before the second sensor device 402, and a color filter 608 that passes green light is disposed correspondingly before the third sensor device 604. As generally known, a pixel can include sub-pixels, with each sub-pixel being associated with a reference color. The respective manipulation of the display elements by the manipulator device 116 may superimpose red, green and blue to produce a mixed color.

The manipulation of the display elements by the manipulator device 116 may here be a mixed hue for all detectable ranges of the photodetectors of the sensor devices 106, 402, 604. Alternatively, the manipulation may include a red tint displayed in the detectable range of the photodetector of the sensor device 106, a green tint in the detectable range of the photodetector of the sensor device 402, and sensing The blue tint in the detectable range of the photodetector of device 604.

Similar to the manipulation shown in FIG. 5, the display elements of display unit 102 are, for example, manipulated such that display elements that have reached or have exceeded the area of first sensor device 106 display a red tint (eg, only red sub-pixels are Control). Thus, the display elements are manipulated as they exit the area of the first sensor device 106 such that the display elements are turned off. Once the display elements reach the area of the second sensor device 402, the display elements are manipulated such that the display elements display a green tint (eg, only green sub-pixels are manipulated). When the display elements are removed from the area of the second sensor device 402, the display elements can again be manipulated such that the display elements are turned off. Thus, the display elements are manipulated in the region of the third sensor device 604 such that the display elements display a blue tint (eg, only blue sub-pixels are manipulated) and when exiting the region of the third sensor device 604 shut down.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the order of the patterns and colors described in the respective embodiments is merely an example and the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

As noted above, illumination device 410 can be configured to illuminate display unit 102 with a particular type of light source. If the source type is infrared light, the inspection device 108 is configured to identify inclusions in the display unit 102 based on the output signals detected by at least one of the sensor devices 106, 402, 604. If the display unit 102 is illuminated by polarized light, the inspection device 108 is configured to recognize the tension in the display unit 102 based on the output signals detected by at least one of the sensor devices 106, 402, 604.

Further, it is advantageous for the apparatus for inspecting the display unit 102 to additionally provide at least one lens in the optical path between the display element and the at least one sensor device 106, 402, 604. The at least one lens may be provided in the at least one sensor device 106, 402, 604 for this purpose. Alternatively or additionally, at least one lens is positioned before the display element of display unit 102 before the display unit is inspected.

In the depicted embodiment, display unit 102 moves only once through sensor devices 106, 402, 704, wherein the disclosure is not limited to one inspection. The transfer device 110 can be configured to move the containment device 104 in a direction opposite to the direction of movement after first inspecting the display unit 102 so that the display unit 102 can be re-inspected by the sensor device 106, 402, 604. The moving speed in the moving direction and in the opposite direction to the moving direction may be the same or set in a predetermined relationship. With such back and forth movement, various voltage levels, colors, light intensities, grayscales, light/dark patterns, or other patterns can be inspected using only one unique sensor device.

In addition, the display unit 102 to be inspected can be calibrated based on the inspection result. The calibration may include color and/or brightness calibration of the display unit 102 to be inspected. This calibration can be performed by means of a manipulator device 116 (which communicates with the inspection device 108 for this purpose) or other device. Further, whether the color and/or brightness calibration of the display unit 102 is successful may be determined by checking the same display unit 102 a plurality of times, and the display unit 102 displays a predetermined hue and/or a predetermined brightness.

In addition to the described sensor devices 106, 402, 704, at least one temperature sensor device can be provided. The temperature sensor device can be disposed in front of, between, or after the sensor devices 106, 402, 704 in the direction of movement or in a unit together with the sensor devices 106, 402, 704. The temperature sensor device has a first number of temperature detectors in a first direction and a second number of temperature detectors in a second direction. In a possible embodiment, the second number of temperature detectors are selected such that the total width of the second number of temperature detectors is equal to the width of the display unit to be inspected in the second direction.

The display unit 102 is moved relative to the temperature sensor device by the transmitting device 110 to detect an output signal of the temperature detector. The temperature sensor device detects thermal radiation of the respective display elements and outputs a corresponding output signal to the inspection device 108. It is thus possible, for example, to check whether the display unit produces the same thermal radiation image when manipulating display elements having the same color. Further, a value table can be stored in the memory 108B of the inspection device 108, in which the temperature value is associated with the voltage level and/or hue, such that the inspection device 108 can output the sensor devices 106, 402, 704 The signal is compared to the output signal of the temperature sensor device. The temperature sensor device can be a thermocouple or a radiation sensor (radiation heat detector or pyroelectric detector).

100, 300, 400, 600‧‧‧ equipment

102‧‧‧Display unit

104‧‧‧ accommodating device

104A‧‧‧Tray

106, 402, 604‧‧‧ sensor devices

108‧‧‧Checking device

108A‧‧‧ processor

108B‧‧‧ memory

110‧‧‧Transfer device

114‧‧‧ cleaning unit

116‧‧‧Manipulator device

200‧‧‧flow chart

202-208‧‧‧Steps

410‧‧‧Lighting device

606, 608, 618‧‧ ‧ filters

A, B‧‧ arrows

T1, T2, T3‧‧‧ moments

Other aspects, advantages, and details of the solutions disclosed herein are obtained by the following description of embodiments explained with reference to the drawings. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for inspecting a display unit according to an embodiment; FIG. 2 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method for inspecting a display unit; FIG. 3 is a diagram according to another embodiment. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an apparatus for inspecting a display unit according to another embodiment; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining manipulation of a display unit; FIG. A block diagram of an apparatus for inspecting a display unit of another embodiment.

Claims (24)

A method for inspecting a display unit, wherein the method comprises: providing at least one sensor device having a matrix of photodetectors, wherein the photodetector matrix has a first number in a first direction (A) a photodetector and a second number of photodetectors in a second direction (B) perpendicular to the first direction (A); moving the display unit to be inspected relative to the at least one sensor device to detect An output signal of the photodetector; and checking the display unit based on the detected output signal. The method of claim 1, further comprising: manipulating the display unit when the display unit moves relative to the at least one sensor device. The method of claim 2, wherein the manipulating the display unit is performed according to a movement and/or a position of the display unit relative to the at least one sensor device. The method of claim 3, wherein the display unit comprises a plurality of display elements, and the display elements are manipulated according to movement and/or position of the display unit relative to the at least one sensor device. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the display unit comprises a matrix of display elements having a third number of display elements in a first direction and a fourth direction in a second direction The number of display elements. An apparatus for inspecting a display unit, wherein the apparatus comprises: a receiving device configured to receive a display unit to be inspected; a first sensor device having a first photodetector matrix, wherein the first The photodetector matrix has a first number of photodetectors in a first direction (A) and a second number of photodetectors in a second direction (B) perpendicular to the first direction (A); a transport device, and The receiving device and/or the first sensor device are coupled to move the first sensor device relative to the receiving device; and the inspection device is configured to be based on an output signal of the light detector Check the displayed display unit. The device of claim 6, further comprising: a manipulator device for manipulating the display unit in accordance with movement and/or position of the received display unit relative to the first sensor device. The device of claim 7, wherein the manipulator device is configured to synchronize manipulation of the display unit with a transfer speed of the transfer device. The device of claim 7, wherein the display unit comprises a plurality of display elements, and the manipulator device is configured to selectively manipulate or not manipulate the display unit to be in the first sense A first display element in the area of the detector device. The device of claim 6, further comprising: a second sensor device having a second photodetector matrix, wherein the second photodetector matrix has a third number of photodetectors in a first direction (A) and a second direction (B) a fourth number of photodetectors, wherein in particular the third number is greater than the fourth number, and the second sensor device (402) is along the second direction (B) with the first sensor The devices (106) are staggered. The device of claim 9 or 10, wherein the manipulator device is configured to selectively manipulate the display unit to be in the second sensor device differently than the first display element The second display element in the area. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising: a third sensor device having a third photodetector matrix, wherein the third photodetector matrix has a fifth number in the first direction (A) a photodetector and a sixth number of photodetectors in a second direction (B), wherein in particular said fifth number is greater than said sixth number and said third sensor means is in a second direction (B ) being arranged offset from the first sensor device and the second sensor device. The device of claim 12, wherein the first sensor device, the second sensor device, and the third sensor device are configured to detect different light properties. The device of claim 12, wherein the manipulator device is configured to selectively manipulate the display unit to be in the same manner as the first display element and the second display element A third display element in the region of the three sensor device. The device of claim 14, wherein the manipulator device is configured to manipulate the first display element, the second display element, and the third display element such that the first display element, The second display element and the third display element are manipulated differently. The device of claim 6, wherein at least the first sensor device is a line sensor, and in the line sensor, the second number is equal to one. The device of claim 6, wherein the receiving device comprises a conveyor belt that is moved by the conveying device. The device of claim 6, wherein at least the first sensor device is coupled to the transmitting device. The device of claim 6, wherein the accommodating device is configured such that the accommodating display unit faces the base surface, the device is disposed on the base surface, wherein at least the first sensor device Provided between the receiving device and the base surface. The device of claim 6, wherein the display unit comprises a plurality of display elements, and the inspection device is configured to identify display element errors. The device of claim 6, further comprising: at least one illumination device configured to illuminate the display unit with a predetermined type of light source. The device of claim 21, wherein the illumination device is configured to illuminate the display with infrared light The unit, and/or at least the first sensor device has infrared sensitivity. The device of claim 21 or 22, wherein the illumination device is configured to illuminate the display unit with polarized light, and/or at least the first sensor device or the second sensor device It has polarization sensitivity. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a cleaning device configured to clean the accommodated display unit, wherein the cleaning device is disposed upstream of the first sensor device in a conveying direction.