Dynamic focus-pursuing system for side of display panel

Abstract

The application relates to a dynamic focusing system for the side of a display panel, comprising a carrier, a measuring assembly and a main control device, the carrier bearing the display panel; the measuring assembly can move relative to the display panel along an X direction; the measuring assembly comprises a range finder, an imaging device and a driving device, the range finder forms a detection light curtain extending to the display panel in a Z direction to detect the distance of the side of the display panel invading the detection light curtain along a Y direction, the Z direction being the thickness direction of the display panel; the shooting angle of the imaging device faces the Y direction to shoot the side of the display panel; the driving device is connected with the imaging device; the main control device is connected with the range finder and the driving device, and controls the driving device to drive the imaging device to move in the Y direction to focus according to the invading distance. The application can solve the problem that in the related art, the light cannot return along the original path due to the small effective reflection area of the side and the uneven reflection surface, resulting in unstable effect and out-of-focus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of display panel inspection technology, and in particular to a dynamic tracking system for the side of a display panel. Background Technology

[0002] In the manufacturing of display panels, defects may exist due to the influence of environment, equipment, materials, and other factors. These panel defects include microscopic defects that are difficult to observe with the naked eye, and their detection requires detailed examination using instruments and equipment.

[0003] For example, in the current detection of edge cracks in glass panels, one approach is to illuminate the glass surface directly and set up a camera along the thickness direction of the glass panel to observe changes in the surface image. If there are cracks or other abnormalities, corresponding features will be generated in the thickness direction of the glass panel. Because it utilizes a special optical method, this approach has the advantages of high sensitivity, low interference, low hardware cost, and high detection accuracy. However, this approach also has a weakness: when photographing the surface of the glass panel in the thickness direction, it is limited by many factors such as the placement of the glass panel, cutting precision, and camera depth of field, which can cause out-of-focus images in some areas, seriously affecting the detection efficiency.

[0004] Existing ranging or autofocus systems use coaxial laser feedback. This approach works well for general planar applications. However, for applications where the effective reflective area occupies a very small percentage of the field of view, the returned signal is too weak due to the small reflective area, making stable ranging and tracking impossible. For example, one application involves capturing images along the thickness of an LCD panel's glass. LCD panel glass thickness is typically 0.3mm to 0.7mm, with a maximum of 1.5mm. The effective observation area is less than 20% of the entire field of view. Traditional laser reflection solutions cannot function effectively and stably with such a small reflective area.

[0005] Another point is that the sides of the glass are laser-cut or cut with a blade, resulting in poor flatness. Also, because the glass is too thin, the effective reflective area on the side is small. When using a reflective focusing device, the light cannot return along its original path due to the small effective reflective area and uneven reflective surface, leading to unstable focus. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a dynamic focus tracking system for the side of a display panel to solve the problem in related technologies where reflective focus devices cannot return along their original path due to the small effective reflective area and uneven reflective surface on the side, resulting in unstable focus.

[0007] This application provides a dynamic focus tracking system for the side of a display panel, comprising:

[0008] A platform, used to support the display panel;

[0009] A measuring component, which is capable of relative movement with the display panel along the X direction; the measuring component includes:

[0010] - A rangefinder that forms a detection light curtain extending to the display panel in the Z direction to detect the distance by which the side of the display panel penetrates the detection light curtain in the Y direction, wherein the Z direction is the thickness direction of the display panel;

[0011] - An imaging device with its shooting angle oriented in the Y direction to capture the side of the display panel;

[0012] - A driving device, which is connected to the imaging device;

[0013] The main control device is connected to the rangefinder and the drive device, and controls the drive device to move the imaging device in the Y direction to focus according to the distance of the intrusion.

[0014] In some embodiments, the stage includes:

[0015] A first guide rail extends along the X direction;

[0016] A first mounting base is movably mounted on the first guide rail;

[0017] A first driver is connected to the first mounting base and is used to drive the first mounting base to move along the X direction on the first guide rail.

[0018] In some embodiments, the driving device includes:

[0019] A second guide rail extends along the Y direction;

[0020] The second mounting base is movably disposed on the second guide rail, and the imaging device is mounted on the second mounting base;

[0021] A second driver is connected to the second mounting base and is used to drive the second mounting base to move along the Y direction on the second guide rail.

[0022] In some embodiments, the measuring component also includes a light source.

[0023] In some embodiments, the light source is located between the imaging device and the stage along the Y direction.

[0024] In some embodiments, the driving device includes:

[0025] A first guide rail extends along the X direction;

[0026] A first mounting base is movably mounted on the first guide rail, and the rangefinder is mounted on the first mounting base;

[0027] A first driver is connected to the first mounting base and is used to drive the first mounting base to move along the X direction on the first guide rail;

[0028] The second guide rail is mounted on the first mounting base and extends along the Y direction;

[0029] The second mounting base is movably disposed on the second guide rail, and the imaging device is mounted on the second mounting base;

[0030] A second driver is connected to the second mounting base and is used to drive the second mounting base to move along the Y direction on the second guide rail.

[0031] In some embodiments, the measuring component further includes a light source mounted on the first mounting base.

[0032] In some embodiments, and along the Y direction, the light source is located between the imaging device and the stage.

[0033] In some embodiments, the rangefinder employs a laser edge sensor or a correction sensor.

[0034] In some embodiments, the display panel includes a glass panel, a solar panel, or an OLED panel.

[0035] The beneficial effects of the technical solution provided in this application include:

[0036] To address the challenges of small effective reflective area and uneven reflective surfaces on the sides of display panels, which make distance measurement difficult or unstable for reflective rangefinders or reflective autofocus systems, this application utilizes the distance to the side intrusion detection light curtain of the display panel as the distance change between the side of the display panel and the lens for adjustment. This completely overcomes the shortcomings of small effective reflective area and unstable measurements by reflective sensors on uneven surfaces. Therefore, this application can stably output distance change values, thereby achieving stable image acquisition. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a dynamic focusing system for the side of a display panel provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the dynamic focus tracking principle provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a driving device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0041] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another driving device provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0042] In the figure: 1. Stage; 10. First guide rail; 11. First mounting base; 2. Display panel; 3. Rangefinder; 4. Imaging device; 5. Driving device; 50. Second guide rail; 51. Second mounting base; 6. Light source. Detailed Implementation

[0043] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] See Figure 1As shown, this application embodiment provides a dynamic focusing system for the side of a display panel, which includes a platform 1, a measuring component, and a main control device. The platform 1 can be used to place and support the display panel 2 so that the display panel 2 is placed flat on the platform 1. The measuring component can move relative to the display panel 2 in the X direction to capture images of the side of the display panel 2. The measuring component includes a rangefinder 3, an imaging device 4, and a driving device 5. The rangefinder 3 is arranged along the edge of the display panel 2 and can form a detection light curtain in the Z direction. The detection light curtain extends onto the display panel 2, thereby detecting the distance by which the side of the display panel 2 intrudes into the detection light curtain in the Y direction. The Z direction is the thickness direction of the display panel 2. The imaging device 4 has a shooting angle facing the Y direction to capture images of the side of the display panel 2. It is understood that the X, Y, and Z directions are perpendicular to each other. The driving device 5 is connected to the imaging device 4. The main control device is connected to the rangefinder 3 and the driving device 5, and controls the driving device 5 to drive the imaging device 4 to move in the Y direction to focus according to the intrusion distance.

[0045] The focusing principle of this application is as follows:

[0046] See Figure 2 As shown, the shaded box represents the detection light curtain. Along the X direction, with one end of the side of the display panel 2 as the starting point A and the other end as the ending point B, the focal length of the imaging device 4 can be adjusted before detection to clearly capture the starting point A. At this time, the initial distance L0 between the lens of the imaging device 4 and the starting point A is recorded. This indicates that as long as the distance between the lens of the imaging device 4 and the side of the display panel 2 is kept at this initial distance L0, the side of the display panel 2 is within the focal length of the imaging device 4, and a clear image can be captured. Simultaneously, the distance at which the starting point A intrudes into the detection light curtain is calibrated as 0.

[0047] See also Figure 2 As shown, because the side of the display panel 2 is cut by laser or blade, the flatness of the side is poor and uneven. When the display panel 2 moves relative to the imaging device 4 in the X direction, the side of the display panel 2 relative to the starting end A will have the following three situations:

[0048] Scenario 1: It will further intrude into the detection light curtain (i.e., along the Y direction towards the location of imaging device 4) Figure 2 (Move to the right of the center), and record the distance of further intrusion at this time as ΔL, so that the distance between the lens of the imaging device 4 and the side of the display panel 2 is reduced, and the distance between the two at this time L1 is L1=L0-ΔL.

[0049] Scenario 2: It will move away from the location of imaging device 4 along the Y direction to reduce the distance of the intrusion detection light curtain (i.e., Figure 2(Move to the left from the center), and record the intrusion distance as ΔL, which increases the distance between the lens of the imaging device 4 and the side of the display panel 2. At this time, the distance between the two is L2 = L0 + ΔL.

[0050] Case 3: The side of the display panel 2 remains unchanged relative to the initial A end. At this time, the distance from the lens of the imaging device 4 to the side of the display panel 2 remains unchanged and is the initial distance L0.

[0051] As can be seen, the main control device pre-stores the initial distance L0 from the lens of the imaging device 4 to the side of the display panel 2. Then, based on the distance ΔL detected by the rangefinder 3 as the distance ΔL that the side of the display panel 2 intrudes into the detection light curtain along the Y direction, the initial distance L0 is used as the target distance, and the imaging device 4 is driven to move ΔL in the Y direction to achieve focusing.

[0052] For example, in case one, since the distance from the lens of the imaging device 4 to the side of the display panel 2 is reduced by ΔL, it is possible to... Figure 2 The imaging device 4 is driven to move to the right by ΔL along the Y direction.

[0053] In scenario two, since the distance from the lens of imaging device 4 to the side of display panel 2 increases by ΔL, it is possible to... Figure 2 The imaging device 4 is driven to move to the left by ΔL along the Y direction.

[0054] In case three, the position of the imaging device 4 can be kept unchanged.

[0055] As can be seen, due to the small effective reflective area and uneven reflective surface of the display panel, reflective rangefinders or reflective autofocus systems struggle to measure distance or produce unstable results. This application utilizes the distance to the side intrusion detection light curtain of the display panel as the distance change between the side of the display panel and the lens for adjustment. This completely overcomes the shortcomings of reflective sensors in terms of small effective reflective area and unstable measurements on uneven surfaces. Therefore, this application can stably output distance change values, thereby achieving stable image acquisition.

[0056] Furthermore, this application can effectively shorten the focusing time and improve the detection efficiency by dynamically adjusting the distance of the intrusion detection light curtain.

[0057] It is understood that the display panel in this application includes transparent panels, such as glass panels. For other similar panels or similar products to be tested, if the side needs to be tested, and existing reflective rangefinders or reflective autofocus systems are difficult to use, this autofocus system can be used, such as solar panels or OLED panels.

[0058] It is understood that the rangefinder 3 of this application may use a laser edge sensor or a correction sensor, such as a laser edge sensor or a correction sensor manufactured by Keyence.

[0059] In order to enable relative movement between the measuring component and the display panel 2 in the X direction, in one embodiment, the measuring component is kept stationary in the X direction, and the structure of the stage 1 is refined so that the display panel 2 it carries can move in the X direction.

[0060] Specifically, see Figure 1 As shown, the platform 1 includes a first guide rail 10, a first mounting base 11, and a first driver. The first guide rail 10 extends along the X direction, and the number of first guide rails 10 can be set according to actual needs, such as... Figure 1 The platform 1 consists of two parallel rails. The first mounting base 11 is movably mounted on the first guide rail 10. The display panel 2 is laid flat on the first mounting base 11. The first driver is connected to the first mounting base 11 and is used to drive the first mounting base 11 to move along the X direction on the first guide rail 10. The first guide rail 10, the first mounting base 11, and the first driver included in the platform 1 are relatively simple parts assembled together, which not only reduces the complexity of the system but also reduces the cost.

[0061] It is understandable that the aforementioned first driver can be a motor, cylinder, ball screw assembly, etc. The first driver can be connected to the main control device and controlled by the main control device.

[0062] In order to achieve dynamic focusing of the imaging device 4, in one embodiment, the structure of the driving device 5 is refined.

[0063] Specifically, see Figure 3 As shown, the driving device 5 includes a second guide rail 50, a second mounting base 51, and a second driver. The second guide rail 50 extends along the Y direction, and the number of second guide rails 50 can be set according to actual needs, for example... Figure 3 The two rails are arranged in parallel. The second mounting base 51 is movably mounted on the second guide rail 50, and the imaging device 4 is mounted on the second mounting base 51. The second driver is connected to the second mounting base 51 and is used to drive the second mounting base 51 to move along the Y direction on the second guide rail 50. The second guide rail 50, the second mounting base 51, and the second driver included in the above-mentioned driving device 5 are all relatively simple parts assembled together, which not only reduces the complexity of the system but also reduces the cost.

[0064] It is understandable that the aforementioned second drive can use a motor, cylinder, ball screw assembly, etc. The second drive can be connected to the main control device and controlled by the main control device.

[0065] Further, see Figure 1 As shown, the measurement component also includes a light source 6, which is located between the imaging device 4 and the stage 1 along the Y direction, to provide illumination for the imaging device 4 and improve the shooting effect.

[0066] In order to enable relative movement between the measuring component and the display panel 2 in the X direction, in another embodiment, the display panel 2 is kept still in the X direction, and the structure of the driving device 5 of the measuring component is refined so that the imaging device 4 it carries can move in the X direction.

[0067] Specifically, see Figure 4 As shown, the driving device 5 includes a first guide rail 10, a first mounting base 11, a first driver, a second guide rail 50, a second mounting base 51, and a second driver. The first guide rail 10 extends along the X direction, and the number of first guide rails 10 can be set according to actual needs, such as... Figure 4 Two parallel rails are arranged in a central configuration. The first mounting base 11 is movably mounted on the first guide rail 10. The rangefinder 3 is mounted on the first mounting base 11. The first driver is connected to the first mounting base 11 and is used to drive the first mounting base 11 to move along the X direction on the first guide rail 10. The second guide rail 50 is mounted on the first mounting base 11 and extends along the Y direction. The number of second guide rails 50 can be set according to actual needs, for example... Figure 4 Two parallel rails are arranged in the middle. The second mounting base 51 is movably disposed on the second guide rail 50. The imaging device 4 is mounted on the second mounting base 51. The second driver is connected to the second mounting base 51 and is used to drive the second mounting base 51 to move along the Y direction on the second guide rail 50.

[0068] In this example, by using the first driver to drive the first mounting base 11 to move along the X direction on the first guide rail 10, the rangefinder 3 and the imaging device 4 can move synchronously along the X direction, thereby taking pictures of the side of the display panel 2.

[0069] By using the second driver to drive the second mounting base 51 to move along the Y direction on the second guide rail 50, the distance between the lens of the imaging device 4 and the side of the display panel 2 can be adjusted according to the distance the side of the display panel 2 penetrates the detection light curtain along the Y direction, so as to achieve focusing of the imaging device 4.

[0070] Further, see Figure 1 As shown, the measuring component also includes a light source 6, which is mounted on the first mounting base 11 and along the Y direction. The light source 6 is located between the imaging device 4 and the stage 1 so as to move synchronously with the rangefinder 3 and the imaging device 4 along the X direction.

[0071] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application. Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0072] It should be noted that in this application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0073] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement this application. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, this application is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A dynamic focus tracking system for the side of a display panel, characterized in that, It includes: A platform (1) is used to support a display panel (2); A measuring component that is capable of relative movement with the display panel (2) in the X direction; the measuring component includes: - A rangefinder (3) forms a detection light curtain extending to the display panel (2) in the Z direction to detect the distance by which the side of the display panel (2) penetrates the detection light curtain in the Y direction, wherein the Z direction is the thickness direction of the display panel (2); -Imaging device (4), whose shooting angle is oriented in the Y direction, to capture the side of the display panel (2); - A driving device (5) connected to the imaging device (4); The main control device is connected to the rangefinder (3) and the drive device (5), and controls the drive device (5) to drive the imaging device (4) to move in the Y direction to focus according to the distance of the intrusion.

2. The dynamic focusing system for the side of a display panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The platform (1) includes: A first guide rail (10) extends along the X direction; The first mounting base (11) is movably mounted on the first guide rail (10); A first driver is connected to the first mounting base (11) and is used to drive the first mounting base (11) to move along the X direction on the first guide rail (10).

3. The dynamic focus tracking system for the side of a display panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The driving device (5) includes: The second guide rail (50) extends along the Y direction; The second mounting base (51) is movably disposed on the second guide rail (50), and the imaging device (4) is mounted on the second mounting base (51); The second driver is connected to the second mounting base (51) and is used to drive the second mounting base (51) to move along the Y direction on the second guide rail (50).

4. The dynamic focus tracking system for the side of a display panel as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The measuring component also includes a light source (6).

5. The dynamic focus tracking system for the side of a display panel as described in claim 4, characterized in that, Along the Y direction, the light source (6) is located between the imaging device (4) and the stage (1).

6. The dynamic focus tracking system for the side of a display panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The driving device (5) includes: A first guide rail (10) extends along the X direction; The first mounting base (11) is movably mounted on the first guide rail (10), and the rangefinder (3) is mounted on the first mounting base (11). A first driver is connected to the first mounting base (11) and is used to drive the first mounting base (11) to move along the X direction on the first guide rail (10); The second guide rail (50) is mounted on the first mounting base (11) and extends along the Y direction; The second mounting base (51) is movably disposed on the second guide rail (50), and the imaging device (4) is mounted on the second mounting base (51); The second driver is connected to the second mounting base (51) and is used to drive the second mounting base (51) to move along the Y direction on the second guide rail (50).

7. The dynamic focusing system for the side of a display panel as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The measuring component also includes a light source (6), which is mounted on the first mounting base (11).

8. The dynamic focus tracking system for the side of a display panel as described in claim 7, characterized in that: Along the Y direction, the light source (6) is located between the imaging device (4) and the stage (1).

9. The dynamic focus tracking system for the side of a display panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The rangefinder (3) uses a laser edge sensor or a correction sensor.

10. The dynamic focus tracking system for the side of a display panel as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The display panel includes a glass panel, a solar panel, or an OLED panel.

Images