Display Module Inspection via Capacitance Frequency Tuning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display module inspection technologies fail to effectively detect defects, particularly in the coupling of stabilization modules, which can lead to touch input sensing failures and luminance issues.

Innovation Solution

A display module inspection device and method that includes a power supply, a circuit board with a stabilizer, a display panel, and an input sensor with electrodes, utilizing inspection logic to set a driving frequency and voltage within predetermined ranges to measure capacitance between electrodes, thereby determining the presence of defects by distinguishing between properly coupled and uncoupled stabilization modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing display module inspection technologies are used, then inspection can be performed, but defects in stabilization module coupling cannot be effectively detected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedefect detection accuracyVSAvoidstabilization module coupling detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a stabilization module as an intermediary component between the power supply and the display module. This stabilization module includes a capacitor that creates a measurable capacitance value, serving as a mediator that enables indirect detection of the coupling status. By measuring the capacitance between the first electrode (connected to power supply) and second electrode (connected to display module), the system can detect whether the stabilization module is properly coupled without directly inspecting the coupling connection itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical or visual inspection methods with electrical field-based capacitance measurement. Instead of using physical probes or visual examination to detect coupling status, the system uses an electric field to measure capacitance values. This substitution of measurement methodology enables non-contact, automated detection of stabilization module coupling status with higher precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If capacitance measurement is performed without setting driving frequency, then measurement can be made, but measurement precision is insufficient to distinguish coupled and uncoupled states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitance measurement accuracyVSAvoidinspection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by setting the driving frequency of the second electrode to a specific frequency range (e.g., 100 Hz to 10 kHz) during capacitance measurement. This frequency parameter optimization ensures that the measured capacitance value clearly distinguishes between coupled and uncoupled stabilization module states. By controlling the driving frequency parameter, the system achieves high measurement precision without requiring complex measurement circuits or multiple measurement conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If stabilization module coupling is not properly detected, then production continues, but touch input sensing failures and luminance issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinspection throughputVSAvoidtouch input sensing and luminance performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by performing capacitance-based coupling detection during the manufacturing or assembly process, before the display module is finalized or shipped. The inspection system measures the capacitance value early in the production flow to determine whether the stabilization module is properly coupled. If the coupling is defective, the system can flag the module for rework or rejection before it proceeds to subsequent production steps, preventing defective modules from causing touch input sensing failures or luminance issues in final products.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables accurate detection of defects in display modules by clearly differentiating between capacitance values when the stabilization module is coupled or uncoupled, ensuring proper touch input sensing and luminance performance.

Implementation Method 1

inspection logic configured to measure a value of capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the display

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS11906561B2Display module inspection device and display module inspection method
Publication Date: 2024.02.20 SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO LTD
  • US11906561B2 patent drawing
  • US11906561B2 patent drawing
  • US11906561B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An inspection device inspects a display for defects. The display includes a power supply, a circuit board having a stabilizer to stabilize the power supply, a display panel which is electrically connected to the circuit board and has a first electrode, and an input sensor which is disposed on the display panel and has a second electrode. The inspection logic measures a value of capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the display, and includes a frequency setter that sets a driving frequency of the second electrode to a frequency in a predetermined range.