Polarization-Split Imaging for Curved Display Surface Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display device inspection systems face inefficiencies and inaccuracies in detecting defects across multiple layers, particularly when dealing with curved surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An inspection system utilizing a single light source, a main lens, a beam splitter, a first and second polarizer, and an image sensor to split and filter multiple polarization components of reflected light, enabling simultaneous capture of images for both outer and inner surface defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single light source is used to inspect multiple layers, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to difficulty in separating reflected light from different surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the polarization state parameter of light to separate reflected light from different surfaces. By using a polarizer to generate polarized light and analyzing the polarization components of reflected light, the system can distinguish between light reflected from the outer surface and light reflected from inner boundaries, thereby maintaining measurement precision while using a single light source.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces polarization components as an intermediary to separate and identify light reflected from different surfaces. The polarizer and analyzer act as mediators that enable the single light source system to differentiate between multiple reflection paths, resolving the precision issue without adding multiple light sources.
2Measurement precision
If multiple captured images are taken sequentially to inspect different surfaces, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased inspection time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous capture of multiple polarization components simultaneously through the image sensor. By designing the optical path so that s-polarized and p-polarized light are directed to different regions of the same sensor, the system captures all necessary inspection data in a single exposure, eliminating sequential shooting delays and maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from temporal separation (sequential imaging) to spatial separation (simultaneous imaging in different spatial regions of the sensor). By encoding polarization information into spatial positions on the image sensor, the system achieves multi-surface inspection in a single shot, improving both precision and productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If inspection is performed on curved surfaces, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to light reflection angle variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes polarization state as an additional parameter that remains relatively stable even when reflection angles vary on curved surfaces. By analyzing the polarization components rather than relying solely on intensity information, the system can accurately detect defects on curved surfaces despite variations in light reflection angles, maintaining measurement precision while improving adaptability.
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 system enhances inspection efficiency and accuracy by allowing simultaneous generation of captured images for different polarization components, effectively inspecting both outer and inner surfaces of display devices with curvature without errors.
Implementation Method 1
a main lens through which reflected light, reflected from the inspection object and including a first polarization component and a second polarization component, passes; a beam splitter which splits the reflected light passing through the main lens into a first split light and a second split light
Implementation Method 2
a first polarizer including a first filter area which selectively passes the first polarization component therethrough
Implementation Method 3
a second polarizer including a second filter area which selectively passes the second polarization component therethrough
Implementation Method 4
the first polarization component may be obtained by reflecting the incident light from an outer surface of the inspection object
Implementation Method 5
the second polarization component may be obtained by reflecting the incident light from an inner boundary surface of the inspection object
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection system includes: a single light source part which irradiates an incident light to an inspection object; a main lens through which reflected light, reflected from an inspection object and including a first polarization component and a second polarization component, passes; a beam splitter which splits a reflected light passing through a main lens into a first split light and a second split light; a first polarizer including a first filter area which selectively passes a first polarization component therethrough; a second polarizer including a second filter area which selectively passes a second polarization component therethrough; and an image sensor which generates a first captured image for a first polarization component and a second captured image for a second polarization component.