Probing Device Contact Quality Detection via Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for electrical inspection of electronic devices with electrode pads of varying shapes face challenges in accurately determining contact pressure and precision due to height differences and irregular light reflection, leading to operator variability and increased workload.
Innovation Solution
A probing device and method that utilize a microscope to capture and compare image data of electrode pad shapes before and after contact with a probe, determining contact quality by identifying differences in external shapes and protruding portions, combined with traditional needle trace detection based on black and white gradations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional needle trace inspection using microscope with black and white gradation is used, then operator can detect contact quality, but operator variability and workload increase due to height differences and irregular light reflection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual optical inspection method with an automated image processing system. A microscope captures images of electrode pads, and a processor automatically analyzes the images to detect needle traces and determine contact quality, eliminating operator variability and reducing workload while maintaining or improving detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies (images) of the electrode pads using a microscope, and then analyzes these copies through image processing algorithms. This allows multiple analyses of the same contact event without requiring additional physical inspections, and enables automated detection that is not limited by human visual capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrode pads of various shapes are inspected using conventional optical methods, then inspection can be performed, but detection accuracy decreases due to irregular light reflection from different shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from optical reflection characteristics (which vary with shape) to geometric shape characteristics and image intensity distributions. By analyzing the shape itself and pixel intensity patterns rather than relying on consistent light reflection, the system can accurately detect needle traces on electrode pads of any shape including semi-spherical, trapezoidal, and pommel-horse shapes.
3Extent of automation
If automated image processing is implemented, then operator workload is reduced and precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing microscope serve multiple functions: it both captures images for visual inspection and provides image data for automated processing. The same optical path and imaging components are used for both manual and automated analysis, eliminating the need for separate automated inspection hardware and reducing overall device complexity.
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
This approach enables accurate and automated determination of contact pressure, reducing operator load and improving precision by simplifying the detection process and accounting for shape variations and irregular reflections.
Implementation Method 1
light is applied onto the surface of each of the electrode pads 104, 204 and 304 through a microscope, and white shinning portions or black non-reflecting portions are determined as the needle traces 105 depending on gradations of black and white
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a probing device and a probing method for an electronic device capable of confirming whether or not an electrical inspection has been executed appropriately, with an electrode pad being made in contact with a probe with a predetermined pressure, by utilizing a change in external shapes to be formed on the electrode pad when the probe and the electrode pad are pressed onto each other. The device is provided with a microscope 23 for image-capturing the electrode pad and for outputting the external shape of the electrode pad as image data, and a control unit 27 which stores image data of an external shape of the electrode pad prior to the contact with a probe 102, and compares the image data of the external shape thus stored with image data thereof after the contact obtained from the microscope 23, or compares the registered frame of the electrode pad with the outer periphery of the electrode pad detected at the time of inspecting a needle trace, so that the quality of the contact between the electrode pad and the probe 102 is determined.