Abstract:
A device for panel reliability testing and method thereof are proposed. The device includes a connection module, for connecting the panel and an aging module; a reliability chamber control module for sending a voltage regulation command to a bias module and/or a switch control command to the aging module; the bias module, for regulating voltage and transmitting information about voltage regulation to the aging module; and the aging module, for performing an aging operation on the panel depending on the switch control command sent from the reliability chamber control module and the information about voltage regulation transmitted from the bias module. Compared with the prior art, LCD panels undergo the aging testing before being packaged, thereby shortening a time period of manufacturing LCD panels and enhancing production efficiency.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a device for testing a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, and more particularly, to a device for panel reliability testing. 
         [0003]    The present invention further relates to a method for testing a liquid crystal display panel, and more particularly, to a method for panel reliability testing. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    Generally speaking, each liquid crystal display panel needs to undergo reliability testing. Reliability is defined as the probability that a functional unit will perform its required property or function under stated environments/conditions for a specific period of time. For the reliability testing, aging testing is one of the important testing items. 
         [0006]    At present, the reliability testing is performed on an assembled LCD panel, which not only wastes time but also needs to prepare for many components, such as a driver circuit and a backlight module, for the LCD panel undergoing the reliability testing. Accordingly, manufacturing cost is increased. 
         [0007]    A commonly used method for the LCD panel reliability testing includes using probes to contact liquid crystal cell, to input signals to the liquid crystal cell, and examining the liquid crystal cell through backlight. However, a prior device for the LCD panel reliability is seldom put into a chamber of a testing equipment because such the prior device is bulky and expensive. 
         [0008]    Therefore, there is a need for providing a method for panel reliability testing and a device thereof to solve the problem occurring in the prior art. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    An object of the present invention is to provide a method for panel reliability testing and a device thereof so as to solve high testing cost and low testing efficiency when testing LCD panels. 
         [0010]    According to the present invention, a device for panel reliability testing comprises: a connection module, for connecting the panel and an aging module; a reliability chamber control module, for sending a voltage regulation command to a bias module and/or a switch control command to the aging module; the bias module, for regulating voltage and transmitting information about voltage regulation to the aging module; and the aging module, for performing an aging operation on the panel depending on the switch control command sent from the reliability chamber control module and the information about voltage regulation transmitted from the bias module. The connection module further comprises: a probe, for being connected to a test pad in the panel; an adjustment module, for adjusting the position of the probe and the position of the test pad; a transfer module, for transferring aging signals sent from the aging module to the probe; a multiplexing module, for collecting information about a switch-on/off state of the probe and sending the information to a feedback module through simultaneous multiplexing; and the feedback module, for determining if the probe is connected to the test pad, wherein the feedback module is electrically connected to the adjustment module, and the feedback module calculates an adjustment amount and an adjustment direction to adjust the position of the probe relative to the test pad and commands the adjustment module to adjust the probe and the test pad when the feedback module itself determines that the probe fails to be connected to the test pad. 
         [0011]    In one aspect of the present invention, the adjustment module comprises a first adjustment module and a second adjustment module, both are disposed on an alignment of the probe. 
         [0012]    In another aspect of the present invention, the first adjustment module and the second adjustment module are disposed at both ends of the probe. 
         [0013]    According to present invention, a device for panel reliability testing comprises: a connection module, for connecting the panel and an aging module; a reliability chamber control module, for sending a voltage regulation command to a bias module and/or a switch control command to the aging module; the bias module, for regulating voltage and transmitting information about voltage regulation to the aging module; and the aging module, for performing an aging operation on the panel depending on the switch control command sent from the reliability chamber control module and the information about voltage regulation transmitted from the bias module. 
         [0014]    In one aspect of the present invention, the connection module further comprises: a probe, for being connected to a test pad in the panel; an adjustment module, for adjusting the position of the probe and the position of the test pad; a transfer module, for transferring aging signals sent from the aging module to the probe; a multiplexing module, for collecting information about a switch-on/off state of the probe and sending the information to a feedback module through simultaneous multiplexing; and the feedback module, for determining if the probe is connected to the test pad. 
         [0015]    In another aspect of the present invention, the feedback module is electrically connected to the adjustment module, and the feedback module calculates an adjustment amount and an adjustment direction to adjust the position of the probe relative to the test pad and commands the adjustment module to adjust the probe and the test pad when the feedback module itself determines that the probe fails to be connected to the test pad. 
         [0016]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the connection module further comprises: an alarm module, for generating alarm signals once the adjustment module cannot adjust the probe and the test pad. 
         [0017]    In still another aspect of the present invention, the reliability chamber control module comprises: a storage module, for storing programs for panel reliability testing; a clock signal generation module, for generating clock signals; and a dominating module, for reading the programs from the storage module, generating a control command, and for sending the control command to the aging module and/or the bias module according to the clock signals. 
         [0018]    According to present invention, a method for panel reliability testing comprises a reliability chamber control module, a bias module, an aging module, and a connection module. The method comprises the following steps of: (A) the connection module connecting the panel to the aging module; (B) the reliability chamber control module sending a voltage regulation command to the bias module and/or a switch control command to the aging module; (C) the bias module regulating voltage and transmitting information about voltage regulation to the aging module; and (D) the aging module performing an aging operation on the panel according to the switch control command sent from the reliability chamber control module and the information about voltage regulation transmitted from the bias module. 
         [0019]    In one aspect of the present invention, the connection module comprises a probe, a transfer module, a feedback module, an adjustment module, and a multiplexing module, and the (A) step further comprises the following steps of: (a1) connecting the probe to a test pad in the panel; (a2) the adjustment module adjusting the position of the probe and the position of the test pad; (a3) the transfer module transferring aging signals sent from the aging module to the probe; (a4) the multiplexing module collecting information about a switch-on/off state of the probe and sending the information to the feedback module through simultaneous multiplexing; and (a5) the feedback module determining if the probe is connected to the test pad. 
         [0020]    In another aspect of the present invention, the feedback module is electrically connected to the adjustment module, and the method further comprises the following step of: (a6) the feedback module calculating an adjustment amount and an adjustment direction to adjust the position of the probe relative to the test pad and commanding the adjustment module to adjust the probe and the test pad when the feedback module itself determines that the probe fails to be connected to the test pad. 
         [0021]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, the connection module further comprises an alarm module, and the method further comprises the following step of: (a7) generating an alarm signal once the adjustment module is incapable of adjusting the probe and the test pad. 
         [0022]    In still another aspect of the present invention, the reliability chamber control module comprises a storage module, a clock signal generation module, and a dominating module, and the (B) step further comprises the following steps of: (b1) the storage module storing programs for panel reliability testing; (b2) the clock signal generation module generating clock signals; and (b3) the dominating module reading the programs from the storage module, generating a control command, and sending the control command to the aging module and/or the bias module according to the clock signals. 
         [0023]    In contrast to the conventional technology, LCD panels undergo the aging testing before being packaged in the present invention, thereby shortening a time period of manufacturing LCD panels and enhancing production efficiency. 
         [0024]    These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become understood with reference to the following description, appended claims and accompanying figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram of a device for panel reliability testing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the reliability chamber control module shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  illustrates a connection between the connection module connecting to a panel according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  illustrates a connection between the connection module connecting to a panel according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  depicts a circuit diagram of the bias module of the device for panel reliability testing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart of a method of testing panel reliability according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is a flowchart of a step of connecting the aging module to the LC cell via the connection module as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0032]    Spatially relative terms, such as “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature&#39;s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. 
         [0033]    In the following description, units with a similar structure will be labeled by the same reference numerals though they are shown in different drawings. 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a device for panel reliability testing comprises a reliability chamber control module  101 , a bias module  102 , an aging module  103 , and a connection module  104 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the reliability chamber control module  101  comprises a dominating module  203 , a storage module  202 , and a clock signal generation module  201 . The storage module  202  stores programs for panel reliability testing. The clock signal generation module  201  generates clock signals. The dominating module  203  reads corresponding programs from the storage module  202  and generates corresponding control commands according to the clock signals generated by the clock signal generation module  201 . The reliability chamber control module  101  is electrically connected to the aging module  103 . The reliability chamber control module  101  sends switch control signals to the aging module  103 . According to the switch control signals, the aging module  103  drives an liquid crystal (LC) cell when a predetermined time is up and then turns on an LCD panel in a way of an automatically switched pattern mode or a fixed pattern mode. The reliability chamber control module  101  is electrically connected to the bias module  102  and sends a voltage regulation command to the bias module  102 . 
         [0035]    The bias module  102  receives the voltage regulation command and regulates voltage automatically according to the voltage regulation command. Referring to  FIG. 5 , V i1−  and V i2+  indicates reference voltage, R 1  indicates a first resistor, R 2  indicates a second resistor, R 3  indicates a third resistor, R 4  indicates a fourth resistor, and R 0  indicates a fifth resistor. The first resistor R 1 , a first bipolar junction transistor (BJT)  502 , the third resistor R 3  are electrically connected to a first operational amplifier  501 . Specifically, the first resistor R 1 , the first BJT  502 , and the third resistor R 3  are sequentially connected in series. The output of the first operational amplifier  501  is electrically connected to the first resistor R 1 . The first resistor R 1  is electrically connected to a base of the first BJT  502 . An emitter of the first BJT  502  is electrically connected to the output of the first operational amplifier  501 . A collector of the first BJT  502  is electrically connected to the third resistor R 3 . The third resistor R 3  is connected to the output of the bias module  102 . The second resistor R 2 , a second BJT  504 , and the fourth resistor R 4  are electrically connected to a second operational amplifier  503 . Specifically, the second resistor R 2 , the second BJT  504 , and the fourth resistor R 4  are sequentially connected in series. The output of the second operational amplifier  503  is electrically connected to the second resistor R 2 . The second resistor R 2  is electrically connected to a base of the second BJT  504 . An emitter of the second BJT  504  is electrically connected to the output of the second operational amplifier  503 . A collector of the second BJT  504  is electrically connected to the fourth resistor R 4 . The fourth resistor R 4  is connected to the output of the bias module  102 . V cc  is supply voltage. Gnd (Voltage applied on the ground) is zero. The bias module  102  regulates voltage according to the following program: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 If, V cc =15v, R 3 =0.17R 0 , R 4 =0.27R 0  R 1 =R 2 =0.1R 0 , V i1− =3.6v; 
               
               
                   
                 V i2+ =3.3v; 
               
               
                   
                 Then, 
               
               
                   
                 INPUT&gt;3.6v, OUTPUT=12.8v; 
               
               
                   
                 INPUT&lt;3.3v, OUTPUT=11.8v. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0036]    OUTPUT=15V×R 0 /(R 3 +R 0 )=12.8V stands when the input voltage is larger than 3.6 volts (i.e., INPUT&gt;V i1−  and INPUT&gt;V i2+ ), the voltage V 0  output by the first operational amplifier  501  is V 0 =V cc =15V, the first BJT  502  conducts, the voltage V 0  output by the second operational amplifier  503  is V 0 =Gnd=0V, and the second BJT  504  does not conduct. OUTPUT=15V×R 0 /(R 4 +R 0 )=11.8V stands when the input voltage is smaller than 3.3 volts (i.e., INPUT&gt;V i1−  and INPUT&gt;V i2+ ), the voltage V 0  output by the first operational amplifier  501  is V 0 =Gnd=0V, the first BJT  502  does not conduct, the voltage V 0  output by the second operational amplifier  503  is V 0 =V cc =15V, and the second BJT  504  conducts. The bias module  102  electrically connected to the aging module  103  transmits information about voltage regulation to the aging module  103  electrically connected to the connection module  104 . The connection module  104  comprises a plurality of probes  302 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , each of the plurality of probes  302  in the connection module  104  is connected to a test pad  303  in the LC cell. The aging module  103  performs an aging operation on the panel according to the switch control signals sent from the reliability chamber control module  101  and the information about voltage regulation sent from the bias module  102 . The reliability chamber control module  101  is capable of controlling either the aging module  103  or the bias module  102  independently. In addition, the reliability chamber control module  101  is able to control the aging module  103  and the bias module  102  at the same time. 
         [0037]    Poor contact between the connection module  104  and the test pads  303  in the LC cell probably occurs during the process of panel reliability testing, so operators have to reconnect the connection module  104  to the test pad  303 . It not only wastes a lot of time but also hinders an increase in production capacity. A solution to the above-mentioned problem is that a multiplexing module  304 , a feedback module  306 , an adjustment module  305 , an alarm module  307 , and a transfer module  301  are disposed in the connection module  104 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The transfer module  301  transfers aging signals from the aging module  103  to each probe  302 . The multiplexing module  304  is electrically connected to each probe  302  for collecting detecting signals from each of the plurality of probes  302 , and multiplexes all of the detecting signals as a mixed signal to be sent to the feedback module  306 . The feedback module  306  demultiplexes the received mixed signal, analyzes the result of the demultiplexing, and determines if each of the plurality of probes  302  is connected to the test pad  303  successfully. If so, the feedback module  306  sends feedback signals to the aging module  103  to notify the aging module  103  that each of the plurality of probes  302  in the connection module  104  is successfully connected to the test pad  303  in the LC cell, so that the aging module  103  can perform an aging operation. If not, the feedback module  306  sends a control command to the adjustment module  305 . After receiving the control command, the adjustment module  305  readjusts the position of each of the plurality of probes  302  and the position of the test pad  303  and does not cease until the plurality of probes  302  are connected to the test pad  303  successfully. The feedback module  306  sends a control command to the alarm module  307  once the plurality of probes  302  in the connection module  104  are not connected to the test pad  303  successfully within a predetermined duration. Then, the alarm module  307  sends alarm signals to notify the operators that the plurality of probes  302  in the connection module  104  are not successfully connected to the test pad  303  in the LC cell. The multiplexing module  304  collects detecting signals from each of the plurality of probes  302  connected to the test pad  303 . Then, the detecting signals instruct the operators how to successfully prepare for the reliability testing once through the feedback module  306  and the alarm module  307 , so that the operators do not have to restart to perform the aging testing due to poor connection of the plurality of probes  302  to the test pad  303 . 
         [0038]    Definitely, the multiplexing module  304  which multiplexes each detecting signal in the connection module  104  in the device for panel reliability testing can be replaced by a current-collecting module according to the present invention. The current-collecting module collects the detecting signals from each of the plurality of probes  302  and sends all of the detecting signals to the feedback module  306  one by one. The feedback module  306  determines a switch-on/off state of each of the plurality of probes  302  one by one. In the device for panel reliability testing, the feedback module  306  calculates an adjustment amount and an adjustment direction of the position of the connection module  104  relative to the panel through the detecting signals sent from the multiplexing module  304  or from the current-collecting module when the feedback module  306  itself determines that the plurality of probes  302  in the connection module  104  fail to be connected to the test pad  303  in the panel. Next, the feedback module  306  transmits information about the adjustment amount and the adjustment direction to the adjustment module  305 , which adjusts the position of the connection module  104  and the position of the panel according to the information. 
         [0039]    Preferably, more than one adjustment module  305  is placed along the alignment of the plurality of probes  302  in the connection module  104 . For example, a first adjustment module  401  and a second adjustment module  402  are disposed at both ends of the plurality of probes  302 , respectively, as shown in  FIG. 4 . At first, connect the plurality of probes  302  in the connection module  104  to the test pad  303  in the panel manually so as to ensure that the plurality of probes  302  and the test pad  303  are not deviated along a second direction. Next, set a minimum adjustment unit for the adjustment module  305 , the width of the plurality of probes  302  along a first direction, and the distance between the two probes  302  in the feedback module  306 . Once the feedback module  306  determines that none of the plurality of probes  302  is successfully connected to the test pad  303  according to the detecting signals received by the feedback module  306  itself, a deviation does exist between the plurality of probes  302  and the test pad  303  towards or against the first direction. Next, the feedback module  306  commands the adjustment module  305  to adjust the connection module  104  towards (or against) the first direction based on the minimum adjustment unit. The adjustment amount (i.e., regulation amount) is less than the distance between the two probes  302 . At this time, the multiplexing module  304  or the current-collecting module collects the detecting signals from the plurality of probes  302 . If the feedback module  306  determines that one probe  302  near the first adjustment module  401  is not successfully connected in the column of the probes  302 , the feedback module  306  commands the adjustment module  305  to perform adjustment against the first direction based on the minimum adjustment unit or the space between the two probes  302 . If the feedback module  306  determines that a plurality of probes  302  at one end of the probes  302  (for example, near the first adjustment module  401 ) are not successfully connected with the test pad  303 , the feedback module  306  commands the second adjustment module  402  unmoved. Then, the first adjustment module  401  performs adjustment towards or against the second direction based on the minimum adjustment unit. 
         [0040]    Referring to  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 6  is a flow chart showing a method for panel reliability testing according to the embodiment of the present invention. In step  601 , the aging module  103  is connected to the LC cell via the connection module  104 . Specifically, the connection module  104  is electrically connected to the aging module  103 , and is physically and electrically connected to the LC cell. The connection module  104  transfers the aging signals sent from the aging module  103  to the LC cell. In Step  602 , the reliability chamber control module  101  sends a voltage regulation command to the bias module  102 . In step  603 , the reliability chamber control module  101  sends switch control signals to the aging module  103  to enable the aging module  103 . In Step  604 , the bias module  102  transmits the information about voltage regulation to the aging module  103 . In step  605 , the aging module  103  enables the LC cell to perform the reliability testing. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 7 ,  FIG. 7  is a flow chart showing the connection module  104  connected to the aging module  103  and to the LC cell. In Step  701 , the plurality of probes  302  in the connection module  104  are connected to the test pad  303  in the panel. In Step  702 , the adjustment module  305  adjusts the position of each of the plurality of probes  302  and the position of the test pad  303 . In Step  703 , the transfer module  301  supplies electricity to the plurality of probes  302 . In Step  704 , the multiplexing module  304  collects the detecting signals from each of the plurality of probes  302 . In step  705 , the multiplexing module  304  multiplexes all of the detecting signals so that the detecting signals become a mixed signal and sends the mixed signal to the feedback module  306  through simultaneous multiplexing. In Step  705 , the multiplexing module  304  can be replaced by a current-collecting module. The current-collecting module collects the detecting signals from each of the plurality of probes  302  and sends all of the detecting signals to the feedback module  306  one by one. In Step  707 , the feedback module  306  demultiplexes the detecting signals sent from the multiplexing module  304 , analyzes the result of the demultiplexing, and determines if each of the plurality of probes  302  is connected to the test pad  303  successfully. Or, the feedback module  306  analyzes the electrifying state of each of the plurality of probes  302  one by one to determine if each of the plurality of probes  302  is connected to the test pad  303  successfully. If so, go to Step  709  in which the feedback module  306  notifies the aging module  103  of performing the aging testing on the panel. If not, go to Step  708  in which the feedback module  306  determines whether the predetermined time has passed or not. Once the predetermined time has passed, go to Step  710  in which the feedback module  306  commands the alarm module  307  to launch an alarm. If the predetermined time has not arrived, go to Step  706  in which the feedback module  306  commands the adjustment module  305  to readjust position of each of the plurality of probes  302  and position of the test pad  303 . The adjustment module  305  keeps performing adjustment again and again until the plurality of probes  302  are connected to the test pad  303  successfully. 
         [0042]    The method for panel reliability testing further comprises the following steps: the feedback module  306  calculates an adjustment amount and an adjustment direction of position of the connection module  104  relative to the panel according to the detecting signals sent from the multiplexing module  304  or from the current-collecting module when the feedback module  306  itself determines that the plurality of probes  302  in the connection module  104  fail to be connected to the test pad  303  in the panel. Subsequently, information about the adjustment amount and the adjustment direction is transmitted to the adjustment module  305 , which adjusts the position of the connection module  104  and the position of the panel according to the information. 
         [0043]    Some operations are complicated during the operators perform the reliability testing on panels. So in a preferred embodiment, the aging module  103  is integrated with the connection module  104 . The aging module  103  is integrated and functions as a semaphore in the device for panel reliability testing in the present invention. In this way, the operations can be simplified. 
         [0044]    In sum, the present invention has been disclosed in connection with the preferred embodiments shown and described in detail while the foregoing embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Various modifications and improvements thereon will become readily apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art. The protection scope of a patent right is determined by the patent claim.