Abstract:
A liquid crystal display (LCD) inspection apparatus and method are provided. The inspection apparatus and method are capable of automatically and accurately detecting defects of an LCD panel, and providing information of the automatically-detected defects of the LCD panel to the operator, thereby enabling the operator to easily recognize the defects.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2005-080043, filed on Aug. 30, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to an apparatus that inspects a panel of a liquid crystal display (LCD.  
         [0004]     2. Discussion of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Generally, LCD inspection apparatuses are adapted to easily inspect, with the naked eye, whether or not an LCD panel is defective.  
         [0006]      FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate a conventional LCD inspection apparatus. As shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the conventional LCD inspection apparatus includes a body  1 , an inspection stage  2  which is arranged at one side of the body  1 , to perform an inspection of an LCD panel  10 , to be inspected, and a loading/unloading stage  7  which is arranged at the other side of the body  1 , to load the LCD panel  10 , to be inspected, in the inspection stage  2 , and to unload the inspected LCD panel  10  from the inspection stage  2 .  
         [0007]     As seen in  FIG. 2 , the LCD inspection apparatus also includes a carrier  9  which is mounted to the body  1  such that the carrier  9  is laterally movable. The carrier transfers the LCD panel  10  from the loading/unloading stage  7  to the inspection stage  2 , or from the inspection stage  2  to the loading/unloading stage  7 .  
         [0008]     The inspection stage  2  includes probe units  3 , and a worktable  4  which brings the LCD panel  10  into contact with the probe units  3 . The worktable  4  also provides light. The worktable  4  includes a polarizing plate  4   a  and a backlight  4   b . A moving stage  5  is arranged at the rear of the worktable  4 , to move the worktable  4  such that the worktable  4  is connected to the probe units  3  in a state of being aligned with the probe units  3 .  
         [0009]     A sub table  8  is mounted to the loading/unloading stage  7 . The sub table  8  functions to incline the LCD panel  10  transferred from a loader (not shown) of the loading/unloading stage  7  by a predetermined angle (for example, 60°).  
         [0010]     A microscope  6  is mounted to the body  1  in front of the inspection stage  2  such that the microscope  6  is movable in vertical and lateral directions. When it is determined, in a macroscopic inspection operation, that the LCD panel  10  has defects, the operator can more precisely identify the defects of the LCD panel  10 , using the microscope  6 .  
         [0011]     An inspection procedure carried out in the above-mentioned conventional LCD inspection apparatus will now be described.  
         [0012]     An LCD panel  10  to be inspected is transferred from the loader (not shown) of the loading/unloading stage  7  to the sub table  8  which, in turn, transfers the LCD panel  10  to the carrier  9  while being inclined by a predetermined angle. Subsequently, the carrier  9  feeds the LCD panel  10  to the inspection stage  2 . When the LCD panel  10  is placed in the inspection stage  2 , the worktable  4  is moved toward the LCD panel  10  in accordance with operation of the moving stage  5 . Thereafter, the worktable  4  vacuum-chucks the LCD panel  10  such that the LCD panel  10  is maintained in a fixed state, and then connects pads (not shown) of the fixed LCD panel  10  to lead pins (not shown) of the probe units  3 , respectively.  
         [0013]     When electrical connection is achieved between the LCD panel  10  and the probe units  3 , as mentioned above, a predetermined image signal from a pattern generator is input to the LCD panel  10  via the probe units  3 . The pattern generator, which is an external image signal input unit, sequentially provides various image patterns. When the LCD panel  10  is illuminated by the backlight  4   b , such various image patterns are sequentially displayed on the LCD panel  10 . Accordingly, the operator can determine whether or not the LCD panel  10  is defective, through the displayed patterns.  
         [0014]     However, the above-mentioned conventional LCD inspection apparatus has various problems. When an inspection is to be performed of the LCD panel  10  using the conventional LCD inspection apparatus, the operator first performs a macroscopic inspection with the naked eye, to detect defects present on the LCD panel. However, when fine dust D is attached to the surfaces of upper and lower substrates  11  of the LCD panel  10 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , it is very difficult for the operator to distinguish point defects of pixels from the fine dust D.  
         [0015]     Thus, even in the case of non-defective products, the LCD panel may be determined to be defective. For this reason, there are problems of a degradation in yield and loss of manufacturing costs.  
         [0016]     In addition, the time taken for one operator to complete a macroscopic inspection of the LCD panel  10  is increased when the LCD panel has an increased size.  
         [0017]     The conventional LCD inspection apparatus also has a problem in that detection of defect information of the LCD panel  10  may be omitted because the operator cannot easily identify the defect information.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0018]     The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for inspecting an LCD that substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.  
         [0019]     A LCD inspection apparatus is provided that comprises an inspector which photographs images of various patterns displayed on an LCD panel. An image processor receives the images photographed by the automatic inspector, extracts defect information from the received images, and converts the extracted defect information to corresponding data. A pattern generator receives the data from the image processor, sorts the received data in terms of patterns, and controls the LCD panel to display the sorted data.  
         [0020]     In another embodiment of the present invention, a liquid crystal display (LCD) inspection method is provided that comprises a pattern display step for displaying images of various patterns on an LCD panel. A defect extraction step is used for extracting information of defects present in the LCD panel from each of the displayed pattern images. A determination step determines a method for displaying the defect information, based on a type of the extracted defect information. A display step displays the defect information on the LCD panel in accordance with the determined display method.  
         [0021]     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]     The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this application, illustrate embodiment(s) of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principle of the invention. In the drawings:  
         [0023]      FIG. 1  is a front view schematically illustrating a conventional LCD inspection apparatus;  
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the LCD inspection apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0025]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view of an LCD panel according to the related art, illustrating an example of defects on outer surfaces of the LCD panel;  
         [0026]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an LCD inspection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0027]      FIG. 5  is a side view schematically illustrating a structure of an automatic inspector included in the LCD inspection apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating an LCD inspection method using the LCD inspection apparatus according the first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0029]      FIG. 7  is a schematic view illustrating an example of display of defect information in an LCD panel inspection procedure according to the first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 8  is a schematic view illustrating an LCD inspection apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0031]      FIG. 9  is a side view schematically illustrating an LCD inspection apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0032]     Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention associated with an LCD inspection apparatus and an LCD inspection method using the same according to the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the FIGS.  4  to  9 . Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.  
         [0033]      FIG. 4  is a block diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of an LCD inspection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the LCD inspection apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention mainly includes an automatic inspector  100 , an image processor  200 , and a pattern generator  300 .  
         [0034]     The image processor  200  receives an image produced by the automatic inspector  100 , and extracts defect information from the received image. The image processor  200  is configured to convert the extracted defect information to corresponding data.  
         [0035]     Defect information is information that pertains to substantial defects in the LCD panel, and includes information of defects of pixels at particular coordinates, for example, point defects, and information of defects of lines at particular coordinates, for example, line defects.  
         [0036]     Based on the defect information, the image processor  200  determines a display method. The image processor  200  subsequently converts information of the determined display method to corresponding displayable data.  
         [0037]     The data includes information about the coordinates of the defect information, and display data for displaying the coordinate data.  
         [0038]     The determined display method is a method for enabling the operator to clearly distinguish the coordinates of defect information from other coordinates.  
         [0039]     The pattern generator  300  receives the coordinate data about defect information and the display data for displaying the coordinate data from the image processor  200 . Based on the received data, the pattern generator  300  sorts the defect information in terms of patterns, so as to enable the defect information to be displayed on the LCD panel  10  when the pattern associated with the defect information is photographed.  
         [0040]     The automatic inspector  100  functions to photograph images of various patterns displayed on the LCD panel  10 . Pattern images are patterns which are predetermined for an inspection of the LCD panel  10 , and are sequentially displayed on the LCD panel  10  in the form of images.  
         [0041]     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the automatic inspector  100  includes a worktable  110 , probe units  120 , a backlight unit  130 , a moving stage  140 , an imaging unit  150 , and a pair of polarizing plates  161  and  162 .  
         [0042]     The worktable  110  has a substantially-square hollow box structure which is longitudinally open. The LCD panel  10 , which is to be inspected, is seated on the front side of the worktable  110 . The front side of the worktable  110  faces the imaging unit  150 .  
         [0043]     The probe units  120  are electrically connected to pads (not shown) of the LCD panel  10  seated on the worktable  110 . The probe units  120  are arranged around the opening of the worktable  110  at the front side of the worktable  110 .  
         [0044]     A control signal is applied to the LCD panel  10  via the probe units  120 . In response to the control signal the LCD panel  10  displays one of various associated pattern images.  
         [0045]     The backlight unit  130  is arranged in the worktable  110  to supply light to the LCD panel  10  seated on the front side of the worktable  110 . Preferably, the backlight unit  130  includes a lamp which is either a cold fluorescent lamp (CFL), a cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL), an external electrode fluorescent lamp (EEFL), or a high-brightness light emitting diode (LED). It is preferred that the backlight unit  130  be integrated with the worktable  110 .  
         [0046]     The moving stage  140  is arranged at the rear of the worktable  110 . The moving stage  140  functions to align the worktable  110  with the probe units  120 , and to connect the worktable  110  to the probe units  120 .  
         [0047]     The imaging unit  150  is a camera which photographs images of various patterns displayed on the LCD panel  10  seated on the front side of the worktable  110 . The imaging unit  150  is spaced apart from the front side of the worktable  110  by a predetermined distance. The imaging unit  150  includes a charge coupled device (CCD) camera. More preferably, the imaging unit  150  includes a CCD camera having a resolution equal to or higher than that of the LCD panel  10 .  
         [0048]     It may be difficult to photograph the entire region of the LCD panel  10  using one imaging unit  150  when it is taken into consideration that the recent trend of LCD panels is to provide an increased size.  
         [0049]     In order to see the entire region of the LCD the first embodiment includes two imaging units  150 . The two imaging units  150  are configured to photograph two divided regions of the LCD panel  10 , respectively.  
         [0050]     For example, one imaging unit  150  is configured to photograph a portion of the LCD panel  10  positioned at the left side with reference to a center line of the LCD panel  10 , whereas the other imaging unit  150  is configured to photograph a portion of the LCD panel  10  positioned at the right side with reference to the center line of the LCD panel  10 .  
         [0051]     The number of imaging units  150  may be three or more in accordance with the size of the LCD panel  10 , the spacing of the imaging units  150  from the LCD panel  10 , or the resolution of the imaging units  150 .  
         [0052]     The first polarizing plate  161 , is arranged between the imaging unit  150  and the LCD panel  10 , to polarize light. On the other hand, the second polarizing plate  162  is arranged between the LCD panel  10  and the backlight unit  130 , to polarize light. The first polarizing plate  161  is arranged such that it is adjacent to the imaging unit  150 , as compared to the worktable  110 . When the first polarizing plate  161  is arranged adjacent to the worktable  110 , fine dust or foreign matter attached to the surface of the first polarizing plate  161  may be photographed, and thus, may be recognized as defect information.  
         [0053]     It is also preferred that the automatic inspector  100  be shielded from an external illumination environment. If the automatic inspector  100  is installed in a space influenced by external illumination light, the light, which is supplied to the LCD panel  10 , may have undesirable characteristics due to influences of room illumination light other than backlight or influences of a shade formed in accordance with movement of the operator.  
         [0054]     In the first embodiment of the present invention, the automatic inspector  100  is arranged in a darkroom  20  which is shielded from an external illumination environment.  
         [0055]     An inspection method for inspecting the LCD panel  10  using the above-described LCD inspection apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to a flow chart of  FIG. 6 .  
         [0056]     In accordance with the inspection method, the LCD panel  10  is first loaded in the automatic inspector  100  so that various pattern images, which will be sequentially displayed on the LCD panel  10 , can be photographed. The LCD panel  10  is loaded on the worktable  110  of the automatic inspector  100 , and is then vacuum-chucked such that the LCD panel  10  is seated on the front side of the worktable  110  (S 110 ).  
         [0057]     The LCD panel  10  is subjected to a panel bonding process and a singulation process, to have the form of a unit panel. The LCD panel  10  is formed with data shorting pads (not shown) for application of electrical signals to a plurality of data lines, and gate shorting pads (not shown) for application of electrical signals to a plurality of gate lines. The data shorting pads and gate shorting pads are formed on a front surface of the LCD panel  10  along the outer peripheral edges of the LCD panel  10 .  
         [0058]     After the LCD panel  10  is seated on the worktable  110 , the moving stage  140  is driven. In accordance with the driving of the moving stage  140 , the worktable  110  is moved forward. As a result, the shorting pads of the LCD panel  10  come into contact with respective lead pins (not shown) of the probe units  120 , so they are electrically connected (S 120 ).  
         [0059]     When a pattern image signal is output from the pattern generator  300  under the above-described condition, it is supplied to the LCD panel  10  via the probe units  120 . At the same time, the backlight unit  130  emits light, to irradiate backlight to the LCD panel  10 . Accordingly, a pattern image is displayed on the LCD panel  10 . Thus, various pattern images are successively displayed on the LCD panel  10  (S 130 ).  
         [0060]     Whenever a pattern image is displayed on the LCD panel  10 , the imaging unit  150  photographs the pattern image (S 140 ).  
         [0061]     The entire portion of the image displayed on the LCD panel  10  is photographed by one imaging unit  150 . Alternatively, two or more divided portions of the image may be photographed by one imaging unit  150 . It may also be possible to photograph two or more divided portions of the image by two or more imaging units  150 , respectively.  
         [0062]     The images photographed by the imaging unit  150  are sent to the image processor  200  which extracts defect information from the photographed images (S 150 ).  
         [0063]     The extraction of defect information is achieved by acquiring the coordinates of different pixel patterns among the photographed images.  
         [0064]     For example, extraction of defect information is carried out by acquiring the coordinates of defective pixels generated when a pattern for inspection of dark points is displayed on the LCD panel  10 , or the coordinates of defective pixels generated when a pattern for inspection of bright points is displayed on the LCD panel  10 .  
         [0065]     Subsequently, the image processor  200  determines the method for displaying the extracted defect information, based on the type of the extracted defect information (S 160 ).  
         [0066]     The defect information is classified, in terms of types, into information of defects of pixels at particular coordinates, for example, point defects, and information of defects of lines at particular coordinates, for example, line defects.  
         [0067]     In accordance with one defect information display method, as shown in  FIG. 7 , boxes B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , and B 4  are displayed around the coordinates of defects PD 1 , PD 2 , PD 3 , and PD 4 . Each of the boxes B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , and B 4  has a size enabling the user to identify the associated defect through a macroscopic inspection without using a microscope. Preferably, the boxes B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , and B 4  may be displayed in different colors, patterns or line-widths respectively corresponding to different types.  
         [0068]     Other display methods may be implemented. For example, defect pixels may be brightly displayed, as compared to other pixels. In accordance with another display method, a text may be displayed at the coordinates of defects.  
         [0069]     After the method for displaying the defect information is determined based on the type of the defect information in the above-described manner, the image processor  200  converts the information of the determined display method to corresponding data. The converted data is sent to the pattern generator  300 . The converted data may be sent to the pattern generator  300  via a controller (not shown).  
         [0070]     When a macroscopic inspection of the LCD panel  10  is carried out by the operator in accordance with operation of the automatic inspector  100 , the defect information is displayed on the LCD panel  10  in accordance with the display method determined in association with the defect information (S 170 ).  
         [0071]     For example, for one defective pixel, a box, which is one of the boxes B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , and B 4  respectively having different colors (or different line-widths or different patterns), is displayed around the coordinates of the defective pixel. For one defective line, a line is preferably displayed along the coordinates of the defective line.  
         [0072]     The display of defect information may be carried out in various manners. For example, all defect information may be collectively displayed in a single image in accordance with the display methods respectively determined based on the types of the defect information. Alternatively, in a procedure in which images of different patterns are sequentially displayed on the LCD panel, information of defects having the same type may be collectively displayed in accordance with the display method determined based on the type of the defect information when the image having the pattern corresponding to the type of the defect information is displayed. Information of defects, which are grouped into different types, may be selectively or sequentially displayed in the associated images displayed on the LCD panel, in accordance with the types of the defects.  
         [0073]     It is preferred that information of all defects PD 1 , PD 2 , PD 3 , and PD 4  be collectively displayed in a single image in accordance with the display methods respectively determined based on the types of the defect information (for example, display of boxes B 1 , B 2 , B 3 , and B 4  having different shapes), in order to enable the operator to more clearly recognize respective types of the defects PD 1 , PD 2 , PD 3 , and PD 4 .  
         [0074]     The operator can accurately recognize positions of defective pixels or defects of the LCD panel in association with each pattern. Based on the defect information displayed on the LCD panel  10  in accordance with the above-described successive procedures, the operator determines whether or not the LCD panel  10  is defective.  
         [0075]     The above-described LCD inspection apparatus and method according to the first embodiment of the present invention may have a problem in that, if a plurality of tasks are sequentially performed in one piece of equipment, the tact time taken for each process is considerably lengthened.  
         [0076]     In accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, an LCD inspection apparatus is provided which includes a macroscopic inspector  400  and a carrier  500 , in addition to the configuration of the LCD inspection apparatus according to the first embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 8 .  
         [0077]     The macroscopic inspector  400  is adapted to enable the operator to inspect each pattern image of the LCD panel with the naked eye. The macroscopic inspector  400  is connected to the pattern generator  300  so that data transmission therebetween is possible.  
         [0078]     The macroscopic inspector  400  has a configuration substantially identical to that of the automatic inspector  100 , except that the macroscopic inspector  400  does not include the imaging unit  150 . Preferably, the macroscopic inspector  400  further includes a microscope  401 , in order to enable the operator to more accurately identify defective pixels. A microscope  401  may also be included in the automatic inspector  100 .  
         [0079]     The carrier  500  is adapted to receive the LCD panel  10  from the automatic inspector  100 , and to transfer the received LCD panel  10  to the macroscopic inspector  400 .  
         [0080]     Although not shown, a driver is also provided to move the carrier  500 . The driver may use a well-known linear driving system. For example, a linear driving system using a ball screw and a servo motor, a linear driving system using a linear motor, or a linear driving system using pulleys, a belt, and a motor may be used.  
         [0081]     In accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention, the automatic inspector  100  performs only an automatic inspection, and the macroscopic inspection is carried out using the macroscopic inspector  400 . Accordingly, it is possible to greatly reduce the tact time.  
         [0082]     In When the macroscopic inspector  400  is used, as described above, the pattern generator  300  enables coordinate data about the defect information and display data for the coordinate data which is received from the image processor  200 , to be displayed on the LCD panel  10  in association with each pattern in the macroscopic inspection carried out by the macroscopic inspector  400 .  
         [0083]     An inspection method for inspecting the LCD panel  10  using the above-described LCD inspection apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will now be described.  
         [0084]     In this inspection method, the procedure for photographing each pattern image of the LCD panel  10 , the procedure for extracting defect information from the photographed images, and the procedure for determining the display method for the defect information based on the type of the defect information are identical to those of the first embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0085]     After an automatic inspection is completed in accordance with the above-described successive procedures, the moving stage  140  of the automatic inspector  100  is driven to rearwardly retract the worktable  110 . As a result, the probe units  120  are disconnected from the LCD panel  10 .  
         [0086]     The LCD panel  10  is transferred to the macroscopic inspector  400  by the carrier  500 , and is seated on a front side of a worktable  410  included in the macroscopic inspector  400 . Accordingly, the LCD panel  10  is electrically connected to probe units  420  included in the macroscopic inspector  400 .  
         [0087]     When an image of each pattern is displayed in accordance with the operation of the pattern generator  300 , to enable a macroscopic inspection in the macroscopic inspector  400 , the defect information associated with the pattern is displayed on the LCD panel  10  in accordance with the display method determined by the image processor  200 .  
         [0088]     Based on the displayed defect information the operator can accurately identify the positions and types of defective pixels  
         [0089]     The LCD inspection apparatus according to each of the above-described embodiments of the present invention may be a problem in that fine dust or foreign matter attached to the surfaces of the polarizing plates  161  and  162  or LCD panel  10  may be recognized as defect information. Therefore, it is preferred that information about foreign matter, such as fine dust, which is included in the image photographed by the automatic inspector  100  and supplied to the image processor  200 , be excluded from defect information which will be used to identify substantial defects of the LCD panel  10 .  
         [0090]     In accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, the automatic inspector  100  further includes illumination units  171  and  172 , as shown in  FIG. 9 .  
         [0091]     The illumination units  171  and  172  are arranged between the imaging unit  150  and the backlight unit  130 . The illumination units  171  and  172  supply side light to the LCD panel  10 , to enable the operator to more easily identify whether or not foreign matter is present on the surfaces of the LCD panel  10 .  
         [0092]     The illumination units  171  and  172  are arranged along the periphery of the LCD panel  10  seated on the worktable  110 , in order to emit illumination light toward the surfaces of the LCD panel  10 .  
         [0093]     A first one of the illumination units  171  and  172  is adapted to irradiate illumination light from the periphery of the LCD panel  10  at a position forwardly spaced apart from the LCD panel  10  toward a front surface of the LCD panel  10 . On the other hand, the second illumination unit  172  is adapted to irradiate illumination light from the periphery of the LCD panel  10  at a position rearwardly spaced apart from the LCD panel  10  toward a back surface of the LCD panel  10 .  
         [0094]     The first illumination unit  171  is arranged between the first polarizing plate  161  and the worktable  110 . The second illumination unit  172  is arranged between the second polarizing plate  162  and the worktable  110 . Preferably, each of the illumination units  171  and  172  includes a lamp which is one of a CFL, a CCFL, an EEFL, and a high-brightness LED.  
         [0095]     Successive procedures for excluding information about foreign matter such as fine dust from defect information using the illumination units  171  and  172  will be described in detail. It is preferred that the identification of foreign matter using the illumination units  171  and  172  be carried out before the extraction of defect information of pixels by the image processor  200 . It is more preferred that the identification of foreign matter using the illumination units  171  and  172  be carried out by performing a photographing operation for the LCD panel  10  at least two times before or after each pattern image displayed on the LCD panel  10  is photographed by the imaging unit  150 .  
         [0096]     The LCD panel  10  is photographed by the imaging unit  150  in a state in which illumination light is irradiated to the front surface and/or back surface of the LCD panel  10  using the first and second illumination units  171  and  172  under the condition in which light emitted from the backlight unit  130  is shut off. The image photographed in the above procedure does not include images of defective pixels, but includes an image of foreign matter attached to the surfaces of the LCD panel  10  or polarizing plates  161  and  162 .  
         [0097]     The photographed image is supplied to the image processor  200 . The image processor  200  extracts the coordinates of foreign matter from the image supplied to the image processor  200 . In a subsequent procedure for extracting the positions of substantial defects of pixels, defect information generated at the coordinates identical to the extracted foreign matter coordinates is deleted. Accordingly, only the information of defective pixels is extracted. As a result, it is possible to achieve an accurate defect inspection of the LCD panel.  
         [0098]     The LCD panel  10  can minimize the rate of defects generated in a final testing procedure carried out after the LCD panel  10  is applied to a modular product (for example, after assembly of the LCD panel  10  to a monitor or TV case) because the LCD panel  10  is completely manufactured after the inspection thereof through the above-described inspection method according to each embodiment of the present invention. Accordingly, it is possible to eliminate or minimize assembly of the LCD panel  10 , which has defects, to the modular product, and thus, to reduce the manufacturing costs.  
         [0099]     The LCD panel  10 , which is completely manufactured after the inspection thereof through the above-described inspection method according to each embodiment of the present invention, exhibits a considerably low defect rate, as compared to LCD panels completely manufactured after being inspected through other inspection methods. Thus, the LCD inspection apparatus according to the present invention and the inspection method using the same are useful in that it is possible to accurately inspect defects of the LCD panel  10 .  
         [0100]     It is possible to accurately determine whether or not the LCD panel  10  is defective, using the LCD inspection method according to the present invention.  
         [0101]     As is apparent from the above description, the LCD inspection apparatus and method according to the present invention have various effects.  
         [0102]     First, a user may easily and accurately identify the positions of defective pixels of an LCD panel in a procedure for inspecting defects of the LCD panel. Accordingly, it is possible to achieve a reduction in inspection time, an accurate inspection, and an enhancement in yield.  
         [0103]     Second, since the LCD inspection apparatus of the present invention includes an automatic inspector and a macroscopic inspector in order to separately perform an automatic defect inspection of the LCD panel and a macroscopic defect inspection of the LCD panel by the operator, there is an effect capable of minimizing the tact time taken for inspection of the LCD panel.  
         [0104]     Third, since defect information is identified as foreign matter, such as fine dust, attached to the surfaces of the LCD panel, the defect information can be excluded from information of substantial pixel defects, there is an effect capable of achieving a very accurate defect inspection.  
         [0105]     Fourth, since the LCD inspection apparatus of the present invention can include a plurality of imaging units, an inspection of the entire region of the LCD panel, irrespective of the size of the LCD panel is possible.  
         [0106]     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.