Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for testing an object, the apparatus including a guide means and a testing means, and capable of easily and quickly testing an object from a position where an operator wants, and of testing an object from various positions, thereby significantly improving the testing efficiency, and also having a simple configuration so that it is easy to manufacture and maintain at reduced cost.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 to Korean Patent Application No.10-2016-0009474, filed Jan. 26, 2016, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Field 
         [0003]    The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for testing an object, and more particularly, to an apparatus for testing an object, that is capable of testing an object easily and quickly from a position that an operator wants, and of testing an object from various positions, thereby significantly improving the testing efficiency, and also having a simple configuration so that it is easy to manufacture and maintain at reduced cost. 
         [0004]    Description of Related Art 
         [0005]    The latest mobile equipment such as smart phones and tablet PCs are generally equipped with camera modules, and using such mobile electronic equipment that uses camera modules, photos or videos can be photographed. 
         [0006]    A conventional camera module does not have a large number of pixels, and thus just a simple test in the manufacturing process is sufficient to test the camera module, but in recent days, as camera modules are becoming increasingly miniaturized with higher resolution and larger pixels, various tests such as focus test, resolution test, foreign substance test are conducted after a camera module is manufactured. 
         [0007]    It is general to use a chart when testing the focus or the resolution of a camera module, and during these tests, the camera module and the chart are arranged to face each other in one direction such as on a vertical line or a horizontal line. 
         [0008]    This leads to a problem of low testing efficiency, since in reality, users take photos or videos from various positions, for example, by holding the camera almost vertically or laying the camera towards the ground, whereas testing a camera module is not conducted from various positions. 
         [0009]    Thus, sometimes a camera module test is conducted from various positions using a semi-circular chart having the shape of a dome, which is also a problem since it is difficult to use this type of semi-circular chart due to its high manufacturing and maintenance cost. 
         [0010]    Therefore, there is need for an apparatus for testing an object, of which the aforementioned problems have been compensated. 
       PRIOR ART DOCUMENT 
       [0011]    Korean Laid-open patent publication No. 10-2013-0065305 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0012]    Therefore, a purpose of the present disclosure is to solve the aforementioned problems of prior art, that is, to provide an apparatus for testing an object, capable of testing an object easily and quickly from a position that an operator wants. 
         [0013]    Another purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for testing an object, capable of testing an object from various positions, thereby significantly improving the testing efficiency. 
         [0014]    Another purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for testing an object, having a simple configuration so that it is easy to manufacture and maintain at reduced cost. 
         [0015]    The aforementioned purposes are achieved, according to the present disclosure, by an apparatus for testing an object, the apparatus including a guide means having the shape of an arc maintaining a predetermined distance from an object; and a testing means that is mounted onto the guide means such that it is moveable along the guide means and that moves to approach or distance away from the object in order to test the object 
         [0016]    Here, in the guide means, it is preferable that wherein gradations for measuring moved positions of the testing means are formed along the length of the guide means. 
         [0017]    Here, it is preferable that the object is a camera module, and 
         [0018]    that the testing means is configured to test at least one of a focus, a short distance resolution and a long distance resolution of the object. 
         [0019]    Here, it is preferable that the testing means includes a moving unit that is mounted onto the guide means to move along a trajectory of the arc; and a testing unit that is mounted onto the moving unit and that approaches or distances away from the object. 
         [0020]    Here, it is preferable that the testing unit comprises a guide unit that is mounted onto the moving unit such that one end of the guide unit faces the object and that moves to approach or distance away from the object; and a chart unit coupled to the guide unit such that the chart faces the object. 
         [0021]    Here, it is preferable that the testing unit comprises a guide unit that is mounted onto the moving unit such that one end of the guide unit faces the object; and a chart unit that is coupled to the guide unit such that the chart unit faces the object and that moves to approach or distance away from the object in a direction of the length of the guide unit. 
         [0022]    Here, it is preferable that gradations for measuring moved positions of the chart unit are formed along the length of the guide unit. 
         [0023]    Here, it is preferable that the chart unit is configured to rotate at its position in a state where the chart unit is coupled to the guide unit. 
         [0024]    Here, it is preferable that the chart unit further includes a backlight that emits light using a light source. 
         [0025]    Here, it is preferable that the guide means has a shape of a semi-circle. 
         [0026]    Here, it is preferable that the guide means consists of a plurality of semi-circular guide frames whose central parts are stacked one another, and the testing means is mounted onto both sides of the guide frame with regard to the central part where the plurality of guide frames are stacked one another. 
         [0027]    Here, it is preferable that an opening is formed at a center of the guide frame, and the guide means comprises: a plurality of the guide frames stacked such that openings are in communication with one another; and a connecting pin that connects the plurality of the guide frames one another through the openings. 
         [0028]    Here, it is preferable that the guide frame is configured to rotate about the connecting pin. 
         [0029]    Here, it is preferable that at least one of the guide frame and the connecting pin is provided with gradations for measuring a rotation angle of the guide frame. 
         [0030]    Here, it is preferable that the testing means is configured to be mounted onto the guide means so as to move by means of a rail or an electromagnet. 
         [0031]    Here, it is preferable that the apparatus for testing an object further includes a position detection unit that detects at least one of a movement trajectory of the testing means, a latitude of the testing means and a longitude of the testing means when the testing means moves. 
         [0032]    According to the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for testing an object, capable of testing an object easily and quickly from a position that an operator wants. 
         [0033]    Further, the object may be tested from various positions, thereby significantly improving the testing efficiency. 
         [0034]    Further, due to its simple configuration, the apparatus for testing an object may be easily manufactured and maintained at reduced cost. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0035]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view schematically illustrating an apparatus for testing an object according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0036]      FIG. 2A and 2B  are enlarged views of some parts of the apparatus for testing an object illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0037]      FIGS. 3A and 3B  and  FIGS. 4A and 4B  are enlarged views of some parts of the apparatus for testing an object according to a second and a third embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0038]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view schematically illustrating the apparatus for testing an object according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0039]      FIGS. 6 to 8  are schematic views schematically illustrating the apparatus for testing an object according to a fifth to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0040]    Hereinafter, the apparatus for testing an object according to the present disclosure will be explained in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Here, a variety of objects may be used as an object to be tested by the testing apparatus, but hereinafter, explanation will be made based on an assumption that the object is a camera module, and the testing means used for testing such a camera module is exemplified as one configured to test one or more of a focus, a short distance resolution, and a long distance resolution of the camera module so that the focus or the resolution of the camera module may be measured. 
         [0041]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view schematically illustrating an apparatus for testing an object according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , the apparatus for testing an object according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to include largely a guide means  100  and a testing means  200 . 
         [0043]    The guide means  100  is a member that forms an arc shape whose center is an object CM. In particular, the guide means  100  is formed along a circumference of a virtually-drawn circle, wherein the object CM is positioned at a center of the virtual circle. 
         [0044]    Such a guide means  100  is a frame having the shape of a bent stick, a bent pipe or a bent bar. Here, in  FIG. 1 , the guide means  100  is illustrated as having a semi-circular shape, but depending on the type or size of the object CM, or depending on the type of the test to be conducted by the testing means  200  that will be explained hereinafter, the shape of the guide means may form a shape where the length of the arc is extended to form a shape that is almost a circle, or a shape where the length of the arch is reduced to form a shape that is smaller than the semi-circle. 
         [0045]    The testing means  200  is mounted onto the guide means  100  to test the object CM while moving along the guide means  100 . The testing means  200  is mounted onto the guide means  100  in a rail method or in an electromagnetic method, but any other method in which the testing means  200  can move along the guide means  100  may be applied as well. 
         [0046]    Such a testing means  200  includes a moving unit  210  and a testing unit  220 . 
         [0047]    The moving unit  210  is a member that may move along the guide means  100 . 
         [0048]    For this purpose, the moving unit  210  is mounted onto the guide means  100 , that is, the moving unit  210  is mounted onto the guide means  100  in the rail method or in the electromagnetic method, to move along a trajectory in the shape of an arc along the guide means  100 . Accordingly, the moving unit  210  moves along the guide means  100  always maintaining a predetermined distance from the object CM. 
         [0049]    On the guide means  100 , gradations C (scales for measuring moved positions) are formed along the length of the guide means  100 , so that when the testing means  200  moves, especially when the moving unit  210  moves, the position of the moving unit  210  may be identified. Therefore, a moved position of the testing means  200  may be measured by the gradations. 
         [0050]    The testing unit  220  is a member that tests the object CM. 
         [0051]    The testing unit  220  is mounted onto the moving unit  210 , and operates such that it approaches or distances away from the object CM. Especially, in the present disclosure, the object CM is positioned at a center of a virtual circle, and the moving unit  210  moves along the guide means  100  formed along the circumference of the virtual circle, therefore enabling the testing unit  22  to always face the object CM. 
         [0052]    The testing unit  220  performs an operation of approaching or distancing away from the object CM at the same time of being moved by the moving unit  210 . Therefore, the testing unit  220  may conduct a test after changing its position distanced from the object CM. In other words, the testing unit  220  may test the object CM from various positions. 
         [0053]      FIGS. 2A and 2B  are enlarged views of some parts of the apparatus for testing an object illustrated in  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 2A  illustrates a part of the apparatus for testing an object, illustrated in  FIG. 1 , and  FIG. 2B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of a part of the testing apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 2A . 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the guide means  100  consists of one frame (guide frame), and the moving unit  210  is mounted onto one side surface of the guide means  100  and moves along the guide means  100 . 
         [0055]    The testing unit  220  mounted onto the moving unit  210  includes a guide unit  222  and a chart unit  224 . 
         [0056]    The guide unit  222  is a member that extends towards the object and that is mounted onto the moving unit such that its one end faces towards the object (hereinafter referred to as camera module), and that moves to approach or distance away from the camera module CM. 
         [0057]    According to the drawings, the chart unit  224  is coupled to a lower end of the guide unit  222  to face the camera module CM. The chart unit may consist of a chart including a pattern for adjusting focus of the camera module CM, a chart including a testing pattern for measuring the resolution, for example, a PIMA chart capable of measuring SFR. (Special Frequency Response), and a chart capable of testing MTF (Modulation Transfer Function), so that a focus or a resolution of the camera module CM can be measured. 
         [0058]    According to an operation of the guide unit  222 , that is, according to an operation of the guide unit  222  approaching or distancing away from the camera module CM, the chart unit  224  approaches or distances away from the camera module CM. It is desirable that, on the guide unit  222 , gradations C′ (gradations for measuring moved positions) for measuring moved positions of the chart unit  224  are formed along the length of the guide unit  222 , so that the position of the chart unit  224  according to the operation of the guide unit  222  may be identified. 
         [0059]    Further, in order to enable various tests to be conducted on the camera module CM, the chart unit  224  may be configured to be rotatable at its position (or rotatable at the same place) in a state where it is coupled to the guide unit  222 . 
         [0060]    Meanwhile, when testing the camera module CM, a lighting equipment (not illustrated) such as an LED or a halogen lamp is generally used to light up the inner portion of the testing apparatus, or irradiate light to the camera module CM while conducting the test. Such lighting equipment may be separately provided inside the testing apparatus, but it is better to install a backlight that emits light using a light source onto the chart unit  224 , so that the testing of the camera module CM may be conducted more smoothly. 
         [0061]      FIG. 3  and  FIG. 4  are enlarged views of some parts of the apparatus for testing an object according to a second and a third embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0062]    First of all,  FIG. 3A  is an enlarged view of the apparatus for testing an object according to the second embodiment, and  FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 3A . 
         [0063]    Such an apparatus for testing an object according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to be similar as that of the aforementioned first embodiment, except that the shape of the guide means  100  and the position of the moving unit  210  mounted onto the guide means  100  to move are different from those in the first embodiment. 
         [0064]    That is, in the second embodiment, the guide means  100  consists of two frames having an identical semi-circular shape, and the two frames are connected by a plurality of cross-arms. 
         [0065]    The moving unit  210  is mounted onto an upper surface of the guide means  100 , so that it may move along the guide means  100 . The guide unit  222  is installed to penetrate the moving unit  210  and the guide means  100 , and moves between two cross-arms. Further, the chart unit  224  coupled to the guide unit  222  approaches or distances away from the camera module CM, and on the guide unit  222 , gradations C′ for measuring moved positions of the chart unit  224  are formed. 
         [0066]    Further, the chart unit  224  is configured to be rotatable at its position in a state where it is coupled to the guide unit  222  so that various tests may be conducted on the camera module CM, and a backlight that emits light using a light source may be installed on the chart unit. 
         [0067]    According to such an apparatus for testing an object according to the second embodiment, the moving unit  210  moves between a cross-arm and another cross-arm of the guide means  100  by the guide unit  222 , and a plurality of testing means  200  may be used depending on the distance between a cross-arm and another cross-arm. 
         [0068]      FIG. 4A  illustrates an enlarged view of a part of the apparatus for testing an object according to a third embodiment, and  FIG. 4B  illustrates a cross-sectional view of FIG. 
         [0069]    The apparatus for testing an object according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to be similar as that of the first or the second embodiment, except that, the position of the moving unit  210  that is mounted onto the guide means  100  to move and the testing unit  220  are configured differently from those of the first or the second embodiment. 
         [0070]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 413 , the guide means  100  used in the third embodiment consists of one frame (guide frame) just as in the first embodiment, and the moving unit  210  is configured to be mounted onto a lower side of the guide means  100  to move. 
         [0071]    Further, the testing unit  220  consists of a guide unit  222  and a chart unit  224  just as in the first and second embodiments. In this regard, the guide unit  222  in the first and the second embodiment is configured to approach or distance away from the camera module CM side, but in the third embodiment, the guide unit  222  is fixed to a side surface of the moving unit  210  so as not to move, and the chart unit  224  coupled to the guide unit  222  to face the camera module CM approaches or distances away from the camera module CM in a direction of the length of the guide unit  222 . 
         [0072]    Gradations C′ for measuring moved positions are formed on the guide unit  222  in this third embodiment as well, so that a moved position of the chart unit  224  may be identified. 
         [0073]    Further, on the chart unit  224 , a backlight for emitting light using a light source may be installed. 
         [0074]    As shown in  FIGS. 2 to 4  regarding the first to the third embodiments, the location where the moving unit  210  is mounted onto the guide means  100  is not limited to a certain position of the guide means  100 . But, instead, the moving unit may be mounted onto a suitable position selected from a side surface, an upper surface, and a lower surface of the guide means  100  depending on the testing environment, manufacturing cost of the testing apparatus and the like. 
         [0075]    Further, although not illustrated in the drawings, in case that a guide means  100  having the shape of an empty pipe is used, the moving unit  210  may be mounted such that it is positioned inside the guide means  100 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 5  is a schematic view schematically illustrating an apparatus for testing an object according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, the gradations C, that is, the gradations for measuring moved positions are omitted from the guide means illustrated in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0077]    As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the apparatus for testing an object according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure uses a separate support S connected to both sides of the guide means  100  to support the guide means  100 . 
         [0078]    That is, the guide means  100  is not fixed to a testing stand (not illustrated) where the camera module CM is seated to be tested nor fixed to a bottom of the testing apparatus, but it is spaced apart from the ground by the support S such that it floats in the air. 
         [0079]    Due to this support S, the guide means  100  having the shape of a semi-circle and the testing means  200  are positioned at an upper side in the drawing, thereby a test can be conducted in a state where the camera module CM is facing towards the upper side. 
         [0080]    Further, if a guide means  100  of a semi-circular shape illustrated in dotted line at a lower side in  FIG. 5  or a guide means  100  smaller than the lower semi-circular guide means is provided to the apparatus according to circumstances, it is possible to test the camera module CM even when the camera module CM is facing towards the lower side. Therefore, it is possible to test the camera module CM from various positions. 
         [0081]      FIGS. 6 to 8  are schematic views schematically illustrating the apparatus for testing an object according to a fifth to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. Here, in order to prevent complexity of the drawings, the guide means, that is, the guide frame is illustrated without the gradations C for measuring moved position. 
         [0082]    First of all, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 . in the apparatus for testing an object according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, the guide means  100  consists of a plurality of guide frames  110 . That is, the guide means  100  consisting of one frame as set forth in the first to the third embodiments is provided in a multiple number, in the fifth embodiment. 
         [0083]    The guide frame  110  has a semi-circular shape, and a plurality of these semi-circular guide frames  110  are arranged such that their central parts are stacked to overlap one another. 
         [0084]    Here, each guide frame  110  is arranged in a different direction. In other words, the guide frames  110  are arranged such that, when a virtual circle that connects the ends of the guide frames  110  is drawn around the camera module CM, the ends of the guide frames  110  are placed at different positions from one another on the virtual circle. 
         [0085]    Further, with the plurality of guide frames  110  stacked, in order to prevent the plurality of guide frames  110  from slipping and deviating from one another, the guide frames  110  are fixed to one another by welding, pressure welding, or an adhesive, etc. 
         [0086]    Since the testing means  200  including the moving unit  210  and the testing unit  220  can move from one end of the guide frame  110  only up to the central part of the guide frame  110  due to the central part where the plurality of guide frames  110  are stacked, the testing means  200  may be mounted onto both sides of the guide frame  110  with respect to the center of the stacked guide frames  110 . 
         [0087]    That is, in  FIG. 6 , three guide frames  110  are installed, and therefore, six ends of the guide frames  110  are arranged around the camera module CM, and in a virtual circle having the camera module CM as a center, the angle between one end and another adjacent end of the guide frame becomes 60 degrees. In this case, two testing means  200  are used for every guide frame  110 , that is, a total of six testing means  200  are used. 
         [0088]    As aforementioned, in the apparatus for testing an object according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, each testing means  200  that moves along the guide frame HO moves along a different trajectory, and therefore the camera module CM may be tested from various positions. 
         [0089]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  relate to an apparatus for testing an object according to a sixth embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0090]    Referring to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the apparatus for testing an object according to the sixth embodiment is configured to be similar as that in the fifth embodiment, except that the method for fixing the plurality of guide frames  110  which constitute the guide means  100  is different. 
         [0091]    That is, although the plurality of stacked guide frames  110  in the fifth embodiment are fixed by welding, pressure welding or an adhesive, in the sixth embodiment, an opening  112  is formed at a center of every guide frame  110 , and the guide frames  110  are stacked such that the openings  112  are in communication with one another, and a connecting pin  120  penetrates the openings  112  to connect the plurality of guide frames  110 . 
         [0092]    As aforementioned, in the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, unlike in the fifth embodiment where the guide frames are completely fixed, the guide frames  110  may be dissembled and assembled using the connecting pin  120 , thereby enabling the directions of the guide frames  110  to be adjusted suitably according to the type of the camera module CM to be tested. 
         [0093]    For example, regarding one certain camera module CM, around a circle having the camera module CM as a center as in the fifth embodiment, the angle between one end and another adjacent end of the guide frames  110  may each be set to 60 degrees, and then a test may be conducted on the camera module CM. 
         [0094]    Meanwhile, when a test is conducted on a different camera module CM, it is possible to separate the connecting pin  120 , and change the positions of the guide frames  110  such that there are two angles of 30 degrees between two ends of the guide frames  110  and there are four angles of 75 degrees between two ends of the guide frames  110  around the circle having the camera module CM as a center, and then assemble the connecting pin  120  again, and then conduct a test on the camera module CM. 
         [0095]      FIG. 8  illustrates an apparatus for testing an object according to a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0096]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the apparatus for testing an object according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure is configured to be almost similar to that in the sixth embodiment, except that here the apparatus for testing an object is configured such that an angle between one end and another adjacent end of the guide frames  110  may be adjusted even without having to dissemble or assemble the apparatus for testing an object. 
         [0097]    In other words, in the seventh embodiment, just as in the sixth embodiment, an opening  112  is formed at a center of every guide frame  110 , and a plurality of guide frames  110  are stacked such that the openings are in communication with one another, and the connecting pin  120  is coupled to the openings  112 , thereby connecting the plurality of guide frames  110 . 
         [0098]    Here, in the case of the seventh embodiment, the guide frames  110  are configured to be rotatable about the connecting pin  120 . Such a configuration that enables the guide frames  110  to be rotatable about the connecting pin  120  may be realized through various well-known techniques, for example, a technique using a sliding member such as a bearing or a roller, but detailed explanation thereof is omitted herein. 
         [0099]    As aforementioned, in the seventh embodiment, the plurality of guide frames  110  constituting the guide means  100  are configured to be rotatable about the connecting pin  120 , and here it is preferable to form gradations C″ (gradations for measuring rotation angle) on the guide frames  110  or on the connecting pin  120 , or on both the guide frames  110  and the connecting pin  120 , so that the angles by which the guide frames  110  rotates may be measured. 
         [0100]    In such a seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, an operator may rotate the guide frames  110  as much as he/she wants without having to dissemble or assemble the guide means  100 . to set an angle suitable to the camera module CM to be tested, and thus, the camera module CM may be tested more easily and quickly from various positions. 
         [0101]    Meanwhile, in the present specification, it was explained that, in order to identify a moved position of the moving unit  210 , gradations C (gradations for measuring moved positions) are formed on the guide means  100  or on the plurality of guide frames  110  constituting the guide means  100 , and in order to figure out a moved position of the chart unit  224 , gradations C′ (gradations for measuring moved positions) are formed on the guide unit  222 , but instead of these gradations, a position detection unit (not illustrated) consisting of a position sensor may be separately provided so that one or more of a movement trajectory of the testing means  200 , a latitude and a longitude of the testing means  200  may be detected. 
         [0102]    Such a position detection unit may be installed integrally with the testing means  200  or separately from the testing means  200 , and a control means (not illustrated) may be configured to control the apparatus for testing an object according to the present disclosure in response to the position of the testing means  200  detected by the position detection unit and transmitted thereto, so that the testing of the camera module CM may be conducted more smoothly. 
         [0103]    Meanwhile, in the case of the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure, the rotation angles of the plurality of guide frames  110  are measured through the gradations C″ (gradations for measuring rotation angle), but the rotation angle of the guide frames  110  may be detected through the position detection unit instead. 
         [0104]    The right of the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments but may be realized in various types of embodiments within the claims attached hereto. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 REFERENCE NUMERALS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 100: GUIDE MEANS 
                 110: GUIDE FRAME 
               
               
                 112: OPENING 
                 120: CONNECTING PIN 
               
               
                 200: TESTING MEANS 
                 210: MOVING UNIT 
               
               
                 220: TESTING UNIT 
                 222: GUIDE UNIT 
               
               
                 224: CHART UNIT 
                 C, C′, C″: GRADATIONS 
               
               
                 CM: OBJECT(CAMERA MODULE) 
                 S: SUPPORT