Patent ID: 7839156

Claim:
A probe tip position detecting method for detecting tip positions of a plurality of probes by using a tip position detecting device including a sensor unit for detecting tips of the probes and a movable contact body attached to the sensor unit, the method being used in inspecting electrical characteristics of an object to be inspected by bringing the object supported on a movable mounting table into electrical contact with the probes, the method comprising: a first step of moving the tip position detecting device through the mounting table to thereby bring the contact body into contact with the tips of the probes; a second step of further moving the mounting table to thereby move the contact body toward the sensor unit without causing elastic deformation to the probes; and a third step of determining a movement starting position of the contact body as the tip positions of the probes, wherein the sensor unit constantly applies a first pressure to the contact body in the second step, and wherein the contact body moves towards the sensor unit upon contact with the probes so as to maintain the first pressure constant.