Patent Document

TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to inspection of touch sensors. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    Patent Document 1 discloses a method for inspecting a sensor module that includes two sensor electrode layers (a sensor electrode layer made from sensor electrodes that run in the row direction and a sensor electrode layer made from sensor electrodes that run in the column direction) for defects by arranging an inspection fixture that includes island-shaped electrodes arranged in a matrix pattern facing the sensor module and then applying a prescribed voltage to the inspection electrodes. 
       Related Art Document 
     Patent Document 
       [0003]    Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication, “Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2010-86026 (Published on Apr. 15, 2010)” 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Problems to be Solved by the Invention 
       [0004]    The inspection method disclosed in Patent Document 1 assumes that two sensor electrode layers are formed. However, in order to improve yield rate, it is preferable that it be possible to perform the inspection at a stage when only one of the two sensor electrode layers has been formed. 
       Means for Solving the Problems 
       [0005]    The present invention provides an inspection device for inspecting a sensor electrode layer including a plurality of elongated sensor electrodes running in a direction that intersects with a first direction, including: a first inspection electrode layer including a plurality of inspection electrodes that run in the first direction; and a controller that sends drive signals to one of the first inspection electrode layer and the sensor electrode layer arranged facing the first electrode layer and that receives detection signals from an other of the first inspection electrode layer and the sensor electrode layer in order to detect a state of the sensor electrode layer. 
       Effects of the Invention 
       [0006]    The configuration described above makes it possible to perform the inspection at a stage when only one of the two sensor electrode layers has been formed, thereby making it possible to increase the production yield of touch sensors. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an inspection device according to Embodiment 1. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the inspection device according to Embodiment 1. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a sensor sheet. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of inspection electrodes. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of sensor electrodes. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view illustrating an example of using the inspection device illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the example usage illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  includes a cross-sectional view and a top view illustrating another example of a configuration for the inspection device according to Embodiment 1. 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of using the inspection device according to Embodiment 1. 
           [0017]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view illustrating yet another example of using the inspection device according to Embodiment 1. 
           [0018]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the example usage illustrated in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 13  is a block diagram illustrating another configuration for the controller. 
           [0020]      FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view illustrating yet another example of using the inspection device according to Embodiment 1. 
           [0021]      FIG. 15  is a perspective view illustrating another example of a configuration for the inspection device according to Embodiment 1. 
           [0022]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of using the inspection device illustrated in  FIG. 15 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view illustrating an example of a configuration of an inspection device according to Embodiment 2. 
           [0024]      FIG. 18  is a cross-sectional view of the example usage illustrated in  FIG. 17 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 19  is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of using the inspection device according to Embodiment 2. 
           [0026]      FIG. 20  is a cross-sectional view illustrating yet another example of using the inspection device according to Embodiment 2. 
           [0027]      FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional view illustrating yet another example of using the inspection device according to Embodiment 2. 
           [0028]      FIG. 22  is a perspective view illustrating an example of a configuration of an inspection device according to Embodiment 3. 
           [0029]      FIG. 23  is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of using the inspection device illustrated in  FIG. 22 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of using the inspection device according to Embodiment 3. 
           [0031]      FIG. 25  is a cross-sectional view illustrating yet another example of using the inspection device according to Embodiment 3. 
           [0032]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view illustrating another example of a configuration for the inspection device according to Embodiment 3. 
           [0033]      FIG. 27  is a perspective view illustrating yet another example of a configuration for the inspection device according to Embodiment 3. 
           [0034]      FIG. 28  is a perspective view illustrating yet another example of a configuration for the inspection device according to Embodiment 3. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0035]    Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to  FIGS. 1 to 28 . 
       Embodiment 1 
       [0036]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of an inspection device. 
         [0037]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the inspection device. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the inspection device  10  includes an inspection table  20 , a weight  11 , supports  19 , and a controller  3 . The inspection table  20  includes a dielectric stage  21 , a first inspection electrode layer  22  made from a plurality of X-direction inspection electrodes  4   x  that run in the X-direction, a second inspection electrode layer  23  made from a plurality of Y-direction inspection electrodes  4   y  that run in the Y-direction, a first dielectric layer  27 , and a second dielectric layer  28 . The X-direction and the Y-direction are mutually orthogonal and run parallel to the top surface of the inspection table  20 . The Z-direction (the vertical direction) is orthogonal to the top surface of the inspection table  20 . The weight  11  is a dielectric plate made from glass or the like and is arranged above the inspection table  20 , supported by the supports  19 . The weight  11  can be moved in the vertical direction. 
         [0038]    On the inspection table  20 , the first inspection electrode layer  22  is formed on top of the dielectric stage  21 . The first dielectric layer  27  is made from a material such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or a cyclic olefin polymer (COP) and is formed on top of the first inspection electrode layer  22 . The second inspection electrode layer  23  is formed on top of the first dielectric layer  27 . The second dielectric layer  28  is made from a material such as PET or a COP and is formed on top of the second inspection electrode layer  23 . The first inspection electrode layer  22  and the second inspection electrode layer  23  are connected via switches (not illustrated in the figure) to the controller  3 , and a probe Pb is connected to the controller  3 . Furthermore, an alignment mark  29  is formed on the inspection table  20 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of a sensor sheet for a touch sensor (an item to be inspected). This sensor sheet is formed using the so-called roll-to-roll method, and the axis of the roll is arranged parallel to the X-direction. In the sensor sheet  30  illustrated in  FIG. 3( a )  (the item to be inspected), a sensor electrode layer  32  made from a plurality of X-direction sensor electrodes  5   x  that run in the X-direction as well as a terminal T 2  that is connected to the sensor electrode layer  32  are formed on one side (the top side) of a roll sheet  31 . In the sensor sheet  30  illustrated in  FIG. 3( b )  (the item to be inspected), a sensor electrode layer  33  made from a plurality of Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y  that run in the Y-direction as well as a terminal T 3  that is connected to the sensor electrode layer  33  are formed on one side (the top side) of a roll sheet  31 . Furthermore, alignment marks  39  are formed on the roll sheets  31  illustrated in  FIGS. 3( a ) and 3( b ) . 
         [0040]      FIG. 4( a )  is an enlarged partial view of the first inspection electrode layer  22 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4( a ) , the plurality of X-direction inspection electrodes  4   x  of the first inspection electrode layer  22  are band-shaped and are arranged in a stripe pattern. Note, however, that the first inspection electrode layer  22  is not limited to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 4( a ) . As illustrated in  FIG. 4( b ) , the X-direction inspection electrodes  4   x  may be formed as a plurality of mesh-patterned electrodes  4 A connected together in the X-direction, and as illustrated in  FIG. 4( c ) , a plurality of floating dummy electrodes  4 D may be arranged in the X-direction between adjacent X-direction inspection electrodes  4   x  of the type illustrated in  FIG. 4( b ) . 
         [0041]      FIG. 4( d )  is an enlarged partial view of the second inspection electrode layer  23 . As illustrated in  FIG. 4( d ) , the plurality of Y-direction inspection electrodes  4   y  of the second inspection electrode layer  23  are band-shaped and are arranged in a stripe pattern. Note, however, that the second inspection electrode layer  23  is not limited to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 4( d ) . As illustrated in  FIG. 4( e ) , the Y-direction inspection electrodes  4   y  may be formed as a plurality of mesh-patterned electrodes  4   a  connected together in the Y-direction, and as illustrated in  FIG. 4( f ) , a plurality of floating dummy electrodes  4   d  may be arranged in the Y-direction between adjacent Y-direction inspection electrodes  4   y  of the type illustrated in  FIG. 4( e ) . 
         [0042]      FIG. 5( a )  is an enlarged partial view of the sensor electrode layer  32  illustrated in  FIG. 3( a ) . The X-direction sensor electrodes  5   x  are formed as a plurality of mesh-patterned electrodes  5 A connected together in the X-direction, and a plurality of floating dummy electrodes  5 D are arranged in the X-direction between adjacent X-direction sensor electrodes  5   x . Note, however, that the sensor electrode layer  32  is not limited to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 5( a ) . As illustrated in  FIG. 5( b ) , the dummy electrodes  5 D may be removed from the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 5( a ) , or as illustrated in  FIG. 5( c ) , the plurality of X-direction sensor electrodes  5   x  may be band-shaped and arranged in a stripe pattern. 
         [0043]      FIG. 5( d )  is an enlarged partial view of the sensor electrode layer  33  illustrated in  FIG. 3( b ) . The Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y  are formed as a plurality of mesh-patterned electrodes  5   a  connected together in the Y-direction, and a plurality of floating dummy electrodes  5   d  are arranged in the Y-direction between adjacent Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y . Note, however, that the sensor electrode layer  33  is not limited to the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 5( d ) . As illustrated in  FIG. 5( e ) , the dummy electrodes  5   d  may be removed from the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 5( d ) , or as illustrated in  FIG. 5( f ) , the plurality of Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y  may be band-shaped and arranged in a stripe pattern. 
         [0044]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , during inspection, the sensor sheet  30  illustrated in  FIG. 3( b )  is arranged on the inspection table  20  such that one of the alignment marks  39  on the roll sheet  31  aligns with the alignment mark  29  on the inspection table  20 . Then, the weight  11  is lowered into contact with the sensor electrode layer  33  (thereby applying a prescribed pressure to the sensor sheet  30 ). In this way, the region of the first inspection electrode layer  22  in which the X-direction inspection electrodes  4   x  are formed faces the region of the sensor electrode layer  33  in which the Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y  are formed, and these regions are separated from one another by a dielectric material (the first and second dielectric layers  27  and  28  as well as the roll sheet  31 ). This arrangement causes capacitance (electrical capacitance) to form between the mutually orthogonal X-direction inspection electrodes  4   x  (see  FIG. 4( a ) , for example) and the Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y  (see  FIG. 5( d ) , for example). Furthermore, the switch between the first inspection electrode layer  22  and the controller  3  is turned ON (and the switch between the second inspection electrode layer  23  and the controller  3  is turned OFF), and the probe Pb connected to the controller  3  is brought into contact with the terminal T 3 . 
         [0045]    As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the controller  3  includes a driver  6 , an amp  7 , a processor  8 , and a display unit  2 . The driver  6  receives instructions from the processor  8  and sends drive signals to the sensor electrode layer  33 . The amp  7  amplifies detection signals from the first inspection electrode layer  22  and sends those signals to the processor  8 . The processor  8  processes the amplified detection signals and outputs an inspection result to the display unit  2 . 
         [0046]    In Embodiment 1, the first inspection electrode layer  22  and the sensor electrode layer  33  form a configuration equivalent to a touch sensor, thereby making it possible to perform the inspection in a state in which only one of the sensor electrode layers has been formed and also making it possible to increase the inspection precision. 
         [0047]    The first inspection electrode layer  22  must be completely free of defects, and therefore a simple configuration such as that illustrated in  FIG. 4( a )  (band-shaped solid electrodes arranged in a stripe pattern) is suitable. However, if the sensor electrode layer  33  is configured as illustrated in  FIG. 5( d ) , the first inspection electrode layer  22  may be configured as illustrated in  FIG. 4( b )  or  4 ( c ) to match the configuration of the sensor electrode layer  33 . Moreover, when the sensor electrode layer  33  is configured as illustrated in  FIG. 5( d )  and the first inspection electrode layer  22  is configured as illustrated in  FIG. 4( b )  or  4 ( c ), the first inspection electrode layer  22  and the sensor electrode layer  33  should be arranged such that the mesh-patterned electrodes  4 A of the first inspection electrode layer  22  overlap with the dummy electrodes  5   d  of the sensor electrode layer  33 . 
         [0048]    Moreover, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , making the bottom surface (the surface facing the inspection table  20 ) of the weight  11  (which is a dielectric plate) larger than the region of the first inspection electrode layer  22  in which the X-direction inspection electrodes  4   x  are formed ensures that when the weight  11  is lowered into close contact with the sensor sheet  30 , the bottom surface of the weight  11  fully covers the region of the first inspection electrode layer  22  in which the X-direction inspection electrodes  4   x  are formed and the region of the sensor electrode layer  33  in which the Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y  are formed. This makes it possible to reduce external noise during inspection. 
         [0049]    Next, the operation of the controller  3  will be described in more detail. The driver  6  (see  FIG. 8 ) sequentially selects the Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y.  While the Nth Y-direction sensor electrode  5   y  is selected, the processor  8  illustrated in  FIG. 8  uses the 1st to Mth sensor signals (voltage signals) output by the 1st to Mth X-direction inspection electrodes  4   x  to calculate 1st to Mth capacitance values for the Nth Y-direction sensor electrode  5   y.  Next, while the (N+1)th Y-direction sensor electrode  5   y  is selected, the processor  8  uses the 1st to Mth sensor signals (voltage signals) output by the 1st to Mth X-direction inspection electrodes  4   x  to calculate 1st to Mth capacitance values for the (N+1)th Y-direction sensor electrode  5   y.  Next, the processor  8  generates an inspection result on the basis of the differences between the ith capacitance value (where i is a number from 1 to M) for the Nth Y-direction sensor electrode  5   y  and the ith capacitance value for the (N+1)th Y-direction sensor electrode  5   y.  For example, if some of these differences exceed or are less than a threshold value, it is determined that there are defects in electrode formation, and if the differences are uniform throughout the test plane, it is determined that there are no defects in electrode formation. This makes it possible to obtain a high precision inspection result in which the effects of external noise are negligible (that is, an inspection result with an excellent S/N ratio), thereby making it possible to detect severed electrodes and variations in electrode width in the Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y,  shorts between adjacent Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y,  and even micro-shorts between the Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y  and the dummy electrodes. 
         [0050]    As a modification example of the configuration illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the driver  6  may send drive signals to the first inspection electrode layer  22 , and the amp  7  may amplify detection signals from the sensor electrode layer  33  and send those detection signals to the processor  8 . 
         [0051]      FIG. 9  illustrates another example of a configuration for the device illustrated in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 9( a )  is a side view, and  FIG. 9( b )  is a top view. As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , a sheet setting enclosure  26  that surrounds the sensor sheet  30  is arranged on top of the inspection table  20  and is configured such that the weight  11  fits within the sheet setting enclosure  26  when lowered. 
         [0052]    In  FIG. 7 , the sensor electrode layer  33  is formed on the top surface of the roll sheet  31 . However, if as illustrated in  FIG. 10( a ) , the sensor electrode layer  33  is formed on the bottom surface of the roll sheet  31 , the inspection may be performed as illustrated in  FIG. 10( b ) . 
         [0053]      FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate an inspection method for when the sensor electrode layer  32  (which includes the X-direction sensor electrodes  5   x ) is formed on the top surface of the roll sheet  31 . In this case, the sensor sheet  30  illustrated in  FIG. 3( a )  is arranged on the inspection table  20  such that one of the alignment marks  39  on the roll sheet  31  aligns with the alignment mark  29  on the inspection table  20 . Then, the weight  11  is lowered into contact with the sensor electrode layer  32  (thereby applying a prescribed pressure to the sensor sheet  30 ). In this way, the sensor electrode layer  32  faces the second inspection electrode layer  23  and is separated therefrom by a dielectric material (the first and second dielectric layers  27  and  28  as well as the roll sheet  31 ). This arrangement causes capacitance (electrical capacitance) to form between the Y-direction inspection electrodes  4   y  and the X-direction sensor electrodes  5   x.  Furthermore, the switch between the second inspection electrode layer  23  and the controller  3  is turned ON (and the switch between the first inspection electrode layer  22  and the controller  3  is turned OFF), and the probe Pb connected to the controller  3  is brought into contact with the terminal T 2 . In this case, as illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the driver  6  receives instructions from the processor  8  and sends drive signals to the sensor electrode layer  32 . The amp  7  amplifies detection signals from the second inspection electrode layer  23  and sends those signals to the processor  8 . The processor  8  processes the amplified detection signals and outputs an inspection result to the display unit  2 . 
         [0054]    Moreover, if as illustrated in  FIG. 14( a ) , the sensor electrode layer  32  (which includes the X-direction sensor electrodes  5   x ) is formed on the top surface of the roll sheet  31  and the sensor electrode layer  33  (which includes the Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y ) is formed on the bottom surface of the roll sheet  31 , the inspection may be performed as illustrated in  FIGS. 14( b ) and 14( c ) . In other words, when inspecting the sensor electrode layer  32 , as illustrated in  FIG. 14( b ) , the switch between the second inspection electrode layer  23  and the controller  3  is turned ON (and the switch between the first inspection electrode layer  22  and the controller  3  is turned OFF), and the probe Pb connected to the controller  3  is brought into contact with the terminal T 2 . Then, when inspecting the sensor electrode layer  33 , as illustrated in  FIG. 14( c ) , the switch between the first inspection electrode layer  22  and the controller  3  is turned ON (and the switch between the second inspection electrode layer  23  and the controller  3  is turned OFF), and the probe Pb connected to the controller  3  is brought into contact with the terminal T 3 . 
         [0055]    In  FIG. 1 , the inspection table  20  includes the first inspection electrode layer  22  and the second inspection electrode layer  23 . However, the inspection device  10  is not limited to this configuration. As illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the inspection table  20  may include only the first inspection electrode layer  22 , and the first inspection electrode layer  22  may be connected to the controller  3 . In this case, the sensor sheet  30  illustrated in  FIG. 3( b )  is arranged on the inspection table  20  such that one of the alignment marks  39  on the roll sheet  31  aligns with the alignment mark  29  on the inspection table  20 . Then, the weight  11  is lowered into contact with the sensor electrode layer  33  (thereby applying a prescribed pressure to the sensor sheet  30 ). In this way, the sensor electrode layer  33  faces the first inspection electrode layer  22  and is separated therefrom by a dielectric material (the first and second dielectric layers  27  and  28  as well as the roll sheet  31 ). This arrangement causes capacitance (electrical capacitance) to form between the X-direction inspection electrodes  4   x  and the Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y.  Next, the probe Pb connected to the controller  3  is brought into contact with the terminal T 3 . 
       Embodiment 2 
       [0056]    As illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the inspection table  20  may be rotatably supported by a rotating member  26  arranged below the inspection table  20 . In this case, the inspection table  20  includes only the first inspection electrode layer  22 , and the first inspection electrode layer  22  is connected to the controller  3 . 
         [0057]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the sensor sheet  30  illustrated in  FIG. 3( b )  is arranged on the inspection table  20  such that one of the alignment marks  39  on the roll sheet  31  aligns with the alignment mark  29  on the inspection table  20 . Then, the weight  11  is lowered into contact with the sensor electrode layer  33  (thereby applying a prescribed pressure to the sensor sheet  30 ). In this way, the sensor electrode layer  33  faces the first inspection electrode layer  22  and is separated therefrom by a dielectric material (the first dielectric layer  27  as well as the roll sheet  31 ). This arrangement causes capacitance (electrical capacitance) to form between inspection electrodes  4  and the Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y.  Next, the probe Pb connected to the controller  3  is brought into contact with the terminal T 3 . 
         [0058]    As illustrated in  FIG. 19 , when inspecting the sensor sheet  30  illustrated in  FIG. 3( a ) , the inspection table  20  is rotated by 90° such that the inspection electrodes  4  of the first inspection electrode layer  22  run in the Y-direction, and then the weight  11  is lowered into contact with the sensor electrode layer  32  (thereby applying a prescribed pressure to the sensor sheet  30 ). In this way, the sensor electrode layer  32  faces the first inspection electrode layer  22  and is separated therefrom by a dielectric material (the first dielectric layer  27  and the roll sheet  31 ). This arrangement causes capacitance (electrical capacitance) to form between the X-direction sensor electrodes  5   x  of the sensor electrode layer  32  (see  FIG. 3( a ) ) and the inspection electrodes  4  that have been rotated to be parallel to the Y-direction. Next, the probe Pb connected to the controller  3  is brought into contact with the terminal T 3 . 
         [0059]    In  FIG. 18 , the sensor electrode layer  33  is formed on the top surface of the roll sheet  31 . However, if as illustrated in  FIG. 20( a ) , the sensor electrode layer  33  is formed on the bottom surface of the roll sheet  31 , the inspection may be performed as illustrated in  FIG. 20( b ) . 
         [0060]    Moreover, if as illustrated in  FIG. 21( a ) , the sensor electrode layer  32  (which includes the X-direction sensor electrodes  5   x ) is formed on the top surface of the roll sheet  31  and the sensor electrode layer  33  (which includes the Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y ) is formed on the bottom surface of the roll sheet  31 , the inspection may be performed as illustrated in  FIGS. 21( b ) and 21( c ) . In other words, as illustrated in  FIG. 21( b ) , when inspecting the sensor electrode layer  32 , the probe Pb connected to the controller  3  is brought into contact with the terminal T 2 . Moreover, as illustrated in  FIG. 21( c ) , when inspecting the sensor electrode layer  33 , the inspection table  20  is rotated by 90° such that the inspection electrodes  4  of the first inspection electrode layer  22  run in the Y-direction, and then the probe Pb connected to the controller  3  is brought into contact with the terminal T 3 . 
       Embodiment 3 
       [0061]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , an inspection device  10  includes an inspection table  20 , a weight  11 , a support  19 , and a controller  3 . The weight  11  includes a dielectric plate  14 , a first inspection electrode layer  12  made from a plurality of X-direction inspection electrodes  4   x  that run in the X-direction, a second inspection electrode layer  13  made from a plurality of Y-direction inspection electrodes  4   y  that run in the Y-direction, a first dielectric layer  17 , and a second dielectric layer  18 . The weight  11  is arranged above the inspection table  20 , supported by the support  19 . The weight  11  can be moved in the vertical direction. 
         [0062]    On the weight  11 , the first inspection electrode layer  12  is formed in contact with the dielectric plate  14 . The first dielectric layer  17  is formed in contact with the first inspection electrode layer  12 . The second inspection electrode layer  13  is formed on top of the first dielectric layer  17 . The second dielectric layer  18  is formed in contact with the second inspection electrode layer  13 . The first inspection electrode layer  12  and the second inspection electrode layer  13  are connected via switches (not illustrated in the figure) to the controller  3 , and a probe Pb is connected to the controller  3 . Furthermore, an alignment mark  29  is formed on the inspection table  20 . 
         [0063]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 22 and 23 , during inspection, the sensor sheet  30  illustrated in  FIG. 3( b )  is arranged on the inspection table  20  such that one of the alignment marks  39  on the roll sheet  31  aligns with the alignment mark  29  on the inspection table  20 . Then, the weight  11  is lowered into contact with the sensor electrode layer  33  (thereby applying a prescribed pressure to the sensor sheet  30 ). In this way, the sensor electrode layer  33  faces the first inspection electrode layer  12  and is separated therefrom by a dielectric material (the first and second dielectric layers  17  and  18 ). This arrangement causes capacitance (electrical capacitance) to form between the X-direction inspection electrodes  4   x  and the Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y . Next, the switch between the first inspection electrode layer  12  and the controller  3  is turned ON (and the switch between the second inspection electrode layer  13  and the controller  3  is turned OFF). Moreover, a probe Pb connected to the controller  3  is formed on the bottom surface of the weight  11  such that the probe Pb can be brought into contact with the terminal T 3  simply by lowering the weight  11 . 
         [0064]    As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , in the controller  3  the driver  6  receives instructions from the processor  8  and drives the sensor electrode layer  33 . The amp  7  amplifies detection signals from the first inspection electrode layer  22  and sends those signals to the processor  8 . The processor  8  processes the amplified detection signals and outputs an inspection result to the display unit  2 . 
         [0065]    In  FIG. 23 , the sensor electrode layer  33  is formed on the top surface of the roll sheet  31 . However, if as illustrated in  FIG. 24( a ) , the sensor electrode layer  33  is formed on the bottom surface of the roll sheet  31 , the inspection may be performed as illustrated in  FIG. 24( b ) . 
         [0066]    Moreover, if as illustrated in  FIG. 25( a ) , the sensor electrode layer  32  (which includes the X-direction sensor electrodes  5   x ) is formed on the top surface of the roll sheet  31  and the sensor electrode layer  33  (which includes the Y-direction sensor electrodes  5   y ) is formed on the bottom surface of the roll sheet  31 , the inspection may be performed as illustrated in  FIGS. 25( b ) and 25( c ) . In other words, when inspecting the sensor electrode layer  32 , as illustrated in  FIG. 25( b ) , the switch between the second inspection electrode layer  13  and the controller  3  is turned ON (and the switch between the first inspection electrode layer  12  and the controller  3  is turned OFF), and the probe Pb connected to the controller  3  is brought into contact with the terminal T 2 . Then, when inspecting the sensor electrode layer  33 , as illustrated in  FIG. 25( c ) , the switch between the first inspection electrode layer  12  and the controller  3  is turned ON (and the switch between the second inspection electrode layer  13  and the controller  3  is turned OFF), and the probe Pb connected to the controller  3  is brought into contact with the terminal T 3 . 
         [0067]    In  FIG. 22 , the weight  11  includes the first and second inspection electrode layers  12  and  13 . However, the inspection device  10  is not limited to this configuration. As illustrated in  FIG. 26 , the weight  11  may include only the first inspection electrode layer  12 . Moreover, as illustrated in  FIG. 27 , when the weight  11  includes only the first inspection electrode layer  12 , the weight  11  may be rotatably supported by a rotating support  19 . 
         [0068]    Furthermore, if the sensor sheet is large, as illustrated in  FIG. 28 , a first weight  11   a  and a second weight  11   b  may be arranged facing one another above the inspection table  20 , and the first and second weights  11   a  and  11   b  may each include first and second inspection electrode layers  12  and  13  as well as a controller  3  connected thereto. 
         [0069]    The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Any appropriate modifications of the embodiments described above made based on common technical knowledge as well as any combinations thereof are included in embodiments of the present invention. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0070]    The present invention provides an inspection device for inspecting a sensor electrode layer including a plurality of elongated sensor electrodes running in a direction that intersects with a first direction, including: a first inspection electrode layer including a plurality of inspection electrodes that run in the first direction; and a controller that sends drive signals to one of the first inspection electrode layer and the sensor electrode layer arranged facing the first electrode layer and that receives detection signals from an other of the first inspection electrode layer and the sensor electrode layer in order to detect a state of the sensor electrode layer. 
         [0071]    The present inspection device may be configured such that the controller detects the state of the sensor electrode layer on the basis of a difference between sensor signals from two adjacent sensor electrodes when the controller drives the first inspection electrode layer or on the basis of a difference between sensor signals from two adjacent inspection electrodes when the controller drives the sensor electrode layer. 
         [0072]    The present inspection device may further include: an inspection table on which an item to be inspected that includes the sensor electrode layer is arranged; and a weight that applies pressure to the item to be inspected on the inspection table, wherein the first inspection electrode layer is formed on the inspection table or in the weight. 
         [0073]    The present inspection device may be configured such that the weight includes a bottom surface that faces the inspection table and this bottom surface is formed using a dielectric material. 
         [0074]    The present inspection device may be configured such that the bottom surface is larger than a region of the first inspection electrode layer in which the inspection electrodes are formed. 
         [0075]    The present inspection device may further include: a second inspection electrode layer including a plurality of inspection electrodes running in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction, wherein the controller can be connected to the second inspection electrode layer. 
         [0076]    The present inspection device may be configured such that the inspection table or the weight in which the first inspection electrode layer is formed is rotatable. 
         [0077]    In the present inspection device, an alignment mark may be formed on the inspection table. 
         [0078]    In the present inspection device, a terminal for connecting the controller to the sensor electrode layer may be formed in the inspection table or in the weight. 
       INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
       [0079]    The present invention may be applied to inspection of touch sensors. 
       DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS 
       [0080]      3  controller 
         [0081]      4   x  (X-direction) inspection electrode 
         [0082]      5   y  (Y-direction) sensor electrode 
         [0083]      10  inspection device 
         [0084]      11  weight 
         [0085]      20  inspection table 
         [0086]      12 ,  22  first inspection electrode layer 
         [0087]      13 ,  23  second inspection electrode layer 
         [0088]      30  sensor sheet (item to be inspected) 
         [0089]      32 ,  33  sensor electrode layer

Technology Category: g