Abstract: A display matrix substrate capable of minimizing an adverse effect of a defective switching element developed in the display matrix substrate. On a substrate 10 plural pixel electrodes 2A, 2B are formed in a matrix form. Switching elements 1A, 1B are provided corresponding to the respective plural pixel electrodes 2A, 2B. Voltage is applied to the pixel electrodes 2A, 2B to display an image on the display matrix substrate by successively operating the switching elements. Defective switching element 1A among the plural switching elements is preliminarily detected in a production process. A pixel electrode 2A of the defective switching element 1A is electrically connected to a pixel electrode 2B of a normal switching element 1B adjacent to the defective switching element 1A.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing a computer screen layout provides a plurality of physically manipulable pieces each representing one of a plurality of computer screen objects. The pieces are removably secured to a surface representing a computer screen. The pieces are arranged on the surface to provide a proposed computer screen layout. The pieces may then be moved on the surface, added to the surface, or removed from the surface to provide a revised computer screen layout. The revised computer screen layout is then recreated in the computer program under development.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for testing the video subsystem of a PC in a manufacturing environment. Hsync and Vsync signals from a VGA connector of the PC are input to first and second trigger inputs, respectively, of a monostable multivibrator (“MM”) of the test device to drive respective outputs thereof. In particular, the presence of Hsync at the first trigger input triggers the MM to output a positive pulse at a first output thereof; similarly, the presence of Vsync at the second trigger input triggers the MM to output a positive pulse at a second output thereof. Each of the first and second outputs is used to drive an LED, such that the presence of Hsync and/or Vsync results in the illumination of a corresponding LED.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for detecting defects in a display. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a camera for capturing an image of a display being inspected and processing circuitry, such as, for example, a microprocessor or a digital signal processor (DSP), for processing the captured image to determine whether or not the display being inspected is defective. Preferably, the processing circuitry is a microprocessor running image processing software which controls data acquisition as well as the processing of the acquired data to determine whether the display being inspected is defective. In accordance with the present invention, a relatively high resolution display can be inspected using a single camera, preferably a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, which has a lower resolution than the display being inspected. The camera is focused on the display such that the entire display is within the field of view of the camera.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a visual display under test. A translational stage moves an optical instrument relative to the display in at least one of three generally orthogonal directions. The optical instrument is mounted on the translational stage and measures an electro-optical characteristic within a defined region of interest on the display. The display is mounted on a rotational stage for rotating the display about at least one of two generally orthogonal axes. A controller controls the translational and rotational stages to position the optical instrument at a desired position relative to the display and to position the display at a desired viewing angle relative to the optical instrument. The position of the optical instrument relative to the display is adjusted to maintain the optical axis of the instrument approximately centered within the defined region of interest on the display when the display is rotated.

Abstract: A display system for displaying a visual image in response to a video signal (10,34), comprising; a liquid crystal display panel (1) divided into a plurality of addressable, variable brightness sections (5); address circuit (6) for generating a section address corresponding to a section in response to a timing signal (11); driver circuit (7,8) for varying the brightness of the section in response to a brightness signal (14,15) derived from the video signal (10,34); characterised in that the display system further comprises: a memory (36) for storing a predetermined correction signal (35) corresponding to the section; and control circuit (31) coupled to the driver circuit (7,8) for varying the brightness signal (14,15) to reduce brightness non-uniformities in the displayed image in response to the video signal (34) and the correction signal (35) in combination.

Abstract: A method for locating blobs in an image, includes the steps of: forming a blob reference mask from the image, the blob reference mask including a portion indicating a portion of the image containing a first blob, if any, and forming a reference image from the image, the reference image corresponding to the image. The method also includes the steps of forming a modified image from the image by replacing the portion of the image containing the first blob, if any, with a portion of the reference image corresponding to the portion of the image, and locating a second blob in the image in response to the modified image.

Abstract: A game machine display testing apparatus reduces man-hours required to test a newly developed or altered game machine display to a great extent. A library (14) generates commands as transmission data to be transmitted to a game machine display 200. The transmission data is displayed on a table provided on a transmission data display unit 38 so that required data can be selected. The selected data is transmitted to the game machine display 200. An image formation CPU emulation unit 16 executes an image formation program that is held in an image formation program holder 17. The image formation program extracts required data from the image data that is held in an image data holding unit 18 and uses the extracted image data so as to compose images that correspond to the generated transmission data. The image formation program then displays the composed images onto a screen 12 of the game machine display testing apparatus that is emulating the game machine display, and extracts image data from the screen 12.

Abstract: To facilitate determination of a black point on a display unit, a reference brightness region and a comparison brightness region are displayed on the display unit. The former emits at a reference brightness that is used as a reference for determining the black point. The reference brightness is set by inputting a predetermined input value to the display unit. The brightness on the comparison brightness region is compared with the reference brightness. The comparison brightness is changed by increasing and decreasing the input value to the display unit to obtain a critical input value representing the input value wherein an operator can first distinguish the comparison brightness region from the reference brightness region. The two regions are arranged so that the comparison brightness region which is, for example, a star mark is completely surrounded by the reference brightness region, or vice versa.

Abstract: A status displaying device includes a plurality of modules each having a plurality of channels to display system status. The status displaying device comprises a plurality of LEDs corresponding to the number of the channels so as to display the system status by changing colors of the LEDs according to the module states.

Abstract: An LCD panel test system for measuring voltages in the pixels of LCD with high signal to noise (S/N) ratio. The LCD test system includes a sweep timing generator for generating clock signals and control signals for driving pixels in an LCD panel, a driver for generating a reference voltage to be supplied to the pixels in the LCD, a current-voltage (IV) conversion circuit for receiving a signal from the pixels to convert the same to a corresponding voltage signal, a sample and hold circuit for sampling the voltage signal from the IV conversion circuit and temporarily holding the sampled voltage, an A/D converter for converting the sampled voltage to a digital signal, and an image processor for processing the digital signal from the A/D converter to detect defective pixels in the LCD panel based on relative levels of the output signals from the video terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling at least one transmission line in a liquid crystal display includes at least one transmission gate. The liquid crystal display includes a plurality of pixels, and each pixel includes a thin film transistor. At least one thin film transistor is connected to the transmission line. The transmission gate has first and second gates, an input and an output. The input is connected to the transmission line. The transmission gate transmits when one of a first voltage of said first gate is greater than a voltage of said input and a second voltage of said second gate is less than said voltage of said input. A first external terminal is connected to the first gate, a second external terminal is connected to the second gate, and a common external terminal is connected to the output of the transmission gate.

Abstract: A display screen inspection method according to the present invention takes a display screen of a display device as an inspection subject and makes decisions on defects of the display screen. The method includes performing a separation between display operating portions and display non-operating portions of the inspection subject present in a gray image from image data of individual pixels of the gray image obtained by picking up an image of the inspection subject, selectively extracting image data of only proper display operating portions and compressing the image data to be inspected for defects, and inspecting the selectively extracted image data for any defects.

Abstract: A current measuring circuit for a field emission display includes a testing circuit coupled between a high voltage testing source and the display. The testing circuit includes a sampling circuit formed from a sampling impedance coupled in parallel with a high isolation switch. In one embodiment, the sample circuit is on the high voltage side of the testing source. In another embodiment, the sampling circuit is on the return (low voltage) side of the testing source. In normal operation, the switch is closed to provide the testing voltage directly to the display. During testing, the switch is open so that current flows through the sampling impedance. A sensing circuit coupled to the output of the sampling impedance determines a voltage change in response to opening of the switch. In response to a sensed voltage change, a microprocessor-based controller computes the current drawn by the display.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel inspection device capable of reducing a manufacturing cost and significantly reducing intervals or pitches between connection wires and a method for manufacturing the same. The device includes a panel holder formed with a mounting hole in which a liquid crystal display panel is mounted and electrodes arranged around the mounting hole on one surface of the panel holder. Also, it includes connection wires of a dog-legged shape each connected at one end thereof to one of the electrodes of the panel holder and arranged so as to extend into the mounting hole. The connection wires are each formed at the other end thereof with a terminal, which is rendered abuttable against one of the electrodes of the liquid crystal display panel. The panel holder is mounted on the other surface thereof with a holding plate for selectively closing the mounting hole.

Abstract: A method of correcting the light amount irregularities for a photographic printer in which an image displayed on a two-dimensional display unit is exposed by transmitting or reflecting the light from a light source through or from the two-dimensional display unit is disclosed. An LED light source is turned on with a predetermined driving voltage applied to all the pixels of a liquid crystal panel. The image on the liquid crystal panel is exposed for a predetermined length of time by the light transmitted through the liquid crystal panel and developed thereby to produce a photographic print. The density at a point corresponding to each pixel of the liquid crystal panel is measured. The light transmittance correction amount for each pixel of the liquid crystal panel is determined in such a manner that the density measured at each point conforms to a predetermined reference density (a minimum value of density measurement, for example).

Abstract: A liquid crystal display including a driving circuit is provided. The LCD in which one gate line is driven by both left and right gate drivers includes a couple of switching means which are placed between the gate driver and gate line, the couple of switching means being activated and deactivated by switching control signals to switch the output of the gate driver. When one of the gate drivers does not operate, the output of the gate driver having the operational problem is prevented from being applied to the gate lines, by a switching operation. Therefore, even when only one of gate drivers operates, the display panel can function properly, thereby preventing the lowering of picture quality and improving product yield.

Abstract: In a display device having a nonvolatile memory device, such as an active matrix type liquid crystal display device, display contents displayed on the display device are obtained by a camera device. The obtained information (corresponding to the display contents) is digital-converted and then processed to detect a defect and a nonuniformity on the display device, so that correction information is produced. The correction information is stored in the nonvolatile memory device of the display device. Display information to be displayed on the display device is processed using the stored correction information, so that display contents are corrected and a defect and a nonuniformity on the display contents are inconspicuous.

Abstract: An array substrate of an LCD device includes a glass substrate, an n.times.m number of pixel electrodes arrayed in a matrix form on the glass substrate, an n-number of scanning lines formed along rows of the pixel electrodes on the glass substrate, an m-number of signal lines formed along columns of the pixel electrodes on the glass substrate, switching elements formed on the glass substrate and located adjacent to intersections of the scanning lines and signal lines, each switching element supplying a video signal from the signal line to the pixel electrode in response to a scanning signal supplied from the scanning line, and a test supporting circuit for sensing potentials of the scanning lines.

Abstract: An improved testing system and method for testing a flat-panel display is disclosed herein. A display is positioned under a high resolution camera for detection of, for example, brightness uniformity across the display. Errors in the detected image due to aliasing are avoided in the present invention by incrementally shifting the displayed image relative to the camera and detecting the displayed image at various shifted positions. A resulting accurate display can then be reconstructed by identifying those detector pixels generating a maximum signal. A single image may then be reconstructed using only those detected maximum pixel signals. The reconstructed image will be free of aliasing. The reconstructed image may then be analyzed electronically, and any anomalies in the pixels forming the display panel can then be accurately detected.

Abstract: An active matrix panel including a matrix of driving electrodes couples through thin film transistor switches to a corresponding source line and gate line and at least one of a driver circuit including complementary thin film transistors for driving the source and/or gate lines of the picture elements on the substrate. The thin film transistors of the active matrix have the same cross-sectional structure as the P-type or the N-type thin film transistors forming the driver circuit and are formed during the same patterning process.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a substrate having a plurality of output pixels using an image sensing device having a plurality of input pixels includes the steps of capturing an input image of a plurality of groups of output pixels with a plurality of groups of input pixels, each group of input pixels capturing a group of output pixels, each input pixel in a group of input pixels having a position, inhibiting modulation contributions from input pixels in the input image, forming a plurality of images from the plurality of groups of input pixels in the input image, each image including input pixels from a similar position in each group of input pixels, detecting defects in each of the plurality of images, and determining defects in sub-pixels of the substrate in response to the defects detected in each of the plurality of images.

Abstract: A method of electrically testing pixel functionality is provided comprising releasably disposing a wafer in a socket. The wafer has at least one baseplate comprised of cathode emitters arranged in pixels. The socket has pads. The socket pads are contacted with test pins, and each of the pixels is addressed individually, thereby causing the cathode emitters to emit electrons in a current. The current is collected from each of the pixels on an anode screen. Alternatively, the anode card may have pins, and these pins contact pads on the baseplate. The baseplate, or substrate with baseplates, does not require a socket with pins.

Abstract: A monitoring apparatus for a power plant including a plurality of direct current sources, includes a unit for displaying a predetermined number of symbols representing the direct current sources, and a unit for changing a displayed form of a corresponding symbol when at least one physical quantity of the states of the direct current sources changes.

Abstract: A touch screen display having a display surface composed of a touch screen, on which screens can be selectively displayed by touching the touch screen in an interactive manner. The touch screen display does not take time in executing a program and ensures high display response performance. A location specified by a touch on the display surface of a plasma display is detected in a touch detecting circuit by detecting a mesh number which is allocated to each of mesh regions into which the whole display surface is divided by a virtual mesh. By a switch filter, when the detected mesh number corresponds to other locations than those of control instruction indicia each displayed in the form of an operation button on the screen displayed on the display surface, the mesh number is invalidated. On the other hand, when the mesh number corresponds to the location of any one of the control instruction indicia, the mesh number is validated.

Abstract: A method of correcting the light amount irregularities for a photographic printer in which an image displayed on a two-dimensional display unit is exposed by transmitting or reflecting the light from a light source through or from the two-dimensional display unit is disclosed. An LED light source is turned on with a predetermined driving voltage applied to all the pixels of a liquid crystal panel. The image on the liquid crystal panel is exposed for a predetermined length of time by the light transmitted through the liquid crystal panel and developed thereby to produce a photographic print. The density at a point corresponding to each pixel of the liquid crystal panel is measured. The light transmittance correction amount for each pixel of the liquid crystal panel is determined in such a manner that the density measured at each point conforms to a predetermined reference density (a minimum value of density measurement, for example).

Abstract: An apparatus for inputting data into a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in an automatic alignment monitor test system. The digital-to-analog converter is built into a microcontroller of the automatic alignment monitor test system. The apparatus is provided to input data into the DAC provided by an auto-alignment adapter of the automatic alignment monitor test system. A serial-to-parallel interface receives a data access request issued by the auto-alignment adapter. The serial-to-parallel interface converts a multiple of data bits sequentially into a parallel form of data for conversion by the digital-to-analog converter into analog signal. The serial-to-parallel interface has a logic decoder for selecting one of a number of digital-to-analog converter outputs for outputting the converted analog signal to the monitor under test.

Abstract: A flat panel display device having formed on a drive substrate, a logic circuit for combining a first inspection-use output of a horizontal scanning circuit and a second inspection-use output of a vertical scanning circuit and a combined inspection-use output terminal for outputting the combined inspection-use output obtained through the logic circuit. Another flat panel display device of the present invention has switch circuits for using a first input terminal of the horizontal scanning circuit as an inspection-use output terminal of the vertical scanning circuit and using a second input terminal of the vertical scanning circuit as an inspection-use output terminal of the horizontal scanning circuit.

Abstract: A system and method of characterizing the colors displayed on a display device and calibrating the display device is disclosed. A series of images are displayed to the user, and the user selects portions of the image that match other portions, that match characteristics of a matching card juxtaposed to the display device or that meet other criteria.

Abstract: A display control apparatus and method initializes the display when the power is switched off. The display control apparatus includes a storing unit which corresponds to a display panel and stores display data, a display control unit for achieving an image on the display panel in accordance with the data stored in the storing unit, a detecting unit for detecting disconnection of a power source, and an initializing unit for initializing the storing unit when the detecting unit has determined that the power source is disconnected. The display control method performs display by using information stored in a memory corresponding to the display panel. The method is carried out by detecting a request for power disconnection, writing initialization data into the memory, achieving an image on the display panel by using the initialization data written in the memory, and disconnecting the power.

Abstract: Provided is a checking apparatus for array electrode substrate, which can check an array electrode substrate in non-contact and at high speed. A probe assembly includes a plurality of electro-optic probes arranged in the staggered relation. Since this arrangement uses a plurality of (for example, eight, sixteen, twenty, forty, etc.) small electro-optic probes, it becomes equivalent to an arrangement of an elongate electro-optic probe, thereby enabling simultaneous measurement of potentials of numerous unit electrodes. Namely, because a measurement light beam is incident into each electro-optic probe and each reflection-return light is detected by a photodector, potentials of unit electrodes in a number corresponding to the number of electro-optic probes can be simultaneously measured.

Abstract: A redundant row select driver circuit system is provided for enhancing manufacturing yield and reducing manufacturing costs in the liquid crystal data displays. In particular, a row select driver circuit is provided with redundant subcircuits that can effectively replace any damaged subcircuit within the row select driver circuit. In addition, there is disclosed a capacitance compensating scheme to adjust the gray scale level in a damaged row select line with a break inside the display area. And finally, an enhanced diagnostic scheme is disclosed for testing of each row select driver subcircuits in a active matrix display having row select driver circuits connected to each end of row select lines.

Abstract: An active matrix substrate including an external signal supplying circuit for externally supplying the video signals to the data lines. The external signal supplying circuit includes a data line connection section connected to the data lines; an inspection signal inputting section and an inspection signal outputting section both connected to the data line connection section; and a switching device for electrically connecting the inspection signal inputting section or the inspection signal outputting section to the data line connection section.

Abstract: An apparatus for calibrating color settings of a computer monitor to cause a proofed image, i.e., a prepress image, to essentially match a printed image on a particular medium, allowing the aesthetic quality of the image to be adjusted prior to printing, thus saving time and money. Embodiments of the present invention comprise a first set of separate red, green and blue monitor sensors (RGB) coupled to the computer monitor to sense a reference image and a second set of RGB ambient sensors facing upwards to sense ambient illumination. A set of RGB digital displays indicate numerical values representative of the computer monitor illumination as read by the monitor sensors and adjusted by the ambient sensors. A predefined table is used to reference the indicated values for particular medium and these values are used to adjust gamma values on the red green and blue color guns of the computer monitor.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a display. The system includes a processor programmed to control (and optionally also calibrate) a display in response to user selection of displayed virtual controls. Preferred embodiments of the system includes circuitry within the display device which operates under control of software in response to user-entered commands for adjustment of parameters of the display device.

Abstract: A system for adjusting signals to a CRT in a video monitor utilizes an interactive display having shapes that appear rectangular on a properly adjusted monitor and dragging handles associated with the shapes. Control routines executed on a host computer associate pointer position and movement in dragging the handles with creation of signals to be sent to the monitor to correct signals to the CRT to produce a properly sized, positioned, and shaped display. In one embodiment, digital values are placed in serial packets on a VSYNC line from the host to the video monitor, and a microcontroller in the monitor receives the digital values and drives circuitry in the monitor according to the received commands and data to adjust the signals to the CRT to correct the display.

Abstract: A man machine controller (MMC) unit is connected to a computer numerical control apparatus and controls a servoamplifier or a machine such as a machine tool, a robot, or a plastic mold injection machine. The MMC permits easy upgrading, changing, and the like of display functions. The MMC includes a control circuit board for controlling the MMC unit in accordance with a command supplied from the computer numerical control apparatus. The control circuit board is equipped with a socket to which a personal computer function card is detachably connected. The personal computer function card has a processor which controls images to be displayed on a display such as an LCD. The MMC also inputs data for processing by a main processor. The main processor controls the servoamplifier or the machine in response to the input data.

Abstract: Signal management control units 47.sub.1 -47.sub.n of respective scan drivers LSI in an LCD module are cascade-connected and each have the same construction. A detected signal of the signal management control unit 47I is a data signal latch clock LP applied to a terminal CKB.sub.1. A detected signal of the signal management control unit 47.sub.2 is a frame start signal SP applied to a terminal CKB.sub.2. A detected signal of the signal management control unit 47n is an AC-transforming clock FR applied to a terminal CKBn. The signal management control unit 47.sub.1 includes a signal stop detection circuit 48 serving as a signal detection means for detecting a stop of the detected signal and a sequence processing circuit 51 consisting of a signal delay circuit 49 and a logic circuit 50. When stopping oscillations of, e.g., the frame start signal SP, outputs T.sub.1 -T.sub.n of the circuit 51 change to an L level. Hence, a display-off signal DF of the LCD module assumes the L level.

Abstract: A method and system for formatting characteristic CRT information into a standardized format to provide a dynamic CRT characteristic profile to enhance presently used methods of recalibrating CRTs is disclosed. Present CRT parameters are measured and combined with previously acquired calibration parameters in order to create updated characteristic information for the profile. The characteristic information includes the CRT color gamut, the white and black point of the CRT and the gamma of the CRT. In addition, ambient lighting conditions may be included in the profile. This characteristic information is stored in a CRT characterization profile in a standardized format. The profile is updated whenever the CRT is recalibrated or whenever the operating conditions of the CRT are changed. Further, the profile may be employed to recalibrate a destination CRT based on a source CRT's profile.

Abstract: A system and method for testing and evaluating a display device and its associated display drive circuitry through computer generated graphic test patterns which are dynamically alterable. The system comprises a display device for displaying the test patterns, a computer for generating the test patterns which typically are dynamically alterable and a communication line for coupling the computer and the display device together so that the computer can transmit information forming the test patterns to the display device. The test patterns are monitored visually to detect video artifacts. Alternatively, monitoring may be performed by measuring devices such as signal analyzing devices or optical testing devices.The method for evaluating and detecting video artifacts of a display device and its associated display drive circuitry is performed through at least three steps.

Abstract: A display unit includes a central processing unit (CPU) for outputting display data, a frame buffer having first and second ports and temporarily storing the display data received from the CPU via the first port, a display device having a display screen for displaying the display data read from the frame buffer means and received via the second port and having a display controller for generating and outputting image generating signals, a first control register for storing the display data output from the CPU and having a specific address, a second control register for reading the display data from the frame buffer and storing the display data in response to a register set signal, where the second control register supplies the display data stored therein to the CPU, and a comparator circuit for comparing the image generating signals output from the display controller and the display data stored in the first control register and for supplying the register set signal to the second control register when the image

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a display. The system includes a processor programmed to control (and optionally also calibrate) a display in response to user selection of displayed virtual controls. Preferred embodiments of the system includes circuitry within the display device which operates under control of software in response to user-entered commands for adjustment of parameters of the display device.

Abstract: A matrix wiring substrate is provided which can perform an electrostatic countermeasure until drive circuits are connected to a matrix wiring substrate, whereby the circuit wiring can be inspected at an earlier stage. The matrix wiring substrate, where circuit wiring is formed over a substrate, includes a guard ring formed around the circuit wiring and connected to the circuit wiring, and separable portions arranged between the circuit wiring and the guard ring for controlling the conduction between the circuit wiring and the guard ring. Since the circuit wiring is conducted with the guard ring by effecting externally the separable portion, lines of the circuit wiring are short-circuited electrically. No potential difference between the wires causes any electric discharge, thus resulting in increased manufacturing yield.

Abstract: Methods for calibrating a display device, for instance, a computer monitor, that transduces digital inputs to regions of perceived color. The brightness control is calibrated by (1) supplying to the display device digital inputs that produce a black area and an adjacent dark gray area; (2) adjusting the brightness control of the display so that the black area and the gray area are distinguishable; and (3) slowly reducing the brightness control to the point that the black area and the gray area are indistinguishable.

Abstract: A zigzag scanning address generator includes a row address generator for generating a row address signal which stops, increases or decreases a present state in response to an enabling signal, and a column address generator for generating a column address signal which stops, increases or decreases a present state in response to the enabling signal. Therefore, the zigzag scanning address generator can generate zigzag scanning addresses according to a zigzag scanning method, simplifying the circuit configuration needed for generating the address signals corresponding to the zigzag scanning pattern.

Abstract: A computer comprising a main body, a connector having pins for connecting an external display to the main body, a register for storing data representing a first status or a second status in accordance with the voltage of specified ones of the pins of said connector means, and a display controller for controlling the external display. The computer further comprises a data-reading section for repeatedly reading the data stored in the register and counting the number of times the data representing the first status is read from said register means, and detecting section for determining that the external display is connected to the connector when the number of times the data representing the first status is read from the register reaches a prescribed value.

Abstract: LCD panels are inspected in-process to measure pixel decay, turn-on time and parasitic capacitance and/or identify pixel defects and line defects. Prior to final assembly, panels identified as having sufficiently few repairable defects are repaired. Line defects may be repaired. Further pixel defects may be repaired when redundant structures are included by splicing out the defective TFT or storage capacitor and splicing in a redundant, built-in TFT or storage capacitor. The inspection and repair systems are linked through a repair file. The inspection system identifies each defect by type and location and includes such information in the repair file. The repair system accesses such file and follows a prescribed repair method for a given type of defect at the location of such defect. The inspection system includes an automated non-contact voltage imaging system. The repair system includes lasers and means for repairing defects by adding metallization.

Abstract: A testing method for active matrix liquid crystal display substrates having thin film transistors provided with a plurality of pixel electrodes, a plurality of source lines, and a plurality of gate lines formed on a substrate. A high resolution electro-optical element whose optical properties change when an electrical field is impressed on it is disposed above the active matrix liquid crystal display substrate and separated therefrom by an extremely small gap. Electric current is caused to flow between the pixel electrodes on the active matrix liquid crystal display substrate and the transparent thin film electrodes on the surface of the electro-optical element, creating an electrical field in the electro-optical element. By detecting local changes in the optical properties of the electro-optical element, defects in the pixels of the active matrix liquid crystal display substrate can be detected.

Abstract: A character display in which failures are evident. Selected segments of a seven-segment LCD are activated by control signals supplied through selected fore plane and back plane traces. By coupling specific ones of the fore plane and back plane control signals to selected segments, any failure in the control signal or circuitry providing the signal to the segments of the display character becomes immediately evident to an operator when the character represented by the display is not one of a predefined set of characters.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a method of addressing a digital micromirror device (DMD) having an array of electromechanical pixels (20) comprising deflectable beams (30) wherein each of the pixels (20) assume one of two or more selected stable states according to a set of selective address voltages. A first step of the preferred method is electromechanically latching, by applying a bias voltage with an AC and a DC component to the array of pixels (20), each of the pixels (20) in one of the selected stable states. A second step is applying a new set of selective address voltages to all the pixels (20) in the array. A third step is electromechanically unlatching, by removing the bias voltage from the array, the pixels (20) from their previously addressed state. A fourth step is allowing the array of pixels (20) to assume a new state in accordance with the new set of selective address voltages.