Apparatus and method for inspecting liquid crystal display

A liquid crystal display (LCD) inspection apparatus comprising:

• an inspector that photographs images of various patterns displayed on an LCD panel;
• an image processor that receives the images photographed by the inspector, extracts defect information from the received images, and converts the extracted defect information to corresponding data;
• a pattern generator that receives the data from the image processor, sorts the received data, and displays the sorted data;
• a first illumination unit that is arranged between the first polarizing plate and the worktable, and is adapted to irradiate illumination light from the periphery of the LCD panel at a position forwardly spaced apart from the LCD panel toward a front surface of the LCD panel;
• and
• a second illumination unit that is arranged between the second polarizing plate and the worktable, and is adapted to irradiate illumination light from the periphery of the LCD panel at a position rearwardly spaced apart from the LCD panel toward a back surface of the LCD panel, wherein a foreign matter identification step for photographing an image of the LCD panel is accomplished in a state in which illumination light is irradiated to a front surface and/or a rear surface of the LCD panel using the first and second illumination units under a condition in which light emitted from a backlight unit toward the LCD panel is shut off,
• wherein the image processor deletes extract information about coordinates of foreign matter from the image photographed at the foreign matter identification step when extracting defect information, thereby extracting defect information alone.