Functional artificial nail apparatus and method

Abstract

A functional artificial nail having a terminal member located on a distal tip of the artificial nail for operable interaction with a touch screen. The terminal member may be a passive or active stylus for operably interacting with the touch screen. The artificial nail may also include an electronic display onto which desired images, colors, patterns, symbols, and other graphical elements may be downloaded for display on the user's nail. The processor may control the electronic display, the geo-location receiver, the microphone, the speaker, and the haptic device, allowing geo-location of the user, and allowing audio and mechanical vibrations to be output to the user. The artificial nails provide substantial improvements in inputting data through a touch screen compared to the use of stylus pens, reducing or eliminating harmful waste by reducing the use of nail polish and nail polish remover.

Description

International patent applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications and incorporation by reference This international patent application filed in the United States Receiving Office (USRO) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63,439,124, filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on January 15, 2023, entitled “FUNCTIONAL ARTIFICIAL FINGERNAIL APPARATUS AND METHOD,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] not applicable. Incorporation by reference of materials submitted on CD-ROM

[0003] not applicable. Background of the Invention

[0004] 1 Field of the invention The field of the invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for artificial nails. More specifically, in embodiments, the invention relates to artificial nails that allow all ten fingers of both hands to be used for typing; enable electronic display of decorative and other patterns on the nails so that the patterns can be changed electronically without the use of nail lacquer or nail polish; can include GPS or other geolocation tracking capabilities; provide protective structures for the nails to reduce the likelihood of splitting or tearing the nails; and other features and functions described herein. By using the artificial nails of the present invention, workflow is improved, particularly in the case of keyboard and touch screen data entry activities that require the use of fingers or nails to activate mechanical or electronic buttons or keyboard keys. The artificial nails of the present invention eliminate or significantly reduce nail maintenance costs and the use of environmentally harmful chemicals by eliminating the need for designer involvement and the use of nail lacquer and removers. 2. Background Technology In the background art, artificial nails are simple passive devices made of acrylic plastic and shaped to fit snugly onto the user's nail. They are typically attached to the outer surface of the user's natural nail using a chemical adhesive. Background art artificial nails must be replaced regularly, for example, once a month. They typically must be painted by hand or decorated with decals to meet the user's decorative needs. They are shaped to be decorative, particularly in relation to the length of the nail. At the same time, this shaping can prevent the user's fingers from being used to perform keyboard and touch screen data entry activities that require the use of fingers or nails to activate mechanical or electronic buttons or keyboard keys, because the nails themselves are not suitable for withstanding the impact of mechanical or electronic buttons or keyboard keys. This means that users must position their fingers awkwardly when typing, so that the tip of the artificial nail or the user's fingertip strikes the mechanical or electronic buttons or keyboard keys when typing, resulting in data entry errors and reduced data entry efficiency.

[0006] Furthermore, prior art artificial nails require repeated, regular replacement and maintenance, which means that users incur recurring costs. For example, prior art artificial nails may need to be replaced monthly or thereabouts, and the decorative coating typically needs to be replaced every two months or monthly because the coating may become chipped or cracked due to normal use, wear, and tear.

[0007] Furthermore, prior art nail polishes, nail polish removers, nail lacquers and other nail care products use chemicals and compounds that are harmful to the natural environment. Because maintenance of natural and artificial nails typically occurs on a regular basis, such as, for example, monthly or even more frequently, large amounts of these chemicals are washed into the natural environment, causing long-term damage to the ecosystem.

[0008] What is needed in the art is an apparatus and method that provides features for improving the use of mechanical or electronic buttons or keyboard keys, reducing or eliminating the need for periodic maintenance, replacement, and / or decoration, and increasing the resistance of artificial nails to splitting and other damage caused by normal use, wear, and tear. Additionally, what is needed in the art is an apparatus and method that allows for the decoration of fingernails and toenails without the use of environmentally damaging chemicals that are ultimately dumped into the natural environment, and that provides data interconnectivity with remote computing and electronic devices and is operable as a communication device and, in embodiments, as a biometric sensing and feedback device. Brief Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention includes apparatus and methods having one or more of the following features and / or steps, which alone or in any combination may comprise patentable subject matter.

[0010] In an embodiment, the present invention is an artificial nail that is shaped and suitable for attachment to a user's nail, the artificial nail comprising: a certain length; a concave inner surface for attachment to the user's nail or fingertip; in an embodiment, the length can extend from the apex of the user's cuticle to the distal tip of the artificial nail, the artificial nail also comprising an optional terminal member attached to the distal tip, the optional terminal member being disposed on the distal tip and extending beyond the distal tip in a direction away from the apex of the user's cuticle, so that when the user's finger types on a keyboard, key, touch screen or other data input device, the terminal member is the main contact point between the artificial nail and the keyboard, key, touch screen or other input device.

[0011] In embodiments, the artificial nail may comprise any combination of one or more of the following materials: acrylic, graphite, and rubber. The artificial nail may be, but is not necessarily, flexible to absorb shock when using the artificial nail to input data into a touch screen or keyboard and to extend the life of the artificial nail by increasing resistance to breakage and tearing, such as those experienced by conventional artificial nails or natural nails. In embodiments, the terminal tip may comprise one or more of the following materials: acrylic, graphite, and rubber.

[0012] In an embodiment, the terminal tip may include a stylus for interacting with the electronic touch screen, and the stylus may be a resistive stylus, a passive capacitive stylus, an echo stylus, or an active stylus.

[0013] In an embodiment, the artificial nail may include a finger sleeve adapted to be retained on the distal end of a user's finger in a compression fit, wherein the artificial nail is attached to the finger sleeve so that the artificial nail is positioned relative to the user's nail, wherein a wall of the finger sleeve is disposed between a concave inner surface of the artificial nail and an outer surface of the user's nail.

[0014] In an embodiment, the artificial nail may include an electronic display.

[0015] In an embodiment, the artificial nail may further include a processor, a non-transitory memory, and a wireless interface, wherein the processor is in communication with the electronic display, the memory, and the wireless interface, and the non-transitory memory may include non-transitory computer-readable and executable instructions for commanding the electronic display to emit light energy in a desired image, pattern, or color, or combination of images, patterns, or colors, as commanded by the processor.

[0016] In an embodiment, the artificial nail may further include a geo-location receiver, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver in communication with the processor, and the "non-transitory memory" may include non-transitory computer-readable and executable instructions that instruct the processor to read geo-location information from the geo-location receiver and store the geo-location information in the memory.

[0017] In an embodiment, the artificial nail may further include a microphone in communication with the processor, and the non-transitory memory may include non-transitory computer-readable and executable instructions that command the processor to receive audio signal information from the microphone and store the audio information in the memory.

[0018] In an embodiment, the artificial nail may further include a camera in communication with the processor, and the memory may include non-transitory computer-readable and executable instructions that command the processor to read photographic images and / or video signals and information from the camera and store the photographic images and / or signals and information in the memory.

[0019] In an embodiment, the artificial nail may further include a haptic device for outputting tactile (mechanical vibration) energy in communication with the processor, wherein the non-transitory memory may include non-transitory computer-readable and executable instructions commanding the processor to activate the haptic device to output mechanical vibration energy.

[0020] In an embodiment, the artificial nail may further include a speaker in communication with the processor, wherein the non-transitory memory may include non-transitory computer-readable and executable instructions commanding the processor to activate the speaker to output an audible audio signal.

[0021] In an embodiment, the artificial nail processor can be in data communication with a data network via a wireless interface, and the processor can be in data communication with a remote computing device, which is also in data communication with the data network, so that instructions for commanding the electronic display can be transmitted from the remote computing device to the processor for execution by the processor.

[0022] In an embodiment, the artificial nail processor may be in data communication with a remote computing device such as a smartphone via a wireless interface, such that instructions for commanding the electronic components of the present invention can be transmitted from the remote computing device to the processor for execution by the processor.

[0023] In embodiments, the artificial nails of the present invention may be intended for use by persons of either gender and may be configured for use on a user's fingernails, thumbnails, and / or toenails in any number or combination.

[0024] In an embodiment, a user can wear one or more artificial nails of the present invention on one or both hands, in any number, and on any or all of the user's nails. The multiple artificial nails of the present invention can wirelessly communicate with each other, and computer-readable and executable instructions stored in a computer-readable medium of the artificial nail or transmitted to the artificial nail can provide instructions for causing the processor of the artificial nail to scroll a text message or any graphic pattern or color on the artificial nail, to display any scrolling or static text message or any graphic pattern or color on the artificial nail worn by the user.

[0025] In an embodiment, the artificial nail may include an audio output element, such as a micro speaker 1009, which is adapted to generate an audio signal when commanded by the processor 1001 (see Figure 9 For example, a government alert message may be received by the wireless interface 1002 (see Figure 9 ) is received, and the wireless interface 1002 can be a radio frequency wireless transceiver. The processor then causes the government alert message to be output from the speaker 1009 in the form of an audio signal, which can be heard by the user or others nearby. One or more artificial nails can also be commanded by the processor 1001 to display a color, graphic, text, or other visual indicator that a government alert message has been issued.

[0026] In an embodiment, one or more electronic displays of one or more artificial nails may be commanded to emit white light or other colors of light to act as a flashlight or emergency light source.

[0027] In an embodiment, the artificial nail of the present invention can utilize microphone 1006 to capture and record conversations and upload the recorded conversations to a remote server or computer 3000 (see Figure 9 ).

[0028] In an embodiment, the artificial nail of the present invention can use the camera 1005 to record image or video information and upload the image or video information to a remote server or computer 3000 (see Figure 9 ).

[0029] In an embodiment, the artificial nail of the present invention can utilize a geolocation receiver 1004 (which can be, for example, a global positioning system or GPS receiver) to track the user's movements and upload the user's current and / or historical geolocation information to a remote server or computer 3000 via a data network interface 4000 (see Figure 9 ).

[0030] In an embodiment, the artificial nail of the present invention can be used to make a voice telephone call via a cellular telephone system or via an Internet Protocol (IP) system, receive voice audio from a user using a microphone 1006, transmit the voice audio to the cellular telephone system or data network via a wireless interface 1002, which can be a radio frequency wireless interface that communicates with the cellular telephone system or data network 4000, thereby transmitting the audio data to a third party, and also receive a voice audio signal from the third party via the wireless interface 1002 and output the received audio signal from a speaker 1009 so that the received audio signal can be heard and understood by the user, see Figure 9 .

[0031] In an embodiment, the artificial nail may include one or more biometric sensors, such as a pulse oximeter for measuring blood oxygen saturation level and / or pulse rate, an electrocardiogram (EKG) sensor for receiving electrocardiogram signals, and / or a blood pressure sensor for receiving blood pressure information, all of which are used to receive and capture biometric signals and information, each biometric sensor 1500 is in communication with a processor, and the memory may include non-transitory computer-executable instructions for commanding one or more biometric sensors to capture such biometric signal information and store such biometric signal information in the memory.

[0032] In embodiments, the artificial nails of the present invention may include more data sensing and reporting capabilities than even the most advanced wearable mobile devices and cell phones of the prior art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present invention. The accompanying drawings are only used to illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0034] The various features, elements, and inventive concepts and principles of the present invention described, illustrated, or claimed herein, in the drawings, and in the claims may be present in any order, number, or combination in various embodiments of the present invention. The relative proportions, sizes, and dimensions of the features shown in the drawings are illustrative in nature and should not be considered as limiting the embodiments of the present invention, i.e., the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0035] In the drawings, like item numbers refer to like features. In the drawings: Figure 1 A side view of an embodiment of the artificial nail of the present invention is depicted.

[0036] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the artificial nail of the present invention is depicted.

[0037] Figure 3 Depicted is a side view of an embodiment of an artificial nail of the present invention being moved onto a user's nail as part of the process of attaching to the user's nail.

[0038] Figure 4 A side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is depicted in which the artificial nail of the present invention is attached to a fingertip, providing a removable attachment of the artificial nail to a user's finger.

[0039] Figure 5 Depicted is a side view of an embodiment of the artificial nail 001 of the present invention, wherein the electronic display 200 and the base 100 are separate elements to be assembled together, shown being brought together before being attached together.

[0040] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the artificial nail 001 of the present invention is depicted wherein the electronic display 200 and the base 100 are separate elements to be assembled together, showing the electronic display 200 and the base 100 being brought together prior to being attached together.

[0041] Figure 7 A side view of an embodiment of the artificial nail 002 of the present invention is depicted, wherein the electronic display 200 and the base 100 are separate components to be assembled together, showing the electronic display 200 and the base 100 assembled together.

[0042] Figure 8 An embodiment 001 of the artificial nail of the present invention is depicted in which a base layer 100 is integrally manufactured with an electronic display 200 .

[0043] Figure 9 An exemplary embodiment of a block diagram of an electronic display 200 of the present invention is depicted, showing in schematic form the electrically connected features and elements of the electronic display 200 that enable the electronic display 200 to emit light energy from its outer surface 202 (or in an embodiment, 203 ).

[0044] Figure 10 A top view of an exemplary embodiment of the layers of the present invention is depicted, and the placement of the various electrical and electronic components comprising an embodiment of the artificial nail 001 is shown in schematic form.

[0045] Figure 11 A charging glove of the present invention is depicted that can be used to provide a charging current to one or more artificial nails 001 of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0046] The following description provides a detailed description of the present invention.

[0047] Although the detailed description provided in this application contains many details for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many variations and modifications to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Therefore, without losing the generality of the claimed invention and without imposing limitations on the claimed invention, the following preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth. Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than merely by the preferred examples or embodiments given.

[0048] As used herein, "artificial nails" and "artificial fingernails" include within their meaning any device that is temporarily, removably, or permanently attached to a user's finger for any reason, but generally to provide a decorative appearance to the nail. Artificial nails, which may also be referred to as false nails, pseudo nails, acrylic nails, nail extensions, or nail enhancements, are extensions placed on the nail as a fashion accessory. In embodiments, artificial nails may be adapted to mimic the appearance of natural nails as closely as possible, while other artificial nails may be adapted to provide an artistic appearance.

[0049] As used herein, a "battery" includes within its meaning any device or devices capable of storing an electrical charge having a voltage potential and suitable for transferring the voltage potential and stored energy to an electrical device or system. A battery may include any material or combination of materials known in the art or that may become known to be suitable for this purpose. In embodiments, a battery may include lithium, zinc bromide, an electrolyte in the form of a pure saline fluid, such as, for example, or any other material and structure that can be used to store an electrical charge. In embodiments, a "battery" includes within its meaning circuit components connected to a charge storage element for wireless magnetic induction charging of the charge storage element of the battery.

[0050] As used herein, "electronic display" includes within its meaning any electronic display capable of receiving an electrical signal comprising information defining a desired visual display output and, using the electrical signal comprising information defining the desired visual display output, visually displaying the desired visual display output as emitted light energy on a surface of the electronic display. For example, but not limited to, the electronic display may include, alone or in any combination, one or more liquid crystal display (LCD) displays, one or more displays comprising micro-light emitting diodes (LEDs and / or micro-LEDs), one or more displays comprising organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), thin film transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT displays), and / or displays comprising active matrix organic light emitting diodes (AMOLEDs). In embodiments, the electronic display may be flexible along any axis. In embodiments, the electronic display may be transparent.

[0051] As used herein, "fingers" include, within their meaning, the user's fingers, thumbs, and toes. Thus, the artificial nails of the present invention can be used on any number of a user's fingers, thumbs, or toes in any combination. Furthermore, "nail" includes, within their meaning, fingernails, thumbnails, and toe nails. Thus, when referring to a user's ten fingers, this would mean eight of the user's fingers and two thumbs.

[0052] In an embodiment of the present invention, the artificial nail may comprise any one or more of a plastic material, an acrylic material, an acrylic material with a rubber element, a rubber material, a graphite material, or any other material suitable for the intended use in any combination or mixture. The artificial nail structural material may be, but need not be, flexible to prevent the artificial nail from cracking or other damage during its use, storage, and maintenance.

[0053] Now refer to Figures 1 to 3 For the purpose of describing one embodiment of the structure of the artificial nail of the present invention, an exemplary embodiment of the artificial nail of the present invention is depicted. Among other aspects, the invention 001 may include a length L and a concave inner surface 104 for attachment to the outer surface of a user's nail 120, or to a fingertip such as Figure 4 106 in ). Figure 3When attached to a user's nail 120 as shown, the length L can, but does not necessarily, extend from the user's cuticle apex 109 to the distal tip 103 of the artificial nail. The artificial nail 001 can also include an optional terminal member 102 attached to the distal tip 103, such that when the user's finger 002 types on or contacts a keyboard, touchscreen, key, or other input device, the terminal member 102 is the primary point of contact between the artificial nail 001 and the keyboard, key, touchscreen, or other input device. Thus, in embodiments, the terminal member provides a physical point of contact with the keyboard, key, touchscreen, or other input device. Embodiments of the artificial nail 001 can include a layered structure comprising one or more materials such as rubber, graphite, or any shock-absorbing material of any hardness, or any rigid material. However, in exemplary, non-limiting embodiments, the hardness of the material comprising the artificial nail structure can range from 30 to 95 Shore A hardness, inclusive. The terminal member 102 may comprise one or more of rubber, graphite, or any shock absorbing material of any hardness, but in exemplary non-limiting embodiments, the hardness is in the range of 30 to 95 Shore A hardness (inclusive). The terminal member 103 may be attached to the artificial nail structure by any known method, such as, for example, by chemical bonding, ultrasonic welding, heat welding, press fitting, molding (e.g., in embodiments where the terminal member 102 is molded to the base 100), or any other attachment means known in the art. The artificial nail 001 includes an outwardly facing surface 110 that typically, but not necessarily, faces away from the user's finger 002. The artificial nail 001 may be attached to the user's nail 120, for example, by chemical bonding or any other means known in the relevant art. The outwardly facing surface 110 of the artificial nail 001 may be convex, such as Figure 2 In an embodiment, the structure of the artificial nail 001 can be a unitary structure, a layered structure, or any other combination of structures.

[0054] Now refer to Figure 3 , the artificial nail 001 of the present invention can be moved in the direction of arrow B and attached to the outer surface 110 of the user's nail 120, wherein the artificial nail 001 can be attached to the user's nail by, for example, chemical bonding or other means known in the art. An exemplary user's finger 002 is shown for reference.

[0055] In an embodiment, the terminal member 102 may comprise a stylus for use with an electronic touchscreen display or electronic keyboard that forms part of or communicates with an electronic device (such as an electronic tablet, smartphone, computer touchscreen display, or other device). In an embodiment, the stylus terminal member may be a resistive stylus. In an embodiment, the stylus terminal member may be a passive capacitive stylus that can operatively interact with the touchscreen by distorting the touchscreen's electrostatic field or blocking the transmission of light. Alternatively, in an embodiment, the stylus may be an echoing stylus that utilizes active electrostatic technology (AES), in which the touchscreen utilizes an electrostatic grid and the stylus acts as a transmitting element that generates the electric field. When the echoing stylus operatively interacts with the touchscreen through close or physical contact with the touchscreen, the touchscreen grid may continuously record the disruption of the grid's electrostatic field caused by the echoing stylus, thereby determining the stylus's position on the grid and, in turn, providing the stylus's position on the touchscreen. In further embodiments, the stylus may be an active stylus. In active stylus embodiments, the stylus can communicate and interact with the touchscreen via radio frequency (RF) or other communication means. An example of such RF communication means is Bluetooth® RF wireless technology, which can send and receive information over one or more RF channels (frequencies). In embodiments, the stylus can be electrically connected to a power source, such as a battery, which can be miniature, wirelessly rechargeable, or replaceable. Therefore, the artificial nail of the present invention can be used to interact with any touchscreen suitable for receiving input from a stylus. Thus, the artificial nail of the present invention can be used by a user to operatively interact with an electronic touchscreen, which can include a portion of an electronic computing or communication device or system, such as, but not limited to, a computer, smartphone, electronic tablet, or any other electronic device. The use of the artificial nail of the present invention allows users to reduce keystroke errors because they can directly aim the stylus element to operatively interact with a specific point or location on the touchscreen. Furthermore, the use of the stylus embodiment of the present invention allows a user to directly and operatively interact with a touch screen using up to all ten fingers of both hands, which significantly increases typing speed and thus significantly improves time efficiency compared to using a stylus that has only a single tip and must be manually manipulated from one key input to another on the touch screen. The present invention eliminates the time required to manually manipulate a handheld stylus to operatively interact with a touch screen and also enables the use of up to ten fingers simultaneously, thereby improving efficiency by more than an order of magnitude compared to the prior art. As used herein, "efficiency" is a measure of the time required to input a specific amount of data into an electronic input device (such as a keyboard, keypad, touch screen, or other input device). In other words, the artificial nail 001 enables a user to enter data into an input device faster and more accurately.

[0056] Now refer to Figure 4 , describes an exemplary embodiment of the present invention in which a concave inner surface 104 of an artificial nail 001 is attached to an outer surface 107 of a finger sleeve 106, thereby providing a removable attachment of the artificial nail 001 to the finger 002 of a user. The finger sleeve 106 may comprise any material, but in embodiments may comprise a stretchable fabric, latex, nitrile, silicone, rubber, a gel material, or any other material that may be attached to the artificial nail 001 at a joint 108 by any means known in the art (e.g., such as chemical bonding). In embodiments, the artificial nail 001 may, but need not necessarily, include an optional terminal member 102 attached to a distal tip 103 of the artificial nail 001. This embodiment of the present invention enables a user to enjoy the features and benefits of the artificial nail 001 while also allowing the artificial nail 001 to be removably attached to the finger of the user 002 through the use of the finger sleeve 106. In Figure 4 10. The outward-facing surface 110 of the artificial nail is depicted in FIG. 10 for reference. When the artificial nail inner surface 104 is attached to the outer surface 107 of the finger sleeve 106, wherein the outer surface 107 of the finger sleeve 106 is retained on the distal end of the user's finger 002 with a compression fit, the artificial nail inner surface 104 can, but is not necessarily, positioned opposite the user's nail 120, wherein the wall 115 of the finger sleeve 106 is disposed between the inner surface 104 of the artificial nail 001 and the outer surface of the user's nail 102.

[0057] Now refer to Figures 5 to 8 , depicts an embodiment of an artificial nail 001, wherein the artificial nail 001 comprises a layered construction having a base layer 100 and an electronic display layer 200 for displaying any graphics, symbols, text, designs, or patterns that a user may desire. In such an embodiment, the base layer 100 forms part of the structure of the artificial nail 001. The artificial nail 001 may include any number of layers, which may be determined by the size and number of electronic components that make up the invention, the method used to provide electrical interconnections between these electronic components, the number of electrical interconnections between the electronic components that make up the invention, and other factors. In other embodiments, the artificial nail 001 may be unitary, such as molded, and the components may be molded into the artificial nail 001, wherein the molded structure forms the structure of the artificial nail 001. Furthermore, the size and shape of the electronic display 200 may be, but need not be, sized and shaped so as to cover all or a portion of the base 100. In Figure 8An exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of such a layered construction of an artificial nail 001 is depicted in , wherein the electronic display 200 is sized and shaped to cover the entire base layer 100. In embodiments including the electronic display 200, the electronic display 200 may include a concave surface adapted to complement the outer surface of the base layer 100 or any intermediate layers positioned between the base layer 100 and the electronic display 200. These intermediate layers may be used to form electrical interconnections between the electronic components of the artificial nail. The attachment between the layers of the artificial nail may be achieved by any means known in the art for attaching structural layers. In embodiments, the electronic display 200 and any intermediate layers (such as layers including interconnected conductive components or circuitry) may be flexible, enabling them to be wrapped around the outer surface of the base layer 100 or any intermediate layers. The number of layers is not limited. For example, embodiments of the artificial nail 001 operable to perform multiple electronic functions, as defined herein, may require more layers than embodiments of the present invention operable to perform fewer functions. In embodiments including an electronic display 200, light energy A is emitted from the outwardly facing surface 110 of the artificial nail to provide a visual display of any color or color combination and any pattern or other graphic scheme desired by the user.

[0058] Now refer to Figures 5 to 7 , depicts an embodiment of an artificial nail 001 of the present invention, in which an electronic display 200 and a base 100 are separate components to be assembled together. The electronic display 200 can be shaped or flexible to conformally fit over and attach to the outer surface 110 of the base 100 or any intermediate layer. The electronic display 200 can have a base-facing surface 201 shaped to conform to the outer surface 110 of the base 100 or any intermediate layer. During the assembly step during manufacturing, the electronic display 200 can be placed onto the outer surface 110 of the base 100 or any intermediate layer by moving it in the direction of arrow B. The base-facing surface 201 of the electronic display 200 can be attached to the outer surface 116 of the base 100 or any intermediate layer by any means known in the art for permanent or removable attachment, such as, for example, but not limited to, chemical bonding. In embodiments, the base 100 can include a terminal member 102 attached to a distal tip 103 of the base 100. In any embodiment including the electronic display 200, the electronic display 200 may include an outer surface 202, and the electronic display 200 may include the following: Figure 9 The features and elements described are configured and adapted and operable to emit light energy A from the exterior surface 202 in any combination of one or more colors, graphics, symbols, text, designs, or patterns as a user may desire. These are merely examples of uses for the electronic display 200.

[0059] Now refer to Figure 6 , shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a base layer 100 and an electronic display 200, depicting an exemplary embodiment of a conformal fit between the substrate-facing surface 201 of the electronic display 200 and the outer surface 110 of the substrate 100, with the two surfaces being joined together along the direction of arrow C.

[0060] Now refer to Figure 7 , depicts an embodiment of an assembled artificial nail having an electronic display 200 , wherein the electronic display 200 has been attached to the outer surface 110 of the base layer 100 , and depicts light energy A emanating from the outer surface 202 of the electronic display 200 .

[0061] Now refer to Figure 8 , depicts an embodiment of an artificial nail 001 of the present invention in which a base layer 100 is integrally manufactured with an electronic display 200. For example, in embodiments, the electronic display 200 can be molded into the base layer 100 or can be manufactured into the material of the base layer 100 by any known method. The base layer 100 / electronic display 200 combination can include a terminal member 102 attached to a distal tip 103 of the base layer 100. The base layer 100 / electronic display 200 combination can include an outer surface 202, which can be the outer surface of the electronic display 200. Similarly, the electronic display 200 can include features and elements as described herein, configured, adapted, and operable to emit light energy A from the outer surface 202 in the form of any color or combination of colors, graphics, symbols, text, designs, or patterns that a user may desire.

[0062] Now refer to Figure 9, depicts an exemplary embodiment of a block diagram of an artificial nail of the present invention. The electronic display 200 can emit light energy from its outer surface 202, or in one embodiment, from 203. The following electronic components may be present, either as part of the electronic display 200 itself or as part of one or more intermediate layers: a battery or other power or charge storage element 1000, which may be, but not necessarily, rechargeable and may be, but not necessarily, wirelessly rechargeable, and can be in electrical communication with a processor or controller 1001, a wireless interface 1002 (which may be an RF wireless interface), the electronic display 200, and all other electrical and electronic components of the artificial nail. The processor 1001 may also include or be in communication with non-transitory electronic memory 1007 containing non-transitory computer-readable and executable instructions for performing the features and steps of the operations and processes of the present invention when processed by the processor 1001. The processor 1001 may also be in communication with the electronic display 200. The processor 1001 may also communicate with a wireless or other communication interface 1002, which may be an optical, wireless, or other communication interface. It may operate as an interface to an external data network (such as a data network 4000, such as the Internet) via commercial RF communication standards (such as WiFi®) or any other communication means. The data network 4000 may be a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), or any other data network. The wireless interface 1002 may communicate with a transceiver that communicates directly or indirectly with the data network 4000 (such as the Internet). An external computing device 3000 (such as a remote server, computer, tablet, smartphone, or other electronic device 3000) may also communicate with the data network 4000 via a wired or wireless connection, allowing the artificial nail 001 of the present invention to communicate data with the computing device 3000 directly via a wireless or wired data connection 5000 or indirectly via an intermediate data network 4000.The artificial nail 001 of the present invention may further include: a geolocation receiver 1004 for receiving geolocation information, such as geolocation information from a satellite in a geolocation system (such as GPS, GLONASS, etc.); a camera 1005 for receiving and capturing photographic images or video signals or information; a microphone 1006 for receiving and capturing audio signals and information; and a biometric sensor 1500, such as a pulse oximeter for measuring blood oxygen saturation level and / or pulse rate, an electrocardiogram (EKG) sensor for receiving electrocardiogram signals, and / or a blood pressure sensor for receiving blood pressure information, all of which These are all used to receive and capture biometric signals and information. Each of the aforementioned is in data communication with the processor 1001 and communicates with the battery 1000 to receive power, so that GPS location information, photographic images, video signals and information, audio signals and information, and / or biometric information (such as pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, temperature, and EKG signal information) can be stored in the memory 1007 and / or transmitted to the computing device 3000 and / or other devices via the data network 4000 for further processing and display to the user via a computer monitor, screen, printer, or other output device. In addition, the artificial nail 001 of the present invention may include a tactile actuator device 1008 and a speaker 1009, each of which is in communication with the processor 1001 and the battery 1000. Thus, vibration (tactile) and / or audio signals and information can be output from one or more artificial nails 001 of the present invention 001 upon command by processor 1001 to achieve any tactile or sound / audio effect, such as, by way of non-limiting example, issuing audio alerts from government agencies, such as those for missing persons, severe weather, earthquakes, evacuations, and other emergencies, received via wireless interface 1002 and processed by processor 1001; alerting the user of incoming phone calls or messages; and playing any desired audio signals, such as music transmitted via wireless interface 1002 and processed by processor 1001. Furthermore, the artificial nails of the present invention can be used to display alerts from government agencies, such as those for missing persons, severe weather, earthquakes, evacuations, and other emergencies, received via wireless interface 1002 and processed by processor 1001, on electronic display 200. Furthermore, visual display 200 can be commanded to emit light of an appropriate frequency for use as a flashlight or as a safety light or emergency beacon, such as a strobe light. In an embodiment, the computing device 3000 may be a mobile electronic computing device, such as a user's cell phone, which may be used by the user to command the functions and features of the artificial nails of the present invention.

[0063] In an embodiment, the artificial nail of the present invention can be placed on one or more fingers or nails of a user. In the case where the user has multiple artificial nails, each of which is attached to a specific finger of the user, the artificial nail 001 can be programmed to display static words, scrolling words, colors, patterns, flashing patterns, color patterns, changing words, or any other desired visual and / or graphical effects on the user's fingers in any pattern defined by the user.

[0064] All electronic components may be miniaturized so that they can be encapsulated in and form part of the artificial nail 001 in a manner that visually blends into the artificial nail of the present invention.

[0065] Still refer to Figure 9 The computing device 3000 may be used to provide information to and receive information from the artificial nail of the present invention, as well as provide instructions to the artificial nail that are executed by the processor 1001. For example, instructions may be transmitted from the computing device 3000 to the processor 1001 such that the processor 1001 instructs each, some, or all of the artificial nail elements to: Display one or more colors, images, patterns, symbols, shapes, photographic images, designs in any combination or composition; brightening or dimming the light output A from the electronic display 200 of each artificial nail to create any desired visual effect on any artificial nail; varying the light output intensity of each artificial nail based on the time of day or night; turning any particular artificial nail "off" (no light emission) or "on" (at least some light emission); Changing colors, images, patterns, light output intensity over time in any desired sequence or combination to produce a desired visual effect on the user's finger; Each individual artificial nail is individually programmable; Capturing audio or video information; Measuring biometric data and / or providing biometric feedback to the user; or Perform any function that an element of an artificial nail is capable of performing, either alone or in combination with other elements of the artificial nail.

[0066] In an embodiment, instructions may be transmitted from the computing device 3000 to the processor 1001 to cause the processor 1001 to command each, some, or all of the artificial nails of the present invention to display information that can be used to train a user to use a musical instrument, such as a piano or guitar.

[0067] In general, computing systems and / or devices such as processor 1001 and computing device 3000 may utilize any of a number of computer operating systems, including but not limited to versions and / or variations of the following: Ford Sync® operating system, Microsoft Windows® operating system, Unix operating system (e.g., Solaris® operating system distributed by Oracle Corporation of Redwood Shores, California), AIX UNIX operating system distributed by International Business Machines Corporation of Armonk, New York, Linux operating system, Mac OS X and iOS operating systems distributed by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, California, BlackBerry OS distributed by Research In Motion, Inc. of Waterloo, Canada, and Android operating system developed by the Open Handset Alliance. Examples of computing devices include, but are not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a computer workstation, a server computer, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, a laptop computer, or a handheld computer, or some other computing system and / or device that includes a processor in communication with a medium storing computer-readable and executable instructions for performing the methods and / or process steps of the present invention.

[0068] Computing devices typically include non-transitory computer-executable instructions, where the instructions are executable by one or more computing devices (such as those listed above). Computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted from computer programs created using various programming languages ​​and / or technologies, including but not limited to Java™, C, C++, Visual Basic, JavaScript, Perl, etc., alone or in combination. Typically, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions, for example, from a memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes these instructions, thereby performing one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described herein. Various computer-readable media can be used to store and transmit such instructions and other data.

[0069] Computer-readable media (also known as processor-readable media), such as memory 1007, include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) media that participate in providing data (e.g., instructions) readable by a computer, processor, or controller, such as processor 1001 or computer device 3000 (e.g., a processor of a computer). Memory 1007 may include non-transitory, computer-readable and executable instructions used by processor 1001 to instruct the electrical and electronic components of the present invention to perform the functions of the artificial nail. Such media may take various forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile and volatile media. Non-volatile media may include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media may include, for example, dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes main memory. Such instructions may be transmitted or wirelessly transmitted via one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wire, and fiber optics, including the wires comprising a system bus coupled to a computer's processor. Common forms of computer readable media include, for example, solid-state memory, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with a pattern of holes, RAM, PROM, EPROM, Flash-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium from which a computer can read.

[0070] The databases, data repositories, or other data stores described herein may include various types of mechanisms for storing, accessing, and retrieving various data, including hierarchical databases, a set of files in a file system, an application database in a proprietary format, a relational database management system (RDBMS), and the like. Each such data store is typically included within a computing device that utilizes a computer operating system (such as one of those mentioned above) and is accessed via a network in any one or more of a variety of ways. The file system can be accessed from the computer operating system and may include files stored in various formats. In addition to languages ​​for creating, storing, editing, and executing stored procedures (such as the PL / SQL language mentioned above), RDBMSs typically use Structured Query Language (SQL).

[0071] In some examples, the software that causes the processor 1001 to perform the functions and steps of the present invention can be implemented as computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) on one or more computing devices (e.g., servers, personal computers, etc.), which are stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., disk, memory, etc.) associated therewith. A computer program product may include such instructions stored on a computer-readable medium (such as non-transitory computer-readable memory 1007) for performing the functions described herein.

[0072] Now refer to Figure 10 , depicts an embodiment of a layer of an artificial nail 001, which may be a base layer or an intermediate layer, as an example of one of many embodiments of the present invention. In the depicted embodiment, the electrical and electronic components—processor 1001, memory 1007, wireless transceiver interface 1002, geolocation receiver 1004, camera 1005, microphone 1006, battery 1000, and biometric sensor 1500—may be physically attached to one or more layers and may be electrically interconnected with each other and with the electronic display 200 via any number of layers of electrical interconnect material having conductive traces or via wired electrical connections (such as printed conductive traces or wire bonds), in any combination thereof. Thus, in embodiments, the artificial nail may have a multi-layered structure, with as many layers as necessary to provide the necessary electrical interconnection between the electrical and electronic components of the artificial nail. Conductive terminals 2001 and 2002 may also be present for charging the battery 1000 or powering the electrical components when needed, such as during testing of the artificial nail's electronic functionality. It should be noted that while all described functionality may be shown for the depicted embodiments, not all electrical and electronic components, features, and functions must be present in all embodiments of the invention.

[0073] Now refer to Figure 11 , depicting an embodiment of a charging glove 3003. The charging glove can be used to charge a battery 1000 or multiple batteries 1000 by a user wearing the glove and bringing electrical contacts 3001a, 3002a, 3001b, 3002b, 3001c, 3002c, 3001d, 3002d, 3001e, and 3002e into conductive contact with electrical terminals 2001 and 2002 on the user's artificial nail 001. Each of the glove electrical contacts 3001a, 3002a, 3001b, 3002b, 2003a, 3003b, 3004a, 3004b, 3005a, and 3005b is electrically connected to a charging current source 3006 via conductors 3004 and 3005, as shown. Figure 11 When the user puts on the charging glove 3003, the above electrical connection is made, and a charging current is provided to each artificial nail of the user, effectively charging the battery 1000 in each artificial nail 001 of the user. Figure 11 The embodiment of the charging glove 3003 depicted in FIG. 3 shows five fingers in the charging glove, but in embodiments, the charging glove may include one, two, three, four, five, or any number of fingers.

[0074] Any instructions transferred from the computing device 3000 to the processor 1001 may be stored in the memory 1007 as non-transitory computer-readable and executable instructions for recall and later use by the processor 1001 .

[0075] In an embodiment, instructions may be transmitted from the computing device 3000 to the processor 1001. The processor 1001 is caused to instruct each, some, or all of the artificial nails of the present invention to perform the functions and features described herein, and since the functions and features are exemplary in nature, all equivalent functions and features are also within the scope of the claimed invention.

[0076] The described features and elements of the present invention may be present in any combination, number, or order in the various embodiments of the invention.

Claims

1. An artificial nail comprising: A structure adapted to be attached to a user's nail, the structure comprising: a concave inner surface for attachment to the nail or fingertip; and a length extending from the apex of the base to the distal tip of the structure; The artificial nail also includes a terminal member attached to the distal tip, the terminal member being disposed on and extending beyond the distal tip such that when a user's finger types on a keyboard, key, or touch screen, the terminal member is the primary point of contact between the artificial nail and the keyboard, key, or touch screen.

2. The artificial nail according to claim 1, wherein The structure includes one or more of the following materials: plastic, acrylic, graphite, and rubber.

3. The artificial nail according to claim 1, wherein The terminal tip comprises a compressible material.

4. The artificial nail according to claim 1, wherein The terminal tip includes a stylus for interacting with an electronic touch screen.

5. The artificial nail according to claim 4, wherein The stylus is of a type selected from one of the following types: a passive stylus, a resistive stylus, a passive capacitive stylus, an echo stylus, and an active stylus.

6. An artificial nail comprising: A structure adapted to be attached to a user's nail, the structure comprising: a concave inner surface for attachment to the nail; a length extending from the apex of the base to the distal tip of the structure; and A processor and a memory, wherein the processor and the memory are in data communication, and wherein the memory includes non-transitory computer-readable and executable instructions for operatively communicating with one or more user input / output electronic components comprising the artificial nail.

7. The artificial nail according to claim 6, wherein The one or more user input / output electronic components are defined as an electronic display.

8. The artificial nail according to claim 7, wherein Operably communicating is further defined as commanding the electronic display to emit light energy in a desired image, pattern, or color, or combination of images, patterns, or colors, as commanded by the processor.

9. The artificial nail according to claim 6, wherein The one or more user input / output electronic components are defined as a geo-location receiver.

10. The artificial nail according to claim 9, wherein Operably communicating is further defined as reading geographic location information from the geographic location receiver and storing the geographic location information in the memory.

11. The artificial nail according to claim 6, wherein The one or more user input / output electronic components are defined as a microphone.

12. The artificial nail according to claim 11, wherein Operably communicating is further defined as receiving audio information from the microphone and storing the audio information in the memory.

13. The artificial nail according to claim 6, wherein The one or more user input / output electronic components is defined as a camera.

14. The artificial nail according to claim 13, wherein Operably communicating is further defined as instructing the processor to read photographic image information, video information, or both from the camera and store the photographic image information, video information, or both in the memory.

15. The artificial nail according to claim 6, wherein The one or more user input / output electronic components are defined as a haptic device.

16. The artificial nail according to claim 15, wherein Operably communicating is further defined as commanding the haptic device to output mechanical vibration energy.

17. The artificial nail according to claim 6, wherein The one or more user input / output electronic components are defined as speakers.

18. The artificial nail according to claim 17, wherein Operably communicating is also defined as commanding the speaker to output an audible audio signal.

19. The artificial nail of claim 6, further comprising a battery in communication with the processor, the memory, and the one or more user input / output electronics.

20. The artificial nail according to claim 19, wherein The battery can be charged via a wireless magnetic induction connection or via an electrically conductive connection.

21. The artificial nail of claim 6, further comprising a wireless data communication interface in communication with the processor, and wherein the memory includes computer-executable instructions for commanding the wireless data communication interface to communicate data with a remote computing device via the wireless interface.

22. The artificial nail according to claim 21, wherein The data communication is performed via an external data network.

23. The artificial nail according to claim 6 further includes a terminal member attached to the distal tip, wherein the terminal member is arranged on the distal tip and extends beyond the distal tip, so that when the user's finger types on the keyboard, key or touch screen, the terminal member is the main contact point between the artificial nail and the keyboard, key or touch screen.

24. The artificial nail according to claim 6, wherein The structure includes one or more of the following materials: plastic, acrylic, graphite, and rubber.

25. The artificial nail according to claim 6, wherein The terminal tip comprises a compressible material.

26. The artificial nail according to claim 6, wherein The terminal tip includes a stylus for interacting with an electronic touch screen.

27. The artificial nail according to claim 26, wherein The stylus is of a type selected from one of the following types: a passive stylus, a resistive stylus, a passive capacitive stylus, an echo stylus, and an active stylus.

28. The artificial nail according to claim 6, wherein The one or more user input / output electronic components are further defined as any combination of one or more of the following: 1) an electronic display; 2) a geo-location receiver; 3) a microphone; 4) a camera; 5) a tactile actuator; and 6) a speaker.

29. The artificial nail of claim 6, further comprising at least one biometric sensor in communication with the processor.

30. A wearable artificial nail comprising: an artificial nail comprising an inner surface adapted to be attached to an outer surface of a fingertip; wherein, when the inner surface of the artificial nail is attached to the outer surface of the finger sleeve that is held on the distal end of the user's finger with a compression fit, the inner surface of the artificial nail is positioned opposite the user's nail, wherein a wall of the finger sleeve is disposed between the inner surface of the artificial nail and the outer surface of the user's nail; The artificial nail also includes a terminal member attached to the distal tip, wherein the terminal member is disposed on the distal tip and extends beyond the distal tip so that when a user's finger is used to type on a keyboard, key, or touch screen, the terminal member is the primary point of contact between the artificial nail and the keyboard, key, or touch screen.

31. A wearable artificial nail comprising: an artificial nail comprising an inner surface adapted to be attached to an outer surface of a fingertip; wherein, when the artificial nail is attached to the outer surface of the finger sleeve that is held on the distal end of the user's finger with a compression fit, the artificial nail is positioned relative to the user's nail, wherein the wall of the finger sleeve is disposed between the concave inner surface of the base and the outer surface of the user's nail; The artificial nail further includes a processor and a memory, wherein the processor is in data communication with the memory, and wherein the memory includes non-transitory computer-readable and executable instructions for operatively communicating with one or more user input / output electronic components comprising the artificial nail.

32. The artificial nail according to claim 31, wherein The one or more user input / output electronic components are defined as an electronic display.

33. The artificial nail according to claim 32, wherein Operably communicating is further defined as commanding the electronic display to emit light energy in a desired image, pattern, or color, or combination of images, patterns, or colors, as commanded by the processor.

34. The artificial nail according to claim 31, wherein The one or more user input / output electronic components are defined as a geo-location receiver.

35. The artificial nail according to claim 34, wherein Operably communicating is further defined as reading geographic location information from the geographic location receiver and storing the geographic location information in the memory.

36. The artificial nail according to claim 31, wherein The one or more user input / output electronic components are defined as a microphone.

37. The artificial nail according to claim 36, wherein Operably communicating is further defined as receiving audio information from the microphone and storing the audio information in the memory.

38. The artificial nail according to claim 31, wherein The one or more user input / output electronic components is defined as a camera.

39. The artificial nail according to claim 38, wherein Operably communicating is further defined as instructing the processor to read photographic image information, video information, or both from the camera and store the photographic image information, video information, or both in the memory.

40. The artificial nail according to claim 31, wherein The one or more user input / output electronic components are defined as a haptic device.

41. The artificial nail according to claim 40, wherein Operably communicating is further defined as commanding the haptic device to output mechanical vibration energy.

42. The artificial nail according to claim 31, wherein The one or more user input / output electronic components are defined as speakers.

43. The artificial nail according to claim 42, wherein Operably communicating is also defined as commanding the speaker to output an audible audio signal.

44. The artificial nail of claim 31 , further comprising a battery in communication with the processor, the memory, and the one or more user input / output electronics.

45. The artificial nail according to claim 44, wherein The battery can be charged via a wireless magnetic induction connection or via an electrically conductive connection.

46. ​​The artificial nail of claim 31 , further comprising a wireless data communication interface in communication with the processor, and wherein the memory comprises computer-executable instructions for commanding the wireless data communication interface to communicate data with a remote computing device via the wireless interface.

47. The artificial nail according to claim 46, wherein The data communication is performed via an external data network.

48. The artificial nail of claim 31 , further comprising at least one biometric sensor in communication with the processor.

49. The artificial nail according to claim 31 further includes a terminal member attached to the distal tip, wherein the terminal member is arranged on the distal tip and extends beyond the distal tip so that when the user's finger types on the keyboard, key or touch screen, the terminal member is the main contact point between the artificial nail and the keyboard, key or touch screen.

50. The artificial nail according to claim 49, wherein The substrate includes one or more of the following materials: plastic, acrylic, graphite, and rubber.

51. The artificial nail according to claim 49, wherein The terminal tip comprises a compressible material.

52. The artificial nail according to claim 49, wherein The terminal tip includes a stylus for interacting with an electronic touch screen.

53. The artificial nail according to claim 52, wherein The stylus is of a type selected from one of the following types: a passive stylus, a resistive stylus, a passive capacitive stylus, an echo stylus, and an active stylus.

54. The artificial nail according to claim 31, wherein The one or more user input / output electronic components are further defined as any combination of one or more of the following: 1) electronic display; 2) geolocation receiver; 3) microphone; 4) camera; 5) tactile actuator; 6) speaker.

Images