Printing device and printing control method

Abstract

The present application provides a printing device and a printing control method, which can appropriately arrange a finger corresponding to a nail as a printing target. The printing device (1) includes: a placement table (151) that places at least a finger (U) corresponding to a nail (T) as a printing target; a finger fixing portion (3) that is movable on the placement table (151) and fixes the finger (U1) corresponding to the nail (T) as a printing target on the placement table (151); and a recess (154) and a protrusion (33) as a locking unit that can lock the finger fixing portion (3) at a position corresponding to the finger (U1) corresponding to the nail as a printing target among a plurality of positions on the placement table (151).

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-046211 filed on March 23, 2022. The entire specification, claims, and drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-046211 are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a printing device and a printing control method. Background Art

[0004] In recent years, printing apparatuses (nail printing apparatuses) that print various designs on printing objects such as human nails have become known.

[0005] In such a printing device, if the position of the nail to be printed is misaligned, high-quality printing cannot be performed.

[0006] For this purpose, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-153940 describes a structure in which a nail serving as a printing object and a finger corresponding to the nail are fixed by a finger fixing portion (“finger fixing mechanism” in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-153940).

[0007] However, when printing on fingernails, if the fingers are fixed in an unnatural body posture, the fingers are likely to shake during printing.

[0008] Furthermore, if a plurality of fingers are arranged in a narrow space, the nails may hit other fingers or various components within the device, causing the print to peel off or be damaged. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a printing device and a printing control method that can appropriately arrange fingers corresponding to nails to be printed.

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the printing device disclosed in the present invention comprises: a loading platform, which carries at least a finger corresponding to the nail to be printed; a finger fixing part, which can move on the loading platform and fix the finger corresponding to the nail to be printed on the loading platform; and a locking unit, which can lock the finger fixing part at a position corresponding to the finger corresponding to the nail to be printed among multiple positions on the loading platform.

[0011] Effects of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, fingers corresponding to nails to be printed can be appropriately arranged. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the external structure of the main parts of the printing device according to the present embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a plan view showing the main internal structure of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment, and is a view showing a state where the index finger of the right hand is placed on the finger fixing portion.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a plan view showing the main internal structure of the printing apparatus according to the first embodiment, and is a view showing a state where the thumb of the left hand is placed on the finger fixing portion.

[0016] Figure 4 This is an enlarged perspective view of the main parts showing the locking portion between the base and the finger fixing portion in the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a main block diagram showing a control structure of the printing apparatus and the terminal apparatus cooperating therewith according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a plan view showing the main internal structure of the printing device according to the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a main block diagram showing a control structure of a printing apparatus and a terminal device cooperating therewith according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Embodiments of a printing device and a printing control method according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0021] In addition, various limitations that are technically preferable for carrying out the present disclosure are added to the embodiments described below, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0022] In the following embodiments, the printing device is described as a nail printing device that prints on fingernails, etc. However, the printing device in the present disclosure is not limited to a printing device that prints on fingernails, etc.

[0023] [First embodiment]

[0024] First, refer to Figures 1 to 5 A first embodiment of the printing apparatus and printing control method according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0025] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing the external structure of the main parts of the printing device (nail printing device) in this embodiment.

[0026] In addition, in the following embodiments, up and down, left and right, and front and back are set as Figure 1 In addition, the X direction and the Y direction are set to Figure 1 etc. in the directions shown.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the printing device 1 includes a housing 2 formed substantially in a box shape.

[0028] On the front side of the housing 2 (front side of the printing device 1, Figure 1 The front side of the printing device 1 is formed in the left and right directions (lateral direction, Figure 1 The opening 21 is wide and opens approximately in the center (in the left-right direction and the X direction). The opening 21 is at least wide enough to allow one hand to enter and exit the device. The opening 21 may also be wide enough to allow both hands to enter and exit the device.

[0029] An operation unit 22 is provided on the upper surface (top plate) or side surface of the housing 2. The operation unit 22 is a functional unit for the user to perform various inputs. In this embodiment, an example in which the operation unit 22 is provided on the upper surface of the housing 2 is shown.

[0030] The operation unit 22 is, for example, a power switch button for turning on the power of the printing device 1 or a stop switch button for stopping the operation. When the operation unit 22 is operated, an instruction signal corresponding to the operation is output to the control unit 11 described later.

[0031] In the illustrated example, the operation portion 22 is shown as being composed of one button, but the operation portion 22 may be composed of a plurality of buttons or the like provided on the upper surface of the housing 2 or the like.

[0032] In addition, when the touch panel is integrally formed on the surface of the display unit 6 described later, the touch panel also functions as the operation unit 22 .

[0033] Furthermore, a display unit 23 is provided on the housing 2. In the illustrated example, the display unit 23 is arranged on the upper surface (top plate) of the housing 2.

[0034] The display unit 23 is a display unit that displays various display screens based on image data output from the control unit 11 described later. The size and specific location of the display unit 23 are not limited to those shown in the illustrations.

[0035] The display unit 23 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescent display, or another flat panel display. Alternatively, a touch panel may be integrally formed on the surface of the display unit 23 . In this case, the touch panel also functions as the operation unit 22 .

[0036] The housing 2 houses the main body of the printing device 1 including the base 15 .

[0037] Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 It is a plan view showing the main internal structure of the printing device.

[0038] like Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 As shown, the printing mechanism 4 is provided on a base 15 of the apparatus main body.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the printing mechanism 4 includes a printing head 41 and an X-direction moving motor 45 and a Y-direction moving motor 47 as a head moving unit (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 5 )wait.

[0040] The print head 41 of this embodiment is an inkjet printing unit. Its surface (the lower surface) facing the nail surface serves as an ink ejection surface (not shown) equipped with multiple nozzles for ejecting ink. The ink is then dispersed (ejected) directly onto the nail surface from the ink ejection surface to perform printing. The specific ink ejection method is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the structure of the print head 41 is not particularly limited; for example, it may be a cartridge-integrated head, integrating the ejection mechanism (e.g., the ink ejection surface) with the ink cartridge that stores the ink.

[0041] The print head 41 can eject color inks such as cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y). The type and number of print heads 41 are not particularly limited. In addition to the print heads that eject color inks as described above, a base print head may also be provided for printing a liquid (e.g., white ink) that serves as a base before printing a design.

[0042] The print head 41 is supported by an X-direction guide shaft 44 extending in the X direction and can be moved in the left-right direction (X direction) of the device by being guided along the X-direction guide shaft 44 by the operation of an X-direction movement motor 45 .

[0043] Furthermore, Y-direction guide shafts 46 are provided on both ends of the base 15 in the X direction, extending continuously in the Y direction of the device. The X-direction guide shafts 44 are mounted on a pair of Y-direction guide shafts 46. When a Y-direction movement motor 47 is operated, the print head 41, which is supported by the X-direction guide shafts 44, is guided by the Y-direction guide shafts 46, thereby enabling movement in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) of the device.

[0044] The X-direction moving motor 45 and the Y-direction moving motor 47 are, for example, stepping motors, and their operations are controlled by the control unit 11 .

[0045] The rear side of the base 15 (the back side in the Y direction of the device) is a base rear portion 152 where the standby area 16 of the print head 41, the maintenance area 17, and the like are provided. Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 In the example shown, the standby area 16 is arranged on the rear right side of the base rear portion 152, and the maintenance area 17 is arranged on the rear left side. The arrangement of the areas is not limited to the example shown in the figure.

[0046] The standby area 16 is an area where the print head 41 is arranged when not printing. The standby area 16 is provided with, for example, a cap (not shown) that covers the ink ejection surface of the print head 41 to prevent it from drying when not printing.

[0047] The maintenance area 17 is an area for performing maintenance on the print head 41. Although not shown, the maintenance area 17 includes a cleaning unit for forcibly ejecting ink from the ink ejection ports of the ink ejection surface and a wiping unit for wiping the ink ejection surface.

[0048] In addition, the front side (the front side in the Y direction of the device) of the base 15 becomes a loading platform 151 for loading fingers U (fingers U other than "finger U1" will be referred to as "finger U2") including fingers U corresponding to the nail T to be printed (the fingers U corresponding to the nail T to be printed will be referred to as "finger U1" below).

[0049] The mounting table 151 is provided with a finger fixing unit 3 for fixing the finger U1 corresponding to the nail T to be printed on the mounting table 151 .

[0050] The finger fixing portion 3 includes a fixing portion body 31 on which the finger U1 is placed, and a nail placing portion 32 provided on the fixing portion body 31 and on the inner side in the finger insertion direction (the inner side in the Y direction of the device).

[0051] When the finger U1 is placed on the fixing portion body 31 , the tip of the finger U1 hits the nail receiving portion 32 . Then, when the nail T is longer than the tip of the finger U1 , the tip of the nail T can be placed on the nail receiving portion 32 .

[0052] The shape and structure of the nail placing portion 32 are not limited to the illustrated example. The nail placing portion 32 is not essential and may not be provided.

[0053] Furthermore, the finger-fixing unit 3 is movable on the stage 151 in the left-right direction (X direction) of the apparatus and can be locked at multiple positions on the stage 151 by a locking mechanism. The user determines the position on the stage 151 where the finger-fixing unit 3 is locked, based on the position where the user assumes the most relaxed posture when printing on the nail T. The user then locks the finger-fixing unit 3 at the position corresponding to the finger U1 corresponding to the nail T being printed. In this embodiment, the user manually moves the finger-fixing unit 3 and locks it on the stage 151 at the desired position.

[0054] In this embodiment, the locking unit includes: a plurality of locking portions (recesses 154 described later) provided at different positions on the mounting table 151; and a locked portion (convex portion 33 described later) fixed to the finger fixing portion 3 and selectively locked to any of the locking portions.

[0055] Figure 4 This is an enlarged perspective view showing the main structure of the switching portion between the front and rear sides of the base and the finger fixing portion placed on the mounting table.

[0056] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the portion of the base 15 that becomes the loading platform 151 is lower than the rear portion 152 of the base by approximately the height of the finger fixing portion 3, and there is a height difference between the loading platform 151 (front side) and the rear portion 152 (rear side) of the base 15.

[0057] The part with height difference is the abutment wall portion 153 which stands up to the amount of height difference. The finger fixing portion 3 arranged on the supporting platform 151 determines the position of the device in the front-to-back direction (Y direction) by abutting against the abutment wall portion 153 and will not be pushed excessively into the inner side of the device.

[0058] Furthermore, a plurality of recesses 154 that are recessed from the front side of the device toward the rear are provided at substantially equal intervals on the abutment wall portion 153. In this embodiment, the recesses 154 are a plurality of locking portions provided at different positions on the mounting table 151.

[0059] In the finger fixing portion 3, at a position corresponding to the abutting wall portion 153 (ie, Figure 4 As shown, two protrusions 33 are provided on the front end side of the finger fixing portion (fixed to the side where the front end side of the configuration finger of the finger fixing portion is arranged, the Y-direction inner side of the printing device 1) at intervals equal to the interval between the recesses 154. In this embodiment, the protrusions 33 are engaged with either engaging portion (i.e., the recesses 154 provided on the mounting table 151) selectively.

[0060] Specifically, the convex portion 33 protrudes toward the abutment wall portion 153 by approximately the same depth as the concave portion 154 , and fits into any two concave portions 154 .

[0061] In this embodiment, two protrusions 33 are formed side by side in the X direction on the end surface on the inner side in the Y direction of the fixing portion main body 31 of the fixing portion 3. Since the recesses 154 are arranged at substantially equal intervals as described above, two protrusions 33 arranged at an interval equal to the interval between the recesses 154 can be fitted into any of the adjacent recesses 154.

[0062] In this manner, by fitting the two protrusions 33 into any two recesses 154 , the finger fixing portion 3 is fixed at any position of the abutment wall portion 153 without looseness.

[0063] In addition, Figure 4 In the figure, in this embodiment, a case is illustrated in which a plurality of recesses 154 are provided on the mounting table 151 as locking portions, and a convex portion 33 is provided on the finger fixing portion 3 as a locked portion that is locked in any recess 154, but the structure of the locking unit is not limited to this.

[0064] For example, a plurality of convex portions may be provided on the mounting table 151 , and a concave portion that is engaged with any of the convex portions may be provided on the finger fixing portion 3 .

[0065] In addition, the recessed portion 154 and the convex portion 33 may have any shapes that fit together, and are not limited to the shapes shown in the illustrated example.

[0066] Furthermore, the number of latched portions (protrusions 33 in this embodiment) provided on the finger-fixing portion 3 is not limited to two; it can also be one, or three or more. However, if only one latch is used, there is a risk of looseness. On the other hand, if there are three or more, the latching portion of the mounting platform 151 and the latched portion of the finger-fixing portion 3 may not fit together even with a slight deviation, requiring a high degree of precision during manufacturing.

[0067] Furthermore, the locking portion and the locked portion (the recessed portion and the convex portion) serving as the locking means are not limited to the end surfaces provided on the front end side (the inner side in the Y direction) of the finger fixing portion 3 opposite to the abutting wall portion 153 and the abutting wall portion 153. For example, a recessed portion may be provided on the upper surface of the platform 151 and a convex portion may be provided on the bottom surface of the finger fixing portion 3, so that the structures are interlocked with each other. In addition, although a structure in which the locking portion provided on the upper surface of the platform 151 is a convex portion and a recessed portion interlocked with the convex portion is provided on the bottom surface of the finger fixing portion 3 is also considered, since the finger U2 is to be placed on the platform 151, if a convex portion is provided on the upper surface of the platform 151, the convex portion will hit the finger U2, which is not preferred.

[0068] exist Figure 2 In the figure, the protrusion 33 of the finger fixing portion 3 is shown to be locked near the left side of the base 15 ( Figure 2 The state of the two recesses 154 at the end (left side in the X direction).

[0069] For example, when printing the nail T of the index finger of the right hand (the same applies to the little finger of the left hand), Figure 2 By locking the finger fixing portion 3 in the position shown, compared with the case where the finger fixing portion 3 is fixed to the center portion in the width direction of the device, the finger U1 corresponding to the nail T to be printed (for example, the index finger of the right hand (or the little finger of the left hand)) can be arranged in a natural posture on the finger fixing portion 3, and the space for arranging the fingers U2 other than the finger U1 corresponding to the nail T to be printed (that is, the middle finger, ring finger, and little finger of the right hand, and in the case of printing the nail T of the little finger of the left hand, the ring finger, middle finger, and index finger of the left hand) can be relatively wide.

[0070] Furthermore, when printing on the thumb nail T, unlike when printing on the nails T of other fingers U1 (i.e., index finger, middle finger, ring finger, little finger), it is difficult to place fingers U2 other than the thumb nail U1 next to the thumb. Figure 3 As shown, the convex portion 33 of the finger fixing portion 3 is locked in the concave portion 154 near the center of the device, the thumb is placed on the fixing portion main body 31 of the finger fixing portion 3, and the fingers U2 other than the thumb are placed in the space below the base 15 (refer to Figure 1 In the space 155), the thumb and other fingers U2 clamp the mounting base 151 to fix the thumb serving as the finger U1.

[0071] In this case, the position where the finger fixing portion 3 is fixed is not limited to the illustrated example, and the finger fixing portion 3 may be fixed at a position where the user can take the most relaxed posture.

[0072] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the main parts showing the control structure of the printing device and the terminal device cooperating therewith according to this embodiment.

[0073] like Figure 5 As shown, the printing device 1 includes, in addition to the aforementioned operation unit 22 , display unit 23 , and printing mechanism 4 , an imaging unit 5 , a communication unit 25 , and the like.

[0074] The imaging unit 5 is disposed, for example, on the back side of the top surface of the housing 2 , and includes a camera 51 and a light source 52 .

[0075] The camera 51 is a small imaging device comprising, for example, a solid-state imaging element having a pixel count of approximately 2 million or more and a lens, and serves as an image acquisition unit for acquiring various images of the finger U1, including the nail T, disposed within the printing device 1. Furthermore, the light source 52 is, for example, an illumination lamp such as a white LED.

[0076] The imaging unit 5 illuminates the imaging object such as the finger U1 and nail T placed on the finger fixing unit 3 with a light source 52. Then, the camera 51 images the finger U1 and the like to obtain a finger image (an image of the finger U including an image of the nail).

[0077] In addition, in this embodiment, the finger fixing part 3 can move in the X direction. When the viewing angle of the camera 51 is narrow, depending on the position of the fixing part 3, part or all of the nail T of the finger U1 fixed to the finger fixing part 3 may be out of the viewing angle of the camera 51.

[0078] Therefore, it is preferable to use a camera with a wide viewing angle capable of capturing substantially the entire mounting platform 151 as the camera 51 .

[0079] In this embodiment, the printing device 1 obtains data of a design (nail design) to be printed on the nail T via an external device, and the printing device 1 includes a communication unit 25 for transmitting and receiving information to and from the external device. Examples of the external device include the terminal device 7 described later and various servers.

[0080] The communication between the printing device 1 and the external device is performed, for example, via a wireless LAN. Furthermore, the communication between the printing device 1 and the external device is not limited thereto and may be performed in any manner. For example, a network line such as the Internet may be used, or wireless communication based on a short-range wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi may be used. Furthermore, the communication is not limited to a wireless connection method and may be configured to allow transmission and reception of various data between the two devices via a wired connection. The communication unit 25 includes an antenna chip, etc., corresponding to the communication method and communication standard of the various external devices with which communication is envisioned.

[0081] The control device 10 mounted on the printing device 1 is a computer, comprising: a control unit 11 having a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown); and a storage unit 12 (not shown) having a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) (not shown).

[0082] Various programs, various data, and the like for operating the printing device 1 are stored in the ROM and the like of the storage unit 12 .

[0083] The control unit 11 centrally controls the operations of the various units of the printing apparatus 1 by developing and executing various programs stored in the ROM or the like in a working area of ​​the RAM.

[0084] That is, the control unit 11 realizes various functions for the printing apparatus 1 to perform printing and the like by cooperating with a program (for example, a printing application program).

[0085] In addition, each function of the control unit 11 may be realized by the control unit 11 executing a program (software), or may be realized by a dedicated module (hardware).

[0086] In this embodiment, the control unit 11 mainly functions as a print control unit that controls the operation of each unit of the printing mechanism 4 , an imaging control unit that controls the operation of each unit of the imaging unit 5 , and a display control unit that controls the operation of the display unit 23 .

[0087] The control unit 11, serving as a print control unit, operates the print head 41 and various motors (X-direction movement motor 45, Y-direction movement motor 47) of the printing mechanism 4 to print various designs (nail designs) according to print data on the nail T of the finger U positioned on the finger fixing unit 3. The print data may be generated by the control unit 11 or received from an external device such as the terminal device 7 via the communication unit 25.

[0088] The control unit 11 as a display control means controls the operation of the display unit 23 to perform display in accordance with various image data.

[0089] In addition, the camera 51 of the shooting unit 5 can be used to shoot the position of the finger fixing unit 3 and the condition of the finger U1 arranged on the finger fixing unit 3. When such images are obtained, the control unit 11 serving as a display control unit can display these images on the display unit 23.

[0090] Furthermore, the control unit 11 as an imaging control means controls the operation of the camera 51 and the light source 52 of the imaging unit 5 to obtain a finger image and the like.

[0091] In addition, in this embodiment, the finger fixing portion 3 is movable in the X direction.

[0092] To this end, the control unit 11, acting as a photographing control unit, derives a correction value from the position of the finger U1 within the acquired image. Specifically, the control unit 11 calculates how much the position of the finger U1 or nail T within the finger image has deviated, to the left or right, compared to a situation where the nail T is centered. Based on the calculated deviation, the control unit 11 then derives the degree to which the printed position coordinates should be corrected compared to a situation where the nail T is centered.

[0093] Furthermore, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment cooperates with a terminal device 7 as an external device.

[0094] In this embodiment, the terminal device 7 is assumed to be a portable terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet terminal. In addition, the terminal device 7 is not limited to a smartphone as long as it can communicate with the printing device 1. For example, it can be a terminal device for gaming.

[0095] like Figure 2 As shown, the terminal device 7 includes an operation unit 73, a display unit 74, a communication unit 75, a control device 70, and the like.

[0096] The operation unit 73 can perform various input / setting operations in response to user operations. When the operation unit 73 is operated, an input signal corresponding to the operation is transmitted to the control device 70. In addition, in this embodiment, a touch panel is integrally provided on the surface of the display unit 74, and the user can also perform various input / setting operations by touching the touch panel.

[0097] The operation unit 73 for performing various input and setting operations is not limited to a touch panel, and may be, for example, a keyboard with various operation buttons or a pointing device.

[0098] Furthermore, various inputs and settings can be performed in the printing apparatus 1 by operating the operation unit 73 of the terminal device 7. For example, the user can start the printing operation of the printing apparatus 1 by operating the operation unit 73.

[0099] The display unit 74 is configured by, for example, a flat panel display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or an organic electroluminescent display.

[0100] The display unit 74 can display, for example, images based on various image data, message screens for the user, various guidance screens, and the like in accordance with the control of the control unit 71 .

[0101] The message screen, guidance screen, etc. for the user may be displayed on the display unit 23 of the printing device 1 , and may be displayed on the display unit 23 , or may be displayed on the display unit 74 of the terminal device 7 instead of being displayed on the display unit 23 .

[0102] Furthermore, as described above, a touch panel for performing various inputs may be integrally formed on the surface of the display portion 74. In this case, the touch panel also functions as the operation portion 73.

[0103] The communication unit 75 is a communication means for communicating with the communication unit 25 of the printing apparatus 1. For example, the communication unit 75 receives from the printing apparatus 1 finger image data obtained by capturing a finger U1 including a nail T positioned in the printing apparatus 1 with the camera 51.

[0104] The communication unit 75 includes a wireless communication module and the like that can communicate with the communication unit 25 of the printing device 1 .

[0105] The communication unit 75 only needs to be able to communicate with the printing apparatus 1 , and a configuration that conforms to the communication standard of the communication unit 25 of the printing apparatus 1 is employed.

[0106] The control device 70 is a computer including a control unit 71 including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a storage unit 72 including a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory) and the like.

[0107] The storage unit 72 is provided with a program storage area 721 for storing various programs, various data, and the like for operating each unit of the terminal device 7 .

[0108] In the program storage area 721 of this embodiment, in addition to the operation program (not shown) for comprehensively controlling each unit of the terminal device 7, an application program (not shown) for performing a nail printing process for performing a printing process using the printing device 1 is also stored. Figure 5 The control device 70 controls the terminal device 7 by developing and executing various programs such as "nail print AP721a" in the working area of ​​RAM.

[0109] Furthermore, the storage unit 72 may store data of a design (nail design) printed on the nail T by the printing device 1 .

[0110] The control unit 71 centrally controls the operations of the various components of the terminal device 7. The control unit 71, in conjunction with programs stored in the storage unit 72 (e.g., "nail print API 721a"), implements various functions such as printing processing by the printing device 1 and displaying a display image on the display unit 74.

[0111] Next, the operation of the printing device of this embodiment will be described.

[0112] In this embodiment, when performing nail printing using the printing device 1, first, the power of the printing device 1 and the power of the terminal device 7 are turned on. This activates the "nail printing API 721a" on the terminal device 7, and a screen prompting the user to place the finger U1, on which the nail T is to be printed, on the finger holder 3 within the printing device 1 is displayed on the display unit 23 of the printing device 1 and the display unit 74 of the terminal device 7.

[0113] The user arranges the finger fixing part 3 at a position where it is easy to arrange the finger U1 corresponding to the nail T on which printing is desired, and the convex part 33 of the finger fixing part 3 is embedded in the concave part 154 of the abutment wall part 153 provided at the boundary part of the height difference between the support platform 151 and the rear part 152 of the base 15, so that the finger fixing part 3 can be arranged at the desired position (or a position close thereto), thereby locking the finger fixing part 3.

[0114] Then, while the finger fixing part 3 is kept locked at this position, the finger U1 is placed on the fixing part main body 31 of the finger fixing part 3 and the nail T is placed on the nail receiving part 32 to fix the position.

[0115] Furthermore, fingers U2 other than the fingers U1 corresponding to the nail T to be printed are placed on the mounting table 151 in the space to the left and right of the finger fixing unit 3 .

[0116] If the position of the finger U1 is fixed, the camera 51 of the shooting unit 5 is used to shoot the finger U1 including the nail T to obtain a finger image. The control unit 11 calculates the deviation from the state where the nail T can be captured at the center of the viewing angle based on the position of the nail T in the finger image, and derives a correction value.

[0117] Then, the design is matched to the nail area detected from the finger image to generate print data, which is output to the printing mechanism 4 , and the print head 41 is operated to perform printing on the nail T.

[0118] Alternatively, the correction value derivation, nail area detection, and print data generation may be performed by the terminal device's control unit 71. In this case, if the finger image is captured by the camera 51 of the imaging unit 5, the control unit 11 transmits the finger image data to the terminal device 7 via the communication unit 25. The control unit 71 of the terminal device 7 then performs appropriate image processing on the finger image to derive the correction value, etc.

[0119] For example, when printing on the nail T of a finger U (such as the middle finger) near the center of the hand, the number of fingers U2 arranged on the left and right sides of the finger U1 corresponding to the print target nail T differs from when printing on the nail T of a finger U (such as the pinky finger) at the left and right ends of the hand. For example, when printing on the nail T of the pinky finger of the right hand, three fingers U2 are arranged on the left side of the pinky finger, which is finger U1. In contrast, when printing on the nail T of the index finger of the right hand, three fingers U2 are arranged on the right side of the index finger, which is finger U1.

[0120] Therefore, when the position of the finger fixing portion 3 is fixed, it is difficult to print all the fingers U in a comfortable body posture unless space for three fingers is provided on each side of the finger fixing portion 3 .

[0121] In this regard, in this embodiment, the finger fixing portion 3 is moved to any position in the left-right direction (X direction) of the device and fixed (engaged). Therefore, no matter which type of finger U1 is placed on the finger fixing portion 3, a wide space can be ensured for arranging other fingers U2.

[0122] As described above, the printing device 1 of this embodiment includes: a loading platform 151 for loading a finger U including a finger U1 corresponding to the nail T to be printed; a finger fixing portion 3 that can move on the loading platform 151 and fix the finger U1 corresponding to the nail T to be printed on the loading platform 151; and a recessed portion 154 and a protruding portion 33 as a locking unit that can lock the finger fixing portion 3 at multiple positions on the loading platform 151.

[0123] When printing on the nail T of the finger U1, the fingers U of one hand (the four fingers U from the index finger to the little finger excluding the thumb) including the finger U1 corresponding to the nail T to be printed are arranged in the width direction of the hand, which is a body posture that is relatively stress-free for the user.

[0124] However, as mentioned above, to print on the nails T of all fingers U, space is required for three fingers U1 on the left side of the finger holder 3, where the finger U1 corresponding to the printed nail T is placed, and space is required for three fingers U2 on the right side as waiting space. If printing has already been performed on a nail T, or if a primer has been applied, and fingers collide or overlap, the applied ink may peel off or be damaged, and ink may adhere to other fingers U, other nails T, or various components within the device, causing stains.

[0125] Therefore, it is preferable to provide a certain degree of leeway for the fingers U2 other than the fingers U1 corresponding to the nails T to be printed. On the other hand, if the leeway for the fingers U2 is too wide, the printing device 1 will become larger, which is not preferable, especially in devices for individual users.

[0126] In this regard, in this embodiment, the finger fixing portion 3 can be moved and fixed (locked) at any position in the left-right direction (X direction) of the printing device 1. Therefore, when the finger fixing portion 3 is fixedly arranged at the center of the X direction of the mounting table 15I, it is necessary to ensure a space on the mounting table 151 equal to the width of the finger fixing portion 3 plus the space for the three fingers on the left and the three fingers on the right. Figure 2 As shown, a space equal to the width of the finger fixing portion 3 plus three fingers is sufficient to avoid increasing the size of the printing apparatus 1 , and a wide space is ensured for other fingers U2 to wait regardless of which finger U1 is arranged in the finger fixing portion 3 .

[0127] In addition, the locking unit of this embodiment comprises: a plurality of locking portions (the recessed portion 154 in this embodiment) provided at different positions on the supporting platform 151; and a locked portion (the protrusion 33 in this embodiment) provided on the finger fixing portion 3 and selectively locked in any one of the locking portions (the recessed portion 154).

[0128] Thus, when the finger fixing unit 3 is movable on the mounting table 151 , the finger U1 can be arranged with the finger fixing unit 3 locked at a desired position, and printing can be performed on the nail T.

[0129] In this embodiment, the locking portions are the plurality of recesses 154 provided at intervals on the mounting table 151 , and the locked portion is the convex portion 33 provided on the finger fixing portion 3 and locked to any of the recesses 154 .

[0130] Thus, by fitting the recessed portion 154 and the convex portion 33 together, the finger fixing portion 3 can be easily and reliably locked at a desired position.

[0131] [Second embodiment]

[0132] refer to Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 The second embodiment of the printing device and printing control method according to the present disclosure will be described. Since this embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the structure of fixing (locking) the finger fixing portion at a desired position on the mounting table, the following description will focus on the differences from the first embodiment.

[0133] Figure 6 1 is a plan view showing the main internal structure of the printing device according to this embodiment. Figure 7 This is a block diagram of main parts showing the control structure of the printing apparatus according to this embodiment and the terminal apparatus cooperating therewith.

[0134] like Figure 6 As shown, in the mounting table 151a of the printing apparatus 1a in this embodiment, the guide portion 157 for guiding the finger fixing portion 3a is provided continuously in the left-right direction of the apparatus (ie, the X direction, the lateral direction).

[0135] The guide portion 157 is, for example, a guide shaft, a belt, or a guide rail, and constitutes a fixing portion moving mechanism (not shown) for moving the finger fixing portion 3a. A locking portion (not shown) is provided at the bottom of the finger fixing portion 3a and is locked to the guide portion 157 and can move along the guide portion 157.

[0136] The fixing portion moving mechanism includes a finger fixing portion moving motor 35. In this embodiment, the finger fixing portion moving motor 35 is a moving unit that moves the finger fixing portion 3a. The finger fixing portion 3a moves in the X direction along the guide portion 157 by controlling the operation of the finger fixing portion moving motor 35 by the control unit 11 functioning as a movement control unit described later.

[0137] The finger fixing portion moving motor 35 is, for example, a stepping motor. As will be described later, the amount of movement and the direction of movement (leftward or rightward in the X direction) can be accurately determined based on information on input pulses input to the finger fixing portion moving motor 35.

[0138] Furthermore, by appropriately applying voltage or current to the finger fixing portion moving motor 35 , its movement can be stopped, and the finger fixing portion 3 a to be moved can be maintained (fixed, locked) at an arbitrary position.

[0139] Finger U2 other than the finger U1 corresponding to the printed nail T is placed on the placement table 151a other than the location where the finger fixing portion 3a is placed. Therefore, the guide portion 157 is preferably embedded in the base 15 so as not to become an obstacle when placing the finger U2.

[0140] The guide portion 157 only needs to be located at a position where it does not interfere with placing the finger U2 on the mounting base 151 a , and the portion engaged with the guide portion 157 is not limited to the bottom portion of the finger fixing portion 3 a .

[0141] For example, similar to the first embodiment, when the base 15 is provided with the abutment wall 153, the guide portion 157 may be provided on the abutment wall 153. In this case, for example, a locking portion that is locked to the guide portion 157 may be provided on the end surface of the front end side of the finger fixing portion 3a (the front end side of the finger U1 fixed to the finger fixing portion 3a, the inner side in the Y direction of the printing device 1).

[0142] Furthermore, similarly to the first embodiment, the printing device 1 a of this embodiment includes a printing mechanism 4 , an imaging unit 5 , and the like.

[0143] As in the first embodiment, when the position of the imaging unit 5 is fixed, it is preferable to provide a camera 51 with a wide viewing angle so that the finger U1 arranged on the finger fixing unit 3a can be imaged regardless of the position of the finger fixing unit 3.

[0144] In addition, the imaging unit 5 is configured to be movable to the position of the finger fixing unit 3 a.

[0145] The structure for moving the imaging unit 5 is not particularly limited.

[0146] For example, the camera 51 is provided near the print head 41 of the printing mechanism 4 , and the camera 51 is moved by a mechanism such as the X-direction moving motor 45 that moves the print head 41 .

[0147] When the camera 51 is not fixed, it is necessary to accurately determine where the position of a certain pixel in the image captured by the camera 51 (camera coordinates) corresponds to the printing position (print coordinates) in the printing mechanism 4, and to calibrate the camera coordinates and print coordinates. In this regard, if the mechanism that moves the print head 41 also moves the camera 51, this can be addressed by correcting the coordinates by the amount of movement of the print head 41, making calibration easier.

[0148] Furthermore, for example, the camera 51 of the imaging unit 5 may be moved using the finger fixing unit moving motor 35 that moves the finger fixing unit 3 a .

[0149] As described above, the finger-fixing unit moving motor 35, such as a stepping motor, can accurately determine the amount and direction of movement of the finger-fixing unit 3a based on the input pulse information. Furthermore, when the finger-fixing unit 3a and the imaging unit 5 are moved by the same finger-fixing unit moving motor 35, there is no deviation between the amount of movement of the finger-fixing unit 3a and the amount of movement of the imaging unit 5. This makes it easier to align the print coordinates during printing with the camera coordinates of the camera 51 of the imaging unit 5.

[0150] In addition, if Figure 7 As shown, the printing apparatus 1 a of this embodiment includes a control device 10 as a computer including a control unit 11 and a storage unit 12 .

[0151] In this embodiment, the control unit 11 of the printing device 1 a functions as a movement control unit similar to the first embodiment, controlling the printing mechanism 4 , the imaging unit 5 , etc., and controlling the operation of the finger fixing unit moving motor 35 .

[0152] Specifically, the finger fixing part moving motor 35 of this embodiment is a stepping motor that operates in response to an input pulse. The control unit 11, which serves as a movement control unit, inputs the required input pulse to the finger fixing part moving motor 35 in response to the position at which the finger fixing part 3a is desired to be configured, thereby moving the finger fixing part 3a to the desired position.

[0153] In addition, when the finger fixing part 3a is arranged at the desired position, the movement of the finger fixing part moving motor 35 is stopped by appropriately applying voltage or current to the finger fixing part moving motor 35, so that the finger fixing part 3a is locked at an arbitrary position so that the finger fixing part 3a does not move.

[0154] In this embodiment, information related to the type (name) of the finger, such as which finger U of the left or right hand corresponds to the nail T to be printed, is input from the operating unit 22, the operating unit 73 of the terminal device 7 described later, etc., and the control unit 11 serving as a movement control unit operates the finger fixing unit movement motor 35 serving as a movement unit in accordance with the information related to the finger type, and locks the finger fixing unit 3a at a position corresponding to the type of the finger.

[0155] Information on the appropriate position of the finger fixing part 3a when printing on the nail T of each finger U1 (generally a position where the finger U1 can be configured in a relatively natural body posture) is pre-stored in the storage part 12, etc., and the control part 11 controls the operation of the motor 35 for moving the finger fixing part so that the finger fixing part 3a moves to a position corresponding to the type of finger input.

[0156] In addition, since other structures are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same members and their description is omitted.

[0157] Next, the printing control method (action of the printing apparatus) in this embodiment will be described.

[0158] First, when printing using the printing device, the user inputs, through the operation unit 22 or the operation unit 73 of the terminal device 7 described later, which finger U on which hand or hand the nail T is to be printed. The finger type can be input by any method, such as selecting with an operation button or selecting from a touch panel.

[0159] The input information about the finger type is received by the control unit 11, which derives how much to move the finger fixing unit 3a in the X direction, left or right, based on the current position information of the finger fixing unit 3a and the information of the appropriate position according to the finger type.

[0160] Then, input pulses of the amount required to move the finger fixing unit 3a are input to the finger fixing unit moving motor 35. When the finger fixing unit 3a moves to an appropriate position corresponding to the type of finger, the control unit 11 applies a predetermined voltage or current to stop the movement of the finger fixing unit moving motor 35, thereby maintaining (locking) the position of the finger fixing unit 3a.

[0161] If the finger fixing portion 3a is stuck, an instruction screen prompting the user to place the finger U1 corresponding to the nail T desired to be printed on the finger fixing portion 3a is displayed on the display portion 23 of the printing device 1 or the display portion 74 of the terminal device 7. The user then places the finger U1 corresponding to the nail T desired to be printed on the finger fixing portion 3a and places the other fingers U2 in the space to the left and right of the finger fixing portion 3a on the loading platform 151.

[0162] For example, Figure 6 In the example shown, when printing the nail T of the ring finger of the left hand (or the middle finger of the right hand), the ring finger of the left hand (or the middle finger of the right hand) is arranged on the finger fixing part 3a and the position is fixed, and the other fingers U2 are arranged on the left and right of the finger fixing part 3a on the support table 151.

[0163] For example, when printing the nail T of the ring finger of the left hand, the ring finger of the left hand is arranged on the finger fixing part 3a, and as for the other fingers U2 of the left hand (except the thumb), the little finger is arranged on the left side of the finger fixing part 3a on the support table 151, and the middle finger and index finger are arranged on the right side of the finger fixing part 3a on the support table 151.

[0164] In addition, in a case where the user configures each finger U but feels that the position of the finger fixing part 3a does not match, an instruction to release the position fixation of the finger fixing part 3a may be input once, and after the finger fixing part 3a is set to a state where it can be moved again, the position is fine-tuned. If the OK button is operated, the control unit 11 applies a given voltage or current to maintain the position of the finger fixing part 3a at the appropriate position again.

[0165] Furthermore, for example, when user information is registered in the printing apparatus 1 , the position where the finger fixing portion 3 a is arranged may be customized based on the registered information.

[0166] Specifically, for example, when a user adjusts the appropriate position of the finger fixing portion 3a during printing of a nail T, the user's name, finger type, and position information (such as position coordinates) of the adjusted finger fixing portion 3a are associated and stored in the storage unit 12. The appropriate position information of the finger fixing portion 3a is updated so that the finger fixing portion 3a is automatically positioned at the registered position the next time the same finger type is selected. In this case, the information for positioning the finger fixing portion 3a is customized to match the user's finger, and as the user repeatedly uses the device, the device can be configured to secure the finger U in a more natural body posture.

[0167] If each finger U (finger U1 and finger U2) can be arranged in an appropriate position, the camera 51 of the imaging unit 5 is used to photograph the nail T of the finger U1 fixed to the finger fixing part 3a to obtain a finger image, and the nail area (the inner area of ​​the nail outline) to become the printing area is detected from the image, and the printing mechanism 4 is caused to print based on the printing data generated by adapting the design to the nail area.

[0168] In addition, since other points such as the printing process are the same as those in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0169] As described above, according to this embodiment, in addition to the effects similar to those of the first embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0170] That is, in this embodiment, the printing apparatus includes: a moving unit that moves the finger fixing portion 3 a ; and a movement control unit that controls the moving unit.

[0171] This allows the user to automatically arrange the finger fixing portion 3 a at an appropriate position without having to manually move and fix the finger fixing portion 3 a.

[0172] Furthermore, the movement control unit of this embodiment operates the movement unit based on information on the type of the finger U1 corresponding to the nail T to be printed, and locks the finger fixing portion 3a at a position corresponding to the type of the finger.

[0173] Thus, the user only needs to input which hand and which type of finger U the nail T to be printed belongs to, and the finger fixing portion 3 a can be automatically arranged at an appropriate position.

[0174] In addition, the moving unit of this embodiment is, for example, a finger fixing part moving motor 35 such as a stepping motor, and the control unit 11 as a moving control unit stops the movement of the finger fixing part moving motor 35 by applying voltage or current to the finger fixing part moving motor 35, thereby locking the finger fixing part 3a at an arbitrary position.

[0175] In this way, the finger fixing portion 3a can be reliably fixed (locked) at any position. In addition, since the finger fixing portion 3a is moved and locked (fixed) by the finger fixing portion moving motor 35, unlike the case where the finger fixing portion 3a is fixed by fitting a concave portion and a convex portion as shown in the first embodiment, the finger fixing portion 3a can be locked at any position, thereby improving the degree of freedom of the locking position.

[0176] Furthermore, although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it is needless to say that the present disclosure is not limited to the relevant embodiments and that modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the disclosure.

[0177] For example, in the first embodiment, the finger fixing portion 3 is locked by fitting the recessed portion 154 and the convex portion 33 . However, the method of locking the finger fixing portion 3 is not limited to this.

[0178] For example, magnets may be provided at multiple locations on the mounting table 151, magnets that attract the magnets on the mounting table 151 may be provided on the finger fixing portion 3, and the finger fixing portion 3 may be locked at a position where it attracts any of the magnets on the mounting table 151. In this case, neither the finger fixing portion 3 nor the mounting table 151 may have magnets, or one of them may have a magnet, with an iron material attracted to the magnet provided on the other.

[0179] Alternatively, for example, a guide shaft may be provided continuously in the X direction of the printing apparatus, and a feed screw mechanism may be provided to move the finger fixing portion 3 in the left-right direction of the apparatus along the guide shaft by rotating the feed screw.

[0180] In this case, for example, the operating portion of the screw, such as a knob, is extended outside the housing 2 so that the user can operate the feed screw from the outside. In this case, it is preferable to display the movement of the finger fixing portion 3 on the display unit 23, 74 of the printing device 1 or the terminal device 7 so that the user can confirm the movement in real time.

[0181] In addition, an LED or the like may be provided near each recess 154. When the user inputs the type of finger U1 corresponding to the nail T on which printing is desired, the corresponding recess 154 (generally an appropriate position of the finger fixing portion 3 for the type of finger) is illuminated to guide the user.

[0182] This allows the user to clearly understand in which recess 154 the convex portion 33 of the finger fixing portion 3 should be fitted.

[0183] In addition, in the second embodiment, when printing on each nail T, the control unit 11 automatically determines the appropriate position of the finger fixing portion 3a by inputting the type of finger U1 corresponding to the next nail T to be printed, and moves / locks the finger fixing portion 3a, but the method of inputting the position at which the finger fixing portion 3a is configured is not limited to this.

[0184] For example, if an input is made before printing starts to print the nails T of the five fingers U of the right hand and the printing order is specified (for example, the order of index finger, middle finger, ring finger, little finger, and thumb), then even if the next finger U1 is not specified each time printing of the nail T of one finger U1 is completed, the control unit 11 automatically moves the finger fixing unit 3a to the position of the finger type that follows the specified printing order.

[0185] Furthermore, the finger fixing portion 3 a may be arranged by designating a position on the mounting table 151 instead of designating the type of the input finger.

[0186] For example, the center position of the mounting table 151 is set to "0 position", the position one stage to the left is set to "-1", the position further to the left is set to "-2"..., conversely, the position one stage to the right from "0 position" is set to "+1", the position further to the right is set to "+2"..., in this way, the position is expressed in numerical values, and the user can specify the desired position of the finger fixing part 3a by inputting the numerical value.

[0187] When specifying the position of the finger fixing portion 3a by finger type, when printing on the nail T of a particular finger U1, the finger fixing portion 3a is generally placed at a position where the finger can be placed in a relatively natural body posture. However, the position where the finger U1 can be placed in a natural body posture varies depending on the size of the hand, and is not necessarily a position that is comfortable for the user. In this regard, in some cases, carefully specifying the position with a numerical value can make it easier to place the finger fixing portion 3a in a position that is suitable for the user.

[0188] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the case where the printing apparatus 1 operates as a single unit is exemplified. However, the printing apparatus 1 may perform printing processing and the like in cooperation with various external devices such as the terminal device 7 .

[0189] For example, an instruction to start printing processing in the printing apparatus 1 or a selection of a nail design (design) may be inputted from the operation unit 73 of the terminal device 7 or the like.

[0190] Alternatively, image processing such as generation of print data may be performed by an external device such as the terminal device 7. In this case, a finger image or the like captured by the camera 51 of the printing device 1 is transmitted to the terminal device 7.

[0191] In this case, for example, programs for performing various processes are stored in the storage unit 72 of the terminal device 7 , and the control unit 71 of the terminal device 7 realizes various functions by cooperating with the programs.

[0192] In this manner, when making an external device such as the terminal device 7 take charge of various processes, the control unit 11 of the printing device 1 can be realized with a simpler configuration.

[0193] Furthermore, the design (nail design) data is not limited to being stored in the storage unit 12 of the printing apparatus 1 or the storage unit 72 of various external devices such as the terminal device 7 .

[0194] Alternatively, the designed image data may be stored in a server device or the like that can be connected via a network line or the like, and the designed data may be accessed by accessing the server device or the like and referred to.

[0195] In this way, a design to be printed can be selected from a greater number of nail designs without increasing the capacity of the storage unit 12 or the like.

[0196] Although several embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and the scope equivalent thereto.

Claims

1. A printing device, characterized in that have: a placing table for placing at least a finger corresponding to a nail to be printed; a finger fixing portion movable on the mounting table in the left-right direction of the printing device and fixing a finger corresponding to a nail to be printed on the mounting table; and A locking unit capable of locking the finger fixing portion at a position corresponding to the finger corresponding to the nail to be printed, among a plurality of positions in the left-right direction of the printing device on the mounting table. The locking unit comprises: A plurality of latching portions are provided at different positions in the left-right direction of the mounting platform; and The locked portion is provided on the finger fixing portion and is selectively locked at any of the locking portions. The plurality of locking portions and the locked portion are engaged with each other in the front-rear direction of the printing device, thereby locking the printing device.

2. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein The locking portions are a plurality of recesses or projections provided at intervals on the mounting table, and the locked portion is provided on the finger fixing portion and is a projection that is locked with any of the recesses or a recess that is locked with any of the projections.

3. The printing device according to claim 1, wherein have: a moving unit that moves the finger-fixing portion; and A mobile control unit controls the mobile unit.

4. The printing device according to claim 3, wherein The movement control unit operates the movement unit based on information on the type of finger corresponding to the nail to be printed, and locks the finger fixing portion at a position corresponding to the type of the finger.

5. The printing device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The moving unit includes a moving motor, The movement control unit applies a voltage or a current to the movement motor to stop the movement of the movement motor, thereby locking the finger fixing portion at an arbitrary position.

6. A printing control method for a printing device, characterized in that: The finger fixing portion for fixing the finger corresponding to the nail to be printed is moved in the left-right direction of the printing device on a mounting table on which at least the finger corresponding to the nail to be printed is mounted. A plurality of locking portions at different positions in the left-right direction of the mounting platform and a locked portion provided on the finger fixing portion and selectively locked to any of the locking portions are engaged in the front-to-back direction of the printing device, thereby enabling the finger fixing portion to be locked at a position corresponding to the finger corresponding to the nail to be printed among a plurality of positions in the left-right direction of the printing device on the mounting platform.

Images