Digital nail system for artificial nails with nail insertion sensor and related methods

Abstract

A digital nail system includes a client device, a color programming device, and an artificial nail assembly. The client device includes a nail color application for providing color options. The color programming device receives a user-selected color option from the client. The artificial nail assembly includes a nail plate and a color display attached to the underside of the nail plate. The color programming device includes a nail insertion sensor for sensing when the artificial nail assembly has been inserted into the color programming device. In response to the nail insertion sensor sensing the insertion of the artificial nail assembly, the color programming device generates a programming signal to program the color display in the artificial nail assembly to display the user-selected color.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 658,016, filed June 10, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to artificial nails, and more specifically, to a digital nail system and related methods for programming a color display in an artificial nail. Background Technology

[0004] Nail polish is typically applied to human nails for decorative purposes. The person performing this process usually needs a variety of items, including nail polish containers, nail polish remover containers, top coat containers, base coat containers, nail polish remover pads, nail clippers, nail pliers, and nail files.

[0005] Furthermore, these items may be misplaced, requiring users to spend time and / or incur high costs to replace them. Additionally, the use of certain liquids can produce harmful fumes, create flammable conditions, and / or spill onto the user's belongings. Moreover, nail polish is prone to peeling and fading shortly after application, revealing the user's unmanicured nails. While users can reapply nail polish themselves, such self-touch may not be convenient when needed.

[0006] As an alternative to nail polish, users can wear artificial nails to achieve a polished appearance without using any of the aforementioned nail polish-related items. However, a drawback of artificial nails is that users are limited by the specific colors or designs available on them. If a color change is desired, a new set of artificial nails is required.

[0007] One approach to overcome the limitations of pre-colored artificial nails is to use artificial nails with a color display that allows the user to change the color of the artificial nail. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016 / 0295989 discloses an artificial nail with a color display. The system includes a nail covering device comprising a body configured to fit against a user's nail, a display associated with an upper surface of the body, and a receiving unit communicating with a design transmission device. The display uses electrophoretic ink to display the design. The system also includes a design transmission device comprising a housing having a processing unit and a storage unit for storing at least one design, wherein the design transmission device is configured to transmit at least one design to the nail covering device. A server storing multiple designs is communicatively connected to the design transmission device. The user transmits at least one design from the server to the design transmission device via an application running on their mobile device.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 8,863,759 discloses another solution for artificial nails with a color display. A cosmetic device for artificial nails includes an electrochromic multilayer structure having an electrosensitive stack structure. The electrosensitive stack comprises at least a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer, which are coatings supported by respective support layers. The support layer is formed of a single flexible thin film or flexible thin film assembly, a first active electrochromic layer, a second active electrochromic layer, and an electrolyte layer. The cosmetic device also includes an optically active layer at least partially superimposed on the electrosensitive stack, the optically active layer being at least one of a layer containing effect pigments, a coloring layer, a light-emitting layer, and a printing layer.

[0009] However, improvements are still needed in artificial nails with color displays and in the programming of those color displays. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The digital nail system includes a client device, a color programming device, and an artificial nail assembly. The client device may include a nail color application (App) for providing color options for programming the artificial nail assembly. The color programming device may include contact pins and a nail insertion sensor, and is configured to communicate with the client device to receive at least one user-selected color option.

[0011] The artificial nail assembly may include a nail plate and a color display attached to the underside of the nail plate. The color display may include a first conductive layer, an electronic paper layer, and a backplate. The backplate may include a support layer, a second conductive layer on the upper surface of the support layer, a plurality of traces on the underside of the support layer, a plurality of vias extending between the plurality of traces and the first and second conductive layers, and a bottom layer.

[0012] The underlying layer may include an electrically insulating section and a conductive interface pad. The electrically insulating section is located below a first portion of the plurality of traces and a first portion of the support layer, and the conductive interface pad is located below a second portion of the plurality of traces and a second portion of the support layer. The conductive interface pad is used to connect to contact pins in the color programming device after the artificial nail is inserted into the opening of the color programming device. When insertion is detected by the nail insertion sensor, the color programming device can be configured to generate a programming signal to program the color display to the at least one user-selected color option.

[0013] The electronic paper layer may include an electrophoretic layer. The first conductive layer is a transparent layer. The second conductive layer may include multiple spaced-apart second conductive layer segments, each of which is independently controlled to configure the electronic paper layer to display different colors.

[0014] The plurality of traces may include a first trace for the first conductive layer and a plurality of second traces for the plurality of second conductive layer segments; the plurality of vias may include a first via extending between the first trace and the first conductive layer and a plurality of second vias extending between the plurality of second traces and the plurality of second conductive layer segments.

[0015] The lower side of the finger liner is shaped into a simple curve for bonding with the upper surface of the display, which is also shaped into a simple curve, and the upper side of the finger liner is shaped into a composite curve.

[0016] The lower side of the electrically insulating section is shaped as a simple curve, and the artificial nail assembly may also include a nail interface adapter, the upper surface of which is shaped as a simple curve to engage with the lower side of the electrically insulating section, and the lower side of which is shaped as a composite curve to engage directly with the user's nail.

[0017] The edge of the nail interface adapter can be engaged with the edge of the nail plate, such that the load applied to the nail interface adapter is transferred to the nail plate rather than the color display.

[0018] The exposed surface of the fingertip sheet may be etched to optically alter the light passing through it. In another embodiment, the subsurface of the fingertip sheet may contain microbubbles to optically alter the light passing through it.

[0019] The conductive interface pads may be spaced apart along the length of the support layer. In another embodiment, the conductive interface pads may be spaced apart along the width of the support layer.

[0020] The color programming device is configured as a rod-shaped structure and includes: a housing; a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with a client device to receive a subset of color options; and a controller connected to the wireless transceiver and the nail insertion sensor. A display is connected to the controller and configured to display the subset of color options. A user input is connected to the controller and configured to select at least one color option from the subset of color options in response to user input. A drive circuit is connected to the controller and the contact pins and configured to generate a programming signal for programming the color display to the at least one user-selected color option in response to the nail insertion sensor sensing that an artificial nail assembly is inserted into the opening of the color programming device.

[0021] The color programming device may further include a temperature sensor for providing a temperature value to the controller. The programming signal may be generated based on the temperature value and the at least one user-selected color option.

[0022] In another embodiment, the color programming device may be configured as a dongle including a connector for connection to a client device. The dongle also includes a housing and a controller connected to the connector and the nail insertion sensor. The controller is configured to receive the at least one user-selected color option from the client device. Driving circuitry is connected to the controller and the contact pins. The driving circuitry is configured to generate a programming signal for programming the color display to the at least one user-selected color option in response to the nail insertion sensor sensing that an artificial nail assembly is inserted into the opening of the color programming device.

[0023] The dongle may also include a temperature sensor connected to the controller for providing a temperature value to the client device. The programming signal may be generated based on the temperature value and the at least one user-selected color option.

[0024] On the other hand, a method for operating a color programming device configured as a bar-shaped structure is provided, as described above.

[0025] On the other hand, a method for operating a color programming device configured as a dongle is provided, as described above. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a digital nail system in which various aspects of this disclosure can be implemented.

[0027] Figure 2A for Figure 1 The top view of the support layer shown shows a second conductive layer deposited on it for monochrome display.

[0028] Figure 2B for Figure 2A The image shows a bottom view of the support layer, on which traces are deposited.

[0029] Figure 2C for Figure 2B The image shows a bottom view of the support layer, on which electrically insulating sections and conductive interface pads are deposited.

[0030] Figure 3A for Figure 1 The top view of the support layer shown shows a second conductive layer for multicolor display deposited in a segmented manner.

[0031] Figure 3B for Figure 3A The image shows a bottom view of the support layer, on which traces are deposited.

[0032] Figure 3C for Figure 2B The image shows a bottom view of the support layer, on which electrically insulating sections and conductive interface pads are deposited.

[0033] Figure 4 for Figure 1 The top view of the support layer shown shows a second conductive layer deposited on it and a tail extending from the support layer.

[0034] Figure 5 for Figure 1 The diagram shows a bottom view of the support layer, in which each conductive interface pad extends across the width of the support layer.

[0035] Figures 6A-6C for Figure 1 Different views of the artificial nail assembly shown.

[0036] Figure 7 for Figure 1 The image shown is an exploded front view of the methyl plate, color display, and nail interface adapter.

[0037] Figures 8A-8B for Figure 1 Different views of the surface-modified finger methyl sheet are shown.

[0038] Figures 9A-9B for Figure 1 The images show different views of the methyl sheet, with microbubbles forming on the surface.

[0039] Figure 10A for Figure 1 A block diagram of one embodiment of the color programming device is shown.

[0040] Figure 10B for Figure 10A The isometric view of the color programming device docking with the artificial nail assembly is shown.

[0041] Figure 11A for Figure 10A The image shows a partial cross-sectional side view of the nail insertion sensor.

[0042] Figure 11B for Figure 11A The image shows a partial cross-sectional side view of the nail insertion sensor docking with the artificial nail assembly.

[0043] Figure 12A for Figure 10A The color programming device shown is a partial sectional front view, in which a vertical alignment guide is provided for guiding the artificial nail assembly in the vertical direction.

[0044] Figure 12B-12C for Figure 10A The color programming device shown is a partial cross-sectional top view, in which a horizontal alignment guide is provided for guiding the artificial nail assembly in the horizontal direction.

[0045] Figures 13A-13E To and Figures 12A-12CA different view of another embodiment of the nail positioning pivot arm integrated with the alignment guide shown.

[0046] Figure 14A for Figure 1 A block diagram of another embodiment of the color programming device shown.

[0047] Figure 14B for Figure 14A The diagram shows a three-dimensional view of the color programming device docking with the artificial nail assembly.

[0048] Figures 15A-15B for Figure 1 The screenshot shown is of the nail polish app on the client device.

[0049] Figure 16 A flowchart for operating a color programming device configured as a bar-shaped structure, such as... Figure 10A As shown.

[0050] Figure 17 A flowchart for operating a color programming device configured as a dongle, such as... Figure 14A As shown. Detailed Implementation

[0051] This description is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments. However, various different embodiments may be employed, and therefore this description should not be construed as limiting it to the specific embodiments set forth herein. These embodiments are provided to make this disclosure exhaustive. Throughout the document, the same numbers refer to the same elements, and single and double apostrophes may be used to denote similar elements in different embodiments.

[0052] First refer to Figure 1 The digital nail system 20 includes a client device 30, a color programming device 40, and an artificial nail assembly 60 having a color display 62 attached to the underside of a nail plate 92. The color display 62 is programmable to display one or more user-selected colors. The artificial nail assembly 60 is attached to the user's nail, which can be a fingernail or a toenail.

[0053] The client device 30 can be a desktop computing device or a mobile computing device. Mobile computing devices include, for example, cellular phones or personal display assistants (PDAs).

[0054] The color programming device 40 may be configured as a stick structure or a dongle structure and includes a nail insertion sensor 49 for sensing whether the artificial nail assembly 60 has been inserted into the color programming device 40. In response to the nail insertion sensor 49 sensing that the artificial nail assembly 60 has been inserted, the color programming device 40 generates a programming signal to program the color display 62 to at least one user-selected color option 44.

[0055] The fingernail insertion sensor 49 can be, for example, a touch sensor that activates when an object makes physical contact with it. This touch sensor, also known as a tactile sensor, is sensitive to touch, force, or pressure. The touch sensor can be implemented using capacitive or resistive sensing technology. In other configurations, the fingernail insertion sensor 49 can be, for example, a beam-blocking sensor. Beam-blocking sensors include light sensors, ultrasonic sensors, magnetic field blocking sensors, etc.

[0056] The stick configuration wirelessly interacts with client device 30 to program the color display 62, while the dongle configuration connects directly to the client device to program the color display 62. The dongle configuration is significantly smaller because many of the components in the stick configuration are now performed by client device 30.

[0057] Although the digital nail system 20 is designed for artificial nails, the system is equally applicable to cosmetic jewelry. The same color display 62 configuration, discussed in detail below, can be applied to necklaces, pendants, bracelets, etc., and is programmed using the same client device 30 and color programming device 40. Furthermore, the cosmetic jewelry may also include body piercing ornaments, such as earrings or ear piercing discs.

[0058] The client device 30 includes a nail color application (App) 32 configured to display a set of color options 34 available for use by the color display 62. Each color option 34 has at least one corresponding color file 36, and each color file 36 provides programming signal values ​​for generating programming signals required to program the color display 62. The programming signal values ​​may be, for example, voltage levels.

[0059] The color programming device 40 includes a plurality of contact pins 48 and is configured to communicate with the client device 30. The color programming device 40 is used to receive at least one user-selected color option 44 and at least one corresponding color file 46, and to generate a programming signal based on the programming signal value provided by the at least one color file.

[0060] To program the color display 62, the plurality of contact pins 48 contact a plurality of conductive interface pads 88 in the artificial nail assembly 60. This allows the color display 62 to receive a generated programming voltage, thereby being programmed to display the at least one user-selected color option.

[0061] As will be explained in more detail below, after the user selects one of the color options 44 for the color display 62, the artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the color programming device 40. In response to the nail insertion sensor 49 sensing that the artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the color programming device 40, programming of the color display 62 is initiated. If the artificial nail assembly 60 was inserted into the color programming device 40 before a color option 44 was selected, the color display 62 is programmed with the default color option or the color option last selected by the user.

[0062] The color display 62 of the artificial nail assembly 60 includes a first conductive layer 70 (also referred to as a first electrode), an electronic paper layer 72, and a backplate 66. A transparent protective layer 90 covers the first conductive layer 70. The protective layer 90 is a thermoplastic polymer, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The first conductive layer 70 is a transparent conductive material, such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0063] In one embodiment, the electronic paper layer 72 is an electrophoretic layer. In other embodiments, the electronic paper layer 72 may be, for example, an electrochromic layer. For the sake of discussion of the color display 62, the electronic paper layer 72 is configured as an electrophoretic layer.

[0064] Electronic paper is a technology that simulates the appearance of ordinary ink on paper. It works by using microcapsules filled with a transparent fluid containing micron-sized particles, each about the diameter of a human hair. These capsules are arranged in a thin film and contain particles of different colors and charges. The charges are preset at the factory, keeping the capsules charged. When an electric field is applied to the electrodes, namely the first conductive layer 70 and the second conductive layer 76, the particles move within the charged capsules, causing the electronic paper layer 72 to display a specific color.

[0065] The electronic paper layer 72 exhibits bistable properties, meaning it can maintain a static image even when power is off, and it is reflective, reflecting ambient light rather than emitting its own light. Based on these properties, electronic paper is highly energy efficient and can display content without continuous refresh, making it an ideal choice for artificial nails.

[0066] The backplate 66, also known as a custom backplate, is configured to enable the color display 62 to function properly within the artificial nail assembly 60 and to be programmed via the color programming device 40. The backplate 66 includes a support layer 74, a second conductive layer 76 located on the upper surface of the support layer 74, and a plurality of traces 78, 79 located on the lower side of the support layer 74. The second conductive layer 76 may also be referred to as a second electrode. The support layer 74 may be a thermoplastic polymer.

[0067] The second conductive layer 76 is made of a conductive material and does not need to be transparent. Exemplary conductive materials include carbon, copper, silver, and gold. As will be discussed in detail below, the second conductive layer 76 can be divided into multiple segments, each of which is independently controlled to configure the electronic paper layer 72 to display a different color. The traces 78 and 79 are also made of a conductive material, such as silver. The second conductive layer 76 and the traces 78 and 79 are printed on opposite sides of the support layer 74.

[0068] The backplate 66 also includes a plurality of vias 80 and 82 extending between the plurality of traces 78 and 79 and the first conductive layer 70 and the second conductive layer 76. Via 80 extends between the first trace 78 and the first conductive layer 70. Via 82 extends between the second trace 79 and the second conductive layer 76.

[0069] The backplate 66 also includes a bottom layer 84, which includes electrically insulating sections 86 and a plurality of conductive interface pads 88 formed on the underside of the support layer 74. The electrically insulating sections 86 are made of dielectric material, as the underside of the electrically insulating sections will be connected to the user's fingernail. The plurality of conductive interface pads 88 may be, for example, made of carbon material and are connected to the first trace 78 and the second trace 79.

[0070] Specifically, the electrically insulating section 86 is located below the plurality of vias 80 and 82, the first portion of the first trace 78 and the second trace 79, and the first portion of the support layer 74. Similarly, the plurality of conductive interface pads 88 are located below the second portions of the first trace 78 and the second trace 79, and the second portion of the support layer 74.

[0071] The first conductive interface pad 88 contacts the first trace 78, and the second conductive interface pad 88 contacts the second trace 79. The first conductive interface pad 88 may be referred to as conductive interface pad 88(1), and the second conductive interface pad 88 may be referred to as conductive interface pad 88(2). When the color display 62 needs to be programmed to display the selected color option 44, the first conductive interface pad 88(1) and the second conductive interface pad 88(2) form electrical contact with the contact pin 48 in the color programming device 40.

[0072] Now refer to Figure 2A-2C The discussion will focus on the relative top and bottom sides of the support layer 74 of the color display 62, configured as a monochrome display. For example... Figure 2A As shown, the top side of the support layer 74 has a second conductive layer 76 printed thereon as a continuous segment. Similarly, the first conductive layer 70 is also printed as a continuous sheet.

[0073] A small area of ​​the support layer 74 is not covered by the second conductive layer 76 so that the via 80 can pass through without contacting the second conductive layer 76. For example... Figure 2BAs shown, a first trace 78 and a second trace 79 are printed on the bottom side of the support layer 74. A via 80 extends from the first trace 78 to the first conductive layer 70, and a via 82 extends from the second trace 79 to the second conductive layer 76.

[0074] like Figure 2C As shown, the electrically insulating section 86 is formed to cover the first portion of the traces 78 and 79 that contacts the vias 80 and 82, and the first portion of the exposed support layer 74. Similarly, the plurality of conductive interface pads 88 are formed to cover the second portion of the first trace 78 and the second trace 79, and the second portion of the exposed support layer 74.

[0075] The plurality of conductive interface pads 88 may be referred to as the first conductive interface pad 88(1) and the second conductive interface pad 88(2). The first conductive interface pad 88(1) and the second conductive interface pad 88(2) help protect the first trace 78 and the second trace 79 and provide a wider interface area for the contact pins carried by the color programming device 40. The first conductive interface pad 88(1) and the second conductive interface pad 88(2) are electrically isolated by a gap 89.

[0076] The first conductive interface pad 88(1) allows the color programming device 40 to form an electrical contact with the first conductive layer 70 (i.e., the first electrode). Similarly, the second conductive interface pad 88(2) allows the color programming device 40 to form an electrical contact with the second conductive layer 76 (i.e., the second electrode). When a voltage difference is applied to the first electrode 70 and the second electrode 76, all the capsules in the electronic paper layer 72 are set to the same color. The electronic paper layer 72 is displayed as a single pixel. For example, the voltage difference may be based on grounding the first electrode 70 and applying a 24-volt voltage to the second electrode 76.

[0077] Now refer to Figures 3A-3C The discussion will focus on the relative top and bottom sides of the support layer 74 of a color display 62 configured as a multicolor display. This requires that the first conductive layer 70 or the second conductive layer 76 be divided into multiple segments, each electrically isolated from the other segments and independently controllable by different voltage levels. For example, such as Figure 3A As shown, the second conductive layer 76 can be divided into second conductive layer segments 76(1) and 76(2) to achieve the French manicure design. The gap 77 electrically isolates the second conductive layer segments 76(1) and 76(2).

[0078] Since there are two existing second conductive layer sections 76(1) and 76(2), an additional trace and via are required, such as Figure 3BAs shown. The first trace 78 is still connected to the first conductive layer 70 through via 80. The second trace 79 is now separated into second trace 79(1) and 79(2). Second trace 79(1) is connected to the second conductive layer segment 76(1) through via 82(1), and second trace 79(2) is connected to the second conductive layer segment 76(2) through via 82(2).

[0079] The advantage of switching the color display 66 at the second conductive layer segments 76(1), 76(2) is that there are fewer interruptions in the color display 62 because the first conductive layer 70, formed as a single continuous layer, only requires one contact point (i.e., via 80). Dividing the first conductive layer 70 into multiple segments would require multiple contact points, and since the first conductive layer 70 is transparent, this would result in more interruptions in the color display 62. In contrast, the contact points of the second conductive layer segments 76(1), 76(2) are not visible.

[0080] like Figure 3C As shown, the electrically insulating section 86 is formed to cover the first portion of the first trace 78 and the second traces 79(1), 79(2) that contacts the vias 80, 82(1), 82(2), and the first portion of the exposed support layer 74. The first trace 78 and the second traces 79(1), 79(2) each require their own conductive interface pads, as... Figure 3C As shown. Therefore, conductive interface pad 88(1) is used for the first trace 78, conductive interface pad 88(2) is used for the second trace 79(1), and conductive interface pad 88(3) is used for the second trace 79(2). Gap 89 separates adjacent conductive interface pads 88(1), 88(2), and 88(3).

[0081] The first conductive interface pad 88(1) allows the corresponding contact pin 48 in the color programming device 40 to form an electrical contact with the first conductive layer 70. Similarly, the second conductive interface pad 88(2) allows the corresponding contact pin 48 in the color programming device 40 to form an electrical contact with the second conductive layer segment 76(1), and the second conductive interface pad 88(3) allows the corresponding contact pin 48 in the color programming device 40 to form an electrical contact with the second conductive layer segment 76(2).

[0082] The second conductive layer sections 76(1) and 76(2) are independently controlled second electrodes. When a voltage difference is applied to the first electrode 70 and the second electrode 76(1), all corresponding capsules in the electronic paper layer 72 between the first electrode 70 and the second electrode 76(1) are set to the same first color. When different voltage differences are applied to the first electrode 70 and the second electrode 76(2), all corresponding capsules in the electronic paper layer 72 between the first electrode 70 and the second electrode 76(2) are set to the same second color, which is different from the first color.

[0083] To enable the color display 66 to display more than the first and second colors, the second conductive layer will be further divided into more than two second conductive layer segments. Each second conductive layer segment requires its own traces, vias, and conductive interface pads. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, each second conductive layer segment can be shaped to display desired patterns, symbols, designs, or alphanumeric values.

[0084] Now refer to Figure 4 An alternative design for the second conductive layer 76 and the first trace 78 and the second trace 79 is based on a second conductive layer 76' configured with tails 78' and 79'. Tail 78' functions as the first trace 78, and tail 79' functions as the second trace 79. Tail 78' and 79' are flexible, allowing them to fold from the top side to the bottom side of the second conductive layer 76'.

[0085] The tail portions 78' and 79' can be printed separately from the second conductive layer 76' and then placed on the top side of the support layer 74' and folded. Alternatively, the tail portions 78' and 79' can be printed simultaneously with the second conductive layer 76', so that the tail portion 79' becomes an extension of the second conductive layer 76'.

[0086] Tail 79' is in electrical contact with the second conductive layer 76'. This advantageously avoids the need for via 82 because there is an electrical connection between the second conductive layer 76' and tail 79'. Tail 78' is electrically isolated from the second conductive layer 76' because it needs to connect to via 80'. Via 80' extends between the top side of the first conductive layer 70 and the support layer 74'. Because tail 78' folds from the top side to the bottom side of the second conductive layer 76', there is no need for a connection between via 80' and the bottom side of the support layer 74'.

[0087] Now refer to Figure 5 The alternative design on the underside of the support layer 74' stacks conductive interface pads 88(1)' and 88(2)' along the length of the support layer 74. Each conductive interface pad 88(1)' and 88(2)' extends across the width of the support layer 74'. This allows the contact pins 48 in the color programming device 40 to also stack along the length of the support layer 74.

[0088] The first trace 78 and the second trace 79 are configured to contact conductive interface pads 88(1)' and 88(2)'. This requires one of the traces to extend across both conductive interface pads 88(1)' and 88(2)'. A dielectric layer is used to ensure that the trace does not make electrical contact with conductive interface pad 88(2)' when it contacts conductive interface pad 88(1)'.

[0089] The distance between the fingertip of the artificial nail assembly 60 and the user's finger is relatively consistent across different sizes of artificial nail assemblies 60. When the artificial nail assembly 60 needs to be programmed, the fingertip of the artificial nail assembly 60 contacts the hard stop in the color programming device 40. For smaller artificial nail assemblies 60 (e.g., the user's little fingernail), this provides more guiding space for the stacked contact pins 48 in the color programming device 40 to contact the stacked conductive interface pads 88(1)', 88(2)'.

[0090] Now refer to Figures 6A-6C Different views of the artificial nail assembly 60 are provided. Human nails have curvature along both the axis of the finger and the axis perpendicular to the finger. That is, due to the presence of two axes of curvature, the upper surface of a human nail has a complex curve shape. Therefore, the upper surface 93 of the nail plate 92 has a complex curve shape, aesthetically presenting an appearance similar to that of a natural nail.

[0091] However, there are physical limitations to the mechanical layout and / or material composition of the color display 62. These limitations may constrain or determine how optimally the layers bend or flex to engage with the underside of the fingertip sheet 92. Since mechanical stress can strain the electronic paper layer 72 and negatively impact the performance of the color display 62, these physical limitations may require the color display 62 to have a less desirable composite curve shape. In other words, there are physical limitations to the extent to which the color display 62 can be bent or flexed for engagement with the underside of the fingertip sheet 92. The color display 62 is preferably bent into a conformal curve shape rather than a composite curve shape.

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, the upper surface 67 and lower surface 68 of the color display 62 are curved about a single axis. That is, the upper surface 67 and lower surface 68 of the color display 62 each have a single-axis curvature. In order to engage the finger liner 92 with the upper surface 68 of the color display 62, the bottom surface 95 of the finger liner 92 is formed to have a single-axis curvature.

[0093] To securely attach the lower surface 67 of the color display 62 to the upper surface of a human fingernail, a nail interface adapter 94 is provided. The lower surface 97 of the nail interface adapter 94 has a compound curve shape to securely attach to the user's fingernail, and the upper surface 99 of the nail interface adapter 94 has a simple curve shape to engage with the lower surface 67 of the color display 62.

[0094] The nail plate 92 can be manufactured by injection molding. The three-dimensional curvature of the artificial nail assembly 60 is achieved by physical bonding of the color display 62 to a pre-cast thermosetting polymer. The pre-cast thermosetting polymer can be a polymer nail plate 92, such as an acrylic nail plate. The bonding of the color display 62 and the polymer nail plate 92 is accomplished using an optically clear adhesive, thereby forming a bonding optical system. This bonding optical system is attached to the user's nail via a pre-cast nail interface adapter 94, wherein the nail interface adapter 94 is fixed to the user's nail using an adhesive.

[0095] The artificial nail assembly 60 has a stack thickness of 5 to 10 mils, including a color display 62 element 3 to 5 mils thick, an adhesive layer 1 mil thick, and a polymer overlay element nail plate 92 1 to 5 mils thick. The casting equipment for the nail plate 92 can be used for sheet polymer thermoforming, blow molding, separate casting, or direct fusion casting with the color display 62.

[0096] The surface of the nail plate 92 can be modified to adjust various parameters, thereby enhancing the base color of the artificial nail assembly 60, altering its prismatic visual effect, amplifying desired optical effects, or minimizing undesirable optical effects. An example of surface modification is laser ablation surface modification, where the exposed surface 93 of the nail plate 92 or the final artificial nail assembly 60 is etched to optically alter the light passing through the nail plate 92. For example, such as... Figures 8A-8B As shown, a triangular line 100 can be etched onto the upper surface 93 of the finger methyl plate 92.

[0097] The uppermost surface 93 of the fingernail 92 can be a pre-formed polymer shell, which can be modified by laser energy surface ablation to etch fine lines, curves, or geometric patterns onto the uppermost surface 93. The volume of material constituting the etching is effectively removed to establish a lower surface morphology along the length of the fingernail 92 or any desired repeating pattern, thereby achieving the desired optical effect. The illustrated example of color enhancement is based on repeating parallel lines extending along the length of the fingernail 92 from the rear to the tip.

[0098] The fundamental physics principle underlying the optical alteration of the uppermost surface 93 and its influence on the underlying color lies in the formation of constructive and / or destructive interference patterns across the entire nail assembly surface. These patterns alter the propagation path of light through the outer protective shell of the artificial nail assembly 60. Certain ablation characteristics can be modified to achieve specific optical effects.

[0099] Ablation characteristics include substrate, ablation depth, width, ablation profile, energy frequency, ablation rate, substrate surface roughness, ablation surface roughness, pattern, pattern width, optical properties of the polymer overcoat, thermal deformation properties of the substrate, and the wavelength of the underlying color to be optimized. Once the ablation process parameters are determined, the physical pattern will be ablated onto one or more surfaces of the pre-formed polymer nail plate 92 and / or the outer surface of the final artificial nail assembly 60. Optical distortion is generated by utilizing the refractive index mismatch between the various optical components and the adhesive to enhance the overall color experience.

[0100] Another example of surface modification via laser ablation is the generation of microbubbles within the nail shell to achieve prism-like optical alterations. For example... Figures 9A-9B As shown, dual lasers are used to alter the subsurface 102 of the fingertip sheet 92 to generate microbubbles 104, thereby optically altering the light passing through the fingertip sheet 92. Optical distortion is generated by utilizing the refractive index mismatch between the various optical components and the adhesive to enhance the overall color experience.

[0101] Laser ablation surface modification can adjust various parameters to enhance the prism effect of patterned microbubbles 104 formed within the polymer shell of the nail plate 92. Selective reflection of light within the patterned microbubbles 104 produces the desired optical effects on the final artificial nail assembly 60. The pre-formed polymer nail plate 92 or shell can be modified by laser energy cavity ablation, thereby forming microbubbles 104 within the volume of the nail plate 92 to achieve a light scattering effect. The formation of microbubbles 104 in the material induces physical stress in the optical material, thereby inducing various prism optical scattering effects, including polarization, chromatic aberration, cavity reflection, and absorption. Careful arrangement of the microbubble pattern achieves the desired optical effects. This color enhancement example is based on microcavity ablation and cavitation formation within the nail shell material.

[0102] The fundamental physics principle behind achieving volumetric optical alterations and underlying color expression in nail plate 92 lies in redirecting incident light rays within the transparent surface of nail plate 92 to form unique and contrast-enhancing patterns. Light rays that would normally enter the nail component surface, penetrate to the color layer, reflect from the color layer, pass through the polymer shell, and finally exit from the top surface of the nail must now interact with microcavities within the transparent material that possess irregular internal reflective surfaces, variable refractive index, polarization, and optical absorption characteristics.

[0103] To achieve specific optical effects, the ablation characteristics of the substrate, microcavity generation characteristics, cavity depth, cavity width, energy frequency, cavity volumetric rate, substrate surface roughness, ablated surface roughness, pattern, substrate optical properties, substrate thermal deformation characteristics, and the refractive index of the substrate and ablated surface can be altered. Once the process parameters for microcavity ablation generation are determined, the physical pattern will be ablated into the transparent volume of the preformed polymer fingernail sheet 92 and / or the final artificial nail assembly 60.

[0104] Now refer to Figures 10A-10B The color programming device 40 will be discussed. This color programming device 40, also referred to as a stick device, includes a housing 200 and a wireless transceiver 210 carried within the housing. The wireless transceiver 210 is configured to communicate with a client device 30 to receive a subset of color options 206 and a corresponding subset of color files 208, wherein the subset of color files 208 provides programming signal values. The programming signal values ​​may, for example, be voltage levels. The wireless transceiver 210 may operate based on a short-range wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth).

[0105] The user of client device 30 interacts with nail color application (App) 32 to select a subset of color options 206 and a corresponding subset of color files 208 and transmit them to color programming device 40. The subset of color options 206 and the corresponding subset of color files 208 are stored in memory 204.

[0106] User input 212 is connected to controller 202. User input 212 may be, for example, a capacitive touch button. User input 212 allows the user to sequentially view the available colors in color option subset 206. The colors are displayed on color display 218 connected to controller 202.

[0107] All available color options 34 viewed on the nail color application 32 can be transmitted to the color programming device 40. However, it could take a considerable amount of time for the user to sequentially view each color option 34 on the display 218. By allowing the user to select and transmit a subset 206 of color options of interest on the client device 30, the user can view and select from the subset 206 of color options much faster.

[0108] The nail display driver circuit 214 is connected to the controller 202 and contact pin 48. A nail insertion sensor 49 is connected to the controller 202. The nail insertion sensor 49 senses when the artificial nail assembly 60 has been inserted into the color programming device polymer 40. After the user selects an option from the available color options 206, the artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the color programming device polymer 40. In response to the nail insertion sensor 49 sensing the insertion of the artificial nail assembly 60, the controller 202 causes the nail display driver circuit 214 to generate a programming signal corresponding to the programming signal value in the color file 208 associated with the selected color option 206.

[0109] Each microcapsule in the electronic paper layer 72 may contain red, green, and yellow (RGY) pigments as a pigment color group. Another possible pigment color group is magenta, cyan, and yellow. The programmed signal values ​​in the color file 208 provide the voltage potential to be applied to the color display 62, and the duration of application of that voltage potential. The voltage potential may be applied to the color display 62 in a single time period or in multiple time periods. The duration of a time period may range from the microsecond level to the millisecond level.

[0110] To program the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60, the user inserts the artificial nail assembly 60 into a slot or opening 230 on the side of the housing 200. The artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the slot 230 until it contacts a hard stop. This aligns the conductive interface pad 88 in the artificial nail assembly 60 with the contact pin 48 in the color programming device 40. The contact pin 48 is recessed from the slot 230 on the side of the housing 200. The nail insertion sensor 49 senses the insertion of the artificial nail assembly 60 into the slot 230 and sends a signal to the controller 202. The controller 202 causes the nail display drive circuit 214 to generate programming signals, which are applied to the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60 during insertion of the artificial nail assembly 60 into the color programming device 40.

[0111] Combining Figure 11A-12C The nail insertion sensor 49 is discussed. This nail insertion sensor 49 includes a nail positioning pivot arm 240 aligned with the side opening 230 of the housing 200. The nail positioning pivot arm 240 is pivotable between a first position and a second position. The first position corresponds to the state where the artificial nail assembly 60 is not inserted into the opening 230, such as… Figure 11A As shown. The second position corresponds to the state where the artificial nail component 60 is inserted into the opening 230, as shown. Figure 11B As shown.

[0112] The nail insertion sensor 49 includes a nail positioning switch 238 carried by a printed circuit board 236. The nail positioning switch 238 is connected to a controller 202 via traces in the printed circuit board 236. When the nail positioning pivot arm 240 is in a first position, the nail positioning switch 238 is in a non-operating position; when the nail positioning pivot arm 240 is in a second position, the nail positioning switch 238 is in an operating position. The second position serves as an interrupt to the controller 202. In response to the interrupt, the controller 202 communicates with the nail display driver circuit 214 to generate programming signals for the artificial nail assembly 60.

[0113] The nail positioning pivot arm 240 includes a lower pivot arm section 242 and an upper pivot arm section 244. The lower pivot arm section 242 contacts the nail positioning switch 238, and the upper pivot arm section 244 contacts the lower side of the housing 200.

[0114] The nail positioning pivot arm 240 may be made of plastic, which makes the upper pivot arm section 244 flexible enough to act as a spring, thereby forcing the lower pivot arm section 242 to remain in contact with the nail positioning switch 238. When the artificial nail assembly 60 comes into contact with the nail positioning pivot arm 240, it causes the nail positioning pivot arm 240 to pivot.

[0115] The lower side of the nail positioning pivot arm 240 can tilt upwards, so that when the artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the opening 230, the nail positioning pivot arm 240 pivots or is pushed upwards. Subsequently, the lower pivot arm section 242 moves upwards, while the upper pivot arm section 244 is compressed against the lower side of the housing 200. This causes the nail positioning switch 238 to switch from a non-operating state to an operating state.

[0116] In the working state, the artificial nail assembly 60 is fully inserted into the opening 238, so that the conductive interface pad 88 on the underside of the artificial nail assembly 60 makes electrical contact with the contact pin 48. Although only one contact pin 48 is shown, each conductive interface pad 88 on the underside of the artificial nail assembly 60 corresponds to a corresponding contact pin 49.

[0117] like Figure 12A As shown, the opening 238 on the side of the housing 200 has a curved shape 231 for guiding the artificial nail assembly 60 to the center of the opening. This is particularly advantageous for smaller artificial nail assemblies 60. The curved shape 231 matches the underside of the artificial nail assembly 60. The housing 200 may include one or more vertical alignment guides 250 that push downwards when inserted into the opening 238 to align the artificial nail assembly 60 in the vertical direction.

[0118] like Figure 12B-12C As shown, the housing 200 may further include a pair of horizontal alignment guides 252 that are pushed inward upon insertion into the opening 238 to align the artificial nail assembly 60 horizontally. The horizontal alignment guides 252 are flexible and biased towards each other. When the artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the opening 238, the artificial nail assembly 60 causes the horizontal alignment guides 252 to move outward horizontally. This is particularly advantageous for accommodating larger artificial nail assemblies 60.

[0119] Now refer to Figures 13A-13EAnother embodiment of the nail positioning pivot arm 240' will be discussed. In this embodiment, the nail positioning pivot arm 240' and the horizontal alignment guide 252' are configured as a single unit. This single unit may also be made of plastic.

[0120] The vertical alignment guide function is provided by the nail positioning pivot arm 240' itself. That is, the underside of the nail positioning pivot arm 240', which contacts the artificial nail assembly 60, is shaped to provide vertical alignment of the artificial nail assembly 60. The horizontal alignment guide 252' is flexible and curved. The curved shape is designed to accommodate artificial nail assemblies 60 of different sizes.

[0121] The artificial nail assembly 60 can be inserted when the user is wearing the artificial nail assembly 60, or before the artificial nail assembly 60 is to be applied to the user's nail. When the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60 receives the generated programming signal, the artificial nail assembly 60 is removed from the color programming device 40.

[0122] During color setting, the electronic paper layer 72 of the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60 may change with temperature. The color programming device 40 includes a temperature sensor 216 that provides temperature values ​​to a controller 202. The controller 202 is configured to select a color file 208 corresponding to the temperature value. In other words, each corresponding color option 206 may have multiple associated color files 208. The programming signal values ​​in each color file 208 of the corresponding color option 206 change with different temperature values.

[0123] The color programming device 40 is powered by battery 222. Battery monitor 220 monitors the voltage level of battery 222 and reports the voltage level to controller 202. Controller 202 displays the status of battery 222 in the color display 218 of color programming device 40.

[0124] The color programming device 40, configured as a stick-shaped device, is the core technology driving the digital nail system 20. The stick-shaped device 40 provides a non-disposable electronic component package, which includes a color display 218, a controller 202, a nail display driving circuit 214, a nail insertion sensor 49, a user input 212, and a wireless transceiver 210, thereby integrating the digital nail system 20 into one unit.

[0125] The wireless transceiver 210 can use the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol to enable communication and data transmission between the client device 30 and the stick device 40. This is a way to transmit color information to the stick device 40 for local storage of the selected color. As the number of color options increases, it becomes increasingly frustrating to have to cycle through all options if a color is missed. By locally restricting color options on the stick device 40, the user experience can be improved because the user input 212, configured as a capacitive touch interface, cycles through color selection in a single direction.

[0126] The user interface of the stick device 40 includes the following items: a single tap for color cycling and device wake-up, and when waking from the device sleep state, the color display 218 of the stick device 40 can play a rainbow animation, followed by displaying the battery status and the last applied color.

[0127] In addition to pressing and holding the capacitive touch button 212 to initiate programming of the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60, or alternatively, programming can be initiated in response to the nail insertion sensor 49 sensing that the artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the rod-shaped device 40. If the artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the color programming device 40 before the color option 206 is selected, the color display 62 is programmed with the default color option or the color option last selected by the user.

[0128] To change the color, the artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the rod-shaped device 40 through the insertion slot 230 to engage the internal electronic components. The housing design of the rod-shaped device 40 provides a self-aligning port that guides the artificial nail assembly 60 into place to contact the electrical contact pins 48 within the rod-shaped device 40.

[0129] The mechanical part of the rod-shaped device 40 can be connected to a spring-loaded pin of the nail display drive circuit 214, which interfaces with an isolated conductive interface pad 88 on the backplate of the digital nail. The nail insertion sensor 49 senses when the artificial nail assembly 60 has been inserted into the rod-shaped device 40 and transmits this information to the controller 202. The controller 202 then instructs the nail display drive circuit 214 to generate a programming signal. The artificial nail assembly 60 remains engaged with the contact pin 48 while the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60 is programmed to the user-selected color option 206.

[0130] Furthermore, since the rod-shaped device 40 is a self-contained device (containing a microcontroller, wireless communication module, real-time clock, and memory), it can be configured to timestamp all search and modification information in its internal memory 204. Once connected to the client device 30, data is transferred to the nail color application 32 and populated into the existing data lake by that application. Example data that can be collected includes the following: - Selected color, date, and time. - GPS can be linked to mobile phone location data afterward. - Number of color option searches - Number of times the core color set of the rod-shaped device has been reprogrammed. - Palette sharing, and - Proximity to users of other applications (after the fact) Now refer to Figures 14A-14B Another embodiment of the color programming device 40” will be discussed. In this embodiment, the color programming device 40” is configured as a dongle that is directly connected to the port of the client device 30. The color programming device 40” is significantly smaller in size because some of the functions of the aforementioned color programming device 40” are now performed by the client device 30 rather than by the color programming device 40” itself.

[0131] Users can view available color options 34 on the display of client device 30 by operating the nail color application 32 on client device 30. The color programming device 40" includes a housing 200" and a connector 213" connected to the port of client device 30. For example... Figure 14A As shown, the connector 213” can extend outward from the housing 200”.

[0132] Once the user selects color option 34 using client device 30, the artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the opening 230” of the color programming device 40”. The nail insertion sensor 49” senses the insertion of the artificial nail assembly 60 into the dongle 40” and sends a signal to the controller 202”. The controller 202” then instructs the display drive circuit 214” to generate programming signals, which are applied to the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60 during the insertion of the artificial nail assembly 60 into the color programming device 40”.

[0133] To program the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60, the user selects a color option 34 on the nail color application 32 of the client device 30. The artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the slot 230” until it touches the hard stop. This aligns the conductive interface pad 88 in the artificial nail assembly 60 with the contact pin 48” in the color programming device 40”. The contact pin 48” is recessed from the slot 230” on the side of the housing 200”. The nail insertion sensor 49” senses the insertion of the artificial nail assembly 60 into the dongle 40” and sends a signal to the controller 202”. The controller 202” causes the nail display drive circuit 214” to generate programming signals, which are applied to the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60 during the insertion of the artificial nail assembly 60 into the color programming device 40”.

[0134] The artificial nail assembly 60 can be inserted when the user wears the artificial nail assembly 60, or before the artificial nail assembly 60 is applied to the user's nail. When the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60 receives the generated programming signal, the artificial nail assembly 60 is removed from the color programming device 40".

[0135] As described above, the electronic paper layer 72 of the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60 may change with temperature. The color programming device 40 includes a temperature sensor 216 that provides temperature values ​​to the client device 30. This allows the client device 30 to select a color file 36 corresponding to a temperature value. In other words, each corresponding color option 34 may have multiple associated color files 36. The programming signal values ​​in each color file 36 of the corresponding color option 206 change with different temperature values. In other embodiments, the client device 30 is provided with a temperature sensor.

[0136] Now refer to Figures 15A-15B The nail polish application 32 provides key control functions, enabling the stick device 40 to maintain a relatively simple user interface (UI). Within the nail polish application 32, users can interact in several ways: - Save colors in a custom color palette - Save the color to the bar device's transfer queue. - Registered users, - Register products via visual codes or wireless signals. - And check the battery status of the stick device and estimate its lifespan. Two color selection options are provided: Option 1 is a custom color palette, and Option 2 is the stick device queue color. Custom color palettes can be shared socially with other users within the nail polish app 32, and users can download and use other users' custom color palettes. The system will collect color usage data based on time and location as much as possible. For stick device queue colors, when the stick queue is ready for transmission, the nail polish app 32 connects to the stick device 40 via Bluetooth and sends all relevant information. This information includes the selected color name, the RGB values ​​of each color, the corresponding waveforms used to generate these colors at different temperatures, the display type, and the serial number.

[0137] The nail polish application 32 also allows control over the following items within the stick device 40, including LED color brightness, LED off timeout value, and deep sleep mode timeout value.

[0138] Example screenshot 300 of the nail polish application 32 shows several different colors and color themes for the user to view and select. The colors may include trending colors 302, selected palette colors 304, "What's your vibe?" colors 306, and more palette colors 308. For example, the more palette colors 308 include the soft oasis color 310 and the earthy tranquility color 312.

[0139] To select a color for the bar device 40, the user clicks on user interface 314 to connect the color programming device 40. Once connected, the user can select a subset of color options 206, which is displayed in prompt box 316 of screenshot 320. To transfer the subset of color options 206 to the bar device 40, the user selects prompt box 318.

[0140] The user then cycles through a subset 206 of color options on the stick device 40 by pressing user input 212. Once a color option 206 is selected, the artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the stick device 40. In response to the nail insertion sensor 49 sensing that the artificial nail assembly 60 has been inserted into the stick device 40, programming of the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60 is initiated.

[0141] If the artificial nail assembly 60 has been inserted into the color programming device 40 before the color option 206 is selected, the color display 62 is programmed with the default color option or the color option last selected by the user.

[0142] For the dongle 40, the color options displayed in the prompt 316 are not sent to the dongle. Instead, the bar icon 318 is replaced with an arrow icon to allow the user to cycle through the color options in the prompt 316. As the user cycles through the color options, each corresponding color option is highlighted one by one. After the user's selected color is highlighted, the artificial nail component 60 is inserted into the dongle 40.

[0143] In response to the nail insertion sensor 49 detecting that the artificial nail assembly 60 has been inserted into the dongle 40, programming of the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60 is initiated. If the artificial nail assembly 60 has been inserted into the dongle 40 before color option 206 is selected, the color display 62 is programmed with the default color option or the color option last selected by the user.

[0144] On the other hand, a method is provided for operating a color programming device 40 configured as a rod-shaped device to program a color display 62 in an artificial nail assembly 60, as described above. Referring now to... Figure 16 In flowchart 400, starting from the beginning (box 402), the method includes, at box 404, wirelessly receiving a color option 44 from a nail color application 32 running on a client device 30, the color option 44 including a programmed signal value 46.

[0145] At box 406, user input is received to cycle through color options 44. At box 408, after selecting color option 44, the artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the color programming device. The method includes sensing the insertion of the artificial nail assembly 60 into the color programming device 40 at box 410. At box 412, a programming signal corresponding to the programming signal value 46 for the selected color option 44 is generated to program the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60 to the selected color option 44. At box 414, the artificial nail assembly 60 with the color display 62 programmed to the selected color option 44 is removed from the color programming device 40. The method ends at box 416.

[0146] On the other hand, a method is provided for operating a color programming device 40” configured as a rod-shaped device to program a color display 62 in an artificial nail assembly 60, as described above. Now referring to Figure 17 In flowchart 500, starting from the beginning (box 502), the method includes inserting a color programming device 40” into a client device 30 equipped with a nail color application 32 at box 504.

[0147] At box 506, a selected color option 44 containing a programming signal value 46 is received from the nail color application 32. At box 508, after selecting color option 44, the artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the color programming device 40". At box 510, the insertion of the artificial nail assembly 60 into the color programming device 40 is sensed. At box 512, a programming signal corresponding to the programming signal value 46 of the selected color option 44 is generated to program the artificial nail assembly 60 to the selected color option 44. At box 514, the artificial nail assembly 60, programmed to the selected color option 44, is removed from the color display 62. The method ends at box 516.

[0148] Many modifications and other embodiments will arise in those skilled in the art upon receiving the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing is not limited to the exemplary embodiments, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A digital nail system, comprising: Client devices, including nail color apps that provide color options; A color programming device includes multiple contact pins and a nail insertion sensor, and is configured to communicate with the client device to receive at least one user-selected color option; as well as Artificial nail components, including: Methyl tablets; and A color display, bonded to the underside of the finger matrix sheet, includes a first conductive layer, an electronic paper layer, and a backplate, the backplate comprising: Support layer The second conductive layer is located on the upper surface of the support layer. Multiple traces located on the underside of the support layer, Multiple vias extending between the plurality of traces and the first and second conductive layers, and The bottom layer includes: An electrically insulating section is located below the first portion of the plurality of traces and the first portion of the support layer, and Multiple conductive interface pads are located below the second portion of the multiple traces and the second portion of the support layer, the multiple conductive interface pads being used to contact the multiple contact pins after the opening of the color programming device is inserted; The color programming device is configured to generate a programming signal in response to the nail insertion sensor sensing that an artificial nail assembly is inserted into the opening of the color programming device to program the color display to the at least one user-selected color option.

2. The digital nail system of claim 1, wherein the electronic paper layer comprises an electrophoretic layer.

3. The digital nail system of claim 1, wherein the first conductive layer is a transparent layer.

4. The digital nail system of claim 1, wherein the second conductive layer comprises a plurality of spaced-apart second conductive layer segments, each second conductive layer segment being independently controlled to configure the electronic paper layer to display different colors.

5. The digital nail system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of traces includes a first trace for the first conductive layer and a plurality of second traces for the plurality of second conductive layer segments; and wherein the plurality of vias includes a first via extending between the first trace and the first conductive layer and a plurality of second vias extending between the plurality of second traces and the plurality of second conductive layer segments.

6. The digital nail system of claim 1, wherein the lower side of the nail plate is shaped as a simple curve to engage with the upper surface of a color display shaped as a simple curve, and wherein the upper surface of the nail plate is shaped as a composite curve.

7. The digital nail system of claim 1, wherein the lower side of the electrically insulating section is shaped as a simple curve, and further includes a nail interface adapter, the upper surface of which is shaped as a simple curve to engage with the lower side of the electrically insulating section, and the lower side of which is shaped as a composite curve to engage directly with the user's nail.

8. The digital nail system of claim 7, wherein the edge of the nail interface adapter engages with the edge of the nail base plate such that a load applied to the nail interface adapter is transferred to the nail base plate rather than the color display.

9. The digital nail system of claim 1, wherein the exposed surface of the nail plate is etched to optically alter the light passing through the nail plate.

10. The digital nail system of claim 1, wherein the subsurface of the nail plate contains microbubbles to optically alter light passing through the nail plate.

11. The digital nail system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of conductive interface pads are spaced apart along the length direction of the support layer.

12. The digital nail system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of conductive interface pads are spaced apart along the width direction of the support layer.

13. The digital nail system of claim 1, wherein the color programming device comprises: case; A wireless transceiver carried by the housing is configured to communicate with the client device to receive a subset of color options; A controller carried by the housing is connected to the wireless transceiver and the nail insertion sensor; A display housed in the housing is connected to the controller and configured to display the subset of color options; User input carried by the housing is connected to the controller and configured to select at least one color option from the subset of color options in response to user input; as well as The drive circuitry carried by the housing is connected to the controller and the plurality of contact pins and is configured to generate a programming signal for programming the color display to the at least one user-selected color option in response to the nail insertion sensor sensing that the artificial nail assembly is inserted into the opening of the color programming device.

14. The digital nail system of claim 13, wherein the color programming device further comprises a temperature sensor carried by the housing, connected to the controller and configured to provide a temperature value to the controller, and wherein the programming signal is generated based on the temperature value and the at least one user-selected color option.

15. The digital nail system of claim 1, wherein the color programming device is configured to connect to a dongle of the client device, the dongle comprising: case; A controller carried by the housing is connected to the nail insertion sensor and configured to receive the at least one user-selected color option from the client device; as well as The drive circuitry carried by the housing is connected to the controller and the plurality of contact pins and is configured to generate a programming signal for programming the color display to the at least one user-selected color option in response to the nail insertion sensor sensing that the artificial nail assembly is inserted into the opening of the color programming device.

16. The digital nail system of claim 15, wherein the dongle further comprises a temperature sensor carried by the housing, connected to the controller and configured to provide a temperature value to the client device, and wherein the programming signal is generated based on the temperature value and the at least one user-selected color option.

17. A color programming device for artificial nail components, comprising: case; An input device carried by the housing is configured to receive from a client device at least one user-selected color option for a color display in the artificial nail assembly; A controller carried by the housing is connected to the input device; Multiple contact pins are disposed in the side opening of the housing and are configured to contact the artificial nail assembly when the artificial nail assembly is inserted into the opening; A nail insertion sensor, carried by the housing, is connected to the controller and configured to sense the insertion of the artificial nail assembly into the side opening of the housing; as well as The drive circuitry carried by the housing is connected to the controller and the plurality of contact pins and is configured to generate a programming signal for programming the color display to the at least one user-selected color option in response to the nail insertion sensor sensing that the artificial nail assembly is inserted into the side opening of the housing.

18. The color programming device of claim 17, wherein the nail insertion sensor comprises: A nail positioning pivot arm aligned with the side opening of the housing is pivotable between a first position and a second position, the first position corresponding to the opening where the artificial nail assembly is not inserted and the second position corresponding to the opening where the artificial nail assembly is inserted. as well as The nail positioning switch connected to the controller is in a non-working position when the nail positioning pivot arm is in the first position and in a working position when the nail positioning pivot arm is in the second position, causing the drive circuit to generate a programming signal.

19. The color programming device of claim 18, wherein the nail positioning pivot arm includes a lower pivot arm section that contacts the nail positioning switch and an upper pivot arm section that contacts the lower side of the housing, the upper pivot arm section acting as a spring.

20. The color programming device of claim 18, wherein the nail positioning pivot arm is biased to the first position.

21. The color programming device of claim 17, wherein the opening on the side of the housing has a curved shape to guide the artificial nail assembly to the center of the opening, the curved shape matching the underside of the artificial nail assembly.

22. The color programming apparatus of claim 18, comprising: A pair of horizontal alignment guides for horizontally aligning the artificial nail assembly when inserting the opening; as well as The lower side of the nail positioning pivot arm that contacts the artificial nail assembly is shaped to provide vertical alignment of the artificial nail assembly when inserted into the opening.

23. The color programming device of claim 22, wherein the nail positioning pivot arm and the pair of horizontal alignment guides are configured as an integral unit.

24. The color programming apparatus of claim 17, wherein the input device includes a wireless transceiver configured to communicate with the client device to receive the at least one user-selected color option.

25. The color programming apparatus of claim 17, wherein the input device includes a connector for connection to the client device to receive the at least one user-selected color option.

26. The color programming apparatus of claim 17, further comprising: A display housed in the housing is connected to the controller and configured to display color options from the color display in the artificial nail assembly; as well as An input device carried by the housing is connected to the controller and configured to select one of the color options as the at least one user-selected color option based on user input.

27. The color programming device of claim 17, further comprising a temperature sensor carried by the housing, connected to the controller and configured to provide a temperature value to the controller, and wherein the drive circuitry generates a programming signal based on the temperature value and the at least one user-selected color option.

28. The color programming device of claim 17, wherein the color programming device is configured as a dongle.

29. A method of operating a color programming device to program a color display in an artificial nail assembly, the method comprising: Receive at least one user-selected color option from the client device; Insert the artificial nail assembly into the opening on the side of the color programming device, so that the artificial nail assembly contacts multiple contact pins in the color programming device; The nail insertion sensor is operated to sense when the artificial nail assembly is inserted into the opening on the side of the color programming device; as well as In response to the nail insertion sensor sensing the insertion of the artificial nail assembly, a programming signal is generated to program the color display to the at least one user-selected color option.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one user-selected color option is received wirelessly from the client device.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one user-selected color option is received after the color programming device is inserted into the client device.

32. The method of claim 28, further comprising: Displays color options for the color display in the artificial nail assembly; as well as The user selects one of the color options as the at least one user-selected color option based on user input.

33. The method of claim 28, further comprising determining the temperature of the color programming device, wherein the programming signal is generated based on the temperature and the at least one user-selected color option.

34. The method of claim 28, wherein the color programming device is configured as a dongle.

Images