Digital nail system for artificial nails and associated methods

Abstract

A digital nail system includes a client device, a color programming device, and an artificial nail assembly. The client device may include a nail color app for providing color options for programming the artificial nail assembly, with each color option having at least one corresponding color file associated therewith that includes a voltage list. The color programming device is configured to communicate with the client device to receive at least one corresponding color file corresponding to at least one user-selected color option, and is configured to generate programming voltages in the voltage list for the at least one corresponding color file.

Description

16801-002 DIGITAL NAIL SYSTEM FOR ARTIFICIAL NAILS AND ASSOCIATED METHODS Cross-Reference To Related Applications

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63 / 459,794 filed April 17, 2023, all of which is fully incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to artificial nails, and, more particularly, to a digital nail system for programming a color display in an artificial nail and associated methods. Background

[0003] Nail polish is typically applied onto the nails of a person for decorative purpose. A number of items are generally needed by the person for this process. These items may include a nail polish container, a nail polish remover container, a top coat container, a base coat container, a nail polish remover pad, nail scissors, a nail clipper, a nail file, and so forth.

[0004] Furthermore, these items can become misplaced, which can be time consuming and / or expensive for the person to replace. Also, using some of the fluid-based items often results in noxious fumes, flammable conditions, and / or spillage onto the person’s belongings. Additionally, the nail polish frequently chips and fades within a short time period from application, thereby exposing the person's unpolished nail underneath.16801-002 Although the person can self-reapply the nail polish onto the nail, such self-reapplication may not be convenient when needed.

[0005] An alternative to applying polish is for the person to apply artificial nails instead, which results in the person having polished looking nails without requiring all of the above discussed items associated with using nail polish. However, a drawback of artificial nails is that the user is limited to the particular polish color or design on the artificial nails. For the person to change colors, a different set of artificial nails are needed.

[0006] One approach to overcome limitations of using pre- colored artificial nails is to use artificial nails with a color display that allows the person to change colors of the artificial nails. Artificial nails with color displays are disclosed in U.S. published patent application no. 2016 / 0295989. Such a system includes a nail covering device comprising a body configured to mate with a fingernail of a user, a display associated with an upper surface of the body, and a receiving unit for communicating with a design transfer device. The display uses electrophoretic ink to display designs. The system further includes a design transfer device comprising a housing that includes a processing unit and a memory unit for storing at least one design, wherein the design transfer device is configured to transmit the at least one design to the nail covering device. A server storing a plurality of designs is communicatively coupled with the design transfer device. A user causes the at least one design to be transferred from the server to the design transfer device using an application executing on a mobile device associated with the user.16801-002

[0007] Another approach for an artificial nail with a color display is disclosed in US patent no. 8,863,759. A cosmetic device is to be applied to an artificial nail, wherein the device includes an electrochromic multilayer structure comprising an electrosensitive stack. The electrosensitive stack is formed by at least first and second electrode layers, with the first and second electrode layers being coatings supported by respective support layers. The support layers are formed by a single flexible film or an assembly of flexible films, first and second active electrochromic layers, and an electrolyte layer. The cosmetic device further includes an optically-active layer that is superposed, at least in part, on the electrosensitive stack. The optically-active layer is at least one of a layer including an effect pigment, a colored layer, a luminescent layer and printing.

[0008] Nonetheless, there is still a need to improve upon artificial nails with color displays and how to program the color displays. Summary

[0009] A digital nail system includes a client device, a color programming device, and an artificial nail assembly. The client device may include a nail color app for providing color options for programming the artificial nail assembly, with each color option having at least one corresponding color file associated therewith that includes a voltage list.

[0010] The color programming device may include a plurality of contact pins, and is configured to communicate with the client device to receive at least one corresponding color file corresponding to at least one user-selected color option, and is configured to generate programming voltages in the voltage list for the at least one corresponding color file.16801-002

[0011] The artificial nail assembly may include a nail blank, and a color display coupled to an underside of the nail blank. The color display may include a first conductive layer, an electronic paper layer, and a backplane. The backplane may include a support layer, a second conductive layer on an upper surface of the support layer, a plurality of traces on an 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 bottom layer may include an electrical insulating section underlying a first portion of the plurality of traces, and a first portion of the support layer, and a plurality of conductive interface pads underlying a second portion of the plurality of traces and a second portion of the support layer. The plurality of conductive interface pads are for interfacing with the plurality of contact pins in the color programming device for receiving the generated programming voltages to program the color display to the at least one user-selected color option. An underside of the electrical insulating section is to be coupled to a user’s nail.

[0013] The electronic paper layer may include an electrophoretic layer. The first conductive layer is transparent. The second conductive layer may include a plurality of spaced apart second conductive layer sections, with each second conductive layer section being separately controlled for configuring 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 second conductive layer sections, and wherein the plurality of vias may include a first via extending between the first trace and the first conductive layer, and a plurality of second16801-002 vias extending between the plurality of second traces and the plurality of second conductive layer sections.

[0015] The underside of the nail blank may be shaped as a simple curve for bonding with an upper surface of the display that is shaped as a simple curve, and wherein an upper surface of the nail blank is shaped as a compound curve.

[0016] The underside of the electrical insulating section may be shaped as a simple curve, and the artificial nail assembly may further include a nail interface adapter having an upper surface shaped as a simple curve for bonding with the underside of the electrical insulating section, and an underside shaped as a compound curve for directly bonding with the user’s nail.

[0017] Edges of the nail interface adapter and edges of the nail blank may be bonded together so that a load on the nail interface adapter is transferred to the nail blank and not to the color display.

[0018] An outer exposed surface of the nail blank may be etched to optically alter passage of light through the nail blank. A subsurface of the nail blank may include micro air bubbles to optically alter passage of light through the nail blank.

[0019] The plurality of conductive interface pads may be spaced apart in a lengthwise direction of the support layer. The plurality of conductive interface pads may be spaced apart in a widthwise direction of the support layer.

[0020] The color programming device may configured as a wand to include a housing, and a wireless transceiver carried by the housing and configured to communicate with the client device to receive a subset of color options and a corresponding subset of color files. A controller is carried by the housing and may be coupled to the wireless transceiver. A display is carried by the housing and may be coupled to the controller and configured to16801-002 display the subset of color options. A user input device is carried by the housing and may be coupled to the controller and configured to select the at least one user-selected color option based on user input. Drive circuitry is carried by the housing and may be coupled to the controller and to the plurality of contact pins, and may be configured to generate voltages in the voltage list for programming the color display to the at least one user-selected color.

[0021] The color programming device may further include a temperature sensor carried by the housing and may be coupled to the controller and may be configured to provide a temperature value to the controller, and wherein the controller may be further configured to select the color file corresponding to the temperature value.

[0022] The plurality of contact pins in the color programming device may be recessed from a slot or opening in a side of the housing, and wherein the artificial nail assembly is inserted in the slot for the plurality of conductive interface pads to interface with the plurality of contact pins.

[0023] In another embodiment, the color programming device may be configured as a dongle to be coupled to the client device. The dongle may include a housing, a controller carried by the housing and may be configured to receive from the client device the at least one user-selected color option and the at least one corresponding color file. Drive circuitry is carried by the housing and may be coupled to the controller and to the plurality of contact pins, and may be configured to generate voltages in the voltage list for programming the color display to the at least one user-selected color.

[0024] The dongle may further include a temperature sensor carried by the housing, and may be coupled to the controller and may be configured to provide a temperature value to the client16801-002 device, and wherein the controller receives the color file corresponding to the temperature value.

[0025] The plurality of contact pins in the dongle may be recessed from a slot or opening in a side of the housing, and wherein the artificial nail assembly is inserted in the slot for the plurality of conductive interface pads to interface with the plurality of contact pins.

[0026] Another aspect is directed to an artificial nail assembly that includes a nail blank, and a color display coupled to an underside of the nail blank. The color display may include a first conductive layer, an electronic paper layer and a backplane. The backplane may include a support layer, a second conductive layer on an upper surface of the support layer, a plurality of traces on an 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.

[0027] The bottom layer may include an electrical insulating section underlying a first portion of the plurality of traces, and a first portion of the support layer, and a plurality of conductive interface pads underlying a second portion of the plurality of traces and a second portion of the support layer. The plurality of conductive interface pads are for interfacing with a plurality of contact pins in a color programming device for receiving voltages in a voltage list to program the color display to at least one user-selected color.

[0028] Yet another aspect is directed to a method for making an artificial nail assembly comprising forming a nail blank, forming a color display as described above, and bonding an underside of the nail blank to a topside of the color display. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a digital nail system16801-002 in which various aspects of the disclosure may be implemented.

[0030] FIG. 2A is a top view of the support layer illustrated in FIG. 1 with a second conductive layer deposited thereon for a single-color display.

[0031] FIG. 2B is bottom view of the support layer illustrated in FIG. 2A with the traces deposited thereon.

[0032] FIG. 2C is bottom view of the support layer illustrated in FIG. 2B with the electrical insulating section and the conductive interface pads deposited thereon.

[0033] FIG. 3A is a top view of the support layer illustrated in FIG. 1 with the second conductive layer deposited thereon in sections for a multi-color display.

[0034] FIG. 3B is bottom view of the support layer illustrated in FIG. 3A with the traces deposited thereon.

[0035] FIG. 2C is bottom view of the support layer illustrated in FIG. 2B with the electrical insulating section and the conductive interface pads deposited thereon.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a top view of the support layer illustrated in FIG. 1 with the second conductive layer deposited thereon and with tails extending from the support layer.

[0037] FIG. 5 is bottom view of the support layer illustrated in FIG. 1 with the conductive interface pads each extending across a width of the support layer.

[0038] FIGS. 6A-6C are different views of the artificial nail assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0039] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the nail blank, the color display and the nail interface adapter illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0040] FIGS. 8A-8B are different views of the nail blank illustrated in FIG. 1 with surface modifications formed therein.

[0041] FIGS. 9A-9B are different views of the nail blank illustrated in FIG. 1 with micro air bubbles formed in a16801-002 subsurface thereof.

[0042] FIG. 10A is a block diagram of one embodiment of the color programming device illustrated in FIG. 1

[0043] FIG. 10B is a perspective view of the color programming device illustrated in FIG. 10A interfacing with an artificial nail assembly.

[0044] FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional side view of the color programming device illustrated in FIG. 10B interfacing with the artificial nail assembly.

[0045] FIG. 11A is a block diagram of another embodiment of the color programming device illustrated in FIG. 1

[0046] FIG. 11B is a perspective view of the color programming device illustrated in FIG. 11A interfacing with an artificial nail assembly.

[0047] FIGS. 12A-12B are screenshots of the nail polish app on the client device illustrated in FIG. 1. Detailed Description

[0048] The present description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. However, many different embodiments may be used, and thus the description should not be construed as limited to the particular embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notations may be used to indicate similar elements in different embodiments.

[0049] Referring initially to FIG. 1, a digital nail system 20 includes a client device 30, a color programming device 40 and an artificial nail assembly 60 with a color display 62 bonded to an underside of a nail blank 64. The color display 62 is programmable for displaying one or more user-selected colors.16801-002 The artificial nail assembly 60 is to be bonded to a nail of a user, which may be a fingernail or a toenail.

[0050] The client device 30 may be a desktop computing device or a mobile computing device. A mobile computing device includes a cell phone or a personal display assistant (PDA), for example.

[0051] The color programming device 40 may be configured as a wand or as a dongle. The wand configuration wirelessly interfaces with the client device 30 for programming the color display 62, whereas the dongle configuration is directly coupled to the client device for programming the color display 62. The dongle configuration is considerably smaller in size since many of the components in the wand are now performed by the client device 30.

[0052] Even though the digital nail system 20 is directed to artificial nails, the system may be equally adapted to cosmetic jewelry. The same color display 62 configuration as will be discussed in detail below may be applied to necklaces, pendants, bracelets and more while using the same client device 30 and color programming device 40 for programming.

[0053] The client device 30 includes a nail color app 32 that is configured to display a set of color options 34 available for the color display 62. Each color option 34 has at least one corresponding color file 36 associated therewith. Each color file 36 includes a voltage list corresponding to a color option 34.

[0054] 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 to receive at least one user-selected color option 44 and at least one corresponding color file 46, and to generate programming voltages in the voltage list for the at least one color file associated with the at least one user-selected color option.16801-002

[0055] To program the color display 62, the plurality of contact pins 48 make contact with a plurality of conductive interface pads 88 in the artificial nail assembly 60. This allows the color display 62 to receive the generated programming voltages so as to be programmed to display the at least one user-selected color option.

[0056] The color display 62 for the artificial nail assembly 60 includes a first conductive layer 70 that may also be referred to as a first electrode, an electronic paper layer 72 and a backplane 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 electrically conductive material, such as indium tin oxide (ITO).

[0057] In one embodiment, the electronic paper layer 72 is an electrophoretic layer. In other embodiments, the electronic paper layer 72 may be an electrochromic layer, for example. For discussion purposes of the color display 62, the electronic paper layer 72 is configured as the electrophoretic layer.

[0058] E Ink Corporation is a supplier of electronic paper. Electronic paper is also known as e-paper, electronic ink, or e- ink, and is a technology that replicates the appearance of ordinary ink on paper. It works by using tiny capsules filled with clear fluid containing minuscule particles, each about the width of a human hair. These capsules are arranged in a thin film with particles of different colors and electric charges. The electric charges are initially set at the factory so that the capsules remain in a charged state. When an electric field is applied to the individual electrodes, i.e., first and second conductive layers 70 and 76, the particles move within the charged capsules, causing the electronic paper layer 72 to appear as a certain color.16801-002

[0059] The electronic paper layer 72 is bistable, meaning it retains a static image even without electricity, and it is reflective, reflecting ambient light rather than emitting its own. Because of these properties, electronic paper is energy- efficient and can display content without constant refreshing, making it ideal for artificial nails.

[0060] The backplane 66 may also be referred to as a custom backplane and is configured so that the color display 62 is functional within the artificial nail assembly 60 and can be programmed via the color programming device 40. The backplane 66 includes a support layer 74, a second conductive layer 76 on an upper surface of the support layer 74, and a plurality of traces 78, 79 on an underside 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.

[0061] The second conductive layer 76 is an electrically conductive material, and does not need to be transparent. Example electrically conductive materials are carbon, copper, silver and gold. As will be discussed in detail below, the second conductive layer 76 may be split into sections, with each section being separately controlled for configuring the electronic paper layer 72 to appear as different colors. The traces 78, 79 are also an electrically conductive material, such as silver. The second conductive layer 76 and the traces 78, 79 are printed on opposing sides of the support layer 74.

[0062] The backplane 66 further includes a plurality of vias 80, 82 extending between the plurality of traces 78, 79 and the first and second conductive layers 70, 76. Via 80 extends between a first one of the traces 78 and the first conductive layer 70. Via 82 extends between a second one of the traces 79 and the second conductive layer 76.

[0063] The backplane 66 further includes a bottom layer 8416801-002 comprising an electrical insulating section 86 and a plurality of conductive interface pads 88 formed on an underside of the support layer 74. The electrical insulating section 86 is a dielectric material since an underside of the electrical insulating section is to be coupled to a nail of the user. The plurality of conductive interface pads 88 may be carbon, for example, and interface with the first and second traces 78, 79.

[0064] In particular, the electrical insulating section 86 underlies the plurality of vias 80 and 82, a first portion of the first and second traces 78, 79 and a first portion of the support layer 74. Similarly, the plurality of conductive interface pads 88 underlie a second portion of the first and second traces 78, 79 and a second portion of the support layer 74.

[0065] A first one of the conductive interface pads 88 contacts the first trace 78, and a second one of the conductive interface pads 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). The first and second conductive interface pads 88(1), 88(2) make electrical contact with the contact pins 48 in the color program device 40 when the color display 62 is to be programmed to display a selected color option 44.

[0066] Referring now to FIGS. 2A-2C, the opposing top and bottom sides of the support layer 74 will be discussed for the color display 62 configured as a single-color display. The top side of the support layer 74 has the second conductive layer 76 printed thereon as a continuous section, as shown in FIG. 2A. Likewise, the first conductive layer 70 is also printed as a continuous sheet.

[0067] A small area of the support layer 74 is not covered by16801-002 the second conductive layer 76 so as to allow via 80 to pass through without making contact with the second conductive layer 76. The bottom side of the support layer 74 has the first trace 78 and the second trace 79 printed thereon, as shown in FIG. 2B. Via 80 extends from the first trace 78 to the first conductive layer 70, and via 82 extends from the second trace 79 to the second conductive layer 76.

[0068] The electrical insulating section 86 is formed to cover a first portion of the traces 78, 79 that make contact with the vias 80, 82, and a first portion of the exposed support layer 74, as shown in FIG. 2C. Similarly, the plurality of conductive interface pads 88 are formed to cover a second portion of the first and second traces 78, 79 and a second portion of the exposed support layer 74.

[0069] The plurality of conductive interface pads 88 may be referred to as first conductive interface pad 88(1) and second conductive interface pad 88(2). The first and second conductive interface pads 88(1), 88(2) help to protect the first and second traces 78, 79 and to provide a broader interface area for contact pins carried by the color programming device 40. The first and second conductive interface pads 88(1), 88(2) are electrically separated by a gap 89.

[0070] The first conductive interface pad 88(1) allows the color programming device 40 to make electrical contact with the first conductive layer 70, i.e., first electrode. Similarly, the second conductive interface pad 88(2) allows the color programming device 40 to make electrical contact with the second conductive layer 76, i.e., second electrode. When a differential in voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes 70, 76, the capsules in the electronic paper layer 72 are all set to the same color. The electronic paper layer 72 appears as a single pixel. As an example, the differential in voltage may be based16801-002 on ground being applied to the first electrode 70 and 24 volts being applied to the second electrode 76.

[0071] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3C, the opposing top and bottom sides of the support layer 74 will be discussed for the color display 62 configured as a multi-color display. This requires the first conductive layer 70 or the second conductive layer 76 to be divided into sections, where each section is electrically separated from the other sections and can be separately controlled with a different voltage level. As an example, the second conductive layer 76 may be divided into second conductive layer sections 76(1), 76(2) for a French nail design, as shown in FIG. 3A. A gap 77 electrically separates the second conductive layer sections 76(1), 76(2).

[0072] Since there are now two second conductive layer sections 76(1), 76(2), an extra trace and via are needed, as shown in FIG. 3B. The first trace 78 still interfaces with the first conductive layer 70 using via 80. The second trace 79 is now separated into second traces 79(1) and 79(2). Second trace 79(1) is to connect with second conductive layer section 76(1) using via 82(1), and second trace 79(2) is to connect with the second conductive layer section 76(2) using via 82(2).

[0073] An advantage of switching the color display 66 at the second conductive layer sections 76(1), 76(2) is that there will be less interruptions in the color display 62 since only one contact (i.e., via 80) is required for the first conductive layer 70 formed as a single continuous layer. Dividing the first conductive layer 70 into sections would require multiple contacts, and since the first conductive layer 70 is transparent, this would lead to more interruptions in the color display 62. In contrast, the contacts for the second conductive layer sections 76(1), 76(2) are not visible.

[0074] The electrical insulating section 86 is formed to16801-002 cover a first portion of the first and second traces 78, 79(1), 79(2) that make contact with vias 80, 82(1), 82(2) and a first portion of the exposed support layer 74, as shown in FIG. 3C. The first and second traces 78, 79(1), 79(2) each require its own conductive interface pad, as also shown in FIG. 3C. Accordingly, conductive interface pad 88(1) is for first trace 78, conductive interface pad 88(2) is for second trace 79(1), and conductive interface pad 88(3) is for second trace 79(2). Gaps 89 separate adjacent conductive interface pads 88(1), 88(2) and 88(3).

[0075] The first conductive interface pad 88(1) allows a respective contact pin 48 in the color programming device 40 to make electrical contact with the first conductive layer 70. Similarly, second conductive interface pad 88(2) allows a respective contact pin 48 in the color programming device 40 to make electrical contact with the second conductive layer section 76(1), and second conductive interface pad 88(3) allows a respective contact pin 49 in the color programming device 40 to make electrical contact with the second conductive layer section 76(2).

[0076] The second conductive layer sections 76(1), 76(2) are separately controlled second electrodes. When a differential in voltage is applied to the first electrode 70 and the second electrode 76(1), the respective capsules in the electronic paper layer 72 between the first and second electrodes 70, 76(1) are all set to the same first color. When a different differential in voltage is applied to the first electrode 70 and the second electrode 76(2), the respective capsules in the electronic paper layer 72 between the first and second electrodes 70, 76(2) are all set to the same second color that is different from the first color.

[0077] For the color display 66 to display more than the16801-002 first and second colors, the second conductive layer would be further divided into more than two second conductive layer sections. Each second conductive layer section would require its own trace, via and conductive interface pad. As readily appreciated by those skilled in the art, each second conductive layer section may be shaped so that a desired pattern, symbol, design or alpha-numeric value is displayed.

[0078] Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternative design for the second conductive layer 76 and the first and second traces 78, 79 is based on configuring the second conductive layer 76’ with tails 78’, 79’. Tail 78’ functions as first trace 78, and tail 79’ functions as second trace 79. The tails 78’, 79’ are flexible so that they can be folded from the top side to the bottom side of the second conductive layer 76’.

[0079] The tails 78’, 79’ may be printed separate from the second conductive layer 76’ and then placed on a top side of the support layer 74’ to be folded. Alternatively, the tails 78’, 79’ may be printed at the same time as the second conductive layer 76’ so that tail 79’ is an extension of the second conductive layer 76’.

[0080] Tail 79’ is in electrical contact with the second conductive layer 76’. This advantageously avoids the need for via 82 since an electrical connection exists between the second conductive layer 76’ and the tail 79’. Since tail 78’ is to connect with via 80’, the tail 78’ is electrically separated from the second conductive layer 76’. Via 80’ extends between the first conductive layer 70 and the top side of the support layer 74’. Connection of the via 80’ to the bottom side of the support layer 74’ is not needed since tail 78’ is folded from the top side to the bottom side of the second conductive layer 76’.

[0081] Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternate design on an16801-002 underside of the support layer 74’ has the conductive interface pads 88(1)’, 88(2)’ stacked in a lengthwise direction of the support layer 74. Each conductive interface pad 88(1)’, 88(2)’ extends across a width of the support layer 74’. This allows the contact pins 48 in the color programming device 40 to also be stacked in a lengthwise direction of the support layer 74.

[0082] The first and second traces 78, 79 are configured such that they make contact with the conductive interface pads 88(1)’, 88(2)’. This requires one of the traces to extend across both of the conductive interface pads 88(1)’, 88(2)’. A dielectric layer is used so that this trace does not electrically contact conductive interface pad 88(2)’ when contacting conductive interface pad 88(1)’.

[0083] The distance between a tip of the artificial nail assembly 60 and the user’s finger is relatively consistent between different size artificial nail assemblies 60. When an artificial nail assembly 60 is to be programmed, the tip of an artificial nail assembly 60 makes contact with a hard stop in the color programming device 40. For smaller size artificial nail assemblies 60, such as for a user’s pinky nail, this allows more lead way for the stacked contact pins 49 in the color programming device 40 to make contact with the stacked conductive interface pads 88(1)’, 88(2)’

[0084] Referring now to FIGS. 6A-6C, different views of the artificial nail assembly 60 are provided. The human nail has curvature in both the axis of the finger as well as the axis perpendicular to the finger. That is, an upper surface of the human nail has a complex curve shape since there are two axis of curvature. Consequently, an upper surface 93 of the nail blank 92 has a complex curve shape to aesthetically look like a natural nail.

[0085] However, there are limitations on how much the color16801-002 display 62 can be curved or flexed to interface with the underside of the nail blank 92. If the color display 62 is to be curved to have a complex curve shape, then this would place stress on the electronic paper layer 72 which could negatively effect performance of the color display 62.

[0086] As best shown in FIG. 7, an upper surface 67 and a lower surface 68 of the color display 62 are curved about a single axis. That is, the upper and lower surfaces 67, 68 of the color display 62 each have a single axis of curvature. For the nail blank 92 to interface with the upper surface 68 of the color display 62, a bottom surface 95 of the nail blank 92 is formed to have single axis of curvature.

[0087] For the lower surface 67 of the color display 62 to bond securely to the upper surface of the human nail, a nail interface adapter 94 is provided. A lower surface 97 of the nail interface adapter 94 has a complex curve shape to securely interface with the user’s nail, and an upper surface 99 of the nail interface adapter 94 has a simple curve shape to interface with the lower surface 67 of the color display 62.

[0088] The nail blank 92 may be formed with injection molding. The 3D curvature of the artificial nail assembly 60 is achieved with a physical surface-to-surface bonding of the color display 62 to a precast acrylic nail blank 92. Bonding of the color display 62 to the acrylic nail blank 92 is done with an optically clear adhesive creating a bonded optical system. The bonded optical system is attached to a user’s nail using a precast nail interface adapter 94, wherein an adhesive is used to secure the nail interface adapter 94 to the user’s nail.

[0089] The artificial nail assembly 60 may be between 5 and 10 mils in stack thickness, consisting of a 3 to 5 mil thick color display 62 element, a 1 mil bond layer, and a 1 to 5 mil thick acrylic over-element nail blank 92. Casting equipment used16801-002 for the nail blank 92 may be hot pressed from sheet acrylic, blow molded, cast separate or fusion cast directly to the color display 62.

[0090] A surface of the nail blank 92 may be modified to adjust the various parameters to enhance the underlying color of the artificial nail assembly 60, altering its prismatic visual effect, amplifying desired optical effects or minimizing undesired optical effects. One example of surface modification is laser ablation surface modification, where an outer exposed surface 93 of the nail blank 92 or the final artificial nail assembly 60 is etched to optically alter passage of light through the nail blank 92. As an example, lines 100 having a triangular shape may be etched into the upper surface 93 of the nail blank 92, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B.

[0091] The uppermost surface 93 of the nail blank 92 may be a pre-formed acrylic shell that can be modified via laser energy surface ablation so that fine lines, curves or patterns of geometrical figures may be etched into the uppermost surface 93. The volume of material that makes up the etching is effectively removed to establish a lower surface topography along the length of the nail blank 92, or in any repeating pattern that is required to effect the optical result desired. The illustrated instance of chromatic enhancement is based on repeating parallel lines running the length of the nail blank 92 from rear to tip.

[0092] The underlying physics that allows for the optical alteration of the uppermost surface 93 and effect on the underlying color is the establishment of constructive and or destructive interference patterns across the nail assembly surface that alter the passage of light through the outer protective shell of the artificial nail assembly 60. To achieve a specific optical outcome, certain ablation characteristics may16801-002 be varied.

[0093] Ablation characteristics include the base material, ablation depth, width, ablation profile, energy frequency, ablation rate, base material surface roughness, ablated surface roughness, pattern, pattern width, optical properties of polymer overcoat, thermal distortion characteristics of the base material and the wavelength of the underlying color to be optimized. Once the processing parameters of the ablation are established, the physical pattern is burned onto one or more of the surfaces of the pre-formed acrylic nail blank 92 and or the external surface of the final artificial nail assembly 60.

[0094] Another instance of surface modification via laser ablation is the creation of micro bubbles within the nail shell for the purposes of prismatic optical alteration. A subsurface 102 of the nail blank 92 is altered using dual lasers to create micro air bubbles 104 to optically alter passage of light through the nail blank 92, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B.

[0095] Laser ablation surface modification can adjust the various parameters to enhance the prismatic effect of patterned micro air bubbles 104 formed within the acrylic shell of the nail blank 92. Selective bouncing of light rays within patterned micro air bubbles 104 can produce desired optical effects on the final artificial nail assembly 60. The pre-formed acrylic nail blank 92 or shell can be modified via laser energy cavity ablation so that micro air bubbles 104 are formed in the volume of the nail blank 92 for the effect of light ray scattering. The formation of micro air bubbles 104 in the material will induce physical stress in the optical material inducing a host of prismatic optical ray scatterings including polarization, chromatic aberration, internal cavity reflection and absorption. Careful placement of the micro bubble patterns can effect the optical result desired. This instance of chromatic16801-002 enhancement is based on micro cavity ablation and void creation within the nail shell material.

[0096] The underlying physics that allows for the optical alteration of the volume of the nail blank 92 and underlying color expression is the resurrection of incident light rays into unique and contrast enhancing patterns within the transparent surfaces of the nail blank 92. Light rays that would normally enter the nail assembly surface, penetrate to the color layer, reflect off the color layer, transverse the acrylic shell and exit the upper most surface of the nail surface will now have to interact with micro voids in the transparent material that have irregular internal reflective surfaces, variable indexes of refraction, polarization and optical absorption properties.

[0097] To achieve a specific optical outcome, the ablation characteristics of the base material, micro cavity generation characteristic, cavity depth, cavity width, energy frequency, cavity volume rate, base material surface roughness, ablated surface roughness, pattern, optical properties of base material, thermal distortion characteristics of the base material and the refractive index of the base material and ablated surface may be varied. Once the processing parameters of the micro cavity ablation creation are established, the physical pattern is burned onto the transparent volume of the pre-formed acrylic nail blank 92 and or the final artificial nail assembly 60.

[0098] Referring now to FIGS. 10A-10C, one embodiment of the color programming device 40 will be discussed. The color programming device 40 may also be referred to as a wand and includes a housing 200, and a wireless transceiver 210 carried by the housing 200. The wireless transceiver 210 is configured to communicate with the client device 30 to receive a subset of color options 206 and a corresponding subset of color files 208. The wireless transceiver 210 may operate based on short-range16801-002 wireless technology, such as Bluetooth.

[0099] The user of the client device 30 interfaces with the nail color app 32 to select and transfer the subset of color options 206 and the corresponding subset of color files 208 to the color programming device 40. The subset of color options 206 and the corresponding subset of color files 208 are stored in memory 204.

[0100] A user input 212 is coupled to the controller 202. The user input 212 may be a capacitive touch button, for example. The user input 212 allows the user to sequentially view the respective colors that are available in the subset of color options 206. The respective colors are displayed on a color display 218 coupled to the controller 202.

[0101] All of the available color options 34 viewed on the nail color app 32 may be transferred to the color programming device 40. However, it would likely take the user a considerable amount of time to view each color option 34. By the user selecting and transferring at the client device 30 a subset of color options 206 that are of interest, the user is able to more quickly view the subset of color options 206 for making a selection.

[0102] A nail display drive circuit 214 is coupled to the controller 202. Once the user selects one of the available color options 206, the nail display drive circuit 214 is used to generate the voltages in the voltage list in the color file 208 associated with the selected color option 206.

[0103] Each microcapsule in the electronic paper layer 72 may include red, green and yellow (RGY) pigments. The voltage list in the color file 208 provides the voltage potential that is to be applied to the color display 62, and for how long the voltage potential is to be applied. The voltage potential may be applied to the color display 62 in one time cycle or may be applied over16801-002 a number of time cycles. A time cycle may last from a microsecond range to a longer millisecond range.

[0104] 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 in a side of the housing 200. The artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the slot 230 until a hard stop is hit. This allows the conductive interface pads 88 in the artificial nail assembly 60 to align with the contact pins 48 in the color programming device 40. The contact pins 48 are recessed from the slot 230 in a side of the housing 200. Once contact is made, the programming voltages generated by the nail display driving circuit 214 are applied to the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60.

[0105] The artificial nail assembly 60 may be inserted while 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. After the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60 has received the generated programming voltages, the artificial nail assembly 60 is removed from the color programming device 40.

[0106] The electronic payer layer 72 in the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60 may vary as a function of temperature. The color programming device 40 includes a temperature sensor 216 that provides a temperature value to the controller 202. The controller 202 is configured to select the color file 208 corresponding to the temperature value. In other words, each respective color option 206 may have a number of color files 208 for the respective color option 206. The voltage lists in the color files 208 for the respective color option 206 vary between different temperature values.

[0107] The color programming device 40 is powered by a battery 222. The battery monitor 220 monitors a voltage level of16801-002 the battery 222 and reports the voltage level to the controller 202. The controller 202 will display a status of the battery 222 in the color display 218 in the color programming device 40.

[0108] The color programming device 40 configured as a wand is the core technology driving the digital nail system 20. The wand 40 provides a non-disposable electronics package that provides a color display 218, a controller 202, a nail display driving circuit 214, a user input 212 and a wireless transceiver 210 to tie the digital nail system 20 together.

[0109] The wireless transceiver 210 may use a Bluetooth Low Energy protocol for communications and data transfer between the clinet device 30 and the wand 40. This is the means by which color information is transferred to the wand 40 for local storage of the selected colors. With increased color options, cycling through all colors if one is missed becomes increasingly frustrating. By limiting color options on the wand 40 locally, it improves user experience since the user input 212 configured as a capacitive touch interface cycles color choices in one direction.

[0110] The user interface for the wand 40 consists of the following items, including a single tap for color cycling and wand wakeup, and upon wake up from wand sleep, a rainbow animation may play on the color display 218 in the wand 40 followed by the battery status and the last color applied. A long press of the capacitive touch button 212 engages the waveforms to change the color display 62.

[0111] To change colors, the artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the wand 40 through the insertion slot 230 to engage the internal electronics. The case design of the wand 40 provides a self-aligning port that guides the artificial nail assembly 60 into place to contact the electrical contact pins 48 in the wand 40.16801-002

[0112] The mechanical portion of the wand 40 uses spring loaded pins connected to the nail display driving circuit 214 that interfaces with the isolated conductive interface pads 88 on the digital nail rear backplane. With the waveform started through a long press of the user input 212, the artificial nail; assembly 60 remains engaged with the electrical circuit which switches the nail to the appropriate color.

[0113] In addition, since the wand 40 is a self-contained device (microcontroller, wireless communications, real time clock, and storage), the wand 40 may be configured to time stamp all searching and modification information within the internal memory 204. Once connected to the client device 30, data is transferred to the nail color app 32 and the nail color app 32 populates an existing datalake. Sample data that can be gathered includes the following: - Color chosen, date, time, - GPS could be correlated after the fact with phone location data, - Number of searches through the color options, - Number of times the core color set on the wand was reprogrammed, - Palette sharing, and - Proximity to other app users (after the fact)

[0114] Referring now to FIGS. 11A-11B, another embodiment of the color programming device 40’ will be discussed. In this embodiment, the color programming device 40’ is configured as dongle that is to be directly coupled to a port in the client device 30. The color programming device 40’ is considerably smaller in size since a number of color programming device 40’ functions as discussed above are performed by the client device 30 instead of by the color programming device 40’.

[0115] The user is able to view the available color options 34 on a display of the client device 30 by interfacing with the16801-002 nail color app 32 operating on the client device 30. The color programing device 40’ includes a housing 200’, and a connector 213’ that is coupled to the port on the client device 30. The connector 213’ may extend outwards from the housing 200’ as shown in FIG. 11A.

[0116] Once the user selects a color option 34 using the client device 30, the corresponding color file 36 is transferred to a controller 202’ within the color programming device 40’. A nail display drive circuit 214’ is coupled to the controller 202’. Once the color file 36 corresponding to the user-selected color option 34 is received by the controller 202’, the nail display drive circuit 214’ is used to generate the voltages in the voltage list in the received color file.

[0117] 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’ in a side of the housing 200’. The artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the slot 230’ until a hard stop is hit. This allows the conductive interface pads 88 in the artificial nail assembly 60 to align with the contact pins 48’ in the color programming device 40’. The contact pins 48’ are recessed from the slot 230’ in a side of the housing 200’. Once contact is made, the programming voltages generated by the nail display driving circuit 214’ are applied to the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60.

[0118] The artificial nail assembly 60 may be inserted while 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. After the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60 has received the generated programming voltages, the artificial nail assembly 60 is removed from the color programming device 40’.

[0119] As noted above, the electronic payer layer 72 in the16801-002 color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60 may vary as a function of temperature. The color programming device 40’ includes a temperature sensor 216’ that provides a temperature value to the client device 30. This allows the client device 30 to select the color file 36 based on the temperature. In other embodiments, the client device 30 has a temperature sensor.

[0120] Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12B, the nail polish app 32 provides the critical control aspects that allow for the wand 40 to maintain a relatively straight forward user interface (UI). Within the nail polish app 32, the user can interface several ways: - Save the colors in customized palettes, - Save colors to the wand transfer queue, - Register the user, - Register the product through the use of visual codes or wireless signals, and - View wand battery status and estimated battery life

[0121] Two options are available for choosing colors. Option 1 is Customized Palettes, and option 2 is Wand Queue Colors. Customized palettes may be shared within the nail polish app 32 socially with other users and others’ customized palettes can be downloaded for use. Data is collected regarding color usage based on times and locations where possible. When the wand queue is ready for transfer, the nail polish app 32 connects to the Wand 40 through Bluetooth and sends all pertinent information. This information includes the name of the colors chosen, RGB values for each color, appropriate waveform for a variety of temperatures to generate those colors, display type and serial number.

[0122] The nail polish app 32 also allows for control of the following items within the wand 40, including LED color brightness, timeout values for LED offs, and timeout deep sleep16801-002 mode.

[0123] An example screenshot 300 of the nail polish app 32 displays a number of different colors and color themes for the user to view and select. The colors may include trending colors 302, curated palette colors 304, what’s your vibe? colors 306, and more palette colors 308. As an example, the more palette colors 308 include pastel oasis 310 color and earth serenity colors 312.

[0124] In order to select colors for the wand 40, the user taps UI interface 314 to connect with the wand 40. Once connected, the user is able to select a subset of color options 206, which are displayed in prompt 316 in screenshot 320. To transfer the subset of color options 206 to the wand 40, the user selects prompt 318.

[0125] Yet another aspect is directed to a method for making an artificial nail assembly 60 comprising the steps of forming a nail blank 92, forming a color display 62 as described above, and bonding an underside 95 of the nail blank 92 to a topside 68 of the color display 62.

[0126] Many modifications and other embodiments will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is understood that the foregoing is not to be limited to the example embodiments, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

16801-002 CLAIMS:

1. A digital nail system comprising: a client device comprising a nail color app for providing color options for programming an artificial nail, with each color option having at least one corresponding color file associated therewith that includes a voltage list; a color programming device comprising a plurality of contact pins, and configured to communicate with the client device to receive at least one corresponding color file corresponding to at least one user-selected color option, and configured to generate programming voltages in the voltage list for the at least one corresponding color file; and an artificial nail assembly configured as the artificial nail and comprising: a nail blank; and a color display coupled to an underside of the nail blank and comprising a first conductive layer, an electronic paper layer and a backplane, the backplane comprising: a support layer, a second conductive layer on an upper surface of the support layer, a plurality of traces on an 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 comprising: an electrical insulating section underlying a first portion of the plurality of traces, and a first portion of the support layer, and16801-002 a plurality of conductive interface pads underlying a second portion of the plurality of traces and a second portion of the support layer, with the plurality of conductive interface pads for interfacing with the plurality of contact pins in the color programming device for receiving the generated programming voltages to program the color display to the at least one user-selected color option, with an underside of the electrical insulating section to be coupled to a user’s nail.

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

3. The digital nail system according to claim 1 wherein the first conductive layer is transparent.

4. The digital nail system according to claim 1 wherein the second conductive layer comprises a plurality of spaced apart second conductive layer sections, with each second conductive layer section being separately controlled for configuring the electronic paper layer to display different colors.

5. The digital nail system according to claim 4 wherein the plurality of traces comprises a first trace for the first conductive layer, and a plurality of second traces for the second conductive layer sections, and wherein the plurality of vias comprises a first via extending between the first trace and the first conductive layer, and a plurality of second vias16801-002 extending between the plurality of second traces and the plurality of second conductive layer sections.

6. The digital nail system according to claim 1 wherein the underside of the nail blank is shaped as a simple curve for bonding with an upper surface of the display that is shaped as a simple curve, and wherein an upper surface of the nail blank is shaped as a compound curve.

7. The digital nail system according to claim 1 wherein the underside of the electrical insulating section is shaped as a simple curve, and further comprises a nail interface adapter having an upper surface shaped as a simple curve for bonding with the underside of the electrical insulating section, and an underside shaped as a compound curve for directly bonding with the user’s nail.

8. The digital nail system according to claim 7 wherein edges of the nail interface adapter and edges of the nail blank are bonded together so that a load on the nail interface adapter is transferred to the nail blank and not to the color display.

9. The digital nail system according to claim 1 wherein an outer exposed surface of the nail blank is etched to optically alter passage of light through the nail blank.

10. The digital nail system according to claim 1 wherein a subsurface of the nail blank comprises micro air bubbles to optically alter passage of light through the nail blank.

11. The digital nail system according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of conductive interface pads are spaced apart in a lengthwise direction of the support layer.16801-002 12. The digital nail system according to claim 1 wherein the plurality of conductive interface pads are spaced apart in a widthwise direction of the support layer.

13. The digital nail system according to claim 1 wherein the color programming device comprises: a housing; a wireless transceiver carried by the housing and configured to communicate with the client device to receive a subset of color options and a corresponding subset of color files; a controller carried by the housing and coupled to the wireless transceiver; a display carried by the housing and coupled to the controller and configured to display the subset of color options; a user input device carried by the housing and coupled to the controller and configured to select the at least one user- selected color option based on user input; and drive circuitry carried by the housing and coupled to the controller and to the plurality of contact pins, and configured to generate voltages in the voltage list for programming the color display to the at least one user-selected color.

14. The digital nail system according to claim 13 wherein the color programming device further comprises a temperature sensor carried by the housing and coupled to the controller and configured to provide a temperature value to the controller, and wherein the controller is further configured to select the color file corresponding to the temperature value.16801-002 15. The digital nail system according to claim 13 wherein the plurality of contact pins in the color programming device are recessed from a slot in a side of the housing, and wherein the artificial nail assembly is inserted in the slot for the plurality of conductive interface pads to interface with the plurality of contact pins.

16. The digital nail system according to claim 1 wherein the color programming device is configured as a dongle to be coupled to the client device, with the dongle comprising: a housing; a controller carried by the housing and configured to receive from the client device the at least one user-selected color option and the at least one corresponding color file; and drive circuitry carried by the housing and coupled to the controller and to the plurality of contact pins, and configured to generate voltages in the voltage list for programming the color display to the at least one user-selected color.

17. The digital nail system according to claim 16 wherein the dongle further comprises a temperature sensor carried by the housing and coupled to the controller and configured to provide a temperature value to the client device, and wherein the controller receives the color file corresponding to the temperature value.

18. The digital nail system according to claim 16 wherein the plurality of contact pins in the dongle are recessed from a slot in a side of the housing, and wherein the artificial nail assembly is inserted in the slot for the plurality of conductive interface pads to interface with the plurality of contact pins.16801-002 19. The digital nail system according to claim 1 wherein the user’s nail comprises a toenail or a fingernail.

20. An artificial nail assembly comprising: a nail blank; and a color display coupled to an underside of the nail blank and comprising a first conductive layer, an electronic paper layer and a backplane, the backplane comprising: a support layer, a second conductive layer on an upper surface of the support layer, a plurality of traces on an 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 comprising: an electrical insulating section underlying a first portion of the plurality of traces, and a first portion of the support layer, and a plurality of conductive interface pads underlying a second portion of the plurality of traces and a second portion of the support layer, with the plurality of conductive interface pads for interfacing with a plurality of contact pins in a color programming device for receiving voltages in a voltage list to program the color display to at least one user-selected color.16801-002 21. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 20 wherein the electronic paper layer comprises an electrophoretic layer.

22. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 20 wherein the first conductive layer is transparent.

23. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 20 wherein the second conductive layer comprises a plurality of spaced apart second conductive layer sections, with each second conductive layer section being separately controlled for configuring the electronic paper layer to display different colors.

24. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 23 wherein the plurality of traces comprises a first trace for the first conductive layer, and a plurality of second traces for the second conductive layer sections, and wherein the plurality of vias comprises 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 sections.

25. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 20 wherein the underside of the nail blank is shaped as a simple curve for bonding with an upper surface of the display that is shaped as a simple curve, and wherein an upper surface of the nail blank is shaped as a compound curve.

26. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 20 wherein an underside of the electrical insulating section is shaped as a simple curve, and further comprising a nail interface adapter having an upper surface shaped as a simple16801-002 curve for bonding with the underside of the electrical insulating section, and an underside shaped as a compound curve for directly bonding with a user’s nail.

27. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 26 wherein edges of the nail interface adapter and edges of the nail blank are bonded together so that a load on the nail interface adapter is transferred to the nail blank and not to the color display.

28. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 20 wherein an outer exposed surface of the nail blank is etched to optically alter passage of light through the nail blank.

29. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 20 wherein a subsurface of the nail blank comprises micro air bubbles to optically alter passage of light through the nail blank.

30. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 20 wherein the plurality of conductive interface pads are spaced apart in a lengthwise direction of the support layer.

31. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 20 wherein the plurality of conductive interface pads are spaced apart in a widthwise direction of the support layer.

32. A method for making an artificial nail assembly comprising: forming a nail blank; forming a color display comprising a first conductive layer, an electronic paper layer and a backplane, the backplane comprising:16801-002 a support layer, a second conductive layer on an upper surface of the support layer, a plurality of traces on an 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 comprising: an electrical insulating section underlying a first portion of the plurality of traces, and a first portion of the support layer, and a plurality of conductive interface pads underlying a second portion of the plurality of traces and a second portion of the support layer, with the plurality of conductive interface pads for interfacing with a plurality of contact pins in a color programming device for receiving voltages in a voltage list to program the color display to at least one user-selected color; and bonding an underside of the nail blank to a topside of the color display.

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