Digital nail systems and related methods for artificial nails

Abstract

The digital nail system comprises a client device, a color programming device, and an artificial nail assembly. The client device includes a nail color app for providing color options for the artificial nail assembly. The color programming device receives at least one user-selected color option and a corresponding color file from the client device, the color file including a voltage list corresponding to at least one user-selected color option. The artificial nail assembly includes a nail blank and a color display coupled to the underside of the nail blank. The color display includes a backplane including a first electrode, an electro-paper layer, and a second electrode. The backplane further includes conductive interface pads for interface with the first and second electrodes. The color programming device includes contact pins for interface with conductive interface pads that provide voltages in a voltage list in order to program the color display in the artificial nail assembly to display at least one user-selected color.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 459,794, filed Apr. 17, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This disclosure relates to artificial nails, and more particularly, to a digital nail system and related methods for programming a color display on an artificial nail.

Background Art

[0003] Nail polish is typically applied to human nails for decorative purposes. Generally, for this process, a human needs several items. 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, nail clippers, a nail file, etc.

[0004] Furthermore, these items can be lost, and in that case, it may take time and / or cost for a human to replace them. Also, using some of the liquid - based items can generate harmful fumes, become flammable, and / or spill onto human possessions. Additionally, nail polish often peels or fades within a short period after application, thereby exposing the underlying un - painted nail. A human can re - apply the nail polish themselves, but it may not be convenient to re - apply it themselves when needed.

[0005] Instead of a human applying nail polish, applying artificial nails is an alternative way for a human to have nails that look like they have been painted with nail polish without the need for all of the above - mentioned items associated with using nail polish. However, a drawback of artificial nails is that the user is limited to the particular nail polish color or design applied to the artificial nail. To change the color, a different set of artificial nails is required.

[0006] One approach to overcome the limitations of using pre-colored artificial nails is to use artificial nails equipped with a color display that allows a person to change the color of the artificial nail. An artificial nail with a color display is disclosed in U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2016 / 0295989. Such a system includes a nail cover device comprising a body configured to mate with the user's fingernail, a display associated with the top surface of the body, and a receiver for communicating with a design transfer device. The display uses electrophoretic ink to display a design. The system further comprises a design transfer device comprising a housing having a processing unit and a memory unit for storing at least one design, the design transfer device being configured to transmit at least one design to the nail cover device. A server storing multiple designs is communicatively coupled to the design transfer device. The user uses an application running on a mobile device associated with the user to transfer at least one design from the server to the design transfer device. Another method for artificial nails with a color display is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 8,863,759. The cosmetic device is applied to the artificial nail and comprises an electrochromic multilayer structure including an electrosensitive stack. The electrosensitive stack is formed by at least first and second electrode layers, the first and second electrode layers being coatings supported by their respective support layers. The support layer is formed by a single flexible film, or by an assembly of a flexible film, the first and second active electrochromic layers, and an electrolyte layer. The cosmetic device further comprises an optically active layer at least partially superimposed on the electrosensitive stack. The optically active layer is at least one of a layer containing an effect pigment, a coloring layer, an emissive layer, and a print. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2016 / 0295989 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 8863759 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] Nevertheless, there is still room for improvement in artificial nails equipped with color displays and in the programming methods for color displays. [Means for solving the problem]

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

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

[0011] An artificial nail assembly may include a nail blank and a color display bonded to the 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 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 bottom layer may include an electrically insulating portion beneath the first portion of the multiple traces and the first portion of the support layer, and a plurality of conductive interface pads beneath the second portion of the multiple traces and the second portion of the support layer. The plurality of conductive interface pads are for receiving the generated programming voltage and interface with a plurality of contact pins in a color programming device that programs the color display to at least one user-selected color option. The underside of the electrically insulating portion is coupled to the user's fingernail.

[0013] The electro-paper layer may include an electrophoretic layer. The first conductive layer is transparent. The second conductive layer may include multiple spaced portions of the second conductive layer, each portion of which is controlled separately to constitute the electro-paper layer to display a different color.

[0014] The plurality of traces may include a first trace for a first conductive layer and a plurality of second traces for portions of a second conductive layer, and 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 a plurality of portions of the second conductive layer.

[0015] The underside of the nail blank may be molded as a simple curve for bonding to the top surface of the display, which is molded as a simple curve, while the top surface of the nail blank is molded as a complex curve.

[0016] The underside of the electrically insulating portion may be molded as a simple curve, and the artificial nail assembly may further include a nail interface adapter having an upper surface molded as a simple curve for bonding to the underside of the electrically insulating portion and a lower surface molded as a composite curve for direct bonding to the user's nail.

[0017] The edges of the nail interface adapter and the edges of the nail blank may be bonded together so that the load of the nail interface adapter is transmitted to the nail blank rather than to the color display.

[0018] The outer exposed surface of the nail blank may be etched to optically alter the propagation of light through the nail blank. The nail blank may contain microbubbles beneath its surface to optically alter the propagation of light through the nail blank.

[0019] Multiple conductive interface pads may be spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the support layer. Multiple conductive interface pads may be spaced apart in the width direction of the support layer.

[0020] The color programming device may be configured as a wand, including a housing and a wireless transceiver mounted in the housing, configured to communicate with a client device to receive a subset of color options and corresponding subsets of color files. A controller may be mounted in the housing and coupled to the wireless transceiver. A display may be mounted in the housing, coupled to the controller, and configured to display a subset of color options. A user input device may be mounted in the housing, coupled to the controller, and configured to select at least one user-selectable color option based on user input. A drive circuit may be mounted in the housing and coupled to the controller and a number of contact pins, and may be configured to generate voltages in a voltage list for programming the color display to at least one user-selectable color.

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

[0022] The plurality of contact pins of the color programming device may be disposed deeper from a slot or an opening on the side of the housing, where the artificial nail assembly is inserted into the slot such that a plurality of conductive interface pads interface with the plurality of contact pins.

[0023] In another embodiment, the color programming device may be configured as a dongle coupled to a client device. The dongle may include a housing and a controller mounted on the housing, and may be configured to receive at least one user-selectable color option and at least one corresponding color file from the client device. The drive circuit may be mounted on the housing, may be coupled to the controller and the plurality of contact pins, and may be configured to generate a voltage within a voltage list for programming a color display to at least one user-selectable color.

[0024] The dongle may further include a temperature sensor mounted on the housing, may be coupled to the controller, may be configured to provide a temperature value to the client device, and the controller receives a color file corresponding to the temperature value.

[0025] The plurality of contact pins within the dongle may be disposed deeper from a slot or an opening on the side of the housing, and the artificial nail assembly is inserted into the slot such that a plurality of conductive interface pads interface with the plurality of contact pins.

[0026] Another embodiment relates to an artificial nail assembly comprising a nail blank and a color display bonded to the 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 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.

[0027] The bottom layer may include an electrically insulating portion beneath the first portion of the multiple traces and the first portion of the support layer, and a plurality of conductive interface pads beneath the second portion of the multiple traces and the second portion of the support layer. The plurality of conductive interface pads are for interface with a plurality of contact pins in a color programming device that receives voltages in a voltage list and programs a color display to at least one user-selected color.

[0028] Another aspect relates to a method for manufacturing an artificial nail assembly, which includes forming a nail blank, forming the aforementioned color display, and bonding the lower side of the nail blank to the upper side of the color display. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a digital nail system in which various embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented.

[0030] [Figure 2A] Figure 1 is a top view of the support layer for a single-color display, with a second conductive layer deposited on top of it.

[0031] [Figure 2B] Figure 2A is a bottom view of the supporting layer, on which traces were deposited.

[0032] [Figure 2C]Figure 2B is a bottom view of the support layer, on which the electrical insulation portion and conductive interface pads are deposited.

[0033] [Figure 3A] Figure 1 is a top view of the support layer for multi-color displays, with a second conductive layer partially deposited on top of it.

[0034] [Figure 3B] Figure 3A is a bottom view of the supporting layer on which traces were deposited.

[0035] [Figure 3C] Figure 3B is a bottom view of the support layer, on which the electrical insulation portion and conductive interface pads are deposited.

[0036] [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a top view of the support layer, in which a second conductive layer is deposited on top of it, and a tail extends from the support layer.

[0037] [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a bottom view of the support layer, where each conductive interface pad extends across the width of the support layer.

[0038] [Figure 6A-6C] Figure 1 shows a different diagram of the artificial nail assembly.

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

[0040] [Figures 8A-8B] This is a different view of the nail blank shown in Figure 1, after surface modification has been applied.

[0041] [Figure 9A-9B]This is a different diagram of the nail blank shown in Figure 1, in which microbubbles are formed beneath the surface.

[0042] [Figure 10A] Figure 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of the color programming device shown.

[0043] [Figure 10B] Figure 10A is a perspective view of the color programming device that interfaces with the artificial nail assembly.

[0044] [Figure 10C] Figure 10B is a cross-sectional side view of the color programming device that interfaces with the artificial nail assembly.

[0045] [Figure 11A] Figure 1 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the color programming device shown.

[0046] [Figure 11B] Figure 11A is a perspective view of the color programming device that interfaces with the artificial nail assembly.

[0047] [Figure 12A] Figure 1 is a screenshot of the nail polish app on a client device. [Figure 12B] Figure 1 is a screenshot of the nail polish app on a client device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0048] This description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating exemplary embodiments. However, various embodiments may be used, and therefore this description should not be construed as being limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete. Throughout, similar numbers refer to similar elements, and prime symbols may be used to indicate similar elements in different embodiments.

[0049] First, referring to Figure 1, the digital nail system 20 comprises a client device 30, a color programming device 40, and an artificial nail assembly 60 with a color display 62 bonded to the underside of a nail blank 64. The color display 62 is programmable to display one or more user-selected colors. The artificial nail assembly 60 is bonded to the user's nail, 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, for example, a mobile phone or a Personal Display Assistant (PDA).

[0051] The color programming device 40 may be configured as a wand or a dongle. The wand configuration is wirelessly interfaced with the client device 30 that programs the color display 62, while the dongle configuration is directly coupled to the client device that programs the color display 62. The dongle configuration is considerably smaller in size because many of the components within the wand are performed here by the client device 30.

[0052] Even though the digital nail system 20 is intended for artificial nails, the system is equally adaptable to cosmetic jewelry. A configuration of the color display 62, similar to that described in detail below, can be applied to necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and the like, using the same client device 30 and color programming device 40 for programming.

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

[0054] The color programming device 40 includes a number of contact pins 48 and is configured to communicate with the client device 30. The color programming device 40 receives at least one user-selected color option 44 and at least one corresponding color file 46 and generates programming voltages in the voltage list of at least one color file associated with at least one user-selected color option.

[0055] To program the color display 62, multiple contact pins 48 contact multiple conductive interface pads 88 within the artificial nail assembly 60. This allows the color display 62 to receive the generated programming voltage and be programmed to display at least one user-selected color option.

[0056] The color display 62 of the artificial nail assembly 60 comprises a first conductive layer 70, which may be called 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 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, for example, an electrochromic layer. For the purpose of describing the color display 62, the electronic paper layer 72 is configured as an electrophoretic layer.

[0058] E-Ink Corporation is a supplier of electronic paper. Electronic paper, also known as e-paper, electronic ink, or e-ink, is a technology that replicates the appearance of ink on regular paper. It works by using tiny capsules filled with a transparent fluid containing microparticles, each about the width of a human hair. These capsules are placed on a thin film with particles of different colors and charges. The charges are initially set at the factory to keep the capsules charged. When an electric field is applied to the individual 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 in a specific color.

[0059] The electronic paper layer 72 is bistability, meaning it can retain a still image even without electricity and is reflective, reflecting ambient light rather than emitting light itself. Because of these properties, electronic paper is energy-efficient and can display content without continuous updating, making it ideal for artificial nails.

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

[0061] The second conductive layer 76 is made of a conductive material and does not need to be transparent. For example, conductive materials include carbon, copper, silver, and gold. As will be described in detail below, the second conductive layer 76 may be divided into parts, each part controlled separately and configured so that the electronic paper layer 72 is displayed in different colors. Traces 78 and 79 are also made of a conductive material such as silver. The second conductive layer 76 and traces 78 and 79 are printed on both sides of the support layer 74.

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

[0063] The backplane 66 further includes a bottom layer 84 comprising an electrically insulating portion 86 and a plurality of conductive interface pads 88 formed on the underside of the support layer 74. The electrically insulating portion 86 is a dielectric material because the underside of the electrically insulating portion is coupled to the user's fingernail. The plurality of conductive interface pads 88 may be, for example, carbon and may interface with the first and second traces 78, 79.

[0064] In particular, the electrical insulation portion 86 is located beneath the multiple vias 80 and 82, the first portions of the first and second traces 78 and 79, and the first portion of the support layer 74. Similarly, the multiple conductive interface pads 88 are located beneath the second portions of the first and second traces 78 and 79, and the second portion of the support layer 74.

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

[0066] Referring to Figures 2A to 2C, the opposing upper and lower sides of the support layer 74 are described for a color display 62 configured as a single color display. As shown in Figure 2A, a second conductive layer 76 is printed on the upper side of the support layer 74 as a continuous portion. Similarly, the first conductive layer 70 is also printed as a continuous sheet.

[0067] A small area of ​​the support layer 74 is not covered by the second conductive layer 76 so that vias 80 can pass through without contacting the second conductive layer 76. As shown in Figure 2B, the bottom side of the support layer 74 has first traces 78 and second traces 79 printed on it. 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] As shown in Figure 2C, the electrically insulating portion 86 is formed to cover the first portions of the traces 78 and 79 that are in contact with the vias 80 and 82, and the first portion of the exposed support layer 74. Similarly, the multiple conductive interface pads 88 are formed to cover the second portions of the first and second traces 78 and 79, and the second portions of the exposed support layer 74.

[0069] The multiple 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 and second conductive interface pads 88(1) and 88(2) help protect the first and second traces 78 and 79 and provide a wider interface area for the contact pins mounted on the color programming device 40. The first and second conductive interface pads 88(1) and 88(2) are electrically isolated 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., the 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., the second electrode. When a differential voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes 70, 76, all capsules in the electro-paper layer 72 become the same color. The electro-paper layer 72 is displayed as a single pixel. As an example, the differential voltage may be based on ground applied to the first electrode 70 and 24 volts applied to the second electrode 76.

[0071] Referring here to Figures 3A to 3C, the opposing upper and lower sides of the support layer 74 are described for a color display 62 configured as a multi-color display. This requires that the first conductive layer 70 or the second conductive layer 76 be divided into parts, each part being electrically isolated from the other parts and individually controlled at different voltage levels. As an example, as shown in Figure 3A, the second conductive layer 76 may be divided into second conductive layer parts 76(1) and 76(2) for French nail designs. A gap 77 electrically isolates the second conductive layer parts 76(1) and 76(2).

[0072] As shown in Figure 3B, since there are two second conductive layer portions 76(1) and 76(2) here, additional traces and vias are required. The first trace 78 still interfaces with the first conductive layer 70 using via 80. Here, the second trace 79 is separated into second traces 79(1) and 79(2). The second trace 79(1) connects to the second conductive layer portion 76(1) using via 82(1), and the second trace 79(2) connects to the second conductive layer portion 76(2) using via 82(2).

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

[0074] As shown in Figure 3C, the electrically insulating portion 86 is formed to cover the first portions of the first and second traces 78, 79(1), 79(2) that are in contact with vias 80, 82(1), 82(2), and the first portion of the exposed support layer 74. As also shown in Figure 3C, the first and second traces 78, 79(1), 79(2) each require their own conductive interface pads. Thus, conductive interface pad 88(1) is for the first trace 78, conductive interface pad 88(2) is for the second trace 79(1), and conductive interface pad 88(3) is for the second trace 79(2). The gap 89 separates the adjacent conductive interface pads 88(1), 88(2), and 88(3).

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

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

[0077] In order for the color display 66 to display more colors than the first and second colors, the second conductive layer is further divided into three or more second conductive layer portions. Each second conductive layer portion requires its own traces, vias, and conductive interface pads. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, each second conductive layer portion may be molded to display a desired pattern, symbol, design, or alphanumeric value.

[0078] Referring here to Figure 4, the alternative design for the second conductive layer 76 and the first and second traces 78, 79 is based on the configuration of the second conductive layer 76' having tails 78', 79'. The tail 78' functions as the first trace 78, and the tail 79' functions as the second trace 79. The tails 78', 79' are flexible and can be folded from the top to the bottom of the second conductive layer 76'.

[0079] The tails 78' and 79' may be printed separately from the second conductive layer 76' and then positioned on top of the support layer 74' and folded. Alternatively, the tails 78' and 79' may be printed simultaneously with the second conductive layer 76', such that the tail 79' is an extension of the second conductive layer 76'.

[0080] The tail 79' is in electrical contact with the second conductive layer 76'. This advantageously avoids the need for via 82 because an electrical connection exists between the second conductive layer 76' and the tail 79'. The tail 78' is electrically isolated from the second conductive layer 76' because it is connected to via 80'. Via 80' extends between the first conductive layer 70 and the upper side of the support layer 74'. Since the tail 78' folds from the upper side to the lower side of the second conductive layer 76', a connection of via 80' to the lower side of the support layer 74' is not required.

[0081] Referring now to Figure 5, the alternative design for the lower side of the support layer 74' has conductive interface pads 88(1)', 88(2)' laminated in the longitudinal direction of the support layer 74. Each of the conductive interface pads 88(1)', 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 be laminated in the longitudinal direction of the support layer 74.

[0082] The first and second traces 78 and 79 are configured to contact conductive interface pads 88(1)' and 88(2)'. This requires that one of the traces extends across both conductive interface pads 88(1)' and 88(2)'. A dielectric layer is used to prevent this trace from making electrical contact with conductive interface pad 88(2)' when it contacts conductive interface pad 88(1)'.

[0083] The distance between the tip of the artificial nail assembly 60 and the user's finger is relatively consistent across different sized artificial nail assemblies 60. When the artificial nail assembly 60 is programmed, the tip of the artificial nail assembly 60 contacts a hard stop in the color programming device 40. This creates a larger leadway for the stacked contact pins 49 in the color programming device 40 to contact the stacked conductive interface pads 88(1)', 88(2)', in the case of smaller sized artificial nail assemblies 60, such as those for the user's little fingernail.

[0084] Referring here to Figures 6A to 6C, different diagrams of the artificial nail assembly 60 are shown. Human nails have curved surfaces along both the axis of the finger and the axis perpendicular to the finger. That is, the upper surface of a human nail has a complex curved shape because it has two axes of curved surfaces. As a result, the upper surface 93 of the nail blank 92 has a complex curved shape so that it looks aesthetically pleasing like a natural nail.

[0085] However, there are limitations to the extent to which the color display 62 can be curved or bent in order to interface with the underside of the nail blank 92. If the color display 62 is curved to have a complex curved shape, this will put stress on the electronic paper layer 72, which may adversely affect the performance of the color display 62.

[0086] As best illustrated in Figure 7, the top surface 67 and bottom surface 68 of the color display 62 are curved around a single axis. That is, the top surface 67 and bottom surface 68 of the color display 62 each have a single curved axis. In order for the nail blank 92 to interface with the top surface 68 of the color display 62, the bottom surface 95 of the nail blank 92 is formed to have a single curved axis.

[0087] A nail interface adapter 94 is provided to firmly adhere the lower surface 67 of the color display 62 to the upper surface of a human fingernail. The lower surface 97 of the nail interface adapter 94 has a complex curved shape to reliably interface with the user's fingernail, while the upper surface 99 of the nail interface adapter 94 has a simple curved shape to interface with the lower surface 67 of the color display 62.

[0088] The nail blank 92 may be formed by injection molding. The three-dimensional curved surface of the artificial nail assembly 60 is achieved by physically bonding the color display 62 to the surface of a pre-formed acrylic nail blank 92. The bonding of the color display 62 to the acrylic nail blank 92 is performed using an optically transparent adhesive, thereby forming an adhesive optical system. The adhesive optical system is attached to the user's nail using a pre-formed nail interface adapter 94, and adhesive is used to fix the nail interface adapter 94 to the user's nail.

[0089] The artificial nail assembly 60 may have a stack thickness of 5 to 10 mils and consists of a nail blank 92 comprising a 3 to 5 mil thick color display 62 element, a 1 mil bonding layer, and a 1 to 5 mil thick acrylic top element. The casting apparatus used for the nail blank 92 may be hot-pressed from an acrylic sheet, blow-molded, cast separately, or molten-cast directly onto the color display 62.

[0090] The surface of the nail blank 92 may be modified to adjust various parameters in order to accentuate the color of the underlying layer of the artificial nail assembly 60, alter its prism visual effect, amplify desired optical effects, or minimize undesirable optical effects. One example of surface modification is laser ablation surface modification, which involves etching the outer exposed surface 93 of the nail blank 92 or the final artificial nail assembly 60 to optically alter the propagation of light through the nail blank 92. As an example, lines 100 having a triangular shape may be etched onto the upper surface 93 of the nail blank 92, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B.

[0091] The top surface 93 of the nail blank 92 may be a pre-formed acrylic shell that can be modified by laser energy surface ablation so that fine lines, curves, or patterns of geometric shapes may be etched onto the top surface 93. The volume of material constituting the etching is effectively removed to establish the bottom topography along the length of the nail blank 92 or in any repeating pattern necessary to produce the desired optical result. The illustrated example of chromatic enhancement is based on repeating parallel lines extending from the back to the tip of the nail blank 92.

[0092] The physical principle enabling the optical changes of the top surface 93 and their influence on the color of the underlying layers is the establishment of constructive and / or destructive interference patterns across the surface of the nail assembly 60, which alter the propagation of light through the outer protective shell of the artificial nail assembly 60. Specific ablation characteristics may be altered to achieve specific optical results.

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

[0094] Another example of surface modification by laser ablation is the generation of microbubbles within a nail shell for the purpose of prism optical alteration. As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, dual lasers are used to alter the subsurface 102 of the nail blank 92 to generate microbubbles 104 in order to optically alter the propagation of light through the nail blank 92.

[0095] Laser ablation surface modification can enhance the prism effect of patterned microbubbles 104 formed within the acrylic shell of the nail blank 92 by adjusting various parameters. Selective reflection of light rays within the patterned microbubbles 104 can bring about the desired optical effect in the final artificial nail assembly 60. A pre-formed acrylic nail blank 92 or shell can be modified via laser energy cavity ablation, resulting in the formation of microbubbles 104 within the volume of the nail blank 92 due to the effect of light scattering. The formation of microbubbles 104 in the material creates physical stress in the optical material, inducing various prism-like light scattering effects, including polarization, chromatic aberration, internal cavity reflection, and absorption. Careful arrangement of the microbubble pattern can yield the desired optical results. This example of chromatic enhancement is based on microcavity ablation and void creation within the nail shell material.

[0096] The physical principle that enables the optical variation in volume of the nail blank 92 and the expression of the underlying color is that incident light rays are reproduced as an inherent contrast-enhancing pattern within the transparent surface of the nail blank 92. Typically, light rays that enter the nail assembly surface, penetrate the color layer, are reflected by the color layer, traverse the acrylic shell, and exit from the top surface of the nail surface must interact with microscopic voids within the transparent material, which have irregular internal reflective surfaces, variable refractive index, polarization, and optical absorption properties.

[0097] To achieve specific optical results, the ablation characteristics of the substrate, microcavity generation characteristics, cavity depth, cavity width, energy frequency, cavity volume fraction, substrate surface roughness, ablated surface roughness, pattern, substrate optical properties, substrate thermal strain characteristics, and refractive indices of the substrate and ablated surface may be varied. Once the processing parameters for microcavity ablation are established, the physical pattern is baked onto the transparent volume of a pre-formed acrylic nail blank 92 and / or final artificial nail assembly 60.

[0098] An embodiment of the color programming device 40 will now be described with reference to Figures 10A to 10C. The color programming device 40 may also be referred to as a wand and includes a housing 200 and a wireless transceiver 210 mounted in the housing 200. 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. The wireless transceiver 210 may operate based on short-range wireless technology such as Bluetooth.

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

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

[0101] All of the available color options 34 displayed in the nail color app 32 may be transferred to the color programming device 40. However, it may take a considerable amount of time for the user to view each color option 34. By allowing the user to select and transfer a subset of the color options 206 of interest on the client device 30, the user can view a subset of the color options 206 more quickly to make a selection.

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

[0103] Each microcapsule in the electronic paper layer 72 may contain red, green, and yellow (RGY) pigments. The voltage list in the color file 208 provides the voltage potentials applied to the color display 62 and the duration for which these voltage potentials are applied. The voltage potentials may be applied to the color display 62 in a single time cycle or over several time cycles. The time cycles may last from the microsecond range to the 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 on the side of the housing 200. The artificial nail assembly 60 is inserted into the slot 230 until it hits a hard stop. This allows the conductive interface pad 88 in the artificial nail assembly 60 to align 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. Upon contact, a programming voltage generated by the nail display drive circuit 214 is 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 applied to the user's nail. After the color display 62 in the artificial nail assembly 60 receives the generated programming voltage, the artificial nail assembly 60 is removed from the color programming device 40.

[0106] The electro-paper layer 72 in the color display 62 of 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 a color file 208 corresponding to the temperature value. In other words, each color option 206 may have multiple color files 208 for each color option 206. The voltage list of the color file 208 for each color option 206 varies between different temperature values.

[0107] The color programming device 40 is powered by the battery 222. The battery monitor 220 monitors the voltage level of the battery 222 and notifies the controller 202 of that voltage level. The controller 202 displays the status of the battery 222 on the color display 218 of 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 electronic device package and includes a color display 218, a controller 202, a nail display driving circuit 214, a user input 212, and a wireless transceiver 210 for coordinating the digital nail system 20.

[0109] The wireless transceiver 210 may use the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol for communication and data transfer between the client device 30 and the wand 40. This is a means of transferring color information to the wand 40 to locally store the selected color. As the number of color options increases, it becomes increasingly cumbersome to switch between all colors if one color option is missed. By limiting the color options on the wand 40 locally, the user experience is improved because the user input 212, configured as a capacitive touch interface, switches color selections in one direction.

[0110] The user interface of the wand 40 includes the following items: a single tap for color switching and activating the wand. When the wand is activated from sleep mode, a rainbow animation may be played on the wand 40's color display 218, followed by the battery status and the last applied color. A long press of the capacitive touch button 212 engages with a waveform to change the color display 62.

[0111] To change color, the artificial claw assembly 60 is inserted into the wand 40 through the insertion slot 230 and engages with the internal electronics. The case design of the wand 40 is equipped with a self-aligning port that guides the artificial claw assembly 60 into position and makes contact with the electrical contact pins 48 inside the wand 40.

[0112] The mechanical part of the wand 40 uses a spring-biased pin connected to a nail display drive circuit 214 that interfaces with an insulated conductive interface pad 88 on the back backplane of the digital nail. When the waveform is started by a long press of user input 212, the artificial nail assembly 60 engages with the electrical circuit and maintains the state, switching the nail to the appropriate color.

[0113] In addition, since the wand 40 is a self-contained device (microcontroller, wireless communication, real-time clock, and storage), the wand 40 may be configured to timestamp all search and change information in its internal memory 204. When connected to the client device 30, the data is transferred to the nail color app 32, which updates the existing data lake. Sample data that may be collected includes: • Selected color, date, time, • GPS that can be retrospectively matched with phone location data. • Search volume via color options, • The number of times the core color set for the wand has been reprogrammed. • Sharing of pallets, and This includes proximity to other app users (after the fact).

[0114] Here, with reference to Figures 11A and 11B, another embodiment of the color programming device 40' will be described. In this embodiment, the color programming device 40' is configured as a dongle that is directly coupled to a port in the client device 30. The color programming device 40' is considerably smaller in size because some of the functions of the color programming device 40' as described above are performed by the client device 30 rather than by the color programming device 40'.

[0115] The user can view available color options 34 on the display of the client device 30 by interfaceing with a nail color app 32 running on the client device 30. The color programming device 40' includes a housing 200' and a connector 213' coupled to a port on the client device 30. As shown in Figure 11A, the connector 213' may extend outward from the housing 200'.

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

[0117] To program the color display 62 of 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 hits a hard stop. This allows a conductive interface pad 88 in the artificial nail assembly 60 to align with a 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'. Upon contact, a programming voltage generated by the nail display drive circuit 214' is applied to the color display 62 of 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 applied to the user's nail. After the color display 62 of the artificial nail assembly 60 receives the generated programming voltage, the artificial nail assembly 60 is removed from the color programming device 40'.

[0119] As described above, the electro-paper layer 72 in the color display 62 of 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 a color file 36 based on the temperature. In other embodiments, the client device 30 has a temperature sensor.

[0120] Referring here to Figures 12A and 12B, the nail polish app 32 provides important control mechanisms that enable the wand 40 to maintain a relatively straightforward user interface (UI). Within the nail polish app 32, the user can, in several ways, namely, • Save colors to a customized palette. • Save the color to the wand transfer queue. • Register a user. • Register the product using a visual code or wireless signal. • The method for displaying the wand's battery status and estimated battery life can be operated.

[0121] There are two options for color selection. Option 1 is Customized Palettes, and Option 2 is Wand Queue Color. Customized palettes can be socially shared with other users within the nail polish app 32, and users can download and use customized palettes created by other users. Data on color usage is collected based on available time and location. When the wand queue is ready for transfer, the nail polish app 32 connects to the wand 40 via Bluetooth and transmits all relevant information. This information includes the name of the selected color, the Red, Green, Blue (RGB) value of each color, the appropriate waveforms of various temperatures for producing those colors, the display type, and the serial number.

[0122] The nail polish liquid app 32 also allows control over items within the wand 40, including Light Emitting Diode (LED) color brightness, timeout value for turning off the LED, and timeout deep sleep mode.

[0123] An exemplary screenshot 300 of the nail polish app 32 displays several different colors and color themes for the user to view and select. These colors may include trending colors 302, curated palette colors 304, mood colors 306, and other palette colors 308. As an example, other palette colors 308 may include pastel oasis colors 310 and earth serenity colors 312.

[0124] To select a color for Wand 40, the user taps UI interface 314 to connect with Wand 40. Once connected, the user can 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 Wand 40, the user selects prompt 318.

[0125] Another aspect relates to a method for manufacturing an artificial nail assembly 60, which includes the steps of forming a nail blank 92, forming the color display 62 described above, and bonding the lower part 95 of the nail blank 92 to the upper part 68 of the color display 62.

[0126] A person skilled in the art who enjoys the benefits of the teachings shown in the foregoing description and the associated drawings will be able to conceive of many modifications and other embodiments. It will be understood that the foregoing is not limited to exemplary embodiments, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A client device comprising a nail color app that provides color options for programming artificial nails, wherein each color option has at least one corresponding color file associated with it, including a voltage list; A color programming device having multiple contact pins, 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 of the at least one corresponding color file, The artificial nail assembly configured as the artificial nail and A digital nail system equipped with, The aforementioned artificial nail assembly is Nail blanks and A color display having a first conductive layer, an electronic paper layer, and a backplane is coupled to the lower side of the nail blank. Equipped with, The aforementioned backplane is Supporting layer and The second conductive layer on the upper surface of the support layer, Multiple traces below the support layer, A plurality of vias extending between the plurality of traces and the first and second conductive layers, Bottom layer and It has, The aforementioned bottom layer is The first portion of the plurality of traces and the electrical insulating portion located beneath the first portion of the support layer, Multiple conductive interface pads located beneath the second portion of the plurality of traces and the second portion of the support layer, wherein the conductive interface pads receive the generated programming voltage and interface with the plurality of contact pins in the color programming device that programs the color display to the at least one user-selected color option. It has, The lower part of the electrical insulating portion is connected to the user's fingernail. Digital nail system.

2. The digital nail system according to claim 1, wherein the electronic paper layer has 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 includes a plurality of spaced-apart second conductive layer portions, each second conductive layer portion being separately controlled to configure the electronic paper layer to display a different color.

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 portion of the second conductive layer, and 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 portion of the second conductive layer.

6. The lower part of the nail blank is molded as a simple curve for bonding with the upper surface of the display, which is molded as a simple curve, and the upper surface of the nail blank is molded as a composite curve, according to claim 1.

7. The digital nail system according to claim 1, further comprising a nail interface adapter having a lower part of the electrically insulating portion molded as a simple curve, an upper part molded as a simple curve for coupling with the lower part of the electrically insulating portion, and a lower part molded as a composite curve for direct adhesion with the user's nail.

8. The digital nail system according to claim 7, wherein the edge of the nail interface adapter and the edge of the nail blank are bonded to each other such that the load on the nail interface adapter is transmitted to the nail blank rather than to the color display.

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

10. The digital nail system according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the nail blank contains microbubbles for optically altering the propagation of light through the nail blank.

11. The digital nail system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of conductive interface pads are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the support layer.

12. The digital nail system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of conductive interface pads are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the support layer.

13. The aforementioned color programming device is Housing and A wireless transceiver mounted in the housing and configured to communicate with the client device and receive a subset of color options and a corresponding subset of color files, A controller mounted in the housing and coupled to the wireless transceiver, A display mounted in the housing, coupled to the controller, and configured to display a subset of the color options, A user input device mounted in the housing and coupled to the controller, configured to select the at least one user-selectable color option based on user input, A drive circuit mounted in the housing and coupled to the controller and the plurality of contact pins, configured to generate a voltage in the voltage list for programming the color display to the at least one user-selected color, and The digital nail system according to claim 1, comprising:

14. The digital nail system according to claim 13, wherein the color programming device further comprises a temperature sensor mounted in the housing and coupled to the controller, configured to provide a temperature value to the controller, and the controller is further configured to select the color file corresponding to the temperature value.

15. The digital nail system according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of contact pins in the color programming device are recessed from slots on the side of the housing, and the artificial nail assembly is inserted into the slots such that the plurality of conductive interface pads interface with the plurality of contact pins.

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

17. The digital nail system according to claim 16, wherein the dongle further comprises a temperature sensor mounted in the housing and coupled to the controller and configured to provide a temperature value to the client device, and 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 positioned recessed from slots on the side of the housing, and the artificial nail assembly is inserted into the slots such that the plurality of conductive interface pads interface with the plurality of contact pins.

19. The digital nail system according to claim 1, wherein the user's nails include toenails or fingernails.

20. Nail blanks and A color display comprising a first conductive layer, an electronic paper layer, and a backplane is coupled to the lower side of the nail blank. An artificial nail assembly comprising, The aforementioned backplane is Supporting layer and The second conductive layer on the upper surface of the support layer, Multiple traces below the support layer, A plurality of vias extending between the plurality of traces and the first and second conductive layers, Bottom layer and Equipped with, The aforementioned bottom layer is The first portion of the plurality of traces and the electrical insulating portion located beneath the first portion of the support layer, A plurality of conductive interface pads located beneath the second portion of the plurality of traces and the second portion of the support layer, wherein the plurality of conductive interface pads interface with a plurality of contact pins in a color programming device that receives voltages in a voltage list and programs the color display to at least one user-selected color. Equipped with, Artificial nail assembly.

21. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 20, wherein the electronic paper layer includes 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 portions, each second conductive layer portion being separately controlled to configure the electronic paper layer to display a different color.

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

25. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 20, wherein the lower side of the nail blank is molded as a simple curve for bonding with the upper surface of the display which is molded as a simple curve, and the upper surface of the nail blank is molded as a complex curve.

26. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 20, further comprising a nail interface adapter having a lower side of the electrical insulating portion molded as a simple curve, an upper side molded as a simple curve for bonding with the lower side of the electrical insulating portion, and a lower side molded as a composite curve for direct bonding with the user's nail.

27. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 26, wherein the edge of the nail interface adapter and the edge of the nail blank are bonded to each other such that the load of the nail interface adapter is transmitted to the nail blank rather than the color display.

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

29. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 20, wherein the surface of the nail blank contains microbubbles for optically altering the propagation of light through the nail blank.

30. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 20, wherein the plurality of conductive interface pads are arranged at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the support layer.

31. The artificial nail assembly according to claim 20, wherein the plurality of conductive interface pads are arranged at intervals in the width direction of the support layer.

32. Forming a nail blank, The method involves forming a color display comprising a first conductive layer, an electronic paper layer, and a backplane. The aforementioned backplane Supporting layer and The second conductive layer on the upper surface of the support layer, Multiple traces below the support layer, A plurality of vias extending between the plurality of traces and the first and second conductive layers, Bottom layer and Equipped with, The bottom layer is The first portion of the plurality of traces and the electrical insulating portion located beneath the first portion of the support layer, A plurality of conductive interface pads located beneath the second portion of the plurality of traces and the second portion of the support layer, wherein the plurality of conductive interface pads interface with a plurality of contact pins in a color programming device that receives voltages in a voltage list and programs the color display to at least one user-selected color. To form a color display, and The lower side of the nail blank is glued to the upper side of the color display. A method for fabricating an artificial nail assembly, including [a specific component].

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