Electronic equipment, control methods, and programs

Abstract

To provide an electronic apparatus, a control method, and a program which facilitate adjustment of the hue of the design by a user.SOLUTION: A printer (electronic apparatus) includes an operation unit (reception means) which receives input of color information by an abstract expression about colors to a reference image, and controls information about colors of the design to be printed on a printing object on the basis of the input received by the operation unit. For example, the printer creates a plurality of change candidates by performing mutually-different color adjustment to the previous printing result, displays the plurality of created change candidates together with the previous printing result, and receives selection from a user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, a control method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a printing device (nail print device) that prints various designs on a printing object such as a human nail has been known. In addition, a device that generates print data for creating a nail seal of a design specified by a user and performs printing has also been used. Since the characteristics of body parts vary from user to user, for example, a system has been proposed that photographs a user's nail, generates print data to fit the shape and size of the nail, and provides a nail seal (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, usually, the color adjustment in a printing device is not individually performed for each design, but is uniformly determined for the printing device. Therefore, when the same printing device is used, there is a problem that the same color tone is obtained every time. In addition, it is difficult for a user who is not accustomed to color adjustment to adjust the color tone for a certain design.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems in the prior art, and an object thereof is to provide an electronic device, a control method, and a program that facilitate adjustment of the color tone of a design by a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the above problems, the electronic device of the present invention is Reference images printed in the past A control means for creating multiple candidate images with mutually different color adjustments and displaying the created multiple candidate images together with the reference image on the display unit, Selection of one of the candidate images from the aforementioned multiple candidate images A means of accepting applications and 、 Equipped with, The control means is The reference image and the candidate image are displayed on the display screen in such a way that they can be recognized relatively. height, The aforementioned plurality of candidate images include images that have undergone color adjustment based on abstract color modification instructions for the reference image. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily adjust the color tone of the design by the user. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram of the main components showing the schematic control configuration of a printing apparatus and a data management server in an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the main parts of a printing device. [Figure 3] (a) is a plan view showing the internal components of the printing apparatus. (b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the printing apparatus in a cross-section perpendicular to the Y direction. [Figure 4] This is an example of the data structure of the color adjustment history table stored on the data management server. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates how color adjustments for each adjustment item are reflected in the printing conditions. [Figure 6] This is an xy chromaticity diagram. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the print control process performed in a printing device. [Figure 8] This is an example of a screen that displays suggested changes. [Figure 9] This is an example of a parameter-based adjustment screen. [Figure 10] This is an example of an adjustment screen based on abstract representations.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of an electronic device, a control method, and a program according to the present invention will be described while referring to the drawings. Note that various technically preferable limitations are imposed on the embodiments described below in order to carry out the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

[0010] [Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a main part block diagram showing a schematic control configuration of a printing apparatus 1 and a data management server 6 in the present embodiment. The printing apparatus 1 is connected to be capable of data communication with the data management server 6 via a communication network N such as the Internet. The printing apparatus 1 is assumed to be installed in a store such as a nail salon or a beauty salon, but may be used at a user's home or the like. In FIG. 1, the printing apparatus 1 and the data management server 6 are each illustrated as having one unit, but a plurality of printing apparatuses 1 may be connected to one data management server 6. For example, when there are a plurality of printing apparatuses 1 in one store, or when there are printing apparatuses 1 in a plurality of chain stores or the like, all the printing apparatuses 1 may be managed by one data management server 6.

[0011] In the present embodiment, a case where the printing apparatus 1 is a nail printing apparatus that prints on a fingernail as a printing target will be described as an example, but the printing target of the printing apparatus 1 is not limited to a fingernail, and for example, a toenail or the like may be used as a printing target. Further, things other than nails, such as the surface of a nail tip or various accessories, may be used as a printing target.

[0012] [Configuration of Printing Apparatus] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the main part of the printing device (nail printing device) 1. In the following embodiments, up and down, left and right, and front and back refer to the directions shown in FIG. 2. Also, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction refer to the directions shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 3(a) is a plan view showing the internal main part configuration of the printing device 1, and FIG. 3(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the printing device 1 in a cross-section orthogonal to the Y direction.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the printing device 1 has a housing 2 formed in a substantially box shape. An opening 21 is formed in the front side of the housing 2 of the printing device 1 (the front side in the Y direction in FIG. 2) and substantially at the center in the left-right direction of the device (the X direction in FIG. 2). The opening 21 is a finger insertion port for inserting a finger U (see FIGS. 3(a) and (b)) corresponding to the nail T to be printed into the device, and has a width and height that allow the finger U to be inserted and removed. In the present embodiment, a finger arrangement portion 3 for arranging a finger U corresponding to the nail T to be printed is provided inside the housing 2 and inside the opening 21.

[0014] As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and (b), the lower surface of the finger arrangement portion 3 serves as a finger receiving portion 31 for receiving the belly portion of the finger U inserted from the opening 21. Note that a cushion member formed of a flexible material such as resin may be provided on the finger receiving portion 31, for example. The upper part of the finger arrangement portion 3 (at least the upper part on the back side in the Y direction in FIG. 2) is open, and the surface of the nail T of the finger U inserted into the finger arrangement portion 3 is exposed. In the present embodiment, a frame-shaped portion 32 that surrounds the upper part of the finger U is provided on the front side of the finger arrangement portion 3 (the front side in the Y direction in FIG. 2). The upper side of the finger U arranged in the finger arrangement portion 3 is configured to abut against the top surface of this frame-shaped portion 32. Thereby, the top surface of the frame-shaped portion 32 functions as a finger presser that regulates the upward position of the finger U, prevents the finger U from being pushed up too much upward, and can position the finger U in the height direction.

[0015] An operation portion 22 is installed on the upper surface (top plate) of the housing 2. The operation unit 22 is a means for receiving various inputs from the user. The control unit 22 consists of various operation buttons for inputting information, such as a power switch button for turning the power of the printing device 1 ON / OFF, a stop switch button for stopping operation, and a print start button for instructing the start of printing. Furthermore, the operation unit 22 is comprised of a touch panel integrally provided on the surface of the display unit 23, allowing various inputs and settings to be performed in response to touch operations by the user's fingertips or a stylus pen. When the operation unit 22 is operated, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is output to the control unit 11 of the control device 10, and the control unit 11 performs control according to the operation signal to operate each part of the printing device 1.

[0016] A display unit 23 is located on the top surface of the housing 2. The display unit 23 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescent display (OLED), or other displays (flat displays). The display unit 23 displays various images and information on the display based on display signals input from the control unit 11.

[0017] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the printing device 1 includes the aforementioned operation unit 22 and display unit 23, as well as a printing mechanism 4, a shooting unit 5, a communication unit 25, and a control device 10, etc.

[0018] The printing mechanism 4 includes a print head 41, an X-direction movement motor 45 and a Y-direction movement motor 47 (see Figure 1) for moving the print head 41, and performs printing using the print head 41. The print head 41 is equipped with an inkjet ink ejection mechanism (not shown) that ejects ink as fine droplets and prints on the surface to be printed.

[0019] An ink ejection surface is integrally formed on the surface of the print head 41 that faces the surface to be printed (the surface of the claw T). On the ink ejection surface, nozzle outlets (nozzle openings, ink ejection openings, not shown) of a nozzle array consisting of multiple nozzles that eject ink of each color are formed in a row. The print head 41 is configured to print by having the control unit 11 control the ink ejection mechanism, which ejects a predetermined amount of ink from the nozzle opening as needed. Furthermore, the specific configuration for printing, such as the configuration in which the print head 41 ejects ink, is not particularly limited.

[0020] The printing mechanism 4 includes a print head 41, which consists of a base coat head 41a for printing a base coat onto the nail T to be printed, and a design head 41b for printing a nail design onto the nail T to be printed. The base coat head 41a prints a base liquid before printing the design. The base coat is preferably white (white or a similar color such as pink or blue) so that the ink color develops well when printing the design. Hereinafter, the ink ejected from the base coat head 41a will be referred to as "white ink". The design head 41b prints the design (nail design) in color after the base coat has been printed by the base coat head 41a, and is capable of ejecting inks of various colors such as cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) (hereinafter referred to as "color inks").

[0021] The print head 41 is movable in the left-right direction (X direction) and the front-back direction (Y direction) of the device. The X-direction movement motor 45 constitutes an X-direction movement mechanism 450 (see Figures 3(a) and (b)) that moves the print head 41 in the X direction, and the Y-direction movement motor 47 constitutes a Y-direction movement mechanism 470 (see Figure 3(a)) that moves the print head 41 in the Y direction. The X-direction movement motor 45 and the Y-direction movement motor 47 are, for example, stepping motors. Furthermore, the printing mechanism 4 has position detection sensors (such as an origin sensor and an encoder sensor) which are not shown, and the control unit 11 accurately determines the position of the print head 41 based on the output information from the sensors and controls the print head 41 to move appropriately in the X and Y directions.

[0022] The imaging unit 5 includes a camera 51 and a light source 52 (see Figures 1 and 3(b)). Camera 51 captures images of the nail T and the finger U containing the nail T to be printed, and generates nail image data. The light source 52 is, for example, a lighting lamp such as a white LED.

[0023] The communication unit 25 is composed of a network interface and the like, and performs data communication with external devices such as a data management server 6 connected via the communication network N. For example, the communication unit 25 transmits data (print results) of nail images captured by the imaging unit 5 to the data management server 6, or retrieves nail design data for printing designs on the nails T from the data management server 6, etc.

[0024] The control device 10 mounted on the printing device 1 is a computer comprising a control unit 11 having a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), and a storage unit 12 having ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. (neither of which are shown). The memory unit 12 is provided with a program storage area 121 for storing various programs for the control unit 11 to perform various processes. The memory unit 12 also stores various information necessary for performing the processes. The control unit 11 comprehensively controls the operation of each part of the printing device 1 by deploying various programs stored in the program storage area 121 to the working area of ​​the RAM and executing them. In other words, the control unit 11 works in cooperation with the programs to realize various functions that enable the printing device 1 to perform printing processes, etc.

[0025] The control unit 11 controls the operation of the display unit 23. Specifically, the control unit 11 generates display data to be displayed on the display of the display unit 23 and outputs it to the display unit 23. For example, the control unit 11 generates image data for displaying nail images acquired by the shooting unit 5, display data for displaying designs (nail designs), etc. on the display unit 23, and display data for displaying various message screens, guidance screens, error display screens, etc. on the display of the display unit 23.

[0026] The control unit 11 controls the operation of each part of the printing mechanism 4. Specifically, the control unit 11 determines the position of the print head 41 according to the output from the position detection sensor and operates the X-direction movement motor 45 and the Y-direction movement motor 47 to move the print head 41 in the XY direction as appropriate. The control unit 11 also controls the print head 41 according to the print data and ejects ink as appropriate.

[0027] The control unit 11 controls the operation of the camera 51 and light source 52 of the imaging unit 5, so that the light source 52 illuminates the nail T and its surroundings, and the camera 51 acquires images of the nail, etc.

[0028] The control unit 11 controls the operation of the communication unit 25. Specifically, the control unit 11 controls the communication unit 25 to communicate with the communication unit 65 of the data management server 6, and sends the print result (captured image) showing the finished state of the nails, the printing conditions used during printing, etc. to the data management server 6. For subsequent uses, the control unit 11 retrieves the previous print result, previous printing conditions, etc. from the data management server 6.

[0029] The operation unit 22 (reception means) accepts input of color information in the form of abstract expressions relating to the color of a reference image. The reference image is an image used as a reference when adjusting the color. Abstract expressions refer to expressions that use subjective and impressive terms without using specific values ​​as indicators for identifying the color, such as brightness or saturation. Examples of abstract expressions include expressions relating to transparency, vividness, and seasonality (spring, summer, autumn, winter). The control unit 11 controls information regarding the color of the design to be printed on the print target based on the input received by the operation unit 22 (reception means).

[0030] The input received by the operation unit 22 shall include instructions to change the design color from the reference image.

[0031] In this embodiment, the previous print result for the same user (customer) is used as the reference image. The control unit 11 retrieves the previous print result and previous print conditions associated with the current user from the storage unit 62 (color adjustment history table 621) of the data management server 6, which is a storage means that stores the previous print result and previous print conditions associated with each user (customer ID), and uses the retrieved previous print result as a reference image. Alternatively, you may use the default state of the nail design data (an image without color adjustments) as the reference image.

[0032] Specifically, the control unit 11 creates a plurality of modified images with mutually different color adjustments applied to the reference image, and displays the created plurality of modified images together with the reference image on the display unit 23. The plurality of modified images include images with color adjustments applied based on abstract color modification instructions for the reference image. Examples of abstract modification instructions include transparency, vividness, seasonality (spring, summer, autumn, winter), and time of day (morning, noon, night, etc.).

[0033] When creating multiple modification options, the types of modifications to be created (e.g., darker / lighter than the reference image, higher / lower saturation, increased / decreased transparency, increased / decreased vividness, which seasonal feel to convey, etc.) and the degree of these changes are predetermined. Alternatively, users may be able to configure these settings as needed.

[0034] The operation unit 22 accepts the selection of one of several modification candidates, each of which has undergone different color adjustments applied to the reference image.

[0035] The control unit 22 further accepts instructions to change one or more parameters for adjusting the color of the selected change candidate. Parameters such as base density, color density, brightness, saturation, and white balance, as described later, may be used.

[0036] The operation unit 22 may also accept instructions to change one or more parameters for adjusting the color of the reference image.

[0037] The control unit 11 causes the printing mechanism 4 (printing device) to print the design data controlled based on the input received by the operation unit 22 (such as input of color information in the form of an abstract representation of the color of a reference image).

[0038] After the printing of the nail design is complete, the control unit 11 controls the shooting unit 5 to photograph the nail T to be printed and acquires the captured image as the printing result. The control unit 11 then transmits color adjustment history information, including the printing result and printing conditions, to the data management server 6 via the communication unit 25.

[0039] Alternatively, terminal devices such as smartphones and tablet devices may be used as the operation unit 22 and display unit 23 of the printing device 1. In this case, the terminal device sends and receives data to and from the printing device 1 via the communication unit of the terminal device, displaying the operation screen provided by the printing device 1 on the display unit of the terminal device, and transmitting operation instructions entered from the operation unit of the terminal device to the printing device 1.

[0040] [Data management server configuration] The data management server 6 is a cloud server that manages data (printing results, printing conditions, etc.) collected by the printing device 1 connected to the communication network N, as well as nail designs and other data provided to the printing device 1. The printing device 1 managed by the data management server 6 could, for example, be a printing device installed in affiliated or interconnected stores (such as affiliated nail salons or beauty salons), but is not limited to this.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the data management server 6 includes a control device 60, a timing unit 63, a communication unit 65, and the like. The control device 60 is a computer comprising a control unit 61 having a processor such as a CPU (not shown) and a storage unit 62 having ROM and RAM (neither shown).

[0042] The control unit 61 controls each part of the data management server 6. The control unit 61 reads the program stored in the storage unit 62, loads it into the RAM work area, and executes various processes according to the program. The memory unit 62 stores various programs for the control unit 61 to perform various processes, as well as various information necessary for performing those processes.

[0043] For example, the memory unit 62 stores a color adjustment history table 621. Figure 4 shows an example of the data structure of the color adjustment history table 621. The color adjustment history table 621 stores information such as customer ID, registration date and time, print result, print conditions, design ID, and RGB values ​​at the time of printing, all associated with each other.

[0044] The customer ID is the identification information of a customer who has a nail design applied to their fingernail (T). The registration date and time is the date and time when each record is registered in the color adjustment history table 621. The current date and time obtained from the timing unit 63 at the time each record is registered is recorded as the registration date and time. The print result is a photographic image of a nail printed on the customer's nail T corresponding to the "customer ID," using the nail design identified by the "design ID" and the conditions specified by the "printing conditions." The print result is identified by the file name of the image data, etc. The image data of the captured image is stored in the storage unit 62.

[0045] The printing conditions include the values ​​of each parameter adjusted during the printing of the nail design. These parameters include base color density, color density, brightness, saturation, and white balance. The base color density is determined by the number of times the base (white ink) has been printed. Color intensity refers to the number of times the color (color ink) is printed. Alternatively, color intensity may be indicated using a numerical value, such as a 10-point scale (1 to 10). Brightness is a value (1-10) that categorizes the brightness of a nail design, for example, into 10 levels. A smaller number indicates lower brightness, while a larger number indicates higher brightness. Saturation is a value (1-10) that categorizes the saturation of a nail design, for example, on a scale of 1 to 10. A smaller number indicates lower saturation, while a larger number indicates higher saturation. White balance (color temperature, tone) is a value (1-10) that categorizes the color temperature of a nail design, for example, into 10 levels. A smaller number indicates a lower color temperature, while a larger number indicates a higher color temperature. Note that the color temperature can also be specified using a numerical value, such as 6500K. Note that because each parameter interferes with the others, different adjustment results (combinations of parameters) may result in the same color.

[0046] The design ID is the identification information for the nail design. The RGB values ​​at the time of printing are the RGB values ​​for each color used when printing the nail design. A single-color design consists of one set of RGB values, while a two-color design consists of two sets of RGB values. The RGB values ​​at the time of printing are, for example, the RGB values ​​immediately before they are converted in the printing device 1 to values ​​corresponding to the colors of each ink (CMY and white) in the printing mechanism 4 (CMYW values) (the RGB values ​​after color adjustment for the nail design's RGB values). Note that saving the RGB values ​​at the time of printing in the color adjustment history table 621 is not mandatory.

[0047] When the control unit 61 obtains color adjustment history information (printing results, printing conditions, etc.) from the printing device 1, it updates the information in the color adjustment history table 621 as appropriate.

[0048] Furthermore, the memory unit 62 is provided with a nail design memory area 622 for storing data for multiple nail designs. The nail design data stored in the nail design memory area 622 may be replaced with new ones or added as needed. When the control unit 61 receives a request from the printing device 1, it extracts the requested nail design data from the nail design storage area 622 and transmits it to the printing device 1 as appropriate.

[0049] The timing unit 63 has a timing circuit (RTC: Real Time Clock), which timings the current date and time and outputs it to the control unit 61.

[0050] The communication unit 65 is composed of a network interface and the like, and performs data communication with external devices such as the printing device 1 connected via the communication network N.

[0051] [Specific examples of color adjustment] In color adjustment performed by the control unit 11 of the printing device 1, the lookup table (hereinafter referred to as "color conversion LUT") used to convert the RGB values ​​of the nail design to CMYW values ​​output to the printing mechanism 4 of the printing device 1 is basically adjusted based on five parameters (base density, color density, brightness, saturation, and white balance). However, depending on what needs to be adjusted, it may be possible to adjust it using only the number of prints (base density and color density). The control unit 11 adjusts the color based on at least one of five parameters (for example, used to directly change brightness, saturation, and white balance, or to make adjustments to express a sense of the seasons) or the number of prints (for example, used to make adjustments to express density, transparency, and vividness). Furthermore, you may adjust the color based on the five parameters for intensity, transparency, and vividness.

[0052] The following explains how color adjustments for each adjustment item are reflected in the printing conditions, referring to Figures 5(a) to 5(d). As shown in Figure 5(a), when adjusting the "Density" setting to make the color darker, the printing conditions are changed to increase the "Number of Color Prints (Color Density)". On the other hand, when adjusting the "Density" setting to make the color lighter, the printing conditions are changed to decrease the "Number of Color Prints". Alternatively, when adjusting the color intensity, you may also adjust the color conversion LUT.

[0053] As shown in Figure 5(b), when adjusting the "Transparency" setting to increase transparency, the printing conditions are changed to reduce the "Base Print Count (Base Density)". Here, transparency is achieved by reducing the "Base Print Count" and allowing the natural nail color (skin tone) to show (emphasize). On the other hand, when adjusting the "Transparency" setting to decrease transparency, the printing conditions are changed to increase the "Base Print Count". When changing "Transparency", the color conversion LUT is not changed, and the same color conversion LUT as the image before adjustment (previous print result, default, etc.) is used.

[0054] As shown in Figure 5(c), when adjusting the "Vividness" setting to increase vividness, the printing conditions are changed to increase the "Base Print Count (Base Density)". Here, the vividness is achieved by increasing the "Base Print Count" and creating a pure white base that does not show the natural color of the nail. On the other hand, when adjusting the "Vividness" setting to decrease vividness, the printing conditions are changed to decrease the "Base Print Count". When changing "Vividness", the color conversion LUT is not changed, and the same color conversion LUT as the image before adjustment (previous print result, default, etc.) is used. Furthermore, if you want to increase the vividness, in addition to changing the "base print count," or instead of changing the "base print count," you can increase the "color print count" or adjust the color conversion LUT to increase the "saturation."

[0055] As shown in Figure 5(d), when adjusting the "seasonal feel" setting to add a spring-like feel, the printing conditions are changed to increase the "brightness" and "saturation" of the colors expressed with color inks and decrease the "color temperature". The color conversion LUT is adjusted by changing the "brightness," "saturation," and "color temperature." When adding a spring-like feel, the intervals for increasing "brightness" (steps), increasing "saturation," and decreasing "color temperature" are predetermined according to the degree (level) of the desired effect. "Increasing brightness" means, for example, changing a color represented in the Yxy color system by increasing its brightness (Y). "Increasing saturation" means, for example, changing a color represented in the Yxy color system to move it towards the outer edge of the horseshoe-shaped color gamut in the xy chromaticity diagram shown in Figure 6. In the xy chromaticity diagram, the white point, represented by x=0.33 and y=0.33, is uncolored, and the further out you go, the higher the "saturation." "Adjusting the color temperature" is equivalent to changing the coefficients α, β, and γ used in the conversion of each RGB value (R=αR, G=βG, B=γB) to values ​​corresponding to the "color temperature." "Lowering the color temperature" means changing the color expressed by the color ink to a "yellow-based" (yellowish) color. "Raising the color temperature" means changing the color expressed by the color ink to a "blue-based" (bluish) color.

[0056] [Printer operation] Next, we will explain the operation of the printing device 1. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the print control process performed in the printing device 1. First, the control unit 11 of the printing device 1 displays a message on the display unit 23 instructing the user to enter a customer ID, and the operation unit 22 accepts the user's input of the customer ID (step S1). When the user operates the operation unit 22 and enters the customer ID, the control unit 11 transmits the entered customer ID to the data management server 6 via the communication unit 25.

[0057] When the data management server 6 receives a customer ID from the printing device 1 via the communication unit 65, the control unit 61 generates data for a selection screen containing multiple nail designs based on the nail design data stored in the nail design storage area 622 of the storage unit 62, and transmits the data for the selection screen to the printing device 1 via the communication unit 65.

[0058] In the printing device 1, when the communication unit 25 receives selection screen data from the data management server 6, the control unit 11 displays the nail design selection screen on the display unit 23 and accepts the user's selection of a nail design on the operation unit 22 (step S2). When the user operates the operation unit 22 to select a nail design, the control unit 11 transmits the design ID of the selected nail design to the data management server 6 via the communication unit 25.

[0059] In the data management server 6, when the communication unit 65 receives the design ID from the printing device 1, the control unit 61 extracts the record corresponding to the customer ID entered in step S1 and the design ID selected in step S2 from the color adjustment history table 621 of the storage unit 62, which has the most recent "registration date and time" (the previous record). Then, the control unit 61 transmits the previous print result, previous print conditions, and RGB values ​​from the previous print corresponding to the customer ID and design ID to the printing device 1 via the communication unit 65. In addition, the control unit 61 obtains the nail design data identified by the design ID from the nail design storage area 622 of the storage unit 62 and transmits it to the printing device 1 via the communication unit 65.

[0060] The control unit 11 of the printing device 1 obtains the previous print result, previous print conditions, and RGB values ​​from the data management server 6 via the communication unit 25, corresponding to the customer ID and design ID (step S3). The control unit 11 also obtains the nail design data corresponding to the design ID selected in step S2 from the data management server 6 via the communication unit 25.

[0061] Next, the control unit 11 applies mutually different color adjustments to the previous print result (captured image) to create multiple candidate images for modification (step S4). Using the previous print result as a reference image, the control unit 11 changes the printing conditions to create, for example, "an image darker than the previous print result," "an image with increased transparency than the previous print result," "an image with increased vividness than the previous print result," and "an image with more autumnal colors than the previous print result." "An image with increased transparency than the previous print result," "an image with increased vividness than the previous print result," and "an image with more autumnal colors than the previous print result" are examples of images in which color adjustments have been applied based on abstract color modification instructions for the reference image.

[0062] Next, the control unit 11 displays the previous print result (reference image) and several proposed changes on the display unit 23 (step S5).

[0063] Figure 8 shows an example of the change candidate suggestion screen 231 displayed on the display unit 23. The suggested change screen 231 includes the previous print result area 70, the suggested change areas 71-74, and the change content areas 71a-74a. The previous print result area 70 displays the results of the previous print job. In modification candidate areas 71-74, modification candidates are displayed, each with different color adjustments applied to the previous print result. Here, modification candidate area 71 displays an image with a darker shade of the previous print result, modification candidate area 72 displays an image with increased transparency compared to the previous print result, modification candidate area 73 displays an image with increased vividness compared to the previous print result, and modification candidate area 74 displays an image with autumnal colors compared to the previous print result. The change details areas 71a to 74a each display the changes made to the candidate changes shown in the candidate change areas 71 to 74, indicating what changes were made to the previous print result. On the suggested change screen 231, four suggested changes are presented as variations from the previous print result, but the number of suggested changes presented is not limited to these.

[0064] Next, the operation unit 22 accepts the user's selection from the previous print result or from several change candidates. The control unit 11 determines whether a change candidate has been selected based on the user's operation from the operation unit 22 (step S6). If a change candidate is selected (step S6; YES), the control unit 11 displays the selected change candidate on the display unit 23 (step S7). At this point, the user can make further fine adjustments based on the color of the selected change candidate.

[0065] Figure 9 shows an example of the adjustment screen 232 displayed on the display unit 23. The adjustment screen 232 includes the image area to be adjusted 80, a base density change instruction section 81, a color density change instruction section 82, a brightness change instruction section 83, a saturation change instruction section 84, and a white balance change instruction section 85. The image area 80 to be adjusted displays the image to be adjusted (in step S7, the selected candidate for change). The base density change instruction unit 81 consists of a slider bar for changing the density of the base (underlay) of the image to be adjusted. The user adjusts the base density by operating the control unit 22 to move the knob 81a left or right. How the "base density" in the printing conditions is changed according to the position of the knob 81a is predetermined. The color density adjustment instruction unit 82 consists of a slider bar for changing the color density of the image to be adjusted. The user adjusts the color density by operating the control unit 22 to move the knob 82a left or right. How the "color density" in the printing conditions is changed according to the position of the knob 82a is predetermined. The brightness adjustment instruction unit 83 consists of a slider bar for changing the brightness of the image to be adjusted. The user adjusts the brightness by operating the control unit 22 to move the knob 83a left or right. How the "brightness" in the printing conditions is changed according to the position of the knob 83a is predetermined. The saturation change instruction unit 84 consists of a slider bar for changing the saturation of the image to be adjusted. The user adjusts the saturation by operating the control unit 22 to move the knob 84a left or right. How the "saturation" in the printing conditions is changed according to the position of the knob 84a is predetermined. The white balance adjustment instruction unit 85 consists of a slider bar for changing the white balance (color temperature) of the image to be adjusted. The user adjusts the white balance by operating the control unit 22 to move the knob 85a left or right. How the "white balance" in the printing conditions is changed according to the position of the knob 85a is predetermined.

[0066] Furthermore, when giving instructions to change the base color (shade of white ink), it is also acceptable to use names that describe the finished appearance. For example, the shade of white ink may be described using expressions such as "transparency-focused" (1 coat), "natural" (2 coats), "normal" (3 coats), or "vivid" (4 coats).

[0067] Furthermore, the intensity of the color (simple shades of color ink) can be expressed using terms such as "transparency-focused" (very light), "natural" (light), "normal" (regular), and "vivid" (darkest).

[0068] If no change candidate is selected in step S6 (step S6; NO), that is, if the previous print result is selected, the control unit 11 displays the previous print result on the display unit 23 (step S8). If the previous print result is used as the basis for adjustment, the previous print result is displayed in the adjustment target image area 80 of the adjustment screen 232 shown in Figure 9, and the color of the image to be adjusted is adjusted by operating on each of the change instruction units 81 to 85.

[0069] After step S7 or step S8, the control unit 11 determines whether or not adjustment instructions have been given to the selected change candidate or the previous print result based on the user's operation from the operation unit 22 (step S9). Specifically, the control unit 11 determines whether or not adjustments have been made to the base density, color density, brightness, saturation, and white balance. If an adjustment instruction is given (step S9; YES), the control unit 11 performs adjustments to the image to be adjusted based on the parameter changes and displays the adjusted image on the display unit 23 (step S10). Specifically, in the adjustment screen 232 shown in Figure 9, the control unit 11 replaces the image displayed in the image to be adjusted area 80 with the adjusted image.

[0070] If no adjustment instruction is given after step S10, or in step S9 (step S9; NO), the control unit 11 determines whether or not a print instruction has been given based on the user's operation from the operation unit 22 (step S11). If no print instruction is given (step S11; NO), the process returns to step S9 and is repeated.

[0071] In step S11, if a print command is received (step S11; YES), the control unit 11 performs a print operation on the user's nail T so that the adjusted color is applied (step S12). Specifically, the control unit 11 adjusts the color of the nail design data obtained from the data management server 6 based on the print conditions changed by the adjustment, generates print data, and controls the printing mechanism 4 to print the nail design on the user's nail T. The control unit 11 may also generate print data by using the RGB values ​​from the previous print run obtained from the data management server 6 and making adjustments based on the changed print conditions (such as the difference from the previous print conditions).

[0072] Prior to printing, the control unit 11 controls the imaging unit 5 to photograph the user's finger U, and detects the nail area by performing image processing on the image data obtained from the imaging. The control unit 11 adjusts the print data to match the shape and size of the nail area. Then, the control unit 11 controls the printing mechanism 4 to print a base layer with the base head 41a and a design with the design head 41b on the area corresponding to the nail area of ​​the finger U placed on the finger placement unit 3.

[0073] Next, the control unit 11 controls the imaging unit 5 to capture a nail image of the user's finger U with the nail design printed on it (step S13).

[0074] Steps S12 and S13 are repeated for each finger U to be printed. If the design applied to the fingernails T of both hands is symmetrical, step S13 may be performed for the five fingers U of one hand. The control unit 11 extracts the nail region from the captured images of the five (or ten) fingers U taken in step S13, and the image created by combining these nail regions is the print result. Furthermore, if the imaging unit 5 can capture an area including the nail regions of five (or ten) fingers U in a single shot, the image obtained from that single shot may be used as the print result.

[0075] Next, the control unit 11 transmits the print result, print conditions, and RGB values ​​used during printing, along with the customer ID, to the data management server 6 via the communication unit 25 (step S14). This completes the print control process.

[0076] In the data management server 6, when the communication unit 65 receives the current print result, current print conditions, RGB values ​​during printing, and customer ID from the printing device 1, the control unit 61 stores the current color adjustment history information in the color adjustment history table 621 of the storage unit 62. Specifically, the control unit 61 stores the customer ID, registration date and time, print result, print conditions, design ID, RGB values ​​during printing, etc., in the color adjustment history table 621, associating them, and saves them as a new record. For the registration date and time, the control unit 61 uses the current date and time obtained from the timing unit 63 when registering the current color adjustment history information in the color adjustment history table 621. For the design ID, the design ID selected in step S2 and received from the printing device 1 is used. Furthermore, the control unit 61 may, in the color adjustment history table 621, retain only the latest data for the same customer ID and the same design ID, and delete older information.

[0077] In step S6 of the print control process shown in Figure 7, selecting an image from among the change candidates that has undergone color adjustment based on a change instruction using an abstract expression regarding the color of the reference image corresponds to one pattern of "inputting color information using an abstract expression regarding the color of the reference image."

[0078] In the print control process shown in Figure 7, the change candidates displayed in step S5 included an image whose colors had been adjusted based on abstract change instructions. However, abstract change instructions may also be adjustable continuously or stepwise using a slider or the like.

[0079] Figure 10 shows an example of an adjustment screen 233 based on an abstract representation displayed on the display unit 23 of the printing device 1. The adjustment screen 233 includes the image area to be adjusted 90, the transparency change instruction section 91, the vividness change instruction section 92, the spring-likeness change instruction section 93, the summer-likeness change instruction section 94, the autumn-likeness change instruction section 95, and the winter-likeness change instruction section 96. The image area 80 to be adjusted displays the image to be adjusted (e.g., the result of the previous print). The transparency adjustment instruction unit 91 consists of a slider bar for changing the transparency of the image to be adjusted. The user adjusts the degree of transparency by operating the control unit 22 and moving the knob 91a left or right. The vividness adjustment instruction unit 92 consists of a slider bar for changing the vividness of the image to be adjusted. The user adjusts the degree of vividness by operating the control unit 22 and moving the knob 92a left or right. The spring-likeness change instruction unit 93, the summer-likeness change instruction unit 94, the autumn-likeness change instruction unit 95, and the winter-likeness change instruction unit 96 are each composed of slider bars for changing the spring-likeness, summer-likeness, autumn-likeness, and winter-likeness of the image to be adjusted. The user adjusts the degree of spring-likeness, summer-likeness, autumn-likeness, and winter-likeness by operating the operation unit 22 and moving the knobs 93a, 94a, 95a, and 96a left and right. The way in which each parameter in the printing conditions is changed depending on the position of the knobs 91a to 96a is predetermined.

[0080] In the adjustment screen 233, operating the control unit 22 to move the knobs 91a to 96a of each change instruction unit 91 to 96 corresponds to one pattern of "inputting color information by abstract representation of color relative to a reference image."

[0081] Furthermore, while Figure 8 illustrates a case where the change candidate presentation screen 231, which displays change candidate areas 71-74, includes an image with color adjustments based on abstract change instructions, it is also possible to create and display an image with color adjustments corresponding to the input when the user provides input using abstract expressions for the reference image. Specifically, the control unit 11 displays a reference image, such as the previous print result, on the display unit 23 and accepts input of color information in the form of abstract expressions related to the color of the reference image from the operation unit 22. For example, if the user inputs color information such as "I want to make it more transparent" using an abstract expression related to color from the operation unit 22, the control unit 11 applies color adjustments to the reference image to increase its transparency and displays the color-adjusted image on the display unit 23. The user can then select this color-adjusted image from the operation unit 22 to use as the color tone for the design to be printed on the current print target. Note that options such as increasing / decreasing transparency, increasing / decreasing vividness, and which seasonal feel to express may be selected from a list of options. Furthermore, the degree of color adjustment (the extent of change) using abstract expressions, and how each parameter in the printing conditions is modified, are pre-set.

[0082] As described above, according to this embodiment, information regarding the color of the design to be printed on the printing target is controlled based on the input of color information using abstract representations of colors relative to a reference image, making it easy for users to adjust the color tones of the design. By using abstract representations such as transparency, vividness, and seasonality, the user's (customer's) sensory image can be reflected in the design's colors, thereby improving customer satisfaction.

[0083] Furthermore, the input received from the user includes instructions to change the design's colors from the reference image, allowing for color adjustments based on the visual appearance, using the previous print result or default settings as a reference.

[0084] Furthermore, by storing the print results and print conditions associated with each customer ID in the storage unit 62 of the data management server 6 (color adjustment history table 621), the control unit 11 of the printing device 1 can use the previous print results and print conditions stored for each user (customer ID) the next time it is used, and adjust the colors by comparing them with the previous print results.

[0085] Furthermore, by saving and managing the color adjustment history table 621 on the data management server 6, it is possible to achieve nail designs that match the user's preferences by comparing them with the previous print results at each printing device 1 installed in different stores, etc.

[0086] Furthermore, by displaying multiple alternative images with different color adjustments applied to the reference image on the display unit 23 along with the reference image, and allowing the user to select one, the printing conditions can be changed from the previous printing conditions according to the selection result. In this way, even with the same design, the color tone can be changed and printed according to the customer's preference or mood at the time.

[0087] Furthermore, by presenting images with color adjustments based on abstract color-related instructions such as transparency, vividness, and seasonality as potential changes, it becomes easier to capture the user's subjective preferences.

[0088] Furthermore, it can accept instructions to change one or more parameters for adjusting the color of a selected candidate image or reference image, and perform color adjustments according to the parameters.

[0089] Furthermore, since the printing mechanism 4 (printing device) prints design data controlled based on input of color information through abstract representations of colors relative to a reference image, it is possible to achieve printing with colors that match the user's preferences.

[0090] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0091] In the above embodiment, in the color adjustment in the print control process shown in Figure 7, the user is allowed to select from multiple change candidates or the previous print result, which were created using the previous print result as a reference image. Further adjustments (parameter change instructions) to the selected change candidate or previous print result are then accepted. However, either presenting multiple change candidates or giving parameter change instructions for the reference image is also acceptable. Specifically, the print conditions of the selected change candidate may be used as is (without adjustment). Alternatively, various parameters may be directly adjusted to the reference image, such as the previous print result, without presenting change candidates with color adjustments.

[0092] Furthermore, while the above embodiment described the use of base density, color density, brightness, saturation, and white balance as parameters included in the printing conditions, it is not limited to these.

[0093] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, a case was described in which the color adjustment history table 621 is stored in the data management server 6 and the previous print results, print conditions, etc. are managed in association with the customer ID outside the printing device 1. However, the previous print results, print conditions, etc. may also be stored in the storage unit 12 inside the printing device 1 in association with the customer ID. Furthermore, although the above embodiment described a case where nail design data is stored in the nail design storage area 622 of the data management server 6, the nail design data may also be stored in the storage unit 12 within the printing device 1.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the previous print result (captured image) was processed to create multiple candidate changes, but it is also possible to create multiple candidate changes by assigning conditions to the nail design data based on the previous print conditions.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the printing device 1 was given as an example in which it functions as an electronic device that adjusts the color of the design to be printed on the object to be printed, but the electronic device is not limited to the printing device 1. For example, the electronic device may be a terminal device such as a smartphone that adjusts the color of the design and provides data to the printing device. Alternatively, the electronic device may be a data management server 6 that can communicate data with the printing device 1, and the color of the design may be adjusted in the data management server 6.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the previous printing result for the same nail design (pattern) was used. However, even with a different design (for example, if the color scheme is somewhat similar), it may be possible to apply past printing conditions, or printing conditions adjusted from those conditions. Specifically, for white ink printing, since it uses a single base color that is the same for all designs, you can specify the shade of the base color regardless of which design you choose. Furthermore, with regard to color inks, it's impossible to know whether a customer will perceive the print result as too dark (or too light) or too light (or too dark) without first printing the design. However, by accumulating customer trends, it would be possible to suggest recommended adjustments from the outset.

[0097] While embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but includes the scope of the invention as described in the claims and its equivalents. The invention described in the claims initially attached to the application for this patent is listed below. The claim numbers listed below are the same as those in the claims initially attached to the application for this patent. [Note] <Claim 1> A receiving means for receiving input of color information in the form of an abstract representation of the color of a reference image, A control means that controls information regarding the color of the design to be printed on the print target based on the input received by the aforementioned receiving means, An electronic device characterized by having the following features. <Claim 2> The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned abstract expression includes an expression relating to transparency, vividness, or seasonality. <Claim 3> The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control means causes a printing device to print the design data controlled based on the input. <Claim 4> The electronic device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the input includes an instruction to change the color of the design from the reference image. <Claim 5> The electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that the control means retrieves the previous print result and previous print conditions associated with the current user from a storage means that stores the previous print result and previous print conditions associated with each user, and uses the retrieved previous print result as the reference image. <Claim 6> The control means creates a plurality of modification candidates by applying mutually different color adjustments to the reference image, and displays the created plurality of modification candidates together with the reference image on the display means. The electronic device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the receiving means accepts the selection of any of the multiple change candidates. <Claim 7> The electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that the plurality of modification candidates include images that have been color-adjusted based on modification instructions that are abstract expressions relating to color to the reference image. <Claim 8> The electronic device according to claim 7, characterized in that the aforementioned abstract modification instructions are modification instructions relating to transparency, vividness, or seasonality. <Claim 9> The electronic device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the receiving means further receives instructions to change one or more parameters for adjusting the color of the selected change candidate. <Claim 10> The electronic device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the receiving means receives instructions to change one or more parameters for adjusting the color of the reference image. <Claim 11> A receiving process that accepts input of color information in the form of an abstract representation of the color relative to a reference image, A control step that controls information regarding the color of the design to be printed on the print target based on the input received in the aforementioned reception step, A control method characterized by including <Claim 12> Computers, A receiving means for accepting input of color information in the form of an abstract representation of color relative to a reference image. Based on the input received by the aforementioned receiving means, a control means controls information regarding the color of the design to be printed on the print target. A program designed to function as such. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1 Printing device 11 Control Unit 12 Storage section 22 Control section 23 Display section 25 Communications Department 4 Printing mechanism 41 Printhead 5. Photography Department 6. Data Management Server 61 Control Unit 62 Storage section 65 Communications Department N Communication Network

Claims

1. A control means for creating multiple candidate images by applying different color adjustments to a previously printed reference image, and for displaying the created multiple candidate images together with the reference image on a display unit. A receiving means for receiving the selection of any candidate image from the aforementioned multiple candidate images, Equipped with, The control means displays the reference image and the candidate image on the display screen so that they can be recognized relatively. The aforementioned plurality of candidate images include images that have undergone color adjustment based on abstract color modification instructions for the reference image. An electronic device characterized by the following features.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned abstract expression includes an expression relating to transparency, vividness, or seasonality.

3. The receiving means accepts the selection of one candidate image from the plurality of candidate images displayed. The electronic device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control means causes a printing device to print design data based on the candidate image selected by the receiving means.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control means retrieves the previous print result and previous print conditions associated with the current user from a storage means that stores the previous print result and previous print conditions associated with each user, and uses the retrieved previous print result as the reference image.

5. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that the aforementioned abstract modification instructions are modification instructions relating to transparency, vividness, or seasonality.

6. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein the receiving means further receives instructions to change one or more parameters for adjusting the color of the selected candidate image.

7. A control step that creates multiple candidate images by applying different color adjustments to a previously printed reference image, and displays the created multiple candidate images together with the reference image on the display unit. A receiving step that accepts the selection of any candidate image from the aforementioned multiple candidate images, Equipped with, The control step involves displaying the reference image and the candidate image on a display screen so that they can be recognized relatively. The aforementioned plurality of candidate images include images that have undergone color adjustment based on abstract color modification instructions for the reference image. A control method characterized by the following:

8. Computers, A control means for creating multiple candidate images by applying different color adjustments to a previously printed reference image, and for displaying the created multiple candidate images together with the reference image on a display unit. A receiving means for receiving the selection of any candidate image from the aforementioned multiple candidate images, To make it function as, The control means displays the reference image and the candidate image on the display screen so that they can be recognized relatively. The aforementioned plurality of candidate images include images that have undergone color adjustment based on abstract color modification instructions for the reference image. program.

Images