Nail Print Apparatus Automatic Model Selection Finger Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nail print apparatuses face challenges in accurately extracting and specifying the nail region due to the similarity in optical properties and color between nails and skin, requiring complex user input for selecting appropriate models based on individual characteristics such as sex, physique, and age.
Innovation Solution
A nail print apparatus that automatically selects a nail region extracting model based on finger dimensions, using a storage section with multiple models of varying shapes, and a region specifying section that fits the selected model to the finger image to accurately determine the nail region for printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a model nail image is fitted in a finger image to specify the nail region, then the nail region can be extracted automatically without user input, but it is difficult to fit the model nail image in a suitable position because there is no standard for fitting and nail characteristics vary greatly among individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter used for model selection from requiring detailed user information (sex, physique, age) to using only finger width dimension. By categorizing finger widths into ranges (e.g., 30mm or more, 20mm to less than 30mm, 15mm to less than 20mm, 10mm to less than 15mm, less than 10mm), the system automatically selects appropriate nail region extracting models, achieving both automation and accuracy without burdening users with complex input.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the population into different categories based on finger width dimensions and prepares different nail region extracting models for each segment. By dividing finger width into five distinct ranges and assigning specific models to each range, the system handles the variability in nail characteristics among different individuals (infants, children, adults, males, females) without requiring explicit user classification.
2Measurement precision
If multiple nail region extracting models are prepared for different user characteristics (sex, physique, age), then the nail region can be extracted accurately for each individual, but the user must input information such as sex and physique which complicates the operation and burdens the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential dimension information (finger width) needed for model selection from the full set of user characteristics (sex, physique, age, etc.). By taking out just the finger width parameter and using it to select from pre-categorized models, the system maintains extraction accuracy while eliminating the burden of complex user input. The model selection section determines the appropriate model based solely on the measured finger width dimension.
3Ease of operation
If the nail region is extracted by analyzing only the finger image without additional user information, then the operation is simple and fast, but the extraction accuracy is insufficient because the optical properties of nail and skin are very close and color varies by individual
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the nail region extracting model - that serves as a reference template for identifying the nail region. Instead of relying solely on direct image analysis of the user's finger, the system superimposes pre-prepared models (created from averaged coordinate values of multiple samples) onto the user's finger image and determines the nail region based on the best match. This intermediary model bridges the gap between simple operation and accurate extraction by providing a reference framework that accounts for individual variations.
Data Source
AI summary
A nail print apparatus which prints on a nail and a print controlling method. According to one implementation, a nail print apparatus includes an imaging section, a finger dimension obtaining section, a storage section, a model selecting section, a region specifying section and a printing section. The model selecting section selects one specific nail region extracting model based on a dimension of the finger obtained by the finger dimension obtaining section. The region specifying section specifies a nail region to be a specific nail region extracting model selected by the model selecting section to a region of the nail in the finger image obtained by the imaging section. The printing section applies ink on the specified nail region.