JP2023092069A - Printer, electronic apparatus, printing control method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a printer capable of normal printing regardless of nail shapes such as curvature, an electronic apparatus, a printing control method and a program.SOLUTION: A printer 1 includes: a finger disposing table 3 as placing means which can place a finger U corresponding to a nail T to be printed and is rotatable around a shaft along the direction in which the finger U extends so that a first state can be shifted to a second state when the finger U is placed; a 3D sensor 6 as detection means which detects first coordinate value showing a position of the nail T placed on the finger disposing table 3 in the first state and second coordinate value showing a position of the nail T placed on the finger disposing table 3 in the second state; and a control part 11 as printing data generating means that generates printing data for printing by the print head 41 on the basis of the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a printing device, an electronic device, a print control method, and a program.

Conventionally, a printing device (nail printer) for printing designs on fingernails is known. In a nail printer, a finger corresponding to a nail to be printed is placed on a finger rest, and printing is performed on the nail using, for example, an inkjet method.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a nail printer that captures a nail image with a camera, recognizes the nail range (printing range) from the acquired nail image, and prints in the range (Patent Document 1 describes a nail printer that prints droplets "Injection device") is described.
Further, Patent Document 1 mentions a case where the "injection device" is a printer that prints on a three-dimensional structure.

JP 2017-018589 A

However, the shape of the nail varies from person to person.
For example, in the case of an ingrown toenail in which the sides of the nail are curled inwards beyond the range that can be recognized from the top image, it is not possible to correctly recognize the shape and extent of the ingrown part by simply photographing the nail from above. Can not. In this case, correct print data cannot be generated for the side portion of the nail, and there is a possibility that an unpainted portion may occur.
In addition, if the nail has a strong curvature and the depth (height position) of the side of the nail is extremely lower than the top of the nail (for example, the side of the nail drops significantly downward at an angle close to vertical to the top of the nail). When the nail is photographed from above, the shape, range, etc. of the side of the nail cannot be correctly recognized, and correct print data cannot be generated for the side of the nail.

Furthermore, when a printing device (nail printer) performs printing using an inkjet method, the distance from the surface to be printed (that is, the surface of the nail) to the ink ejection surface of the print head (hereinafter referred to as the “nail-to-head distance”) ) has a range that can be printed properly.
For example, if the "nail-to-head distance" is too close, the print head may interfere with the nail. ) cannot land in the correct place, and high-quality printing cannot be performed.

As described above, if the nail is an ingrown nail or if the nail has a large curvature, it is difficult to properly acquire the image of the nail up to the sides of the nail for generating print data. Also, there is a problem that it is difficult to print while maintaining an appropriate "nail-to-head distance" for the entire nail.
In this respect, the device described in Patent Document 1 does not have a configuration that can solve these problems. For this reason, depending on the shape of the nail, it may not be possible to print normally to the side of the nail.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a printing apparatus, an electronic device, a print control method, and a program that can print normally regardless of the nail shape such as curvature. With the goal.

In order to achieve the above object, the printing apparatus of the present invention includes:
A finger corresponding to a nail to be printed can be placed, and rotatable about an axis along a direction in which the finger extends when the finger is placed so as to take a first state and a second state. placing means;
A first coordinate value indicating the position of the nail placed on the placement means in the first state, and the position of the nail placed on the placement means in the second state. a detection means for detecting a second coordinate value, which is a coordinate value indicating the position of the nail;
and print data generation means for generating print data based on the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value.

According to the present invention, normal printing can be performed regardless of the nail shape such as curvature.

1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a main part of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment; FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a finger placing table in an embodiment; FIG. 3 is a block diagram of main parts showing a schematic control configuration of the printing apparatus according to the embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a positional relationship between a fingernail placed on a finger placement table in a non-rotating state and a print head or the like; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a positional relationship between a fingernail placed on a finger placement table in a rotated state and a print head or the like; (a) is a plan view of the finger viewed from above, (b) and (d) are views of the finger in a non-rotated state viewed from the direction of the thick arrow VI shown in FIG. 3 is a view of the rotated finger viewed from the direction of the thick arrow VI shown in FIG. 2. FIG. (a) is a plan view of the finger viewed from above, (b) and (d) are views of the finger in a non-rotated state viewed from the direction of the thick arrow VI shown in FIG. 3 is a view of the rotated finger viewed from the direction of the thick arrow VI shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of print data generated for the nail shown in FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of print data generated for the nail shown in FIG. 7; FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a print control method according to the embodiment; 4 is a flowchart of a print control method according to the embodiment; 4 is a flowchart of a print control method according to the embodiment;

An embodiment of a printing apparatus, an electronic device, a print control method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. FIG.
Although various technically desirable limitations are attached to the embodiments described below for carrying out the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.
Further, in the following embodiments, the case where the printing apparatus is a nail printing apparatus for printing on fingernails as an object to be printed will be described as an example. The print target is not limited to the nail, and for example, the toe nail or the like may be printed. Also, objects other than nails, such as nail tips and surfaces of various accessories, may be printed.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a main part of a printing apparatus (nail printer) according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control configuration of main parts of the printing apparatus.
In the following embodiments, up and down, left and right, and front and back refer to directions shown in FIG. Also, the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction refer to the directions shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing device 1 has a housing 2 formed in a substantially box shape.
An operation unit 21 is installed on the upper surface (top plate) of the housing 2 .
The operation unit 21 allows the user to perform various inputs.
The operation unit 21 includes operation buttons for performing various inputs, such as a power switch button for turning ON/OFF the power of the printing apparatus 1, a stop switch button for stopping the operation, a print start button for instructing the start of printing, and the like. It is configured.
When the operation section 21 is operated, an operation signal corresponding to the operation is output to the control device 10, and the control device 10 performs control according to the operation signal to operate each section of the printing apparatus 1. FIG. For example, if the operated operation unit 21 is a power switch button, the power of the printing apparatus 1 is turned on/off according to the button operation.

A display unit 22 is provided on the upper surface (top plate) of the housing 2 .
The display unit 22 is configured by, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence display, or other flat display.
A touch panel for performing various inputs may be integrally formed on the surface of the display unit 22 . In this case, the touch panel functions as the operation unit 21 .

Various guide screens, warning display screens, and the like can be displayed on the display screen of the display unit 22 .
For example, in this embodiment, the finger placement base 3 can rotate while the user's finger U is placed thereon. When the finger placing table 3 rotates (turns), a message or an image drawing the user's attention, such as "The finger placing table will tilt to the right from now on.", may be displayed on the display unit 22. . As a result, even if the finger placement table 3 rotates, the user will not be surprised, and an error such as the user moving the finger U in a hurry can be prevented. Note that the user's attention may be alerted by not only the display on the display unit 22 but also by a notification means such as a speaker, a light-emitting diode, or the like, using sound or light.
The display unit 22 also displays a nail design input/selected by the user from the operation unit 21 or the like, a nail image captured by a camera 51 (to be described later), a nail area (printing area) detected from the nail image, and a design in the printing area. may be displayed.

On the front side (the front side in the Y direction in FIG. 1) of the housing 2 of the printing device 1 and in the substantially central portion in the horizontal direction (X direction in FIG. A finger insertion opening 23, which is an opening into which a finger U corresponding to a certain nail T is inserted, is formed. Note that the position, size, etc. of the finger insertion opening 23 are not limited to the illustrated example.

Further, inside the housing 2, an apparatus main body (not shown) is accommodated.
On the portion corresponding to the finger insertion opening 23 on the main body of the apparatus, a finger as a placing means for placing the finger U (the finger U corresponding to the nail T to be printed) inserted from the finger insertion opening 23 is provided. A mounting table 3 is provided (see FIG. 1).

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the essential configuration of the finger placing table. In FIG. 2, the finger U placed on the finger placing table 3 is indicated by a chain double-dashed line.
The finger rest 3 of the present embodiment includes a substantially box-shaped case 30 , and a finger receiving portion 31 for receiving the ball of the finger U is arranged in the case 30 . The finger receiving portion 31 is preferably made of flexible resin such as urethane. As shown in FIG. 2 and the like, the central portion of the finger receiving portion 31 in the width direction has a slightly recessed shape along the length direction of the finger (the Y direction in FIG. 2). The placed finger U can be stably received.

A frame-shaped portion 32 is formed on the front side of the case 30 (the front side in the Y direction in FIG. 2) so as to surround the finger U. It functions as a finger pressing portion 321 that regulates the height position of the upper surface of the finger U.
In this embodiment, the finger receiving portion 31 is configured to be pushed upward by an urging member such as a spring (not shown). The position is fixed by being sandwiched between Thus, in the present embodiment, finger fixing means for fixing the finger U is configured by the finger receiving portion 31 and the top surface 321 . Note that the configuration of the finger fixing means is not limited to this. For example, a belt or the like for restricting the movement of the finger U may be provided on the finger placement table 3 to fix the finger U more securely.

The finger placing table 3, which is the placing means in the present embodiment, has a first direction which is the length direction of the finger U placed on the finger placing table 3 (the direction in which the finger U extends, the direction indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 2). (In this embodiment, the Y direction) around an axis (axis 34 shown in FIG. 2), that is, around the Y axis in FIGS. (rotation) is possible. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the height position of the ball of the finger placed on the finger placement table 3 and the height position of the center of rotation (origin position) in the Z-axis direction are almost the same. It has a matching configuration.
Here, the "first state" is a state (initial state) in which the finger placement table 3 as the placement means is not rotating, and the "second state" is a state in which the finger is placed around the axis 34 along the first direction. This is a rotating state in which the mounting table 3 is rotated (a state in which the angle of the finger mounting table 3 with respect to the XY plane is different from that in the first state).

As schematically shown in FIG. 2, the finger placing table 3 is provided with a placing table rotating motor 33 that rotates the entire finger placing table 3 around an axis 34 along the first direction. In this embodiment, the “axis 34 along the first direction” is the rotating shaft of the mounting table rotating motor 33 .
The mounting table rotation motor 33 can rotate in both forward and reverse directions, and rotates (rocks) the finger mounting table 3 and the finger U placed on the finger mounting table 3 clockwise and counterclockwise. motion).

In this embodiment, the position of the nail T is detected (coordinate values are obtained) by photographing with the camera 51, measurement with the 3D sensor 6, and the like, while the finger placing table 3 on which the finger U is placed is rotated. Further, if necessary, printing is performed on the nail T while rotating the finger placing table 3 on which the finger U is placed.
The angle at which the finger placement table 3 is rotated is a matter to be appropriately set. This angle may be an angle set in advance by default, or an angle at which the entire recognized range of the nail T can be confirmed while viewing the results of recognition by the camera 51 or the 3D sensor 6, which will be described later. You can rotate up to

However, forcibly rotating the finger U becomes a burden on the user, and the user may consciously or unconsciously shift the position of the placed finger U in an attempt to oppose the rotation. For this reason, an angle is generally set in advance that does not force the user, and regardless of whether or not the entire range of the nail T is recognized, the rotation is stopped when the nail T rotates to the set angle. is preferred. Further, since the movable range of the finger U and the like differ depending on the user, the user may be able to appropriately set the rotation angle, the rotation speed, and the like. The print head 41 preferably has a height that does not come into contact with the finger U, the finger placement table 3, etc. when the finger placement table 3 is rotated. When it is detected that the finger U is positioned at the coordinates that are likely to touch, the display unit 22 may display an alarm, or the notification means may issue a sound or light alarm.
Incidentally, the detection of the position of the nail T and the printing process when the finger rest 3 is rotated will be described in detail later.

FIG. 3 is a main block diagram showing the control configuration of the printing apparatus according to this embodiment.
The main body of the apparatus is provided with a printing mechanism 4, an imaging unit 5, a 3D sensor 6, and the like shown in FIG.

The printing mechanism 4 is printing means for printing on the nail T, which is a printing target, based on print data to be described later. The print mechanism 4 includes a print head 41 and a moving mechanism for moving the print head 41 as appropriate.
Although the configuration of the print head 41 is not particularly limited, it is, for example, a cartridge-integrated head in which a storage section (ink cartridge) for storing ink and an ink ejection section (not shown) are integrally formed.
In this embodiment, an ink ejection surface 411 having ejection openings for ejecting ink is formed on the lower surface of the print head 41 (the surface facing the surface of the nail T placed on the finger rest 3). The print head 41 is an inkjet head that performs printing by spraying droplets of ink from an ink discharge surface 411 onto a surface to be printed (the surface of the nail T).

The ink stored in the print head 41 is ink of each color such as cyan (C; CYAN), magenta (M; MAGENTA), yellow (Y; YELLOW) (hereinafter referred to as “color ink”). In addition, the ink ejected from the print head 41 is not limited to this, and it may be possible to eject other color ink. Moreover, the print head 41 is not limited to one that ejects colored ink, and for example, it may be one that ejects a base liquid material (white or other base ink) before printing a design. The printing device 1 may have one print head 41 or may have a plurality of print heads 41 .

When printing with an inkjet method, the distance from the surface to be printed (that is, the surface of the nail T) to the ink ejection surface 411 of the print head 41 (hereinafter referred to as the “nail-to-head distance”) must be printed appropriately. There is a range in the Z-axis direction (this is referred to as the "appropriate distance range Ra"; see FIGS. 4 and 5).
For example, if the "nail-to-head distance" is too short, the ink discharge surface 411 may come into contact with the surface to be printed (the surface of the nail T) and damage the ink discharge surface 411 or the surface to be printed (the surface of the nail T). be. On the other hand, if the "claw-to-head distance" is too long, the droplets (ink or the like) ejected from the print head 41 will not land in the correct positions, making it impossible to perform high-quality printing.

4 and 5 are schematic diagrams showing the positional relationship between the finger nail placed on the finger placement table and the print head and the like. 4 shows a state in which the finger placement table 3 is not rotated, and FIG. 5 shows a state in which the finger placement table 3 has rotated.
In each drawing, the "appropriate distance range Ra" is indicated by a dashed line.
A point on the surface to be printed (the surface of the nail T) on which droplets (ink or the like) ejected from the print head 41 are to land must be located within the "appropriate distance range Ra" delimited by two broken lines. In this case, the ink lands correctly (no disturbance of the lands), and clear printing can be performed.

For example, on the nail T shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the point represented by the coordinate values (xd, zd) is " It is within the proper distance range Ra'. Therefore, printing can be performed appropriately. Note that the coordinate values (xd, zd) here are, for example, the coordinates of the limit at which the 3D sensor 6 can detect the edge of the nail T in the width direction in the first state. A portion whose height in the Z-axis direction is lower than that cannot be detected from above due to a winding claw or the like. Further, the point represented by the coordinate values (x, z) does not fall within the "appropriate distance range Ra" in the "first state" in which the finger rest 3 is not rotated. For this reason, if printing is performed in the "first state" as shown in FIG. 4, droplets will not land on the edges of the nail T in the width direction, resulting in poor printing. Even in this case, the point indicated by the coordinate values (x, z) falls within the "appropriate distance range Ra" when the finger rest 3 is rotated as shown in FIG. 5 ("second state"). Therefore, if printing is performed in the "second state" in which the finger placing table 3 is rotated, printing can be properly performed. Note that the coordinate values (x, z) here refer to the widthwise edge of the nail T detected by the 3D sensor 6 when the finger rest 3 is rotated, for example. boundary), and if the degree of incurvated nail is large, there is a possibility that it cannot be detected in the "first state" in which the finger rest 3 is not rotated.

The moving mechanism moves a holder (not shown) that holds the print head 41 in the X direction, which is the left-right direction of the device, and the Y direction, which is the front-rear direction of the device (see the X direction and the Y direction in FIG. 1). .
The movement mechanism includes an X-direction movement motor 45 that drives the print head 41 (holder) in the X-direction, and a Y-direction movement motor 47 that drives the print head 41 (holder) in the Y-direction (see FIG. 3). ). The X-direction movement motor 45 and the Y-direction movement motor 47 are stepping motors, for example, and their operations are controlled by the control unit 11 .
Further, the moving mechanism has a position detection sensor 48 configured by an optical sensor or the like. The position detection sensor 48 is, for example, an origin sensor that acquires the origin position in the X direction and the origin position in the Y direction of the print head 41, an encoder sensor that grasps the current position of the print head 41, or the like.

The photographing unit 5 also includes a camera 51 and a light source 52 .
The camera 51 and the like that constitute the photographing unit 5 are attached, for example, to the inside of the top surface of the housing 2 or to a supporting member (not shown) erected on the main body of the apparatus. Although the arrangement of the camera 51 and the like of the photographing unit 5 is not particularly limited, for example, as shown in FIGS. A nail image can be acquired by photographing the finger U from above.

The camera 51 is, for example, a compact camera including a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) type or CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) type solid-state imaging device having two million or more pixels, a lens, and the like.
In this embodiment, the finger U and the nail T placed on the finger placement table 3 are photographed by a camera 51 as a photographing means to obtain an image of the finger U including the nail T (referred to as a "nail image"). The acquired "nail image" is sent to the control unit 11, and as will be described later, the shape of the nail T ("nail contour") to be printed and the inner region of the nail contour are determined from this "nail image". A region or the like is detected (acquired).

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the camera 51 is arranged above the finger placing table 3 and photographs the finger U placed on the finger placing table 3 and its nail T from above.
For example, the point represented by the coordinate values (xd, zd) in FIG. (in the Z-axis direction) or the points that are drawn inward are not captured.
For this reason, for example, in the case of an ingrown nail in which the side portion of the nail T is curled inside the range that can be recognized from the image of the top surface, for example, the curvature of the nail T is strong and the side portion of the nail T is perpendicular to the top surface. It is difficult to correctly recognize the shape, range, etc. of the side portion of the nail T from the nail image, for example, when the nail T falls greatly downward at a close angle.

On the other hand, if the finger placing table 3 is rotated as shown in FIG. 5 (“second state”), a portion that could not be captured by the camera 51 in the “first state” (for example, FIG. A point represented by coordinate values (x, z) in ) is also reflected in the nail image.
For this reason, in the present embodiment, when photographing the nail image with the camera 51, photographing is performed in a "first state" in which the finger placing table 3 is not rotated and in a "second state" in which the finger placing table 3 is rotated. to acquire nail images. Accordingly, regardless of the shape of the nail T such as curvature, the shape and range of the side portion of the nail T can be recognized from the nail image.

The light sources 52 are arranged, for example, on the left and right sides of the camera 51, and illuminate the object to be photographed by the camera 51 (the surface of the nail T to be printed and the finger U including the surface).
Although the specific configuration and arrangement of the light source 52 are not particularly limited, the light source 52 is, for example, an illumination unit including a plurality of LEDs. Note that the light source 52 is not limited to an LED as long as it can illuminate the imaging target of the camera 51 .
Note that the configuration and arrangement of the photographing unit 5 are not limited to those illustrated here.

Further, the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment includes a 3D sensor (three-dimensional sensor) 6 .
In this embodiment, the 3D sensor 6 is detection means for detecting coordinate values indicating the position of at least a portion of the nail T (for example, a side edge in the nail width direction). The 3D sensor 6 captures the shape and the like of an object three-dimensionally, and unlike the camera 51 that acquires two-dimensional positional information represented by x and y coordinates, the 3D sensor 6 also includes information in the height direction. Three-dimensional position information represented by x, y, z coordinates is obtained.

The 3D sensor 6 as a detection means detects the coordinate values of the nail T placed on the finger placement table 3 in the "first state" (see FIG. 4), which is a non-rotating state (initial state). A first coordinate value” and a “second coordinate value”, which is the coordinate value of the nail T placed on the finger placing table 3 in the rotating state “second state” (see FIG. 5), are detected. .

The 3D sensor 6 is not particularly limited as long as it can acquire three-dimensional information. For example, the 3D sensor 6 is a stereo camera system consisting of two cameras, and calculates the depth of the object by irradiating and reflecting infrared rays on the object and measuring the time it takes for the reflected infrared rays to return. Any ToF (Time of Flight) camera method may be used.
Also, the arrangement of the 3D sensor 6 is not particularly limited, and is arranged near the camera 51 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, for example.

The 3D sensor 6 determines which part of the object is the nail T and which part is the finger U, for example, by detecting the depth difference at the boundary between the nail T and the skin part. However, the shape of the nail varies from person to person, and there may be cases where there is almost no difference in the depth of the boundary between the nail T and the skin portion.
For this reason, in the present embodiment, the nail region is detected by image analysis from the nail image acquired by the camera 51 of the photographing unit 5, and the side end portion of the nail T and the like are detected by looking at the three-dimensional information in the nail region. Coordinate values, etc. that indicate the position and shape are detected.

A control device 10 mounted on the printing apparatus 1 includes a control unit 11 (see FIG. 3) configured by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) (not shown), ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory). etc. (none of which are shown) and a storage unit 12 (see FIG. 3).
The control device 10 is mounted, for example, on a substrate (not shown) arranged inside (lower surface side) of the upper surface (top plate) of the housing 2 or the like.

The storage unit 12 stores various programs and data for operating the printing apparatus 1 .
Specifically, the storage unit 12 stores a print control program for performing print processing, a nail contour, a nail region, etc. based on coordinate values indicating the position of the nail T placed on the finger placement table 3. Various programs such as a nail information detection program for performing nail information detection processing for detecting nail information are stored. , each part of the printing apparatus 1 is controlled in an integrated manner.
The storage unit 12 also stores various data relating to the contour of the nail and the shape of the nail acquired by the control unit 11 .
Note that the storage unit 12 may store data such as nail images acquired by the camera of the imaging unit 5, three-dimensional coordinate information (coordinate values) acquired by the 3D sensor 6, and others. Various data may be stored.

From a functional point of view, the control unit 11 mainly functions as display control means, imaging control means, nail information detection means, print data generation means, print control means, and the like. In addition, the function of the control part 11 is not limited to what was illustrated here. For example, the printing apparatus 1 has a communication section 25 for communicating with external devices such as various terminal devices, and the control section 11 controls the operation of the communication section 25 as communication control means. , to communicate with an external device.
Functions such as display control means, photography control means, nail information detection means, print data generation means, print control means, etc. are realized by cooperation between the control section 11 and the programs stored in the storage section 12 .

The control unit 11 as display control means controls the display operation of the display unit 22 .
Various displays are performed on the display screen of the display unit 22 according to the display instruction signal from the control unit 11 .

The control unit 11 as a photographing control unit controls the camera 51 of the photographing unit 5 to perform photographing, obtains an image, and also functions as a light source control unit that controls the light source 52 .
In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 as imaging control means controls the imaging unit 5 (the camera 51 and the light source 52 of the imaging unit 5) to control the nail T placed on the finger placement base 3 (the finger including the nail T). U) is photographed to obtain a nail image.

The control unit 11 as a nail information detection unit obtains information (this is referred to as "claw information".) is acquired (detected).
The nail information acquired by the control unit 11 as nail information detection means is divided into, for example, the area of the nail T (nail area) and the nail area by dividing the nail T from other parts (such as the skin part of the finger U). It is a nail contour to draw. Further, when a white ink layer as a base layer is formed in advance by hand-painting or the like, the boundaries of the regions become clearer, making it easier to acquire (detect) nail information.

In this embodiment, the control unit 11 as nail information detection means detects three-dimensional nail information acquired by the 3D sensor 6 in addition to two-dimensional nail information from the nail image acquired by the camera 51. Considering this, a nail contour is detected that defines the nail area to be printed.
The two-dimensional information detected from the nail image indicates that the nail T is ingrown, for example, when the ends of the nail T in the width direction are curled inward, or when the ends of the nail T in the width direction are extremely curved. An accurate z-coordinate cannot be grasped from an image viewed from above, and the shape of the side edge of the nail T cannot be detected.
In this regard, when detecting nail information, the control unit 11 causes the camera 51 to acquire a nail image and operates the 3D sensor 6 to operate the object (finger U) placed on the finger placement table 3. and x, y, z coordinate values indicating the position of the nail T).
As a result, the boundary (nail contour) between the nail T and other parts (finger U, etc.) is detected from the nail image, and the coordinates indicating the three-dimensional position of the region (nail region) inside the nail contour are detected. The values can be obtained by the 3D sensor 6.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 11 captures the nail T with the camera 51 in the "first state" (see FIG. 4) in which the finger rest 3 is not rotated (initial state), and A coordinate value (“first coordinate value”) is acquired by the 3D sensor 6 .
Further, the control unit 11 appropriately operates the mounting table rotation motor 33 that rotates the finger mounting table 3, and for example, a "second state" (Fig. 5), the nail T is photographed by the camera 51 and the coordinate value (“second coordinate value”) is acquired by the 3D sensor 6 as the detection means. Note that the order of obtaining the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value may be reversed.

FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d) are diagrams exemplifying the case of a general nail T which is not a curly nail or the like and does not have a particularly large curve in the nail width direction.
FIGS. 7(a) to 7(d) are diagrams illustrating a case where the nail T is a curly nail with a large degree.
In FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d) and 7(a) to 7(d), lines indicating positions recognized as widthwise ends of the nail T when the finger rest 3 is not rotated. , the line on the left side of the finger U (nail T) in a top view of the finger U arranged in the direction of FIG. 6A and FIG. Let “α′”) be the line where The line indicating the end of the finger U in the width direction in the state where the finger rest 3 is not rotated is the two-dot chain line β in the figure (the line of the finger U arranged in the direction shown in FIGS. 6A and 7A). Let "β" be the line on the left side of the finger U (nail T) in top view, and "β'" be the line on the right side thereof.

6(a) and 7(a) are top views of the nail T when the finger U is viewed from above.
FIGS. 6(b) and 7(b) show a state in which the finger U having the claw T shown in FIGS. 6(a) and 7(a) is not rotated (initial state, "first state"). is placed on the finger placing table 3 (the state where the nail T is at the first position) viewed from the direction of the thick arrow VI shown in FIG. Note that the coordinate values indicating the position of the end of the claw T in the width direction (indicated by the white circle in the drawing) in the non-rotated state are the reference coordinate values xd, zd (or xd, yd, zd). ).

FIGS. 6(c) and 7(c) show the state shown in FIG. 6(b) and FIG. 3 is a view of the finger U in a state in which the positive side of the middle x-axis is tilted by an angle +θm (“second state”), viewed from the direction of the thick arrow VI shown in FIG. 2; FIG. Let θ be the angle between the x-axis and the coordinates x and z at this time. 6(d) and 7(d) show the state shown in FIGS. 6(c) and 7(c), in which the finger rest 3 is virtually rotated by an angle -θm and not rotated. FIG. 3 is a view of the finger U when it is returned (converted) to the state (initial state, “first state”) as seen from the direction of the thick arrow VI shown in FIG. 2 ; Note that when the finger U is placed on the finger rest 3 in the "second state", the nail T is in the "second position".

Furthermore, in FIGS. 6(d) and 7(d), in FIGS. 6(c) and 7(c), the position recognized as the end of the nail T in the width direction with the finger rest 3 rotated. (indicated by black circles in the drawing) are represented by x, z (or x, y, z).
Also, when the intersection of the y-axis of the x-axis and the z-axis is the origin, the distance from the origin to the position indicated by the coordinates x, z (or x, y, z) (that is, the origin and x, z (or x , y, z)) is the distance r, and the angle formed by the line connecting the origin and the coordinates x, z (or x, y, z) with respect to the x-axis is θ. Although the value of the distance r may vary slightly depending on the shape of the nail, it is approximated to be the distance r here.

6(d) and 7(d), the position recognized as the end of the nail T in the width direction when the finger rest 3 is rotated is represented by coordinates x, z (or x, y, z ), and let the coordinate values indicating the position when it is returned to the "first state" without rotation be the coordinates x', z' (or x', y', z'). The values of the coordinates x', z' (or x', y', z') are values calculated by converting the coordinates x, z (or x, y, z) using a trigonometric function.

Conversion using a trigonometric function is performed, for example, as follows.
r cos (θ) = x
r=x/cos(θ) Formula 1
r cos (θ-θm) = x'
r=x'/cos(θ-θm) Formula 2
From formulas 1 and 2,
x/cos(θ)=x'/cos(θ-θm)
x' = x cos(θ-θm)/cos(θ)
θ = tan-1 (z/x)
z'＝x'tan(θ-θm)
Similar conversion is performed for other x and y coordinates.

As a result, coordinate values x, z (or x , y, z) can be converted into coordinate values x′, z′ (or x′, y′, z′) of the position when the finger rest 3 is not rotated.
In the illustrated example, only the + side in the x-axis direction is described, but the photographing of the nail T by the camera 51 and the measurement by the 3D sensor 6 with the finger rest 3 rotated are performed on the - side in the x-axis direction. do the same for

For example, as shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d), when the nail T is not a curly nail and the curvature is not so large, the finger rest 3 is not rotated, and the nail T is viewed from above. The edge of the nail T in the width direction in this case substantially coincides with the edge of the nail T in the width direction that can be confirmed when the finger rest 3 is rotated.
In this way, the coordinate value z in the height direction of the edge of the nail T in the width direction, which can be detected with the finger placement table 3 rotated When the coordinate value z′ obtained by conversion) is compared with the coordinate value zd obtained without rotating the finger placing table 3, if the two values are substantially the same, the finger placing table 3 is removed. Even in a non-rotating state, the entire nail T (that is, from the center to the end of the nail T) can be photographed from above. For this reason, when the finger rest 3 is not rotated, the inner area of the nail contour detected from the nail image acquired by the camera 51 (this is referred to as the "main printing area") can be used as the printing range to match the design. The print data TD (see FIG. 8, etc.) that can be printed neatly up to the end of the nail T is obtained.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 7(a) to 7(d), for example, when the claw T is a curly claw that is greatly wound inward, or the end of the claw T in the width direction is extremely curved. When the finger resting table 3 is rotated, a portion that could not be confirmed before rotation appears. In such a case, the coordinate value z indicating the position of the end of the nail T that can be detected during rotation (the value z′ when this is converted to the state in which the finger placing table 3 is not rotating) is is smaller than the coordinate value zd of the end portion in the width direction of the claw T when the claw T is viewed from above without rotating.

A location where the coordinate value z' is smaller than the coordinate value zd (hatched location in FIG. 9) is the nail detected based on the nail image acquired by the camera 51 while the finger rest 3 is not rotating. If only the area inside the outline (“main printing area”) is set as the printing range, the edges will be left unpainted.
Therefore, if there is a place where the coordinate value z' is smaller than the coordinate value zd, the control unit 11 sets it as a "supplementary print area" to be added to the "main print area", The range added with the "supplementary print area" is defined as the print area.

The control unit 11 as print data generating means generates print data for printing by the printing mechanism 4 as printing means. Specifically, print data is generated by matching a desired design to a print area set by the control section 11 as nail information detection means.
That is, the control unit 11 cuts out the image data of the nail design selected by the user, appropriately scales it, adjusts the layout, etc., and fits it within the range set as the print area of the nail T.
When the curvature of the nail T or the like is obtained as the nail information detection means, the control section 11 may appropriately perform curved surface correction on the print data based on the curvature or the like of the nail. When curved surface correction is performed, print data more suitable for the shape of the nail T can be generated.

In this embodiment, the print data is generated based on the detection result by the 3D sensor 6 as the detection means, the nail information based on the nail image acquired by the camera 51 of the imaging unit 5, and the like. A first coordinate value indicating a first position of the nail T (the position of the nail T when the finger rest 3 is not rotating) and a second position of the nail T (the position of the nail T when the finger rest 3 is not a second coordinate value indicating the position of the claw T when the mounting table 3 is rotated; The electronic device 100 (see FIG. 3) includes a control unit 11 or the like as print data generation means for generating print data for printing on the nail T based on the second coordinate values. ing.
In particular, the 3D sensor 6 of the present embodiment has a “first coordinate value” (for example, FIG. 6D ) and coordinate values (reference coordinate values) xd, yd, and zd shown in FIG. 6(d) and 7(d). 1 coordinate value” and the conversion value based on the “second coordinate value” of the nail T are compared, and print data is generated based on the comparison result.

More specifically, for example, the "second coordinate value" at the end of the nail T in the width direction (in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d) and 7(a) to 7(d), the coordinate value x, z (or x, y, z)) are converted into coordinate values in the state before rotation of the finger rest 3 (Figs. 6(a) to 6(d), Figs. 7(a) to 7 In (d), the coordinate values x', z' (or x', y', z') are lower than the "first coordinate value" (that is, the coordinate values xd, zd) of the width direction end of the nail T. is also obtained from a predetermined threshold value (in the example shown in the embodiment, a coordinate value zd indicating the position of the side edge of the nail T that can be detected when the finger rest 3 is not rotating, the "first state"). If there is no place at the lowest height position (see FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d), etc.), the "first coordinate value" corresponding to the "main printing area" print data TD1", which is used as print data TD (an image of the print data TD in this case is shown in FIG. 8).

On the other hand, if there is a location where the coordinate values x', z' (or x', y', z') are lower than the coordinate value zd (see FIG. 7, etc.), Based on the "first coordinate value", "first print data TD1" corresponding to the "main print area" is generated, and a location (for example, the width direction end of the nail T) at a height position lower than the coordinate value zd is generated. "Second print data TD2" corresponding to the "supplementary print area" is generated based on the "second coordinate value" for the area of the partial area). Then, the "first print data TD1" and the "second print data TD2" are combined to generate the print data TD corresponding to the design (an image of the print data TD in this case is shown in FIG. 9). ).

If there is a "supplementary print area" in addition to the "main print area" as the print area, the control unit 11 as the print data generation means combines the "main print area" and the "supplementary print area". "First print data TD1" and "Second print data TD2" are generated so as to be a series of data printed on the entire nail by allocating design data to the entire print area.

FIG. 8 shows an example of print data for relatively common nails as shown in FIGS. 6(a) to 6(d). In this case, the print data TD is composed only of "first print data TD1" which is data corresponding to the "main print area".
On the other hand, FIG. 9 shows an example of print data for a curly claw that is greatly rolled inward as shown in FIGS. 7(a) to 7(d). In this case, the print data TD consists of "first print data TD1" corresponding to the "main print area" and "second print data TD2" corresponding to the "supplementary print area". Configured.

The control section 11 as print control means controls each section of the printing mechanism 4 to print on the nail T according to the generated print data ("first print data TD1" and "second print data TD2"). Control.
Specifically, the control unit 11 outputs a control signal to the printing mechanism 4 based on the print data, and controls the X-direction movement motor 45Y of the printing mechanism 4 so that the nail T is printed according to the print data. It controls the directional movement motor 47, the position detection sensor 48, the print head 41, and the like.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the control unit 11 as the print data generating means generates the “second print data TD2” in addition to the “first print data TD1”, the “first print data TD1 ” is performed with the finger placement table 3 in the “first state” (i.e., not rotated), and printing on the nail T based on “second print data TD2” by the printing mechanism 4 is performed with the finger placement This is performed with the table 3 in the "second state" (that is, in a rotated state).

That is, up to a height position of about the coordinate value zd, appropriate ink landing is possible by performing correspondence such as performing curved surface correction on the print data. , if the finger rest 3 is kept in the "first state", it will deviate from the range suitable for printing (the "appropriate distance range Ra") shown in FIG. 4, for example. When printing in such a "supplemental printing area" (that is, when printing based on the "second print data TD2"), the distance between the ink ejection surface 411 of the print head 41 and the surface of the nail T is long. Too much, the ink landing is disturbed, and it is not possible to print cleanly.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when performing printing based on the "second print data TD2" for such a "supplementary print area", the same angle (in the example of the present embodiment, the angle θm ), and the controller 11 controls the mounting table rotating motor 33 and the like so that printing is performed in this rotating state (“second state”).
By rotating the finger placement table 3, the position of the coordinate value z′ (coordinate value z before conversion to the “first state” in FIG. 5) at a height position lower than the coordinate value zd is also suitable for printing. It can be positioned within the range (“appropriate distance range Ra”).

The following cases are conceivable as a case of printing in the rotating state (“second state”).
That is, first, when printing is performed in a rotated state (“second state”) for the area on the + side of the x-axis, when printing in the area set as the “supplementary printing area” on the + side of the x-axis, the coordinate value If the position indicated by zd is not within the "appropriate distance range Ra" (see FIGS. 4 and 5), but the height indicated by the coordinate value z is within the "appropriate distance range Ra", the coordinates Neither the position indicated by the value z nor the position indicated by the coordinate value zd are within the "appropriate distance range Ra", but the position indicated by the coordinate value z is closer to the "appropriate distance range Ra". can be considered.
In addition, when printing is performed in a rotated state (“second state”) for the area on the − side of the x-axis, when printing in the area set as the “supplemental printing area” on the − side of the x-axis, the coordinate value zd is not within the "appropriate distance range Ra" (see FIGS. 4 and 5), but the height indicated by the coordinate value z is within the "appropriate distance range Ra", the coordinate value Neither the position indicated by z nor the position indicated by the coordinate value zd are within the "appropriate distance range Ra", but the position indicated by the coordinate value z may be closer to the "appropriate distance range Ra". Conceivable.

Next, the operation of the printing apparatus 1 and the print control method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 and the like.
10 to 12 are flowcharts showing print control processing in this embodiment.

When printing with the printing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22 or the like (step S1). The method of prompting the user to place the finger U is not limited to display. For example, if the printing apparatus 1 is equipped with an audio output unit (informing means) such as a speaker, an audio announcement may be used.
When the finger U is placed on the finger placing table 3, the control unit 11 operates the placing table rotating motor 33 to rotate the finger placing table 3 by +θm, and rotates the finger placing table 3 from the initial state "first state". A certain "second state" is set (step S2).

Then, in this "second state", the 3D sensor 6 starts measuring on the + side of the x coordinate (step S3), and the 3D sensor 6 detects the x, y coordinate values and the coordinate value z indicating the height position of the nail T. Acquire (measure) (step S4).
Values acquired by the 3D sensor 6 are, for example,
(x1, y1, z11), (x2, y1, Z21), ..., (xn, y1, zn1)
(x1, y2, z12), (x2, y2, Z22), ..., (xn, y2, zn2)
・・・
(x1, yn, z1n), (x2, yn, Z2n), ..., (xn, yn, znn)
becomes.

Further, the control unit 11 obtains each angle θ at each coordinate from the measurement result by the 3D sensor 6 (as shown in FIGS. 6(d) and 7(d), parallel to the X-axis direction and extending from the Y-axis to each coordinate The angle between each straight line and the XY plane) is calculated (step S5).
A formula for calculating the angle θ is as follows.
tan-1(z/x)

This result control unit 11, for example, as a calculation result,
θ11, θ21, ..., θn1,
θ12, θ22, ..., θn2,
・・・
θ1n, θ2n, ..., θnn
angle can be obtained.

Further, the finger U and the nail T placed on the finger placing table 3 are photographed by the camera 51 to acquire a nail image (step S6).
After obtaining the nail image, the control unit 11 detects the nail region (the inner region of the boundary line detected as the nail contour) from the nail image (step S7). Then, the x-, y-, and z-coordinate values of the area detected as the nail area and the angle θ of each coordinate are stored in the storage unit 12 or the like (step S8).

Next, as shown from "A" in FIG. 11, the finger rest 3 is rotated by -θm to return from the rotating state "second state" to the initial state "first state" (step S9). .
Then, the 3D sensor 6 acquires (measures) the xd and yd coordinate values of the nail T and the coordinate value zd indicating the height position (step S10).
Values acquired by the 3D sensor 6 are, for example,
(xd1, yd1, zd11), (xd2, yd1, zd21), ..., (xdn, yd1, zdn1)
(xd1, yd2, zd12), (xd2, yd2, zd22), ..., (xdn, yd2, zdn2)
・・・
(xd1, ydn, zd1n), (xd2, ydn, zd2n), ..., (xdn, ydn, zdnn)
becomes.

Further, the control unit 11 causes the camera 51 to photograph the finger U and the nail T placed on the finger placement table 3 (step S11), acquires a nail image, and detects a nail region from the nail image (step S12). ).
Then, the control unit 11 sets the area detected as the nail area in the "first state" as the "main printing area" (step S13), and the xd, yd, zd coordinate values of the area detected as the nail area. is stored in the storage unit 12 or the like (step S14).
Further, the control unit 11 converts the x, y, z coordinate values acquired in the "second state" to the coordinate values x', y', z in the "first state" using the following formulas. ' (step S15).
x' = x cos(θ-θm) / cos(θ)
θ = tan-1(z/x)

Then, the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is a place with coordinates "z'<zd" (step S16), and if there is a place with coordinates "z'<zd" (step S16; YES ), the location is added to the print area as a “supplemental print area” (step S17). On the other hand, if there is no location with coordinates "z'<zd" (step S16; NO), the process proceeds to the next step S18 without setting the "supplementary print area".

When the measurement of the region on the + side of the x-axis is completed as described above, the control unit 11 determines whether or not the measurement of the region on the - side of the x-axis is completed (step S18).
It is optional which of the x-axis + side area and the - side area is to be measured first. As for the measurement order, a default order may be determined on the device side.
If the measurement of the region on the negative side of the x-axis has not been completed (step S18; NO), return to FIG. 10 and perform the processing after "B". That is, the finger rest 3 is rotated by -θm to change from the "first state" which is the initial state to the "second state" which is the rotated state (step S19). Then, in the "second state" (rotating state), the 3D sensor 6 starts measuring the - side of the x-coordinate (step S20). Note that the subsequent processing from step S4 to step S17 is the same as that performed for the region on the + side of the x-axis, so description thereof will be omitted.

When the measurement of both the + side area of the x-axis and the - side area of the x-axis is completed (step S18; YES), the process proceeds to FIG. The area (“main print area”, “supplementary print area”) is displayed on the display unit 22 or the like (step S21) to prompt the user to confirm.
The control unit 11 determines whether or not a print start instruction has been input from the operation unit or the like (step S22). ), the printing process is stopped (step S23).
On the other hand, if the print start instruction is input (step S22; YES), the control unit 11 determines whether or not there is an area to be printed in the "second state" in which the finger placement base 3 is further rotated. (Step S24).

If there is an area to be printed in the "second state" (step S24; YES), the finger rest 3 is rotated by +θm to change from the initial state "first state" to the rotated state "second state". (step S25). Then, the control unit 11 performs printing based on the "second print data TD2" (see FIG. 9) on the area on the + side of the x-axis among the areas to be printed in the "second state" (rotational state). The printing mechanism 4 is controlled as follows (step S26).
When the printing of the region on the + side of the x-axis is completed, next rotate the finger mounting table 3 by -2θm (step S27), and tilt the finger mounting table 3 to the opposite side (for example, the state shown in FIG. 5). Then, the printing mechanism 4 is controlled so that printing based on the "second print data TD2" (see FIG. 9) is performed on the area on the - side of the x-axis to be printed in the "second state" (step S28). .

When the printing on the x-axis + side area and the x-axis - side area is completed, the control unit 11 controls the operation of the mounting table rotation motor 33 to rotate the finger mounting table 3 by +θm (step S29). It returns to the "first state" which is the initial state. Then, the printing mechanism 4 is controlled to perform printing based on the "first print data TD1" (see FIG. 9) in the area ("main printing area") to be printed in the "first state" (step S30). ).
Also, if there is no area to be printed in the "second state" (see FIG. 7, step S24; NO), the process proceeds to step S30 to print based on the "first print data TD1" (see FIG. 9). The printing mechanism 4 is controlled to apply
The order of printing to the "supplemental printing area" on the + side of the x axis and the "supplementary printing area" on the - side of the x axis, and printing to the "main printing area" to be printed in the "first state" is here. For example, after printing in the "main printing area", printing in the "supplementary printing area" may be performed.

In this way, the print area is divided into the "main print area" to be printed in the "first state" and the "supplementary print area" to be printed in the "second state", and the corresponding print data ( By preparing the "first print data TD1" and the "second print data TD2"), high-quality printing can be performed regardless of the shape of the user's nail T or the like.

As described above, the electronic device 100 of the present embodiment has a first coordinate value indicating a first position of the nail T and a second coordinate value indicating a second position of the nail T. 3D sensor 6 or the like as detection means for detecting coordinate values; and print data generation means for generating print data for printing on the nail T based on the first coordinate values and the second coordinate values. and a control unit 11 as.
As a result, the shape, height position, etc. of the claw T can be accurately recognized even at the widthwise end of the claw T, which cannot be sufficiently confirmed from only one direction, such as from above, and the widthwise end of the claw T can be properly recognized. Print data that can be printed can be generated. Therefore, the entire nail T can be printed with high quality.

Further, in the present embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 includes a print head 41 as printing means for printing on the nail T to be printed based on print data, and a placement device for placing the finger U corresponding to the nail T. 3D sensor 6 or the like as detection means for detecting coordinate values indicating the position of at least a part of the nail T; and print data for generating print data for printing by the print head 41. and a control unit 11 as a generating unit, and the finger placing table 3 has an axis (a placing table rotating motor 33 The 3D sensor 6 and the like are placed on the finger placement table 3 in the "first state". "first coordinate value", which is the coordinate value of the nail T of the finger U placed on the finger U in the "second state" The control unit 11 as print data generation means generates print data based on the detection result of the 3D sensor 6 or the like.
As a result, even when the user's nail T is a curly nail or when the curvature of the edge in the width direction is extremely large, even the edge in the width direction of the nail T, which cannot be sufficiently confirmed from above, can be accurately detected. The shape, height position, and the like can be recognized immediately, and print data can be generated that can be appropriately printed up to the end of the nail T in the width direction. Even in such a case, printing can be performed with the distance between the nail T and the print head 41 within a range suitable for printing. Quality printing can be applied to the entire nail T.

Further, in the present embodiment, the "first state" is the initial state in which the finger placing table 3 as the placing means is not rotated, and the "second state" is the finger placing table rotating around the axis 34 along the first direction. 3 is a rotated state in which the control unit 11 as print data generating means compares the "first coordinate value" of the nail T with the "second coordinate value" of the nail T, and the comparison result is Generate print data based on
As a result, by rotating the finger placement table 3, the shape, height position, etc. of the nail T can be accurately recognized even at the width direction end of the nail T, which is difficult to check from above, and the width direction end of the nail T can be appropriately recognized. can generate print data that can be printed on

Further, in the present embodiment, the "first state" is a state (initial state) in which the finger placement table 3 is not rotated, and the "second state" is a state in which the finger placement table 3 is rotated around the axis 34 along the first direction. The control unit 11 as a print data generation unit changes the "second coordinate value" of the width direction end of the nail T detected by the 3D sensor 6 or the like to the state before rotation. is a height position lower than the first coordinate value of the width direction end of the nail T by a predetermined value or more, based on the "first coordinate value", the "first 1 print data TD1" is generated, and "second print data TD2" is generated for the region of the end portion in the width direction of the nail T based on the "second coordinate value".
As a result, the three-dimensional shape of the end of the nail T, which could not be grasped by the two-dimensional information that can be detected from the nail image, can be properly grasped, and print data suitable for the shape of the nail T can be prepared. can.

Further, in this embodiment, when the “second print data TD2” is generated by the control unit 11 as print data generation means, the print head 41 prints on the nail T based on the “first print data TD1”. is performed with the finger rest table 3 in the "first state", and printing on the nail T based on the "second print data TD2" by the print head 41 is performed with the finger rest table 3 in the "second state".
By dividing the print data in this way and switching the state of the finger rest 3 depending on the area to be printed, the "nail-to-head distance" can be printed appropriately regardless of the area of the nail T to be printed. high-quality printing can be performed while maintaining the range (“appropriate distance range Ra”).

Further, in the present embodiment, a mounting base rotation motor 33 is provided to rotate the finger mounting base 3 around an axis along the first direction.
As a result, the finger placing table 3 can be rotated more accurately than when manually operated.

Further, in this embodiment, a camera 51 is provided as a photographing means for photographing the nail T to obtain a nail image.
Although it is difficult to correctly grasp the boundary between the nail T and the finger U only with the coordinate values that can be detected by the 3D sensor 6, the nail image can be acquired by the camera 51, so that the contour shape of the nail T can be appropriately determined by image analysis. , the nail area can be grasped.

In addition, in this embodiment, the finger placement table 3 includes a finger receiving portion 31 and a finger pressing portion 321 that function as finger fixing means for fixing the finger U. As shown in FIG.
As a result, even when the finger placement table 3 is rotated from the "first state" to the "second state" and the finger U tilts together with the finger placement table 3, the position (inclination) of the finger U can be adjusted without shifting. can be maintained.

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

For example, in the present embodiment, the case where the mounting table rotation motor 33 that rotates the finger mounting table 3 around the axis along the first direction is provided, but the configuration for rotating the finger mounting table 3 is limited to this. not.
For example, the finger placement table 3 may be rotated manually by instructing the user through the display unit or the like.

Further, for example, in the present embodiment, the case where the entire finger mounting base 3 rotates was illustrated, but it is sufficient if the finger U (the nail T of the finger U) mounted on the finger mounting base 3 can be rotated. It is not necessary to rotate the entire mounting table 3 .
For example, only the finger receiving portion 31 on which the finger U is placed may rotate.

Further, in the present embodiment, the 3D sensor 6 acquires the position coordinates (coordinate values) of the entire nail T, but the acquisition of the coordinate values of the 3D sensor 6 is not limited to the entire nail T.
For example, the 3D sensor 6 may be used to measure only a portion such as the side edge of the nail T where it is difficult to accurately grasp the shape from the two-dimensional information, and information on the three-dimensional coordinate value may be acquired.

Further, in this embodiment, the camera 51 as a photographing means is provided in addition to the 3D sensor 6, and an example of acquiring nail information has been shown. If it can be recognized, the camera 51 does not need to take pictures.

Further, in this embodiment, the printing apparatus 1 is configured to be able to complete the printing operation by itself, but the printing apparatus 1 is not limited to the one shown here.
For example, a printing system may be configured in cooperation with an external terminal device (smartphone, tablet terminal, etc.). In this case, most of the processes other than the printing operation, such as selection of nail design, acquisition of nail information, generation of print data, etc., may be performed by an external device such as a terminal device.

Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and equivalent ranges thereof. .
The invention described in the scope of claims originally attached to the application form of this application is additionally described below. The claim numbers in the appendix are as in the claims originally attached to the filing of this application.
[Appendix]
<Claim 1>
A finger corresponding to a nail to be printed can be placed, and rotatable about an axis along a direction in which the finger extends when the finger is placed so as to take a first state and a second state. placing means;
A first coordinate value indicating the position of the nail placed on the placement means in the first state, and the position of the nail placed on the placement means in the second state. a detection means for detecting a second coordinate value, which is a coordinate value indicating the position of the nail;
print data generation means for generating print data based on the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value;
A printing device characterized by:
<Claim 2>
The first state is a state in which the placing means is not rotated, and the second state is a rotating state in which the placing means is rotated around an axis along the direction in which the finger extends.
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
<Claim 3>
The print data generation means converts the second coordinate value of the width direction end of the nail detected by the detection means into the coordinate value in the first state by the placement means, and converts the value into the coordinate value of the nail. first print data is generated based on the first coordinate value when the height of the width direction end of the nail is lower than the threshold of the first coordinate value, and the width direction end of the nail generating second print data based on the second coordinate values for the partial area;
3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
<Claim 4>
Further comprising printing means for printing on the nail,
When the second print data is generated by the print data generating means,
Printing on the nail based on the first print data by the printing means is performed when the placing means is in the first state,
Printing on the nail based on the second print data by the printing means is performed when the placing means is in the second state,
4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein:
<Claim 5>
a motor that rotates the placement means around an axis along the direction in which the finger extends;
5. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that:
<Claim 6>
a photographing means for photographing the nail to acquire a nail image;
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that:
<Claim 7>
The placing means comprises finger fixing means for fixing the finger,
7. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by:
<Claim 8>
A first coordinate value, which is a coordinate value in the first state, and a second coordinate value, which is a coordinate value in the second state, of a surface to be printed that can be rotated from the first state to the second state. a detection means for detecting the coordinate values of 2;
print data generation means for generating print data for printing on the print target based on the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value;
An electronic device characterized by:
<Claim 9>
A first coordinate value, which is a coordinate value in the first state, and a second coordinate value, which is a coordinate value in the second state, of a surface to be printed that can be rotated from the first state to the second state. a detection step of detecting the coordinate values of 2;
a print data generation step of generating print data for printing on the print object based on the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value;
A print control method characterized by:
<Claim 10>
to the computer,
A first coordinate value, which is a coordinate value in the first state, and a second coordinate value, which is a coordinate value in the second state, of a surface to be printed that can be rotated from the first state to the second state. 2 coordinate values, and a detection function that detects
a print data generation function for generating print data for printing on the print object based on the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value;
A program characterized by realizing

1 printing device 2 housing 3 finger placing base 31 finger receiving portion 321 finger holding portion 10 control device 11 control portion 12 storage portion 4 printing mechanism 41 print head 411 ink discharge surface 5 photographing portion 51 camera 6 3D sensor

Claims (10)

A finger corresponding to a nail to be printed can be placed, and rotatable about an axis along a direction in which the finger extends when the finger is placed so as to take a first state and a second state. placing means;
A first coordinate value indicating the position of the nail placed on the placement means in the first state, and the position of the nail placed on the placement means in the second state. a detection means for detecting a second coordinate value, which is a coordinate value indicating the position of the nail;
print data generation means for generating print data based on the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value;
A printing device characterized by: The first state is a state in which the placing means is not rotated, and the second state is a rotating state in which the placing means is rotated around an axis along the direction in which the finger extends.
2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The print data generation means converts the second coordinate value of the width direction end of the nail detected by the detection means into the coordinate value in the first state by the placement means, and converts the value into the coordinate value of the nail. first print data is generated based on the first coordinate value when the height of the width direction end of the nail is lower than the threshold of the first coordinate value, and the width direction end of the nail generating second print data based on the second coordinate values for the partial area;
3. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Further comprising printing means for printing on the nail,
When the second print data is generated by the print data generating means,
Printing on the nail based on the first print data by the printing means is performed when the placing means is in the first state,
Printing on the nail based on the second print data by the printing means is performed when the placing means is in the second state,
4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein: a motor that rotates the placement means around an axis along the direction in which the finger extends;
5. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: a photographing means for photographing the nail to acquire a nail image;
The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The placing means comprises finger fixing means for fixing the finger,
7. The printing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by: A first coordinate value, which is a coordinate value in the first state, and a second coordinate value, which is a coordinate value in the second state, of a surface to be printed that can be rotated from the first state to the second state. a detection means for detecting the coordinate values of 2;
print data generation means for generating print data for printing on the print target based on the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value;
An electronic device characterized by: A first coordinate value, which is a coordinate value in the first state, and a second coordinate value, which is a coordinate value in the second state, of a surface to be printed that can be rotated from the first state to the second state. a detection step of detecting the coordinate values of 2;
a print data generation step of generating print data for printing on the print object based on the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value;
A print control method characterized by: to the computer,
A first coordinate value, which is a coordinate value in the first state, and a second coordinate value, which is a coordinate value in the second state, of a surface to be printed that can be rotated from the first state to the second state. 2 coordinate values, and a detection function that detects
a print data generation function for generating print data for printing on the print object based on the first coordinate value and the second coordinate value;
A program characterized by realizing

Images