Patent Publication Number: US-9894979-B2

Title: Drawing apparatus and drawing method for drawing apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-182992, filed Sep. 16, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a drawing apparatus and a drawing method for a drawing apparatus. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Conventionally, drawing apparatuses for drawing desired nail designs on nails of human fingers are known. 
     In cases where performing nail printing by using such a drawing apparatus, if the finger is removed from within the apparatus immediately after performing the drawing, the ink may adhere to the interior or exterior of the apparatus and/or the hand or clothing of the user, resulting in the soiling of the apparatus and/or the hand or rubbing off or ruining of the newly applied nail design. 
     As such, it is preferable that, after the application of the drawing, the ink be dried using a dryer or similar mechanism and, then, the finger be removed. 
     Additionally, there are cases in which, in order to finish one nail design, first a white ink or similar base layer is applied to the nail, then a pattern or similar design is drawn thereon, and then transparent ink or a similar topcoat is further applied thereon. In these cases, unless the ink is dried at each step, the ink subsequently applied thereon may mix or run in the previously applied ink, or the pattern that has been drawn may run, resulting in an unattractive finish. 
     On this point, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-008675, for example, describes an ink jet apparatus including a blowing mechanism that generates wind. In this ink jet apparatus, wind generated by the blowing mechanism is blown on a recording region where a recording head discharges ink on a sheet and, thus, performs drying of the ink on the sheet. 
     Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2014-008675 describes that it is possible to dry the area where the ink has been applied by providing the drawing apparatus with such a blowing mechanism. 
     However, in the case described above, the nail is a sheet and, in contrast thereto, in cases where the drawing apparatus performs drawing on nails, the user may experience discomfort such as drying of the fingertips or the like if unnecessary drying is performed. 
     Moreover, in cases where ink is easily dried such as when the region drawn on is narrow or the nail is small, when drawing using a quick-drying ink, or the like, there have been problems in that time to complete the drying operation is unnecessarily lengthened, efficient drawing cannot be performed, and power consumption is wastefully increased when the same drying operations are uniformly applied. 
     In light of the foregoing, an object of the present invention is to provide a drawing apparatus and a drawing method for a drawing apparatus whereby only an amount of drying necessary to dry the ink can be efficiently performed, and both high-definition drawing and expedited drawing processing can be realized. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     In order to solve the problems described above, a drawing apparatus and a drawing method for a drawing apparatus of the present invention provide the following resolution means. 
     A drawing apparatus includes a drawing unit that performs a drawing on at least one nail of a finger or toe by applying a liquid material to the nail, a dryer that performs a drying operation for drying the liquid material that has been applied to the nail, and a processor that determines a drying condition for the dryer and controls the drying operation of the dryer in accordance with the determination of the drying condition. 
     A drawing method for a drawing apparatus including a drawing unit that performs a drawing on at least one nail of a finger or toe by applying a liquid material to the nail, and a dryer that performs a drying operation for drying the liquid material applied to the nail includes determining a drying condition for the dryer before drawing by the drawing unit, and controlling the drying operation of the dryer in accordance with the determination of the drying condition. 
     According to the present invention, the amount of drying necessary to dry the ink can be efficiently performed, and both high-definition drawing and expedited drawing processing can be realized. 
     Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
       The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
         FIG. 1A  is a front view of a drawing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1B  is a side view illustrating an internal configuration of the drawing apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view taken along II-II of  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 2B  is a side view of a wind direction adjusting unit.  FIG. 2C  is a top view illustrating an initial state of the wind direction adjusting unit.  FIG. 2D  is a top view illustrating the wind direction adjusting unit in a case where an aperture is largest.  FIG. 2E  is a top view illustrating the wind direction adjusting unit in a case where the aperture is smallest. 
         FIG. 3A  is a top view of a drawing head according to the embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 3B  is a side view of the drawing head according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a main constituent block diagram showing a control configuration of the drawing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart showing drawing processing according to a first embodiment. 
         FIG. 6  is an explanatory drawing for explaining a drawing technique in a case where drawing is performed on a nail by an ink jet drawing portion in a second embodiment. 
         FIGS. 7A to 7C  are explanatory drawings schematically illustrating a configuration of output data of nozzles of the ink jet drawing portion.  FIG. 7A  corresponds to a first scan from left to right in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 7B  corresponds to a second scan from right to left in  FIG. 6 .  FIG. 7C  corresponds to a third scan from left to right in  FIG. 6 . 
         FIGS. 8A to 8C  are explanatory drawings illustrating examples of drying parameters in cases where drying control is performed in accordance with an ink application range.  FIG. 8A  illustrates a case where the ink application range is large.  FIG. 8B  illustrates a case where the ink application range is medium.  FIG. 8C  illustrates a case where the ink application range is small. 
         FIG. 9  is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of a drying parameter in a case where an ink application amount across the entire nail varies. 
         FIG. 10  is an explanatory drawing illustrating an example of a drying parameter in a case where a drawing is performed on nails of a plurality of fingers. 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing drawing processing in the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 12A to 12C  are explanatory drawings illustrating examples of drying parameters in cases where drying control is performed in accordance with an ink application amount.  FIG. 12A  illustrates a case where the ink application amount is large.  FIG. 12B  illustrates a case where the ink application amount is medium.  FIG. 12C  illustrates a case where the ink application amount is small. 
         FIG. 13  is a flowchart showing drawing processing in a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14A  is a plan view of a dividing wall in which a modified example of the drying unit is disposed.  FIG. 14B  is a top view illustrating an initial state of the wind direction adjusting unit.  FIG. 14C  is a top view illustrating the wind direction adjusting unit in a case where an aperture is largest.  FIG. 14D  is a top view illustrating the wind direction adjusting unit in a case where the aperture is smallest. 
         FIG. 15  is a main constituent block diagram showing a control configuration of the drawing apparatus according to the modified example of the embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     First Embodiment 
     A first embodiment of the nail printing apparatus (drawing apparatus) and drawing method for the nail printing apparatus (drawing apparatus) according to the present invention are described below while referring to  FIGS. 1A to 5 . 
     While various limitations, which are technically preferable from the perspective of carrying out the present invention, are placed on the embodiments described below, the scope of the present invention should not be construed to be limited to these embodiments or the examples illustrated in the drawings. 
     In the following embodiments, a nail printing apparatus  1  will be described as an apparatus for drawing on a drawing object (at least one nail of a finger or toe), namely the surface of a fingernail. However, the drawing object is not limited to the surfaces of fingernails and, for example, may be the surface of a toenail. 
       FIG. 1A  is a front view of a nail printing apparatus, illustrating an internal configuration of the nail printing apparatus.  FIG. 1B  is a side view illustrating the internal configuration of the nail printing apparatus illustrated in  FIG. 1A .  FIG. 2A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of  FIG. 1A . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , in the nail printing apparatus  1  of the present embodiment, a drawing head  43  is provided with drawing tools, namely a pen  41 , and an ink jet drawing portion  71 . The nail printing apparatus  1  of the present embodiment uses plotter printing and ink jet printing to perform a drawing on a nail T of a print finger U 1 . 
     The nail printing apparatus  1  is provided with a case body  2  and an apparatus main body  10  housed in the case body  2 . 
     A cover  23 , configured to be openable and closeable, for replacing the pen  41  and the ink jet drawing portion  71  of the hereinafter described drawing unit  40  is provided in an end of an upper portion of a side surface of the case body  2 . The cover  23  is rotatable via, for example, a hinge or the like, from a closed state to an open state, as illustrated in  FIG. 1A . 
     An operation unit  25  (see  FIG. 4 ) is set on an upper surface (top panel) of the case body  2 . 
     The operation unit  25  is an input unit where a user performs various types of input. 
     Operation buttons (not illustrated) for performing various types of input are set in the operation unit  25 . Examples of the operation buttons include a power switch button for turning on the power of the nail printing apparatus  1 , a stop switch button for stopping operation, a design selection button for selecting a design image to be drawn on the nail T, a drawing start button for commanding the drawing to start, and the like. 
     A display unit  26  is set approximately in a center portion of the top surface (top panel) of the case body  2 . 
     The display unit  26  is configured from, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic electroluminescence display, or other type of flat display. 
     In the present embodiment, examples of images appropriately displayed on the display unit  26  include nail images obtained by imaging the print finger U 1  (finger images including images of the nail T), images of the outline or the like of the nail T included in the nail images, design selection images for selecting a design image to be drawn on the nail T, thumbnail images for design confirmation, command screens displaying various commands, and the like. 
     Note that a configuration is possible in which a touch panel for performing various types of input is integrated into the surface of the display unit  26 . 
     The apparatus main body  10  is formed into a rough box-shape and is provided with a lower frame  11  set in the lower portion of the interior of the case body  2 , and an upper frame  12  set above the lower frame  11  and in the upper portion of the interior of the case body  2 . 
     First, the lower frame  11  will be described. 
     The lower frame  11  has a back surface plate  111 , a bottom plate  112 , a pair of left and right side plates  113   a  and  113   b , an X-direction movement stage housing  114 , a Y-direction movement stage housing  115 , and a dividing wall  116 . 
     Bottom edges of the side plates  113   a  and  113   b  are joined respectively to left and right edges of the bottom plate  112 . The side plates  113   a  and  113   b  are provided in an upright state on the bottom plate  112 . 
     A lower portion of the back surface plate  111  is formed so as to sink forward (toward the finger insertion direction proximal side) in two stages. The bottom edge of the back surface plate  111  is joined to a front edge of the bottom plate  112 , and the back surface plate  111  divides the area surrounded by the bottom plate  112  and the side plates  113   a  and  113   b  into front and back. 
     The space formed on the back side of the sunken back surface plate  111  becomes the X-direction movement stage housing  114  and the Y-direction movement stage housing  115  (see  FIG. 1B ). An X-direction movement stage  45  of the drawing unit  40  is housed in the X-direction movement stage housing  114  when the drawing unit  40  is moved forward (toward the finger insertion direction proximal side). A Y-direction movement stage  47  of the drawing unit  40  is disposed in the Y-direction movement stage housing  115 . 
     The dividing wall  116  is provided inside the lower frame  11  so as to vertically divide the space on the front side inside the lower frame  11  (the space on the finger insertion direction proximal side surrounded by the back surface plate  111 , the bottom plate  112 , and the side plates  113   a  and  113   b ). The dividing wall  116  is provided roughly horizontally, left and right edges of the dividing wall  116  are joined respectively to the side plates  113   a  and  113   b , and a back edge of the dividing wall  116  is joined to the back surface plate  111 . 
     A finger securing portion  30  (see  FIG. 1B ) is provided integrally in the lower frame  11 . 
     The finger securing portion  30  is configured from a finger receiving portion  31  for receiving the finger corresponding on the nail T to which drawing will be performed (hereinafter referred to as “print finger U 1 ”), and a finger clearing portion  32  for clearing fingers other than the print finger U 1  (hereinafter referred to as “non-print fingers U 2 ”). 
     The finger receiving portion  31  is disposed on an upper side of the dividing wall  116  and roughly in a center portion in a width direction of the lower frame  11 . The space on the lower side of the lower frame  11 , partitioned by the dividing wall  116 , forms the finger clearing portion  32 . 
     For example, in cases where performing a drawing on the nail T of a ring finger, the ring finger is inserted into the finger receiving portion  31  as the print finger U 1 , and the non-print fingers U 2 , namely the other four fingers (thumb, index finger, middle finger, and little finger) are inserted into the finger clearing portion  32 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1B and 2A , the finger receiving portion  31  is open to a front surface side of the lower frame  11  (print finger insertion direction proximal side); and a bottom side is defined by a finger mount portion  116   a  that constitutes a portion of the dividing wall  116 , sides are defined by partitions  31   a  and  31   b , and a rear side is defined by a partition  31   c . The finger mount portion  116   a  is a constituent where the finger (the print finger U 1 ) of the nail T on which drawing is to be performed is mounted on the X-Y plane. 
     A top side of the finger receiving portion  31  is defined by a ceiling portion  31   d . A window  31   e  is formed in the ceiling portion  31   d  for exposing the nail T of the print finger U 1  inserted into the finger receiving portion  31 . 
     A front wall  31   f  (see  FIG. 1A ) that closes the front surface side of the lower frame  11  is provided on the top surface of the dividing wall  116 , at both end portions on the front surface side of the lower frame  11 . A pair of guide walls  31   g  (see  FIG. 1A ) that guides the print finger U 1  into the finger receiving portion  31  is erected on the top surface of the dividing wall  116 , and the pair of guide walls  31   g  narrows from the end of the front wall  31   f  on the center portion side toward the finger receiving portion  31 . 
     A user can pinch the dividing wall  116  between the print finger U 1  inserted into the finger receiving portion  31  and the non-print fingers U 2  inserted into the finger clearing portion  32 . Thus, the print finger U 1  inserted into the finger receiving portion  31  is stably secured. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2A , a drying unit (dryer)  90  is provided in a rear side upper portion, separated from the finger receiving portion  31  by the partition  31   c.    
     The drying unit  90  includes a fan  92  for blowing, and performs a drying operation for drying ink (liquid material) that has been applied to the drawing object, namely, the nail T. In addition to the fan  92 , the drying unit  90  of the present embodiment further includes a heater  91  for generating heat. 
     The fan  92  is disposed on the apparatus back side, and the heater  91  is disposed more to the front side than the fan  92 , that is, downstream in a blowing direction of the fan  92 . 
     The heater  91  is, for example, a ceramic heater, generates heat when a power source of the heater  91  is in an ON state, and heats the ambient air. Note that, provided that the heater  91  is small enough to be incorporated into the nail printing apparatus  1 , the heater  91  may be an electric heater in which heating wire such as nichrome wire or the like is coiled, but the configuration thereof is not limited to the examples given herein. 
     The drying unit  90  has functions that direct the wind generated by the fan  92  via the window  31   e  to the nail T of the print finger U 1  placed in the finger receiving portion  31 , and dry an ink jet drawing (that is, a drawing performed by an ink jet drawing unit  71  described hereinafter) or a plotter drawing (that is, a drawing performed by a pen  41  described hereinafter) performed on the nail T. 
     The drying unit  90  of the present embodiment further includes a wind direction adjusting unit  93  that is provided with power cylinders  97  and that adjusts a direction of wind generated by the fan  92 . 
     Note that operations of the heater  91  and the fan  92  of the drying unit  90 , and the power cylinders  97  of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  are controlled by a drying control portion  814  described hereinafter (see  FIG. 4 ). 
       FIG. 2B  is a side view of the wind direction adjusting unit  93 , and  FIGS. 2C to 2E  are top views of the wind direction adjusting unit  93 . Note that  FIGS. 2C to 2E  depict a state where a top panel  963  (described hereinafter) is removed in order to show an internal configuration of the wind direction adjusting unit  93 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 2B to 2E , the wind direction adjusting unit  93  includes a plurality of blades  94  that change the direction of the wind by changing a widening angle with respect to the nail T disposed in the finger receiving portion  31 ; a back surface member  95  to which first ends (in the present embodiment, ends of the blades  94  on the apparatus back side) of the blades  94  are rotatably attached; and a front surface member  96  to which second ends (in the present embodiment, ends of the blades  94  on the apparatus front side) of the blades  94  are engaged. 
     The blades  94  are plate-like members formed from resin or the like, and form flow paths for the wind generated by the fan  92 . Note that in the present embodiment, an example is given in which four of the blades  94  are provided in the wind direction adjusting unit  93 , but the number and the like of the blades  94  is not limited to the depicted example. 
     Engaging protrusions  941  are formed on the top and bottom (the top and bottom in  FIG. 2B ) of the end of the blades  94  on the apparatus back side. 
     Engaging protrusions  942  are also formed on the top and bottom (the top and bottom in  FIG. 2B ) of the end of the blades  94  on the apparatus front side. 
     The back surface member  95  is a frame-like member to which the end of the heater  91  on the apparatus front side is fixed. 
     Engagement holes  951  into which each of the engaging protrusions  941  fit are formed in the back surface member  95  at positions corresponding to each of the engaging protrusions  941  of the blades  94 . The ends of the blades  94  on the apparatus back side engage with the back surface member  95  when the engaging protrusions  941  of the blades  94  are fit into the engagement holes  951 . 
     The front surface member  96  is disposed in the wind direction adjusting unit  93  on apparatus front side, and includes a frame-like member  961  which, together with the blades  94 , forms an aperture (air outlet) of the drying unit  90 ; a bottom plate  962  disposed on a bottom surface side of the frame-like member  961 ; and a top plate  963  disposed on a top surface side of the frame-like member  961 . 
     Four engagement holes  964  in which the engaging protrusions  942  of the blades  94  engage are formed corresponding to the engaging protrusions  942  of the blades  94 , at corresponding positions in each of the bottom plate  962  and the top plate  963 . 
     In the present embodiment, of the four engagement holes  964 , the two positioned on the right side of the apparatus (the right side in  FIG. 2A  and  FIGS. 2C to 2E ) are long holes formed so as to open to the right side from the apparatus back side toward the apparatus front side; and the two positioned on the left side of the apparatus (the left side in  FIG. 2A , and  FIGS. 2C to 2E ) are long holes formed so as to open to the left side from the apparatus back side toward the apparatus front side. 
     As such, the four engagement holes  964  are formed such that two on each of the left and the right are inclined in the same direction, and such that overall, the engagement holes  964  form a V-shape that widens in a width direction (a left-right direction in  FIG. 2A  and  FIGS. 2C to 2E ) of the apparatus from the apparatus back side toward the apparatus front side. 
     Note that a length and/or an angle of widening or the like of the long holes, namely the engagement holes  964 , is determined in accordance with the size of the blades  94  and/or the extent to which the range of the direction (angle) of the blades  94  is to be adjusted. That is, longer lengths of the engagement holes  964  and larger angles of left-right widening make it possible to greatly change in the direction (angle) of the blades  94 . 
     The engaging protrusions  942  of each of the blades  94  engage with these engagement holes  964  formed in the bottom plate  962  and the top plate  963  of the front surface member  96 , and are guided along the engagement holes  964  so that slide movement within the engagement holes  964  is possible. 
     A pair of power cylinders  97  is provided between the back surface member  95  and the front surface member  96 . 
     First ends of the power cylinders  97  are attached to the back surface member  95  and second ends are attached to the frame-like member  961  of the front surface member  96 . The power cylinders  97  can change a length of rods  971  in accordance with the control of the drying control portion  814  (described hereinafter). As a result, distance between the back surface member  95  and the front surface member  96  can be adjusted. 
       FIG. 2C  is a drawing illustrating a case in which the power cylinders  97  are in an initial state. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2C , in the initial state of the power cylinders  97 , the length of the rods  971  is set to approximately a middle position and, in this state, the engaging protrusions  942  of each of the blades  94  are engaged at approximately a middle position of the engagement holes  964 , and each of the blades  94  is disposed such as to be substantially parallel to the insertion direction of the print finger U 1  into the finger receiving portion  31 . As a result, the width of the aperture of the drying unit  90  is substantially the same as the width of the fan  92 , and a flow path of the wind having a width equivalent to the width of the fan  92  is formed. 
       FIG. 2D  is a drawing illustrating a case in which the rods  971  of the power cylinders  97  are contracted and the front surface member  96  is in a state pulled toward the back surface member  95 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2D , in a state where the rods  971  of the power cylinders  97  are contracted as short as possible, the engaging protrusions  942  of each of the blades  94  move to the end of the engagement holes  964  on the apparatus front side, and the side of each of the blades  94  facing the finger receiving portion  31  (that is, the apparatus front side) widen in the left-right direction (the left-right direction in  FIGS. 2A and 2D ) of the apparatus, thus assuming a state where the wind generated by the fan  92  is widely spread. That is, a flow path with a width wider than the width of the fan  92  is formed by the blades  94 , and a state is assumed where a cross-sectional area of the aperture of the drying unit  90  is greatest. 
       FIG. 2E  is a drawing illustrating a case in which the rods  971  of the power cylinders  97  are extended and the front surface member  96  is pushed away from the back surface member  95  side toward the apparatus front side. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2E , in a state where the rods  971  of the power cylinders  97  are extended as long as possible, the engaging protrusions  942  of each of the blades  94  move to the end of the engagement holes  964  on the apparatus back side, and the apparatus back side of each of the blades  94  widen in the left-right direction of the apparatus (the left-right direction in  FIGS. 2A and 2E ), thus assuming a state where the blades  94  narrow toward the finger receiving portion  31  and the wind generated by the fan  92  is blown across a narrow range. That is, a flow path with a width narrower than the width of the fan  92  is formed by the blades  94 , and a state is assumed where the cross-sectional area of the aperture of the drying unit  90  is smallest. 
     A warm-up drawing portion  61  is provided on the top surface of the lower frame  11 , beside the finger receiving portion  31  (location corresponding to a media access port  24  of the case body  2 , on the left side in  FIGS. 1A and 2A ). The warm-up drawing portion  61  (described hereinafter) is for performing warm-up drawing to eliminate fading and the like at a time of beginning of drawing by a pen tip (tip portion)  413  of the pen  41  within a drawable area of the drawing head  43  (described hereinafter). 
     The warm-up drawing portion  61  is a flat portion and is configured so that drawing media  61   a  inserted through the media access port  24  of the case body  2  is mounted thereon. 
     The drawing media  61   a  mounted on the warm-up drawing portion  61  is not limited, provided that warm-up drawing of the pen tip (tip portion)  413  can be performed, and for example, may be a piece of paper. 
     A home area  60  where the drawing head  43  stands by at times when the drawing head  43  is not drawing is provided on the top surface of the lower frame  11 , across the finger receiving portion  31  on the opposite side from the warm-up drawing portion  61  (in the present embodiment, the right side in  FIGS. 1A and 2A ), within a movable range of the drawing head  43  described hereinafter. 
     A number of pen caps  62  (in the present embodiment, one) exactly corresponding to a pen holder  42  described hereinafter are set in the home area  60 . 
     The pen cap  62  is formed, for example, from rubber, and at times when the pen  41  is mounted to the drawing unit  40  but not drawing (when not drawing), drying out of the pen tip  413  is prevented by lowering the pen  41  and storing the pen tip  413  in the pen cap  62 . 
     An ink jet maintenance portion  63  is provided within the home area  60 , at a position corresponding to a position where the ink jet drawing portion  71  is disposed when the pen tip  413  is stored in the pen cap  62 . The ink jet maintenance portion  63  is configured from, for example, a cleaning mechanism for cleaning an ink discharging portion (nozzle surface) of the ink jet drawing portion  71  described hereinafter, a cap mechanism for maintaining moist conditions of the ink discharging portion (nozzle surface), and the like (all not illustrated). 
     Note that the disposal of the pen cap  62 , the ink jet maintenance portion  63 , and the like in the home area  60  is not limited to the examples described herein. 
     The drawing unit  40  is configured from and provided with the drawing head  43 , a unit supporting member  44  that supports the drawing head  43 , the X-direction movement stage  45  for moving the drawing head  43  in the X direction (the X direction in  FIGS. 1A and 2A ; the left-right direction of the drawing apparatus  1 ), an X-direction movement motor  46 , the Y-direction movement stage  47  for moving the drawing head  43  in the Y direction (the Y direction in  FIGS. 1B and 2A ; the front-back direction of the drawing apparatus  1 ), a Y-direction movement motor  48 , and the like. 
       FIG. 3A  is a top view of a drawing head and  FIG. 3B  is a side view of the drawing head according to the present embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , in the drawing head  43  of the present embodiment, the pen holder  42  holding the pen  41  and an ink jet holder  72  holding the ink jet drawing portion  71  are disposed adjacently to each other. 
     The ink jet drawing portion  71  is, for example, an ink cartridge-integrated head in which ink cartridges (not illustrated) corresponding to yellow (Y), magenta (M), and cyan (C) ink are formed integrally with an ink discharging portion (not illustrated) provided on a surface (in the present embodiment, the bottom surface in  FIG. 1A  and the like) facing the drawing object (the nail T) in each of the ink cartridges. The ink discharging portion is provided with a nozzle array consisting of a plurality of nozzles arranged in a row, for spraying each color of ink. The ink jet drawing portion  71  micronizes the ink and performs the drawing by spraying the ink from the ink discharging portion directly on the target drawing surface of the drawing object (the nail T). Note that the ink jet drawing portion  71  is not limited to those that discharge the three colors of ink described previously. Ink cartridges holding other ink and ink discharging portions may also be provided. 
     One pen  41  is mountable in the pen holder  42  of the present embodiment. 
     The pen  41  is a writing utensil that has the surface of the nail T as its drawing object, and performs a drawing by the tip portion thereof being brought into contact with the drawing object, namely the surface of the nail T. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3B  and the like, the pen  41  is provided with the pen tip  413  on a tip side (the lower side in  FIG. 3B ) of a rod-like pen shaft portion  411 . 
     An interior of the pen shaft portion  411  is an ink storing portion for storing various types of ink. 
     Any type of ink can be stored in the interior of the pen shaft portion  411 . Viscosity of ink, diameter of the coloring particles (particle size), and the like are not particularly limited and, for example, ink having metallic glitter, white ink, ink for under coats, ink for top coats, nail varnish, and the like can be used. 
     In the present embodiment, the pen  41  is a ballpoint pen in which the pen tip  413  draws by the ink stored in the pen shaft portion  411  being dispensed by pressing the pen tip  413  against the surface of the nail T. 
     Note that the pen  41  is not limited to a ballpoint pen. For example, the pen  41  may be a felt-tip pen that draws by soaking ink into a felt-like pen tip, a brush pen that draws by soaking ink into a bundle of hairs, or the like. 
     The pen  41  having the pen tip  413  of any desired thickness may be provided as well. 
     The pens  41  that are held in the pen holder  42  may be pens that all have the same type of the pen tip  413 , or may be pens that have different types of the pen tip  413 . 
     The pen  41  is held by simply inserting it in the pen holder  42  from above. As such, the pen  41  can be easily replaced by opening the cover  23  provided in the case body  2  and, for example, using hands or tweezers to grab a top end portion of the pen shaft portion  411  and lift the pen  41  out. 
     Thus, a user can realize a wide range of nail designs by appropriately replacing the pen  41  set in the pen holder  42  for a pen  41  having a different color or a different pen tip  413 , or using a different type of ink, depending on the nail design desired to be drawn. 
     The pen holder  42  is provided with a tubular member  421  that is open vertically and into which the pen  41  is inserted, a pen retaining member  422  disposed so as to block an opening on a bottom side of the tubular member  421  (the bottom side in  FIG. 3B ), and an auxiliary rod member  423  that moves vertically with the pen  41 . 
     A retaining hole  422   a  that retains the tip side of the pen shaft portion  411  of the pen  41  is formed in the pen retaining member  422 . The pen  41  is retained in the pen holder  42  by the tip side of the pen shaft portion  411  being inserted in the retaining hole  422   a  of the pen retaining member  422 . Note that screw grooves (not illustrated) may be formed in an outer circumferential surface of the tip side of the pen shaft portion  411 , screw grooves (not illustrated) capable of mating with the screw grooves of the shaft portion may be formed in an inner circumferential surface of the retaining hole  422   a , and the pen  41  may be retained in the retaining hole  422   a  by screwing the screw grooves on the pen shaft portion  411  side into the screw grooves on the retaining hole  422   a  side. 
     In the present embodiment, two of the auxiliary rod members  423  are disposed so as to sandwich the pen  41 . A bottom end of each of the auxiliary rod members  423  is mated with the pen retaining member  422  and, thereby, the auxiliary rod members  423  are fixed so as to be parallel with the pen shaft portion  411  of the pen  41 . 
     A retaining protrusion  424  protruding in a direction away from the axial center of the pen  41  is provided on the auxiliary rod members  423 . 
     A coil spring  425  is wrapped around the rod of the auxiliary rod members  423 . The coil spring  425  is configured to apply force in an upward direction to the auxiliary rod member  423  in a state free of outside forces and holds the position of the pen  41  when not drawing at a position where the pen tip  413  does not come into contact with the nail T. 
     A pen vertical motor  426  constituted by a stepping motor, a gear  428  that engages with a gear  427  attached to a rotating shaft of the pen vertical motor  426 , and a plate spring  429  that pivots along with the rotation of the gear  428  are provided in the vicinity of the pen holder  42 . In the present embodiment, a lifting mechanism of the pen  41  is constituted by the pen vertical motor  426 , the gear  427 , the gear  428 , the plate spring  429 , and the like. 
     Here, the plate spring  429  engages with the retaining protrusion  424  provided on the auxiliary rod member  423  and presses the retaining protrusion  424  down, thereby pressing the pen  41  downward. 
     That is, when the plate spring  429  pivots along with the rotation of the pen vertical motor  426  and the plate spring  429  engages with the retaining protrusion  424  and presses the retaining protrusion  424  downward, the pen  41  is pressed downward against the biasing force of the coil spring  425 . 
     The present embodiment has a configuration in which the pen  41  is not pressed down directly by the plate spring  429 ; instead, the plate spring  429  presses down on the retaining protrusion  424  and the plate spring  429  is not disposed over the pen  41 . Therefore, the pen  41  can easily be replaced, the height of the lifting mechanism of the pen  41  can be kept relatively low, and space can be saved. 
     Next, a detailed description of the lifting mechanism of the pen  41  is given. 
     First, when not drawing, the plate spring  429  is in a state where not applying outside pressure to the retaining protrusion  424 . In the state where outside pressure (pressing force by the plate spring  429 ) is not applied, the pen  41  is pressed up in an upward direction (the upward direction in  FIGS. 1A and 3B ) by the biasing force of the coil spring  425 , and the tip side of the pen  41 , that is, the pen tip  413 , is separated from the drawing object, namely the surface of the nail T, and held at a height where not coming into contact with the surface. 
     On the other hand, when drawing, the pen vertical motor  426  rotates a prescribed number of steps and the plate spring  429  presses the retaining protrusion  424  down. Thereby, the pen  41  is pressed downward. 
     The prescribed number of steps when driving the pen vertical motor  426  is appropriately set depending on a height and the like of the nail T of the print finger U 1  inserted into the finger receiving portion  31 . 
     That is, in the nail printing apparatus  1  of the present embodiment, nail information (described hereinafter) is acquired in advance. Moreover, the height of the nail T at a contact position where the tip side of the pen  41 , namely the pen tip  413 , comes into contact with the nail T is confirmed on the basis of the nail information, and the number of steps of the pen vertical motor  426  is determined on the basis of the height. The pen vertical motor  426  is driven the determined number of steps and the plate spring  429  presses the pen  41  down. Thus, the tip side of the pen  41 , namely the pen tip  413  is moved toward to contact the surface of the nail T and an appropriate amount of pen pressure is applied. 
     Note that when drawing, the height of the location on the nail T where the drawing is being performed changes with changes in the drawing position. Each time a change occurs, the number of steps of the pen vertical motor  426  is increased or decreased, so that the pen pressure of the pen  41  is adjusted. Thus, drawing is performed while making adjustments to ensure that the pen pressure is roughly constant. Here, the adjustment to the pen pressure by increasing or decreasing the number of steps of the pen vertical motor  426  is performed each time a change occurs, when the change in the height of the nail T changes a predetermined amount (e.g. 0.5 mm). When the change in the height of the nail T is less than the predetermined amount, no adjustment is made to the pen pressure, but the pen  41  automatically moves vertically due to the flexural deformation (elastic deformation) of the plate spring  429  in accordance with the shape of the nail T and, therefore, the pen  41  can be reliably brought into contact with the nail T and, at the same time, the pen pressure can be maintained at an appropriate value. 
     Note that a spring constant of the plate spring  429  is not that great and is set to a value of a magnitude where pain is not felt by the nail T when the pressing force (outside force) of the plate spring  429  is applied to the nail T. When drawing, impact due to the vertical movement of the pen  41  is absorbed by the plate spring  429  flexing a suitable degree and the pen  41  moves vertically along with the height of the nail T while maintaining a suitable degree of pen pressure of the pen tip  413  in a roughly constant manner. Thus, the desired nail design can be drawn neatly on the surface of the drawing object, namely the nail T. 
     The unit supporting member  44  is fixed to the X-direction movement portion  451  that is attached to the X-direction movement stage  45 . The X-direction movement portion  451  is configured to move on the X-direction movement stage  45  in the X direction along a guide (not illustrated) via the driving of the X-direction movement motor  46 . Thus, the drawing head  43  that is attached to the unit supporting member  44  is configured to move in the X direction (the X direction in  FIG. 1A  and the left-right direction of the nail printing apparatus  1 ). 
     The X-direction movement stage  45  is fixed to a Y-direction movement portion  471  of the Y-direction movement stage  47 . The Y-direction movement portion  471  is configured to move on the Y-direction movement stage  47  in the Y direction along a guide (not illustrated) via the driving of the Y-direction movement motor  48 . Thus, the drawing head  43  that is attached to the unit supporting member  44  is configured to move in the Y direction (the Y direction in  FIG. 1B  and the front-back direction of the nail printing apparatus  1 ). 
     Note that in the present embodiment, the X-direction movement stage  45  and the Y-direction movement stage  47  are configured from combinations of the X-direction movement motor  46 , the Y-direction movement motor  48 , and ball screws and guides (not illustrated). 
     In the present embodiment, a head movement portion  49  is configured as an XY drive unit that drives the drawing head  43  provided with the pen  41  in the X direction and the Y direction via the X-direction movement motor  46 , the Y-direction movement motor  48 , and the like. 
     The pen vertical motor  426 , the ink jet drawing portion  71 , the X-direction movement motor  46 , and the Y-direction movement motor  48  of the drawing unit  40  are connected to a drawing control portion  817  of a control device  80  (see  FIG. 4 ; described hereinafter), and are configured to be controlled by the drawing control portion  817 . 
     The imaging unit  50  is provided with an image capturing device  51  and an illumination device  52 . 
     The imaging unit  50  illuminates the nail T of the print finger U 1 , which is inserted into the finger receiving portion  31  and is visible through the window  31   e , using the illumination device  52 . Moreover, the print finger U 1  is imaged using the image capturing device  51  and a nail image, namely an image of the nail T of the print finger U 1  (image of finger including nail image), is obtained. 
     In the present embodiment, the image capturing device  51  and the illumination device  52  are fixed on a side (the left side of the drawing head  43  in  FIG. 1A ) of the drawing head  43  of the drawing unit  40 . 
     Specifically, as illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the drawing head  43  of the drawing unit  40  has an overhanging portion  401  overhanging in a lateral direction from a first edge (the left side in  FIG. 3A ) of the top surface of the drawing head  43 , and a substrate  53  is attached to the overhanging portion  401 . The image capturing device  51  and the illumination device  52  constituting the imaging unit  50  are provided on a bottom surface of the substrate  53  so as to face the dividing wall  116 . 
     Note that a size of the substrate  53  and positions where the image capturing device  51  and the illumination device  52  are attached to the substrate  53  are not particularly limited. 
     The image capturing device  51  is, for example, a small camera having a solid state image sensor with a pixel count of about 2 million pixels or greater, a lens, and the like. 
     The image capturing device  51  is configured to detect curvature and the like of the nail T of the print finger U 1  by movement of the head movement portion  49  so as to image the nail T from at least two different positions or angles. As a result, at least two of the nail images are acquired and a nail information detection portion  812  (described hereinafter) detects the nail information such as an outline of the nail T (shape of the nail T), curved shape of the nail T (curvature of the nail T), vertical position of the nail T, and the like on the basis of the nail images. 
     Note that in the present embodiment, due to the fact that the image capturing device  51  can be moved to above the nail T of the print finger U 1 , which is inserted in the finger receiving portion  31 , by the head movement portion  49  and imaging can be performed, it is sufficient that an imagable area of the image capturing device  51  covers the area of one nail T. 
     The illumination device  52  is, for example, a white LED or similar illuminating lamp. 
     In the present embodiment, two of the illumination devices  52  are disposed on a front side and a back side of the image capturing device  51  so as to sandwich the image capturing device  51 . The illumination device  52  radiates light downward and illuminates an imaging area below the image capturing device  51 . 
     Note that the disposal and number of the illumination devices  52  provided is not limited to the illustrated examples. 
     The imaging unit  50  is connected to an imaging control portion  811  of the control device  80  (described hereinafter, see  FIG. 4 ), and is configured to be controlled by the imaging control portion  811 . 
     Note that image data of the image imaged by the imaging unit  50  is stored in a nail image memory region  821  of a memory unit  82  (described hereinafter). 
     The control device  80  is, for example, arranged on a substrate  13  or the like disposed in the upper frame  12 . 
       FIG. 4  is a main constituent block diagram showing the control configuration according to the present embodiment. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the control device  80  is a computer provided with a control unit (processor)  81  constituted by a central processing unit (CPU) (not illustrated), and the memory unit  82  constituted by a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), or the like (neither illustrated). 
     Various programs to operate the nail printing apparatus  1 , various data, and the like are stored in the memory unit  82 . 
     Specifically, various programs are stored in the ROM of the memory unit  82  such as a nail information detection program for detecting various types of nail information such as the shape, the outline, the nail width, and the nail area of the nail T from the nail image; a drying condition determination program for determining the drying condition of the ink; a drawing data generation program for generating drawing data; and a drawing program for performing drawing processing. These programs are executed by the control device  80  and, thus, the components of the nail printing apparatus  1  are controlled in an integrated manner. 
     In the present embodiment, the memory unit  82  is provided with the nail image memory region  821  where the nail image of the nail T of the print finger U 1  of a user acquired by the imaging unit  50  is stored, a nail information memory region  822  where the nail information detected by the nail information detection portion  812  (the outline of the nail T, inclination angle of the nail T, and the like) is stored, a nail design memory region  823  where image data of a nail design to be drawn on the nail T is stored, and the like. 
     When viewed from a function perspective, the control unit  81  is provided with the imaging control portion  811 , the nail information detection portion  812 , a drying condition determination portion  813 , the drying control portion  814 , a drawing data generation portion  815 , a display control portion  816 , a drawing control portion  817 , and the like. Functions of the imaging control portion  811 , the nail information detection portion  812 , the drying condition determination portion  813 , the drying control portion  814 , the drawing data generation portion  815 , the display control portion  816 , the drawing control portion  817 , and the like are realized by cooperation of the CPU of the control unit  81  and the programs stored in the ROM of the memory unit  82 . 
     The imaging control portion  811  is configured to cause the image capturing device  51  to capture images of fingers (hereinafter referred to as “nail images”), including images of the nail T of the print finger U 1  inserted into the finger receiving portion  31 , by controlling the image capturing device  51  and the illumination device  52  of the imaging unit  50 . 
     In the present embodiment, the image capturing device  51  is moved by the drawing control portion  817  that controls the head movement portion  49 , and the imaging control portion  811  causes at least two of the nail images from two different positions or angles (e.g. directly above the nail T and diagonally above the nail T, or the like), to be acquired. 
     The image data of the nail image acquired by the imaging unit  50  are stored in the nail image memory region  821  of the memory unit  82 . 
     The nail information detection portion  812  is configured to detect the nail information of the nail T of the print finger U 1  on the basis of the image of the nail T of the print finger U 1  inserted into the finger receiving portion  31 , the image being imaged by the image capturing device  51 . 
     Here, “nail information” refers to, for example, the outline of the nail T (nail shape, XY coordinates of the horizontal position of the nail T, and the like), the height of the nail T (position in the vertical direction of the nail T, hereinafter referred to as the “vertical position of the nail T” or simply the “position of the nail T”), and the inclination angle with respect to the XY plane of the surface of the nail T (the inclination angle of the nail T or nail curvature). Additionally, a length in a width direction (lateral direction) W of the nail T and a length in an extending direction (longitudinal direction) L of the nail T are acquired from the XY coordinates and the like of the horizontal position of the nail T. 
     The nail information detection portion  812  can accurately detect the curvature and the like of the nail T by performing the detection of the nail information using a plurality of nail images imaged from different positions or angles (e.g. directly above the nail T, diagonally above the nail T, and the like). 
     The drying condition determination portion  813  determines the drying condition for the drying unit  90 . 
     Here, the “drying condition” is a condition that must be considered when performing drying operations using the drying unit  90  for drying the ink (that is, the liquid material) that has been applied to the drawing object, namely the surface of the nail T. In the present embodiment, the drying condition refers to the size of the area of the surface of the nail T (drawing object) to which the ink has been applied. 
     In the present embodiment, the drying condition determination portion  813  acquires a cumulative total of the drawing distance traveled by the drawing unit  40  when actually performing drawing on the nail T, and acquires the area of the surface of the nail T (the drawing object) to which the ink has been applied, on the basis of this cumulative total of drawing distance. Specifically, in the present embodiment, when drawing using the pen  41 , the drawing control portion lowers the pen  41  to the surface of the nail T to a position where the pen tip  413  comes into contact with the surface of the nail T at a drawing start position; performs one row of drawing in the length direction of the nail T; then temporarily lifts the pen  41  to a position where the pen tip  413  is not in contact with the surface of the nail T and moves the pen  41  in the width direction of the nail T; and then again lowers the pen  41  and performs one row of drawing in the length direction of the nail T. The drawing is performed by repeating these processes. 
     When drawing is performed with the pen  41 , the drying condition determination portion  813  acquires a cumulative total of the drawing distance of drawing actually performed by the lowered pen  41  on the nail T (that is, a total number of steps that the lowered pen  41  has moved, or the like). When drawing is performed with the ink jet drawing portion  71 , the drying condition determination portion  813  acquires a cumulative total of the distance that the ink jet drawing portion  71  has moved while discharging ink, for example. 
     Moreover, a threshold for classifying the drawing distances into three levels of “standard”, “long”, and “short” is stored in advance in the memory unit  82  or the like. On the basis of this threshold, the drying condition determination portion  813  determines that the area of the surface of the nail T (drawing object) to which the ink has been applied is “standard” when the drawing distance is “standard”, that the area is “large” when the drawing distance is “long”, and that the area is “small” when the drawing distance is “short”. 
     Note that the technique whereby the drying condition determination portion  813  determines the size of the area of the surface of the nail T (drawing object) to which the ink has been applied is not particularly limited. 
     For example, when calibration processing is performed to calibrate a nail design to be drawn on the nail T to a drawing object, namely the nail T of a user, the area of the drawing object may be defined as the area of a region set as the portion where the ink is to be applied. 
     Alternatively, the size of the area of the drawing object may be determined from the outline of the nail T detected by the nail information detection portion  812 . In this case, a threshold for classifying the area into three levels of “standard”, “large”, and “small” is stored in advance in the memory unit  82  or the like. On the basis of this threshold, the drying condition determination portion  813  determines to which the area of the surface of the nail T of the user detected by the nail information detection portion  812  can be classified. 
     Furthermore, for example, on the basis of the width of the nail T (length in the lateral direction of the nail T in  FIG. 2A ), the drying condition determination portion  813  may determine that the area of the drawing object is large if the width of the nail T is wide and that the area of the drawing object is small if the width of the nail T is narrow. In this case, a threshold for classifying the width of the nail T into three levels of “standard”, “wide”, and “narrow” is stored in advance in the memory unit  82  or the like. On the basis of this threshold, the drying condition determination portion  813  determines to which the width of the nail T of the user that is inserted into the finger receiving portion  31  can be classified. 
     Note that it is not necessary to classify the area of the surface of the nail T (drawing object) to which the ink has been applied into three levels. Two classifications of “large” and “small”, or four or more levels may be used. Additionally, a configuration is possible in which classification is not done by level and, instead, only a value representing the area of the surface of the nail T (drawing object) to which the ink has been applied is acquired in a stepless manner. In this case, the drying control portion  814  (described hereinafter) adjusts the angle of the blades  94  of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  in a stepless manner in accordance with the value acquired by the drying condition determination portion  813 . 
     While the entire surface of the drawing object, namely the nail T, may be used by the drying condition determination portion  813  as the object for determining the size of the area, in order to perform the drying more efficiently, the region where ink has actually been applied in the drawing immediately prior to the drying is preferably used as the object for determining the size of the area. Note that the region of the nail T where the ink is to be applied is identified by the drawing data. As such, in cases where the size of the area of the region where the ink is to be applied is set as the drying condition, a drying condition based on the drawing data can be determined at a point of time of drawing data creation before actually applying the ink. 
     The drying condition determined by the drying condition determination portion  813  (that is, in the present embodiment, the size of the area of the surface of the nail T (the drawing object) to which the ink has been applied) is sent to the drying control portion  814 . 
     The drying control portion  814  controls the drying operations by controlling the operations of the heater  91 , the fan  92 , and the power cylinders  97  of the drying unit  90 . That is, the drying control portion  814  performs ON/OFF control of the heater  91  and the fan  92 , temperature control of the heater  91 , adjustment of the wind direction by causing the power cylinders  97  to operate, and the like. 
     In the present embodiment, the drying control portion  814  is configured to control the drying operations of the drying unit  90  in accordance with the determination by the drying condition determination portion  813 . 
     Next, a detailed description of the control of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  (the power cylinders  97  of the wind direction adjusting unit  93 ) by the drying control portion  814  is given. 
     In the present embodiment, when the drying condition determination portion  813  determines that the area of the surface of the nail T (drawing object) to which the ink has been applied is “standard”, as illustrated in  FIG. 2C , the drying control portion  814  is configured to set the power cylinders  97  to the initial position and adjust all of the blades  94  of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to be substantially parallel with the finger insertion direction. Then, the heater  91  and the fan  92  are caused to operate and wind heated by the heater  91  is blown on a range that has a width approximately the same as the width of the fan  92 . 
     Additionally, when the drying condition determination portion  813  determines that the area of the surface of the nail T (drawing object) to which the ink has been applied is “wide”, as illustrated in  FIG. 2D , the drying control portion  814  is configured to contract the power cylinders  97  so that the rods  971  become as short as possible and greatly widen the blades  94  of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to the left and right. Then, the heater  91  and the fan  92  are caused to operate and wind heated by the heater  91  is blown on a range that is wider than the width of the fan  92 . 
     Additionally, when the drying condition determination portion  813  determines that the area of the surface of the nail T (drawing object) to which the ink has been applied is “narrow”, as illustrated in  FIG. 2E , the drying control portion  814  is configured to extend the power cylinders  97  so that the rods  971  become as long as possible and narrow the aperture of the drying unit  90  formed by the blades  94  of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  so as to be narrower than the width of the fan  92 . Then, the heater  91  and the fan  92  are caused to operate and wind heated by the heater  91  is blown on a range that is narrower than the width of the fan  92 . 
     Note that, as described previously, in cases where the drying condition determination portion  813  acquires only a value representing the area of the surface of the nail T (drawing object) to which the ink has been applied in a stepless manner, the drying control portion  814  performs control so as to cause the angle of the blades  94  of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to change in a stepless manner, in accordance with the value acquired by the drying condition determination portion  813 . 
     The drawing data generation portion  815  generates data for the drawing to be performed by the drawing head  43  on the nail T of the print finger U 1 , on the basis of the nail information detected by the nail information detection portion  812 . 
     Specifically, on the basis of the shape of the nail T and the like detected by the nail information detection portion  812 , the drawing data generation portion  815  performs calibration processing, such as enlarging, reducing, and cropping, for calibrating the image data of the nail design to the shape of the nail T. 
     The drawing data generation portion  815  performs appropriate curve correction and the like in accordance with the nail information detected by the nail information detection portion  812 . 
     As a result, drawing data for the nail design to be drawn by the pen  41  or the ink jet drawing portion  71  is generated. 
     The display control portion  816  is configured to control the display unit  26  and cause the display unit  26  to display various types of display screens. In the present embodiment, examples of the various types of display screens the display control portion  816  is configured to display on the display unit  26  include nail design selection screens and thumbnail images for confirming designs, nail images acquired by imaging the print finger U 1 , various command screens, operation screens, and the like. 
     The drawing control portion  817  is a control portion that outputs control signals to the drawing unit  40  on the basis of the drawing data generated by the drawing data generation portion  815 , and controls the X-direction movement motor  46 , the Y-direction movement motor  48 , the pen vertical motor  426 , the ink jet drawing portion  71 , and the like of the drawing unit  40 , so as to perform a drawing on the nail T that corresponds with the drawing data. 
     Specifically, when the pen  41  is not drawing, the drawing control portion  817  controls the pen vertical motor  426  so as to maintain a state in which the retaining protrusion  424  is not pressed down by the plate spring  429 ; and, when the pen is drawing, the drawing control portion  817  causes the pen vertical motor  426  to operate and controls the operation of the pen vertical motor  426  so that the retaining protrusion  424  is pressed down by the plate spring  429  and the tip side (the pen tip  413 ) of the pen  41  comes into contact with the surface of the nail T. 
     Note that at locations where the height of the nail T changes greatly and cannot be accommodated by the flexible deformation (elastic deformation) of the plate spring  429  alone, the drawing control portion  817  preferably causes the number of steps of the pen vertical motor  426  to be increased or decreased, thus adjusting the pen pressure of the pen  41  so that the pen pressure becomes substantially constant. 
     Next, a drawing method by the nail printing apparatus  1  according to the present embodiment is described while referencing  FIG. 5 . 
     In cases where performing drawing using the nail printing apparatus  1 , a user first operates a power switch to turn on the control device  80 . 
     The display control portion  816  causes a design selection screen to be displayed on the display unit  26 , and the user operates operation buttons or the like on the operation unit  25  and selects a desired nail design from among a plurality of nail designs displayed on the design selection screen. As a result, a selection command signal is output from the operation unit  25  and the nail design intended to be drawn on the nail T is selected. 
     Upon selection of the nail design, the display control portion  816  displays a command screen on the display unit  26  prompting that the pen  41  required to draw the desired nail design be set in a predetermined pen holder  42  of the drawing head  43 . In accordance with the command displayed on the display screen, the user sets a predetermined type of the pen  41  in the predetermined pen holder  42 . A configuration is possible in which, at this time, the user inputs information (the type of ink stored in the pen  41 , or the like) related to the pen  41  set in the pen holder  42  from the operation unit  25  or the like. In cases where the information related to the pen  41  is inputted, the input information is output to the control unit  81 . 
     Next, the display control portion  816  causes the display unit  26  to display a command screen prompting that the print finger U 1  be set in the finger receiving portion  31 . The user operates a drawing switch (not illustrated) of the operation unit  25  after inserting the print finger U 1  into the finger receiving portion  31 , inserting the non-print fingers U 2  into the finger clearing portion  32 , and securing the print finger U 1  to the finger receiving portion  31 . 
     Upon the input of the command from the drawing switch and prior to beginning the drawing operation, as shown in  FIG. 5 , first, the imaging control portion  811  controls the imaging unit  50  and causes the two image capturing devices  51  to image the print finger U 1  while illuminating the print finger U 1  using the illumination device  52 . As a result, the imaging control portion  811  acquires images of the nail T (nail images) of the print finger U 1  that has been inserted into the finger receiving portion  31  (step S 1 ). 
     Next, the nail information detection portion  812  detects the nail information such as the outline (nail shape) of the nail T and the inclination angle (nail curvature) of the nail T on the basis of the nail images (step S 2 ). 
     Upon detection of the outline (nail shape) of the nail T and the inclination angle (nail curvature) of the nail T by the nail information detection portion  812 , the drawing data generation portion  815  performs fitting (calibration processing) of the image data of the nail design to the nail T, on the basis of the nail information (step S 3 ). Additionally, the drawing data generation portion  815  performs curvature correction on the image data of the nail design, on the basis of the nail information. As a result, the drawing data is generated. 
     Upon generation of the drawing data, the drawing control portion  817  outputs the drawing data to the drawing unit  40  and causes the head movement portion  49  to operate and move the drawing head  43  to a position above the surface of the nail T or, rather, to a position above the drawing start position of the selected nail design, and start the drawing (step S 4 ). 
     Specifically, in cases where drawing using the ink jet drawing portion  71 , the drawing control portion  817  controls the ink jet drawing portion  71  and discharges ink in accordance with the drawing data. 
     Additionally, in cases where drawing using the pen  41 , the drawing control portion  817  causes the drawing to be performed by appropriately moving the pen  41  in the X direction, the Y direction, and the height direction. 
     In the present embodiment, the drawing distance is totaled while the drawing is being performed (step S 5 ). 
     The drawing control portion  817  makes a determination as to whether the drawing processing is completed for the entire nail T (step S 6 ) and, in cases where it is determined that the drawing processing is not complete (step S 6 ; NO), the processing is repeated from step S 4 . Additionally, in cases where it is determined that the drawing processing is completed (step S 6 ; YES), the drawing processing for that nail T is completed. 
     Upon completion of the drawing processing, the drying condition determination portion  813  determines whether or not the area of the surface of the nail T (the drawing object) to which the ink has been applied is “standard” (step S 7 ). 
     In the present embodiment, specifically, the drying condition determination portion  813  acquires the cumulative total of the drawing distance and determines whether or not this cumulative total is within a range of a predetermined threshold where the area of the drawing object is classified as “standard”. 
     Moreover, in cases where the drying condition determination portion  813  determines that the cumulative total is “standard” (step S 7 ; YES), the drying control portion  814  sets the power cylinders  97  of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to the initial position (step S 8 ). As a result, the width of the aperture (the blowing port) of the drying unit  90  formed by the blades  94  is set to substantially the same as the width of the fan  92 . 
     On the other hand, in cases where the cumulative total is determined not to be “standard” (step S 7 ; NO), the drying condition determination portion  813  further determines whether or not the area of the surface of the nail T (the drawing object) to which the ink has been applied is “large”, that is, if the area is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold that defines an upper limit for the “standard” area (step S 9 ). 
     Then, in cases where the drying condition determination portion  813  determines that the area of the drawing object is “large” (step S 9 ; YES), the drying control portion  814  contracts the power cylinders  97  of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to the position where the rods  971  become as short as possible, thereby setting the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to the greatest width (step S 10 ). As a result, the width of the aperture (the blowing port) of the drying unit  90  formed by the blades  94  is set to wider than the width of the fan  92 . 
     Additionally, in cases where the drying condition determination portion  813  determines that the area of the drawing object is “not large” (step S 9 ; NO), that is, in cases where it is determined that the area is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value that defines a lower limit for the “standard” area, the drying control portion  814  extends the power cylinders  97  of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to the position where the rods  971  become as long as possible, thereby setting the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to the smallest width (step S 11 ). As a result, the width of the aperture (the blowing port) of the drying unit  90  formed by the blades  94  is set to narrower than the width of the fan  92 . 
     As described above, upon completion of the setting of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  in accordance with the determination by the drying condition determination portion  813  of the area of the surface of the nail T (the drawing object) to which the ink has been applied, the drying control portion  814  performs the drying operations by causing the heater  91  and the fan  92  to operate (step S 12 ). 
     Moreover, upon the drying operations being performed for a predetermined period of time (e.g. 30 seconds), the drying control portion  814  stops the heater  91  and the fan  92 . 
     Note that in cases where further drawing is to be performed on the nail T using a different type of the pen  41  or the like, the processing is repeated from step S 4 . Additionally, in cases where all of the drawing for the nail T has been completed, the user is notified of the completion of the drawing, and a display screen or the like instructing the user to remove the fingers from the apparatus is displayed on the display unit  26 . 
     As described above, according to the present embodiment, in cases where a drawing is to be performed on the surface of the nail T by applying the liquid material, namely the ink, to the drawing object, namely the surface of the nail T, and the ink that has been applied to the surface of the nail T is to be dried by the drying unit  90 , the drying condition is determined by the drying condition determination portion  813  and the drying operations of the drying unit  90  are controlled on the basis of the results of determining the drying condition by the drying condition determination portion  813 . 
     Therefore, power consumption and the like can be minimized and drying can be efficiently performed. Additionally, due to the fact that just enough drying is performed, the burden on the user can be minimized and nail printing that is expedited and that has a beautiful finish can be realized. 
     Particularly, in the present embodiment, the size of the area of the surface of the nail T to which the ink has been applied is determined as the drying condition and the drying operations of the drying unit  90  are controlled in accordance with this determination result. 
     The size of the nail T differs between the thumb and the little finger of a given user. Additionally, the size of the nail T differs greatly on the basis of whether the user is an adult or a child. Furthermore, even for the same nail T, the size of the region to which the ink is applied and where drying is required depends on the nail design. Even in cases such as these in which the area where drying is required differs, the drying operations can be performed efficiently and effectively without unnecessary blowing. As a result, warm air can be blown and drying can be performed regardless of the nail design that is to be drawn and regardless of the size of the nail on which the drawing is to be performed. 
     Additionally, in the present embodiment, the drying unit  90  includes the fan  92  and the wind direction adjusting unit  93  that adjusts the direction of wind generated by the fan  92 ; and the drying control portion  814  is configured to control the wind direction adjusting unit  93  so as to change the range across which the wind generated by the fan  92  is spread, in accordance with the determination by the drying condition determination portion  813 . Thus, even in cases where the size of the nail T differs and/or in cases where the ink application range on the nail T varies, just enough air can be blown across the required range and the drying operations can be efficiently performed. 
     Particularly, in cases where drawing a long line in the width direction of the nail (e.g. a line drawn at the division of a French manicured nail or the like), or in cases where the nail T of the user is a nail T that is long in the width direction, the fact that the direction of the wind generated by the fan  92  is adjusted yields significant benefits. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Next, a second embodiment of the nail printing apparatus (drawing apparatus) and drawing method for the nail printing apparatus (drawing apparatus) according to the present invention are described below while referring to  FIGS. 6 to 11 . In the following embodiment, points that particularly differ from the first embodiment will be described. 
     In the present embodiment, description will be centered on the control of the drying unit  90  in cases where drawing is performed by the ink jet drawing portion  71  that discharges and lands the liquid material, namely the ink, on the drawing object, namely the surface of the nail T. 
     In cases where performing a drawing on the nail T by using the ink jet drawing portion  71 , first, as in the first embodiment, on the basis of the shape and the like of the nail T detected by the nail information detection portion  812 , the drawing data generation portion  815  performs calibration processing such as enlarging, reducing, and cropping, for calibrating the image data of the nail design to the shape of the nail T. Furthermore, on the basis of the nail information detected by the nail information detection portion  812 , the drawing data generation portion  815  generates image data consisting of RGB pixel data as the image data for drawing for cases where drawing a nail design is performed on the nail T by performing appropriate nail curvature correction and the like. 
     Furthermore, the drawing data generation portion  815  converts this image data for drawing (the image data consisting of the RGB pixel data) into output data of the nozzles of the ink jet drawing portion  71 . This output data consists of dot patterns for each CMY color (i.e. cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y)), and gradation is expressed by the density of the dots. 
       FIG. 6  is an explanatory drawing for explaining a drawing technique in a case where drawing is performed on a nail by the ink jet drawing portion according to the present embodiment. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an image of the output data of the nozzles of the ink jet drawing portion  71 , which is generated by the drawing data generation portion  815 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , in the output data of the nozzle, output data of the nozzles is disposed in which, for example, rectangular background images are fitted to the nail shape. The background color of the rectangular background images is preferably white. The portion of the background that is white is comprised of pixels where the CMY color inks are not discharged as the output data of the nozzles of the ink jet drawing portion  71 . 
     Note that in  FIG. 6  and the like, XL is a coordinate representing the printable edge on the left side in the X direction (lateral direction) of the apparatus, and XR is a coordinate representing the printable edge on the right side in the X direction (lateral direction) of the apparatus. 
     The ink jet drawing portion  71  performs the drawing by appropriately discharging CMY (i.e. cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y)) ink from the plurality of nozzles of the ink jet head while moving from XL to XR or XR to XL. Note that one movement from XL to XR or XR to XL is also referred to below as “one scan”. 
     In  FIG. 6 , a drawing width w is a width that the ink jet drawing portion  71  can draw in one scan (one movement in the X direction). 
     As described in the first embodiment, the ink jet drawing portion  71  has an ink discharging portion that is provided with a nozzle array in which a plurality of nozzles are arranged in a row. As such, the number of nozzles (“nz” in  FIGS. 7A to 7C ) multiplied by the width dimension of the nozzles (“d” in  FIGS. 7A to 7C ) is the length of the nozzle row of the ink jet drawing portion  71 , and is the drawing width w. Note that the quantity of the nozzle row of the ink jet drawing portion  71  may also be calculated by multiplying the number of pixels of the dimension of the nozzles by the number of nozzles per pixel. 
     Additionally, in  FIG. 6, 1L , depicted by a white arrow, represents a first scan where the ink jet drawing portion  71  moves from XL to XR (first scan, first scan from XL to XR), and  1 R, also depicted by a white arrow, represents a second scan where the ink jet drawing portion  71  moves from XR to XL (second scan, first scan from XR to XL). Additionally,  2 L represents a third scan where the ink jet drawing portion  71  returns from XL to XR (third scan, second scan from XL to XR). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , in one scan, the ink jet drawing portion  71  of the present embodiment performs drawing one drawing width w at a time and is configured to complete the drawing on one nail T by moving 1 ½ round trips between XL and XR while slightly overlapping the edges of the drawing widths w such that non-coating and/or gaps do not occur between each scan. 
     Note that the number of scans by which the drawing is performed on one nail T is set in accordance with the length of the nozzle row, that is, the drawing width w. The nail area is appropriately divided (three sections in the present embodiment) in accordance with the set number of scans, and the drawing data generation portion  815  generates output data for the nozzles so as to conform to each nail area. 
       FIGS. 7A to 7C  are explanatory drawings schematically illustrating the configuration of the output data of the nozzles of the ink jet drawing portion. 
     In  FIGS. 7A to 7C , the number of data in the range in the lateral direction where the drawing is to be performed (from XL to XR) is the same as the width of the RGB pixel data. Additionally, output patterns of the nozzles of each CMY color are arranged in the vertical direction. The number of data in the vertical direction is the number of nozzles that discharge at the same timing when drawing one pixel in the lateral direction (X direction). When the number of data in the vertical direction is a numerical value of the number of nozzles and is the number of nozzles (nz) corresponding to one pixel, the number of data in the vertical direction is d×nz. 
     In the drawings, from upstream toward downstream in the movement direction of the ink jet drawing portion  71 , the j th  row is indicated as CMYj, the j+1 th  row is indicated as CMY j+1, the j+2 th  row is indicated as CMY j+2, and so on. An output data row of C (cyan) color, an output data row of M (magenta) color, and an output data row of Y (yellow) color are illustrated as being disposed for each row (i.e. the j th  row, the j+1 th  row, j+2 th  row, and so on). 
     Note that in the following description, dots where the ink is discharged from the nozzles are referred to as “effective dots”, and dots where the ink is not discharged from the nozzles are referred to as “invalid dots”. 
       FIG. 7A  is a drawing explaining output data corresponding to a first drawing region drawn by the ink jet drawing portion  71  in the first scan ( 1 L in  FIG. 6 ) from XL to XR in  FIG. 6 ;  FIG. 7B  is a drawing explaining output data corresponding to a second drawing region drawn by the ink jet drawing portion  71  in the second scan ( 1 R in  FIG. 6 ) from XR to XL in  FIG. 6 ; and 
       FIG. 7C  is a drawing explaining output data corresponding to a third drawing region drawn by the ink jet drawing portion  71  in the third scan ( 2 L in  FIG. 6 ) from XL to XR in  FIG. 6 . 
     The color of each pixel is determined by the concentration of the distribution of the effective dots of each color in the output data. For example, for dark colors, the number of effective dots of the output data is increased per unit area, and for light colors, the number of effective dots is decreased. For white, the number of effective dots is zero. 
     Additionally, for data rows where there is no nail area and drawing processing is not performed, there are no effective dots and only invalid dots; and, the greater the proportion of the nail area where the drawing processing is performed, the greater the proportion of effective dots. 
     Furthermore, the number of effective dots within the nail area increases or decreases depending on the color scheme of the nail design. The number of effective dots decreases for a monochromatic component of CMY and, with colors expressed by mixing the CMY colors, the number of effective dots increases in correlation with the multiple types of colors that must be mixed to express these colors. 
     In the present embodiment, the drying condition determination portion  813  determines the drying condition in accordance with the distribution state of the effective dots where the discharging of the ink from the ink jet drawing portion  71  is to be performed. 
     Specifically, the drying condition determination portion  813  detects if the effective dots are distributed in the range from XL to XR in the X direction (the lateral direction), and determines the drying condition in accordance with the application range of the ink to be applied to the drawing object, namely the surface of the nail T. 
       FIGS. 8A to 8C  are histograms in which the coordinates in the X direction (XL to XR) are shown on the horizontal axis and the number of effective dots of the output data at each X coordinate is shown on the vertical axis. 
     Note that in  FIGS. 8A to 8C , the vertical line depicted as a dashed line represents the center in the X direction of the aperture of the drying unit  90 . 
       FIG. 8A  illustrates an example of a case in which the ink application range in the X-axis direction (that is, the distribution range of the effective dots) is wide;  FIG. 8C  illustrates an example of a case in which the ink application range in the X-axis direction (that is, the distribution range of the effective dots) is narrow; and  FIG. 8B  illustrates an example of a case in which the ink application range in the X-axis direction (that is, the distribution range of the effective dots) is medium. 
     For example, in cases where the histogram is that such as in  FIG. 8A , it is preferable that the blowing for drying be performed across a wide range, because drying irregularities and the like will occur if the range is narrow. As such, the drying condition determination portion  813  sets drying parameters for a large ink application range. 
     In cases where the histogram is that such as in  FIG. 8C , it is preferable that the blowing for drying be performed across a narrow range, because the interior of the apparatus will become exceedingly hot and power consumption efficiency will be poor if blowing is performed across a wide range. As such, the drying condition determination portion  813  sets the drying parameters for a small ink application range. 
     In cases where the histogram is that such as in  FIG. 8B , it is preferable that the blowing for drying be performed across a medium range, because the interior of the apparatus will become exceedingly hot and power consumption efficiency will be poor if blowing is performed across a wide range. Conversely, drying irregularities and the like will occur if the blowing is only performed across a narrow range. As such, the drying condition determination portion  813  sets the drying parameters for a medium ink application range. 
     The lower value at which the ink application range is determined to be a “large ink application range”, and the upper value at which the application range of the ink is determined to be a “small ink application range” are appropriately set in accordance with the usage specifications of the apparatus. For example, thresholds are set beforehand and the drying condition determination portion  813  references these thresholds to perform the determination and, thereby, sets the drying parameters. 
     Here, cases where the drawing object is the nail T of a large finger with a wide lateral width such as a thumb or the like are cases where the ink application range is determined as “large”; and cases where the drawing object is the nail T of a small finger with a narrow lateral width such as a finger of a child, a little finger, or the like are cases where the ink application range is determined as “small”. Cases where the drawing object is the nail T of a finger with a medium lateral width such as a middle finger or the like are cases where the ink application range is determined as “medium”. 
     Note that in cases where performing drawing on the nails T of a plurality of fingers such as in  FIG. 9 , where drawing is performed by simultaneously inserting three fingers, namely the index finger, the middle finger, and the ring finger into the finger receiving portion  31  of the nail printing apparatus  1 , the ink application range widens and is determined to be a “large ink application range”. 
     Additionally, in the present embodiment, the drying condition determination portion  813  sets the drying parameters by determining the size of the ink application range using the distribution state of the effective dots. 
     Therefore, for example, even in cases where the number of effective dots in the ink application range at both sides in the X direction is great and the number of effective dots in a center portion in the X direction is small as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the ink application range is determined and the drying parameters are set according to the range across which the effective dots are distributed. 
     As such, for example, even in cases where a nail design is drawn using dark colors throughout from the left edge to the right edge of the nail T, and also in cases where the nail design includes patterns drawn with dark colors on both sides of the nail T and only a light color is applied in the middle portion of the nail T, the ink application range is determined to be “large” and drying parameters for the “large ink application range” are set. 
     As in the first embodiment, the drying control portion  814  controls the drying operations of the drying unit  90  in accordance with the determination by the drying condition determination portion  813 . 
     In the present embodiment, when the drying condition determination portion  813  determines that the ink application range is “large” and sets drying parameters for the “large ink application range”, the drying control portion  814  is configured to contract the power cylinders  97  so that the rods  971  become as short as possible and greatly widen the blades  94  of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to the left and right. Then, the heater  91  and the fan  92  are caused to operate and wind heated by the heater  91  is blown on a range that is wider than the width of the fan  92 . 
     Additionally, when the drying condition determination portion  813  determines that the ink application range is “medium” and sets drying parameters for the “medium ink application range”, the drying control portion  814  is configured to set the power cylinders  97  to the initial position and adjust all of the blades  94  of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  so as to be substantially parallel to the finger insertion direction. Then, the heater  91  and the fan  92  are caused to operate and wind heated by the heater  91  is blown on a range that has a width approximately the same as the width of the fan  92 . 
     Additionally, when the drying condition determination portion  813  determines that the ink application range is “small” and sets drying parameters for the “small ink application range”, the drying control portion  814  is configured to extend the power cylinders  97  so that the rods  971  become as long as possible and narrow the aperture of the drying unit  90  formed by the blades  94  of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  so as to be narrower than the width of the fan  92 . Then, the heater  91  and the fan  92  are caused to operate and wind heated by the heater  91  is blown on a range that is narrower than the width of the fan  92 . 
     Other configurations are the same as in the first embodiment and, as such, descriptions thereof are omitted. 
     Next, a drawing method by the nail printing apparatus  1  according to the present embodiment is described while referencing  FIG. 11 . 
     First, as in the first embodiment, the nail design is calibrated to the drawing object, namely the nail T, and curvature correction and the like is appropriately performed. Thus, the image data for drawing is generated (steps S 21  to S 23 ). 
     Next, the drawing data generation portion  815  converts the image data for drawing into the output data of the nozzles of the ink jet drawing portion  71  (step S 24 ). 
     Then, the drying condition determination portion  813  evaluates the ink application range on the basis of the output data of the nozzles and sets the drying parameters for the large application range, the drying parameters for the medium application range, or the drying parameters for the small application range (step S 25 ). 
     Upon generation of the output data of the nozzles, the drawing control portion  817  outputs the output data to the drawing unit  40  and causes the head movement portion  49  to operate and move the drawing head  43  to a position above the surface of the nail T or, rather, to a position above the drawing start position of the selected nail design and start the drawing (step S 26 ). 
     Specifically, in cases where drawing by using the ink jet drawing portion  71 , the drawing control portion  817  controls the ink discharging operations from the nozzles of the ink jet drawing portion  71  and discharges ink from the nozzles in accordance with the drawing data. 
     The drawing control portion  817  determines whether or not the drawing processing is completed for the entire nail T (step S 27 ) and, in cases where it is determined that the drawing processing is not complete (step S 27 ; NO), the processing is repeated from step S 26 . Additionally, in cases where it is determined that the drawing processing is complete (step S 27 ; YES), the drawing processing for that nail T is completed. 
     Upon completion of the drawing processing, the drying control portion  814  determines whether or not the drying parameters are set to the “large ink application range” (step S 28 ). Then, in cases where the drying parameters are set to the “large ink application range” (step S 28 ; YES), the drying control portion  814  sets the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to a blowing width of “large” (step S 29 ). Specifically, the drying control portion  814  contracts the power cylinders  97  of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to the position where the rods  971  become as shot as possible, thereby setting the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to the greatest width. As a result, the width of the aperture (the blowing port) of the drying unit  90  formed by the blades  94  is set to wider than the width of the fan  92 . 
     On the other hand, in cases where the drying parameters are not set to the “large ink application range” (step S 28 ; NO), the drying control portion  814  determines whether or not the drying parameters are set to the “medium ink application range” (step S 30 ). In cases where the drying parameters are set to the “medium ink application range” (step S 30 ; YES), the drying control portion  814  sets the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to a blowing width of “medium” (step S 31 ). Specifically, the drying control portion  814  sets the power cylinders  97  of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to the initial position. As a result, the width of the aperture (the blowing port) of the drying unit  90  formed by the blades  94  is set to substantially the same as the width of the fan  92 . 
     On the other hand, in cases where the drying parameters are not set to the “medium ink application range” (step S 30 ; NO), the drying control portion  814  determines that the drying parameters are set to the “small ink application range”, and sets the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to a blowing width of “small” (step S 32 ). Specifically, the drying control portion  814  extends the power cylinders  97  of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to the position where the rods  971  become as long as possible, thereby setting the wind direction adjusting unit  93  to the smallest width. As a result, the width of the aperture (the blowing port) of the drying unit  90  formed by the blades  94  is set to narrower than the width of the fan  92 . 
     Furthermore, the drying control portion  814  controls a blowing volume of the fan  92  in accordance with the blowing width of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  (step S 33 ). 
     That is, in cases where the blowing width of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  is enlarged, the wind is dispersed across a wider range by the amount corresponding to that enlargement. Therefore, unless the blowing volume is increased, it will not be possible to ensure the blowing volume needed for the entire nail T. As such, in cases where the blowing volume when the blowing width of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  is set to medium is the standard, when the blowing width of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  is set to “large”, the operations of the fan  92  are controlled so as to increase the blowing volume by increasing the voltage value applied to the fan  92  to greater than that applied for the standard blowing volume. 
     Additionally, in cases where the blowing width of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  is reduced, the wind is concentrated across a narrower range by the amount corresponding to that reduction. Therefore, unless the blowing volume is reduced, the wind pressure that hits the nail T will be excessively strong. As such, in cases where the blowing width of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  is set to “small”, the operations of the fan  92  are controlled so as to reduce the blowing volume by reducing the voltage value applied to the fan  92  to less than that applied for the standard blowing volume. As a result, the need to apply unnecessarily high voltage is eliminated and power can be conserved. 
     As described above, upon completion of the setting of the wind direction adjusting unit  93  in accordance with the drying condition determined by the drying condition determination portion  813  in accordance with the application range of the ink to be applied to the surface of the nail T (the drawing object), the drying control portion  814  performs the drying operations by causing the heater  91  and the fan  92  to operate (step S 34 ). 
     Moreover, upon the drying operations being performed for a predetermined period of time (e.g. 30 seconds), the drying control portion  814  stops the heater  91  and the fan  92 . 
     Other aspects of the present embodiment are the same as in the first embodiment and, as such, descriptions thereof are omitted. 
     As described above, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the same benefits as in the first embodiment being obtained, the following additional benefits can be obtained. 
     Specifically, in the present embodiment, in the case where the drawing head that performs the drawing on the nail T is the ink jet drawing portion  71  that discharges and lands the liquid material, namely the ink, on the drawing object, namely the nail T, the drying condition determination portion  813  is configured to determine the drying condition in accordance with the distribution state of the effective dots where the discharging of the ink from the ink jet drawing portion  71  is to be performed. 
     Therefore, even in cases where the drawing is to be performed by the ink jet drawing portion  71 , power consumption and the like can be minimized and drying can be efficiently performed. Additionally, due to the fact that just enough drying is performed, the burden on the user can be minimized and nail printing that is expedited and that has a beautiful finish can be realized. 
     Particularly, in the present embodiment, the drying condition determination portion  813  determines the drying condition in accordance with the application range of the ink to be applied to the nail T. 
     While the ink application range differs depending on the size of the nail T and the nail design to be applied to the nail T, the drying operations can be performed in accordance with the ink application range and, therefore, the drying operations can be performed efficiently and effectively without unnecessary blowing. As a result, warm air can be blown and drying can be performed regardless of the nail design that is to be drawn and regardless of the size of the nail on which the drawing is to be performed. 
     The embodiment described above is for the purpose of elucidating the present invention and is not to be construed as limiting the present invention. The invention can of course be altered and improved without departing from the gist thereof. 
     For example, in the second embodiment, an example of a case has been described in which the drying condition determination portion  813  determines the drying condition in accordance with the application range of the ink to be applied to the nail. However, the technique by which the drying condition determination portion  813  determines the drying condition in accordance with the distribution state of the effective dots where the discharging of the ink from the ink jet drawing portion  71  is to be performed in cases where the drawing is to be performed by the ink jet drawing portion  71  is not limited thereto. 
     For example, the drying condition determination portion  813  may determine the drying condition in accordance with an amount of the ink to be applied to the nail T. 
       FIGS. 12A to 12C  are histograms in which the coordinates in the X direction (XL to XR) are shown on the horizontal axis and the number of effective dots of the output data at each X coordinate is shown on the vertical axis. 
     Note that in  FIGS. 12A to 12C , the vertical line depicted as a dashed line represents the center in the X direction of the aperture of the drying unit  90 . 
     In  FIGS. 12A to 12C , the spreading (the application range) of the ink in the X direction (the lateral direction) is substantially the same, but in  FIG. 12A  the ink amount is high, in  FIG. 12C  the ink amount is low, and in  FIG. 12B  the ink amount is medium. 
     Even when the spreading of ink in the X direction (the lateral direction) is the same, the ink amount is greater in cases where the concentration of the ink is high (e.g. where the discharged amount of ink is great or many types of ink are mixed); and the ink amount is less in cases where ink is applied thinly, cases where the design is to be drawn using a single CMY color, and the like. 
     In the present embodiment, in cases where the histogram is such as in  FIG. 12A , it is preferable that the blowing volume for drying be increased, because if the blowing volume is small it will be impossible to rapidly dry the ink. As such, the drying condition determination portion  813  sets drying parameters for a large ink amount. 
     Additionally, in cases where the histogram is such as in  FIG. 12C , it is preferable that the blowing volume for drying be reduced, because the interior of the apparatus will become exceedingly hot and power consumption efficiency will be poor if the blowing volume is high. As such, the drying condition determination portion  813  sets drying parameters for a small ink amount. 
     Additionally, in cases where the histogram is such as in  FIG. 12B , it is preferable that the blowing volume for drying be set to a medium range, because the interior of the apparatus will become exceedingly hot and power consumption efficiency will be poor if the blowing volume is excessively increased. On the other hand, if only a small amount of blowing is performed, it will take time to dry the ink. As such, the drying condition determination portion  813  sets drying parameters for a medium ink amount. 
     The lower value at which the ink amount is determined to be the “large ink amount”, and the upper value at which the ink amount is determined to be the “small ink amount” are appropriately set in accordance with the usage specifications of the apparatus. For example, thresholds are set beforehand and the drying condition determination portion  813  references these thresholds to perform the determination and, thereby, sets the drying parameters. 
       FIG. 13  shows a flow chart of a case where the drying condition is determined in accordance with the amount of ink. 
     Note that step S 41  to step S 44  in  FIG. 13  are the same as step S 21  to step S 24  in  FIG. 11  of the second embodiment and, therefore, description thereof is omitted. 
     Upon the generation of the output data of the nozzles, the drying condition determination portion  813  evaluates the ink application amount on the basis of the output data and sets the drying parameters for the large application amount, the drying parameters for the medium application amount, or the drying parameters for the small application amount (step S 45 ). 
     Moreover, upon generation of the output data of the nozzles, the drawing control portion  817  outputs the output data to the drawing unit  40  and causes the head movement portion  49  to operate and move the drawing head  43  to a position above the surface of the nail T or, rather, to a position above the drawing start position of the selected nail design, thus starting the drawing (step S 46 ). 
     Specifically, in cases where drawing by using the ink jet drawing portion  71 , the drawing control portion  817  controls the ink discharging operations from the nozzles of the ink jet drawing portion  71  and discharges ink from the nozzles in accordance with the drawing data. 
     The drawing control portion  817  determines whether or not the drawing processing is completed for the entire nail T (step S 47 ) and, in cases where it is determined that the drawing processing is not complete (step S 47 ; NO), the processing is repeated from step S 46 . Additionally, in cases where it is determined that the drawing processing is complete (step S 47 ; YES), the drawing processing for that nail T is completed. 
     Upon completion of the drawing processing, the drying control portion  814  determines whether or not the drying parameters are set to the “large ink application amount” (step S 48 ). Then, in cases where the drying parameters are set to the “large ink application amount” (step S 48 ; YES), the drying control portion  814  sets the fan  92  to a blowing volume of “high” (step S 49 ). 
     On the other hand, in cases where the drying parameters are not set to the “large ink application amount” (step S 48 ; NO), the drying control portion  814  determines whether or not the drying parameters are set to the “medium ink application amount” (step S 50 ). Then, in cases where the drying parameters are set to the “medium ink application amount” (step S 50 ; YES), the drying control portion  814  sets the fan  92  to a blowing volume of “medium” (step S 51 ). 
     On the other hand, in cases where the drying parameters are not set to the “medium ink application amount” (step S 50 ; NO), the drying control portion  814  determines that the drying parameters are set to the “small ink application amount”, and sets the fan  92  to a blowing volume of “low” (step S 52 ). 
     As described above, upon completion of the setting of the fan  92  in accordance with the drying condition determined by the drying condition determination portion  813  in accordance with the application amount of the ink to be applied to the surface of the nail T (the drawing object), the drying control portion  814  performs the drying operations by causing the heater  91  and the fan  92  to operate (step S 53 ). 
     Specifically, in cases where the blowing volume of the fan  92  is set to high, the drying control portion  814  controls the operations of the fan  92  such as to increase the blowing volume by increasing the voltage value applied to the fan  92 . Additionally, in cases where the blowing volume of the fan  92  is set to medium, the drying control portion  814  controls the operations of the fan  92  such as to set the blowing volume to a medium level by setting the voltage value applied to the fan  92  to the standard level. Additionally, in cases where the blowing volume of the fan  92  is set to low, the drying control portion  814  controls the operations of the fan  92  such as to reduce the blowing volume by reducing the voltage value applied to the fan  92 . 
     Note that the drying control portion  814  is not limited to controlling the blowing volume of the fan  92 , and may also control a blowing time of the fan  92 . Additionally, the drying control portion  814  may control a combination of the blowing volume and the blowing time of the fan  92 . 
     In this case, just enough of the drying operations can be performed in accordance with the ink amount, power can be conserved, and highly efficient drying can be realized. 
     Note that the determination of the drying condition by the drying condition determination portion  813  is not limited to that recited herein. 
     For example, the drying condition determination portion  813  may perform the determination of the drying condition while taking into consideration both the ink application range described in the second embodiment and the ink application amount described above. In this case, the drying control portion  814  may control a part or a combination of all of the blowing volume of the fan  92 , the blowing time of the fan  92 , and/or the blowing width by the wind direction adjusting unit  93  in accordance with the drying condition determined by the drying condition determination portion  813 . As a result of such a configuration, greater suitability of drying control as a result of combining the various conditions and controlled components is anticipated. 
     Additionally, in the second embodiment, an example of a case has been described in which the drawing is performed by the ink jet drawing portion  71 . Even in cases where the drawing is performed by the pen  41 , the drying condition determination portion  813  may be configured to determine the drying condition in accordance with the ink application range and/or the ink application amount, provided that the ink application range in the X direction, the amount of applied overlapping ink, and the like can be found. 
     Additionally, in the embodiment described above, an example of a case has been described in which the drying control portion  814  controls the wind direction adjusting unit  93  so as to change the range across which the wind generated by the fan  92  is spread, in accordance with the determination by the drying condition determination portion  813 . However, the control object by the drying control portion  814  in accordance with the results of the determination by the drying condition determination portion  813  is not limited to the wind direction adjusting unit  93 . 
     For example, the drying control portion  814  may be configured to control the heater  91  and the fan  92  so as to change the time of the drying operations by the drying control portion  90 , in accordance with the determination by the drying condition determination portion  813 . 
     In this case, in cases where the drying condition determination portion  813  has determined that the drying time may be shortened, by setting the drying time shorter, rapid drying processing can be performed, the burden on the user can be lightened, and power consumption can be reduced. 
     Additionally, for example, the drying control portion  814  may be configured to control the heater  91  so as to change the temperature at the time of the drying operations by the drying control portion  90 , in accordance with the determination by the drying condition determination portion  813 . 
     In this case, in cases where the drying condition determination portion  813  has determined that the drying is possible at a relatively lower temperature, by setting the temperature of the heater  91  lower, the burden on the user can be lightened and power consumption can be reduced. 
     Additionally, for example, the drying control portion  814  may be configured to control the fan  92  so as to change air flow during the drying operations by the drying control portion  90 , in accordance with the determination by the drying condition determination portion  813 . 
     In this case, in cases where the drying condition determination portion  813  has determined that the air flow may be reduced, by setting the air flow blown by the fan  92  to less, power consumption can be reduced; and, in cases where it has been determined that the air flow should be increased, by setting the air flow blown by the fan  92  to more, rapid drying processing can be performed. 
     Furthermore, in the first embodiment, an example of a case has been described in which the drying condition determination portion  813  determines the size of the area of the surface of the nail T to which the ink has been applied as the drying condition, and the drying control portion  814  controls the drying operations of the drying unit  90  in accordance with this determination result. However, the drying condition that the drying condition determination portion  813  determines is not limited thereto. 
     For example, the drying condition may be the ease of drying of the liquid material, namely the ink. 
     That is, differences occur in the ease of drying of the ink due to the components and materials contained therein. For example, generally, the ink drawn by the ink jet drawing portion  71  has properties that make it dry easier than the ink drawn by the pen  41 . Additionally, the ease of drying of inks stored in the pen  41  differs as well, depending on the type of ink. As such, the drying control portion  814  may control the drying operations by the drying unit  90  so as, for example, to shorten the drying time in cases where the drawing is performed using an easily drying ink and lengthen the drying time in cases where the drawing is performed using an ink that does not easily dry. 
     Additionally, even with ink that is drawn using the ink jet drawing portion  71 , the ease of drying varies depending on the type of ink (e.g. ink color types of cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y)). This is because the content of ink pigment in the solvent is different for each ink color. As such, for example, an index may be provided in which each ink is indexed according to ease of drying, wherein an index score of 100 is assigned to an ink that dries one-minute after application of 1 ml thereof; the ease of drying for each type of ink may be calculated in accordance with this index; and, the drying control portion  814  may control the drying operations by the drying unit  90  on the basis of these calculation results. 
     Note that information of the type of ink used in the drawing may be included in the data of the nail design, or the drying control portion  814  may be configured to acquire information related to the type of ink stored in the pen  41  at the point in time when the pen  41  to be used in the drawing is selected. 
     Additionally, the drying condition that the drying condition determination portion  813  determines may be the ink application amount. That is, for example, even in cases where the same type of ink is applied on the same area, the ink will dry easily when applied thinly and the ink will not dry easily when applied thickly. As such, if the thickness of the ink to be applied varies, the ease of drying will vary correspondingly. On this point, in cases where the ink application amount is set as the drying condition, suitable drying operations can be performed by taking the thickness of the ink to be applied and the like into consideration. 
     Note that the control object and the content of control of the drying unit  90  by the drying condition determination portion  814 , and the specific content of the determination object by the drying condition determination portion  813 , namely the drying condition, is not limited to those described herein. 
     It is possible to appropriately combine a part or all of the control objects and the contents of control of the drying unit  90  by the drying condition determination portion  814  and the specific content of the determination object by the drying condition determination portion  813 , namely the drying condition. 
     Note that in cases where performing only other control content without adjusting the wind direction, a configuration is possible in which the wind direction adjusting unit  93  is not provided in the drying unit  90 . 
     As such, by appropriately combining a plurality of control contents and drying conditions that must be considered, drying conditions can be realized that are even more efficient and which are just enough to perform the drying. 
     For example, as described in the present embodiment, in cases where the size of the area of the surface of the nail T to which the ink has been applied is determined as the drying condition, and the wind direction adjusting unit  93  is controlled in accordance with these determination results, the air flow may also be adjusted. 
     Specifically, in cases where the area of the surface of the nail T to which the ink has been applied is determined to be “large”, and the wind direction adjusting unit  93  is controlled such that the aperture of the drying unit  90  widens, the wind will spread an amount corresponding to the widening of the aperture and, therefore, control of the fan  92  is also performed so as to increase the air flow. Conversely, in cases where the area of the surface of the nail T to which the ink has been applied is determined to be “small”, and the wind direction adjusting unit  93  is controlled such that the aperture of the drying unit  90  narrows, wind hits a narrow portion in a focused manner and, therefore, control of the fan  92  is also performed so as to reduce the air flow. Thus, the air flow blown per unit area may be adjusted so as to be substantially the same, regardless of the size of the area of the drying object. 
     Additionally, for example, the ease of drying of the ink may also be determined as the drying condition along with the size of the area of the surface of the nail T to which the ink has been applied. 
     In this case, for example, in cases where the ink does not easily dry, in combination with the adjustment of the wind direction, the drying time may be lengthened, the drying temperature may be raised, and/or the air flow may be increased. 
     Additionally, in cases where the drying temperature has been raised or the air flow has been increased, the drying time may be shortened a corresponding amount. 
     As such, by determining using a combination of various types of drying conditions or combining the various types of drying operation contents controlled by the drying conditions, drying operations can be performed that are more suitable and free of waste. 
     Additionally, in each of the embodiments described above, an example of a case has been described in which, the wind direction adjusting unit  93  is configured such that the widening angle of the blades  94  is adjusted by adjusting the length of the rods  971  of the power cylinders  97 . However, the configuration by which the angle of the blades  94  is adjusted is not limited thereto. 
     For example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 14A to 14D , a configuration is possible in which two movable members  99   a  and  99   b  are provided on an inside of a frame-like front surface member  98  in the wind direction adjusting unit  93  and, of four of the blades  94  of which first ends are attached to the back surface member  95 , second ends of the two blades on the left side (the left side in  FIGS. 14A to 14D ) are rotatably attached to the movable member  99   a , and second ends of the two blades on the right side (the right side in  FIGS. 14A to 14D ) are rotatably attached to the movable member  99   b . In this case, the direction (angle) of the blades  94  is adjusted by moving the movable members  99   a  and  99   b  in the left-right direction (the left-right direction in  FIGS. 14A to 14D ). Note that various types of actuators such as power cylinders (not illustrated) that extend and contract in the lateral direction can be applied as a mechanism for moving the movable members  99   a  and  99   b.    
     In this case, for example, at the initial position, as illustrated in  FIG. 14B , there is a slight gap between the movable members  99   a  and  99   b , and the blades  94  are aligned in a direction that is substantially parallel with the finger insertion direction. As a result, the width of the aperture of the drying unit  90  is substantially the same as the width of the fan  92 . 
     In cases of widening the aperture of the drying unit  90 , as illustrated in  FIG. 14C , the movable members  99   a  and  99   b  are moved in directions away from each other (that is, the movable member  99   a  is moved in the left direction and the movable member  99   b  is moved in the right direction). 
     Conversely, in cases of narrowing the aperture of the drying unit  90 , as illustrated in  FIG. 14D , the movable members  99   a  and  99   b  are moved toward each other so as to come into contact with each other. 
     By configuring the wind direction adjusting unit  93  in this manner, even in cases where abundant space in the depth direction of the apparatus cannot be secured, provided that space in the width direction of the apparatus (the lateral direction in  FIG. 14A ) can be secured, a mechanism for adjusting the wind direction can be incorporated. 
     Additionally, in each of the embodiments described above, an example of a case has been described in which four of the blades  94  are provided in the wind direction adjusting unit  93 , and the wind direction is adjusted by adjusting the widening angle of the blades  94 . However, the technique by which the wind direction is adjusted is not limited thereto. The configuration by which the angle of the blades  94  is adjusted is also not limited thereto. 
     For example, a configuration is possible in which a plate-like member having a plurality of slits is provided in a front surface portion of the wind direction adjusting unit  93 , and adjustment of the wind direction is performed by configuring the slits at portions other than those through which wind is to be blown to be arbitrarily blockable. 
     Additionally, in each of the embodiments described above, an example of a case has been described in which all of the operations and actions are performed by the single nail printing apparatus  1 . However, the configuration by which the nail printing apparatus  1  is operated is not limited thereto. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG. 15 , a configuration is possible in which a drawing apparatus (drawing apparatus unit) is provided that includes a nail printing apparatus main body  100  that is provided with the drawing unit  40 , the imaging unit  50 , and the drying unit  90  as in the embodiments described above, a control unit  101  for operating these components, and a communication unit  102  capable of communication with an external device; and an operating terminal device  200  that communicates with the nail printing apparatus main body  100 , for performing various types of processing, operations/commands, and the like. 
     In this case, the operating terminal device  200  is provided with a control device  201  that includes a control unit  210  for performing image processing and the like and a memory unit  220  in which an operation application program  221 , nail design data  222 , and the like are stored; a communication unit  202  for performing communication between the nail printing apparatus main body  100  or the like and the external device; an operation unit  203  where a user can perform input operations for various operations/commands; and a display unit  204  capable of displaying various images, command screens, and the like. 
     In cases where this configuration is adopted, images and the like imaged by the imaging unit  50  are sent from the nail printing apparatus main body  100  to the operating terminal device  200  via the communication units  102  and  202 . Additionally, the detection of nail information and generation of the image data for drawing based on the nail information, the conversion of the image data for drawing to the output data of the nozzles, the determination of the drying condition, and the like are performed in the control unit  201  of the operating terminal device  200 . Furthermore, the control unit  101  of the nail printing apparatus main body  100  controls the drawing unit  40 , the drying unit  90 , and the like on the basis of these results and, thus, causes the drawing operations and the drying operations to be performed. 
     Note that, in this case, the nail design data is not limited to being stored in the memory unit  220  in the operating terminal device  200 , and a configuration is possible in which the nail design data can be acquired from an external storage device via various types of communication networks. 
     Additionally, in the embodiments described above, an example of a case is described in which the drawing head  43  is provided with one pen holder  42 , but the number of pen holders  42  provided in the drawing head  43  is not limited to one. For example, a configuration is possible in which two or more pen holders  42  are provided and two or more pens  41  for drawing are held. 
     Additionally, in the embodiments described above, an example of a case is described in which a user appropriately manually replaces the pen  41  held in the pen holder  42 . However, a configuration is possible in which a waiting space is provided where the pens  41  stand by in a home area  60  or the like, and the required pen  41  is automatically acquired from the waiting space and inserted into the pen holder  42  by a pen replacing mechanism (not illustrated). 
     Additionally, in the embodiments described above, an example of a case is described in which the image capturing apparatus  51  and the illumination device  52  are mounted to the drawing head  43 , but the positions at which the image capturing apparatus  51  and the illumination device  52  are provided are not limited thereto. 
     For example, the image capturing device  51  and the illumination device  52  may be fixedly disposed to a ceiling portion or the like of the nail printing apparatus  1 . In this case, it is preferable that two or more of the image capturing apparatus  51  be provided at offset positions in order to capture two or more nail images from different positions/angles for detecting the shape, curvature, and the like of the nail T as the nail information. 
     Additionally, in the embodiments described above, an example of a case is described in which the curvature and the like of the nail T is detected as the nail information and the drawing data is generated on the basis thereof. However, the detection of the curvature and the like of the nail T is not an essential constituent of the present invention. For example, in cases where it is sufficient to find the approximate position of the nail T on which the drawing is to be performed such as a case where one point pattern is drawn at roughly the middle of the nail T, it is not necessary to precisely recognize the shape, curvature, and the like of the nail T, and drawing can be performed without detecting the nail shape and the like. 
     Additionally, in the embodiments described above, an example of the nail printing apparatus  1  in which one finger at a time is inserted and successive drawing is performed. However, a configuration is possible in which drawing is performed consecutively on a plurality of fingers without inserting and removing each finger. 
     In this case, for example, by broadening the operating range of the pen  41  and the ink jet drawing portion  71  so as to enlarge the drawable area, drawings are performed consecutively on the nail of each finger in a state where a plurality of the print fingers U 1  is simultaneously inserted. Moreover, in cases where performing drawing consecutively on a plurality of nails T in this manner, the wind direction adjusting unit  93  is adjusted such that the aperture of the drying unit  90  is widest, and the wind generated by the fan  92  reaches all of the nails T. 
     The present invention has been described on the basis of specific embodiments, but it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. The embodiments described above are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention and include the scope of the invention recited in the claims and equivalents thereto. 
     It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the specific embodiments described above, and it is obvious from the recitations of the claims that aspects including such modification and improvements are encompassed within the technical scope of the present invention.