Patent Description:
Printers for printing on a recording medium are known (for example, referring to Patent Document <NUM>: <CIT>). A conventional printer is connected to an external device such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a personal computer, and a digital camera in a wired or wireless manner, so that it can communicate with the external device. By transmitting image data from the external device to the printer, the printer performs printing based on the image data. <CIT> provides an image forming apparatus being able to form an image based on the image data on the sheet with a decolorable colorant which becomes colorless by a predetermined chemical reaction and that forms an identification information image based on the identification information on the sheet with a non-decolorable colorant which does not become colorless by the chemical reaction by which the decolorable colorant becomes colorless. <CIT> provides a printing apparatus and a device. The printing apparatus includes a printing head, a fixture jig and a fixture platform. The printing head prints a design on a nail of a finger or toe. The device includes a communicator, an imaging unit and a processor. The communicator communicates with the printing apparatus. The imaging unit images the fixture jig with the finger or toe fixed thereon to obtain an image of the reference mark and the nail. <CIT> provides the hard copy print having a print side and a back side. The print side has information thereon which identifies the electronic location at which a digital record of the image can be accessed electronically. This information is written in a machine readable form so as to allow automatic accessing of the digitally stored images.

In the conventional printer described above, when performing printing by the printer, a user connects the printer to the external device in a wired or wireless manner, and afterwards, it is necessary to perform an operation of transmitting the image data in the external device to the printer. Therefore, it takes time and labor for the user.

The invention is provided in the appended claims. The following disclosure serves a better understanding of the present invention. Therefore, the disclosure provides a printer capable of performing printing through a simple operation.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It is noted that each of the embodiments described below shows a comprehensive or specific example. The numerical values, shapes, materials, constituent elements, arrangement positions and connection forms of the constituent elements, and the like shown in the following embodiments are illustrative and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Further, among the constituent elements in the following embodiments, constituent elements which are not described in the independent claim are described as any constituent elements. Embodiments <NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> are not encompassed by the wording of the claims but are considered as useful for understanding the invention.

First, referring to <FIG>, the structure of a printer <NUM> according to the first embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a perspective view showing the printer <NUM> according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a plan view showing the printer <NUM> according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a perspective view showing the internal structure of the printer <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the printer <NUM> is a so-called nail printer for printing, for example, a pattern on a nail <NUM> (i.e., an example of a recording medium) of a finger <NUM> of a user's hand. As shown in <FIG>, the printer <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> and a printing unit <NUM> arranged inside the housing <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the housing <NUM> is formed in a box shape, for example. An opening <NUM> for inserting the user's finger <NUM> is provided on a front surface 8a of the housing <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a finger holder <NUM> (i.e., an example of a placement part) for placing the user's finger <NUM> is arranged on the lower side of the opening <NUM> (i.e., the negative side of the Z axis). Further, a pressing cover (not shown) for pressing the user's finger <NUM> from above is arranged on the upper side of the opening <NUM> (i.e., the positive side of the Z axis). The finger holder <NUM> is movable in the up-down direction (i.e., the Z-axis direction) with respect to the pressing cover and is urged by a spring (not shown) in a direction approaching the pressing cover.

As shown in <FIG>, with the nail <NUM> of the finger <NUM> facing upward, the user inserts the finger <NUM> in a straightened state into the opening <NUM> of the housing <NUM>, and places the pulp side of the finger <NUM> on the finger holder <NUM>. Thereby, a portion of the finger <NUM> including the nail <NUM> (e.g., the portion of the finger <NUM> from the tip to the vicinity of the first joint) is arranged inside the housing <NUM>. At this time, with the finger holder <NUM> urged in the direction approaching the pressing cover, for example, the vicinity of the first joint of the finger <NUM> is clamped from above and below by the pressing cover and the finger holder <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a viewing window <NUM> is formed on a top surface 8b of the housing <NUM> to allow viewing of the finger holder <NUM> arranged inside the housing <NUM> from outside of the housing <NUM>. The viewing window <NUM> is arranged directly above the finger holder <NUM>. By viewing the finger holder <NUM> from outside of the housing <NUM> through the viewing window <NUM>, the user can align the nail <NUM> of the finger <NUM> on the finger holder <NUM>. A light-transmitting plate <NUM> made of, for example, a light-transmissive resin is arranged at the viewing window <NUM>. The light-transmitting plate <NUM> is configured to suppress the ink mist generated inside the housing <NUM> during printing from leaking to outside of the housing <NUM> and suppress dust and the like outside the housing <NUM> from entering the inside of the housing <NUM>.

In addition, in the present embodiment, although the light-transmitting plate <NUM> is arranged at the viewing window <NUM>, a magnifying lens, for example, may be arranged at the viewing window <NUM> instead of the light-transmitting plate <NUM>. Thereby, the user can view the finger holder <NUM> in an enlarged manner through the viewing window <NUM>. Further, when the light-transmitting plate <NUM> or the magnifying lens is contaminated with ink mist or the like, the light-transmitting plate <NUM> or the magnifying lens may be replaced.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a print start button <NUM> for receiving a print start operation by the user is arranged on the top surface 8b of the housing <NUM>. In addition, a reception part <NUM> for receiving an operation of selecting any identification information (i.e., specific identification information) among a plurality of pieces of identification information read by a reading part <NUM> as will be described below (referring to <FIG> and <FIG>) is arranged on the top surface 8b of the housing <NUM>.

The reception part <NUM> has a plurality of operation buttons <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (<NUM> to <NUM>) for selecting the plurality of pieces of identification information read by the reading part <NUM>. Numbers "<NUM>", "<NUM>", "<NUM>", "<NUM>", "<NUM>", and "<NUM>" (i.e., an example of a plurality of second identifiers) are respectively displayed on the plurality of operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>.

In addition, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, a placement area <NUM> for placing a display medium <NUM> (referring to <FIG>) is arranged on the top surface 8b of the housing <NUM>. A recess <NUM> for positioning the display medium <NUM> is formed in the placement area <NUM>. The recess <NUM> is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in the XY plan view. In the XY plan view, the size of the recess <NUM> is larger than the size of the display medium <NUM>. The configuration of the display medium <NUM> will be described below.

As shown in <FIG>, a printed wiring board <NUM> is arranged inside the housing <NUM>. The printed wiring board <NUM> is arranged above the finger holder <NUM>. The reading part <NUM> is mounted on the upper surface of the printed wiring board <NUM>. The reading part <NUM> is, for example, a circuit module having an RFID (radio frequency identification) tag reader function. As shown in <FIG>, the reading part <NUM> is arranged right below the placement area <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (i.e., corresponding to the placement area <NUM>) and reads a plurality of pieces of identification information from an RFID tag <NUM> (referring to <FIG>) of the display medium <NUM> placed on the placement area <NUM> in a non-contact manner.

Further, an LED (light emitting diode) element <NUM> is mounted on the lower surface of the printed wiring board <NUM>. The LED element <NUM> is a light source for illuminating the inside of the housing <NUM>. When the user aligns the nail <NUM> of the finger <NUM> on the finger holder <NUM>, the LED element <NUM> turns on, and the finger holder <NUM> and the nail <NUM> are illuminated by the LED element <NUM>.

The printing unit <NUM> is a unit for printing a pattern or the like on the nail <NUM> of the finger <NUM> arranged inside the housing <NUM>. The printing method of the printing unit <NUM> is an inkjet method in which printing is performed by spraying a misty ink on the nail <NUM> of the finger <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the printing unit <NUM> has a head part <NUM> and a drive mechanism <NUM>.

The head part <NUM> has a head support part <NUM> and an ink head <NUM> mounted on the head support part <NUM>. The ink head <NUM> is filled with ink of a plurality of colors. A nozzle surface (not shown) which ejects ink downward toward the nail <NUM> of the finger <NUM> placed on the finger holder <NUM> is formed on the lower surface of the head part <NUM>.

The drive mechanism <NUM> is a mechanism for two-dimensionally moving the head part <NUM> in a first direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) and a second direction (i.e., Y-axis direction) substantially orthogonal to the first direction. The drive mechanism <NUM> has an X-axis drive mechanism <NUM> for moving the head part <NUM> in the first direction and a Y-axis drive mechanism <NUM> for moving the head part <NUM> in the second direction.

The X-axis drive mechanism <NUM> includes a moving table <NUM>, an X-axis guide shaft <NUM>, an X-axis motor <NUM>, and a timing belt <NUM>.

The X-axis guide shaft <NUM> is supported on the moving table <NUM> arranged inside the housing <NUM> and extends in an elongated shape in the first direction. The head part <NUM> is movably supported on the X-axis guide shaft <NUM>. The X-axis motor <NUM> is composed of, for example, a servo motor and is supported on the lower surface of the moving table <NUM>.

The driving force of the X-axis motor <NUM> is transmitted to the head part <NUM> via the timing belt <NUM>. Thereby, the head part <NUM> reciprocates in the first direction along the X-axis guide shaft <NUM> with respect to the moving table <NUM>.

The Y-axis drive mechanism <NUM> includes the moving table <NUM>, a bearing member <NUM>, a Y-axis guide shaft <NUM>, a Y-axis motor (not shown), a worm gear (not shown), a worm wheel <NUM>, and a drive conversion mechanism (not shown).

The Y-axis guide shaft <NUM> is supported on a support plate <NUM> arranged inside the housing <NUM> and extends in an elongated shape in the second direction. The bearing member <NUM> fixed to the lower surface of the moving table <NUM> is movably supported on the Y-axis guide shaft <NUM>. In other words, the moving table <NUM> is movably supported on the Y-axis guide shaft <NUM> via the bearing member <NUM>. The Y-axis motor is composed of, for example, a servo motor and is supported on the support plate <NUM>. The worm gear is rotatably supported on the drive shaft of the Y-axis motor. The worm wheel <NUM> is rotatably supported on the support plate <NUM> and meshes with the worm gear.

The drive conversion mechanism is a mechanism for converting rotation of the worm wheel <NUM> into linear movement of the head part <NUM> in the second direction. The drive conversion mechanism has a pinion gear formed on the worm wheel <NUM> and a rack gear formed on the bearing member <NUM>. The pinion gear and the rack gear mesh with each other.

The driving force of the Y-axis motor is transmitted to the moving table <NUM> via the worm gear, the worm wheel <NUM>, and the drive conversion mechanism. Thereby, the head part <NUM> reciprocates integrally with the moving table <NUM> in the second direction along the Y-axis guide shaft <NUM>.

In the state where the head part <NUM> reciprocates in the first direction and meanwhile moves to one side from another side in the second direction (i.e., from the positive side to the negative side of the Y axis), ink is ejected from the nozzle surface of the head part <NUM> toward the nail <NUM> of the finger <NUM> so as to print on the nail <NUM> of the finger <NUM>.

Herein, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the display medium <NUM> used for printing of the printer <NUM> according to the first embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a view showing an example of the display medium <NUM> according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a view showing an example of an identification information data table <NUM> stored in the RFID tag <NUM> of the display medium <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the display medium <NUM> is a medium used for printing of the printer <NUM> described above, and is formed in a rectangular sheet shape made of resin, paper, or the like, for example. A plurality of sample images <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> (<NUM> to <NUM>) (i.e., an example of a plurality of images) are displayed on a surface 36a of the display medium <NUM>. Each of the plurality of sample images <NUM> to <NUM> is a thumbnail of an image printable by the printer <NUM>. In the example shown in <FIG>, the plurality of sample images <NUM> to <NUM> are images (patterns) representing a ladybug, a dolphin, a lemon, a tulip, an airplane, and the Union Jack.

Further, numbers "<NUM>", "<NUM>", "<NUM>", "<NUM>", "<NUM>", and "<NUM>" (i.e., an example of a plurality of first identifiers) associated with the plurality of sample images <NUM> to <NUM> are displayed on the surface 36a of the display medium <NUM>. The numbers "<NUM>", "<NUM>", "<NUM>", "<NUM>", "<NUM>", and "<NUM>" displayed on the surface 36a of the display medium <NUM> are respectively associated with the numbers "<NUM>", "<NUM>", "<NUM>", "<NUM>", "<NUM>", and "<NUM>" displayed on the plurality of operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> of the printer <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, for example, a passive RFID tag <NUM> (i.e., an example of a non-contact tag) is embedded in the central portion of the display medium <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the RFID tag <NUM> stores an identification information data table <NUM>. The identification information data table <NUM> is a data table which stores a plurality of pieces of identification information for identifying the plurality of sample images <NUM> to <NUM>, respectively.

In the example shown in <FIG>, identification information "IMG001" for identifying the sample image <NUM> (ladybug) is stored in the first row of the identification information data table <NUM>. Identification information "IMG002" for identifying the sample image <NUM> (dolphin) is stored in the second row of the identification information data table <NUM>. Identification information "IMG003" for identifying the sample image <NUM> (lemon) is stored in the third row of the identification information data table <NUM>. Identification information "IMG004" for identifying the sample image <NUM> (tulip) is stored in the fourth row of the identification information data table <NUM>. Identification information "IMG005" for identifying the sample image <NUM> (airplane) is stored in the fifth row of the identification information data table <NUM>. Identification information "IMG006" for identifying the sample image <NUM> (Union Jack) is stored in the sixth row of the identification information data table <NUM>.

When printing is performed by the printer <NUM>, with the surface 36a of the display medium <NUM> facing upward, the display medium <NUM> is placed in the recess <NUM> (referring to <FIG>) of the placement area <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the printer <NUM>. Thereby, the reading part <NUM> of the printer <NUM> reads the plurality of pieces of identification information "IMG001", "IMG002", "IMG003", "IMG004", "IMG005", and "IMG006" ("IMG001" to "IMG006") stored in the RFID tag <NUM> of the display medium <NUM> in a non-contact manner.

In the present embodiment, although the display medium <NUM> is placed in the recess <NUM> of the placement area <NUM> with the surface 36a of the display medium <NUM> facing upward, the disclosure is not limited thereto. The display medium <NUM> may also be placed in the recess <NUM> of the placement area <NUM> with the surface 36a of the display medium <NUM> facing downward. Further, the plurality of sample images <NUM> to <NUM> may be displayed on the two surfaces (i.e., the front surface 36a and a back surface) of the display medium <NUM>. Also, in that case, when the display medium <NUM> is placed in the recess <NUM> of the placement area <NUM>, either of the two surfaces of the display medium <NUM> may face upward.

Next, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the functional configuration of the printer <NUM> according to the first embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the printer <NUM> according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a view showing an example of a correspondence information data table <NUM> stored in a storage part <NUM> of the printer <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, the printer <NUM> includes a reading part <NUM>, a reception part <NUM>, a storage part <NUM> (i.e., an example of a storage device), a determination part <NUM>, and a print control part <NUM> as the functional configuration.

As described above, the reading part <NUM> reads a plurality of pieces of identification information "IMG001" to "IMG006" from the RFID tag <NUM> of the display medium <NUM> placed on the placement area <NUM> (referring to <FIG>) of the housing <NUM> in a non-contact manner.

As described above, the reception part <NUM> receives an operation of selecting any identification information among the plurality of pieces of identification information "IMG001" to "IMG006" read by the reading part <NUM>.

The storage part <NUM> is a memory which stores a plurality of image data and a correspondence information data table <NUM> (i.e., an example of correspondence information). The plurality of image data stored in the storage part <NUM> include an image data A (ladybug), an image data B (dolphin), an image data C (lemon), an image data D (tulip), an image data E (airplane), and an image data F (Union Jack), which respectively represent original images of the plurality of sample images <NUM> to <NUM> displayed on the surface 36a of the display medium <NUM>. The plurality of image data stored in the storage part <NUM> may also include image data other than the plurality of image data A to F described above.

The correspondence information data table <NUM> is a data table indicating a correspondence relationship between the plurality of image data A to F described above and the plurality of pieces of identification information for identifying the plurality of image data A to F, respectively. In the example shown in <FIG>, the image data A and the identification information "IMG001" for identifying the image data A are associated with each other in the first row of the correspondence information data table <NUM>. The image data B and the identification information "IMG002" for identifying the image data B are associated with each other in the second row of the correspondence information data table <NUM>. The image data C and the identification information "IMG003" for identifying the image data C are associated with each other in the third row of the correspondence information data table <NUM>. The image data D and the identification information "IMG004" for identifying the image data D are associated with each other in the fourth row of the correspondence information data table <NUM>. The image data E and the identification information "IMG005" for identifying the image data E are associated with each other in the fifth row of the correspondence information data table <NUM>. The image data F and the identification information "IMG006" for identifying the image data F are associated with each other in the sixth row of the correspondence information data table <NUM>.

By referring to the correspondence information data table <NUM> stored in the storage part <NUM>, the determination part <NUM> determines, from among the plurality of image data A to F stored in the storage part <NUM>, the image data (i.e., specific image data) associated with the identification information of which a selecting operation has been received by the reception part <NUM>. For example, in the case where the operation of selecting the identification information "IMG001" has been received by the reception part <NUM> (i.e., in the case where the operation button <NUM> is pressed), the determination part <NUM> determines the image data A associated with the identification information "IMG001" from among the plurality of image data A to F stored in the storage part <NUM>. Similarly, for example, in the case where the operation of selecting the identification information "IMG002" has been received by the reception part <NUM> (i.e., in the case where the operation button <NUM> is pressed), the determination part <NUM> determines the image data B associated with the identification information "IMG002" from among the plurality of image data A to F stored in the storage part <NUM>.

The print control part <NUM> controls printing on the nail <NUM> of the user's finger <NUM> based on the image data determined by the determination part <NUM>. For example, in the case where the image data A is determined by the determination part <NUM>, the print control part <NUM> controls the printing unit <NUM> so that the image of the ladybug represented by the image data A is printed on the nail <NUM> of the user's finger <NUM>. Similarly, for example, in the case where the image data B is determined by the determination part <NUM>, the print control part <NUM> controls the printing unit <NUM> so that the image of the dolphin represented by the image data B is printed on the nail <NUM> of the user's finger <NUM>.

Next, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a method of using the printer <NUM> according to the first embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a flowchart showing a method of using the printer <NUM> according to the first embodiment. <FIG> is a view for describing the method of using the printer <NUM> according to the first embodiment.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG> of <FIG>, the user turns on the main power of the printer <NUM> and then places the display medium <NUM> in the recess <NUM> of the placement area <NUM> of the housing <NUM> of the printer <NUM>, with the surface 36a of the display medium <NUM> facing upward (S101). At this time, by fitting the display medium <NUM> in the recess <NUM>, the display medium <NUM> is positioned in the placement area <NUM>. Thereby, in the XY plan view, the RFID tag <NUM> of the display medium <NUM> and the reading part <NUM> of the printer <NUM> are arranged so that they overlap each other.

The reading part <NUM> of the printer <NUM> reads the plurality of pieces of identification information "IMG001" to "IMG006" stored in the RFID tag <NUM> of the display medium <NUM> in a non-contact manner (S102). The plurality of pieces of identification information "IMG001" to "IMG006" read by the reading part <NUM> are stored in, for example, a temporary memory (not shown), and are respectively associated to the plurality of operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> at the determination part <NUM>. Thereby, each of the plurality of operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> functions as an operation button for receiving an operation of selecting the plurality of pieces of identification information "IMG001" to "IMG006" read by the reading part <NUM>.

In the case where the user does not press any one of the operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> of the printer <NUM> (i.e., NO in S103), the process returns to step S102.

On the other hand, in the case where the user presses any one of the plurality of operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> of the printer <NUM> (i.e., YES in S103), from among the plurality of image data A to F stored in the storage part <NUM>, the determination part <NUM> determines the image data associated with the identification information of which a selecting operation has been received by any one of the plurality of operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> (S104).

As shown in (a) of <FIG>, the user looks at the plurality of sample images <NUM> to <NUM> displayed on the surface 36a of the display medium <NUM> and meanwhile determines the image represented by which sample image is to be printed on the nail <NUM> of the finger <NUM>. For example, in the case where the user wants to print the image of the ladybug represented by the sample image <NUM> (i.e., a specific image) among the plurality of sample images <NUM> to <NUM> on the nail <NUM> of the finger <NUM>, the user presses the operation button <NUM> displaying the same number "<NUM>" as the number "<NUM>" which is associated with the sample image <NUM> and displayed on the surface 36a of the display medium <NUM>. Thereby, by referring to the correspondence information data table <NUM> stored in the storage part <NUM>, from among the plurality of image data A to F stored in the storage part <NUM>, the determination part <NUM> determines the image data A associated with the identification information "IMG001" of which the selecting operation has been received by the operation button <NUM>.

In addition, among the plurality of sample images <NUM> to <NUM> displayed on the surface 36a of the display medium <NUM>, for example, in the case where the user wants to print the image of the dolphin represented by the sample image <NUM> on the nail <NUM> of the finger <NUM>, the user presses the operation button <NUM> displaying the same number "<NUM>" as the number "<NUM>" which is associated with the sample image <NUM> and displayed on the surface 36a of the display medium <NUM>. Thereby, by referring to the correspondence information data table <NUM> stored in the storage part <NUM>, from among the plurality of image data A to F stored in the storage part <NUM>, the determination part <NUM> determines the image data B associated with the identification information "IMG002" of which the selecting operation has been received by the operation button <NUM>.

Similarly, in the case where the user presses the operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>, from among the plurality of image data A to F stored in the storage part <NUM>, the determination part <NUM> determines the image data C to F which are respectively associated with the identification information "IMG003" to "IMG006" of which the selecting operations have been respectively received by the operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>.

At the time when the user presses any one of the plurality of operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>, the LED element <NUM> arranged inside the printer <NUM> turns on so as to illuminate the inside of the printer <NUM>.

Afterwards, with the nail <NUM> of the finger <NUM> facing upward, the user inserts the finger <NUM> into the opening <NUM> (referring to <FIG>) of the housing <NUM> in a straightened state, and places the pulp side of the finger <NUM> on the finger holder <NUM>. At this time, by viewing the finger holder <NUM> from outside of the housing <NUM> through the viewing window <NUM>, the user aligns the nail <NUM> of the finger <NUM> on the finger holder <NUM>.

Then, the user presses the print start button <NUM> of the printer <NUM>, so that the print control part <NUM> starts control of printing on the nail <NUM> of the user's finger <NUM> based on the image data determined by the determination part <NUM>. Thereby, printing is performed on the nail <NUM> of the user's finger <NUM> by the printing unit <NUM> of the printer <NUM> (S105).

As shown in (b) of <FIG>, for example, in the case where the image data A is determined by the determination part <NUM>, the print control part <NUM> controls the printing unit <NUM> so that an image <NUM> of the ladybug represented by the image data A is printed on the nail <NUM> of the user's finger <NUM>.

Similarly, for example, in the case where the image data B to F are determined by the determination part <NUM>, the print control part <NUM> controls the printing unit <NUM> so that an image of the dolphin, an image of the lemon, an image of the tulip, an image of the airplane, and an image of the Union Jack respectively represented by the image data B to F are printed on the nail <NUM> of the user's finger <NUM>.

The LED element <NUM> turns off at the time when printing by the printing unit <NUM> is ended.

As described above, in the printer <NUM> according to the first embodiment, in the case where the user wants to print any sample image (e.g., the sample image <NUM>) among the plurality of sample images <NUM> to <NUM> displayed on the display medium <NUM> on the nail <NUM> of the finger <NUM>, the plurality of pieces of identification information "IMG001" to "IMG006" stored in the RFID tag <NUM> provided on the display medium <NUM> are read by the reading part <NUM> in a non-contact manner. Further, by pressing the operation button <NUM> among the plurality of operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>, the user performs the operation of selecting the identification information "IMG001" corresponding to the sample image <NUM> desired to be printed. Thereby, from among the plurality of image data A to F stored in the storage part <NUM>, the image data A associated with the identification information "IMG001" of which a selecting operation has been received by the operation button <NUM> is determined, and printing is performed on the nail <NUM> of the finger <NUM> based on the image data A.

Therefore, since the user may simply at least have the RFID tag <NUM> read by the reading part <NUM> in a non-contact manner and press the operation button <NUM> to perform the operation of selecting the identification information "IMG001" corresponding to the sample image <NUM> desired to be printed, the user's labor can be saved and printing can be performed through a simple operation.

In the present embodiment, although the case where printing is performed by using one type of display medium <NUM> has been described, printing may also be performed by using a plurality of types of display media <NUM>. In that case, one or more sample images different from each other are displayed on each of the plurality of types of display media <NUM>. In addition, a plurality of image data (e.g., a plurality of image data A to Z) respectively representing original images of all the sample images displayed on the plurality of types of display media <NUM>, and a correspondence information data table <NUM> indicating a correspondence relationship between the plurality of image data A to Z and a plurality of pieces of identification information for identifying the plurality of image data A to Z are stored in the storage part <NUM> of the printer <NUM>. Among the plurality of types of display media <NUM>, the user may simply place the display medium <NUM>, on which the sample image desired to be printed is displayed, on the placement area <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and press any one of the operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the functional configuration of a printer 2A according to a second embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the printer 2A according to the second embodiment. In the embodiments below, components identical to those in the first embodiment above will be labeled with the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

As shown in <FIG>, as the functional configuration, the printer 2A according to the second embodiment includes an input part <NUM> instead of the storage part <NUM> described in the first embodiment. The input part <NUM> is a USB (Universal Serial Bus) port into which a USB memory <NUM> (i.e., an example of the storage device) is detachably inserted. The various data which are stored in the storage part <NUM> described in the first embodiment (i.e., the plurality of image data A to F and the correspondence information data table <NUM> (referring to <FIG>)) are stored in the USB memory <NUM>.

By referring to the correspondence information data table <NUM> stored in the USB memory <NUM>, from among the plurality of image data A to F stored in the USB memory <NUM>, the determination part <NUM> determines the image data associated with the identification information of which a selecting operation has been received by any one of the operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> (referring to <FIG>).

Therefore, in the present embodiment, since the plurality of image data A to F and the correspondence information data table <NUM> are stored in the USB memory <NUM> which is an external memory, the same effect as that in the first embodiment above can be achieved, and the storage capacity of the printer <NUM> can be reduced.

Referring to <FIG>, the structure of a printer 2B according to a third embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a perspective view showing the printer 2B according to the third embodiment.

As shown in <FIG>, in the printer 2B according to the third embodiment, a tray <NUM> (i.e., an example of the placement part) is arranged inside a housing 8B instead of the finger holder <NUM> described in the first embodiment above. With a nail tip <NUM> (i.e., an example of the recording medium), which is a so-called artificial nail, placed on the tray <NUM>, the user inserts the tray <NUM> into the housing 8B through the opening <NUM> of the housing 8B. A sensor (not shown) for detecting that the tray <NUM> has been inserted into the housing 8B is arranged inside the housing 8B. Thereby, printing is performed on the nail tip <NUM> placed on the tray <NUM>.

Further, as shown in <FIG>, a lighting window <NUM> for letting the light outside of the housing 8B into the housing 8B is formed on the top surface 8b of the housing 8B. In addition, in the present embodiment, the LED element <NUM> described in the first embodiment above is not provided. A light-transmitting plate 110A made of, for example, a light-transmissive resin is arranged at the lighting window <NUM>. The light-transmitting plate 110A has the same function as that of the light-transmitting plate <NUM> described in the first embodiment above. By having the light outside of the housing 8B irradiated inside of the housing 8B through the lighting window <NUM>, the user can easily align the nail tip <NUM> on the tray <NUM> while viewing the tray <NUM> from outside of the housing 8B through the viewing window <NUM>.

In the present embodiment, although the light-transmitting plate 110A is arranged at the lighting window <NUM>, a lens for light diffusion may also be arranged at the lighting window <NUM> instead of the light-transmitting plate 110A.

Referring to <FIG>, the structure of a printer 2C according to a fourth embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a perspective view showing the printer 2C according to the fourth embodiment. For convenience of description, in <FIG>, illustration of the viewing window <NUM>, the print start button <NUM>, the plurality of operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>, and the like (referring to <FIG>) arranged on the top surface 8b of a housing 8C is omitted, and illustration of the plurality of sample images <NUM> to <NUM> and the like (referring to <FIG>) displayed on the display medium <NUM> is omitted.

As shown in <FIG>, in the printer 2C according to the fourth embodiment, an insertion hole <NUM> for inserting the display medium <NUM> into the housing 8C in a substantially horizontal direction (i.e., the negative direction of the Y axis) is formed on a rear surface 8c of the housing 8C. A notch <NUM> which communicates with the insertion hole <NUM> is formed on the top surface 8b of the housing 8C. The placement area <NUM> described in the first embodiment above is not arranged on the top surface 8b of the housing 8C.

Further, inside the housing 8C, the printed wiring board <NUM> is arranged substantially parallel to the display medium <NUM> inserted into the insertion hole <NUM> and is arranged right below the display medium <NUM>.

The user inserts the display medium <NUM> into the insertion hole <NUM> in the negative direction of the Y axis, so that the reading part <NUM> (referring to <FIG>) mounted on the printed wiring board <NUM> reads the plurality of pieces of identification information stored in the RFID tag <NUM> (referring to <FIG>) of the display medium <NUM> in a non-contact manner. After printing is ended, the user pulls the display medium <NUM> from the insertion hole <NUM> in the positive direction of the Y axis. At this time, the user can pinch the display medium <NUM> by the fingers of the hand through the notch <NUM>.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the same effect as that in the first embodiment above can also be achieved.

Referring to <FIG>, the structure of a printer 2D according to a fifth embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a perspective view showing the printer 2D according to the fifth embodiment. For convenience of description, in <FIG>, illustration of the viewing window <NUM>, the print start button <NUM>, the plurality of operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>, and the like (referring to <FIG>) arranged on the top surface 8b of a housing 8D is omitted, and illustration of the plurality of sample images <NUM> to <NUM> and the like (referring to <FIG>) displayed on the display medium <NUM> is omitted.

As shown in <FIG>, in the printer 2D according to the fifth embodiment, an insertion hole 112D for inserting the display medium <NUM> into the housing 8D in a substantially vertical direction (i.e., the negative direction of the Z axis) is formed on the top surface 8b of the housing 8D. A notch 114D which communicates with the insertion hole 112D is formed on the rear surface 8c of the housing 8D. The placement area <NUM> described in the first embodiment above is not arranged on the top surface 8b of the housing 8D.

Further, inside the housing 8D, the printed wiring board <NUM> is arranged substantially parallel to the display medium <NUM> inserted into the insertion hole 112D.

The user inserts the display medium <NUM> into the insertion hole 112D in the negative direction of the Z axis, so that the reading part <NUM> (referring to <FIG>) mounted on the printed wiring board <NUM> reads the plurality of pieces of identification information stored in the RFID tag <NUM> (referring to <FIG>) of the display medium <NUM> in a non-contact manner. After printing is ended, the user pulls the display medium <NUM> from the insertion hole 112D in the positive direction of the Z axis. At this time, the user can pinch the display medium <NUM> by the fingers of the hand through the notch 114D.

Referring to <FIG>, the structure of a printer 2E according to a sixth embodiment will be described. <FIG> is a perspective view showing the printer 2E according to the sixth embodiment. For convenience of description, in <FIG>, illustration of the viewing window <NUM>, the print start button <NUM>, the plurality of operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>, and the like (referring to <FIG>) arranged on the top surface 8b of a housing 8E is omitted, and illustration of the plurality of sample images <NUM> to <NUM> and the like (referring to <FIG>) displayed on the display medium <NUM> is omitted.

As shown in <FIG>, in the printer 2E according to the sixth embodiment, a holder <NUM> for holding the display medium <NUM> is attached to the rear surface 8c of the housing 8E. An insertion hole <NUM> for inserting the display medium <NUM> into the holder <NUM> in a substantially vertical direction (i.e., the negative direction of the Z axis) is formed on the upper surface of the holder <NUM>. The placement area <NUM> described in the first embodiment above is not arranged on the top surface 8b of the housing 8E.

Further, inside the housing 8E, the printed wiring board <NUM> is arranged substantially parallel to the display medium <NUM> held by the holder <NUM>.

The user inserts the display medium <NUM> into the insertion hole <NUM> of the holder <NUM> in the negative direction of the Z axis, so that the reading part <NUM> (referring to <FIG>) mounted on the printed wiring board <NUM> reads the plurality of pieces of identification information stored in the RFID tag <NUM> (referring to <FIG>) of the display medium <NUM> in a non-contact manner. After printing is ended, the user pulls the display medium <NUM> from the insertion hole <NUM> of the holder <NUM> in the positive direction of the Z axis.

Although the printers according to the first to sixth embodiments of the disclosure have been described above, the disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, the above embodiments may be combined with each other.

In the above embodiments, although the printing method of the printing unit <NUM> is the inkjet method, the printing method is not limited thereto, and other printing methods may also be adopted.

In the above embodiments, although the plurality of sample images <NUM> to <NUM> are displayed on the display medium <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is also possible that only one sample image (e.g., only the sample image <NUM>) is displayed. In that case, only one piece of identification information (e.g., only "IMG001") for identifying the one sample image is stored in the RFID tag <NUM>. In that case, the reception part <NUM> may be omitted from the printer <NUM>.

In the above embodiments, although the plurality of image data and the correspondence information data table <NUM> are stored in the storage part <NUM> of the printer <NUM> or the USB memory <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, the plurality of image data and the correspondence information data table <NUM> may also be stored in any storage device such as the RFID tag <NUM> or an external server.

In the first to third embodiments, although the display medium <NUM> is placed on the placement area <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (8B) of the printer <NUM> (2A, 2B) to have the RFID tag <NUM> read by the reading part <NUM> in a non-contact manner, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is also possible to touch the display medium <NUM> on the placement area <NUM> to have the RFID tag <NUM> read by the reading part <NUM> in a non-contact manner.

In the above embodiments, although the nail <NUM> of the user's finger <NUM> and the nail tip <NUM> are adopted as the recording medium on which the printer <NUM> (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E) prints, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and any recording medium such as a printing paper, a smartphone case, a golf ball, and the like may also be adopted.

In the above embodiments, although the reception part <NUM> is configured to have the plurality of operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, the reception part <NUM> may also be configured with a touch panel.

In the above embodiments, although the drive mechanism <NUM> of the printing unit <NUM> moves the head part <NUM> two-dimensionally in the first direction and the second direction, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the head part <NUM> may also be moved one-dimensionally in the first direction. In that case, the printing unit <NUM> has a transport mechanism for transporting the recording medium in the second direction.

In the above embodiments, although each of the plurality of sample images <NUM> to <NUM> displayed on the display medium <NUM> is a pattern image, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, each of the plurality of sample images <NUM> to <NUM> may also be a color-only image.

In the above embodiments, although the first identifier displayed on the display medium <NUM> and the second identifier displayed on each of the plurality of operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> are numbers, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and they may also be, for example, characters, symbols, graphs, or the like. Alternatively, each of the first identifier and the second identifier may also be a combination of two or more among characters, numbers, symbols, and graphs.

In the above embodiments, although the first identifier displayed on the display medium <NUM> and the second identifier displayed on each of the plurality of operation buttons <NUM> to <NUM> are the same identifier (e.g., the same number), the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first identifier and the second identifier may also be different identifiers having a predetermined correspondence relationship. For example, the first identifier may be a sea pattern, and the second identifier may be a fish pattern associated with the sea pattern.

In the above embodiments, although the RFID tag <NUM> is configured as a passive RFID tag, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, it may also be configured as an active RFID tag.

In the above embodiments, although the viewing window <NUM> is formed on the housing <NUM> (8B, 8C, 8D, 8E), the disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is also possible to omit the viewing window <NUM>, and arrange a camera for capturing an image of the nail <NUM> of the finger <NUM> placed on the finger holder <NUM> inside the housing <NUM> (8B, 8C, 8D, 8E). In that case, the image data of the nail <NUM> captured by the camera is wirelessly transmitted from the printer <NUM> (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E) to an external terminal and displayed on a display part of the external terminal. The user can confirm the position of the nail <NUM> on the finger holder <NUM> by viewing the image data of the nail <NUM> displayed on the display part of the external terminal.

In the above embodiments, although the light-transmitting plate <NUM> is arranged at the viewing window <NUM> of the housing <NUM> (8B, 8C, 8D, 8E), a shutter may also be openably/closably arranged at the viewing window <NUM>. When the printer <NUM> (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E) is not used, by closing the shutter of the viewing window <NUM>, dust and the like can be prevented from adhering to the light-transmitting plate <NUM> of the viewing window <NUM>.

Further, in the third embodiment, although the light-transmitting plate 110A is arranged at the lighting window <NUM> of the housings 8B, 8C, 8D, and 8E, a shutter may also be openably/closably arranged at the lighting window <NUM>. When the printer 2B is not used, by closing the shutter of the lighting window <NUM>, dust and the like can be prevented from adhering to the light-transmitting plate 110A of the lighting window <NUM>.

Further, in the above embodiments, although the reading part <NUM> is directly mounted on the printed wiring board <NUM>, the disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the reading part <NUM> may be an external antenna of a type which is not directly mounted on the printed wiring board <NUM>, and the reading part <NUM> may be fixed on the printed wiring board <NUM> in a state where the reading part <NUM> is electrically connected to a connector mounted on the printed wiring board <NUM>. Alternatively, for example, the reading part <NUM> may be the above external antenna, and the reading part <NUM> may be fixed to any position of the printer <NUM> (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E) other than on the printed wiring board <NUM> in a state where the reading part <NUM> is electrically connected to a connector mounted on the printed wiring board <NUM> via a wiring cable.

Claim 1:
A printer (<NUM>, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E) for printing on a recording medium, comprising:
a reading part (<NUM>) configured to read plurality of pieces of identification information comprising specific identification information in a non-contact manner from a non-contact tag in which the specific identification information for identifying a specific image is stored;
a reception part (<NUM>) configured to receive an operation of selecting the specific identification information among the plurality of pieces of identification information read by the reading part (<NUM>);
a determination part (<NUM>) configured to refer to an input part (<NUM>), that is a port through which a storage device is detachably inserted, wherein the storage device (<NUM>) is configured to respectively store a plurality of image data comprising a specific image data representing the specific image and correspondence information indicating a correspondence relationship between the plurality of image data and the specific identification information for identifying the plurality of image data, so as to determine, from among the plurality of image data, the specific image data associated with the specific identification information read by the reading part (<NUM>); and
a print control part (<NUM>) configured to control printing on the recording medium based on the determined specific image data,
the printer (<NUM>, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E) being characterized in further comprising:
a display medium (<NUM>) configured to display a plurality of images including the specific image and a plurality of first identifiers respectively associated with the plurality of images, wherein
the non-contact tag is provided on the display medium (<NUM>) on which the specific image is displayed,
the specific identification information for identifying the plurality of images respectively is stored in the non-contact tag,
the reception part (<NUM>) comprises a plurality of operation buttons (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) being configured to respectively display a plurality of second identifiers respectively corresponding to the plurality of first identifiers and receive an operation of inputting the specific identification information read by the reading part (<NUM>).