JP2007028067A - Image forming apparatus, and method for displaying authentication data input screen therein - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus capable of reliably inputting number data which are to be converted into authentication data, and preventing the disclosure of the authentication data in performing the input; and to provide a method for displaying an authentication data input screen in the image forming apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A copying machine 1 displays the authentication data input screen for inputting the authentication data in a display unit 31. The comprises a display control program 131 for allowing the display unit 31, to perform displaying on the authentication data input screen including the displaying of characters and/or numeric characters arranged in a prescribed arrayal and the displaying of a number which is displayed in response to the displaying of the characters and/or numeric characters; tenkeys 331 for inputting the number data corresponding to the displayed number data; and a conversion program 132 for allowing a CPU 11 to convert the inputted number data into the character and/or numeric character data, based on the correspondence of the displaying of the displayed characters and/or numeric characters to the displaying of the number. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a method for displaying an authentication data input screen by the image forming apparatus.

  Conventionally, an image forming apparatus having a personal authentication function is known. In such an image forming apparatus, for example, input authentication data can be authenticated to manage the number of copies, or the operation can be restricted according to the authenticated individual. Furthermore, an image forming apparatus that can change the design of the operation screen of the operation unit according to the authenticated individual has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

For example, the authentication data is input by operating a touch panel provided on the upper surface of the operation screen. For this reason, when the authentication data is input, the operation screen may be looked into from behind the operator and the authentication data may be exposed. Therefore, a method has been proposed in which, when inputting authentication data, the brightness of the operation screen is lowered to make it difficult to look into the operation screen (for example, see Patent Document 2). Also, there is a method of inputting authentication data by so-called encryption, specifically, for example, a method of inputting authentication data composed of character data by inputting only number data (for example, see Patent Document 3). Proposed.
JP 2002-370421 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-4488 JP-A-8-163648

  By the way, in recent years, an image forming apparatus in which an operation screen is arranged substantially vertically in order to improve operability and visibility, an image forming apparatus having a large display size of the operation screen, and the like have been proposed. While these image forming apparatuses have the advantage that the operability and visibility of the operation screen are high, there is a drawback that the operation screen is more easily peeped. Furthermore, when the display size of the operation screen is large, there is a problem that the authentication data can be recognized from the movement of the arm when inputting the authentication data. And the method like patent document 2 is no longer effective with respect to these faults and problems.

  Therefore, for example, a method such as Patent Document 3 is considered to be effective. However, in this method, if authentication of character data and number data is not accurately remembered, incorrect authentication data is input. There is a problem of end up.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reliably inputting number data to be converted into authentication data and preventing exposure of the authentication data at the time of input, and an authentication data input screen by the image forming apparatus. It is to provide a display method.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to an image forming apparatus for displaying an authentication data input screen for inputting authentication data on the display means at the time of registration of authentication data or authentication of authentication data. The authentication data is composed of a plurality of character and / or numeric data, and a character and / or numerical display arranged in a predetermined arrangement and a number displayed in association with the character and / or numerical display Display control means for displaying an authentication data input screen including display on the display means, input means for inputting number data corresponding to the number display displayed on the display means by the display control means, and the input means Based on the correspondence between the character and / or number display displayed on the display means by the display control means and the number display, Characterized by comprising converting means for converting character and / or numerical data.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, the input unit is provided separately from the display unit.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, characters and / or numbers displayed on the authentication data input screen displayed on the display unit by the display control unit are displayed vertically. The number display included in the authentication data input screen displayed by the display control means represents the vertical and horizontal positions of the character and / or numerical display.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to third aspects, an authentication data input screen including characters and / or numbers displayed in the predetermined arrangement is displayed. Second display control means to be displayed on the means, and second input means for inputting character and / or numeric data corresponding to the character and / or numeric display displayed on the display means by the second display control means The authentication data is input by inputting character and / or numeric data by the second input means, or the number data is input by the input means, and the input number data is converted by the conversion means And / or selection means for selecting whether to input authentication data by converting it into numeric data.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for displaying an authentication data input screen by the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the display control means displays characters and / or numbers arranged in the predetermined arrangement. A first display control step for causing the display means to display an authentication data input screen including a number display displayed in association with the character and / or number display, and the second display control means A second display control step for causing the display means to display an authentication data input screen including characters and / or numbers displayed in the predetermined arrangement, and the selection means uses the second input means to display characters and Authentication data is input by inputting numeric data, or number data is input by the input means, and the input number data is converted to characters and / or by the conversion means. Characterized in that it comprises a selection step of selecting, either enter the authentication data by converting the numeric data, the in.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, authentication data composed of a plurality of character and / or numeric data can be input by inputting number data. Therefore, since the authentication data can be input by so-called encryption instead of directly inputting the authentication data, it is possible to prevent the authentication data from being exposed when the authentication data is input. Further, since the association between the character and / or numeric data and the number data is displayed on the display means, the number data to be converted into the authentication data can be surely input without having to remember the association. be able to.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is of course possible to obtain the same effect as that of the first aspect of the invention, and the input means is separate from the display means. Thus, it is possible to input the authentication data while hiding the input means, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the authentication data from being exposed when the authentication data is input. In addition, the authentication data can be input more accurately while taking advantage of the advantages of the display means, that is, for example, while taking advantage of the high visibility when the display size of the display means is large. Authentication data can be entered.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is of course possible to obtain the same effect as that of the first or second aspect of the invention, and the characters and / or numerical displays are aligned vertically and horizontally. The desired character and / or numerical display can be easily found from a plurality of character and / or numerical displays.

  According to the inventions of claims 4 and 5, it is a matter of course that the same effect as that of the invention of any one of claims 1 to 3 can be obtained. Alternatively, it is possible to select whether to input authentication data using character and / or numeric data, and the operator can select one of the two types of authentication data input methods that is easy to use.

The best mode of an image forming apparatus and a display method of an authentication data input screen by the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. The scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example.
In the present embodiment, the copying machine 1 will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus.

<Copier>
First, the configuration of the copying machine 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 1, for example, the copying machine 1 includes an image reading unit 20, an operation unit 30, a copying machine main body 100, and the like. The image reading unit 20 and the operation unit 30 are arranged on the upper part of the copying machine main body 100.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the image reading unit 20 and the operation unit 30 are connected to the main body control unit 10 of the copying machine 1, and send and receive various signals and data to and from the main body control unit 10. Can be done.

  The image reading unit 20 includes, for example, a scanner 21 and an automatic document feeder 22 as shown in FIG.

  The scanner 21 reads document image data of a document image from a document on the document table 211 in accordance with an instruction from the body control unit 10, and outputs the read document image data to the body control unit 10.

  The automatic document feeder 22 is attached to the upper portion of the scanner 21 so as to be openable and closable, and has a document feeding mechanism that feeds a document onto the document table 211 in accordance with an instruction from the main body control unit 10.

  For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation unit 30 includes a display unit 31 and a touch panel 32 in which display screens are arranged substantially vertically, various input keys 33, and the like.

The display unit 31 is, for example, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, or the like, and performs a given display process according to a display signal input from the main body control unit 10. .
Specifically, the display unit 31 displays, for example, authentication data composed of a plurality of character and / or number data as display means when the main body control unit 10 registers authentication data or authenticates authentication data. Used when displaying the authentication data input screen for input.

The touch panel 32 is provided integrally with the display unit 31.
Specifically, the touch panel 32 is installed so as to cover the upper surface of the display screen of the display unit 31, detects a desired input position pressed by a pressing operation using an operator's finger, and the detection. The signal is output to the main body control unit 10.
More specifically, the touch panel 32 corresponds to, for example, display of characters and / or numbers included in a second authentication data input screen (described later) displayed on the display unit 31 as a second input unit. Used when inputting character and / or numeric data.
In the touch panel 32, for example, as selection means, an operator inputs authentication data by inputting character and / or numeric data through the touch panel 32, or number data by a numeric keypad 331 (described later) of various input keys 33. Is used to select whether to input the authentication data by converting the input number data into character and / or numeric data by a CPU 11 (described later) that has executed the conversion program 132.

Various input keys 33 are provided separately from the display unit 31.
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, the various input keys 33 include a numeric keypad 331 and the like, and output a press signal associated with an operator's key operation to the main body control unit 10.

The numeric keypad 331 is composed of number keys representing “0” to “9”, for example.
Specifically, the numeric keypad 331 is used when, for example, an operator inputs number data corresponding to a number display included in a first authentication data input screen (described later) displayed on the display unit 31 as input means. used.

The copying machine main body 100 includes, for example, an image forming output unit 40, a paper tray (not shown), a paper discharge tray (not shown), and the like.
For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the image forming output unit 40 is connected to the main body control unit 10 of the copying machine 1, and can send and receive various signals and data to and from the main body control unit 10. It can be done.

  The image forming output unit 40 forms and outputs an image based on the image data on a recording material in accordance with an instruction from the main body control unit 10.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the main body control unit 10 of the copying machine 1 is connected to an image reading unit 20, an operation unit 30, an image formation output unit 40, an image processing unit 50, and the like.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the main body control unit 10 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 12, a storage unit 13, and the like.

  The CPU 11 performs various control operations according to various processing programs for the copying machine 1 stored in the storage unit 13.

  The RAM 12 includes a program storage area for expanding a processing program executed by the CPU 11, a data storage area for storing input data, a processing result generated when the processing program is executed, and the like.

The storage unit 13 is a system program that can be executed by the copying machine 1, various processing programs that can be executed by the system program, data that is used when these various processing programs are executed, and data that is a result of processing that is arithmetically processed by the CPU 11. Memorize etc. The program is stored in the storage unit 13 in the form of a computer readable program code.
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, a display control program 131, a conversion program 132, and the like are stored in the storage unit 13.

The display control program 131 includes first authentication data including, on the CPU 11, characters and / or numbers displayed in a predetermined arrangement, and number displays displayed in association with the characters and / or numbers. The function of causing the display unit 31 to display the input screen or the second authentication data input screen including characters and / or numbers arranged in a predetermined arrangement is realized.
The CPU 11 functions as a display control unit and a second display control unit by executing the display control program 131.

Specifically, when it is selected that the authentication data is input by the numeric keypad 331 by the operation of the touch panel 32 of the operator, the CPU 11 executes the display control program 131 and displays the display unit 31 on, for example, FIG. A first authentication data input screen A1 as shown is displayed.
On the first authentication data input screen A1, for example, each “character / number display” m11 arranged in a vertical and horizontal arrangement in a qwerty type keyboard layout is displayed. Each number display displayed in association with each “character / number display” m11, more specifically, each “number display” m12 indicating the vertical (column) position of each “character / number display” m11; , Each “number display” m13 representing the horizontal (row) position of each “character / number display” m11 is displayed. Also, “Description of character input method using numeric keypad” m14 is displayed.
On the first authentication data input screen A1, the operator presses the numeric key 331 to correspond to each “number display” m12 and each “number display” m13 associated with each “character / number display” m11. The authentication data can be input by inputting the number data.
More specifically, in the first authentication data input screen A1 shown in FIG. 3, for example, “a” in “character / numeral display” m11 is “character display” m13 is “03”, “character display”. "M12 is arranged at the position of" 01 ". Therefore, the operator can input the character “a” by inputting the 4-digit number “0301” using the numeric keypad 331 with reference to “Description of character input method using numeric keypad” m14.

On the other hand, when it is selected that the authentication data is input through the touch panel 32 by the operation of the operator's touch panel 32, the CPU 11 executes the display control program 131 and displays the display unit 31 on the display unit 31, for example, as shown in FIG. Then, the second authentication data input screen A2 is displayed.
On the second authentication data input screen A2, for example, each “letter / number” key k21 and “character input by numeric keypad” key k22 arranged in a qwerty type keyboard layout are displayed.
In the second authentication data input screen A2, the operator depresses the “letter / number” key k21 and inputs the character and / or number data corresponding to the “letter / number” key k21, whereby the authentication data is displayed. Can be entered.

The conversion program 132 converts the number data input by the numeric keypad 331 to the CPU 11 and the characters included in the first authentication data input screen A1 (FIG. 3) displayed on the display unit 31 by the CPU 11 that has executed the display control program 131. And / or a function of converting into character and / or numeric data based on the correspondence between the numeric display and the number display.
Specifically, for example, when “0301” is input by the numeric keypad 331, the CPU 11 executes the conversion program 132 to display characters and / or displayed on the first authentication data input screen A1 (FIG. 3). Based on the correspondence between the numeric display and the number display, it is converted to the character “a”.
The CPU 11 functions as a conversion unit by executing the conversion program 132.

  The image processing unit 50 creates image data and the like according to instructions from the main body control unit 10.

<Display method of authentication data input screen by copier>
Next, a display method of the authentication data input screen by the copying machine 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, when the operator instructs the display unit 31 of the operation unit 30 to display the authentication data input screen by operating the touch panel 32 of the operation unit 30 (step S1), the CPU 11 executes the display control program 131. Then, the second authentication data input screen A2 (for example, FIG. 4) is displayed on the display unit 31 (step S2).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the “character input by numeric keypad” key k22 on the second authentication data input screen A2 (FIG. 4) has been pressed (step S3).

  If it is determined in step S3 that the “character input by numeric keypad” key k22 is not pressed (step S3; No), that is, if it is determined that the authentication data is input by the touch panel 32, the CPU 11 performs the process of step S3. Repeat this step. That is, the second authentication data input screen A2 (FIG. 4) is displayed on the display unit 31.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the “character input by using the numeric keypad” key k22 is pressed (step S3; Yes), that is, if it is determined that the authentication data is input by using the numeric keypad 331, the CPU 11 displays the display control program 131. Is executed to display the first authentication data input screen A1 (for example, FIG. 3) on the display unit 31 (step S4), and the process is terminated.

According to the copying machine 1 of the present invention described above, the CPU 11 that executes the display control program 131 associates the character and / or numerical display arranged in a predetermined arrangement with the character and / or numerical display. The first authentication data input screen A1 (FIG. 3) including the displayed number display can be displayed on the display unit 31, and the displayed first authentication data input can be performed by operating the numeric keypad 331 by the operator. Number data corresponding to the number display included in the screen (FIG. 3) can be input, and the CPU 11 executing the conversion program 132 converts the input number data into the first authentication data input screen A1 (FIG. 3). Can be converted into character and / or numeric data on the basis of the correspondence between the character and / or number display and the number display.
That is, by inputting number data, authentication data composed of a plurality of character and / or number data can be input. Therefore, since the authentication data can be input by so-called encryption instead of directly inputting the authentication data, it is possible to prevent the authentication data from being exposed when the authentication data is input. In particular, in the copying machine 1, since the display screen of the display unit 31 is arranged substantially vertically, the authentication data input screen is easily viewed from behind, but by inputting the authentication data by so-called encryption, the authentication data Prevention of exposure can be realized more effectively. Further, since the correspondence between the character and / or numeric data and the number data is displayed on the first authentication data input screen A1 (FIG. 3), it is converted into the authentication data even if the correspondence is not remembered. The input of the number data to be performed can be performed reliably.

  Further, since the numeric keypad 331 is separate from the display unit 31, the operator can input the authentication data while hiding the numeric keypad 331 with his / her body or the like, so that the authentication data can be input more reliably. It is possible to prevent the authentication data from being exposed at the time. Further, since the authentication data can be input while taking advantage of the advantage of the display unit 31, that is, for example, taking advantage of the high visibility when the display size of the display unit 31 is large, for example. Authentication data can be input accurately.

  In addition, the characters and / or numbers displayed in the first authentication data input screen A1 (FIG. 3) are aligned vertically and horizontally, and the numbers included in the first authentication data input screen A1 (FIG. 3). Since the display indicates the vertical and horizontal positions of the character and / or number display, a desired character and / or number display can be easily found from a plurality of character and / or number displays. And it is possible to easily input number data corresponding to the number display associated with the desired character and / or number display.

  In addition, the CPU 11 that has executed the display control program 131 can cause the display unit 31 to display the second authentication data input screen A2 (FIG. 4) including characters and / or numbers displayed in a predetermined arrangement. By the operation of the touch panel 32 by the operator, it is possible to input character and / or numerical data corresponding to the character and / or numerical display included in the displayed second authentication data input screen A2 (FIG. 4). Then, by the operation of the touch panel 32 by the operator, the authentication data is input by inputting character and / or numeric data by the touch panel 32, or the number data is input by the numeric keypad 331, and the CPU 11 that executes the conversion program 132 executes the corresponding It is possible to select whether to input authentication data by converting the input number data into character and / or numeric data, and the operator can select from two types of authentication data input methods. You can choose the better one.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist thereof.
The image forming apparatus is not limited to the copying machine 1 and may include, for example, a display unit 31 that displays an authentication data input screen for inputting authentication data at the time of registration of authentication data or authentication of authentication data. Or a printer.

The arrangement of each “character / number” key k21 in the second authentication data input screen A2 (FIG. 4) and the arrangement of each “character / number display” m11 in the first authentication data input screen A1 (FIG. 3) are qwerty. As long as the keyboard layout of the type is not arbitrary.
Further, in the first authentication data input screen A1 (FIG. 3), by inputting a 4-digit number (for example, “0301”) using the numeric keypad 331, one character and / or a number (for example, the character “a” ”), But by appropriately changing the arrangement of each“ letter / numerical display ”m11, for example, by inputting a smaller digit number (for example, a two-digit number) Characters and / or numbers may be input.

  After displaying the second authentication data input screen A2 (FIG. 4) on the display unit 31, it is selected whether the authentication data is input by the touch panel 32 or the authentication data is input by the numeric keypad 331. The selection timing is arbitrary. For example, the selection may be made in advance, and then the corresponding authentication data input screen may be displayed.

1 is an external front view of a copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a main body control unit of the copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows a 1st authentication data input screen. It is a figure which shows a 2nd authentication data input screen. 5 is a flowchart for explaining a method of displaying an authentication data input screen by a copying machine.

Explanation of symbols

1 Copying machine (image forming device)
31 Display section (display means)
32 Touch panel (second input means, selection means)
11 CPU (display control means, conversion means, second display control means)
131 Display control program (display control means, second display control means)
132 Conversion program (conversion means)
331 Numeric keypad (input means)

Claims (5)

In an image forming apparatus for displaying an authentication data input screen for inputting authentication data on a display unit when registering authentication data or authenticating authentication data,
The authentication data is composed of a plurality of character and / or numeric data,
Display control means for causing the display means to display an authentication data input screen including characters and / or numbers displayed in a predetermined arrangement and a number display displayed in association with the characters and / or numbers. When,
Input means for inputting number data corresponding to the number display displayed on the display means by the display control means;
Conversion that converts number data input by the input means into character and / or number data based on the correspondence between the character and / or number display displayed on the display means by the display control means and the number display Means,
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The image forming apparatus, wherein the input unit is provided separately from the display unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The character and / or number display included in the authentication data input screen displayed on the display unit by the display control unit is aligned vertically and horizontally, and is included in the authentication data input screen displayed by the display control unit. The number display represents the vertical and horizontal positions of the character and / or number display. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Second display control means for causing the display means to display an authentication data input screen including characters and / or numbers displayed in the predetermined arrangement;
Second input means for inputting character and / or numeric data corresponding to the character and / or numeric display displayed on the display means by the second display control means;
Authentication data is input by inputting character and / or numeric data by the second input means, or number data is input by the input means, and the input number data is converted to characters and / or by the conversion means. Or a selection means for selecting whether to input authentication data by converting into numeric data;
An image forming apparatus comprising: A method for displaying an authentication data input screen by the image forming apparatus according to claim 4,
The display control means displays an authentication data input screen including characters and / or numbers displayed in the predetermined arrangement, and number displays displayed in association with the characters and / or numbers. A first display control step for displaying on the means;
A second display control step in which the second display control means causes the display means to display an authentication data input screen including character and / or number display arranged in the predetermined arrangement;
The selection means inputs authentication data by inputting character and / or numeric data by the second input means, or inputs number data by the input means, and the number inputted by the conversion means A selection step of selecting whether to enter authentication data by converting the data into character and / or numeric data;
A method for displaying an authentication data input screen by an image forming apparatus.

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