JP2010243800A - Image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image processing device capable of assuring information security. <P>SOLUTION: The image processing device includes a viewing angle determination section 135 for determining a viewing angle of a display section, and a viewing angle adjustment section 144 for adjusting the viewing angle of the display section according to the determination of the viewing angle determination section. The viewing angle determination section 135 determines whether or not information security is to be assured regarding display of the display section, based on predetermined information. When it is determined that information security is to be assured, a viewing angle of the display section is set to be narrower than the viewing angle which is set when it is determined that information security is not required to be assured. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus, and more particularly to an image processing apparatus including a display unit that presents information to an operator as a user interface.

  In recent years, the functions of image processing apparatuses tend to be multifunctional. For example, a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP) which is an example of such an image processing apparatus has a copy function, a scanner function, and a printer function. It is an apparatus that collectively has a facsimile function, a mail transmission / reception function, and the like. Many MFPs are shared by a plurality of users.

  In an MFP shared among a plurality of users, it is required to secure security regarding information processed in the MFP. Therefore, the MFP prescribes data that can be referred to for each user, usable jobs, and the like, and performs user authentication for the operator. The MFP limits the data and jobs that can be used, functions that can be set for the job, and the like by specifying the user who currently operates the MFP.

  In many cases, a liquid crystal display device (LCD touch panel) integrated with a touch panel is used as a user interface of the MFP. On the LCD touch panel of the MFP, the current state of the machine and a group of keys for setting various functions are displayed. The operator touches the keys displayed on the panel to input various inputs to the MFP. Do. At this time, information displayed on the LCD touch panel of the MFP is determined based on the above-described user authentication. Data / functions that are not permitted to be referenced / used by the operator are not displayed on the LCD touch panel.

  Conventionally, various proposals have been made regarding screen display methods in a user interface device using an LCD touch panel.

  Patent document 1 discloses a processing apparatus. In the processing apparatus, the copy basic screen and the current job reservation status screen are displayed simultaneously. The reservation status screen is displayed with lower visibility than the copy basic screen. In this way, by changing the visibility and displaying a plurality of screens, the processing apparatus of Patent Document 1 prevents the operator from being confused by displaying the plurality of screens.

  Patent Document 2 discloses an image processing system. The image processing system of the document includes a plurality of image processing units provided with a display unit that displays information related to image processing. The display unit in each image processing unit receives information about the state of another image processing unit from the other image processing unit, and displays the display unit of its own device based on the state of the other image processing unit. Switch. In the image processing system configured as described above, since the display on the display unit of the image processing unit is switched in conjunction with the operation state of another image processing unit, the operator cooperates with a plurality of image processing units. In such a case, the convenience of operation is expected to be improved.

  As described above, there are many proposals regarding an apparatus and a system having a plurality of screens as a user interface.

JP 2001-333233 A JP 2002-344683 A

  However, in the image processing apparatus according to the related art, no measures are taken against the point that information security is threatened by an operator peeping from another user near the operation panel while operating the operation panel. It was.

  Therefore, conventionally, it is easy for another user to look into the LCD touch panel while the operator operates the MFP.

  In view of the above-described problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing apparatus capable of highly ensuring information security regarding information displayed on an LCD touch panel (display unit of an image processing apparatus user interface).

  In one aspect, the present invention is an image processing apparatus including a display unit that presents information to an operator as a user interface, a viewing angle determination unit that determines a viewing angle of the display unit, and a determination of the viewing angle determination unit A viewing angle adjustment unit that adjusts the viewing angle of the display unit according to the information, and the viewing angle determination unit determines whether or not it is necessary to ensure information security for display on the display unit based on predetermined information. An image processing apparatus for determining a viewing angle of a display unit at a viewing angle narrower than a viewing angle of a display unit determined when it is determined that securing information security is not required when it is determined that ensuring information security is required It is.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the display unit can simultaneously display at least two screens including a first screen and a second screen that are displayed at different viewing angles. The display content is displayed at a viewing angle from which the display content can be viewed from the direction, the first screen is displayed at a viewing angle from which the display content cannot be viewed from the predetermined direction, and the viewing angle determination unit is information on the display of the second screen of the display unit. When it is determined whether or not it is necessary to ensure security, and when it is determined that it is necessary to ensure information security, the viewing angle is narrower than the viewing angle of the second screen of the display unit determined when it is determined that it is not necessary to ensure information security. In addition, it is preferable to determine the viewing angle of the second screen of the display unit.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the predetermined information is preferably security information attached to the document being processed.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the predetermined information is preferably content displayed on the second screen of the display unit.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the viewing angle determination unit preferably determines that it is necessary to ensure information security when the content displayed on the second screen of the display unit is a finished preview display.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the viewing angle determination unit preferably determines that it is necessary to ensure information security when the content displayed on the second screen of the display unit is a serviceman mode screen.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the viewing angle determination unit preferably determines that it is necessary to ensure information security when the content displayed on the second screen of the display unit is a FAX number input screen.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the viewing angle determination unit preferably determines that it is necessary to ensure information security when the content displayed on the second screen of the display unit is a mail address number input screen.

  In one aspect of the present invention, the viewing angle determination unit preferably determines that it is necessary to ensure information security when the content displayed on the second screen of the display unit is an operator personal information input screen. .

  In one aspect of the present invention, the viewing angle determination unit preferably determines that it is necessary to ensure information security when the content displayed on the second screen of the display unit is an administrator mode screen.

  In one aspect of the present invention, a data storage that holds an identification unit that performs user authentication of an operator and operator-attached attribute information regarding whether or not to ensure information security as a user-attached attribute of the operator involved in user authentication Preferably, the viewing angle determination unit determines whether or not it is necessary to ensure information security for display on the display unit based on the operator-attached attribute information.

  In one aspect of the present invention, it further includes a sensor unit that detects the presence or absence of a human in a predetermined spatial range near the display unit and outputs the result, and the viewing angle determination unit is based on an output from the sensor unit. Thus, it is preferable to determine whether or not it is necessary to ensure information security for display on the display unit.

  The image processing apparatus according to the present invention has an effect that information security related to information displayed on the display unit of the user interface can be highly secured.

1 is a block diagram of a hardware configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a functional configuration of an MFP according to an embodiment of the present invention. Example diagram explaining multi-screen display Diagram explaining the principle of multi-view liquid crystal display Diagram showing the principle of viewing angle adjustment control The figure which shows an example of the change of the viewing angle before and after viewing angle adjustment Flow chart of viewing angle adjustment processing according to the content of the display screen The figure which shows an example of user information and user attached attribute information Flow chart of viewing angle adjustment process according to user attribute View angle adjustment process flowchart View angle adjustment process flowchart Schematic diagram of infrared sensor unit configuration

  An embodiment according to the present invention is a digital multi-function peripheral (MFP). The MFP includes a display unit (LCD touch panel) as its user interface. In the present embodiment, the LCD touch panel as a display unit includes, for example, an LCD using a multi-view liquid crystal technology. The multi-view liquid crystal is a liquid crystal display that can simultaneously provide a plurality of different screens on the same display surface in accordance with the viewing direction (of an operator viewing the screen).

As described above, the MFP is often shared by a plurality of users. It is not uncommon for a user to operate an MFP while another user is in the vicinity of the MFP. However, when important information is displayed on the display unit of the user interface of the MFP, there is a concern that the information leaks to another user in the vicinity.
In order to prevent information leakage, it is conceivable that important information is not displayed on the display unit. However, such a measure causes a result that significantly impairs the operability and convenience of the person who operates the MFP. It is not a realistic measure.
Here, the LCD has a predetermined viewing angle. The viewing angle is a range in the viewing direction in which the display can be viewed. In the MFP according to the embodiment of the present invention, by adjusting the viewing angle of the LCD, the width of the viewing angle is appropriately changed to improve the information security and improve the visibility, operability, and convenience. Solve conflicting issues at a high level.
The MFP according to this embodiment is
1) Contents displayed on the display section (relevance to document contents, etc.)
2) Attributes provided to the operator (managers, general staff, etc.)
3) Presence / absence of a user other than the operator near the machine
Based on at least one of the above, by determining whether it is necessary to ensure security for the information displayed on the display unit, adjusting the viewing angle of the display unit, and displaying the information with a narrow viewing angle Ensure information security when displaying important information.
In addition, the MFP according to the present embodiment displays information with a relatively wide viewing angle when displaying information that information security is not a problem, so that the visibility, operability, and convenience of the operator are improved. Etc. are sufficiently secured.

In the present embodiment, the display unit of the MFP is realized by a multi-view liquid crystal. The multi-view liquid crystal may be, for example, a multi-view liquid crystal that can display three screens simultaneously. In this case, it is desirable that the three screens are arranged in a horizontal direction such as a left viewing direction screen, a central viewing direction screen, and a right viewing direction screen for the operator. If the MFP determines that the displayed information is important information, the MFP
1) The display of the left viewing direction screen and the right viewing direction screen among the left viewing direction screen, the central viewing direction screen, and the right viewing direction screen is interrupted. Or change to another view,
2) Adjust the viewing angle so that the viewing angle on the central viewing direction screen is narrower than normal among the left viewing direction screen, the central viewing direction screen, and the right viewing direction screen.
By such a method, it is possible to secure the information security related to the information by narrowing the viewing angle of the display related to the information judged to be important information by the MFP.

The MFP according to the present embodiment can display different screens (with different viewing angles) according to the viewing direction of the operator. The viewing angles of the different screens may partially overlap, but preferably the viewing angles of both screens are connected without interruption and there are no overlapping portions.
In the MFP according to the present embodiment, the display unit does not have to be a multi-view liquid crystal, and at least includes a unit that controls the viewing angle of the screen to be adjustable.

In this specification, the viewing direction is an angle formed by the operator's line of sight and the normal line of the LCD touch panel.
In the present specification, the parallax is a difference in viewing direction when the same object (LCD touch panel) is viewed from two different points.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(Hardware configuration)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a digital multifunction peripheral (MFP) 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The MFP 100
A computer main unit 101 which is a computer that controls calculation functions, control functions, and the like;
A data storage unit 103 for holding various data;
An interface unit 105 for transmitting / receiving data to / from an external device;
An image reading unit 107 that reads an image and generates electronic data of the image;
An image processing unit 109 for performing various image processing on electronic image data;
An image forming unit 111 that prints out electronic data subjected to image processing by an electrophotographic process;
An identification unit 112 for detecting a user ID by wireless communication;
A user interface unit 121 for an operator to perform setting input and instruction input, and to display confirmation of a set function and various warnings;
Have
The main computer unit 101 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 113, a read only memory (ROM) 115, and a random access memory (RAM) 119.
The CPU 113 executes various programs, and performs various data calculation processes and MFP main body control processes.
The ROM 115 holds various programs that can be executed by the CPU 113.
The RAM 119 holds data used by the CPU 113.
User interface unit 121 also includes a display unit 123 for presenting information to the operator and an operation unit 125 for the operator to input settings, instructions, and the like to MFP 100. The display unit 123 includes a multi-view liquid crystal and can present a plurality of screens simultaneously to the operator. The operator refers to the plurality of screens by changing his / her viewing direction. The operation unit 125 includes a touch panel configured integrally with the multi-view liquid crystal.
The interface unit 105 can communicate with other MFPs and server devices via the network 200 so that data can be transmitted and received, and can transmit and receive data to and from a portable storage device (such as a USB memory). It should be noted that MFP 100 according to the present embodiment can acquire various programs via interface unit 105. Therefore, a program or the like for realizing the operation according to the present invention can be acquired and executed via the interface unit 105. The identification unit 112 may have a function of performing user authentication by a user key input or the like. In that case, the wireless communication function is not essential.

  Further, MFP 100 may be configured to detect a person who is in a predetermined direction range near the apparatus with an infrared sensor or the like that detects a person around the apparatus.

(Functional configuration)
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of MFP 100 according to the present embodiment. This function is realized by the cooperative operation of the hardware components shown in FIG. 1 and a program executed in the computer main unit 101.

The MFP 100
An MFP controller 131 for controlling the operation of the MFP 100;
A display screen determining unit 133 that determines a screen to be displayed on the display unit 123;
An operation reception unit 136 that receives an operation performed by the operator on the operation unit 125;
The viewing angle for each of a plurality of or one screen constituting the screen of the display unit 123 is set to at least one of the contents of the displayed screen, the attributes of the operator, and the presence or absence of a human in the vicinity of the device. A viewing angle determination unit 135 for determining based on the
A viewing angle adjustment unit 144 that adjusts the viewing angle of the display unit based on the value of the viewing angle determined by the viewing angle determination unit 135;
A first screen display unit 141, a second screen display unit 142, and a third screen display unit 143 that display the screen determined by the display screen determination unit 133 at the viewing angle determined by the viewing angle determination unit 135;
A hardware key control unit 137 for controlling a hardware key 125h constituting a part of the operation unit 125;
A voice control unit 138 that controls a speaker that emits a push sound provided in the user interface unit 121;
And a backlight control unit 139 for controlling the backlight of the LCD provided in the user interface unit 121.
The display screen determination unit 133 determines the contents of a plurality of screens to be displayed on the display unit 123 configured with multi-view liquid crystal, and outputs the contents to the display unit 123.
The viewing angle determination unit 135 displays the first screen viewing angle displayed on the first screen display unit 141, the second screen viewing angle displayed on the second screen display unit 142, and the third screen display unit 143. The viewing angle of the third screen to be displayed is determined.
The viewing angle adjustment unit 144 adjusts the parallax barrier and the like of the multi-view liquid crystal, and adjusts the viewing angles of the first screen, the second screen, and the third screen.
The viewing angle is a range in the viewing direction in which the operator can refer to the screen.
Furthermore, the MFP 100
The user interface unit 121 may be provided with a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a human in a predetermined spatial range. The sensor is, for example, an infrared sensor. The MFP 100 includes a first infrared sensor unit 145 that detects the presence / absence of a person in a predetermined spatial range on the left side toward the user interface unit 121, and a second infrared sensor that also detects the presence / absence of a human in a predetermined spatial range on the front side. 146, and a third infrared sensor unit 147 for detecting the presence or absence of a human in a predetermined spatial range on the right side.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an outline of multi-screen display on display unit 123 of MFP 100 according to the present embodiment. MFP 100 displays a plurality of screens simultaneously on display unit 123. The operator can refer to one of the plurality of screens by changing the viewing direction with respect to the display unit 123. For example, the first screen 151 is displayed at the leftmost viewing angle in the horizontal direction of the drawing. The second screen 153 can be referred to at the central viewing angle. The third screen 155 is displayed with the viewing angle located on the rightmost side.
The first, second, and third screens (151, 153, and 155) are displayed at viewing angles VA1, VA2, and VA3, respectively. These viewing angles VA1, VA2, and VA3 may have overlapping portions. Moreover, although the viewing angles VA1, VA2, and VA3 are not continuous in consideration of the clarity of illustration, these viewing angles may be smoothly connected so as to be continuous. The operator can refer to the three types of screens 151, 153, and 155 almost simultaneously (without any operation) on the same display surface by changing the viewing direction.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the display principle of the multi-screen display of the display unit 123. The multi-view liquid crystal 160 of the display unit 123 includes a pixel 161 and a parallax barrier 163. In this figure, for the sake of simplicity, the multi-view liquid crystal displays two screens simultaneously.
Here, in the pixel 161, the first screen display pixel 161L and the second screen display pixel 161R are alternately arranged in a predetermined direction. The first screen display pixel 161L is used to display the first screen 151 (FIG. 3), and the second screen display pixel 161R is used to display the second screen 153 (FIG. 3). Therefore, in the pixel 161, the first screen and the second screen are displayed in stripes in a predetermined direction. A slit (filter) called a parallax barrier 163 is disposed between the pixel 161 and the operator. The parallax barrier 163 includes a portion that transmits light and a portion that blocks light. Therefore, the light emitted from the pixel 161 can be transmitted to the opposite side of the pixel 161 with respect to the parallax barrier 163 with respect to a predetermined direction, but the direction other than the predetermined direction with respect to the parallax barrier 163 can be transmitted. It cannot transmit to the opposite side of the pixel 161. In this manner, the parallax barrier 163 blocks the propagation of light from the pixel 161 in a predetermined direction, thereby controlling the viewing angle at which the operator can visually recognize the light from each pixel. Here, the light emitted from the first screen display pixel 161L can propagate only to the left side in the horizontal direction of the drawing, and the light emitted from the second screen display pixel 161R can propagate only to the right side. Therefore, the operator visually recognizes screen A (first screen 151) in the left-right viewing direction of the drawing, and the operator views screen B (second screen) in the right-hand viewing direction. 153) is visually recognized.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the principle of viewing angle adjustment. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing a state adjusted to a wide viewing angle, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing a state adjusted to a narrow viewing angle narrower than the wide viewing angle.
In this example, the switch liquid crystal 180 is further integrally arranged on the operator side of the multi-view liquid crystal 160. Then, by switching a part of the pixels of the switch liquid crystal 180 so as not to transmit light, part of the light emitted from the multi-view liquid crystal 160 does not reach the operator side, thereby adjusting the viewing angle. It is carried out.
If a plurality of such switch liquid crystals are provided, the viewing angle can be switched in multiple stages by switching the switch liquid crystals to be operated.

Note that the adjustment of the viewing angle is not limited to the example of FIG. 5, and the pitch between the light transmitting part and the light blocking part of the parallax barrier 163 is variably controlled, or the distance between the pixel 161 (FIG. 4) and the parallax barrier 163 is adjusted. Can be adjusted by variably controlling in a direction perpendicular to the plane formed by the pixel 161 or in a parallel direction.
Further, instead of realizing the parallax barrier using the switch liquid crystal 180, the display unit 123 is controlled by changing the alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules by applying a voltage to the liquid crystal substance and controlling the light in the horizontal direction. A technique for making it difficult to see the screen from the left-right direction may be used.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram exemplarily showing changes in the viewing angles (VA1, VA2, VA3) of the respective screens (151, 153, 155) before and after the viewing angle adjustment control.

FIG. 6A shows a situation in which information that does not require ensuring information security is displayed on second screen display unit 142 (second screen 153) and the information is provided to those who operate on the front of MFP 100. FIG. On the other hand, FIG. 6B shows a situation in which information that the human being in the vicinity of the left and right sides of the MFP 100 does not want to be shown (information security is required) is displayed on the second screen display unit 142 (second screen 153). FIG.
As can be seen from FIGS. 6A and 6B, the viewing angle determination unit 135 of the MFP 100 narrows the viewing angle of the screen 153 with respect to the viewing angle adjustment unit 144 under a predetermined condition. Send instructions to adjust. In this figure, it can be seen that the viewing angle of the screen 153 is adjusted to a narrower viewing angle VA2S than the normal viewing angle VA2N. In the situation of the viewing angle VA2S (FIG. 6B), it becomes difficult for humans on the left and right sides of the MFP 100 to scoop the contents of the screen 153, and information security of information displayed on the screen 153 is ensured. .
Note that the viewing angles of the screens 151 and 155 are adjusted and controlled to be wider in this drawing (VA1N → VA1S, etc.), but the control of the viewing angle of the screen 151 is arbitrary. In other words, when the adjustment control is performed so that the viewing angle of the screen 153 is narrowed, the adjustment control is performed so that the viewing angles of the screens 151 and 155 are wide for the purpose of ensuring the connection of the viewing angles. Is desirable. As a matter of course, in such a case, information different from the screen 153 is displayed on the screens 151 and 155.
Alternatively, when information that does not require ensuring information security is displayed on the second screen display unit 142 (second screen 153) instead of changing the viewing angle of each screen (151, 153, 155). In the first and third screen display units (first and third screens 151 and 155), the same screen as the second screen 153 is displayed, and information (information that is not desired to be shown to a person in the vicinity of the left and right sides of the MFP 100) When displaying information that requires security) on the second screen 153, at least the first and third screens (151 and 155) should display at least the second screen 153 so that a screen different from the second screen 153 is displayed. By changing the display content of either the first screen or the third screen (151 and 155), the range in which the content of the second screen 153 can be viewed is narrowed. And in may implement narrowing of the viewing angle of the second screen 153.

(Viewing angle adjustment control process based on the contents displayed on the display)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the viewing angle adjustment control process based on the contents displayed on the display unit 123 (mainly the second screen display unit 142).

In step S <b> 101, the viewing angle determination unit 135 of the MFP 100 determines whether or not a finished preview display is displayed on the display unit 123.
If the viewing angle determination unit 135 determines that the finished preview display is displayed (“YES” in step S101), the process proceeds to step S103.
If the viewing angle determination unit 135 determines that the finished preview display is not displayed (“NO” in step S101), the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S103, the viewing angle determination unit 135 sets the viewing angle of the second screen 153 to a narrower viewing angle (for example, VA2S in FIG. 6B) than the normal viewing angle (for example, VA2N in FIG. 6A). Decide to be. In response to the determination, the viewing angle adjustment unit 144 adjusts the viewing angle of the second screen 153 to a narrower viewing angle than the normal viewing angle.

  In step S105, the viewing angle determination unit 135 determines that the viewing angle of the second screen 153 is the normal viewing angle (for example, VA2N in FIG. 6A). Then, the viewing angle adjustment unit 144 receives the determination and adjusts the viewing angle of the second screen 153 to the normal viewing angle.

  In this flowchart, the presence / absence of the finished preview display is used as a reference for determining whether or not it is necessary to ensure the information security of the content displayed on the display unit. However, the criteria for determining whether or not to ensure information security is not limited to this. The determination criterion here may be a determination criterion based on display content. Other examples of these judgment criteria include a finished preview display, security information attached to the document being processed, a screen for serviceman mode, a screen for inputting a fax number, a screen for inputting an e-mail address, etc. Examples include an administrator mode screen, a user ID and password (operator personal information) input screen used for user authentication, and the like.

  The process shown in FIG. 7 may be repeatedly executed as appropriate, and MFP 100 may be configured so that the viewing angle is readjusted almost simultaneously when the display content of the screen changes.

(View angle adjustment control processing based on operator attribute)
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a table for holding the attached attribute of the user (operator). Referring to FIG. 8, MFP 100 holds a user ID, a password, a name, a title, a security level, and the like for each user. The user ID and password are user authentication information used for user authentication in the identification unit 112. The name, title, security level, etc. are user (operator) attached attribute information. Note that the information described in the table may be held in a server device or the like outside MFP 100. The MFP 100 can perform viewing angle adjustment control based on the value of the operator-attached attribute illustrated in this figure.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the viewing angle adjustment control process based on the operator attached attribute.

In step S201, the MFP 100 determines whether user authentication is successful.
If the MFP 100 determines that the user authentication is successful (“YES” in step S201), the process proceeds to step S203.
If the MFP 100 determines that the user authentication is unsuccessful (“NO” in step S201), the process proceeds to step S213.

  In step S203, the viewing angle determination unit 135 of the MFP 100 refers to the operator attached attribute of the operator related to the user authentication success / failure determination in step S201.

In step S205, the viewing angle determination unit 135 of the MFP 100 adjusts the viewing angle adjustment amount (an amount that is narrower than normal) based on the operator-provided attribute of the current operator (eg, security level (FIG. 8)). To decide.
If the security level of the attribute attached to the operator is “high”, the process proceeds to step S207.
If the security level of the attribute attached to the operator is “medium”, the process proceeds to step S209.
If the security level of the attribute attached to the operator is “low”, the process proceeds to step S211.

  In step S207, the viewing angle determination unit 135 sends an instruction to the viewing angle adjustment unit 144 to set the viewing angle of the second screen 153 to the high security viewing angle. Upon receiving the instruction, the viewing angle adjustment unit 144 adjusts the viewing angle of the second screen 153 to the high security viewing angle.

  As in step S207, in step S209, the viewing angle determination unit 135 sends an instruction to the viewing angle adjustment unit 144 to set the viewing angle of the second screen 153 to the medium security viewing angle, thereby adjusting the viewing angle. The unit 144 adjusts the viewing angle of the second screen 153 to the medium security viewing angle.

  As in steps S207 and S209, in step S211, the viewing angle determination unit 135 sends an instruction to the viewing angle adjustment unit 144 to set the viewing angle of the second screen 153 to the low security viewing angle, The angle adjustment unit 144 adjusts the viewing angle of the second screen 153 to the low security viewing angle.

Here, the high security viewing angle, the medium security viewing angle, and the low security viewing angle are viewing angles narrower than the normal viewing angle (VA2N in FIG. 6A),
High security viewing angle <Medium security viewing angle <Low security viewing angle.

  In step S213, the viewing angle adjustment unit 144 outputs an instruction to set the viewing angle of the second screen 153 to the normal viewing angle without adjusting the viewing angle.

  FIG. 10A and FIG. 10B are flowcharts that represent the viewing angle adjustment control process based on the content displayed on the display unit and the viewing angle adjustment control process based on the operator attached attribute as a series of processes.

In step S201, the MFP 100 determines whether user authentication is successful.
If the MFP 100 determines that the user authentication is successful (“YES” in step S201), the process proceeds to step S203.
If the MFP 100 determines that the user authentication is unsuccessful (“NO” in step S201), the process proceeds to step S105.

  In step S203, the viewing angle determination unit 135 of the MFP 100 refers to the operator attached attribute of the operator related to the user authentication success / failure determination in step S201.

In step S301, the viewing angle determination unit 135 determines whether or not the security level of the operator attached attribute is the “normal” level (see FIG. 8).
When the viewing angle determination unit 135 determines that the security level of the operator-attached attribute is the “normal” level (“YES” in step S301), the process proceeds to step S101 (FIG. 10B).
If the viewing angle determination unit 135 determines that the security level of the operator-attached attribute is not “normal” level (“NO” in step S301), the process proceeds to step S205.

  The processing after step S205 may be the same as that described with reference to FIG. Here, the description is omitted.

  With reference to FIG. 10B, the process after step S101 is demonstrated. The process of FIG. 10B corresponds to the viewing angle adjustment control process based on the content displayed on the display unit described with reference to FIG.

  In step S101, the viewing angle determination unit 135 determines whether or not the screen displayed on the second screen 153 is the finished preview display mode. If it is determined that the displayed screen is in the finished preview display mode, the viewing angle of the second screen 153 is set to a viewing angle narrower than the normal viewing angle (step S103).

Similarly, in step S303, the viewing angle determination unit 135 refers to attribute information held in association with the preview document (document relating to the job currently being processed), and the attribute information includes a content that requires high security. Whether it is included or not is determined. Note that this step is a step of performing a determination process based on the security level of the document relating to the job currently being processed regardless of whether or not the second screen 153 is currently in the finished preview display.
If it is determined that the preview document (document relating to the job currently being processed) is a document that requires high security, the second screen 153 is displayed regardless of whether or not the second screen 153 is a finished preview display. The viewing angle is set to a narrower viewing angle than the normal viewing angle (step S103).

  Similarly, in step S305, the viewing angle determination unit 135 determines whether or not the screen displayed on the second screen 153 is a serviceman mode screen. If it is determined that the displayed screen is a serviceman mode screen, the viewing angle of the second screen 153 is set to a viewing angle narrower than the normal viewing angle (step S103).

  Similarly, in step S307, the viewing angle determination unit 135 determines whether or not the screen displayed on the second screen 153 is a screen for inputting a FAX number. If it is determined that the displayed screen is a screen for inputting a FAX number, the viewing angle of the second screen 153 is set to a viewing angle narrower than the normal viewing angle (step S103).

  Similarly, in step S309, the viewing angle determination unit 135 determines whether or not the screen displayed on the second screen 153 is a screen for inputting a mail address. If it is determined that the displayed screen is a screen for inputting a mail address, the viewing angle of the second screen 153 is set to a viewing angle narrower than the normal viewing angle (step S103).

  Similarly, in step S311, the viewing angle determination unit 135 determines whether or not the screen displayed on the second screen 153 is an administrator mode screen. If it is determined that the screen to be displayed is the screen in the administrator mode, the viewing angle of the second screen 153 is set to a viewing angle narrower than the normal viewing angle (step S103).

  In any of steps S101, S303, S305, S307, S309, and S311, if the determination is “NO”, that is, if high security is not required for the screen displayed on the second screen 153. The viewing angle of the second screen 153 is set to the normal viewing angle (step S105).

(View angle adjustment control processing based on the presence or absence of humans other than the operator)
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of the infrared sensor units 145, 146, and 147 arranged on the display unit 123 of the user interface 121. As described above, the display unit 123 includes the first infrared sensor unit 145 that detects the presence or absence of a person in a predetermined spatial range on the left side toward the display unit 123, and the predetermined spatial range in front of the display unit 123. A second infrared sensor unit 146 for detecting the presence or absence of a human in the second infrared sensor unit 146 and a third infrared sensor unit 147 for detecting the presence or absence of a human in a predetermined spatial range on the right side toward the display unit 123 may be provided.

  In this case, when at least one of the first and second infrared sensor units 145 and 147 detects the presence of a human, the viewing angle determination unit 135 sets the viewing angle of the second screen 153 to be larger than the normal viewing angle. An instruction to adjust to a narrow viewing angle is output to the viewing angle adjustment unit 144. Then, the viewing angle adjustment unit 144 adjusts the viewing angle of the second screen 153 based on the instruction.

  Note that this process (viewing angle adjustment control process based on the presence or absence of a person other than the operator) can also be implemented by being incorporated in a part of a series of processes described with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B. Such an example is obvious to those skilled in the art and will not be described.

  The MFP according to the present embodiment includes a multi-view liquid crystal as a display unit of the user interface, switches the viewing angle of the screen based on various conditions, and a person in the vicinity of the display unit (left and right) Peeping the contents of the display to the person who operates is suppressed.

  For example, when the operator operates the MFP in a specific mode (such as a serviceman mode), it may be difficult for the user standing on the left and right of the display unit to peek at the information on the display screen. In such a case, the MFP according to the present embodiment automatically prevents information being displayed from being viewed by people standing on the left and right sides of the apparatus.

  According to the present embodiment, the operator can operate the MFP while displaying highly confidential information without worrying about the surroundings. By doing so, the image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment has the effect of improving the operability and convenience for the operator while preventing leakage of confidential information.

  The present invention is useful as an image processing apparatus. The image processing apparatus according to the present invention improves the performance of ensuring information security related to information displayed on the display unit while ensuring the operability and convenience of the operation of the operator.

100: Digital MFP (MFP)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Computer main part 121 ... User interface part 123 ... Display part 125 ... Operation part 131 ... MFP control part 133 ... Display screen determination part 135 ... Viewing angle determination part 136 Operation accepting unit 141 First screen display unit 142 Second screen display unit 143 Third screen display unit 144 Viewing angle adjustment unit 145 First infrared sensor unit 146 ... 2nd infrared sensor part 147 ... 3rd infrared sensor part 151 ... 1st screen 153 ... 2nd screen 155 ... 3rd screen 160 ... Multi-view liquid crystal 161 ... Pixel 163 ... Parallax barrier 180 ... Switch liquid crystal

Claims (12)

An image processing apparatus including a display unit that presents information to an operator as a user interface,
A viewing angle determination unit for determining a viewing angle of the display unit;
A viewing angle adjustment unit that adjusts the viewing angle of the display unit according to the determination of the viewing angle determination unit;
Have
The viewing angle determination unit determines whether or not it is necessary to ensure information security for display on the display unit based on predetermined information, and if it is determined that information security is required, ensure the information security. An image processing apparatus that determines a viewing angle of the display unit at a viewing angle narrower than a viewing angle of the display unit determined when it is determined that it is not necessary. The display unit can simultaneously display at least two screens including a first screen and a second screen displayed at different viewing angles,
The second screen is displayed at a viewing angle where the display content can be viewed from a predetermined direction,
The first screen is displayed at a viewing angle where display content cannot be visually recognized from the predetermined direction,
The viewing angle determination unit determines whether or not it is necessary to ensure information security for the display of the second screen of the display unit, and if it is determined that it is necessary to ensure information security, it is not necessary to ensure information security. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the viewing angle of the second screen of the display unit is set to a viewing angle that is narrower than the viewing angle of the second screen of the display unit determined when it is determined. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined information is security information attached to a document being processed. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined information is content displayed on the second screen of the display unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the viewing angle determination unit determines that it is necessary to ensure information security when a content displayed on the second screen of the display unit is a finished preview display. . The image processing according to claim 4, wherein the viewing angle determination unit determines that information security is required when the content displayed on the second screen of the display unit is a serviceman mode screen. apparatus. The image processing according to claim 4, wherein the viewing angle determination unit determines that information security is required when the content displayed on the second screen of the display unit is a FAX number input screen. apparatus. The image according to claim 4, wherein the viewing angle determination unit determines that information security is required when the content displayed on the second screen of the display unit is a mail address number input screen. Processing equipment. 5. The viewing angle determination unit according to claim 4, wherein when the content displayed on the second screen of the display unit is an operator personal information input screen, it is determined that information security is required. Image processing device. The image processing according to claim 4, wherein the viewing angle determination unit determines that information security is required when the content displayed on the second screen of the display unit is an administrator mode screen. apparatus. Further, an identification unit for performing user authentication of the operator,
A data storage unit that holds operator-attached attribute information related to the necessity of ensuring information security as the user-attached attribute of the operator relating to the user authentication,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the viewing angle determination unit determines whether or not it is necessary to ensure information security for display on the display unit based on the operator attached attribute information. And a sensor unit for detecting the presence or absence of a human in a predetermined spatial range near the display unit and outputting the result.
The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the viewing angle determination unit determines whether or not it is necessary to ensure information security for display on the display unit based on an output from the sensor unit.

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