Information processing apparatus, display mode switching program, and display mode switching method

Abstract

To improve convenience of a user by facilitating confirmation of specific information by the user, and to improve security of the specific information.SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus 1 includes the control unit 21 that switches the display mode of the password between the mask display mode in which the password cannot be confirmed and the explicit display mode in which the password can be confirmed, the switching operation determination unit 22 that determines whether or not the switching operation of the display mode is performed, and the condition establishment determination unit 23 that determines whether or not the specific switching condition is established. When a specific switching condition is satisfied during the explicit display mode, the display mode is switched to the mask display mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an information processing device, a display mode switching program, and a display mode switching method, and in particular to an information processing device, a display mode switching program, and a display mode switching method that switch the display mode of specific information (e.g., highly important information such as a password) between a mode in which the specific information can be confirmed and a mode in which the specific information cannot be confirmed. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an information processing device that protects the contents of a password by displaying the letters, numbers, symbols, etc. that make up the password in obscured characters (e.g., "●", "*", etc.) on a display unit, making the contents of the password in a displayed state that makes them impossible for third parties to see.

[0003] Such information processing devices generally have a first display mode and a second display mode for displaying passwords. The first display mode is a display mode in which the elements (letters, numbers, symbols, etc.) that make up the password are displayed on the display unit in obscured characters (for example, "●", "*", etc.), thereby making the password unrecognizable. The second display mode is a display mode in which the elements (letters, numbers, symbols, etc.) that make up the password are displayed on the display unit in their original form, such as letters, numbers, symbols, etc., thereby making the password visible.

[0004] In the first display mode, a first switching icon that the user presses to switch from the first display mode to the second display mode is displayed on the display unit. When the information processing device receives a user's press on the first switching icon, it switches the display mode from the first display mode to the second display mode. Also, in the second display mode, a second switching icon that the user presses to switch from the second display mode to the first display mode is displayed on the display unit. When the information processing device receives a user's press on the second switching icon, it switches the display mode from the second display mode to the first display mode.

[0005] If the user wants to check the password they entered, they can press the first switching icon, which will display the password in a visible state so that the user can see it. Also, if the user wants to protect the password from being seen by a third party, they can press the second switching icon, which will display the password in an invisible state so that the user can protect the password. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-171144 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the above information display device, when the display mode is switched from the first display mode to the second display mode, the password continues to be displayed in a visible state until the user presses the second switching icon. This may result in insufficient password security. This is especially true for highly important information such as passwords.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to make it easier for users to check information, thereby improving user convenience, and to shorten the period during which information is displayed in a checkable state, thereby improving information security. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An information processing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes an operation unit that accepts input of information from a user; a display unit; a control unit that causes the display unit to display a screen including an area that displays the information for which input has been accepted by the operation unit, and switches a setting of a display mode of the information in the area between a first display mode that sets the display state to a first display state in which the content of the information cannot be confirmed, and a second display mode that sets the display state to a second display state in which the content of the information can be confirmed; a switching operation determination unit that determines whether or not a first switching operation has been performed using the operation unit to switch the display mode of the area from the first display mode to the second display mode, or a second switching operation to switch the display mode of the area from the second display mode to the first display mode; and a switching operation determination unit that determines whether or not the second switching operation has been performed. and a condition satisfaction determination unit that determines whether a specific switching condition different from the switching condition is satisfied, wherein the control unit, when the first display mode is set in the region and the switching operation determination unit determines that the first switching operation has been performed, switches the display mode setting of the region from the first display mode to the second display mode, when the second display mode is set in the region and the switching operation determination unit determines that the second switching operation has been performed, switches the display mode setting of the region from the second display mode to the first display mode, and when the second display mode is set in the region and the condition satisfaction determination unit determines that the specific switching condition is satisfied, switches the display mode setting of the region from the second display mode to the first display mode.

[0010] A display mode switching program according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a control unit that causes a computer to display a screen including an area for displaying information for which input is accepted by an operation unit, and switches a setting of a display mode of the information in the area between a first display mode that sets a first display state in which the content of the information cannot be confirmed and a second display mode that sets a second display state in which the content of the information can be confirmed; a switching operation determination unit that determines whether or not a first switching operation for switching the display mode of the area from the first display mode to the second display mode and a second switching operation for switching the display mode of the area from the second display mode to the first display mode has been performed using the operation unit; and a switching condition that is different from the switching condition, the second switching operation being performed. and the control unit operates as a condition satisfaction determination unit that determines whether a specific switching condition is satisfied, and when the first display mode is set in the region and the switching operation determination unit determines that the first switching operation has been performed, the control unit switches the setting of the display mode of the region from the first display mode to the second display mode, when the second display mode is set in the region and the switching operation determination unit determines that the second switching operation has been performed, the control unit switches the setting of the display mode of the region from the second display mode to the first display mode, and when the second display mode is set in the region and the condition satisfaction determination unit determines that the specific switching condition is satisfied, the control unit switches the setting of the display mode of the region from the second display mode to the first display mode.

[0011] A display mode switching method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a control step of causing a display unit to display a screen including an area for displaying information for which input has been accepted by an operation unit, and switching a setting of a display mode of the information in the area between a first display mode in which the content of the information is not viewable and a second display mode in which the content of the information is viewable; a switching operation determination step of determining whether or not a first switching operation has been performed using the operation unit to switch the display mode of the area from the first display mode to the second display mode, or a second switching operation to switch the display mode of the area from the second display mode to the first display mode; and a switching operation determination step of determining whether or not a specific switching condition different from a switching condition indicating that the second switching operation has been performed has been met. and a condition satisfaction determination step of determining whether the specific switching condition is satisfied, wherein when the first display mode is set in the region and it is determined in the switching operation determination step that the first switching operation has been performed, the control unit switches the setting of the display mode of the region from the first display mode to the second display mode, when the second display mode is set in the region and it is determined in the switching operation determination step that the second switching operation has been performed, the control unit switches the setting of the display mode of the region from the second display mode to the first display mode, and when the second display mode is set in the region and it is determined in the condition satisfaction determination step that the specific switching condition is satisfied, the control unit switches the setting of the display mode of the region from the second display mode to the first display mode. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, when information is displayed in a first display state in which it cannot be viewed, the user can perform a first switching operation to display the information in a second display state in which it can be viewed. Also, when information is displayed in the second display state in which it can be viewed, the information is displayed in the first display state in which it cannot be viewed if a specific switching condition is met, even if the user does not perform a second switching operation. Therefore, when the user selects the second display state, the information can be viewed, improving user convenience, and the display period in which unspecified persons can view the information can be shortened, improving information security. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an image forming apparatus as an information processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 3 is a screen transition diagram for explaining a specific example of a display mode change process performed by the control unit of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] 3 is a screen transition diagram for explaining a specific example of a display mode switching process performed by the control unit of FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a display mode switching process performed by the image forming apparatus of FIG. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a display mode switching process performed by the image forming apparatus of FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a display mode switching process performed by the image forming apparatus of FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a panel transition diagram for explaining a specific example of a process for restricting switching of display modes for a device panel and a remote panel. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a screen diagram illustrating a modified example of the password display state. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An image forming apparatus 1 as an information processing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The image forming apparatus 1 is a multifunction device that combines multiple functions such as a facsimile function, a copy function, a printer function, and a scanner function.

[0015] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of an image forming apparatus 1. A housing 2 of the image forming apparatus 1 houses a plurality of devices for realizing various functions of the image forming apparatus 1. For example, the housing 2 houses an image reading unit 3, an image forming unit 31 (see FIG. 2), a fixing unit 32 (see FIG. 2), a paper feed unit 4, etc.

[0016] The image reading unit 3 is an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) that includes a document transport unit 5 that transports documents and a scanner that optically reads documents transported by the document transport unit 5 or documents placed on a contact glass (not shown). The image reading unit 3 reads an image from the document and acquires image data by illuminating the document with a light emitting unit and receiving the reflected light with a CCD sensor. The image reading unit 3 also includes a first detection unit 51 (see FIG. 2) that detects whether the document transport unit 5 is open or closed. The first detection unit 51 is an open / close detection sensor. The open / close sensor may be a known mechanism, such as a sensor with a mechanical switch mechanism. The detection signal output from the first detection unit 51 to the control unit 20 (see FIG. 2) indicates whether the document transport unit 5 is open or closed.

[0017] The image forming unit 31 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, and a transfer device. The image forming unit 31 forms a toner image on recording paper supplied from the paper feed unit 4 based on image data acquired by the image reading unit 3 or image data sent from a personal computer or other facsimile device connected via a network line.

[0018] The fixing unit 32 heats the recording paper on which the toner image has been formed by the image forming process of the image forming unit 31, and performs a fixing process to fix the toner image to the recording paper by thermocompression. After undergoing the fixing process by the fixing unit 32, the recording paper on which the image has been formed is discharged to the paper discharge unit 6.

[0019] The paper discharge unit 6 includes a paper discharge tray 7 on which discharged recording paper with an image formed thereon is placed, and a detection unit that detects whether or not recording paper is present on the paper discharge tray 7. The detection unit is not particularly limited as long as it is a known mechanism, but for example, it is a reflective optical sensor that includes an irradiation unit that irradiates light and a light receiving unit that receives light reflected from the recording paper, and detects the presence or absence of recording paper from the amount of light received by the light receiving unit.

[0020] The paper feed unit 4 pulls out recording paper stored in paper feed cassettes 8 and 9 or recording paper placed on the manual feed tray one sheet at a time and sends it to the image forming unit 3. The paper feed unit 4 includes a second detection unit group 52 including second detection units corresponding to the paper feed cassettes 8 and 9, respectively. Each second detection unit constituting the second detection unit group 52 is an open / close detection sensor. The open / close detection sensor may be a known mechanism, such as a sensor with a mechanical switch mechanism. A detection signal output to the control unit 20 from the second detection unit corresponding to paper feed cassette 8 in the second detection unit group 52 indicates whether paper feed cassette 8 is in an open state or a closed state. Furthermore, a detection signal output to the control unit 20 from the second detection unit corresponding to paper feed cassette 9 in the second detection unit group 52 indicates whether paper feed cassette 9 is in an open state or a closed state.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 1 is provided with an operation unit 10 on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1, near the image reading unit 5. The operation unit 10 accepts instructions input by a user via the operation unit 10 regarding processes related to various functions that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1. The operation unit 10 includes a touch panel display unit 11. Under the control of the control unit 21, the display unit 11 displays various screens including a home screen, a login screen, a copy screen, a send screen, and a job history screen.

[0022] A third detection unit 53 is provided on the front side of the image forming apparatus 1 to detect people present near the image forming apparatus 1. The third detection unit 53 is a human presence sensor. The human presence sensor may be any known mechanism, such as an infrared sensor or an image-based human presence sensor that has a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) image sensor and analyzes image data captured by the CCD image sensor to detect the number of people and their positions. In this embodiment, an image-based human presence sensor is used as the third detection unit 53, and the third detection unit 53 outputs detection information indicating the detection results of the third detection unit 53 (information indicating the number of people and position information indicating the position of each person) to the control unit 20. In this embodiment, the third detection unit 53 is capable of detecting people within a predetermined range (detection range) R from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0023] A fourth detection unit 54 that detects the gaze of a person detected by the third detection unit 53 is provided on the upper surface of the operation unit 10 of the image forming apparatus 1. The fourth detection unit 54 is a gaze sensor. The gaze sensor may be a known mechanism, for example, a non-contact gaze sensor that uses a corneal reflex method. In this embodiment, the fourth detection unit 54 includes a light source for irradiating the user's eye, specifically the cornea, with near-infrared light, and a camera for capturing images of the eyeball movement that causes the corneal reflex. The fourth detection unit 54 outputs image data captured by the camera to the control unit 20.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic internal configuration of the image forming apparatus of Fig. 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a control unit 20. The control unit 20 includes a processor, a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The processor is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The control unit 20 includes a control unit 21, a switching operation determination unit 22, and a condition satisfaction determination unit 23.

[0025] The control unit 20 functions as a control unit 21, a switching operation determination unit 22, and a condition satisfaction determination unit 23 through operation by the processor in accordance with a control program stored in an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 41. However, the control unit 21 and the like can also be configured by hardware circuits, without relying on operation in accordance with a control program by the control unit 20. Unless otherwise specified below, this applies to each embodiment.

[0026] The control unit 20 is electrically connected to the document transport section 5, the image reading section 3, the image forming section 31, the fixing section 32, the paper feed section 4, the operation section 10, the first detection section 51, the second detection section group 52, the third detection section 53, the fourth detection section 54, the image processing section 33, the image memory 34, the HDD 41, the facsimile communication section 42, and the network interface section 43. The control section 21 is responsible for the overall control of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0027] The image processing unit 33 includes an image processing circuit, and performs image processing on the image data acquired by the image reading unit 3 as necessary.

[0028] The image memory 34 includes an area for temporarily storing image data acquired by the image reading unit 3. For example, the image memory 34 temporarily stores image data that is to be used for image formation by the image forming unit 31.

[0029] The HDD 41 is a large-capacity storage device that stores various data, including image data read by the image reading unit 3. The HDD 41 also stores various computer programs, such as the control program, for implementing the operations of the image forming apparatus 1. In this embodiment, the control program includes a display mode switching program that switches the display state of a password (described later) between a first display mode in which the elements (letters, symbols, numbers, etc.) of the password are displayed in a first display state that makes the password unrecognizable by replacing them with obscured characters (e.g., "●" or "*"), and a second display mode in which the elements of the password are displayed as is and are recognizable. Hereinafter, the first display state will be referred to as the "masked display state," and the first display mode will be referred to as the "masked display mode." Hereinafter, the second display state will be referred to as the "clear display state," and the second display mode will be referred to as the "clear display mode."

[0030] The facsimile communication unit 42 is a facsimile communication mechanism that connects to a public line and transmits and receives image data via the public line.

[0031] The network interface unit 43 is an interface with a LAN or internetwork. The control unit 21 performs data communication via the network interface unit 43 with an information processing device such as a personal computer 44 on the LAN or internetwork.

[0032] A power supply (not shown) is connected to each part of the image forming apparatus 1, and each part of the image forming apparatus 1 operates when power is supplied from the power supply. In this embodiment, the control unit 20 controls the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus 1. When a predetermined condition is met, such as when no image formation process is performed for a predetermined period of time, the control unit 20 stops or limits the power supply to each part of the image forming apparatus 1, thereby transitioning the state of the image forming apparatus 1 to a power-saving state (hereinafter referred to as a "power-saving mode") that consumes less power. Furthermore, when a predetermined condition is met, such as when an operation is performed on the operation unit 10, the control unit 20 performs a return process from the power-saving mode, and transitions the state of the image forming apparatus 1 to a state where processes related to various functions of the image forming apparatus 1 can be quickly executed.

[0033] As described above, the control unit 20 functions as a control unit 21, a switching operation determination unit 22, and a condition satisfaction determination unit 23 through the operation of the processor in accordance with the control programs including the display mode switching program.

[0034] The control unit 21 is responsible for overall operational control of the display mode switching process in accordance with the display mode switching program. The control unit 21 causes the display unit 11 to display a screen including an area (e.g., a password input box) for displaying information (e.g., a password) whose input has been accepted by the operation unit 10, and switches the display mode setting of the information in the area between a masked display mode in which the information is displayed in a masked display state that makes the content of the information unrecognizable, and a clear display mode in which the information is displayed in a clear display state that makes the content of the information recognizable. The switching operation determination unit 22 determines whether a first switching operation for switching the display mode of the area from the masked display mode to the clear display mode or a second switching operation for switching the display mode of the area from the clear display mode to the masked display mode has been performed. The condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines whether a specific state switching condition, different from the state switching condition that indicates that the second switching operation has been performed, is satisfied.

[0035] When the mask display mode is set for a region and the switching operation determination unit 22 determines that a first switching operation has been performed, the control unit 21 switches the display mode setting for the region from the mask display mode to the explicit display mode. Also, when the explicit display mode is set for a region and the switching operation determination unit determines that a second switching operation has been performed, the control unit 21 switches the display mode setting for the region from the explicit display mode to the mask display mode. Also, when the explicit display mode is set for a region and the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines that a specific switching condition has been satisfied, the control unit 21 switches the display mode setting for the region from the explicit display mode to the mask display mode.

[0036] Hereinafter, the first switching operation will be referred to as the "masked display → explicit display switching operation," and the second switching operation will be referred to as the "explicit display → masked display switching operation." Also, below, specific information displayed in the masked display state will be referred to as the "masked display specific information," and specific information displayed in the explicit display state will be referred to as the "explicit display specific information."

[0037] 3 is a screen transition diagram for explaining a specific example of the display mode switching process performed by the control unit 20. Each of (a) to (d) in FIG. 3 is a login screen displayed on the display unit 11 in FIG. 1 and FIG.

[0038] 3(a) and 3(b) are examples of a login screen in a mask display mode in which a password is displayed in a masked state. The control unit 21 displays a login user name input box 101 and a password input box 102 as the login screen of FIG. 3(a), and displays an icon 103A in the password input box 102. The icon 103A indicates that the password display mode is the masked display mode, and is also an icon for accepting an instruction for a "masked display to explicit display switching operation" to switch the password display mode from the masked display mode to the explicit display mode. The login screen of FIG. 3(b) is displayed by the control unit 21, and is a screen in which a software keyboard 104 is superimposed on the login screen of FIG. 3(a). Hereinafter, the password displayed in a masked state in the mask display mode will be referred to as a "masked display password," and the icon 103A will be referred to as a "masked display notification icon 103A."

[0039] 3(c) and (d) are examples of a login screen in explicit display mode that displays a password in explicit display mode. The control unit 21 displays a login user name input box 101 and a password input box 102 as the screen of FIG. 3(c), and displays an icon 103B in the password input box 102. The icon 103B indicates that the password display mode is explicit display mode, and is also an icon for accepting an instruction for a "explicit display to mask display switching operation" that switches the password display mode from explicit display mode to mask display mode. The login screen of FIG. 3(c) is displayed by the control unit 21, and is a screen in which a software keyboard 104 is superimposed on the login screen of FIG. 3(d). Hereinafter, the password displayed in explicit display mode in explicit display mode will be referred to as the "explicit display password," and the icon 103B will be referred to as the "explicit display notification icon 103B."

[0040] 3(a), when a user presses a portion of the touch panel of the operation unit 10 corresponding to the masked display notification icon 103A, the operation unit 10 detects the coordinates of the pressed position on the touch panel and outputs a detection signal indicating the coordinates of the pressed position to the control unit 20. The switching operation determination unit 22 of the control unit 20 determines whether a "masked display → explicit display switching operation" has been performed based on the coordinates of the pressed position indicated by the detection signal, and determines in this case that a "masked display → explicit display switching operation" has been performed. In response to this determination, the control unit 21 switches the password display mode from the masked display mode to the explicit display mode, causes the display unit 11 to display the explicit display password in the password input box 102 of the login screen of FIG. 3(c), and causes the explicit display notification icon 103B to be displayed in the password input box 102.

[0041] When the user presses the part corresponding to the mask display notification icon 103A on the touch panel of the operation unit 10 on the login screen of Figure 3(b), the control unit 21 switches the password display mode from the mask display mode to the explicit display mode, displays the explicit display password in the password input box 102 on the login screen of Figure 3(d), and displays the explicit display notification icon 103B in the password input box 102, just as when the part corresponding to the mask display notification icon 103A is pressed on the login screen of Figure 3(a).

[0042] 3(c), when a user presses a portion of the touch panel of the operation unit 10 corresponding to the clear display notification icon 103B, the operation unit 10 detects the coordinates of the pressed position on the touch panel and outputs a detection signal indicating the coordinates of the pressed position to the control unit 20. The switching operation determination unit 22 of the control unit 20 determines whether or not a "clear display → masked display switching operation" has been performed based on the coordinates of the pressed position indicated by the detection signal, and determines that a "clear display → masked display switching operation" has been performed in this case. In response to this determination, the control unit 21 switches the password display mode from the clear display mode to the masked display mode, causes the display unit 11 to display the masked password in the password input box 102 of the login screen of FIG. 3(a), and causes the masked display notification icon 103A to be displayed in the password input box 102.

[0043] When the user presses the part corresponding to the explicit display notification icon 103B on the touch panel of the operation unit 10 on the login screen of Figure 3(d), the control unit 21 switches the password display mode from the explicit display mode to the masked display mode, displays the masked password in the password input box 102 on the login screen of Figure 3(b), and displays the masked display notification icon 103A in the password input box 102, just as when the part corresponding to the explicit display notification icon 103B is pressed on the login screen of Figure 3(c).

[0044] 3(a) on the touch panel of the operation unit 10, the login screen of the display unit 11 switches from the login screen of FIG. 3(a) to the login screen of FIG. 3(b) on which the software keyboard 104 is superimposed, but the password display mode remains the masked display mode. Similarly, on the login screen of FIG. 3(c) on the login screen of the operation unit 10, the control unit 21 switches the login screen of the display unit 11 from the screen of FIG. 3(c) to the login screen of FIG. 3(d) on which the software keyboard 104 is superimposed, but the password display mode remains the explicit display mode.

[0045] Although not shown, the software keyboard 104 includes an icon (hereinafter referred to as a "software keyboard end icon") for receiving an instruction to hide the software keyboard. When a user presses a portion of the touch panel of the operation unit 10 corresponding to the software keyboard end icon on the login screen of FIG. 3(d), the operation unit 10 detects the coordinates of the pressed position on the touch panel and outputs a detection signal indicating the coordinates of the pressed position to the control unit 20. The condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines whether an operation to end the display of the software keyboard 104 has been performed based on the coordinates of the pressed position indicated by the detection signal. In this case, upon determining that a display end operation has been performed, the control unit 21 switches the password display mode from the explicit display mode to the masked display mode, causes the display unit 11 to display a masked password in the password input box 102 of the login screen of FIG. 3(a), and causes the masked display notification icon 103A to be displayed in the password input box 102. Note that determining whether the display of the software keyboard 104 has finished is one example of a method for determining whether the input of a password into the password input box 102 has finished, and the method for determining whether the input of a password into the password input box 102 has finished is not limited to this, and any method can be used as long as it can determine whether the input of a password has finished.

[0046] In addition, when the user presses the part corresponding to the software keyboard exit icon on the touch panel of the operation unit 10 on the login screen of Figure 3(b), the control unit 21 switches the login screen on the display unit 11 from the login screen of Figure 3(b) to the login screen of Figure 3(a), but the password display mode remains in the mask display mode.

[0047] On the screen of FIG. 3(c), when a user presses a portion of the touch panel of the operation unit 10 corresponding to a login user name input box 101, which is an input box separate from the password input box 102, the operation unit 10 detects the coordinates of the pressed position on the touch panel and outputs a detection signal indicating the coordinates of the pressed position to the control unit 20. The condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines whether a pressing operation on the portion corresponding to the login user name input box 101 (herein referred to as a "separate input box pressing operation") has been performed based on the coordinates of the pressed position indicated by the detection signal. Here, it is determined that a separate input box pressing operation has been performed, and the control unit 21 switches the password display mode from the explicit display mode to the masked display mode. On the login screen of FIG. 3(d), when a user presses a portion of the touch panel of the operation unit 10 corresponding to the login user name input box 101, which is separate from the password input box 102, the control unit 21 similarly switches the password display mode from the explicit display mode to the masked display mode.

[0048] Fig. 4 is a screen transition diagram for explaining a specific example of the display mode switching process performed by the control unit 20. Fig. 4(a) and (c) are examples of login screens displayed on the display unit 11 in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Fig. 4(b) is an example of a status screen displayed on the display unit 11 in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0049] 4(a) is displayed, the control unit 21 switches the screen of the display unit 11 from the login screen to another screen, such as a status screen different from the login screen. The condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines whether the screen has been switched from the login screen to another screen, based on the display control of the screen of the display unit 11 by the control unit 21. Here, it is determined that the screen has been switched from the login screen to another screen, and the control unit 21 switches the password display mode from the explicit display mode to the masked display mode.

[0050] When the control unit 21 returns from the status screen of Figure 4(b) to the login screen of Figure 4(c), the password display mode has been changed to the mask display mode, so the control unit 21 displays the masked password in the password input box 102 of the login screen of Figure 4(c) and displays the masked display notification icon 103A in the password input box 102.

[0051] Next, a description will be given of a display mode switching process and a display mode switching method performed by the image forming apparatus 1. Figures 5 to 7 are flowcharts showing the flow of the display mode switching process performed by the image forming apparatus 1.

[0052] The control unit 21 may display, on the screen of the display unit 11, multiple password input boxes that can switch between a mask display mode and a clear display mode for displaying the password to be displayed. When a user enters a password into each of the multiple password input boxes, the user enters the password one by one in order from any one of the multiple password input boxes. Therefore, when multiple password input boxes that can switch between a mask display mode and a clear display mode are displayed on the screen of the display unit 11, it is sufficient that the password input box into which the password is being entered is in the clear display mode. Therefore, the control unit 21 controls so that two or more password input boxes do not enter the clear display mode at the same time.

[0053] The control unit 21 determines whether or not there is a password input box for which the explicit display mode is set, based on the password display mode set in the password input box (step S1).

[0054] When the control unit 21 determines that there is no password input box for which the explicit display mode is set (S1: NO), the switching operation determination unit 22 determines whether or not a "mask display → explicit display switching operation" has been performed on a password input box for which the mask display mode is set, based on the coordinates of the touch panel press position input from the operation unit 10 (step S2). When the switching operation determination unit 22 determines that a "mask display → explicit display switching operation" has been performed (S2: YES), the control unit 21 switches the setting of the password display mode for the password input box for which the "mask display → explicit display switching operation" has been performed from the mask display mode to the explicit display mode (step S3).

[0055] The control unit 21 stores, as one of the specific switching conditions, that a predetermined time (predetermined time) has elapsed since the password display mode setting for the password input box was switched from the masked display mode to the explicit display mode. The control unit 21 sets the predetermined time to the time it takes for the user to input the password into the operation unit 10 (for example, the time it takes for the user to confirm the password). This makes it possible to quickly display the password in a masked display state after the user confirms it, thereby improving password security.

[0056] The control unit 20 has a built-in timer, and when the control unit 21 determines that there is a password input box for which the explicit display mode is set (S1: YES), the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 targets the password input box for which the explicit display mode is set and determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the explicit display mode was set based on the count value of the timer (step S4).When the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines that the predetermined time has elapsed since the explicit display mode was set (S4: YES), the control unit 21 switches the password display mode setting for the password input box for which the predetermined time has elapsed since the explicit display mode was set from the explicit display mode to the mask display mode (step S5).

[0057] If the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines that a predetermined time has not elapsed since the explicit display mode was selected (S4: NO), the switching operation determination unit 22 determines whether or not a "explicit display → masked display switching operation" has been performed on the password input box for which the explicit display mode has been selected, based on the coordinates of the touch panel press position input from the operation unit 10 (step S6). If the switching operation determination unit 22 determines that a "explicit display → masked display switching operation" has been performed (S6: YES), the control unit 21 switches the setting of the password display mode for the password input box for which the "explicit display → masked display switching operation" has been performed from the explicit display mode to the masked display mode (step S7).

[0058] On the screen of the display unit 11, there may be cases where a password input box for which the explicit display mode is set and a password input box for which the mask display mode is set are displayed. The determination target in the following step S8 is a password input box for which the mask display mode is set. If the switching operation determination unit 22 determines that a "explicit display → mask display switching operation" has not been performed (S6: NO), the switching operation determination unit 22 determines whether a "mask display → explicit display switching operation" has been performed for a password input box for which the mask display mode is set, based on the coordinates of the touch panel press position input from the operation unit 10 (step S8). If the switching operation determination unit 22 determines that a "mask display → explicit display switching operation" has been performed (S8: YES), the control unit 21 switches the setting of the password display mode for the password input box that had been set to the explicit display mode at the time of the determination in step S8 from the explicit display mode to the mask display mode, and switches the setting of the password display mode for the password input box for which the "mask display → explicit display switching operation" has been performed from the mask display mode to the explicit display mode (step S9).

[0059] The control unit 21 stores, as one of the specific switching conditions, that an operation to switch the password display mode of another password input box from the masked display mode to the explicit display mode ("masked display → explicit display switching operation") has been performed when the explicit display mode is set in the password input box. The processes of steps S8 and S9 described above are performed for this specific switching condition.

[0060] The control unit 21 stores, as one of the specific switching conditions, that when the explicit display mode is set for the password input box, the password input box is no longer displayed on the screen of the display unit 11. Specific examples of when a password input box set to the explicit display mode is no longer displayed on the screen of the display unit 11 include when the password input box set to the explicit display mode is moved off the screen of the display unit 11 by scrolling the screen display of the display unit 11, when the screen of the display unit 11 is switched from a screen displaying a password input box set to the explicit display mode to another screen such as a status screen that does not include the password input box, or when the password input box itself is hidden due to a change in settings related to the password input box set to the explicit display mode. When a password input box set to the explicit display mode is no longer displayed on the screen, it is considered that the user has moved on from the password confirmation task to another task. Therefore, if the password input box is displayed again on the screen after the user has moved on from the password confirmation task to another task, the password is displayed in a masked state, thereby improving password security.

[0061] If the switching operation determination unit 22 determines that a "mask display to explicit display switching operation" has not been performed (S8: NO), the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines whether the password input box for which explicit display mode is set remains displayed on the screen of the display unit 11 (step S10). Here, the determination of whether the password input box for which explicit display mode is set has moved off the screen of the display unit 11 by scrolling the screen display of the display unit 11 is made, for example, based on image data of the display image of the display unit 11. Furthermore, the determination of whether the screen displaying the password input box for which explicit display mode is set has been switched to another screen is made, for example, based on a display instruction for the other screen. Furthermore, the determination of whether the password input box itself has become hidden due to a setting change related to the password input box for which explicit display mode is set is made, for example, based on the setting content after the setting change. If the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines that the password input box for which the explicit display mode is set is no longer displayed on the screen of the display unit 11 (S10: NO), the control unit 21 switches the password display mode setting for the password input box for which the explicit display mode is set and which is no longer displayed on the screen of the display unit 11 from the explicit display mode to the mask display mode (step S11).

[0062] The control unit 21 stores, as one of the specific switching conditions, that the password entry in the password entry box has been completed when the explicit display mode is set in the password entry box. When the password entry in the password entry box set to the explicit display mode has been completed, it is considered that the user no longer needs to confirm the password, and by promptly displaying the password in a masked state after the password entry has been completed, the password security can be improved.

[0063] The software keyboard includes an icon (software keyboard end icon) for receiving an instruction to hide the software keyboard. When the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines that the password input box set to the explicit display mode remains displayed on the screen of the display unit 11 (S10: YES), the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines whether input in the password input box set to the explicit display mode has ended (step S12). This determination is made, for example, by determining whether the software keyboard end icon has been pressed based on the coordinates of a pressed position on the touch panel input from the operation unit 10. When the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines that input in the password input box set to the explicit display mode has ended (S12: YES), the control unit 21 switches the setting of the password display mode for the password input box set to the explicit display mode, for which input has ended, from the explicit display mode to the mask display mode (step S13).

[0064] The control unit 21 memorizes, as one of the specific switching conditions, that input of information for the password input box has started in an input box other than the password input box when the explicit display mode is set for the password input box. When input into another input box has started, it is considered that the user's attention is directed to input into the other input box, and by quickly displaying the password in a masked state after input into the other input box has started, password security is improved.

[0065] If the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 has not determined that input into the password input box for which the explicit display mode is set has ended (S12: NO), the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines whether input into another input box other than the password input box for which the explicit display mode is set has started (step S14). This determination is made, for example, by determining whether a pressing operation has been performed on a predetermined portion of the other input box other than the password input box for which the explicit display mode is set has selected the other input box, based on the coordinates of a pressing position on the touch panel input from the operation unit 10. If the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines that input into another input box other than the password input box for which the explicit display mode is set has started (S14: YES), the control unit 21 switches the setting of the password display mode for the password input box for which the explicit display mode is set from the explicit display mode to the mask display mode (step S15).

[0066] When the explicit display mode is set in the password input box as one of the specific switching conditions, the control unit 21 stores the fact that a predetermined dialog box or the like with a high display priority has been displayed on the screen of the display unit 11. When a dialog box or the like with a high display priority is displayed, it is considered that the user's attention is directed to the dialog box or the like with a high display priority, and by quickly displaying the password in a masked state after the dialog box or the like with a high display priority is displayed, the security of the password is improved.

[0067] When the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines that input has not been started in another input box other than the password input box for which the explicit display mode is set (S14: NO), if the control unit 21 causes a pop-up dialog or the like to be displayed on the display unit 11, the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 compares the pop-up dialog or the like with predetermined dialogs or the like with high display priorities to determine whether the predetermined dialog or the like with high display priorities is displayed on the screen of the display unit 11 (or in a portion of the screen of the display unit 11 that overlaps with the password input box 102) (step S16). When the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines that the predetermined dialog or the like with high display priority is displayed on the screen of the display unit 11 (S16: YES), the control unit 21 switches the setting of the password display mode for the password input box for which the explicit display mode is set from the explicit display mode to the mask display mode (step S17).

[0068] The control unit 21 stores, as one of the specific switching conditions, that a predetermined first specific action (hereinafter referred to as a "specific user action") has been performed when the explicit display mode is set in the password input box. Specific examples of specific user actions include opening and closing the paper feed cassettes 8 and 9, opening and closing the document transport unit 5, and the user looking away from the password input box in the explicit display mode. When a specific user action is performed, it is considered that the user's attention is not focused on the password in the explicitly displayed state in the password input box, and by quickly displaying the password in a masked state after the specific user action is performed, password security is improved.

[0069] If the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines that a predetermined dialog or the like having a high display priority has not been displayed on the screen of the display unit 11 (S16: NO), the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines whether a specific user action has been performed (step S18). Here, if the specific user action is the opening and closing of the paper feed cassettes 8 and 9, for example, the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines whether the paper feed cassettes 8 and 9 are open or closed based on a detection signal indicating the open or closed state of the paper feed cassettes 8 and 9 input from the second detection device group 52. Also, if the specific user action is the opening and closing of the document transport unit 5, for example, the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines whether the document transport unit 5 is open or closed based on a detection signal indicating the open or closed state of the document transport unit 5 input from the first detection device 51. If the specific user behavior is an action of looking away from a password input box for which the explicit display mode is set, for example, based on the detection information (information indicating the number of people and position information indicating the position of each person) received from the third detection unit 53, a person in an area within a predetermined range from the operation unit 10 (a range close to the operation unit 10 and narrower than the detection range R) is regarded as a user, and an image captured by a camera input from the fourth detection unit 54 is analyzed to track the gaze of the person regarded as a user, and it is determined whether the gaze of the person regarded as a user has left the password input box for which the explicit display mode is set. If the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines that a specific user behavior has been performed (S18: YES), the control unit 21 switches the setting of the password display mode for the password input box for which the explicit display mode is set from the explicit display mode to the masked display mode (step S19).

[0070] As one of the specific switching conditions, the control unit 21 stores the fact that a predetermined second specific action (hereinafter referred to as a "specific third party action") has been performed when the explicit display mode is set in the password input box. Specific examples of the specific third party action include a third party approaching the image forming apparatus 1 and entering the detection range R of the third detection unit 53, or a third party directing their gaze at the password input box in the explicit display mode. When the specific third party action is performed, there is a high possibility that the password will be discovered by the third party. Therefore, by quickly displaying the password in a masked state after the specific third party action is performed, password security can be improved.

[0071] If the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines that a specific user behavior has not been performed (S18: NO), the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines whether a specific third party behavior has been performed (step S20). Here, if the specific third party behavior is a behavior in which a third party approaches the image forming apparatus 1 and enters a predetermined range R detectable by the third detection unit 53, the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines, for example, based on the detection information (information indicating the number of people and location information indicating the location of each person) received from the third detection unit 53, whether there is a person regarded as a user in an area that is a predetermined range from the operation unit 10 (a range close to the operation unit 10 and narrower than the detection range R) and whether a new person has been detected within the detection range R. If a new person has been detected, the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 regards the newly detected person as a third party and determines that the third person has approached the image forming apparatus 1 and entered the detection range R detectable by the third detection unit 53. Furthermore, if the specific third party behavior is a behavior in which a third party focuses their gaze on a password input box for which the explicit display mode is set, for example, the image captured by the camera input from the fourth detection unit 54 is analyzed to track the gaze of a person deemed to be a third party by the third detection unit 53, and it is determined whether the gaze of the third party is focused on the password input box for which the explicit display mode is set. If the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines that a specific third party behavior has been performed (S20: YES), the control unit 21 switches the setting of the password display mode for the password input box for which the explicit display mode is set from the explicit display mode to the masked display mode (step S21). When the display mode is switched from the explicit display mode to the masked display mode upon detecting the third party behavior using a human presence sensor or gaze detection, the user may be notified that the display mode has been switched from the explicit display mode to the masked display mode due to the detection of the third party behavior.

[0072] If the switching operation determination unit 22 determines that a "masked display to explicit display switching operation" has not been performed (S2: NO), or if the condition satisfaction determination unit 23 determines that a specific third-party behavior has not been performed (S20: NO), the control unit 21 determines whether a login operation has been performed based on the coordinates of the touch panel press position input from the operation unit 10 (step S22). If the control unit 21 determines that a login operation has been performed (S22: YES), the control unit 21 ends the display mode switching process of FIGS. 5 to 7. On the other hand, if the control unit 21 determines that a login operation has not been performed (S22: NO), the control unit 21 returns to the process of step S1.

[0073] According to the above-described embodiment, when a password is displayed in a masked display state where the password cannot be confirmed, the user can switch from the masked display mode to the clear display mode by performing a "masked display → clear display switching operation," and the password is displayed in a clear display state where the password can be confirmed. This allows the user to confirm the password, improving user convenience.

[0074] Furthermore, when the password is displayed in a visible, clear display state, even if the user does not perform the "visible display → masked display switch operation," if a specific switching condition is met, the mode will switch from masked display mode to visible display mode, and the password will be displayed in a masked, unviewable state. This shortens the display period in which the password can be viewed by unspecified persons, thereby improving password security.

[0075] The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible.

[0076] For example, the image forming apparatus 1 may be provided with a notification mechanism (e.g., sounding, vibrating the operation unit 10, etc.) other than the notification mechanism (mask display notification icon 103A, explicit display notification icon 103B) for notifying the user of the change in display mode when the password display mode is changed in the display mode switching process of the above embodiment.

[0077] In addition, in the above embodiment, the password display mode is switched using a touch panel, but this is not limited to this. For example, the password display mode may be switched by using a hardware key and pressing and holding it.

[0078] In the above embodiment, when multiple password input boxes that can be switched between mask display mode and explicit display mode are displayed on the screen of display unit 11, control is performed to prevent two or more password input boxes from simultaneously entering explicit display mode, but this is not limited to this. For example, control unit 21 may control two or more password input boxes to simultaneously enter explicit display mode. Control unit 21 may also control to simultaneously allow explicit display mode only for two input boxes for inputting the same password (for example, a password input box for inputting a password to be set and a password input box for inputting the same password for confirmation). For example, in step S9, if the control unit 21 determines that the password input box that was set to explicit display mode at the time of determination in step S8 is permitted to be set to explicit display mode at the same time as the password input box for which the ``mask display → explicit display switching operation'' has been performed, it does not update the password display mode setting for the password input box that was set to explicit display mode at the time of determination in step S8 (leaving it in explicit display mode); otherwise, it switches the password display mode setting for the password input box that was set to explicit display mode at the time of determination in step S8 from explicit display mode to mask display mode, and switches the password display mode setting for the password input box for which the ``mask display → explicit display switching operation'' has been performed from mask display mode to explicit display mode.

[0079] In the above embodiment, for example, the control unit 21 may add a clearing process that clears the password information already entered in the password input box when a predetermined clearing condition is met, so that the password information already entered in the password input box is not displayed in the password input box after the predetermined clearing condition is met. The control unit 21 may store, as the predetermined clearing condition, for example, the occurrence of a situation in which it is assumed that the user has finished or stopped using the image forming apparatus 1.

[0080] The control unit 21 stores a specific example of a clear condition, which is that the panel is reset. For example, a reset button for panel reset is displayed on the login screen of the display unit 11. The control unit 21 determines whether the reset button has been pressed based on the coordinates of the pressed position on the touch panel input from the operation unit 10, and if it determines that the reset button has been pressed, clears the password information already entered in the password input box.

[0081] Additionally, together with or instead of the above-mentioned clearing condition, the control unit 21 stores the fact that the image forming apparatus 1 has transitioned to a power saving mode as a specific example of the clearing condition. For example, the control unit 21 monitors whether the image forming apparatus 1 has transitioned to the power saving mode, and when it detects that the image forming apparatus 1 has transitioned to the power saving mode, it clears the password information that has been entered in the password input box.

[0082] In addition to or instead of the above-mentioned clearing condition, the control unit 21 also stores, as a specific example of a clearing condition, whether a remote panel connection or a remote panel disconnection has been performed. For example, on the side of a device (here, the personal computer 44) connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a LAN or the Internet, a browser is used to connect the personal computer 44 to the image forming apparatus 1, and an operation (operation for remote panel connection) is performed to display the touch panel screen (device panel) of the display unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1 on the screen (remote panel) of the display unit of the personal computer 44. The control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 1 monitors the remote panel connection, and when it detects that a remote panel connection has been established, it clears the password information entered in the password input box. Also, on the side of the personal computer 44, an operation (operation for remote panel connection) is performed to end operations using the remote panel. The control unit 21 of the image forming apparatus 1 monitors the remote panel disconnection, and when it detects that a remote panel disconnection has been established, it clears the password information entered in the password input box.

[0083] Additionally, in addition to or instead of the above-mentioned clearing condition, the control unit 21 stores, as a specific example of the clearing condition, that the user has left the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 1 (for example, the user is no longer in the detection range R of the third detection unit 53). For example, the control unit 21 determines whether the user is no longer in the detection range R based on the detection signal input from the third detection unit 53, and if it determines that the user is no longer in the detection range R, it clears the password information that has been input in the password input box.

[0084] In the above embodiment, the control unit 21 may additionally perform a switching restriction process that restricts switching of the password display mode for the device panel and the remote panel. For example, the control unit 21 displays a login device panel including a login user name input box and a password input box on the display unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1, and the control unit of a personal computer 44 connected to the image forming apparatus 1 via a LAN or internetwork displays a login remote panel including a login user name input box and a password input box on the display unit. The control unit 21 transmits screen data of the login remote panel and a display instruction for the screen data to the control unit of the personal computer 44 via the network interface unit 43, and the control unit of the personal computer 44 displays the login remote panel on the display unit using the screen data in accordance with the instruction. The control unit 21 switches the password display mode between a masked display mode and a clear display mode in the password input boxes of the device panel and the remote panel, respectively. In such a case, when password entry is started in a password entry box on either the device panel or the remote panel, the control unit 21 may set the one panel on which password entry was started first to a switchable state in which the password display mode in the password entry box is switched to a non-switchable state in which the other panel does not accept a switchable state in which the password display mode in the password entry box is switched to a non-switchable state. A specific example will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0085] The device panel shown in Fig. 8(a1) is displayed, and the remote panel shown in Fig. 8(b1) is displayed. A login user name input box 101 and a password input box 102 are displayed on the device panel, with a masked display notification icon 103A displayed in the password input box 102. A login user name input box 101a and a password input box 102a are displayed on the remote panel, with a masked display notification icon 103Aa displayed in the password input box 102a. At this stage, the password input boxes on the device panel and the remote panel are each in a switchable state in which they can accept an operation to switch the password display mode.

[0086] In this case, assume that password entry into the password input box 102a is started on the remote panel side before it is started on the device panel side. When the control unit on the personal computer 44 accepts the user's designation of the password input box 102a using the operation unit, it transmits a password entry start signal to the image forming apparatus 1, indicating the start of entry into the password input box 102a. On the remote panel side, the password input box 102a remains in the switchable state, and the mask display icon 103Aa remains displayed in the password input box 102a. Figure 8(b2) shows the remote panel when two characters of the password have been entered into the password input box 102a. Even after starting password entry on the remote panel side, the user can switch the password display mode from the mask display mode to the explicit display mode by pressing the mask display icon 103Aa, and can switch the password display mode from the explicit display mode to the mask display mode by pressing a explicit display icon (not shown).

[0087] On the image forming apparatus 1 side, when the control unit 21 of the control unit 20 receives a password input start signal from the personal computer 44, the control unit 21 switches the password input box 102 from a switchable state to a non-switchable state based on the received password input start signal, and displays an icon 103C in the password input box 102a that does not accept a press operation to notify users that the password display mode cannot be switched. FIG. 8(a2) shows the device panel when two characters of the password have been entered into the password input box 102. It is also possible to prevent the display of the icon 103C. On the device panel side, after the user has started entering a password on the remote panel side, the user cannot manually switch the password display mode from the masked display mode to the explicit display mode, or from the explicit display mode to the masked display mode.

[0088] In the above embodiment, the entire password is switched between a clear display state and a masked display state, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, only a portion of the password may be switched between a clear display state and a masked display state. Possible cases for switching the display state for only a portion of the password include, for example, when displaying a registered password, or when additional elements of the password are input after the password has already been input. In the former case, the portion of the password whose display state is switched may be, for example, the last few characters, and in the latter case, the additionally input portion.

[0089] In the above embodiment, a password is used as information for switching the display state between the explicit display state and the masked display state, but the present invention is not limited to this. Information for switching the display state between the explicit display state and the masked display state may be, for example, an email address or a credit card number. For example, in the case of an email address, the portion for switching between the masked display state and the explicit display state may be the entire email address, or a portion of it (for example, the portion before @ (the portion other than the domain name)). Furthermore, in the case of a credit card number, the portion for switching between the masked display and the explicit display may be the entire card number, or a portion of it (for example, the portion excluding the last four digits of the card number).

[0090] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the control unit 21 may use, for example, the following display mode. For example, when the password input box 102 displays a portion of the password that has already been entered replaced with obscured characters, if the control unit 21 determines, based on a signal input from the operation unit 10, that a new element has been entered, the control unit 21 may display the currently entered element as is, and convert the currently entered element into obscured characters and display it, for example, after a predetermined time has elapsed since the next time a new element is entered or displayed. FIG. 9( a) shows an example of a case where the element "s" is newly entered. Also, when the password input box 102 displays a portion of the password that has already been entered replaced with obscured characters, if the control unit 21 determines, based on a signal input from the operation unit 10, that the cursor has moved, the control unit 21 may switch the display of the element immediately before the cursor from obscured characters to the actual element, and convert the display into obscured characters and display it after a predetermined time has elapsed since the switch. FIG. 9( b) shows an example of a case where the cursor is moved between the second and third elements, and the second element "s" is displayed. 9(a) and 9(b) is an icon indicating that the display state of a portion of the password input box 102 where the password has already been input will be switched. In the above embodiment, this display mode may be used instead of the explicit display mode or the masked display mode, and the display mode may be switched by pressing the icon 103C.

[0091] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is used as the information processing apparatus, but the information processing apparatus is not limited to this, and may be a personal computer, a communication device, or the like.

[0092] Furthermore, the configurations and processing shown in the above-described embodiment using Figures 1 to 7, and the configurations and processing shown in the above-described modified examples such as the modified examples described using Figures 8 and 9 are merely examples of embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention to these configurations and processing. [Explanation of symbols]

[0093] 1. Image forming device 10 Control section 11 Display section 20 Control Unit 21 Control Unit 22 Switching operation determination unit 23 Condition establishment determination section

Claims

1. an operation unit that accepts information input from a user; A display unit; a control unit that causes the display unit to display a screen including an area for displaying the information for which input has been received by the operation unit, and switches the setting of a display mode of the information in the area between a first display mode in which the content of the information is in a first display state in which the content of the information cannot be confirmed, and a second display mode in which the content of the information is in a second display state in which the content of the information can be confirmed; a switching operation determination unit that determines whether or not a first switching operation for switching the display mode of the region from the first display mode to the second display mode and a second switching operation for switching the display mode of the region from the second display mode to the first display mode have been performed using the operation unit; a condition satisfaction determination unit that determines whether a specific switching condition different from the switching condition that the second switching operation has been performed is satisfied; Equipped with The control unit When the first display mode is set in the region, if the switching operation determination unit determines that the first switching operation has been performed, the setting of the display mode in the region is switched from the first display mode to the second display mode; When the second display mode is set in the region, if the switching operation determination unit determines that the second switching operation has been performed, the setting of the display mode in the region is switched from the second display mode to the first display mode; When the second display mode is set in the area, if the condition satisfaction determination unit determines that the specific switching condition is satisfied, the display mode setting of the area is switched from the second display mode to the first display mode. Information processing device.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the specific switching condition is that the area is no longer displayed on the screen of the display unit when the second display mode is set for the area.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the specific switching condition is that, when the second display mode is set in the area, input of the information into the area is completed.

4. the control unit causes the display unit to display a screen including the area and another area different from the area, the another area displaying another information input by the operation unit; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the specific switching condition is that input of the different information to the different area has started when the second display mode is set in the area.

5. 2. The information processing device according to claim 1, wherein the specific switching condition is that when the second display mode is set in the area, the control unit displays a predetermined dialog with a high display priority on the screen of the display unit.

6. the control unit causes the display unit to display a screen including the area and another area different from the area, the another area displaying another information input by the operation unit; the switching operation determination unit further determines whether or not a third switching operation for switching the display mode of the separate area from the first display mode to the second display mode and a fourth switching operation for switching the display mode of the separate area from the second display mode to the first display mode have been performed; When the first display mode is set in the other area and the switching operation determination unit determines that the third switching operation has been performed, the control unit switches the setting of the display mode of the other area from the first display mode to the second display mode; when the second display mode is set in the other area and the switching operation determination unit determines that the fourth switching operation has been performed, the control unit switches the setting of the display mode of the other area from the second display mode to the first display mode; The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the specific switching condition is that the third switching operation is performed when the second display mode is set in the area.

7. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the specific switching condition is that a predetermined time has elapsed since the display mode setting of the area was switched from the first display mode to the second display mode.

8. the information processing device is an image forming device, the image forming apparatus, The operation unit; The display unit; The control unit; The switching operation determination unit; the condition satisfaction determination unit; an image reading unit including a document transport unit that transports a document; a paper feed unit including a paper feed cassette; Equipped with The image forming apparatus further comprises: a first detection unit that detects whether the document transport unit is open or closed; a second detection unit that detects whether the paper feed cassette is open or closed; At least one of the specific switching condition is at least one of an opening / closing operation of the document transport unit and an opening / closing operation of the paper feed cassette; The condition establishment determination unit a determination process for determining whether or not the document transport unit has been opened or closed based on a detection result by the first detection unit; a determination process for determining whether or not the sheet feed cassette has been opened or closed based on a detection result by the second detection unit; Do at least one of the following: The information processing device according to claim 1 .

9. the information processing device is an image forming device, the image forming apparatus, The operation unit; The display unit; The control unit; The switching operation determination unit; the condition satisfaction determination unit; a first detection unit that detects a person within a predetermined detection range from the image forming device; a second detection unit that detects the line of sight of a person within the detection range detected by the first detection unit; Equipped with the specific switching condition is a motion of the person detected by the first detection unit averting their gaze from the area, The condition satisfaction determination unit determines whether or not the person detected by the first detection unit has taken a movement to look away from the area, based on the detection result by the second detection unit. The information processing device according to claim 1 .

10. On the computer, a control unit that causes the display unit to display a screen including an area for displaying information for which input has been accepted by the operation unit, and switches the setting of a display mode of the information in the area between a first display mode that sets the first display state in which the content of the information cannot be confirmed, and a second display mode that sets the second display state in which the content of the information can be confirmed; a switching operation determination unit that determines whether or not a first switching operation for switching the display mode of the region from the first display mode to the second display mode and a second switching operation for switching the display mode of the region from the second display mode to the first display mode have been performed using the operation unit; a condition satisfaction determination unit that determines whether a specific switching condition different from the switching condition that the second switching operation has been performed is satisfied; The control unit When the first display mode is set in the region, if the switching operation determination unit determines that the first switching operation has been performed, the setting of the display mode in the region is switched from the first display mode to the second display mode; When the second display mode is set in the region, if the switching operation determination unit determines that the second switching operation has been performed, the setting of the display mode in the region is switched from the second display mode to the first display mode; When the second display mode is set in the area, if the condition satisfaction determination unit determines that the specific switching condition is satisfied, the display mode setting of the area is switched from the second display mode to the first display mode. Display mode switching program.

11. a control step of displaying on the display unit a screen including an area for displaying information for which input has been accepted by the operation unit, and switching a setting of a display mode of the information in the area between a first display mode in which the content of the information is in a first display state in which it is not possible to confirm the content of the information, and a second display mode in which the content of the information is in a second display state in which it is possible to confirm the content of the information; a switching operation determination step of determining whether or not a first switching operation for switching the display mode of the region from the first display mode to the second display mode and a second switching operation for switching the display mode of the region from the second display mode to the first display mode have been performed using the operation unit; a condition satisfaction determination step of determining whether a specific switching condition different from the switching condition that the second switching operation has been performed is satisfied; Equipped with The control unit When the first display mode is set in the region, if it is determined in the switching operation determination step that the first switching operation has been performed, the display mode setting of the region is switched from the first display mode to the second display mode; When the second display mode is set in the region, if it is determined in the switching operation determination step that the second switching operation has been performed, the display mode setting of the region is switched from the second display mode to the first display mode; When the second display mode is set in the area, if it is determined that the specific switching condition is satisfied in the condition satisfaction determination step, the display mode setting of the area is switched from the second display mode to the first display mode. How to switch display modes.

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