Image processing device, image processing method, and program

Abstract

To prevent images displayed on the screen from being seen by third parties, while maintaining user-friendliness. [Solution] The image processing device includes an acquisition means 115 for acquiring an image (for example, an image formed on a printing medium, or an image of a document read by a reading unit), a processing means 118 for performing a process to reduce the visibility of a specified area of ​​the image acquired by the acquisition means 115, and a display control means 119 for displaying the image that has been processed to reduce visibility by the processing means 118 on a display unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to display control of an image displayed on a display unit.

Background Art

[0002] A multifunction peripheral (MFP), which is an example of an image forming apparatus, may be installed not only in offices but also in public spaces such as schools and hospitals. In addition, in offices, there are offices for remote work and offices where multiple companies are on the same floor and share a multifunction peripheral. In such offices and public spaces, a user may use the multifunction peripheral while the next person waits in line. Also, another person may pass behind the user using the multifunction peripheral. Hereinafter, a person other than the user using the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) is referred to as a third party. When a user uses the multifunction peripheral, an image displayed on the display unit (for example, a liquid crystal panel) of the multifunction peripheral may be visible to a third party waiting in line behind the user or a third party passing behind the user.

[0003] In order to prevent peeping by a third party, for example, Patent Document 1 proposes a display device provided with a viewing angle control means for controlling the viewing angle of a liquid crystal panel. In Patent Document 1, when a third party is detected around the liquid crystal panel by a detection means, the viewing angle control means controls the viewing angle of the liquid crystal panel so as to prevent the third party from viewing the operation panel.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, if the LCD panel is large and its viewing angle is adjusted to obstruct the view of third parties, the corners of the LCD panel screen may become difficult to see, reducing user convenience. Also, with a large LCD panel, parts of the image displayed on the LCD panel that are not obscured by the user's body (e.g., head) may be visible to third parties behind the user.

[0006] This disclosure aims to prevent images displayed on the display unit from being viewed by third parties, while maintaining user-friendliness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An image processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an acquisition means for acquiring an image, a processing means for performing processing on a specified area of ​​the image acquired by the acquisition means to reduce its visibility, and a display control means for displaying the image processed by the processing means on a display unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to this disclosure, it is possible to prevent images displayed on the display unit from being seen by third parties while maintaining user-friendliness. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an image forming system. [Figure 2] This is an external view showing an image forming apparatus. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] This is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the preview settings screen. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the preview settings screen. [Figure 7] This is a flowchart showing the flow of settings in the preview settings. [Figure 8] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a preview display setting screen. [Figure 9] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a preview display setting screen. [Figure 10] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a preview display setting screen. [Figure 11] It is a flowchart showing the flow of setting operations in preview display. [Figure 12] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a home screen. [Figure 13] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a print job selection screen. [Figure 14] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a BOX selection screen. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the selection operation of a print job. [Figure 16] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a preview display screen. [Figure 17] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a preview display screen. [Figure 18] It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a preview display screen. [Figure 19] It is a schematic diagram showing the case of performing preview display on the first operation panel. [Figure 20] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the preview display operation. [Figure 21] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the preview display operation. [Figure 22] It is a flowchart showing the flow of display control of a preview image using a human presence sensor unit.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the present disclosure, and not all combinations of the features described in the following embodiments are essential for the solution means of the present disclosure. Note that the same components will be described with the same reference numerals.

[0011] <<Embodiment 1>> <System Configuration> First, a system configuration using an image forming apparatus (printing apparatus) that constitutes the image processing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, as an example, an image forming system provided in an office will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the image forming system 1.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes a client computer 10 and an image forming apparatus 100. The client computer 10 and the image forming apparatus 100 are interconnected by a network 20 such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The client computer 10 has standard components (CPU, memory, network interface, keyboard, etc.) installed in a general-purpose computer (PC: Personal Computer). The client computer 10 generates a print job including PDL data specifying print contents in page units using a predetermined application (printer driver), and transmits it to the image forming apparatus 100 via the network 20. Note that the PDL data is data described using a page description language (PDL: Page Description Language). The image forming apparatus 100 interprets and renders the PDL data included in the print job received from the client computer 10 to generate print data, and performs printing processing. In the printing processing, for example, an image is formed on a printing medium such as paper by an electrophotographic method and then output to the outside.

[0013] FIG. 2 is an external view showing the image forming apparatus 100. The image forming apparatus 100 is a multifunction peripheral (MFP) having a plurality of functions such as a print function, a scanner function, a copy function, and a FAX function. In this embodiment, an MFP employing the electrophotographic method will be described as an example. However, the image forming apparatus is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and may employ other printing methods such as an inkjet method.

[0014] Furthermore, the number of client computers 10 and image forming apparatuses 100 that constitute the image forming system 1 may be any number. For example, two or more client computers 10 may be connected to the network 20, or two or more image forming apparatuses 100 may be connected to the network 20. Also, the image forming system 1 may be installed not only in offices, but also in public spaces such as schools and hospitals.

[0015] <Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus> Next, the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 that constitutes the image processing apparatus according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, a configuration will be described that can prevent the image displayed on the display unit from being viewed by a third party while maintaining user-friendliness. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a control unit 110, a reading unit 120, a printing processing unit 130, a first operation panel 140, a second operation panel 150, a storage device 160, and a bus 170. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an I / F (interface) unit 180 and a human presence sensor unit 190. The control unit 110, reading unit 120, printing processing unit 130, first operation panel 140, second operation panel 150, and storage device 160 are electrically connected via the bus 170 and configured to communicate with each other. The reading unit 120 reads the original document and captures the image data of the original document. The printing processing unit 130 performs printing based on the print data. In this embodiment, the image data captured by the reading unit 120 is referred to as scan data.

[0016] The control unit 110 controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 110 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111 and a memory 112. The CPU 111 reads and executes a program stored in the storage device 160. The program is a program that causes the control unit 110 to function as various processing units. The memory 112 stores temporary data and other information associated with the CPU 111 executing the program. The memory 112 is configured using, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory). The program executed by the CPU 111 may also be stored in a ROM (Read Only Memory) provided in the control unit 110.

[0017] An I / F unit 180 for communicating with external devices is electrically connected to the control unit 110. The I / F unit 180 is located on the side of the image forming apparatus 100 and is electrically connected to the network 20. A human presence sensor unit 190 for detecting third parties in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 100 is also electrically connected to the control unit 110. The human presence sensor unit 190 is located on the front side of the image forming apparatus 100. The human presence sensor unit 190 includes, for example, a distance sensor (not shown) and a sensor output circuit (not shown). The distance sensor measures the distance to third parties in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 100. The sensor output circuit generates an output signal according to the distance measured by the distance sensor.

[0018] The first operation panel 140 and the second operation panel 150 constitute the user interface of the image forming apparatus 100. The first operation panel 140 is configured using, for example, a touch panel equipped with a first display unit 141 and a first operation input unit 142. The first display unit 141 is configured using, for example, a liquid crystal panel, and displays various data. The first operation input unit 142 inputs operation instructions from the user by detecting operations on the first display unit 141. The first operation panel 140 is also installed on the front side of the image forming apparatus 100 so that the screen of the first display unit 141 faces upwards (see Figure 2).

[0019] The second operation panel 150 is configured, for example, using a touch panel equipped with a second display unit 151 and a second operation input unit 152. The second display unit 151 is configured using a liquid crystal panel or the like and displays various data. The second operation input unit 152 inputs user operation instructions by detecting operations on the second display unit 151. The second operation panel 150 is mounted on the top of the image forming apparatus 100 such that the screen of the second display unit 151 faces the user (for example, the front side of the image forming apparatus 100) (see Figure 2). The screen of the second display unit 151 is large enough that there is a portion of the image displayed on the second display unit 151 that is not obscured by the user's body (for example, head, etc.). Therefore, the screen of the second display unit 151 on the second operation panel 150 is larger than the screen of the first display unit 141 on the first operation panel 140. For example, the screen size of the second display unit 151 may be 15 inches, 21 inches, or 24 inches.

[0020] The storage device 160 stores various types of data. The storage device 160 has an area 161 for storing the control program of the control unit 110 and an area 162 for a "BOX" folder for saving print data or scan data.

[0021] <Functional Configuration of the Control Unit> Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the control unit 110 in the image forming apparatus 100. The control unit 110 includes an acquisition means 115, a designation means 116, a detection means 117, a processing means 118, and a display control means 119. These functions are realized by the CPU 111 of the control unit 110 executing a group of programs stored in the storage device 160. Therefore, it can be said that the CPU 111 has each of the functions of the control unit 110 shown in Figure 4, but it is not necessary to have all of these functions. For example, the control unit 110 may include a dedicated processing circuit that performs processing corresponding to at least one of the functions of the control unit 110. In this embodiment, at least one of the functions of the control unit 110 may exchange information with other functions by any method. For example, at least one of the functions of the control unit 110 may store acquired or created information in the memory 112, making it possible for other functions to acquire this information. In other words, in this embodiment, information may be exchanged between the functions of the control unit 110 via the memory 112. Furthermore, at least one of the functions of the control unit 110 may output the acquired or created information to another function without saving it to the memory 112.

[0022] The acquisition means 115 acquires, for example, an image formed on a print medium or an image of a document read by the reading unit 120. The designation means 116 designates, based on user input, an area of ​​the image acquired by the acquisition means 115 to be processed to reduce visibility (blurring). For example, the designation means 116 designates an area to be blurred for each object that makes up the image. The designation means 116 changes the area designated by the designation means 116 by restoring at least a part of the blurred image to its state before blurring. The detection means 117 detects a third party other than the user using the human presence sensor unit 190. The processing means 118 performs blurring on the area designated by the designation means 116. The display control means 119 displays the image that has been blurred by the processing means 118 on the display unit (second display unit 151).

[0023] <Preview Settings> Next, the image processing method using the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. First, the setting operation according to the apparatus configuration in the preview setting will be described. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the preview setting screen displayed on the first operation panel 140 when the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with one operation panel. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the preview setting screen displayed on the first operation panel 140 when the image forming apparatus 100 is equipped with two operation panels. In addition to the first operation panel 140, the image forming apparatus 100 can be fitted with a second operation panel 150. In other words, the image forming apparatus 100 can be configured in two ways: one with one operation panel and another with two operation panels. As data related to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100, data of the operation panels fitted to the image forming apparatus 100 is registered. The data related to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 is stored, for example, in the storage device 160.

[0024] When a user uses the image forming apparatus 100, they log in to the image forming apparatus 100 and perform operations. Personal authentication is performed using an ID card such as an employee ID card during login. Note that in Figures 2 and 3, the illustration of authentication devices such as card readers that read data from ID cards is omitted. When a user logs in, the home screen (see Figure 12) is displayed on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140. When the user touches the "Settings" button 238 (see Figure 12) in the upper right corner of the home screen, a selection screen for various settings is displayed. When the user selects a preview setting from the selection screen, the preview setting screen shown in Figure 5 or Figure 6 is displayed on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, depending on the device configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. The preview setting screen displays a "Preview Display Position" button 211, a "Human Sensor Interlock" button 212, a "Cancel" button 213, an "OK" button 214, and a "Back" button 215. Thus, the preview settings include user-specific settings such as "Preview display position" and "Motion sensor linkage."

[0025] The "Preview Display Position" button 211 is an input button used to select which of the two operation panels the preview of the image to be formed on the print medium will be displayed on, for example, when the image forming apparatus 100 has two operation panels. To the right of the "Preview Display Position" item on the preview settings screen, the currently stored settings are displayed. Furthermore, to the right of the settings on the preview settings screen, the selectable options for the "Preview Display Position" button 211 are displayed. The "Human Motion Sensor Interlock" button 212 is an input button used to select whether or not to operate in conjunction with the human motion sensor unit 190. To the right of the "Human Motion Sensor Interlock" item on the preview settings screen, the currently stored settings are displayed. Furthermore, to the right of the settings on the preview settings screen, the selectable options for the "Human Motion Sensor Interlock" button 212 are displayed. Figure 5 shows the preview settings screen displayed on the first operation panel 140 when the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with one operation panel. In the preview settings screen shown in Figure 5, the "Preview Display Position" button 211 and the "Motion Sensor Interlock" button 212 are grayed out, making it impossible to operate the "Preview Display Position" button 211 and the "Motion Sensor Interlock" button 212.

[0026] Here, we will explain the setting operation using the preview setting screen shown in Figure 6. Figure 6 shows the preview setting screen displayed on the first operation panel 140 when the image forming apparatus 100 is provided with two operation panels. The user can use the "Preview Display Position" button 211 to select the operation panel that will display a preview of the image to be formed on the print medium, for example, from the first operation panel 140 and the second operation panel 150. If the user touches "1" on the "Preview Display Position" button 211, the first operation panel 140 is selected. If the user touches "2" on the "Preview Display Position" button 211, the second operation panel 150 is selected.

[0027] The user can select whether or not to operate in conjunction with the motion sensor unit 190 using the "Motion Sensor Interlock" button 212. If the user touches "Yes" on the "Motion Sensor Interlock" button 212, the image displayed on the display unit during preview display will be processed when a third party other than the user is detected by the motion sensor unit 190. If the user touches "No" on the "Motion Sensor Interlock" button 212, the system will operate according to the various settings, regardless of whether a third party is detected by the motion sensor unit 190. Preview display refers to displaying a preview of an image formed on a print medium, for example. In this embodiment, the image displayed on the display unit (first display unit 141 or second display unit 151) during preview display is referred to as the preview image.

[0028] Next, we will explain the flow of the settings process in the preview settings. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of the settings process in the preview settings. As mentioned above, when the user selects the preview settings from the selection screen, the settings process in the preview settings begins.

[0029] First, in step S101, the CPU 111 reads data regarding the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 and preview setting data from the storage device 160. Based on the data regarding the number of operation panels (number of screens) related to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100, the CPU 111 displays the preview setting screen on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140.

[0030] Next, in step S102, the CPU 111 determines whether the first operation input unit 142 of the first operation panel 140 has detected a button press. Note that when a button on the preview setting screen displayed on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140 is touched, the first operation input unit 142 detects a button press operation on the first display unit 141. If a button on the preview setting screen is touched, that is, if the determination in step S102 is YES, the process proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if a button on the preview setting screen is not touched, that is, if the determination in step S102 is NO, the determination in step S102 is repeated.

[0031] In step S103, the CPU 111 determines the type of button touched on the preview setting screen displayed on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140. If the "Preview display position" button 211 or the "Human motion sensor linkage" button 212 is touched on the preview setting screen, the process proceeds to step S104. If the "Cancel" button 213 is touched on the preview setting screen, the process proceeds to step S105. If the "OK" button 214 is touched on the preview setting screen, the process proceeds to step S106. If the "Back" button 215 is touched on the preview setting screen, the process proceeds to step S107.

[0032] In step S104, the CPU 111 stores the input data related to the settings entered via the "Preview Display Position" button 211 or the "Human Motion Sensor Interlock" button 212 in the memory 112. The CPU 111 also displays the settings entered via the "Preview Display Position" button 211 or the "Human Motion Sensor Interlock" button 212 on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, and then returns to step S102.

[0033] In step S105, the CPU 111 reads the preview settings data again from the storage device 160. The CPU 111 also displays the preview settings screen on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140 based on the data of the number of operation panels (number of screens) related to the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100, and returns to step S102.

[0034] In step S106, the CPU 111 saves the input data, which has been input via the "Preview display position" button 211 or the "Human motion sensor linkage" button 212 and is held in the memory 112, to the storage device 160, and returns to step S102.

[0035] In step S107, the CPU 111 displays the screen before switching to the preview settings screen (for example, the selection screen mentioned above) and then terminates the process.

[0036] <Preview display settings> Next, we will explain the setting operation in the preview display settings. Figures 8, 9, and 10 are schematic diagrams showing examples of preview display settings screens that configure how blurring is applied to the preview image displayed during preview display.

[0037] As mentioned above, when a user touches the "Settings" button 238 (see Figure 12) in the upper right corner of the home screen (see Figure 12), a selection screen for various settings is displayed. When the user selects the preview display setting from the selection screen, for example, the preview display setting screen shown in Figures 8 to 10 is displayed on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140. The preview display setting screen displays an "Enable / Disable" button 221, a "Processing Method" button 222, and a "Blur Amount" button 223. Furthermore, the preview display setting screen displays a "Text" button 224, a "Colored Text" button 225, a "Border" button 226, and an "Image" button 227. In addition, the preview display setting screen displays a "Cancel" button 213 and an "OK" button 214. Thus, the preview display settings include user-specific settings such as whether to blur or not, processing method, blur amount, text, colored text, borders, and image.

[0038] The "Enable / Disable" button 221 is an input button for selecting whether or not to apply blurring. To the right of the "Enable / Disable" item on the preview display settings screen, the currently stored settings are displayed. Furthermore, to the right of the settings on the preview display settings screen, the selectable options for the "Enable / Disable" button 221 are displayed. If the user touches "Enable" on the "Enable / Disable" button 221, blurring will be applied to the preview image displayed in the display area when previewing. If the user touches "Disable" on the "Enable / Disable" button 221, blurring will not be applied to the preview image displayed in the display area when previewing.

[0039] Figure 8 shows an example of the preview display settings screen when blurring is "off". As shown in Figure 8, when blurring is "off", settings that do not require setting are grayed out, and buttons other than the "on / off" button 221 cannot be operated.

[0040] The "Processing Method" button 222 is an input button for selecting whether to apply blurring to the entire preview image or to a portion of the preview image. To the right of the "Processing Method" item on the preview display settings screen, the currently stored settings are displayed. Furthermore, to the right of the settings on the preview display settings screen, the selectable options for the "Processing Method" button 222 are displayed. If the user touches "Entire" on the "Processing Method" button 222, blurring will be applied to the entire preview image. If the user touches "Partial" on the "Processing Method" button 222, blurring will be applied to a portion of the preview image.

[0041] The "Blur Amount" button 223 is an input button for selecting the intensity of blurring applied to the preview image displayed in the display area when previewing. To the right of the "Blur Amount" item on the preview display settings screen, the currently stored settings are displayed. Furthermore, to the right of the settings on the preview display settings screen, the selectable options for the "Blur Amount" button 223 are displayed. If the user touches "Strong" on the "Blur Amount" button 223, the preview image displayed in the display area will be blurred with a relatively strong intensity when previewing. If the user touches "Weak" on the "Blur Amount" button 223, the preview image displayed in the display area will be blurred with a relatively weak intensity when previewing.

[0042] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the preview display settings screen when blurring is applied to the "entire" preview image. As shown in Figure 9, when blurring is applied to the entire preview image, the "Blur Amount" button 223 can be operated. On the other hand, the "Text" button 224, "Colored Text" button 225, "Border" button 226, and "Image" button 227 are grayed out, and it is not possible to specify whether or not to apply blurring to each object that makes up the preview image. However, if the user touches "Part" of the "Processing Method" button 222, it becomes possible to specify whether or not to apply blurring to each object in the preview image, such as text, colored text, borders, and images (see Figure 10).

[0043] The "Text" button 224 is an input button for selecting whether or not to blur the text that makes up the preview image displayed in the display area when previewing. To the right of the "Text" item on the preview display settings screen, the currently stored settings are displayed. Furthermore, to the right of the settings on the preview display settings screen, the selectable options for the "Text" button 224 are displayed. If the user touches "Yes" on the "Text" button 224, the text that makes up the preview image displayed in the display area when previewing will be blurred. If the user touches "No" on the "Text" button 224, the text that makes up the preview image displayed in the display area will not be blurred.

[0044] The "Colored Text" button 225 is an input button for selecting whether or not to apply processing to colored text (for example, red and blue text). To the right of the "Colored Text" item on the preview display settings screen, the currently stored settings are displayed. Furthermore, to the right of the settings on the preview display settings screen, the selectable options for the "Colored Text" button 225 are displayed. If the user touches "Red" on the "Colored Text" button 225, the red text that makes up the preview image displayed in the display area will be blurred. If the user touches "Blue" on the "Colored Text" button 225, the blue text that makes up the preview image displayed in the display area will be blurred.

[0045] The "Borders" button 226 is an input button for selecting whether or not to apply blurring to the borders. To the right of the "Borders" item on the preview display settings screen, the currently stored settings are displayed. Furthermore, to the right of the settings on the preview display settings screen, the selectable options for the "Borders" button 226 are displayed. If the user touches "Enable" on the "Borders" button 226, the borders that make up the preview image displayed in the display area will be blurred. If the user touches "Disable" on the "Borders" button 226, the borders that make up the preview image displayed in the display area will not be blurred.

[0046] The "Image" button 227 is an input button for selecting whether or not to blur the image, such as a photograph or illustration, being previewed. To the right of the "Image" item on the preview display settings screen, the currently stored settings are displayed. Furthermore, to the right of the settings on the preview display settings screen, the selectable options for the "Image" button 227 are displayed. If the user touches "Yes" on the "Image" button 227, the entire image being previewed will be blurred. If the user touches "No" on the "Image" button 227, the image being previewed will not be blurred. The image file formats include, for example, JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) and PNG (Portable Network Graphics).

[0047] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the preview display settings screen when blurring is applied to a "part" of the preview image. As shown in Figure 10, when blurring is applied to a part of the preview image, it is possible to specify whether or not to blur each object that makes up the preview image, such as text, colored text, lines, and image files. In addition, the "blur amount" button 223 allows you to set the intensity of the blurring applied to the preview image displayed in the display area when the preview is shown.

[0048] Next, we will explain the flow of the settings process in the preview display settings. Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of the settings process in the preview display settings. As mentioned above, when the user selects the preview display settings from the selection screen, the settings process for the preview display settings begins.

[0049] First, in step S201, the CPU 111 reads the preview display setting data from the storage device 160. The CPU 111 then displays the preview display setting screen on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140.

[0050] Next, in step S202, the CPU 111 detects that the "Enable / Disable" button 221 on the preview display settings screen has been touched and determines the type of button that was touched. At this time, the CPU 111 detects that the "Enable / Disable" button 221 on the preview display settings screen displayed on the first display unit 141 has been touched via the first operation input unit 142 of the first operation panel 140. If the "Enable" button 221 is touched, the process proceeds to step S203; if the "Disable" button 221 is touched, the process proceeds to step S211.

[0051] In step S203, the CPU 111 stores the input data related to the setting entered when the "Yes" button of the "Yes / No" button 221 is touched in the memory 112. The CPU 111 also displays the setting entered when the "Yes" button of the "Yes / No" button 221 is touched on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, and then proceeds to step S204.

[0052] In step S204, the CPU 111 performs the process of ungraying out the "Processing Method" button 222 and the "Blur Amount" button 223 on the preview display setting screen displayed on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140. After the CPU 111 performs the process of ungraying out the buttons, the process proceeds to step S204.

[0053] In step S205, the CPU 111 detects that the "Processing Method" button 222 or the "Blur Amount" button 223 has been touched and determines the type of button that was touched. At this time, the CPU 111 detects that the "Processing Method" button 222 or the "Blur Amount" button 223 on the preview display setting screen displayed on the first display unit 141 has been touched via the first operation input unit 142 of the first operation panel 140. If "Part" of the "Processing Method" button 222 is touched, the process proceeds to step S206. If "All" of the "Processing Method" button 222 is touched, the process proceeds to step S209. If "Strong" or "Weak" of the "Blur Amount" button 223 is touched, the process proceeds to step S210.

[0054] In step S206, the CPU 111 stores the input data related to the settings entered when "part" of the "Processing Method" button 222 is touched in the memory 112. The CPU 111 also displays the settings entered when "part" of the "Processing Method" button 222 is touched on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140. At this time, the CPU 111 removes the grayed-out "Text" button 224, "Colored Text" button 225, "Border" button 226, and "Image" button 227 on the preview display settings screen, and proceeds to step S207.

[0055] In step S207, the CPU 111 determines whether any button on the preview display settings screen has been touched. If any button on the preview display settings screen has been touched, i.e., if the determination in step S207 is YES, the process proceeds to step S208. On the other hand, if no button on the preview display settings screen has been touched, i.e., if the determination in step S207 is NO, the determination in step S207 is repeated.

[0056] In step S208, the CPU 111 stores the input data related to the settings entered via one of the buttons on the preview display settings screen in the memory 112. The CPU 111 also displays the settings entered via the buttons on the preview display settings screen on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, and then proceeds to step S212.

[0057] In step S209, the CPU 111 stores the input data related to the settings entered when the "Overall" button of the "Processing Method" button 222 is touched in the memory 112. The CPU 111 also displays the settings entered when the "Overall" button of the "Processing Method" button 222 is touched on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140. At this time, the CPU 111 grays out the "Text" button 224, the "Colored Text" button 225, the "Border" button 226, and the "Image" button 227 on the preview display settings screen, and then proceeds to step S212.

[0058] In step S210, the CPU 111 stores the input data related to the setting entered when the "strong" or "weak" option of the "blur amount" button 223 is touched in the memory 112. The CPU 111 also displays the setting entered when the "strong" or "weak" option of the "blur amount" button 223 is touched on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, and then proceeds to step S212.

[0059] In step S211, the CPU 111 stores the input data related to the setting entered when the "Do not" button 221 is touched in the memory 112. The CPU 111 also displays the setting entered when the "Do not" button 221 is touched on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, and then proceeds to step S212.

[0060] In step S212, the CPU 111 detects that one of the buttons on the preview display settings screen has been touched and determines the type of button that was touched. At this time, the CPU 111 detects that one of the buttons on the preview display settings screen displayed on the first display unit 141 has been touched via the first operation input unit 142 of the first operation panel 140. If the "Cancel" button 213 is touched, the process proceeds to step S213. If the "OK" button 214 is touched, the process proceeds to step S214. If any button other than the "Cancel" button 213 or the "OK" button 214 is touched, the process returns to step S207.

[0061] In step S213, the CPU 111 reads the preview display settings data again from the storage device 160. The CPU 111 also displays the preview display settings screen on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140 and returns to step S202.

[0062] In step S214, the CPU 111 saves the input data, which has been entered via the buttons on the preview display settings screen and stored in the memory 112, to the storage device 160, and then terminates the process.

[0063] <Print job selection process> Next, the operation for selecting a print job will be explained. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the home screen. When a user logs in, the home screen is displayed on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, as shown in Figure 12. The home screen displays the "Print" button 231, the "COPY" button 232, the "Send" button 233, the "FAX" button 234, and the "BOX" button 235. The home screen also displays the "Back" button 215, the "Select" button 237, and the "Settings" button 238.

[0064] The "Print" button 231 is an input button selected when using the print function to print output. The "COPY" button 232 is an input button selected when using the COPY function to make copies. The "Send" button 233 is an input button selected when using the send function to transfer data over a network. The "FAX" button 234 is an input button selected when using the FAX function. The "BOX" button 235 is an input button selected when using the BOX function to access data stored in the storage device 160. On the home screen shown in Figure 12, it is possible to select and use any one of the following functions: print, COPY, send, FAX, and BOX.

[0065] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a print job selection screen. When the "Print" button 231 is selected on the home screen, the print job selection screen is displayed on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, as shown in Figure 13. The print job selection screen displays, as an example, the first file 241 and the second file 242. The print job selection screen also displays the "Back" button 215, the "Select" button 237, and the "File Operation" button 248. The first file 241 and the second file 242 are print job files available to the logged-in user. The user can select either the first file 241 or the second file 242 by touching it, and then touch the "File Operation" button 248 to select "Delete" or "Preview Display" from the displayed pull-down menu. The user can also select either the first file 241 or the second file 242 by touching it, and then select the "Select" button 237 or the "Back" button 215.

[0066] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a BOX selection screen. When the "BOX" button 235 is selected on the home screen, the BOX selection screen is displayed on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, as shown in Figure 14. The BOX selection screen displays, as an example, the folder "BOX1" 251, the folder "BOX2" 252, and the folder "BOX8" 253. The BOX selection screen also displays the "Back" button 215 and the "Select" button 237. The folders "BOX1" 251, "BOX2" 252, and "BOX8" 253 are folders in the "BOX" that contain files available to the logged-in user. The user can touch and select any one of the folders "BOX1" 251, "BOX2" 252, or "BOX8" 253, and then select the "Select" button 237 or the "Back" button 215. When any one of the folders "BOX1" (folder 251), "BOX2" (folder 252), or "BOX8" (folder 253) is selected, the files stored in the selected "BOX" folder are displayed, similar to the print job selection screen shown in Figure 13. The user selects a file stored in the selected "BOX" folder and then selects the desired action. The screen within the "BOX" folder displayed on the first display unit 141 also displays a "Back" button, a "Select" button, and a "File Operation" button, similar to the print job selection screen shown in Figure 13.

[0067] Next, we will describe the operation when a user selects a print job file and displays a preview in the print function. The CPU 111 displays a print job selection screen on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, along with the print job files available to the user (for example, the first file 241 and the second file 242). When the user touches and selects either the first file 241 or the second file 242 displayed on the print job selection screen, the CPU 111 detects the user's touch selection operation (press operation) via the first operation input unit 142 of the first operation panel 140. The CPU 111 changes the color of the selected first file 241 or second file 242 and displays it on the first display unit 141, and stores which file was selected in the memory 112. When the user touches the "File Operation" button 248 and selects "Preview Display" from the displayed pull-down menu, the CPU 111 detects the user's touch operation via the first operation input unit 142 and changes the display on the first display unit 141. Then, the CPU 111 displays a preview on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140 based on the image data of the selected print job file (either the first file 241 or the second file 242).

[0068] Next, we will explain the flow of the print job selection process. Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the print job selection process.

[0069] First, in step S301, the CPU 111 displays the home screen on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140.

[0070] Next, in step S302, the CPU 111 detects that one of the buttons on the home screen has been touched and determines the type of button that was touched. At this time, the CPU 111 detects that one of the buttons on the home screen displayed on the first display unit 141 has been touched via the first operation input unit 142 of the first operation panel 140. If the "Print" button 231 is touched, the process proceeds to step S303. If the "BOX" button 235 is touched, the process proceeds to step S306. If the "COPY" button 232, "Send" button 233, or "FAX" button 234 is touched, the process proceeds to step S311.

[0071] In step S303, the CPU 111 switches the display on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140 from the home screen to the print job selection screen and proceeds to step S304. The print job selection screen displays the print job files available to the user (for example, the first file 241 and the second file 242).

[0072] In step S304, the CPU 111 determines whether a print job file (either the first file 241 or the second file 242) has been selected on the print job selection screen. At this time, the CPU 111 detects, via the first operation input unit 142 of the first operation panel 140, that the first file 241 or the second file 242 on the print job selection screen displayed on the first display unit 141 has been touch-selected. If a print job file (either the first file 241 or the second file 242) has been selected, that is, if the determination in step S304 is YES, the process proceeds to step S305. On the other hand, if a print job file has not been selected, that is, if the determination in step S304 is NO, the determination in step S304 is repeated.

[0073] In step S305, the CPU 111 stores the file of the print job selected in step S304 (either the first file 241 or the second file 242) in memory 112. The CPU 111 also changes the color of the selected print job file (either the first file 241 or the second file 242) and displays it on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, then proceeds to step S312.

[0074] In step S306, the CPU 111 switches the display on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140 from the home screen to the BOX selection screen and proceeds to step S308. At this time, the BOX selection screen displays the folders of "BOX" available to the user (for example, folder 251 for "BOX1", folder 252 for "BOX2", and folder 253 for "BOX8").

[0075] In step S307, the CPU 111 determines whether a "BOX" folder (folder 251 for "BOX1", folder 252 for "BOX2", or folder 253 for "BOX8") has been selected on the BOX selection screen. At this time, the CPU 111 detects via the first operation input unit 142 that one of the "BOX1" folder 251, "BOX2" folder 252, or "BOX8" folder 253 displayed on the first display unit 141 has been touch-selected. If a "BOX" folder (folder 251 for "BOX1", folder 252 for "BOX2", or folder 253 for "BOX8") is selected, that is, if the determination in step S307 is YES, the process proceeds to step S30308. On the other hand, if no "BOX" folder is selected, that is, if the determination in step S307 is NO, the determination in step S307 is repeated.

[0076] In step S308, the CPU 111 displays the user-available files stored in the selected "BOX" folder on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, and then proceeds to step S309.

[0077] In step S309, the CPU 111 determines whether a file stored in the selected "BOX" folder has been selected. At this time, the CPU 111 detects that a file in the "BOX" folder displayed on the first display unit 141 has been touch-selected via the first operation input unit 142 of the first operation panel 140. If a file stored in the selected "BOX" folder has been selected, that is, if the determination in step S309 is YES, the process proceeds to step S310. On the other hand, if a file stored in the selected "BOX" folder has not been selected, that is, if the determination in step S309 is NO, the determination in step S309 is repeated.

[0078] In step S310, the CPU 111 stores the files in the "BOX" folder selected in step S309 into memory 112. The CPU 111 also changes the color of the files in the selected "BOX" folder and displays them on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, then proceeds to step S315.

[0079] In step S311, the CPU 111 switches to the COPY function, the send function, or the FAX function depending on the "COPY" button 232, the "Send" button 233, or the "FAX" button 234 selected in step S302. Once the CPU switches to the COPY function, the send function, or the FAX function, the print job selection operation ends.

[0080] In step S312, the CPU 111 detects that one of the buttons on the print job selection screen has been touched and determines the type of button that was touched. At this time, the CPU 111 detects that one of the buttons on the print job selection screen displayed on the first display unit 141 has been touched via the first operation input unit 142 of the first operation panel 140. If the "File Operation" button 248 is touched, the process proceeds to step S313. If the "Select" button 237 is touched, the process proceeds to step S319. If the "Back" button 215 is touched, the process returns to step S303.

[0081] In step S313, the CPU 111 detects that the "File Operation" button 248 has been touched and either "Delete" or "Preview Display" has been selected from the pull-down menu displayed. At this time, the CPU 111 detects that either "Delete" or "Preview Display" has been touched and selected from the pull-down menu displayed on the first display unit 141 via the first operation input unit 142 of the first operation panel 140. If "Delete" is selected from the pull-down menu, the process proceeds to step S314. If "Preview Display" is selected from the pull-down menu, the process proceeds to step S318.

[0082] In step S314, the CPU 111 deletes the file of the print job selected in step S304 that is stored in the storage device 160, and returns to step S303.

[0083] In step S315, the CPU 111 detects that any button on the screen within the "BOX" folder displayed on the first display unit 141 has been touched, and determines the type of button that was touched. At this time, the CPU 111 detects that any button on the screen within the "BOX" folder displayed on the first display unit 141 has been touched via the first operation input unit 142 of the first operation panel 140. If the "File Operation" button is touched, proceed to step S316. If the "Select" button is touched, proceed to step S319. If the "Back" button is touched, return to step S306. Alternatively, if the "Back" button is touched, return to step S308.

[0084] In step S316, the CPU 111 detects that either "Delete" or "Preview Display" has been selected from the pull-down menu displayed by touching the "File Operations" button. At this time, the CPU 111 detects that either "Delete" or "Preview Display" has been touched and selected from the pull-down menu displayed on the first display unit 141 via the first operation input unit 142 of the first operation panel 140. If "Delete" is selected from the pull-down menu, the process proceeds to step S317. If "Preview Display" is selected from the pull-down menu, the process proceeds to step S318.

[0085] In step S317, the CPU 111 deletes the file selected in step S309 that is stored in the storage device 160, and returns to step S306. Alternatively, the CPU 111 may return to step S308 instead of step S306.

[0086] In step S318, CPU 111 transitions to the preview display operation. Once the transition to the preview display operation is complete, the print job selection operation is finished.

[0087] In step S319, the CPU 111 proceeds to the print setup operation. Once the system proceeds to the print setup operation, the print job selection operation is completed.

[0088] <Preview display operation> Next, the preview display operation will be described. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 has a device configuration in which two operation panels are provided, and the case in which the preview is displayed on the second operation panel 150, which has a larger screen than the first operation panel 140, will be described. Figure 16 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a preview display screen in which the preview image 310 has not been blurred. Figures 17 and 18 are schematic diagrams showing an example of a preview display screen in which the preview image 310 has been blurred. When the preview is displayed on the second operation panel 150, which has a larger screen, parts of the preview image 310 displayed on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150 that are not hidden by the user's body (for example, the head, etc.) may be visible to a third party behind the user.

[0089] In the example shown in Figure 17, blurring is applied to the image 311 and text 312 in the preview image 310, excluding the ruled lines 313. When blurring is applied to the image 311 and text 312, the layout of the preview image 310 including the image 311 and text 312 can be identified, but it becomes difficult to understand the content of the image 311 and text 312. In the example shown in Figure 18, blurring is applied to the text 312 in the preview image 310, excluding the image 311 and ruled lines 313. When blurring is applied to the text 312, the layout of the preview image 310 including the text 312 can be identified, but it becomes difficult to understand the content of the text 312. In this way, it is possible to specify the area to be blurred in the preview image 310 for each object that constitutes the preview image 310, such as the image 311, text 312, and ruled lines 313. Note that the image 311 is placed in the upper right area of ​​the preview image 310. The character 312 is placed in the left and lower right areas of the preview image 310. The ruled line 313 is placed in the lower right area of ​​the preview image 310.

[0090] As shown in Figures 16 to 18, the preview display screen shows a preview image 310 and a frame-shaped settings image 320 surrounding the preview image 310. The settings image 320 is an image used to change the settings of the preview image 310. The settings image 320 has a "Page" button 321, a "Zoom In / Out" button 322, a "Blur" button 323, and a "Range Selection" button 324. The settings image 320 also has a "Back" button 215. The "Page" button 321 is an input button for changing the page. The "Page" button 321 has a left arrow section 321a, a right arrow section 321b, and a page display section 321c. The "Zoom In / Out" button 322 is an input button for enlarging or reducing the preview image 310. The "Zoom In / Out" button 322 has a zoom operation section 322a, a reduction operation section 322b, and an overall operation section 322c. The "Blur" button 323 is an input button for turning the blurring effect on the preview image 310 ON / OFF. The "Blur" button 323 has an ON operation section 323a and an OFF operation section 323b. The "Range Selection" button 324 is an input button for setting the range in the preview image 310 from which the blurring effect should be removed. The range from which the blurring effect should be removed is the range in the blurred preview image that should be returned to its state before the blurring effect was applied.

[0091] The CPU 111 displays the preview image 310 and the setting image 320 on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150 according to the preview settings and preview display settings corresponding to the device configuration of the image forming apparatus 100. At this time, the CPU 111 displays the setting image 320, which includes the "Page" button 321, the "Zoom In / Out" button 322, the "Blur" button 323, and the "Select Range" button 324, outside the preview image 310. For example, if the user touches the "Select Range" button 324 and then touches two points on the preview image 310 (the top left point and the bottom right point), the CPU 111 displays a rectangular line to indicate the area where blurring should be removed. Then, if the user touches the OFF operation unit 323b of the "Blur" button 323, the CPU 111 displays the preview image 310 without blurring applied to the area selected by the user. Note that blurring is not applied to the setting image 320. This allows the user to check the preview image 310 displayed on the second display unit 151 without blurring at least a portion of it. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the preview image 310 displayed on the second display unit 151 from being seen by a third party while maintaining user-friendliness.

[0092] Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing the case where a preview is displayed on the first operation panel 140. When a preview is displayed on the relatively small first operation panel 140, which is located on the front side of the image forming apparatus 100, a third party behind the user cannot see the preview image 310 displayed on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140. For this reason, when the CPU 111 displays the preview image 310 and the setting image 320 on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, it does not apply blurring to the preview image 310. In addition, the setting image 320 displayed on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140 does not have a "blur" button 323 and a "range selection" button 324. The setting image 320 displayed on the first display unit 141 has a "page" button 321, a "zoom in / out" button 322 and a "back" button 215.

[0093] Next, we will explain the flow of the preview display operation. Figures 20 and 21 are flowcharts showing the flow of the preview display operation.

[0094] First, in step S401, the CPU 111 determines whether or not to display a preview on the second operation panel 150. As mentioned above, the preview image displayed on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150 may be visible to a third party. If the preview is to be displayed on the second operation panel 150, that is, if the determination in step S401 is YES, the process proceeds to step S402. On the other hand, if the preview is to be displayed on the first operation panel 140, that is, if the determination in step S401 is NO, the process proceeds to step S417.

[0095] In step S402, the CPU 111 applies a blurring process to the image data of the file selected in the print job selection operation, according to the preview display settings. The blurring process is a process to apply a blurring effect to the image (for example, the preview image) acquired by the print job selection operation. The CPU 111 displays the blurred preview image and the setting image on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150, and then proceeds to step S403.

[0096] In step S403, the CPU 111 determines whether the second operation input unit 152 of the second operation panel 150 has detected that any button on the preview display screen has been touched. If a button on the preview display screen is touched, i.e., if the determination in step S403 is YES, the process proceeds to step S404. On the other hand, if a button on the preview display screen is not touched, i.e., if the determination in step S403 is NO, the determination in step S403 is repeated.

[0097] In step S404, the CPU 111 determines the type of button touched on the preview display screen shown on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150. If the "Page" button 321 is touched on the preview display screen, the process proceeds to step S405. If the "Zoom In / Out" button 322 is touched on the preview display screen, the process proceeds to step S409. If the "Blur" button 323 is touched on the preview display screen, the process proceeds to step S413. If the "Range Selection" button 324 is touched on the preview display screen, the process proceeds to step S416. If the "Back" button 215 is touched on the preview display screen, the process proceeds to step S428.

[0098] In step S405, the CPU 111 determines whether the left arrow portion 321a or the right arrow portion 321b of the "Page" button 321 was touched. At this time, the CPU 111 detects via the second operation input unit 152 of the second operation panel 150 that either the left arrow portion 321a or the right arrow portion 321b of the "Page" button 321 displayed on the second display unit 151 has been touched. If the left arrow portion 321a of the "Page" button 321 is touched, the process proceeds to step S406. If the right arrow portion 321b of the "Page" button 321 is touched, the process proceeds to step S407.

[0099] In step S406, the CPU 111 performs the same blurring process as in step S402 on the image data of the page preceding the page being previewed. The CPU 111 displays the blurred preview image and setting image of the previous page on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150, and then proceeds to step S408.

[0100] In step S407, the CPU 111 performs the same blurring process as in step S402 on the image data of the next page after the page being previewed. The CPU 111 displays the blurred preview image and setting image of the next page on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150, and then proceeds to step S408.

[0101] In step S408, the CPU 111 changes the page number indicated by the page display unit 321c of the "Page" button 321, which is displayed on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150, and returns to step S403. When the CPU 111 displays a preview image of the previous page, it changes the page number indicated by the page display unit 321c of the "Page" button 321 to decrease by 1. When the CPU 111 displays a preview image of the next page, it changes the page number indicated by the page display unit 321c of the "Page" button 321 to increase by 1.

[0102] In step S409, the CPU 111 determines which of the zoom-in operation section 322a, zoom-out operation section 322b, or overall operation section 322c of the "Zoom In / Out" button 322 has been touched. At this time, the CPU 111 detects via the second operation input section 152 of the second operation panel 150 that the zoom-in operation section 322a, zoom-out operation section 322b, or overall operation section 322c of the "Zoom In / Out" button 322 displayed on the second display section 151 has been touched. If the zoom-in operation section 322a of the "Zoom In / Out" button 322 is touched, the process proceeds to step S410. If the zoom-out operation section 322b of the "Zoom In / Out" button 322 is touched, the process proceeds to step S411. If the overall operation section 322c of the "Zoom In / Out" button 322 is touched, the process proceeds to step S412.

[0103] In step S410, the CPU 111 enlarges the currently displayed preview image and displays it on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150, and then returns to step S403.

[0104] In step S411, the CPU 111 reduces the size of the currently displayed preview image and displays it on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150, then returns to step S403.

[0105] In step S412, the CPU 111 displays the entire preview image being shown on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150, and then returns to step S403.

[0106] In step S413, the CPU 111 determines whether the ON operation section 323a or the OFF operation section 323b of the "blur" button 323 was touched. At this time, the CPU 111 detects via the second operation input section 152 of the second operation panel 150 that either the ON operation section 323a or the OFF operation section 323b of the "blur" button 323 displayed on the second display section 151 has been touched. If the ON operation section 323a of the "blur" button 323 is touched, the process proceeds to step S414. If the OFF operation section 323b of the "blur" button 323 is touched, the process proceeds to step S415.

[0107] In step S414, the CPU 111 displays the blurred preview image on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150 according to the preview display settings, and then returns to step S403.

[0108] In step S415, the CPU 111 displays the preview image, which has been restored to its pre-blur state in the area specified by the user, on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150, and returns to step S403. At this time, unless the ON operation unit 323a of the "blur" button 323 is touched, blurring will not be performed on the area specified in the preview image. Alternatively, blurring may be disabled for a certain period of time, and then resumed after that period has elapsed.

[0109] In step S416, the CPU 111 displays a rectangle connecting the two points touched by the user (the top-left point and the bottom-right point) on the preview image displayed on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150, and returns to step S403. The area enclosed by the rectangle in the preview image is retained as the area from which the blurring effect specified by the user will be removed.

[0110] In step S417, the CPU 111 does not apply blurring to the image data of the file selected in the print job selection operation. The CPU 111 displays the unblurred preview image and setting image on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, and proceeds to step S418.

[0111] In step S418, the CPU 111 determines whether the first operation input unit 142 of the first operation panel 140 has detected that any button on the preview display screen has been touched. If a button on the preview display screen is touched, i.e., if the determination in step S418 is YES, the process proceeds to step S419. On the other hand, if a button on the preview display screen is not touched, i.e., if the determination in step S418 is NO, the determination in step S418 is repeated.

[0112] In step S419, the CPU 111 determines the type of button touched on the preview display screen shown on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140. If the "Page" button 321 is touched on the preview display screen, the process proceeds to step S420. If the "Zoom In / Out" button 322 is touched on the preview display screen, the process proceeds to step S424. If the "Back" button 215 is touched on the preview display screen, the process proceeds to step S428.

[0113] In step S420, the CPU 111 determines whether the left arrow portion 321a or the right arrow portion 321b of the "Page" button 321 was touched. At this time, the CPU 111 detects via the first operation input unit 142 of the first operation panel 140 that either the left arrow portion 321a or the right arrow portion 321b of the "Page" button 321 displayed on the second display unit 151 has been touched. If the left arrow portion 321a of the "Page" button 321 is touched, the process proceeds to step S421. If the right arrow portion 321b of the "Page" button 321 is touched, the process proceeds to step S422.

[0114] In step S421, the CPU 111 displays the preview image of the previous page and the setting image of the page currently being previewed on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, and then proceeds to step S423.

[0115] In step S422, the CPU 111 displays a preview image and a setting image for the next page of the page currently being previewed on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, and then proceeds to step S423.

[0116] In step S423, the CPU 111 changes the page number indicated by the page display unit 321c of the "Page" button 321, which is displayed on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, and returns to step S418. When the CPU 111 displays a preview image of the previous page, it changes the page number indicated by the page display unit 321c of the "Page" button 321 to decrease by 1. When the CPU 111 displays a preview image of the next page, it changes the page number indicated by the page display unit 321c of the "Page" button 321 to increase by 1.

[0117] In step S424, the CPU 111 determines which of the "Zoom In / Out" button 322 has been touched: the zoom in operation section 322a, the zoom out operation section 322b, or the overall operation section 322c. At this time, the CPU 111 detects via the first operation input section 142 of the first operation panel 140 that the zoom in operation section 322a, the zoom out operation section 322b, or the overall operation section 322c of the "Zoom In / Out" button 322 displayed on the first display section 141 has been touched. If the zoom in operation section 322a of the "Zoom In / Out" button 322 is touched, the process proceeds to step S425. If the zoom out operation section 322b of the "Zoom In / Out" button 322 is touched, the process proceeds to step S426. If the overall operation section 322c of the "Zoom In / Out" button 322 is touched, the process proceeds to step S427.

[0118] In step S425, the CPU 111 enlarges the currently displayed preview image and displays it on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, and then returns to step S418.

[0119] In step S426, the CPU 111 reduces the size of the currently displayed preview image and displays it on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, and then returns to step S418.

[0120] In step S427, the CPU 111 displays the entire preview image being shown on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140, and then returns to step S418.

[0121] In step S428, the CPU 111 displays the screen prior to the preview display screen and terminates the preview display operation.

[0122] <Controlling the display of preview images> Next, the operation when controlling the display of the preview image using the human presence sensor unit 190 will be described. The CPU 111 receives the output signal from the human presence sensor unit 190 and determines whether or not it has detected a third party in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 100. The vicinity of the image forming apparatus 100 is defined as the vicinity at a distance sufficient to allow the content displayed on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150 to be understood. If "human presence sensor linkage" is enabled in the preview settings and there is a third party in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 100, blurring is applied to the preview image displayed on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150 according to the preview display settings. If "human presence sensor linkage" is enabled in the preview settings and there is no third party in the vicinity of the image forming apparatus 100, no blurring is applied to the preview image displayed on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150.

[0123] Next, we will explain the flow of display control for the preview image using the human presence sensor unit 190. Figure 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of display control for the preview image using the human presence sensor unit 190.

[0124] In step S501, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a preview image is displayed on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150 during the preview display operation described above. If a preview image is displayed on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150, that is, if the determination in step S501 is YES, the process proceeds to step S502. On the other hand, if a preview image is not displayed on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150, that is, if the determination in step S501 is NO, the process ends.

[0125] In step S502, the CPU 111 determines whether "Human motion sensor linkage" is enabled in the preview settings. In other words, the CPU 111 determines whether the setting entered by the "Human motion sensor linkage" button 212 in the preview settings is "Yes". If "Human motion sensor linkage" is enabled, that is, if the determination in step S502 is YES, the process proceeds to step S503. On the other hand, if "Human motion sensor linkage" is not enabled, that is, if the determination in step S502 is NO, the process proceeds to step S504.

[0126] In step S503, the CPU 111 determines whether or not a third party is detected around the image forming apparatus 100 based on the output signal from the human presence sensor unit 190. If a third party is detected around the image forming apparatus 100, i.e., the determination in step S503 is YES, the process proceeds to step S504. If a third party is not detected around the image forming apparatus 100, i.e., the determination in step S503 is NO, the process proceeds to step S505.

[0127] In step S504, the CPU 111 displays the blurred preview image on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150 according to the preview display settings, and returns to step S501. At this time, as mentioned above, if the user touches the OFF operation unit 323b of the "blur" button 323 on the preview display screen, the CPU 111 displays a preview image that has not been blurred in the area specified by the user.

[0128] In step S505, the CPU 111 displays the unblurred preview image on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150, and then returns to step S501.

[0129] As described above, this embodiment makes it possible to prevent third parties from viewing the image displayed on the display unit while maintaining user-friendliness. Specifically, in this embodiment, the CPU 111 (processing means 118) performs blurring on a specified area of ​​the preview image. Then, the CPU 111 (display control means 119) displays the blurred preview image on the second display unit 151. For example, the CPU 111 (designation means 116) can specify the area to be blurred for each object constituting the preview image based on user input. The CPU 111 (designation means 116) can change the area specified based on user input by returning at least a part of the blurred preview image to its state before blurring. Therefore, it is possible to check the preview image displayed on the second display unit 151 while at least a part of the preview image is not blurred. In this way, it is possible to prevent third parties from viewing the image displayed on the display unit while maintaining user-friendliness.

[0130] In the embodiments described above, an example was given in which a preview image based on data included in the print job is displayed on the first display unit 141 of the first operation panel 140 or the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the preview image displayed on the first display unit 141 or the second display unit 151 may be a preview image based on image data (scan data) of the original document captured by the reading unit 120. When a preview image based on scan data is displayed on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150, blurring is applied to the entire preview image. Furthermore, by performing character recognition processing on the scan data, it is possible to specify whether or not to apply blurring to each object, such as characters and image files, that constitute the preview image, similar to the embodiments described above.

[0131] In the above-described embodiment, the preview image displayed on the second display unit 151 of the second operation panel 150 is blurred, but is not limited to this. For example, the preview image displayed on the display unit may be processed to reduce its contrast. The preview image displayed on the display unit may be processed to cause color shifts in each of the RGB colors. In addition, the brightness of the preview image displayed on the display unit may be reduced, or the brightness of the preview image displayed on the display unit may be increased. In this way, any processing that reduces the visibility of the preview image displayed on the display unit is acceptable.

[0132] In the above-described embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 includes a first operation panel 140 and a second operation panel 150 having a larger screen than the first operation panel 140, but is not limited to this. For example, the image forming apparatus may also include one operation panel with a screen similar in size to the second operation panel 150. If the screen size of the display unit of the operation panel is larger than a predetermined screen size, the CPU 111 may display a blurred preview image on the display unit. If the screen size of the display unit of the operation panel is less than or equal to the predetermined screen size, the CPU 111 may display a preview image that has not been blurred on the display unit. The predetermined screen size is a screen size large enough that a portion of the image displayed on the display unit is not obscured by the user's body (e.g., head). For example, the predetermined screen size may be 15 inches, 21 inches, or 24 inches.

[0133] Furthermore, if the screen size of the display portion of the objects constituting the preview image is larger than a predetermined size, the CPU 111 may display a blurred preview image on the display portion. If the screen size of the display portion of the objects constituting the preview image is less than or equal to the predetermined size, the CPU 111 may display a preview image without blurring on the display portion. The predetermined size is, for example, the smallest readable character size (unit: pt) calculated based on the following formula.

[0134] Minimum readable character size = a × (size coefficient) + b However: Size coefficient = (viewing distance) / (visual acuity under observation conditions)

[0135] Here, viewing distance (in meters) is the distance between a third party behind the user operating the control panel and the display unit of the control panel. Coefficients a and b are coefficients related to the font type of the preview image (text). The viewing distance in the standard settings is set to, for example, 1 meter. The visual acuity in the standard settings is set to, for example, 1.5. The font type in the standard settings is set to, for example, Gothic.

[0136] Users can change parameters such as viewing distance, visual acuity, and font type from the standard settings. This allows the size coefficient to be set according to the viewing distance and visual acuity set by the user. Coefficients a and b are then set according to the font type set by the user. The minimum readable character size is calculated using the above formula based on the size coefficient, coefficients a, and coefficient b thus set.

[0137] <<Other Embodiments>> The present invention can also be realized by supplying a program that implements one or more of the functions of the above-described embodiments to a system or device via a network or storage medium, and by having one or more processors in the computer of that system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., an ASIC) that implements one or more functions.

[0138] The disclosure of this embodiment includes configurations represented by the following example image processing apparatus, example image processing method, and example program.

[0139] <Configuration 1> Means for acquiring images, A processing means that performs processing on a specified area of ​​an image acquired by the acquisition means to reduce its visibility, A display control means that displays the image processed by the processing means on a display unit, An image processing apparatus characterized by having

[0140] <Configuration 2> The system further includes a designation means for specifying the region to be processed from the image acquired by the acquisition means, based on user input. The processing means is an image processing apparatus according to configuration 1, which performs the processing on an area specified by the designating means.

[0141] <Structure 3> The image processing apparatus according to configuration 2, wherein the designation means specifies an area to be processed for each object constituting the image.

[0142] <Structure 4> The image processing apparatus according to configuration 2 or 3, wherein the designating means modifies the region designated by the designating means by restoring at least a portion of the processed image to its state before processing.

[0143] <Composition 5> The display control means displays the image processed by the processing means and a setting image for changing the settings of the processed image on the display unit. An image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, wherein the processing described above is not performed on the setting image.

[0144] <Composition 6> The display unit includes a first display unit and a second display unit having a larger screen than the first display unit. The image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 5, wherein the display control means displays the image processed by the processing means on the second display unit.

[0145] <Composition 7> The image processing apparatus according to configuration 6, wherein the display control means displays the unprocessed image on the first display unit.

[0146] <Structure 8> It further includes detection means for detecting third parties other than the user, If a third party is detected by the detection means, the display control means displays the image processed by the processing means on the second display unit. If no third party is detected by the detection means, the display control means displays the unprocessed image on the second display unit, as described in configuration 6 or 7 of the image processing apparatus.

[0147] <Composition 9> If the screen size of the display unit is larger than a predetermined screen size, the display control means displays the image processed by the processing means on the display unit. The image processing apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein if the screen size of the display unit is less than or equal to the predetermined screen size, the display control means displays the unprocessed image on the display unit.

[0148] <Composition 10> If the size of the objects constituting the image on the screen of the display unit is larger than a predetermined size, the display control means displays the image processed by the processing means on the display unit. The image processing apparatus according to configuration 1, wherein if the size of the object on the screen of the display unit is less than or equal to the predetermined size, the display control means displays the unprocessed image on the display unit.

[0149] <Composition 11> The image processing apparatus according to configuration 3 or 10, wherein the object includes characters and an image.

[0150] <Composition 12> The image processing apparatus according to configuration 11, wherein the object further includes ruled lines.

[0151] <Composition 13> The acquisition means is an image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, which acquires an image formed on a printing medium.

[0152] <Composition 14> The acquisition means is an image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 12, which acquires an image of a document read by a reading unit.

[0153] <Composition 15> The image processing apparatus according to any one of configurations 1 to 14, wherein the processing is blurring.

[0154] <Composition 16> Steps to acquire an image, The steps include: performing a process on a specified area of ​​the acquired image to reduce its visibility; The steps include: displaying the processed image on the display unit; An image processing method characterized by having the following features.

[0155] <Composition 17> A program that causes a computer to perform the image processing method described in configuration 16. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0156] 110 Control Unit 111 CPU 115 Acquisition means 118 Processing means 119 Display control means

Claims

1. Means for acquiring images, A processing means that performs processing on a specified area of ​​an image acquired by the acquisition means to reduce its visibility, A display control means that displays the image processed by the processing means on a display unit, An image processing apparatus characterized by having

2. The system further includes a designation means for specifying the region to be processed from the image acquired by the acquisition means, based on user input. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing means performs the processing on the area specified by the designating means.

3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the designation means designates an area to be processed for each object constituting the image.

4. The image processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the designating means modifies the region designated by the designating means by restoring at least a portion of the processed image to its state before processing.

5. The display control means displays the image processed by the processing means and a setting image for changing the settings of the processed image on the display unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing described above is not performed on the setting image.

6. The display unit includes a first display unit and a second display unit having a larger screen than the first display unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display control means displays the image processed by the processing means on the second display unit.

7. The image processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the display control means displays the unprocessed image on the first display unit.

8. It further includes detection means for detecting third parties other than the user, If a third party is detected by the detection means, the display control means displays the image processed by the processing means on the second display unit. If no third party is detected by the detection means, the display control means displays the unprocessed image on the second display unit, as described in claim 6 or 7.

9. If the screen size of the display unit is larger than a predetermined screen size, the display control means displays the image processed by the processing means on the display unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the screen size of the display unit is less than or equal to the predetermined screen size, the display control means displays the unprocessed image on the display unit.

10. If the size of the objects constituting the image on the screen of the display unit is larger than a predetermined size, the display control means displays the image processed by the processing means on the display unit. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, if the size of the object on the screen of the display unit is less than or equal to the predetermined size, the display control means displays the unprocessed image on the display unit.

11. The image processing apparatus according to claim 3 or 10, wherein the object includes characters and an image.

12. The image processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the object further includes ruled lines.

13. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition means acquires an image formed on a printing medium.

14. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the acquisition means acquires an image of a document read by the reading unit.

15. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing is blurring.

16. Steps to acquire an image, The steps include: performing a process on a specified area of ​​the acquired image to reduce its visibility; The steps include: displaying the processed image on the display unit; An image processing method characterized by having the following features.

17. A program for causing a computer to perform the image processing method described in claim 16.

Images