Electronic apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium for power supply control

Provided is an electronic apparatus that prevents leakage of confidential documents and the like that are stored in a storage device. When there is writing of power-supply-mode-switch-request information that is included in a Write request from a user-authenticated portable terminal to an NFC tag, a system-control unit instructs a power-supply-control unit to switch to a normal mode based on the power-supply-mode-switch-request information, and when the portable terminal is separated from the NFC tag, instructs the power-supply-control unit to return to the power-supply mode before the instruction.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-219702 filed on Nov. 10, 2016, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to an electronic apparatus that is suited for power-supply control, and to a non-transitory computer-readable recording medium.

An image forming apparatus is, for example, a MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) such as a printer, multifunction printer, combination apparatus and the like. In an image forming apparatus, for example, a wireless tag such as a NFC (near field radio communication) tag may be installed that stores wired or wireless connection information necessary for connecting to a network, apparatus information such as the apparatus name and the like. It is possible for an image forming apparatus to write various kinds of information to or read various kinds of information from a wireless tag, however, a portable terminal such as a smart phone that is equipped with a Reader/Writer function may also be able to write various kinds of information to or read various kinds of information from a wireless tag.

In typical technology, as a apparatus that uses this kind of wireless tag includes a non-contact communication unit that performs non-contact communication with an external apparatus, and a control unit that controls turning ON/OFF the power supply and controls an imaging preparation operation. Moreover, an imaging apparatus is proposed in which the control unit performs control for turning ON the power supply when a polling command that is transmitted from an external apparatus by non-contact communication is detected. After the power-supply is turned ON, the control unit transmits connection information to the external apparatus for performing a wireless communication connection with the external apparatus. When transmission of the connection information is complete, the control unit performs control so that an imaging preparation operation is performed.

SUMMARY

The electronic apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a wireless tag, a power-supply-control unit and a system-control unit. The wireless tag stores information. The power-supply-control unit controls a power-supply mode. The system-control unit instructs the power-supply-control unit to switch the power-supply mode based on the information. When there is writing of power-supply-mode-switch-request information that is included in a Write request from a user-authenticated portable terminal to the wireless tag, the system-control unit instructs the power-supply-control unit to switch to a normal mode based on the power-supply-mode-switch-request information. Then when the portable terminal is separated from the wireless tag, the system-control unit instructs the power-supply-control unit to return to the power-supply mode before the instruction.

The non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a power-supply-control program executable by a computer that controls an electronic apparatus inclusing a power-supply-control unit that controls a power-supply mode. The power-supply-control program has: a first program code that causes the computer to store information in a wireless tag; and a second program code that causes the computer to instruct the power-supply-control unit to switch the power-supply mode based on the information. The second program code, when there is writing of power-supply-mode-switch-request information that is included in a Write request from a user-authenticated portable terminal to the wireless tag, causes the computer to instruct the power-supply-control unit to switch to a normal mode based on the power-supply-mode-switch-request information. Then, when the portable terminal is separated from the wireless tag, the third program code causes the computer to instruct the power-supply-control unit to return to the power-supply mode before the instruction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, an embodiment of an electronic apparatus according to the present disclosure will be explained with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 4. In the following explanation, an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) that is a combination peripheral apparatus equipped, for example, with a printing function, a copying function, a FAX function, a data transmitting and receiving function via a network and the like is used as an example of an electronic apparatus.

First, as illustrated inFIG. 1, the MFP100has a NFC (Near Field Communication) tag200as a wireless tag. InFIG. 1, the reference number300indicates a portable terminal. Here, the NFC tag200is connected to the MFP100by a wired connection (serial bus such as a 12C bus or the like). Moreover, the NFC tag200is wirelessly connected to the portable terminal300.

Power supply-mode information that indicates the current power supply mode that is written by the MFP is written in the NFC tag200, for example. The power-supply-mode information, for example, includes contents that indicate whether the power-supply mode is a power-saving mode or power-supply OFF mode. Moreover, password-authentication information that is included in a Read request with password authentication from the portable terminal300, or power-supply-mode-switch-request information that is included in a Write request that is transmitted after a Read request is written, for example in the NFC tag200. The Write request may also have password authentication. The password-authentication information includes a user ID (identification) and a password. Password-authentication information may include unique information and the like about the portable terminal300. Moreover, power-supply-mode-switch-request information includes contents and the like that indicate a power-saving-cancellation request, or a power-supply-ON request.

The portable terminal300is equipped with an NFC application that makes possible an NFC Reader/Writer function (hereafter, referred to as an NFC function) that performs reading information that is stored in the NFC tag200, and writing information to the NFC tag200by wireless communication. The NFC application has password-authentication information described above that includes a user ID and password. Moreover, as the portable terminal300, it is possible to use a smart phone, tablet, notebook computer and the like in which an NFC function can be installed.

Next, an example of configuration of the MFP100, NFC tag200and portable terminal300will be explained with reference toFIG. 2. First, the MFP100includes a control unit110that controls a printer unit101, an I/F (interface)102, a panel unit103, and a HDD104. The MFP100may also include a scanner unit, a FAX unit and the like.

The printer unit101is a device that prints an image on paper based on printing data that is outputted from the control unit110. The I/F102takes charge of communication with the NFC tag200. The I/F102may also take charge of communication with the portable terminal300via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like. Moreover, the I/F102may also take charge of communication with a content server, web server and the like. The panel unit103, for example, is a device that has hardware keys and a touch panel for performing a display for the printing function, copying function, FAX function, data transmitting and receiving function via a network, and various settings of the MFP100. The HDD104is a storage device for storing application programs for providing the various functions of the MFP100. Moreover, the HDD104has user boxes for storing printing jobs that are registered from a user terminal, for example.

The control unit110is a processor for controlling the overall operation of the MFP100by executing an image forming program, a control program and the like. The control unit110includes a printer-control unit111, a communication-control unit112, a RAM113, an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory)114, an image-processing unit115, an authentication-management unit116, a power-supply-control unit117, a panel-operation-control unit118, a HDD-control unit119, and a system-control unit120. Moreover, these units are connected to a data bus121.

The printer-control unit111controls the printing operation of the printer unit101. The communication-control unit112, via the I/F102, performs control of transmitting and receiving with the NFC tag200and the like. The RAM113is a work memory for executing programs. The EEPROM114stores a control program for performing operation checks of each of the units and the like. The image-processing unit115, for example, performs image processing (rasterization) of printing jobs that are registered in the user boxes of the HDD104. The system-control unit120causes printing data that has undergone image processing by the image-processing unit115to be stored temporarily in RAM113.

The authentication-management unit116, for example, performs user authentication by comparing password-authentication information that includes a user ID and password, with, for example, password-authentication information that is registered in the HDD104. The power-supply-control unit117, based on an instruction from the system-control unit120, switches the power supply from a normal mode to a power-saving mode or power-supply OFF mode. Moreover, the power-supply control unit117, based on an instruction from the system-control unit120, switches the power supply from the power-saving mode or power-supply-OFF mode to the normal mode. Here, the power-saving mode, for example, includes a low-power mode in which, when there is no operation during a set amount of time, reduces the power consumption by stopping the power supply to the panel unit103(for example, touch panel) and the like, a sleep mode in which the power consumption is less than in the low-power mode, and the like. Moreover, the power-supply-OFF mode is a mode that stops supplying power to parts other than at least the system-control unit120of the control unit110. The normal mode is a mode in which power is supplied to each of the parts, and the functions of the MFP100can be used. The panel-operation-control unit118controls the display operation of the panel unit103. Furthermore, the panel-operation-control unit118, via the panel unit103, receives the start setting and the like for printing, copying, a FAX, data transmitting and receiving via a network and the like. The panel-operation-control unit118also, via the panel unit103, receives a selection for the power-saving mode or power-supply-OFF mode.

The system-control unit120controls linked operations of each unit. Moreover, when the power-saving mode or the power-supply-OFF mode is selected (may also be when the low-power mode or sleep mode is selected of the power-saving mode) via the panel unit103, the system-control unit120instructs the power-supply-control unit117to switch to the power-saving mode or power-supply-OFF mode. Moreover, when there is a Read request from the portable terminal300for reading the NFC tag200, the system-control unit120instructs the authentication-management unit116to perform user authentication of the password-authentication information that is included in the Read request. Moreover, when the authentication-management unit116is successful in performing user authentication, the system-control unit120acquires the current power-supply mode from the power-supply-control unit117, and writes that power-supply mode to the NFC tag200. The current power-supply mode indicates whether the mode is the power-saving mode or the power-supply-OFF mode. Moreover, when contents indicating a power-saving-cancellation request or power-supply-ON request that is included in the Write request is written to the NFC tag200by the portable terminal300, the system-control unit120instructs the power-supply-control unit117to switch to power-saving cancellation or power-supply ON. Furthermore, when there are no radio waves from the portable terminal300via the NFC tag200during a set amount of time, the system-control unit120instructs the power-supply-control unit117to return the mode to the power-supply mode before switching to the normal mode. In other words, when the power-supply mode before switching to the normal mode is the low-power mode or the sleep mode, the system-control unit120instructs the power-supply-control unit117to return to the low-power mode or sleep mode from the normal mode. Moreover, when the power-supply mode before switching to the normal mode is the power-supply-OFF mode, the system-control unit120instructs the power-supply-control unit117to return to the power-supply-OFF mode from the normal mode.

The NFC tag200includes a control unit210that controls the I/F201. The I/F102takes charge of communication with the MFP100. The control unit210has an antenna unit211and an IC chip212. The antenna unit211performs communication with the portable terminal300by using a specified frequency (for example 13.56 MHz). The IC chip212has a nonvolatile memory that stores information that is written by the MFP100or portable terminal300. Moreover, the IC chip212writes information received via the I/F201or antenna unit211to the nonvolatile memory, or transmits information of the nonvolatile memory via the I/F201or antenna unit211. The information of the nonvolatile memory is written in a format that is defined by the NFC standard.

The portable terminal300includes a control unit310that controls an antenna301and a panel unit302. The antenna301emits radio waves, and takes charge of communication with the NFC tag200and the like. Moreover, the antenna301, via a network, takes charge of communication with the MFP100, content server, web server or the like. The panel unit302is a device such as a touch panel or the like for performing selection of the various functions of the portable terminal300, input of characters, information display and the like.

The control unit310is a processor that controls the overall operation of the portable terminal300by executing application programs, a control program and the like. The control unit310includes a communication-control unit311, a RAM312, an EEPROM313, a panel-operation-control unit314, and a system-control unit315. Moreover, these units are connected to a data bus316.

The communication-control unit311performs control of transmission or reception of the NFC tag200, MFP100or the like via the antenna301. The RAM312is a work memory for executing programs. The EEPROM313stores a control program for performing operation checks and the like of each of the units. The EEPROM313also stores NFC applications and the like for realizing the NFC functions described above of reading information that is stored in an NFC tag200or writing information to an NFC tag200by wireless communication, for example. An NFC application has user identification information that includes a user ID and password as described above. The panel-operation-control unit314controls the display operation and the like of the panel unit302.

The system-control unit315controls linked operation and the like of each of the units. Moreover, when the NFC function is selected via the panel unit302, the system-control unit315activates the NFC application and transmits radio waves to the communication-control unit311from the antenna301. The system-control unit315also, according to a Read request by the NFC application, acquires information that is written in the NFC tag200. Furthermore, the system-control unit315, according to a Write request by the NFC application, writes information to the NFC tag200.

Next, processing on the portable terminal side300will be explained with reference toFIG. 3. In the following explanation it is presumed that after the user selects the NFC function of the portable terminal300, the portable terminal300is set in a position over the NFC tag200. In this case, a holder, hook or the like is provided around the NFC tag200, for example, and by setting the portable terminal300in that holder or on that hook, it is possible to maintain a state in which the portable terminal300is over the NFC tag200. Moreover, in the following, it is presumed that the information that is written in the NFC tag200is the power-saving mode or power-supply-OFF mode that indicates the current power-supply mode of the MFP100side.

The system-control unit315determines whether or not the NFC function is selected.

In this case, when there is no notification from the panel-operation-control unit314indicating that the NFC function is selected via the panel unit302, the system-control unit315determines that the NFC function is not selected (step S101: NO).

However, when there is a notification from the panel-operation-control unit314indicating that the NFC function is selected via the panel unit302, the system-control unit315determines that the NFC function is selected (step S101: YES), and processing moves to step S102.

The system-control unit315activates the NFC function.

In this case, the system-control unit315reads the NFC application that is stored in the EEPROM313. Moreover, the system-control unit315confirms the password-authentication information of the NFC application that includes a user ID and a password.

The system-control unit315determines whether or not the antenna301is near the NFC tag200.

In this case, when the measurement result that indicates the distance of the distance sensor is a set value or greater, the system-control unit315determines that the antenna301is not near the NFC tag200(step S103: NO).

However, when the measurement result that indicates the distance of the distance sensor is less than a set value, the system-control unit315determines that the antenna301is near the NFC tag200(step S103: YES), and processing moves to step S104.

The communication distance between the portable terminal300and the NFC tag200is less than 10 cm, so the position where the portable terminal300is held over the NFC tag should be less than 10 cm.

Moreover, the system-control unit315may determine whether or not the portable terminal300is near the NFC tag200without using the distance sensor by whether or not a response is received from the NFC tag200. In this case, the system-control unit315transmits response requests at set intervals (for example, 10 second intervals) using radio waves from the antenna301to the communication-control unit311for checking the wireless communication connection. The system-control unit315may determine that the portable terminal300is near the NFC tag200when a response is received from the NFC tag200. In addition to this, determining whether or not the antenna301is near the NFC tag200can be performed using a known method for near-field wireless communication.

The system-control unit315transmits a Read request.

In this case, the system-control unit315, using radio waves from the antenna301, transmits a Read request that includes password-authentication information to the communication-control unit311.

The system-control unit315determines whether or not information is received.

In this case, when there is no notification from the communication-control unit311indicating that information written in the NFC tag200is received, the system-control unit315determines that information is not received (step S105: NO).

However, when there is a notification from the communication-control unit311indicating that information written in the NFC tag200is received, the system-control unit315determines that information is received (step S105: YES), and processing moves to step S106.

Here, the information that is written in the NFC tag200indicates the power-saving mode or power-supply-OFF mode as the current power-supply mode on the MFP100side described above.

The system-control unit315determines whether or not the power-supply mode is the power-saving mode.

In this case, when the information that is written in the NFC tag200is the power-saving mode, the system-control unit315determines that the power-supply mode is the power-saving mode (step S106; YES), and processing moves to step S107.

However, when the information that is written in the NFC tag200is the power-supply-OFF mode, the system-control unit315determines that the power-supply mode is not the power-saving mode (step S106: NO), and processing moves to step S108.

The system-control unit315causes a Write request that includes a power-saving-cancellation request to be transmitted.

In this case, the system-control unit315causes the communication-control unit311to transmit a Write request that includes a power-saving-cancellation request using radio waves from the antenna301.

Password-authentication information may also be included in the Write request that includes a power-saving-cancellation request.

The system-control unit315causes a Write request that includes a power-supply-ON request to be transmitted.

In this case, the system-control unit315causes the communication-control unit311to transmit a Write request that includes a power-supply-ON request using radio waves from the antenna301.

Password-authentication information may also be included in the Write request that includes a power-supply-ON request.

The system-control unit315determines whether or not the portable terminal300is separated from the NFC tag200.

In this case, when the measurement result that indicates the distance of the distance sensor is less than a set value (for example, less than 10 cm), the system-control unit315determines that the portable terminal300is not separated from the NFC tag200(step S109: NO).

However, when the measurement result that indicates the distance of the distance sensor is equal to or greater than a set value (for example, 10 cm or greater), the system-control unit315determines that the portable terminal300is separated from the NFC tag200(step S109: YES), and processing moves to step S110.

The system-control unit315determines whether or not a set amount of time has elapsed.

In this case, when the measured value of a timer that starts from the time when it is determined that the portable terminal300is separated from the NFC tag200is not greater than a set amount of time (for example, 20 seconds), the system control unit315determines that a set amount of time has not elapsed (step S110: NO).

However, when the measured value of a timer that starts from the time when it is determined that the portable terminal300is separated from the NFC tag200is greater than a set amount of time (for example, 20 seconds), the system control unit315determines that a set amount of time has elapsed (step S110: YES), and processing ends.

In this way, the system-control unit315ends processing after a set amount of time has elapsed from when it is determined that the portable terminal300is separated from the NFC tag200. As a result, it is possible to avoid interrupting processing even when the portable terminal300is mistakenly separated from the NFC tag200and the portable terminal300is quickly returned to a position over the NFC tag200.

In step S107or step S108, the system-control unit315causes a Write request that includes a power-saving-cancellation request or a power-supply-ON request to be transmitted, however, it is possible to add an activation-mode request to the power-saving-cancellation request or power-supply-ON request. As the activation-mode request, for example, there are contents that give instruction to display a setting screen for checking settings or changing settings of the MFP100. By adding this activation-mode request, it is possible during maintenance, for example, to immediately cause a setting screen for checking settings or changing settings to be displayed after the power-supply mode on the MFP100side becomes power-saving cancellation or power-supply ON, and thus a selection operation for selecting display of a setting screen is not necessary.

Next, processing on the MFP100side will be explained with reference toFIG. 4. In the following, the case will be explained in which, as described above, the portable terminal300is set in a position over the NFC tag200using a holder or hook that is provided in a position surrounding the NFC tag200in a state so that wireless communication with the NFC tag200is possible.

The system-control unit120determines whether or not there is a Read request.

In this case, when the communication-control unit112has not received a notification signal from the NFC tag200that notifies when a state change occurs, the system control unit120determines that there is no Read request (step S201: NO).

However, when the communication-control unit112has received a notification signal from the NFC tag200that notifies when a state change occurs, the system control unit120determines that there is a Read request (step S201: YES), and processing moves to step S202.

A state change of the NFC tag200means that reading or writing information via the antenna unit211has occurred. When the NFC tag200receives a response request via the antenna unit211for checking the connection of wireless communication that is transmitted from the portable terminal300at a set interval (for example, 10-second interval) as described above, the NFC tag200may output a notification signal to the MFP100. Moreover, when there is a Read request for the NFC tag200, the IC chip212of the NFC tag200causes password-authentication information that includes a user ID and a password that is included in the Read request to be stored in the non-volatile memory.

The system-control unit120determines whether or not user authentication was successful.

In this case, the system-control unit120reads password-authentication information that includes a user ID and password that is written in the NFC tag200, and instructs the authentication-management unit116to perform user authentication. At this time, the authentication-management unit116performs user authentication by comparing the password-authentication information that is received from the system-control unit120and password-authentication information that is registered in the HDD104, for example.

When the authentication-management unit116confirms that the password-authentication information matches, the system-control unit120determines that user authentication is successful (step S202: YES), and processing moves to step S203.

However, when the authentication-management unit116does not confirm that the password-authentication information matches, the system-control unit120determines that user authentication is not successful (step S202: NO), and processing ends. In this case, the system-control unit120may instruct the panel-operation-control unit118to display a warning on the panel unit103that user authentication is failure.

In this case, the system-control unit120acquires from the power-supply-control unit117whether the current power-supply mode is the power-saving mode or the power-supply-OFF mode.

The system-control unit120writes the power-supply-mode information that corresponds to the acquired power-supply mode to the NFC tag200.

In this case, when the power-supply mode that is acquired from the power-supply-control unit117is the power-saving mode, the system-control unit120writes power-supply-mode information to the NFC tag200that indicates that the power-supply mode is the power-saving mode. However, when the power-supply mode that is acquired from the power-supply-control unit117is the power-supply-OFF mode, the system-control unit120writes power-supply-mode information to the NFC tag200that indicates that the power-supply mode is the power-supply-OFF mode.

The system-control unit120determines whether or not there is a Write request.

In this case, when the communication-control unit112has not received a notification signal from the NFC tag200that notifies when a state change occurs, the system-control unit120determines that there is no Write request (step S205: NO).

However, when the communication-control unit112has received a notification signal from the NFC tag200that notifies when a state change occurs, the system-control unit120determines that there is a Write request (step S205: YES), and processing moves to step S206.

The system-control unit120may determine whether or not there is a Write request by determining whether or not information is written to the NFC tag200at set intervals (for example, 10-second intervals) when there is a Read request for the NFC tag200in step S201.

The system-control unit120determines whether or not there is a power-saving-cancellation request.

In this case, when the system-control unit120reads information that is written in the NFC tag200and that information is contents that indicate a power-saving-cancellation request, the system-control unit120determines that the information is a power-saving-cancellation request (step S206: YES), and processing moves to step S207.

However, when the system-control unit120reads information that is written in the NFC tag200and that information is contents that indicate a power-supply-ON request, the system-control unit120determines that the information is not a power-saving-cancellation request (step S206: NO), and processing moves to step S208.

In this case, the system-control unit120instructs the power-supply-control unit117to switch to power-saving return.

At this time, the power-supply-control unit117switches from the current power-saving mode to the normal mode.

In this case, the system-control unit120instructs the power-supply-control unit117to switch to power-supply ON.

At this time, the power-supply-control unit117switches from the current power-supply-OFF mode to the normal mode.

The system-control unit120determines whether or not radio waves are received.

In this case, when the system-control unit120, via the communication-control unit112, checks the state of the NFC tag200at set intervals (for example, 10-second intervals), and the IC chip212is in an active state, the system-control unit120determines that the NFC tag200is receiving radio waves (step S209: YES).

However, when the system-control unit120, via the communication-control unit112, checks the state of the NFC tag200at set intervals (for example, 10-second intervals), and the IC chip212is not in an active state, the system-control unit120determines that the NFC tag200is not receiving radio waves (step S209: NO). Then, processing moves to step S210.

In other words, the NFC tag200operates using radio waves from the portable terminal300as an energy source, so when the portable terminal300is set at a position over the NFC tag200, the NFC tag200is able to receive radio waves that are constantly transmitted from the portable terminal300.

In this way, when the NFC tag200is receiving radio waves, the system-control unit120continues the determination process in step S209, so it possible to maintain the normal mode of the power-supply control unit117. In other words, while the portable terminal300is set at a position over the NFC tag200, it is possible to use the MFP100.

During a state change when transmitting a response to a response request from the portable terminal300, the NFC tag200may output a notification signal via the I/F201. This state change accompanies the response for checking the connection of wireless communication that is transmitted at a set interval (for example, 10-second interval) described above from the portable terminal300. In this case, the system-control unit120can determine that radio waves are being received by checking that notification signal.

The system-control unit120determines whether or not a set amount of time has elapsed.

In this case, when the measured value of a timer that is started when it is determined that the NFC200is not receiving radio waves is not greater than a set amount of time (for example, 20 seconds), the system-control unit120determines that a set amount of time has not elapsed (step S210: NO).

However, when the measured value of a timer that is started when it is determined that the NFC200is not receiving radio waves is greater than a set amount of time (for example, 20 seconds), the system-control unit120determines that a set amount of time has elapsed (step S210: YES), and processing moves to step S211.

In this way, the system-control unit120determines whether or not a set amount of time has elapsed from when it is determined that the NFC tag200is not receiving radio waves. Therefore, it is possible to avoid an interruption in processing even when the portable terminal300is mistakenly separated from the NFC tag200and then the portable terminal300is quickly returned to a position over the NFC tag200.

The system-control unit120gives an instruction to return to the power-supply mode before the instruction in step S207or step S208.

In this case, when a power-saving return instruction is given to the power-supply control unit117in step S207, the system-control unit120instructs the power-supply-control unit117to return to the power-saving mode.

As a result, the power-supply-control unit117switches to the power-saving mode.

However, when a power-supply-ON instruction is given to the power-supply control unit117in step S208, the system-control unit120instructs the power-supply-control unit117to return to the power-supply-OFF mode.

As a result, the power-supply-control unit117switches to the power-supply OFF mode.

Here, the system-control unit120may store the contents of the power-supply mode that is acquired from the power-supply-control unit117in step S203in the RAM113, and may acquire the previous power-supply mode from the contents of the power-supply mode that is stored in the RAM113. Alternatively, the system-control unit120may acquire the previous power-supply mode from power-supply-mode information that is written in the NFC tag200.

In this way, in this embodiment, when there is writing of power-supply-mode-switch-request information included in a Write request from a portable terminal300for which user authentication is complete to a NFC tag200(wireless tag), the system-control unit120instructs the power-supply-control unit117to switch to the normal mode based on the power-supply-mode-switch-request information. Then, when the portable terminal300is separated from the NFC tag200(wireless tag), the system-control unit120instructs the power-supply control unit117to return to the power-supply mode before the instruction.

As a result, when, for example, the portable terminal300comes close to the NFC tag200(wireless tag), by the power-supply-control unit117switching to the normal mode it becomes possible to use the MFP100(electronic apparatus). Then, when the portable terminal300is separated from the NFC tag200(wireless tag), the power-supply-control unit117returns from the normal mode to the power-supply mode before the instruction, so it becomes impossible to use the MFP100(electronic apparatus). As a result, it is possible to prevent improper use by a third party, and it is possible to prevent leaking of confidential documents that are stored in the HDD104(storage device).

The system-control unit120may perform the processing in steps S203to S204illustrated inFIG. 4after step S211when the power-supply-control unit117returns to the power-supply mode before the instruction in step S207or step S208.

As a result, when the portable terminal300is set at a position over the NFC tag200, the time for switching the power-supply mode of the MFP100to the normal mode can be shortened more than in the processing illustrated inFIG. 4.

Moreover, the system-control unit120may instruct the power-supply-control unit117to switch to power-saving cancellation or power-supply ON only by a power-saving-cancellation request or power-supply-ON request that is included in a Write request from the portable terminal300to the NFC tag200.

Furthermore, every time the power-supply mode is switched between the power-saving mode and the power-supply-OFF mode, the system-control unit120may write the power-supply-mode information for the power-supply mode after switching in the NFC tag200.

The power-saving mode made also be set beforehand to a low-power mode or sleep mode.

Moreover, the system-control unit120may instruct the power-supply-control unit117to switch from the normal mode to the power-saving mode when there is a no-operation state for a set amount of time, and further instruct the power-supply-control unit117to switch to the power-supply-OFF mode when the no-operation state continues for a set amount of time.

The system-control unit120may also instruct the power-supply-control unit117to switch from the normal mode to the low-power mode when there is a no-operation state for a set amount of time. Moreover, the system-control unit120may further instruct the power-supply-control unit117to switch to the sleep mode when the no-operation state continues for another set amount of time. Furthermore, the system-control unit120may further instruct the power-supply-control unit117to switch to the power-supply-OFF mode when the no-operation state continues for yet another set amount of time.

In an imaging apparatus of typical technology described above, the power supply of a digital camera as the imaging apparatus may be controlled to automatically turn ON by non-contact communication between a wireless tag that is mounted on the digital camera and a portable terminal such as a smart phone or the like as an external apparatus.

When this kind of technology that is capable of performing control for automatically turning ON the power supply of an imaging apparatus is applied to an imaging apparatus on which a wireless tag as described above is mounted, it is considered to be possible to automatically perform control or the like for turning ON the power supply of the imaging apparatus by wireless communication between a portable terminal such as a smart phone or the like and the wireless tag.

Incidentally, in the image forming apparatus described above, there are cases in which confidential documents and the like may be stored in a storage device such as a HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like. In this case, even though it may be possible to perform control to automatically turn the power supply of the image forming apparatus ON, forgetting to turn the power supply OFF may occur. In a state like this in which the power supply of the image forming apparatus is not turned OFF, a third party may use the image forming apparatus without authorization, and there is a possibility that confidential documents that are stored in a storage device such as a HDD or the like will be leaked.

With the electronic apparatus and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium according to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent unauthorized use by a third party, so it is possible to prevent leakage of confidential documents or the like that are stored in a storage device.

In this embodiment, the case in which an electronic apparatus according to the present disclosure is applied to a MFP100is explained, however, the embodiment is not limited to a MFP100, and it is possible to apply the electronic apparatus to another image forming apparatus such as a printer or multifunctional printer and the like, or to an information apparatus such as a PC (personal computer) and the like.