Patent Publication Number: US-11659102-B2

Title: Apparatus, control method, and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that cause a device to print an image based on a state of the apparatus and a user operation

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/790,908, filed Feb. 14, 2020, which is a continuation of application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/052,036, filed Aug. 1, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,602,004, which is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/699,205, filed Sep. 8, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,148,829, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/656,717, filed Mar. 13, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,794,425, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/557,377, filed Dec. 1, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,794,424, and which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/770,872, filed Feb. 19, 2013, now abandoned, which claim the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-048622, filed on Mar. 5, 2012, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an image processing apparatus and a system that cooperates with that image processing apparatus and, more particularly, to an image processing apparatus capable of communications, and a system that cooperates with that image processing apparatus. 
     Description of the Related Art 
     Some printing apparatuses that incorporate a wireless communication system can be switched to a plurality of operation modes according to states and operations. The operation modes include a normal operation mode, in which predetermined electrical power is supplied, a power saving mode, in which electrical power lower than the normal operation mode is supplied, a soft power-OFF mode, in which electrical power lower than the power saving mode is supplied, and an AC-OFF mode, in which electrical power is not supplied at all. 
     Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-44092 discloses an arrangement in which, when a Near Field Communication (NFC) device receives a data read/write request for an information processing apparatus in a power saving mode from a communication terminal, the information processing apparatus is activated in response to a request from the NFC device. 
     A case will be examined in which, in a state in which an NFC device is connected to the aforementioned printing apparatus and the printing apparatus is set in the power saving mode or the soft power-OFF mode, the technique of Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-44092 is applied. For example, when the printing apparatus in a mode such as the power saving mode, which is different from the normal operation mode, is accessed by the NFC device, electrical power is supplied to that apparatus to activate the apparatus so as to exchange data. In this case, since electrical power is always supplied to the apparatus to activate that apparatus even in a case in which power activation is not required, wasteful electrical power is consumed. 
     The present invention provides an image processing apparatus which exchanges data with a communication device without wasting consumption power. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In order to achieve the above object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention comprises a communication unit that communicates with a communication device, and is configured to write data received from the communication device in a memory, a storage unit configured to receive an operation request to the apparatus by the communication unit from the communication device, and to store the operation request in the memory, a specifying unit configured to specify a function corresponding to the operation request of a plurality of functions included in the apparatus in a state in which the storage unit stores the operation request in the memory, and a control unit configured to activate, when the specifying unit specifies the function and that function is not activated, the function, and to control the activated function. 
     According to the present invention, the image processing apparatus can exchange data with the communication device without wasting consumption power. 
     Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless communication system. 
         FIG.  2    is a view showing the outer appearance of a portable communication terminal apparatus. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a view showing the outer appearance of an MFP. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a view showing the outer appearance of the MFP. 
         FIG.  4    is a view showing an example of an operation unit of the MFP. 
         FIG.  5 A  is a conceptual view of a passive mode in NFC communications. 
         FIG.  5 B  is a conceptual view of the passive mode in NFC communications. 
         FIG.  6 A  is a conceptual view of an active mode in NFC communications. 
         FIG.  6 B  is a conceptual view of the active mode in NFC communications. 
         FIG.  7    is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the portable communication terminal apparatus. 
         FIG.  8    is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the MFP. 
         FIG.  9    is a block diagram showing the detailed arrangement of an NFC unit. 
         FIG.  10 A  is a view showing an example of the UI configuration of the MFP. 
         FIG.  10 B  is a view showing an example of the UI configuration of the MFP. 
         FIG.  11    is a view showing the configuration of a RAM of the MFP. 
         FIG.  12    is a view showing the configuration of a nonvolatile memory of the MFP. 
         FIG.  13    is a view showing the configuration of an NFC memory of the MFP. 
         FIG.  14    is a flowchart required for the NFC unit to operate as an initiator. 
         FIG.  15    is a chart showing the data exchange sequence in the passive mode. 
         FIG.  16    is a chart showing the data exchange sequence in the active mode. 
         FIG.  17    is a table showing an example of a communication packet of a data exchange request. 
         FIG.  18 A  is a view showing an example of a UI of a printer application. 
         FIG.  18 B  is a view showing an example of a UI of the printer application. 
         FIG.  18 C  is a view showing an example of a UI of the printer application. 
         FIG.  18 D  is a view showing an example of a UI of the printer application. 
         FIG.  18 E  is a view showing an example of a UI of the printer application. 
         FIG.  18 F  is a view showing an example of a UI of the printer application. 
         FIG.  18 G  is a view showing an example of a UI of the printer application. 
         FIG.  18 H  is a view showing an example of a UI of the printer application. 
         FIG.  18 I  is a view showing an example of a UI of the printer application. 
         FIG.  19 A  is a flowchart executed when an activation request is received from the portable communication terminal apparatus. 
         FIG.  19 B  is a flowchart executed when an activation request is received from the portable communication terminal apparatus. 
         FIG.  20    is a flowchart of an apparatus setting change when a normal operation mode state is not set. 
         FIG.  21 A  is a flowchart of a print instruction when a normal operation mode state is not set. 
         FIG.  21 B  is a flowchart of a print instruction when a normal operation mode state is not set. 
         FIG.  22 A  is a flowchart of a scan instruction when a normal operation mode state is not set. 
         FIG.  22 B  is a flowchart of a scan instruction when a normal operation mode state is not set. 
         FIG.  23 A  is a flowchart of a copy instruction when a normal operation mode state is not set. 
         FIG.  23 B  is a flowchart of a copy instruction when a normal operation mode state is not set. 
         FIG.  24 A  is a flowchart of a FAX instruction when a normal operation mode state is not set. 
         FIG.  24 B  is a flowchart of a FAX instruction when a normal operation mode state is not set. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail herein with reference to the drawings. Relative layouts of components, display screens, and the like, described in the embodiment do not, however, limit the scope of the present invention unless otherwise specified. 
     This embodiment will explain an example in which a communication apparatus and an image processing apparatus exchange data using a short distance wireless communication method, and a startup (power activation) method of the image processing apparatus is changed in response to an operation request of the communication apparatus. More specifically, a technique for making data exchange via short distance wireless communications, such as Near Field Communication (NFC), and changing an activation method of the image communication apparatus in response to an operation request of the communication apparatus or according to a state of the apparatus, will be described. 
     Note that the short distance wireless communication means a wireless communication represented by the NFC, a communication range of which is a relatively small predetermined range (for example, 1 cm to several cm). 
       FIG.  1    shows the configuration of a wireless communication system. 
     A portable communication terminal apparatus  200  is connected to a multi-function printer (to be abbreviated as an MFP hereafter)  300  that includes print, scan, FAX, and copy modes as an image processing apparatus. The portable communication terminal apparatus  200  includes at least two types of wireless communication units having different authentication methods and communication speeds. The portable communication terminal apparatus  200  is not particularly limited. For example, a personal information terminal, such as a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), mobile phone, digital camera, and the like, may be used as long as they can handle files to be printed. 
     The MFP  300  includes a reading function of reading a document placed on a platen, and a print function using a printing unit, such as an inkjet printer, and may also include a FAX function and telephone function. 
     Both of the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  and the MFP  300  have short distance wireless communication units using the NFC. Even when no electrical power is supplied to the portable communication terminal apparatus  200 , when the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  is moved closer to the MFP  300  within a predetermined distance range that allows the NFC communications, short distance wireless communications can be made. The MFP  300  may be connected to an external network, a personal computer, and a display via a communication unit different from the NFC. 
       FIG.  2    shows the outer appearance of the portable communication terminal apparatus  200 . 
     This embodiment will exemplify a smartphone. The “smartphone” means a multi-function mobile phone that incorporates a camera, a network browser, a mail function, and the like, in addition to functions of a mobile phone. An NFC unit  201 , as a short distance wireless communication unit, is a unit required to make communications using the NFC. When the NFC unit  201  is moved closer to a partner NFC unit within a predetermined distance range (for example, about 10 cm), they can communicate with each other in practice. 
     A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) unit  202  is a unit required to make communications via a WLAN, and is arranged inside the portable communication terminal apparatus  200 . A display unit  203  is, for example, a display including an LCD type display mechanism. An operation unit  204  includes a touch panel type operation mechanism, and detects pressing information of the user. As a representative operation method, the display unit  203  displays button icons and a software keyboard, and the user presses the operation unit  204 , thus issuing a button pressing event. A power key  205  is used to turn on/off a power supply. 
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  show the outer appearance of the MFP  300 . 
     This embodiment will exemplify the MFP  300  having the reading function (scanner). In  FIG.  3 A , a platen  301  is a glass-like transparent table that is used to read a document placed on itself using a scanner. A document cover  302  is a cover required to prevent reading light from externally leaking at the time of reading by the scanner. A printing sheet insertion port  303  is an insertion port on which paper sheets of various sizes are set. Paper sheets set on the printing sheet insertion port  303  are conveyed one by one to a printing unit, and are discharged from a printing sheet discharge port  304  after a desired printing operation. 
     In  FIG.  3 B , an operation/display unit  305  and NFC unit  306  are arranged on an upper portion of the platen  302 . The operation/display unit  305  will be described in detail later with reference to  FIG.  4   . The NFC unit  306  is a unit required to make short distance wireless communications, and is a place where the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  is approximated to the MFP  300 . A predetermined distance (about 10 cm) from the NFC unit  306  is an effective distance of a contact. A WLAN antenna  307  is required to make WLAN communications, and is embedded. 
       FIG.  4    is a plan view of the operation/display unit  305 . 
     A display unit  406  is a display screen used to display images and a user interface, such as an operation menu, and includes, for example, a dot matrix LCD. Arrow keys  401  are used for operations such as cursor movements on the display unit  406 . A set key  402  is a key used to make a setting input. A function key  403  is used for operations, such as function settings. A start key  404  is used to issue a function execution instruction, such as a print start instruction. 
     The NFC communications will be described below. When proximity communications are made using the NFC units, an apparatus that outputs an RF (Radio Frequency) field first to initiate a communication is called an initiator. Also, an apparatus that responds to a command issued by the initiator to communicate with the initiator is called a target. 
     A communication mode of the NFC unit includes a passive mode and an active mode. In the passive mode, the target responds to a command of the initiator by performing load modulation. On the other hand, in the active mode, the target responds to a command of the initiator by an RF field generated by the target itself. 
       FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  are conceptual views of the passive mode in the NFC communications. 
     When data  504  is transmitted from an initiator  501  to a target  502  in the passive mode, as shown in  FIG.  5 A , the initiator  501  generates an RF field  503 . The initiator  501  transmits the data  504  to the target  502  by modulating the RF field  503  by itself. 
     Also, when data  508  is transferred from a target  506  to an initiator  505  in the passive mode, as shown in  FIG.  5 B , the initiator  505  generates an RF field  507  in the same manner as in  FIG.  5 A . The target  506  performs load modulation with respect to the RF field  507 , thereby transmitting the data  508  to the initiator  505 . 
       FIGS.  6 A and  6 B  are conceptual views of the active mode in the NFC communications. 
     When data  604  is transmitted from an initiator  601  to a target  602  in the active mode, as shown in  FIG.  6 A , the initiator  601  generates an RF field  603 . The initiator  601  transmits the data  604  to the target  602  by modulating the RF field  603  by itself. After completion of the data transmission, the initiator  601  stops outputting the RF field  603 . 
     On the other hand, when data  608  is transmitted from a target  608  to an initiator  605  in the active mode, as shown in  FIG.  6 B , the target  606  generates an RF field  607 . The target  606  transmits the data  608  by the RF field  607  generated by itself, and stops outputting the RF field  607  after completion of the transmission. 
       FIG.  7    is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the portable communication terminal apparatus  200 . 
     The portable communication terminal apparatus  200  includes a main board  701  that executes main control of the apparatus itself, a WLAN unit  717  that makes WLAN communications, an NFC unit  718  that makes NFC communications, and a BT unit  721  that makes Bluetooth® communications. 
     In the main board  701 , a CPU  702  is a system control unit, and controls the overall portable communication terminal apparatus  200 . A ROM  703  stores control programs to be executed by the CPU  702 , embedded operating system (OS) program, and the like. In this embodiment, respective control programs stored in the ROM  703  implement software control, such as scheduling and task switching under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM  703 . 
     A RAM  704  includes an SRAM (Static RAM), or the like, stores data, such as program control variables, also stores data, such as setting values registered by the user and management data of the portable communication terminal apparatus  200 , and is assured with various work buffer areas. 
     An image memory  705  includes a memory, such as a DRAM (Dynamic RAM), and temporarily stores image data received via a communication unit and those that are read out from a data storage unit  712  so as to be processed by the CPU  702 . In this case, the communication unit is a collective term of communication functions including the WLAN unit  717 , NFC unit  718 , and BT unit  721 . 
     A nonvolatile memory  722  includes a memory, such as a flash memory, and stores data to be saved even after power-OFF. Such data include, for example, an address book, a mail history, an incoming/outgoing call history, previously connected device information, and the like. Note that the memory configuration is not limited to this. For example, the image memory  705  and the RAM  704  may be shared, or data may be backed up in the data storage unit  712 . In this embodiment, the DRAM is used as the image memory  705 . The present invention is not, however, limited to this arrangement, since other storage media, such as a hard disk and a nonvolatile memory, may be used. 
     A data conversion unit  706  executes analysis of a page description language (PDL), and the like, and data conversion, such as color conversion and image conversion. A telephone unit  707  controls a telephone line, and realizes telephone communications by processing audio data input/output via a loudspeaker unit  713 . An operation unit  708  controls signals of the operation unit  204  ( FIG.  2   ). A GPS (Global Positioning System)  709  acquires position information, such as the current latitude and longitude. A display unit  710  electronically controls the display contents of the display unit  203  ( FIG.  2   ), allows various input operations, and can display operation states, status conditions, and the like, of the MFP  300 . 
     A camera unit  711  has a function of digitally recording and encoding an image input via a lens. An image captured by the camera unit  711  is saved in the data storage unit  712 . The loudspeaker unit  713  realizes a function of inputting or outputting a speech for a telephone function, and also an alarm notification function, and the like. A power supply unit  714  is a portable battery, and executes power supply control in the apparatus. A power supply state includes an out-of-battery state, in which the battery has no remaining amount, a power-OFF state, in which the power key  205  is not pressed, a activation state, in which the apparatus is normally activated, and a power saving state, in which the apparatus is activated but is set in a power saving mode. 
     The portable communication terminal apparatus  200  incorporates three communication units required to make wireless communications, and can make WLAN, NFC, and Bluetooth® wireless communications. Thus, the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  makes data communications with another device, such as an MFP. This communication unit converts data into packets, and makes packet transmission to the other device. Conversely, the communication unit converts packets coming from another external device into data, and transmits the data to the CPU  702 . The WLAN unit  717 , the NFC unit  718 , and the BT unit  721  are connected to the main board  701 , respectively, via bus cables  715 ,  716 , and  720 . The WLAN unit  717 , the NFC unit  718 , and the BT unit  721  are units required to attain communications compliant with the standards. Details of the NFC unit will be described later with reference to  FIG.  9   . 
     The respective components  703  to  714 ,  717 ,  718 ,  721 , and  722  in the main board  701  are connected to each other via a system bus  719  managed by the CPU  702 . 
       FIG.  8    is a block diagram showing the arrangement of the MFP  300 . 
     The MFP  300  includes a main board  801  that executes main control of the apparatus itself, a WLAN unit  817  that makes WLAN communications, an NFC unit  818  that makes NFC communications, and a BT unit  819  which makes Bluetooth® communications. 
     In the main board  801 , the CPU  802  is a system control unit, and controls the overall MFP  300 . A ROM  803  stores control programs to be executed by the CPU  802 , an embedded operating system (OS) program, and the like. In this embodiment, respective control programs stored in the ROM  803  implement software control, such as scheduling and task switching under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM  803 . A RAM  804  includes an SRAM (Static RAM), stores data, such as program control variables, stores data, such as setting values registered by the user and management data of the MFP  300 , and is assured with various work buffer areas. 
     A nonvolatile memory  805  includes a memory, such as a flash memory, and stores data to be held even after power-OFF. More specifically, such data include network connection information, user data, and the like. An image memory  806  includes a memory, such as a DRAM (Dynamic RAM), and stores image data received via a communication unit, those processed by an encoding/decoding processing unit  812 , and those acquired via a memory card controller  516 . Also, as in the memory configuration of the portable communication terminal apparatus  200 , the present invention is not limited to such specific memory configuration. A data conversion unit  807  executes analysis of a page description language (PDL), and the like, conversion from image data into print data, and the like. 
     Note that the communication unit is a collective term of communication functions including the WLAN unit  817 , the NFC unit  818 , and the BT unit  819 . 
     A reading control unit  808  controls a reading unit  810  to optically read a document by, for example, a CIS sensor (contact image sensor). Next, the reading control unit  808  applies various kinds of image processing, such as binarization processing and halftone processing, to an image signal converted into electrical image data via an image processing control unit (not shown), thereby outputting high-resolution image data. 
     An operation unit  809  and a display unit  811  correspond to the operation/display unit  305  in  FIG.  4   . The encoding/decoding processing unit  812  executes encoding/decoding processing and enlargement/reduction processing of image data (JPEG, PNG, etc.) handled by the MFP  300 . A paper feed unit  814  holds paper sheets used in printing. A paper sheet can be fed from the paper feed unit  814  under the control of a printing control unit  816 . Especially, as the paper feed unit  814 , a plurality of paper feed units can be prepared so as to hold a plurality of types of paper sheets in one apparatus. Then, the printing control unit  816  can control to select a paper feed unit used to supply paper sheets. 
     The printing control unit  816  applies various kinds of image processing, such as smoothing processing, printing density correction processing, and color correction to image data to be printed via an image processing control unit (not shown) to convert that image data into high-resolution image data, and outputs the converted data to a printing unit  815 . The printing control unit  816  also assumes a role of periodically reading out information of the printing unit  815 , and updating information in the RAM  804 . More specifically, the printing control unit  816  updates status information, such as the remaining amount of an ink tank and a printhead state. 
     The MFP  300  also incorporates three communication units required to make wireless communications as in the portable communication terminal apparatus  200 , and a description of these communication units will not be repeated since their functions are the same. In this case, the WLAN unit  817 , the NFC unit  818 , and the BT unit  819  are connected to the main board  801 , respectively, via bus cables  820 ,  821 , and  822 . 
     Respective components  802  to  819  in the main board  801  are connected to each other via a system bus  823  managed by the CPU  802 . 
       FIG.  9    is a block diagram showing details of an NFC unit used in the NFC unit  718  or  818 . 
       FIG.  9    will explain the NFC unit  718  ( FIG.  7   ) or the NFC unit  818  ( FIG.  8   ) as an NFC unit  900 . The NFC unit  900  includes an NFC controller unit  901 , an antenna unit  902 , an RF unit  903 , a transmission/reception control unit  904 , an NFC memory  905 , a power supply  906 , and a device connection unit  907 . 
     The antenna unit  902  receives electromagnetic waves and carriers from another NFC device (a device incorporating an NFC unit), and transmits electromagnetic waves and carriers to another NFC device. The RF unit  903  has a function of modulating/demodulating an analog signal to a digital signal. The RF unit  903  includes a synthesizer, and controls bands and channels based on frequency assigned data by identifying frequencies of bands and channels. 
     The transmission/reception control unit  904  executes control associated with transmission/reception, such as assembling/disassembling of transmission/reception frames, appending and detection of a preamble, and frame identification. Also, the transmission/reception control unit  904  controls the NFC memory  905  to read/write various data and programs. When the NFC unit operates in the active mode, it receives electrical power via the power supply  906  to communicate with a device via the device connection unit  907  and to communicate with another NFC device located within a communication range by carriers (or electromagnetic waves) transmitted/received via the antenna unit  902 . When the NFC unit operates in the passive mode, it receives carriers (or electromagnetic waves) from another NFC device via the antenna unit  902  to electrical power from that NFC device by electromagnetic induction, and exchanges data via communications with that NFC device by modulating carriers (or electromagnetic waves). 
       FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  show display examples on the display unit  406  of the MFP  300 . 
     When a print job is received from the portable communication terminal apparatus  200 , a print job confirmation screen  1001  is displayed on the display unit  406 . When a scan job is received, a scan job confirmation screen  1002  is displayed. 
       FIG.  11    shows the configuration of the RAM  804  of the MFP  300 . 
     Reference numeral  1101  denotes an entire storage area of the RAM  804 . A work memory  1102  is a memory area assured to execute programs. An image processing buffer  1103  is an area used as a temporary buffer for image processing. 
     A device state storage area  1104  stores various kinds of information associated with the current state of the MFP  300 . In this case, various kinds of information include an error state  1105 , an ink remaining amount  1106 , a next estimated activation time  1107 , and miscellaneous  1108 . 
     The error state  1105  stores states associated with errors of the MFP  300 . Such errors include a low-ink alert, an out-of-ink error, a paper jam error, an out-of-paper alert, a printed image defect alert, a read image defect error, a network disconnection alert, and the like. These alerts and errors are associated with degrees of influence on a printing function, degrees of influence on a reading function, and the like. For example, in case of an out-of-ink error, the printing function is not available, but the reading function is available. In case of a network disconnection alert, functions using a network are not available, but setting changes and the reading functions to be performed by the apparatus alone are available. 
     The ink remaining amount  1106  stores a model number and an ink remaining amount of a currently attached ink tank. The model number of the ink tank is updated at an attachment timing of that ink tank. The ink remaining amount  1106  is updated every time ink is used. 
     The next estimated activation time  1107  stores an estimated activation time of the next activation timing when the power supply is turned off. The activation time of the MFP  300  largely varies depending on states. For example, a power supply state of the MFP  300  includes a hard OFF state, soft OFF state, normal activation state, sleep state, and the like. In the hard OFF state, no electrical power is supplied, and, when the power supply is turned on to change the hard OFF state to the normal activation state, a long time is required. In the soft OFF state, electrical power is supplied to some units, but a main program is not running. In this state, the apparatus can be activated to require a shorter time than the hard OFF state. In the sleep state, since no electrical power is supplied to units that require large power consumption, but other programs and mechanisms are active, the normal activation state can be restored quickly. Another variation factor of the activation time includes error states of the apparatus. For example, when many clogged nozzles of an inkjet printhead are detected, the apparatus is activated for the next time after recovery processing for a long time. When the light amount of the scanner is reduced, the apparatus is activated after an adjustment operation. In this manner, the estimated activation time at the next activation timing is decided depending on the state transition of the power supply and the state of the apparatus. 
     The miscellaneous  1108  stores other device states, such as the current memory use amount, a hardware temperature, and expendable information. A miscellaneous  1109  stores data other than aforementioned data. 
       FIG.  12    shows the configuration of the nonvolatile memory  805  of the MFP  300 . 
     Reference numeral  1201  denotes an overall storage area of the nonvolatile memory  805 . User data  1202  stores information associated with the user, and stores, for example, a FAX telephone number, a communication history, network information, and the like. A previously connected apparatus list  1203  stores a list of apparatuses to which the MFP  300  was connected so far. 
     For example, when the MFP  300  communicated with a smartphone via the NFC, the list  1203  stores an identifier of the smartphone. When the MFP  300  was P2P (peer-to-peer)-connected to a smartphone via the WLAN, the list  1203  stores identification information required for connection via the WLAN. More specifically, when WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) is used for the WLAN connection, the list  1203  stores WPS Credential authentication information. When the MFP  300  was connected to a smartphone via Bluetooth®, the list  1203  stores OOB authentication information. When the MFP  300  was connected to a server apparatus via a LAN, the list  1203  stores network information of the server apparatus. Setting information  1206  stores setting information of the MFP  300 . The setting information includes, for example, menu items, such as a print mode, correction information of the inkjet printhead, and the like. A job reservation storage area  1207  saves print reservation information, scan reservation information, and the like, that are copied from the NFC memory  905  of the NFC unit  900 . A miscellaneous  1208  stores other kinds of nonvolatile information. 
       FIG.  13    shows the configuration of the NFC memory  905  of the MFP  300 . 
     Reference numeral  1301  denotes an overall storage area of the NFC memory  905  of the MFP  300 . To a device state storage area  1302 , the contents of the device state storage area  1104  ( FIG.  11   ) are copied at a predetermined timing. In  FIG.  13   , an error state  1303 , an ink remaining amount  1304 , and a next estimated activation time  1305  respectively correspond to the error state  1105 , the ink remaining amount  1106 , and the next estimated activation time  1107  shown in  FIG.  11   . 
     Note that, in this embodiment, operation mode information indicating a current operation mode of the apparatus of a plurality of types of operation modes is stored and managed in the next estimated activation time  1305 . The operation modes include a normal operation mode, in which predetermined electrical power is supplied, a power saving mode, in which electrical power to be supplied is lower than that in the normal operation mode, a soft power-OFF mode, in which electrical power to be supplied is lower than that in the power saving mode, and an AC-OFF mode (power-OFF mode), in which no electrical power is supplied. In this case, since the power saving mode and the soft power-OFF mode are common in the sense of a standby state mode, in which electrical power of a main power supply (normal operation mode) of the apparatus is not supplied and consumption power is low, both these modes are standby power modes. 
     A job storage area  1306  is used when the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  inputs a job to the MFP  300  via the NFC. A print job  1307  is a queue that stores print jobs. More specifically, the print job  1307  stores print settings and link destinations to images. A scan job  1308  is a queue that stores scan jobs. More specifically, the scan job  1308  stores reading settings. A copy job  1309  is a queue that stores copy jobs. More specifically, the copy job  1309  stores copy settings. A FAX job  1310  is a queue that stores FAX jobs. More specifically, the FAX job  1310  stores FAX settings including telephone numbers of transmission destinations, communication image qualities, and the like, and link destinations to images when images have already been read. 
     A setting change job  1311  is a queue that stores setting change jobs. More specifically, the setting change job  1311  stores jobs associated with changes of setting items of the MFP  300  main body. An activation job area  1312  stores activation information. More specifically, the activation job area  1312  stores information indicating a unit (function: a print function, a reading function, a FAX function, a telephone function, or the like) to be activated of the MFP  300 . In this case, the activation job area  1312  is a fixed storage area, which is assured in advance, and allows data read/write accesses regardless of the free capacity of the NFC memory. 
       FIG.  14    is a flowchart required for the NFC unit  900  to operate as an initiator. 
     Initially, in step S 1401 , all NFC units  900  operate as a target, and are set in a waiting state of a command from an initiator. In this case, each NFC unit  900  can be switched to an initiator in response to a request from an application that controls communications based on the NFC standard. Then, the application determines in step S 1402  whether or not the NFC unit  900  is switched to an initiator. If the NFC unit  900  is not switched to an initiator (NO in step S 1402 ), the process returns to step S 1401 . On the other hand, if the NFC unit  900  is switched to an initiator in response to a switching request to an initiator (YES in step S 1402 ), the process advances to step S 1403 . 
     In step S 1403 , the application of the NFC unit  900  selects one of the active mode and the passive mode as an operation mode, and decides a transmission rate. Next, in step S 1404 , the NFC unit  900  as the initiator detects an RF field generated by a device other than the self unit. That is, the NFC unit  900  determines whether or not an external RF field is detected. If an external RF field is detected (YES in step S 1404 ), the initiator waits until no RF field is detected without generating a self RF field. On the other hand, if no external RF field is detected (NO in step S 1404 ), the process advances to step S 1405 , and the NFC unit  900  as the initiator generates a self RF field. Via the aforementioned steps, the NFC unit  900  begins to operate as the initiator. 
       FIG.  15    is a sequence chart of data exchange in the passive mode. 
     A case will be described below in which a first NFC unit  1501  operates as an initiator, and a second NFC unit  1502  operates as a target. 
     In step S 1501 , the first NFC unit  1501  executes single-device detection to specify the second NFC unit  1502 . Next, in step S 1502 , the first NFC unit  1501  transmits a self identifier, a bit transmission rate of transmission/reception, a valid data length, and the like, as an attribute request. The attribute request has general bytes, and can be arbitrarily selected and used. 
     When the second NFC unit  1502  receives a valid attribute request, it transmits an attribute response in step S 1503 . In this case, transmission from the second NFC unit  1502  is attained by load modulation, and data transmission by means of load transmission is expressed by a dotted line arrow in  FIG.  15   . 
     In step S 1504 , after the first NFC unit  1501  confirms a valid attribute response, it transmits a parameter selection request to continuously change parameters of a transmission protocol. Parameters included in the parameter selection request are a transmission rate and a valid data length. 
     When the second NFC unit  1502  receives a valid parameter selection request, it transmits a parameter selection response in step S 1505 , and changes the parameters. Note that steps S 1504  and S 1505  may be omitted if parameters are not changed. 
     In step S 1506 , the first and second NFC units  1501  and  1502  exchange data by a data exchange request and a data exchange response. The data exchange request and the response can transmit information for applications included in communication partners as data, and can divisionally transmit information when a data size is large. 
     Upon completion of data exchange, the first NFC unit  1501  transmits either a selection release request or a release request in step S 1507 . When the first NFC unit  1501  transmits the selection release request, the second NFC unit  1502  transmits a selection release response in step S 1508 . Upon reception of the selection release request, the first NFC unit  1501  releases the attributes indicating the second NFC unit  1502 , and the process returns to step S 1501 . When the first NFC unit  1501  transmits a release request, the second NFC unit  1502  transmits a release response and returns to an initial state in step S 1508 . When the first NFC unit  1501  receives the release response, it may return to an initial state since the target is completely released. 
       FIG.  16    is a sequence chart of data exchange in the active mode. 
     In  FIG.  16   , a case will be described below in which a first NFC unit  1601  operates as an initiator, and a second NFC unit  1602  operates as a target. 
     In step S 1601 , the first NFC unit  1601  transmits a self identifier, a bit transmission rate of transmission/reception, a valid data length, and the like, as an attribute request. 
     Upon reception of a valid attribute request, the second NFC unit  1602  transmits an attribute response in step S 1602 . In this case, transmission from the second NFC unit  1602  is attained by an RF field generated by itself. For this reason, the first and second NFC units  1601  and  1602  stop outputting an RF field after completion of data transmission. 
     After the first NFC unit  1601  confirms a valid attribute response, it transmits a parameter selection request to change parameters of a transmission protocol in step S 1603 . Parameters included in the parameter selection request are a transmission rate and a valid data length. 
     Upon reception of a valid parameter selection request, the second NFC unit  1602  transmits a parameter selection response and changes the parameters in step S 1604 . Note that, as in the passive mode, steps S 1603  and S 1604  may be omitted if the parameters are not changed. 
     In step S 1605 , the first and second NFC units  1601  and  1602  exchange data by a data exchange request and a data exchange response. The data exchange request and the response can transmit information for applications included in communication partners as data, and can divisionally transmit information when a data size is large. 
     Upon completion of data exchange, the first NFC unit  1601  transmits either a selection release request or a release request in step S 1606 . 
     When the first NFC unit  1601  transmits the selection release request, the second NFC unit  1602  transmits a selection release response in step S 1607 . Upon reception of the selection release request, the first NFC unit  1601  releases the attributes indicating the second NFC unit  1602 . After that, in step S 1608 , the first NFC unit  1601  transmits an activation request to another target, an identifier of which is given. A target, which received the activation request, transmits an activation response in step S 1609 , and the process returns to step S 1601 . 
     On the other hand, when the first NFC unit  1601  transmits the release request, the second NFC unit  1602  transmits a release response in step S 1607 . Upon reception of the release response, the first NFC unit  1601  transmits a release response in step S 1608 , and returns to an initial state. When the first NFC unit  1601  receives the release response, it may return to an initial state since the target is completely released. 
       FIG.  17    shows a packet example of a data exchange request. 
     A DEP_REQ command can be returned as a response including arbitrary user data. Command bytes CMD 0 and CMD 1 required to identify the DEP_REQ command have to be set to be “D4” and “06”, respectively. Byte 0 to Byte 2 are indispensable data bytes specified by the NFC standard. Byte 3 to Byte n are user data bytes, and can be arbitrarily selected by the user. A data size is defined in advance by attribute information (ATR), but it is often changed by an FSL byte of a parameter selection command (PSL_REQ).  FIG.  17    exemplifies a case in which a command that requests to change apparatus settings is transmitted. “DEV_SET_CHG_REQ” is a command that requests a target to change apparatus settings. A data size is arbitrary, and is defined by functions included in the target. 
       FIGS.  18 A to  18 I  show display examples of a UI of a printer application and setting UIs of respective applications of the portable communication terminal apparatus  200 . 
       FIG.  18 A  shows a display example of a UI of a printer application  1801 , and this UI allows the user to make apparatus settings, and to issue a print, a scan, a copy, or a FAX execution instruction with respect to the MFP  300 . Execution instruction items are not limited to those enumerated in  FIG.  18 A , and an item of, for example, apparatus maintenance may be added. 
       FIG.  18 B  shows a display example of an apparatus setting UI that displays a list of apparatus setting items with respect to the MFP  300 . In  FIG.  18 B , reference numeral  1803  denotes a cursor item to the next page, which item is required to refer to the next settable item, reference numeral  1804  denotes a change control of an activation time of the MFP  300 , reference numeral  1805  denotes a change item of network settings and reference numeral  1806  denotes an item used to display an ink remaining amount. 
     After completion of settings, when the user presses a reserved transmission button  1807   a , only a setting change reservation is made for the MFP  300 , and is registered only on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  718  ( FIG.  7   ) depending on an activation state (soft power-OFF state, or the like) of the apparatus, thus closing the UI. When the user presses a settled transmission button  1807   b , setting changes in the apparatus are made irrespective of the state of the MFP  300 . When the user presses either of these buttons, an operation as an initiator is started based on an instruction from the application, and a message  1808  that notifies the user that the apparatus is ready to communicate with the MFP  300  is displayed on an apparatus setting application screen. Apparatus setting items are not limited to those, and an item that allows to set a registration adjustment value may be included. 
       FIG.  18 C  shows a display example of a UI required to issue a print instruction. Reference numeral  1810  denotes a setting item of a paper type such as plain paper, reference numeral  1811  denotes a setting item of a paper width, such as A4, reference numeral  1812  denotes a setting item of a print mode, such as “fine”, and reference numeral  1813  denotes a setting item of image data to be printed. 
     After completion of settings, when the user presses a reserved transmission button  1814   a , only a print reservation is made for the MFP  300 , and is registered only on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  718  depending on an activation state (soft power-OFF state or the like) of the apparatus, thus closing the UI. When the user presses a settled transmission button  1814   b , a print operation is executed irrespective of the state of the MFP  300 . When the user presses either of these buttons, an operation as an initiator is started based on an instruction from the application, and a message  1815  that notifies the user that the apparatus is ready to communicate with the MFP  300  is displayed on a print instruction application screen. Print setting items are not limited to those, and can be decided arbitrarily. 
       FIG.  18 D  shows a display example of a UI required to issue a scan instruction. Reference numeral  1816  denotes a setting item of a scan resolution, reference numeral  1817  denotes a setting item of a scan range, such as A4, and reference numeral  1818  denotes a designation item of a saving destination of a scan image. 
     After completion of settings, when the user presses a reserved transmission button  1819   a , only a scan reservation is made for the MFP  300 , and is registered only on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  718  depending on an activation state (soft power-OFF state, or the like) of the apparatus, thus closing the UI. When the user presses a settled transmission button  1819   b , a scan operation is executed irrespective of the state of the MFP  300 . When the user presses either of these buttons, an operation as an initiator is started based on an instruction from the application, and a message  1820  that notifies the user that the apparatus is ready to communicate with the MFP  300  is displayed on a scan instruction application screen. Scan setting items are not limited to those, and can be decided arbitrarily. 
       FIG.  18 E  shows a display example of a UI required to issue a copy instruction. Reference numeral  1821  denotes a setting item of a copy paper type, such as plain paper, reference numeral  1822  denotes a setting item of a copy paper width, such as A4, and reference numeral  1823  denotes a designation item of a copy mode, such as “fine”. 
     After completion of settings, when the user presses a reserved transmission button  1824   a , only a copy reservation is made for the MFP  300 , and is registered only on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  718  depending on an activation state (soft power-OFF state, or the like) of the apparatus, thus closing the UI. When the user presses a settled transmission button  1824   b , a copy operation is executed irrespective of the state of the MFP  300 . When the user presses either of these buttons, an operation as an initiator is started based on an instruction from the application, and a message  1825  that notifies the user that the apparatus is ready to communicate with the MFP  300  is displayed on a copy setting application screen. Copy setting items are not limited to those, and can be decided arbitrarily. 
       FIG.  18 F  shows a display example of a UI required to issue a FAX instruction. Reference numeral  1826  denotes a setting item of FAX transmission, and reference numeral  1827  denotes a setting item of FAX reception. On this screen, transmission buttons  1828  are disabled. 
     When the user presses the FAX transmission setting item  1826 , the current screen transits to a FAX transmission setting screen shown in  FIG.  18 G , thus allowing the user to make FAX transmission settings. Reference numeral  1830  denotes a setting item of a paper type, such as plain paper, reference numeral  1831  denotes a setting item of a paper size, such as A4 reference numeral  1832  denotes a setting item of a transmission mode, such as “fine”, and reference numeral  1833  denotes a designation item of transmission data when IFAX is used. After completion of settings, when the user presses a reserved transmission button  1834   a , only a FAX transmission reservation is made for the MFP  300 , and is registered only on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  718  depending on an activation state (soft power-OFF state, or the like) of the apparatus, thus closing the UI. When the user presses a settled transmission button  1834   b , FAX transmission is executed irrespective of the state of the MFP  300 . When the user presses either of these buttons, an operation as an initiator is started based on an instruction from the application, and a message  1835  that notifies the user that the apparatus is ready to communicate with the MFP  300  is displayed on a FAX transmission application screen. FAX transmission setting items are not limited to those, and can be decided arbitrarily. 
     When the user presses the FAX reception setting item  1827 , the current screen transits to a FAX reception setting screen shown in  FIG.  18 H , thus allowing the user to make FAX reception settings. Reference numeral  1836  denotes a reception mode setting item. After completion of settings, when the user presses a reserved transmission button  1837   a , only a FAX reception reservation is made for the MFP  300 , and is registered only on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  718  depending on an activation state (soft power-OFF state, or the like) of the apparatus, thus closing the UI. When the user presses a settled transmission button  1837   b , FAX reception is executed irrespective of the state of the MFP  300 . When the user presses either of these buttons, an operation as an initiator is started based on an instruction from the application, and a message  1838  that notifies the user that the apparatus is ready to communicate with the MFP  300  is displayed on a FAX reception application screen. FAX reception setting items are not limited to those, and can be decided arbitrarily. 
       FIGS.  19 A and  19 B  are flowcharts executed when the MFP  300  changes an activation method of each control unit of itself according to the self state in response to an operation request from the portable communication terminal apparatus  200 . In this processing, the MFP  300  receives an operation request from the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  (first reception), and the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  receives a response to the operation request from the MFP  300  (second reception). 
     The MFP  300  determines in step S 1901  with reference to the contents (the next estimated activation time  1305  ( FIG.  13   )) in the NFC memory of the NFC memory  818  ( FIG.  8   ) whether or not it is in a normal operation mode state in which predetermined electrical power is supplied. If the MFP  300  is in the normal operation mode state (YES in step S 1901 ), it directly transfers an operation request from the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  to the CPU  802 , thus executing a requested operation. 
     On the other hand, if the MFP  300  is not in the normal operation mode state (NO in step S 1901 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 1902  whether or not it is in a power saving mode state in which electrical power to be supplied is lower than that in the normal operation mode state. Furthermore, the MFP  300  determines in step S 1922  whether or not it is in a soft power-OFF mode state in which electrical power to be supplied is lower than that in the power saving mode. 
     If the MFP  300  is in the power saving mode state (YES in step S 1902 ) or it is in the soft power-OFF mode state (YES in step S 1922 ), the process advances to step S 1903 , and the MFP  300  determines whether or not an operation request from the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  is only an operation reservation. If the operation request is only an operation reservation (YES in step S 1903 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 1904  whether or not the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YES in step S 1904 ), the MFP  300  writes reservation information in a corresponding reservation area on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818 , thus ending the processing in step S 1905 . 
     Note that whether or not the NFC memory has a free space is determined by checking, for example, whether or not a free area of the NFC memory is equal to or smaller than a predetermined amount. 
     On the other hand, if the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S 1904 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 1 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 1906 , thus ending the processing. 
     In this case, the activation information indicates units (that is, units in the image processing apparatus), a power supply of which is to be activated, of the MFP  300 . 
     If “1” is set in the activation job area  1312 , electrical power is supplied to activate only units required to save information (for example, the nonvolatile memory  805  that can save reservation information). 
     If “2” is set in the activation job area  1312 , electrical power is supplied to activate only units required for a print operation (for example, the printing unit  815  and the printing control unit  816  that are required for the print operation). 
     If “3” is set in the activation job area  1312 , electrical power is supplied to activate only units required for a scan operation (for example, the reading unit  810  and the reading control unit  808  that are required for the scan operation). 
     If “4” is set in the activation job area  1312 , electrical power is supplied to activate only units required for a copy operation (for example, the printing unit  815 , the printing control unit  816 , the reading unit  810 , and the reading control unit  808  that are required for the copy operation). 
     If “5” is set in the activation job area  1312 , electrical power is supplied to activate only units required for FAX transmission (for example, the reading unit  810 , the reading control unit  808 , the FAX control unit  823 , the modem  825  that are required for the FAX transmission). 
     If “6” is set in the activation job area  1312 , electrical power is supplied to activate only units required for FAX reception (for example, the FAX control unit  823  and modem  825  that are required for the FAX reception). 
     If “7” is set in the activation job area  1312 , electrical power is supplied all control units/processing units to activate the MFP  300 . 
     The number of pieces of activation information is not limited to seven, and may be increased as needed. 
     If the MFP  300  determines in step S 1903  that the operation request is not only an operation reservation (NO in step S 1903 ), it determines a requested operation in subsequent steps S 1907  to S 1912 . The MFP  300  determines in step S 1907  whether or not the requested operation is an apparatus setting change. If the requested operation is an apparatus setting change (YES in step S 1907 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 1 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory in step S 1915 . 
     If the requested operation is not an apparatus setting change (NO in step S 1907 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 1908  whether or not the requested operation is a print instruction. If the requested operation is a print instruction (YES in step S 1908 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 2 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory. 
     If the requested operation is not a print instruction (NO in step S 1908 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 1909  whether or not the requested operation is a scan instruction. If the requested operation is a scan instruction (YES in step S 1909 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 3 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory. 
     If the requested operation is not a scan instruction (NO in step S 1909 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 1910  whether or not the requested operation is a copy instruction. If the requested operation is a copy instruction (YES in step S 1910 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 4 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory. 
     If the requested operation is not a copy instruction (NO in step S 1910 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 1911  whether or not the requested operation is a FAX transmission instruction. If the requested operation is a FAX transmission instruction (YES in step S 1911 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 5 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory. 
     If the requested operation is not a FAX transmission instruction (NO in step S 1911 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 1912  whether or not the requested operation is a FAX reception instruction. If the requested operation is a FAX reception instruction (YES in step S 1912 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 6 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory. 
     If the requested operation is not a FAX reception instruction (NO in step S 1912 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 7 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory in step S 1913 . 
     In step S 1914 , the CPU  802  of the MFP  300  monitors the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818 . If the value in the activation job area  1312  is changed to a value other than 0, the CPU  802  supplies electrical power to the apparatus based on the value of the activation information, thus attaining activation. After that, the CPU  802  initializes the activation information in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  to 0. 
     On the other hand, if the MFP  300  determines in step S 1922  that it is not in the soft power-OFF mode state (NO in step S 1922 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 1923  whether or not it is in an AC-OFF mode state. If the MFP  300  is in the AC-OFF mode state (YES in step S 1923 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 1924  whether or not the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YES in step S 1924 ), the MFP  300  writes reservation information in a corresponding reservation area on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 1905 , thus ending the processing. On the other hand, if the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S 1924 ), the MFP  300  notifies the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  of error information indicating that the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  does not have a free space in step S 1925 . In response to this information, the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  displays an error screen  1839  ( FIG.  18 I ). 
       FIG.  20    is a flowchart showing the detailed sequence when the MFP  300  receives an apparatus setting change request from the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  when it is not in the normal operation mode state, that is, it is in the power saving mode state, the soft power-OFF mode state, or the AC-OFF mode state. That is,  FIG.  20    shows processing in a case other than the normal operation mode. 
     The MFP  300  determines in step S 2001  whether or not it is in the AC-OFF mode state. If the MFP  300  is in the AC-OFF mode state (YES in step S 2001 ), it determines in step S 2002  whether or not the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YES in step S 2002 ), the MFP  300  writes apparatus setting information in the setting change job  1311  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2003 . In step S 2004 , the MFP  300  writes that apparatus setting information in its setting information  1206  at the next power-ON timing. 
     On the other hand, if the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S 2002 ), the MFP  300  notifies the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  of error information indicating that the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  does not have a free space in step S 2005 . In response to this information, the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  displays the error screen  1839 . 
     If the MFP  300  is not in the AC-OFF mode state (NO in step S 2001 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 2006  whether or not the apparatus setting change request is only an apparatus setting change reservation. If the apparatus setting change request is not only an apparatus setting change reservation (NO in step S 2006 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 1 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2007 . In step S 2008 , the MFP  300  executes power activation of units that are designated by activation information 1 and can access the nonvolatile memory. In step S 2009 , the MFP  300  writes apparatus setting information in the setting information  1206  on itself. After that, in step S 2010 , after completion of the write access, the MFP  300  reverts to the previous apparatus mode state, for example, the power saving mode state. 
     If the apparatus setting change request is only an apparatus setting change reservation (YES in step S 2006 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 2011  whether or not the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YES in step S 2011 ), the MFP  300  writes apparatus setting information in the setting change job  1311  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2012 . In step S 2013 , the MFP  300  writes that apparatus setting information in its setting information  1206  at the next power-ON timing. On the other hand, if the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S 2011 ), the process advances to step S 2007 . 
       FIGS.  21 A and  21 B  are flowcharts showing the detailed sequence when the MFP  300  receives a print instruction request from the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  when it is not in the normal operation mode state, that is, it is in the power saving mode state, the soft power-OFF mode state, or the AC-OFF mode state. 
     The MFP  300  determines in step S 2101  whether or not it is in the AC-OFF mode state. If the MFP  300  is in the AC-OFF mode state (YES in step S 2101 ), it determines in step S 2102  whether or not the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YES in step S 2102 ), the MFP  300  writes print reservation information in the print job  1307  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2103 . In step S 2104 , the MFP  300  executes a print operation as designated by the print reservation information at the next power-ON timing. 
     On the other hand, if the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S 2102 ), the MFP  300  notifies the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  of error information indicating that the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  does not have a free space in step S 2105 . In response to this information, the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  displays the error screen  1839 . 
     If the MFP  300  is not in the AC-OFF mode state (NO in step S 2101 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 2106  whether or not the print instruction request is only print reservation. If the print instruction request is not only a print reservation (NO in step S 2106 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 2 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2107 . In step S 2108 , the MFP  300  executes power activation by supplying electrical power to units that are designated by activation information 2 and can execute the print operation. In step S 2109 , the MFP  300  executes the instructed print operation. 
     If the print instruction request is only a print reservation (YES in step S 2106 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 2110  whether or not the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YES in step S 2110 ), the MFP  300  writes print reservation information in the print job  1307  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2111 . In step S 2112 , the MFP  300  executes a print operation as designated by the print reservation information at the next power-ON timing. 
     If the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S 2110 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 1 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2113 . In step S 2114 , the MFP  300  executes power activation by supplying electrical power to units that are designated by activation information 1 and can access the nonvolatile memory, and writes print reservation information in the job reservation storage area  1207  on itself. After that in step S 2115 , after completion of the write access, the MFP  300  reverts to the previous apparatus mode state, for example, the power saving mode state. 
       FIGS.  22 A and  22 B  are flowcharts showing the detailed sequence when the MFP  300  receives a scan instruction request from the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  when it is not in the normal operation mode state, that is, it is in the power saving mode state, the soft power-OFF mode state, or the AC-OFF mode state. 
     The MFP  300  determines in step S 2201  whether or not it is in the AC-OFF mode state. If the MFP  300  is in the AC-OFF mode state (YES in step S 2201 ), it determines in step S 2202  whether or not the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YES in step S 2202 ), the MFP  300  writes scan reservation information in the scan job  1308  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2203 . In step S 2204 , the MFP  300  executes a scan operation as designated by the scan reservation information at the next power-ON timing. 
     On the other hand, if the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S 2202 ), the MFP  300  notifies the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  of error information indicating that the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  does not have a free space in step S 2205 . In response to this information, the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  displays the error screen  1839 . 
     If the MFP  300  is not in the AC-OFF mode state (NO in step S 2201 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 2206  whether or not the scan instruction request is only scan reservation. If the scan instruction request is not only a scan reservation (NO in step S 2206 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 3 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2207 . In step S 2208 , the MFP  300  executes power activation by supplying electrical power to units that are designated by activation information 3 and can execute the scan operation. In step S 2209 , the MFP  300  executes the instructed scan operation. 
     If the scan instruction request is only a scan reservation (YES in step S 2206 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 2210  whether or not the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YES in step S 2210 ), the MFP  300  writes scan reservation information in the scan job  1308  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2211 . In step S 2212 , the MFP  300  executes a scan operation as designated by the scan reservation information at the next power-ON timing. 
     If the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S 2210 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 1 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2213 . In step S 2214 , the MFP  300  executes power activation by supplying electrical power to units that are designated by activation information 1 and can access the nonvolatile memory, and writes scan reservation information in the job reservation storage area  1207  on itself. After that in step S 2215 , after completion of the write access, the MFP  300  reverts to the previous apparatus mode state, for example, the power saving mode state. 
       FIGS.  23 A and  23 B  are flowcharts showing the detailed sequence when the MFP  300  receives a copy instruction request from the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  when it is not in the normal operation mode state, that is, it is in the power saving mode state, the soft power-OFF mode state, or the AC-OFF mode state. 
     The MFP  300  determines in step S 2301  whether or not it is in the AC-OFF mode state. If the MFP  300  is in the AC-OFF mode state (YES in step S 2301 ), it determines in step S 2302  whether or not the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YES in step S 2302 ), the MFP  300  writes copy reservation information in the copy job  1309  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2303 . In step S 2304 , the MFP  300  executes a copy operation as designated by the copy reservation information at the next power-ON timing. 
     On the other hand, if the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S 2302 ), the MFP  300  notifies the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  of error information indicating that the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  does not have a free space in step S 2305 . In response to this information, the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  displays the error screen  1839 . 
     If the MFP  300  is not in the AC-OFF mode state (NO in step S 2301 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 2306  whether or not the copy instruction request is only copy reservation. If the copy instruction request is not only a copy reservation (NO in step S 2306 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 4 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2307 . In step S 2308 , the MFP  300  executes power activation by supplying electrical power to units that are designated by activation information 4 and can execute the copy operation. In step S 2309 , the MFP  300  executes the instructed copy operation. 
     If the copy instruction request is only a copy reservation (YES in step S 2306 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 2310  whether or not the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YES in step S 2310 ), the MFP  300  writes copy reservation information in the copy job  1309  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2311 . In step S 2312 , the MFP  300  executes a copy operation as designated by the copy reservation information at the next power-ON timing. 
     If the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S 2310 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 1 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2313 . In step S 2314 , the MFP  300  executes power activation by supplying electrical power to units that are designated by activation information 1 and can access the nonvolatile memory, and writes copy reservation information in the job reservation storage area  1207  on itself. After that in step S 2315 , after completion of the write access, the MFP  300  reverts to the previous apparatus mode state, for example, the power saving mode state. 
       FIGS.  24 A and  24 B  are flowcharts showing the detailed sequence when the MFP  300  receives a FAX instruction request from the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  when it is not in the normal operation mode state, that is, it is in the power saving mode state, soft power-OFF mode state, or AC-OFF mode state. 
     The MFP  300  determines in step S 2401  whether or not it is in the AC-OFF mode state. If the MFP  300  is in the AC-OFF mode state (YES in step S 2401 ), it determines in step S 2402  whether or not the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YES in step S 2402 ), the MFP  300  writes FAX reservation information in the FAX job  1310  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2403 . In step S 2404 , the MFP  300  executes a FAX operation as designated by the FAX reservation information at the next power-ON timing. 
     On the other hand, if the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S 2402 ), the MFP  300  notifies the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  of error information indicating that the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  does not have a free space in step S 2405 . In response to this information, the portable communication terminal apparatus  200  displays the error screen  1839 . 
     If the MFP  300  is not in the AC-OFF mode state (NO in step S 2401 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 2406  whether or not the FAX instruction request is only FAX reservation. If the FAX instruction request is not only a FAX reservation (NO in step S 2406 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 2407  whether or not the FAX instruction request is a FAX transmission instruction. If the FAX instruction request is a FAX transmission request (YES in step S 2407 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 5 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2408 . In step S 2409 , the MFP  300  executes power activation by supplying electrical power to units that are designated by activation information 5 and can execute the FAX transmission operation. In step S 2410 , the MFP  300  executes the instructed FAX transmission operation. 
     If the FAX instruction request is a FAX reception instruction (NO in step S 2407 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 6 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2414 . In step S 2415 , the MFP  300  executes power activation by supplying electrical power to units that are designated by activation information 6 and can execute the FAX reception operation. In step S 2416 , the MFP  300  executes the instructed FAX reception operation. 
     If the FAX instruction request is only a FAX reservation (YES in step S 2406 ), the MFP  300  determines in step S 2411  whether or not the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  has a free space. If the NFC memory has a free space (YES in step S 2411 ), the MFP  300  writes FAX reservation information in the FAX job  1310  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2412 . In step S 2413 , the MFP  300  executes a FAX operation as designated by the FAX reservation information at the next power-ON timing. 
     If the NFC memory does not have a free space (NO in step S 2411 ), the MFP  300  writes activation information 1 in the activation job area  1312  on the NFC memory of the NFC unit  818  in step S 2417 . In step S 2418 , the MFP  300  executes power activation by supplying electrical power to units that are designated by activation information 1 and can access the nonvolatile memory, and writes FAX reservation information in the job reservation storage area  1207  on itself. After that in step S 2419 , after completion of the write access, the MFP  300  reverts to the previous apparatus mode state, for example, the power saving mode state. 
     As described above, according to this embodiment, the MFP activation method is adaptively switched according to an operation request from the portable communication terminal apparatus and an operation state of the apparatus, thus preventing power consumption of the apparatus from being wasted. More specifically, the MFP activation method is adaptively switched by writing reservation information of an operation indicated by an operation request in the NFC memory incorporated in the NFC unit. 
     Note that the aforementioned embodiment has exemplified the case in which the operation states of the apparatus include the normal operation mode, a standby power mode, and a power-OFF mode, and the activation method is switched according to each of these three states. The present invention is not, however, limited to this, and the operation method may be switched according to each of two out of the aforementioned three states. 
     Furthermore, in the aforementioned embodiment, since electrical power is supplied by electromagnetic induction, even when no AC electrical power is supplied to the MFP, information of a job and operation request can be written in the NFC memory. Hence, the MFP can judge the contents of the job and operation request when it executes the job. 
     The aforementioned embodiment has exemplified the MFP, which executes image processing such as print processing, as the apparatus. The present invention is not limited, however, to this, and is applicable to an information processing apparatus that handles various kinds of data. 
     The present invention is applicable to a wireless communication apparatus and a wireless communication system and, more particularly, an apparatus that can make short distance wireless communications, establishment of peer-to-peer connection between such apparatuses, and a wireless communication system of these apparatuses. 
     Aspects of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of a system or an apparatus (or devices such as a CPU or an MPU) that reads out and executes a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functions of the above-described embodiments, and by a method, the steps of which are performed by a computer of a system or an apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functions of the above-described embodiments. For this purpose, the program is provided to the computer, for example, via a network or from a recording medium of various types serving as the memory device (for example, a computer-readable medium). 
     While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.