Patent Publication Number: US-2013229672-A1

Title: Apparatus and method of controlling apparatus

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method of controlling apparatus. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Among information processing apparatuses, there are apparatuses which change the power supply state to a hard-off state in which no power is supplied, a soft-off state in which the main program is not activated though power is supplied, a sleep state in which it is controlled to minimize power consumption through the main program is activated, and a normal activation state in which a program runs normally. An information processing apparatus is known which is automatically activated when a job is input from an external terminal to the apparatus in the sleep state. There is also an apparatus which activates a program triggered by some signal even in the soft-off state and processes a job. For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-004540 discloses an invention in which a power supply state is read using vicinity communication to control the power supply of an apparatus. 
     The above-described information processing apparatuses have the following problems. Since the state of the information processing apparatus is not known in the soft-off state and sleep state, the user of an external terminal may be uncertain whether he can normally process a job. Since time is taken until the device starts up to the normal activation state after a job is input, the user has to wait in front of the information processing apparatus until the device is activated to the normal activation state. If an error occurs upon the activation, the user wastes the work and time so far. 
     An MFP (Multi Function Printer) will be taken as an example. The MFP has the print function, scan function, FAX function, and the like, and further has a function of changing the settings of them. Assume that the user of an external terminal wants to process a print job by the MFP. When the MFP is in the soft-off state, whether its print function normally operates is not unclear until the MFP starts up to the normal activation state. If an error is displayed after the start-up of the MFP, the time of wait for the start-up of the MFP is wasted. Further, when the MFP is an inkjet printer, some recovery operation may be performed to wastefully consume consumables such as ink. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     According to one embodiment of the present invention provides an information processing apparatus and system which avoid the above-mentioned wastes by controlling activation or return of the information processing apparatus when a job is input to the information processing apparatus and the information processing apparatus is in a state such as an error or warning state in which it cannot perform a normal operation. 
     According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a communication unit configured to be able to perform wireless communication with a communication device in a sleep state or a soft-off state; a storage unit configured to store device information representing a device status of the apparatus in a memory accessible when the communication unit performs the wireless communication; a determining unit configured to determine, based on the device information stored in the memory, whether to execute predetermined processing in the sleep state or the soft-off state; and a control unit configured to, when the determining unit determines to execute the predetermined processing, shift the apparatus from the sleep state or the soft-off state to an activation state and execute the predetermined processing, and when the determining unit determines not to execute the predetermined processing, keep the sleep state or the soft-off state. 
     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of controlling an apparatus including a communication unit configured to be able to perform wireless communication with a communication device in a sleep state or a soft-off state, comprising: a storage step of storing device information representing a device status of the apparatus in a memory accessible when the communication unit performs the wireless communication; a determining step of determining, based on the device information stored in the memory, whether to execute predetermined processing in the sleep state or the soft-off state; and a control step of, when the predetermined processing is determined in the determining step to be executed, shifting the apparatus from the sleep state or the soft-off state to an activation state and executing the predetermined processing, and when the predetermined processing is determined in the determining step not to be executed, keeping the sleep state or the soft-off state. 
     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 view exemplifying the arrangement of a wireless communication system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is a view showing the outer appearance of a portable communication terminal according to the embodiment; 
         FIGS. 3A and 3B  are views showing the outer appearance of an MFP according to the embodiment; 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are conceptual views of a passive mode in NFC communication; 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  are conceptual views of an active mode in NFC communication; 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram exemplifying the schematic arrangement of the portable communication terminal; 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram exemplifying the schematic arrangement of the MFP; 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram for explaining details of an NFC unit; 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram exemplifying the data structure of the RAM of the MFP; 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram exemplifying the data structure of the NFC memory of the MFP; 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing processing when the NFC unit operates as an initiator; 
         FIG. 12  is a chart showing a sequence to exchange data in the passive mode; 
         FIG. 13  is a chart showing a sequence to exchange data in the active mode; 
         FIG. 14  is a flowchart showing switching of processing in accordance with the power supply state upon inputting a job; 
         FIG. 15  is a flowchart showing processing by the MFP when the MFP is in the normal activation state upon inputting a job; 
         FIG. 16  is a flowchart showing processing by the MFP when the MFP is soft-off or in the sleep state upon inputting a job; 
         FIG. 17  is a flowchart showing processing by the portable communication terminal when the MFP is in the hard-off state upon inputting a job; 
         FIG. 18  is a table for explaining the relationship between the device status of the MFP and whether a job can or cannot be executed; and 
         FIG. 19  is a flowchart showing processing of writing the device status of the MFP in the NFC memory of the MFP. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be exemplarily described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the relative arrangement of building components, display screens, and the like set forth in the embodiment do not intend to limit the scope of the invention to them, unless otherwise specified. 
     The embodiment will describe an example of transmitting information about the device status of a print apparatus by using a short distance wireless communication method. More specifically, the embodiment will explain a method of controlling automatic activation by short distance wireless communication such as NFC (Near Field Communication) when the print apparatus is in a state such as the soft-off state or sleep state. 
       FIG. 1  is a view exemplifying the arrangement of an information processing system according to the embodiment. The information processing system includes the first portable information processing apparatus, and the second information processing apparatus which processes a job received from the first information processing apparatus. The embodiment will exemplify a portable communication terminal  200  as the first information processing apparatus, and an MFP (Multi Function Printer)  300  as the second information processing apparatus. The portable communication terminal  200  and MFP  300  can be connected to each other by NFC communication or the like. The portable communication terminal  200  is an arbitrary apparatus as long as it can handle an image file to be processed, such as a personal information terminal (for example, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant)), mobile phone, and digital camera. The MFP  300  has a reading function of reading an original placed on an original table, and a print function using a print unit such as an inkjet printer. As another function, the MFP  300  may have a FAX function and telephone function. 
       FIG. 2  is a view showing the outer appearance of the portable communication terminal  200 . The embodiment will explain a case in which a smartphone is used as the portable communication terminal  200 . The smartphone is a multifunctional mobile phone having the camera, net browser, mail functions, and the like, in addition to the mobile phone function. An NFC unit  201  is a portion which performs communication using NFC. When the NFC unit  201  is actually brought close to the NFC unit of a partner device within a range of about 10 cm, it can communicate. A wireless LAN (to be referred to as WLAN hereinafter) unit  202  is a unit for performing communication by WLAN and is incorporated in the apparatus. A display unit  203  is a display including an LCD display mechanism. An operation unit  204  includes a touch panel type operation mechanism, and detects information about pressing by the user. As a typical operation method, the display unit  203  presents a button-like display, and the user presses the operation unit  204  to issue an event corresponding to the pressed button. A power supply key  205  is used to turn on/off the power supply. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3B  are views showing the outer appearance of the MFP  300 .  FIG. 3B  is a view showing the outer appearance of the MFP  300  when viewed from the top. As shown in  FIG. 3A , an original table  301  is a transparent glass table and is used to place an original and read it by a scanner. An original cover  302  is a cover for preventing external leakage of reading light in reading by the scanner. A print paper insertion port  303  is an insertion port in which sheets of various sizes are set. Sheets set in the print paper insertion port  303  are conveyed one by one to the print unit, undergo printing the user wants, and then are discharged from a print paper discharge port  304 . As shown in  FIG. 3B , an operation display unit  305  and NFC unit  306  are arranged on the original cover  302 . The operation display unit  305  includes various input switches and a display for user operations, and allows the user to, for example, make various settings of the MFP  300  and confirm device information such as the device status and setting state. The NFC unit  306  is a unit for performing short distance wireless communication, and is a place to which the NFC unit of a communication partner apparatus is actually brought close. A distance of about 10 cm from the NFC unit  306  is the effective range of contact. A WLAN antenna  307  is an antenna for communication by WLAN, and is incorporated in the MFP  300 . 
     Here, NFC communication will be explained. When performing short distance communication by the NFC unit, an apparatus which outputs an RF (Radio Frequency) field first and starts communication is called an initiator. An apparatus which responds to a command issued by the initiator and communicates with the initiator is called a target. The communication mode of the NFC unit includes a passive mode and active mode. In the passive mode, the target responds to a command from the initiator by performing load modulation. In the active mode, the target responds to a command from the initiator by using an RF field generated by the target itself. 
       FIGS. 4A and 4B  are conceptual views of the passive mode in NFC communication. When an initiator  401  is to transmit data  404  to a target  402  in the passive mode, as shown in  FIG. 4A , it generates an RF field  403  and establishes communication. The initiator  401  modulates the RF field  403  by itself and transmits the data  404  to the target  402 . When a target  406  is to transfer data  408  to an initiator  405  in the passive mode, as shown in  FIG. 4B , the initiator  405  generates an RF field  407 , similar to  FIG. 4A . The target  406  performs load modulation for the RF field  407  and transmits the data  408  to the initiator  405 . 
       FIGS. 5A and 5B  are conceptual views of the active mode in NFC communication. When an initiator  501  is to transmit data  504  to a target  502  in the active mode, as shown in  FIG. 5A , it generates an RF field  503  and establishes communication. The initiator  501  modulates the RF field  503  by itself and transmits the data  504  to the target  502 . Upon completion of the data transmission, the initiator  501  stops the output of the RF field  503 . When a target  506  is to transmit data  508  to an initiator  505  in the active mode, as shown in  FIG. 5B , the target  506  generates an RF field  507 . The target  506  transmits the data  508  by the RF field  507  generated by itself, and after the end of the transmission, stops the output of the RF field  507 . 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram showing the portable communication terminal  200 . The portable communication terminal  200  includes a main board  601  which performs main control of the apparatus, a WLAN unit  617  which performs WLAN communication, an NFC unit  618  which performs NFC communication, and a BT unit  621  which performs Bluetooth® communication. 
     In the main board  601 , a CPU  602  is a system control unit and controls the overall portable communication terminal  200 . A ROM  603  stores control programs, an embedded operating system (OS) program, and the like to be executed by the CPU  602 . In the embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM  603  executes software control such as scheduling or task switching under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM  603 . A RAM  604  is formed from an SRAM (Static RAM) or the like, stores program control variables, set values registered by the user, management data of the portable communication terminal  200 , and the like, and provides various work buffer areas. 
     An image memory  605  is formed from a DRAM (Dynamic RAM) or the like, and temporarily stores image data received via the communication unit and image data read out from a data storage unit  612  to process them by the CPU  602 . A non-volatile memory  622  is formed from a flash memory or the like, and stores data which need to be saved even upon power-off. Examples of these data are telephone book data and information about devices connected in the past. Note that the memory configuration is not limited to the above-described one. For example, the image memory  605  and RAM  604  may be formed from a common memory, or data may be backed up in the data storage unit  612 . The embodiment uses the DRAM as the image memory  605 , but is not limited to this and may use a hard disk, non-volatile memory, or the like. 
     A data conversion unit  606  performs analysis of a page description language (PDL) and data conversion including color conversion and image conversion. A telephone unit  607  implements telephone speech communication by controlling the telephone line and processing audio data input/output via a loudspeaker unit  613 . An operation unit  608  controls a signal from the operation unit  204  described with reference to  FIG. 2 . A GPS (Global Positioning System)  609  acquires the current latitude, longitude, and the like. A display unit  610  electronically controls the display contents of the display unit  203  described with reference to  FIG. 2 , and allows various input operations, display of the operation state and status of the MFP  300  (to be described in detail later), and the like. 
     A camera unit  611  has a function of electronically recording an image input via a lens, and encoding it. An image captured by the camera unit  611  is saved in the data storage unit  612 . The loudspeaker unit  613  implements a function of inputting or outputting an audio for the telephone function, and another function such as alarm notification. A power supply unit  614  is a portable battery and controls it. The power supply state includes, for example, a battery dead state in which the battery level is 0, a power supply off state in which the power supply key  205  is not pressed, an activation state in which the portable communication terminal  200  is activated normally, and a power saving state in which power is saved though the portable communication terminal  200  is activated. 
     The portable communication terminal  200  includes three units for wireless communication, that is, the WLAN unit  617 , NFC unit  618 , and BT unit  621 , and can perform wireless communication by WLAN, NFC, and Bluetooth®. The WLAN unit  617 , NFC unit  618 , and BT unit  621  are connected to a system bus  619  via bus cables  615 ,  616 , and  620 , respectively. These communication units convert data into packets in conformity with their standards, and transmit the packets to another device. In addition, these communication units convert packets from another external device into data, and transmit the data to the CPU  602 . Details of the NFC unit  618  will be described later with reference to  FIG. 8 . The building components  603  to  614 ,  617 ,  618 ,  621 , and  622  are connected to each other via the system bus  619  managed by the CPU  602 . 
       FIG. 7  is a block diagram showing the schematic arrangement of the MFP  300 . The MFP  300  includes a main board  701  which performs main control of the apparatus, a WLAN unit  717  which performs WLAN communication, an NFC unit  718  which performs NFC communication, and a BT unit  719  which performs Bluetooth® communication. 
     In the main board  701 , a CPU  702  is a system control unit and controls the overall MFP  300 . A ROM  703  stores control programs, an embedded operating system (OS) program, and the like to be executed by the CPU  702 . In the embodiment, each control program stored in the ROM  703  executes software control such as scheduling or task switching under the management of the embedded OS stored in the ROM  703 . 
     A RAM  704  is formed from an SRAM (Static RAM) or the like, stores program control variables, set values registered by the user, management data of the MFP  300 , and the like, and provides various work buffer areas. A non-volatile memory  705  is formed from a flash memory or the like, and stores data which need to be saved even upon power-off. Examples of these data are network connection information and user data. An image memory  706  is formed from a DRAM (Dynamic RAM) or the like, and stores image data received via each communication unit, image data processed by an encoding/decoding processing unit  712 , image data acquired via a memory card controller  516 , and the like. Similar to the memory configuration of the portable communication terminal  200 , these memory configurations are not limited to the above ones. A data conversion unit  707  performs analysis of a page description language (PDL) and conversion from image data into print data. 
     A reading unit  710  optically reads an original by a CIS image sensor (contact image sensor) under the control of a read control unit  708 . The read control unit  708  generates an image signal by converting a signal obtained by the reading unit  710  into electrical image data. The read control unit  708  performs various image processes such as binarization processing and halftone processing for the generated image data via an image processing control unit (not shown), and outputs high-resolution image data. 
     An operation unit  709  and display unit  711  correspond to the operation display unit  305  described with reference to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . The encoding/decoding processing unit  712  performs encoding/decoding processing and enlargement/reduction processing for image data (for example, JPEG or PNG) handled by the MFP  300 . 
     A paper feed unit  714  is a unit capable of holding paper for printing. Paper can be fed from the paper feed unit  714  under the control of a record control unit  716 . A plurality of paper feed units can be prepared in the paper feed unit  714  to hold a plurality of types of sheets in one apparatus. The record control unit  716  can control a paper feed unit from which paper is fed. 
     The record control unit  716  performs various image processes such as smoothing processing, recording density correction processing, and color correction via an image processing control unit (not shown) for image data to be printed, converts the image data into high-resolution image data, and outputs the high-resolution image data to a recording unit  715 . The record control unit  716  periodically reads out information of the print unit to update information in the RAM  704 . More specifically, the record control unit  716  updates the remaining ink amount of an ink tank, the state of a printhead, and the like. 
     Similar to the portable communication terminal  200 , the MFP  300  includes three units (the WLAN unit  717 , NFC unit  718 , and BT unit  719 ) for wireless communication. The WLAN unit  717 , NFC unit  718 , and BT unit  719  are connected to the system bus  723  via bus cables  720 ,  721 , and  722 , respectively. The functions of these communication units are the same as those of the communication units of the portable communication terminal  200 . The building components  702  to  719  are connected to each other via the system bus  723  managed by the CPU  702 . An NFC monitoring unit  724  receives power even when the MFP  300  is in the sleep state (power saving state) or the soft-off state, and monitors establishment of a short distance wireless communication in the NFC unit  718  or writing of a job by the short distance wireless communication. When the NFC monitoring unit  724  detects establishment of a communication in the NFC unit  718  or writing of a job, it controls resupply of power from soft-off or return from the sleep state. In the embodiment, when a job is written in an NFC memory  805  of the NFC unit  718 , the NFC monitoring unit  724  controls to activate the MFP  300  from soft-off or return it from the sleep state. That is, when the portable communication terminal  200  is brought close to the MFP  300  in the soft-off state or sleep state, establishes a short distance wireless communication, and inputs a job by the short distance wireless communication, which will be described later, the MFP  300  automatically starts up to the normal activation state. 
       FIG. 8  is a block diagram for explaining details of the NFC unit which is adopted in the NFC units  618  and  718 . The arrangement of an NFC unit  800  will be described with reference to  FIG. 8 . The NFC unit  800  includes an NFC controller unit  801 , an antenna unit  802 , an RF unit  803 , a transmission/reception control unit  804 , the NFC memory  805 , and a device connection unit  807 . Power is supplied from an external power supply  806  to the NFC unit  800 . The antenna unit  802  receives radio waves or carriers from another NFC device, and transmits radio waves or carriers to another NFC device. The RF unit  803  has a function of modulating/demodulating an analog signal into a digital signal. The RF unit  803  includes a synthesizer, identifies band and channel frequencies, and controls the band and channel by frequency allocation data. The transmission/reception control unit  804  performs control regarding transmission/reception such as assembly and disassembly of a transmission/reception frame, addition and detection of a preamble, and frame identification. The transmission/reception control unit  804  also controls the NFC memory  805 , and reads/writes various data and programs. 
     When the NFC unit  800  operates in the active mode, it receives supply of power from the power supply  806 , and communicates with a device via the device connection unit  807  or another NFC device present within a range capable of communication using carriers transmitted/received via the antenna unit  802 . When the NFC unit  800  operates in the passive mode, it receives a carrier from another NFC device via the antenna unit  802 , receives supply of power from the NFC device by electromagnetic induction, communicates with the other NFC device by carrier modulation, and transmits/receives data. 
       FIG. 9  is a block diagram exemplifying the data structure of the RAM  704  of the MFP  300 . Reference numeral  901  denotes the overall RAM  704 . A work memory  902  is a memory ensured for program execution. An image processing buffer  903  is an area used as a temporary buffer for image processing. A device status storage unit  904  stores various kinds of information (device information) about the current device status of the MFP  300 . In  FIG. 9 , the device status storage unit  904  stores an error state  905 , a remaining ink amount  906 , an estimated next activation time  907 , and others  908 . 
     For example, the error state  905  is a state regarding an error in the MFP  300 . Examples of the error are an ink shortage warning, ink out error, paper jam error, paper out warning, poor printed image warning, poor read image error, and network disconnection warning. These warnings and errors are associated with the degree of influence on the print function, that of influence on the reading function, and the like. For example, for the ink out error, the print function is unusable, but the reading function is usable. For the network disconnection warning, a function using a network is unusable, but a change of settings and the reading function which are performed in a standalone device are usable. This will be explained in detail later with reference to  FIG. 18 . 
     For example, the remaining ink amount  906  is device information representing the model number and remaining ink amount of a currently attached ink tank. The model number of the ink tank is updated at the timing when the ink tank is attached. The remaining ink amount is updated every time ink is used. The estimated next activation time  907  is the estimated activation time of the next activation after the power supply is turned off. The activation time of the MFP  300  greatly changes depending on the power supply state. For example, the power supply state of the MFP  300  includes the hard-off state, soft-off state, normal activation state, and sleep state. In the hard-off state, supply of power stops, and time is taken until the MFP  300  shifts from the hard-off state to the normal activation state upon receiving power. In the soft-off state, power is partially supplied, but the main program is not activated, and the MFP  300  can be activated within a time shorter than that in hard-off. In the sleep state, portions which consume large power are turned off, the remaining programs and mechanical portions operate, and thus the MFP  300  can quickly return to the normal activation state. Another factor which varies the activation time is a device error state. For example, when it is detected that many nozzles of an inkjet printhead are clogged, printing is accepted after performing long-time recovery processing in the next activation. When the light quantity of the scanner becomes small, the MFP  300  is activated after performing an adjustment operation, so a relatively long time is taken until the MFP  300  shifts to the operating state. In this manner, the estimated activation time of the next activation is determined based on state transition of the power supply and the device status. The others  908  store other device statuses such as the current memory utilization, hardware temperature, and consumables information. Others  909  store other RAM data. 
       FIG. 10  exemplifies the data structure of the NFC memory  805  of the NFC unit  306  (NFC unit  718 ) arranged in the MFP  300 . The NFC unit  306  can transmit/receive information to/from an external terminal by using passive mode communication even when no power is supplied to the MFP  300 , and can read/write data from/in the NFC memory  805 . Reference numeral  1001  denotes the overall NFC memory. The CPU  702  copies all or some contents of the device status storage unit  904  to a device status storage unit  1002  at a predetermined timing. Accordingly, the error state  905 , remaining ink amount  906 , and estimated next activation time  907  recorded in the RAM  704  are recorded in the NFC memory  805  as an error state  1003 , remaining ink amount  1004 , and estimated next activation time  1005 . In  FIG. 10 , the others  908  are not copied, but the present invention is not limited to this. Arbitrary data such as data stored as the others  908 , for example, a stored job may be stored. 
     A job storage unit  1006  is an area used when a job is input from the portable communication terminal  200  to the MFP  300  by NFC. In a print job  1007 , a print job is queued. More specifically, print settings and a link destination to an image are stored. In a scan job  1008 , a scan job is queued. More specifically, reading settings are stored. In a FAX job  1009 , a FAX job is queued. More specifically, FAX settings including the telephone number of a transmission destination and the communication image quality are stored, and when an image has already been read, a link destination to the image is also stored. In a setting change job  1010 , a setting change job is queued. More specifically, a job regarding a change of setting items of the main body is stored. 
     Device information is written in the NFC unit  306  at the timing when each device status changes or the timing of a shift to the sleep state or soft-off state. For example, a case in which the remaining ink amount is handled as the device information will be explained with reference to  FIG. 19 .  FIG. 19  is a flowchart exemplifying processing of writing the device status of the MFP  300  in the NFC memory  805  of the NFC unit  306  (the NFC unit  718 ) by the CPU  702  of the MFP  300 . The embodiment will describe a case in which the device status of the print apparatus of the MFP  300  is handled and the remaining ink amount is used as information (device information) representing the device status. In the embodiment, the NFC unit  306  writes device information in advance in the NFC memory  805  accessible by power supplied to the NFC unit  306  itself so that the portable communication terminal  200  can read the device information without activating the MFP  300 . This can be implemented by setting the NFC unit  201  (the NFC unit  618 ) of the portable communication terminal  200  as the initiator, and exchanging data in the passive mode between the NFC units  201  and  306 . 
     The timing when device information is written in the NFC memory  805  is preferably the timing when, for example, the device status may have changed. In particular, a case in which an inkjet printer is incorporated as the print apparatus of the MFP  300  will be exemplified. In steps S 1901  and S 1903 , the timing when a change of the device information (that is, a change of the remaining ink amount) may have occurred is detected. When the print apparatus is active, first, in step S 1901 , the CPU  702  determines whether the print apparatus has used ink. If the print apparatus has used ink, the CPU  702  writes the remaining ink amount in the NFC memory (updates the remaining ink amount  1004  in the NFC memory  805 ) in step S 1902 , and returns the process to step S 1901 . The case in which the ink has used is, for example, a state after printing, preliminary discharge, or ink suction, and is a state in which the remaining ink amount may have changed. As described above, the remaining ink amount can be acquired from information recorded in the RAM  704  by the record control unit  716 . 
     If no ink has been used, the CPU  702  determines in step S 1903  whether the ink tank has been replaced. After the ink tank is replaced, the remaining ink amount changes, and the model number of the ink tank or the like may have changed. In step S 1904 , therefore, the CPU  702  writes ink information including the remaining ink amount and model number in the NFC memory (updates the remaining ink amount  1004  in the NFC memory  805 ). The ink information is written at either or both the timing when the ink tank is dismounted and the timing when it is mounted. If ink is supplied via a tube, the ink information is written when, for example, the sub-tank is refilled with ink and the remaining ink amount changes. After the end of writing the device information, the process returns to step S 1901 . 
     If no ink is replaced, the CPU  702  determines in step S 1905  whether the print apparatus is to shift to the sleep state. If the CPU  702  determines that the print apparatus is to shift to the sleep state, it writes the device status of the print apparatus in the NFC memory in step S 1907 , and then shifts to the sleep state. The device status written here may include information such as the time when previous printing ended, an error, and a warning, in addition to the ink information. That is, the remaining ink amount  1004 , error state  1003 , and estimated next activation time  1005  in the NFC memory  805  are updated. For an electrophotographic printer, the device information written in the NFC memory  805  in steps S 1902  and S 1904  includes the remaining toner amount and the model number of the toner cartridge as internal information to be written in the NFC memory  805 . 
     If the print apparatus is not to shift to the sleep state, the CPU  702  determines in step S 1906  whether the power supply key of the MFP  300  has been pressed. If the power supply key has been pressed, the CPU  702  writes the device status of the print apparatus in the NFC memory in step S 1907 , and then shifts the MFP  300  to the soft-off state. Although the device status written at this time may be the same as that in a shift to the sleep state, different information such as the time of a shift to the soft-off state may be written. If the CPU  702  determines in step S 1906  that the power supply key has not been pressed, the process returns to step S 1901 . Hence, the portable communication terminal  200  can acquire the device status by communicating with the NFC unit  306  (the NFC unit  718 ) of the print apparatus which has shifted to the soft-off state or sleep state. That is, when the portable communication terminal  200  is to acquire the device status, the print apparatus need not return from the sleep state or soft-off state. This can reduce the count at which an operation such as preliminary discharge irrelevant to information acquisition is performed. 
     Note that these processes need not be performed in the order shown in  FIG. 19 , and all of them need not be executed, so the processes may be added or omitted, as needed. Further, the device status writing function is implemented by sequential processes, but may be performed by, for example, event driving at each conditional branch. In this case, priority may be set arbitrarily. 
       FIG. 11  is a flowchart showing processing when the NFC unit  800  operates as the initiator. First, in step S 1101 , the NFC unit  800  operates as the target and waits for a command from the initiator. Then, in step S 1102 , the NFC controller unit  801  determines whether an application which controls NFC communication has requested the NFC unit  800  to switch to the initiator. If the NFC unit  800  complies with a request to switch to the initiator, the application selects either the active mode or passive mode as the operation mode and determines the transmission rate in step S 1103 . In step S 1104 , the NFC controller unit  801  detects the presence of an RF field output from an apparatus other than the apparatus to which the NFC controller unit  801  belongs. If there is an external RF field, the initiator does not generate its RF field. If there is no external RF field, the process advances to step S 1105 , and the NFC controller unit  801  generates its RF field. Through these steps, the NFC unit  800  starts the operation as the initiator. 
       FIG. 12  shows a sequence to exchange data between NFC units in the passive mode. A case in which a first NFC unit  1201  operates as the initiator and a second NFC unit  1202  operates as the target will be explained. 
     First, in step S 1201 , the first NFC unit  1201  performs single device detection to specify the second NFC unit  1202 . Then, in step S 1202 , the first NFC unit  1201  transmits its identifier, bit transmission rate in transmission/reception, effective data length, and the like as an attribute request. The attribute request has general bytes and can arbitrarily select and use them. If the second NFC unit  1202  receives an effective attribute request, it transmits an attribute response in step S 1203 . The transmission from the second NFC unit  1202  is performed by load modulation using the RF field generated by the first NFC unit  1201 . In  FIG. 12 , data transmission by load modulation is expressed by dotted arrows. 
     After confirming an effective attribute response, the first NFC unit  1201  transmits a parameter selection request in step S 1204  and can change the parameters of a subsequent transmission protocol. Parameters contained in the parameter selection request are the transmission rate and effective data length. If the second NFC unit  1202  receives an effective parameter selection request, it transmits a parameter selection response in step S 1205  to change the parameters. If no parameter is changed, steps S 1204  and S 1205  may be skipped. 
     Then, in step S 1206 , the first NFC unit  1201  and second NFC unit  1202  exchange data in accordance with a data exchange request and data exchange response. The data exchange request and response can transmit, as data, information and the like for applications in the communication partners. When the data size is large, the data can be divided and transmitted. 
     After the end of the data exchange, the process shifts to step S 1207 , and the first NFC unit  1201  transmits either a selection cancellation request or release request. If the first NFC unit  1201  transmits the selection cancellation request, the second NFC unit  1202  transmits a selection cancellation response in step S 1208 . Upon receiving the selection cancellation response, the first NFC unit  1201  releases the attribute indicating the second NFC unit  1202 , and the process returns to step S 1201 . If the first NFC unit  1201  transmits the release request, the second NFC unit  1202  transmits a release response in step S 1208  and returns to the initial state. If the first NFC unit  1201  receives the release response, the target has completely been released, and the first NFC unit  1201  may return to the initial state. 
       FIG. 13  shows a sequence to exchange data in the active mode. A case in which a first NFC unit  1301  operates as the initiator and a second NFC unit  1302  operates as the target will be explained. 
     First, in step S 1301 , the first NFC unit  1301  transmits its identifier, bit transmission rate in transmission/reception, effective data length, and the like as an attribute request. If the second NFC unit  1302  receives an effective attribute request, it transmits an attribute response in step S 1302 . The transmission from the second NFC unit  1302  is performed by an RF field generated by itself. Thus, the first and second NFC units stop the output of the RF field after the end of data transmission. 
     After confirming an effective attribute response, the first NFC unit  1301  transmits a parameter selection request in step S 1303  and can change the parameters of a transmission protocol. Parameters contained in the parameter selection request are the transmission rate and effective data length. If the second NFC unit  1302  receives an effective parameter selection request, it transmits a parameter selection response in step S 1304  to change the parameters. Similar to the passive mode, if no parameter is changed, steps S 1303  and S 1304  may be skipped. 
     Then, in step S 1305 , the first NFC unit  1301  and second NFC unit  1302  exchange data in accordance with a data exchange request and data exchange response. The data exchange request and response can transmit, as data, information and the like for applications. When the data size is large, the data can be divided and transmitted. 
     After the end of the data exchange, the process shifts to step S 1306 , and the first NFC unit  1301  transmits either a selection cancellation request or release request. If the first NFC unit  1301  transmits the selection cancellation request, the second NFC unit  1302  transmits a selection cancellation response in step S 1307 . Upon receiving the selection cancellation response, the first NFC unit  1301  releases the attribute indicating the second NFC unit  1302 . In step S 1308 , the first NFC unit  1301  transmits an activation request to another target having a known identifier. Upon receiving the activation request, the target transmits an activation response in step S 1309 , and the process returns to step S 1301 . If the first NFC unit  1301  transmits the release request in step S 1306 , the second NFC unit  1302  transmits a release response in step S 1307  and returns to the initial state. If the first NFC unit  1301  receives the release response, the target has completely been released, and the first NFC unit  1301  may return to the initial state. 
       FIG. 14  is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the MFP  300  in the information processing system according to the embodiment in which the portable communication terminal  200  can transmit a job to the MFP  300  by using NFC communication. In the information processing system, different processing is executed in accordance with input of a job by NFC communication based on the power supply state of the MFP  300 . First, in step S 1401 , the NFC unit  306  of the MFP  300  receives a job transmitted from the NFC unit  201 . Then, in step S 1402 , the NFC unit  306  of the MFP  300  writes the received job in the job storage unit  1006  of the NFC memory  805  of the NFC unit  306 . As described with reference to  FIG. 10 , a write destination in the NFC memory  805  changes for each job type. 
     In step S 1403 , if the NFC monitoring unit  724  detects that the job has been written in the NFC memory  805 , it operates as follows in accordance with the power supply state of the MFP  300 :
     When the MFP  300  is in the hard-off state, it does not operate except for the NFC unit  306  capable of receiving power supply via the RF field of an external apparatus.   When the MFP  300  operates in the normal activation state, the NFC monitoring unit  724  notifies in step S 1404  the CPU  702  that the writing of the job has occurred. Upon receiving this notification, the CPU  702  executes processing in normal activation (to be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 15 ) in step S 1405 .   When the MFP  300  is in the soft-off or sleep state, the NFC monitoring unit  724  activates or returns the CPU  702 . At this time, the CPU  702  does not immediately return to the normal activation state, and executes processing in soft-off/sleep (to be described in detail with reference to  FIG. 16 ) in step S 1407 .   

       FIG. 15  is a flowchart showing processing when a job is input from the NFC unit  306  while the MFP  300  operates in the normal activation state, that is, the processing in step S 1405 . In step S 1501 , the CPU  702  determines whether the input job can be executed. For this determination, a table shown in  FIG. 18  is used. 
       FIG. 18  will be explained.  FIG. 18  shows whether each type of job can be executed for each type of error or warning. × represents that a job cannot be executed, ◯ represents that a job can be executed, and Δ is a warning and represents that a job can be executed but a trouble may occur. For example, when a paper jam error has occurred, neither a print job nor FAX job can be executed, but a scan job and setting change job can be executed. When an ink shortage warning has been generated, printing may become faint or ink may run out during printing for a print job and FAX job. Note that the information about these errors and warnings can be read out from the error state  905  as long as the RAM  704  of the MFP  300  is usable. Even when the MFP  300  is in the hard-off or soft-off state and the RAM  704  cannot be used, the NFC unit  306  can read out the information about these errors and warnings from the error state  1003  ( FIG. 10 ) in the NFC memory  805 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 15 , in step S 1501 , the CPU  702  determines, based on the table in  FIG. 18 , whether the input job can be executed. In this case, since the MFP  300  is in the normal activation state, the CPU  702  acquires a device status such as the error state  905  or remaining ink amount  906  from the device status storage unit  904  in the RAM  704 , and executes the determination complying with the table of  FIG. 18 . If the CPU  702  determines that the input job cannot be executed, it advances the process to step S 1502 ; if it determines that a warning has been generated, to step S 1503 ; if it determines that the input job can be executed, to step S 1504 . In step S 1502 , the CPU  702  notifies the portable communication terminal  200  of the error by using NFC communication via the NFC unit  306 . In step S 1503 , the CPU  702  notifies the portable communication terminal of the warning by using NFC communication via the NFC unit  306 . Hence, the user can immediately recognize via the portable communication terminal  200  that the error or warning has been generated for the input job. When notifying a determination result such as an error or warning in step S 1502  or S 1503 , if the CPU  702  notifies the reason of the error or warning, too, the portable communication terminal  200  can notify the user of more detailed information. 
     In step S 1504 , the CPU  702  notifies the portable communication terminal  200  via the NFC unit  306  that the MFP  300  will be normally activated to process the job, that is, of normal. Therefore, the user can immediately recognize that the input job will be normally executed. In step S 1505 , the CPU  702  executes the received job. In step S 1506 , the CPU  702  deletes the executed job from the job storage unit  1006  of the NFC memory  805 . In step S 1507 , the sequence ends. 
       FIG. 16  shows a sequence (step S 1407 ) when the MFP  300  is soft-off or in the sleep state and a job is input from the NFC unit  306 . As described above, the NFC monitoring unit  724  of the MFP  300  monitors the communication state of the NFC unit  306  (the NFC unit  718 ) and the MFP  300  can be automatically activated from soft-off or the sleep state. In activation from soft-off or return from the sleep state, the CPU  702  determines whether activation or return has started in response to a signal from the NFC monitoring unit  724 . If the CPU  702  determines that activation or return has started in response to a signal from the NFC monitoring unit  724 , it executes processing shown in  FIG. 16  in return to the normal activation state. 
     In step S 1601 , the CPU  702  determines whether the input job can be executed. In this case, the MFP  300  is not in the normal activation state, and neither read nor write can be performed for the RAM  704 . By referring to device information such as the error state  1003  and remaining ink amount  1004  recorded in the NFC memory  805 , the CPU  702  determines whether the job can be executed. If the CPU  702  determines in step S 1601  that the job cannot be executed, the process advances to step S 1602 ; if it determines that a warning has been generated, to step S 1604 ; if it determines that the job can be executed, to step S 1608 . In step S 1602 , the CPU  702  notifies the portable communication terminal  200  of the error via the NFC unit  306 . In step S 1603 , the MFP  300  is not activated and keeps soft-off or the sleep state. With this setting, the user can be notified of the error without starting up the MFP  300  to the normal activation state. 
     In step S 1604 , the CPU  702  notifies the portable communication terminal  200  of the warning via the NFC unit  306 . From this, the user can immediately recognize the warning state. In step S 1608 , the CPU  702  notifies the portable communication terminal  200  via the NFC unit  306  that the MFP  300  will be normally activated to process the job, that is, of normal. The user can immediately recognize that the input job will be normally executed. When notifying a determination result such as an error or warning in step S 1602  or S 1603 , if the CPU  702  notifies the reason of the error or warning, too, the portable communication terminal  200  can notify the user of more detailed information. In step S 1605 , the CPU  702  activates the MFP  300  to shift to the normal activation state. As described above, it is controlled to perform automatic activation when a job can be executed, and not to perform activation to the normal activation state when no job can be executed. Thus, the MFP  300  can be controlled to avoid wasteful activation. After the MFP  300  shifts to the normal activation state, the CPU  702  executes in step S 1606  the job which has been written in the job storage unit  1006  of the NFC memory  805  in step S 1402 . In step S 1607 , the CPU  702  deletes the executed job from the job storage unit  1006 , and ends the sequence. 
       FIG. 17  is a flowchart showing processing from input of a job up to release of a target by the portable communication terminal  200 . When a job input application is activated in the portable communication terminal  200 , the user can select one of a print job, scan job, FAX job, and setting change job from the display unit  203  and operation unit  204 . For the print job and FAX job, the user can designate image data to be processed. After the job is selected, the processing in  FIG. 17  starts. In step S 1700 , the CPU  602  switches the NFC unit  201  to the initiator. After the NFC unit  201  serves as the initiator through the processing shown in  FIG. 11 , the CPU  602  transmits the job selected by the user to the MFP  300  by using the NFC unit  201  in step S 1701 . 
     As described above, if the MFP  300  is in one of the normal activation state, soft-off state, and sleep state upon receiving the job, it transmits a notification of one of an error, warning, and normal via the NFC unit  306 . In step S 1702 , the CPU  602  of the portable communication terminal  200  determines whether the NFC unit  201  has received one of the error, warning, and normal. If the CPU  602  determines that the NFC unit  201  has received one of them, it advances the process to step S 1703 . The CPU  602  displays the received contents on the display unit  203  in step S 1703 , and transmits a release request to release the target in step S 1704 . The display in step S 1703  notifies the user which of the error, warning, and normal has been received. 
     When the reason of the error or warning is also transmitted in step S 1502  or S 1503  of  FIG. 15  or step S 1602  or S 1603  of  FIG. 16 , it can be displayed to notify the user of more detailed information. When the NFC unit  201  serves as the initiator, the NFC unit  306  serves as the target, and communication is performed in the passive mode, the portable communication terminal  200  can acquire device information from the NFC memory of the MFP  300  and displays the reason of the error and warning. In this case, the processing of transmitting the reason of the error or warning in step S 1502 , S 1503 , S 1602 , or S 1603  can be omitted. 
     If a notification of any one of an error, warning, and normal has not been received within a predetermined time, the process advances from step S 1705  to step S 1706 . In step S 1706 , the CPU  602  determines that the MFP  300  as the communication partner is in the hard-off state, and acquires device information stored in the NFC memory  805  of the NFC unit  306  via the NFC unit  201 . After that, the CPU  602  transmits a release request to release the target in step S 1707 , and displays the device information acquired in step S 1706  on the display unit  203  in step S 1708 . At this time, whether the job transmitted in step S 1701  can be executed may be determined using the device information acquired in step S 1706  and the relationship shown in  FIG. 18 , and the determination result may be displayed. 
     By the above-described processing, the portable communication terminal  200  which has transmitted the job can immediately recognize the processing status of the input job, and when the MFP  300  is hard-off, can recognize the device status of the MFP  300 . 
     As described above, according to the embodiment, when a job is input to the MFP  300  in the sleep state or soft-off state, whether to automatically activate the MFP  300  is determined from the device status of the MFP  300 . This can avoid wasteful activation (return) to the normal activation state. For example, an unwanted situation in which the job cannot be processed even upon activation can be avoided. Some apparatuses consume consumables and large power in activation, and even such a waste can be avoided. 
     When an error which makes execution of a job impossible occurs, the portable communication terminal  200  displays the reason of generation of the error, and the user can take a measure against it. Further, if it is determined that a job can be executed but processing of the job may be affected, the MFP  300  notifies the portable communication terminal  200  of the warning and reason indicative of this. Hence, the user can immediately recognize the risk in processing the job (without waiting until the MFP  300  starts up to the normal activation state). 
     Short distance wireless communication between apparatuses has been described on the premise of NFC communication in the passive mode in the embodiment, but is not limited to this. It is only necessary that short distance wireless communication in the MFP  300  is implemented by a communication unit which can operate in the sleep state and soft-off state, and the communication method may be infrared communication or the like. However, when infrared communication or NFC communication in the active mode is used, no device information can be received while the MFP  300  is hard-off. 
     The present invention is also implemented by executing the following processing. More specifically, software (program) for implementing the functions of the above-described embodiment is supplied to a system or apparatus via a network or various storage media, and the computer (or a CPU or MPU) of the system or apparatus reads out and executes the program. The program may be executed by a single computer or a plurality of computers in cooperation. Further, hardware such as a circuit for executing part of the program may be arranged, and the processing described in the embodiment may be executed by cooperation between the hardware and the computer which executes the software. 
     Aspects of the present invention can also be realized by a computer of a system or apparatus (or devices such as a CPU or MPU) that reads out and executes a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functions of the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method, the steps of which are performed by a computer of a system or apparatus by, for example, reading out and executing a program recorded on a memory device to perform the functions of the above-described embodiment(s). 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, computer-readable storage 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. 
     This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-048619, filed Mar. 5, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.