Apparatus for coupling printer with LAN to control printer operation by transferring control parameters, printer status data and printer configuration data between printer and LAN
US5537626A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 13, 1995 |
| Grant date | Jul 16, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 13, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/1285
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Method and apparatus for interfacing a printer to a local area network utilizes a circuit board coupled to the printer. A Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) is disposed on the board for transmitting print data to the printer and for receiving printer status data from the printer. A RAM is also disposed on the board, for storing the print data, the printer status data, and a plurality of application programs. A Local Area Network (LAN) interface is also disposed on the board, for receiving the print data from the LAN, and for transmitting the printer status data to the LAN. A processor is disposed on the board, for executing the plurality of application programs to cause the print data to be transmitted to the printer and the printer status data to be transmitted to the LAN. Preferably, printer control data may also be transmitted over the LAN to control printer functions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.