Method and apparatus for interfacing a peripheral to a local area network
US5611046A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 18, 1992 |
| Grant date | Mar 11, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 18, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/1288
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Method and apparatus for interfacing a printer to a local area network includes the use of an interactive network board coupling the printer to the LAN. A bi-directional printer interface is disposed on the board and transmits print data to the printer, and receives printer status data from the printer. ALAN interface is disposed on the board for receiving print job information and printer status requests from the LAN, and for transmitting printer status information to the LAN. A ROM is disposed on the board and stores (i) application programs which receive the print job information and transmit the print data to the printer, and (ii) status and control programs which receive the printer status requests from the LAN, receive printer status data from the printer, transmit the printer status information to the LAN, and receive control information from the LAN and transmit it to the printer. A processor disposed on the board executes both the application programs and the status and control programs. Preferably, the application programs are selectively capable of placing the network board into a plurality of different printer configurations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.