Patent · US Expired

Network system, printer, and information memory medium

US6369907B1 · kind B1 · utility

19Cited by
1References
26Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateNov 27, 1998
Grant dateApr 9, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 27, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG06F3/1288
  • WIPO fieldComputer technology
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A network system provides connecting a printer to one network, and by so doing, significantly improving its functionality as compared to a condition in which it is not connected. The network system includes a client printer and a server device which are connected through a communication line. The client printer performs an ability information inquiry to other devices on the network. Furthermore, based upon ability information which is obtained from the other devices, virtual device information in which the functionality of the printer is improved, is disclosed to a PC. The PC transmits printing data to the client printer and performs a printing request, based upon the virtual printer information. The client printer which has received the printing request which exceeds its own original ability determines a server device from which to request processing, based upon the ability information. Furthermore, the printer requests the server device to process the printing data, receives the processed printing data, and performs printing.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.