Data processing system and method for permitting a computer to automatically detect a presence of and establish a communications link with a printer
US6493104B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/1292
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A data processing system and method are described for permitting a portable computer to automatically detect the presence of a printer within a remote area, and responsive to the detection, automatically establishing a communications link with the printer. The portable computer is physically disconnected from the printer. The portable computer transmits a wireless query signal to the remote area. In response to a printer physically located within the remote area receiving the wireless query signal, the printer transmits a wireless reply signal to the remote area. In response to the portable computer receiving the wireless reply signal, the computer automatically establishes a communications link with the printer so that the computer may utilize the printer to print information. The communications link may be established with a printer for which the computer does not include a printer driver necessary for communicating with the printer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.