Network system, information processing apparatus, and information memory medium
US6631008B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 7, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/1288
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An information processing apparatus, an information memory medium, and a network system are provided which can efficiently select the most appropriate printer from among a plurality of printers which are connected to the network, and perform a printing operation. This network system may include at least one server and a plurality of printers connected through a communication line. In the server, based upon a printing instruction which is transmitted from a computer, an inquiry signal is output to each printer. The printer to be used for printing is then selected based upon the information transmitted from a processor of each printer. Any processor which responds to the inquiry signal is an option selection for printing data from the network system, including an unknown processor or an upgraded processor. Thus, even if a user disconnects one of the selected printers from the network system, the network system can submit printing data to another printer that responded to the inquiry signal as a match selected for printing. Furthermore, data conversion processing is performed in order to convert the image data to printing data for printing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.