Method and apparatus for controlling a peripheral via different data ports
US7668987B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 20, 2009 |
| Grant date | Feb 23, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG07F17/323
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A peripheral such as a printer is controlled to receive data from different data ports. A first port receives data formatted according to a first protocol. A second port receives data formatted according to a second protocol. A first processor is associated with the peripheral. A second processor is associated with the second port. A switch is adapted to receive (i) first data from the first port and (ii) second data from the second port after processing by the second processor. The switch is controlled in response to a message received via the second port to couple either the first data or second data to the first processor for use in controlling the peripheral. New firmware can be downloaded to the peripheral via the second port in response to the message. The message can be communicated to the first processor via a separate port at the first processor and a memory shared with the second processor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.