Patent ID: 6567184
Filing Date: 2003-05-20
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A network system, comprising a printer, that receives printing commands from the network, and at least one other device,the printer comprising: an ability information inquiry unit that queries other devices connected to the network concerning ability information including at least one of memory capacity, processing relating to a printer language, image processing, and image processing execution environment; a virtual printer information determination unit that determines whether another device connected to the network improves the printer's functionality, based upon the ability information transmitted from the other devices connected to the network in response to the ability information inquiry, the virtual printer information determination unit determining the printer's own virtual printer information based on the improved functionality; and a virtual printer information disclosing unit which discloses said virtual printer information to the network; the other devices connected to the network comprising: an ability information reply unit that replies with ability information to the printer in response to the ability information inquiry, the ability information including at least one of the other device's own memory capacity, processing relating to a printer language, image processing, and image processing executing environment, wherein, when another device which is connected to the network has a conversion function to convert at least one of a given printer command and a printer language to at least one of a printer command and a printer language which can be processed by the printer, the virtual printer information determination unit determines virtual printer information indicating that at least one of the given printer command and the printer language can be processed by the printer, allowing the printer to receive converted printing data and perform printing based on the converted printing data, and the virtual printer information disclosing unit discloses the determined virtual printer information to the network.