Patent ID: 7679770
Filing Date: 2010-03-16
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A method of printing using a status-detecting print processor, said method comprising: a) generating a print task on a computing device; b) sending said print task to a print driver wherein said print driver resides on said computing device; c) sending said print task from said print driver to a status-detecting print processor wherein said status-detecting print processor resides on said computing device; d) receiving a print task at said status-detecting print processor; e) detecting, in response to said receiving, the availability of at least one printing device wherein said detecting comprises a direct communication between said status-detecting print processor and said at least one printing device, wherein said detecting further comprises communication using a protocol selected from the group consisting of Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Remote Management (RMON) and Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) and f) directing said print task to an available printing device among said at least one printing device.