Patent ID: 6333790
Filing Date: 2001-12-25
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A printing system comprising:a network;a first computer connected to the network;a second computer connected to the network; anda printer connected to the network;wherein the first computer instructs the printer to print;wherein the printer includes a printer controller and a printer engine;wherein the printer controller includes an individual printer management part for managing the printer, and an individual printer information DB part;wherein the second computer includes a total printer management service processing part for managing a plurality of printers including the printer connected to the network, and a total printer management information DB part;wherein the printer controller receives from the printer engine information on an occurrence of trouble in the printer engine and an identification of the trouble, and forwards to the first computer the information on the occurrence of trouble in the printer engine and the identification of the trouble;wherein the first computer transmits an inquiry concerning a method of coping with the trouble to the printer controller, and the printer controller transmits the inquiry to the second computer;wherein the total printer management service processing part of the second computer obtains a reply to the inquiry from the total printer management information DB part, and then transmits the reply to the printer controller; andwherein the printer controller transmits the reply to the first computer.