Patent ID: 6108492
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: G06F,H04N

Abstract:
A data processing system for printing print jobs originating from workstations on a computer network and for copying copy jobs, the data processing system comprising:(a) a multifunction peripheral for printing the print jobs and copying the copy jobs, the multifunction peripheral comprising a paper tray, a display, a user input device, a first processor, a first data storage device for multifunction peripheral program storage, a second rewritable data storage device for short term storage and a third non-volatile rewritable data storage device, a first communications interface and a first clock for generating a first clock signal to the first processor, wherein the multifunction peripheral programs include instructions for causing the first processor to:(i) determine an operating condition of plural predetermined aspects of the multifunction peripheral,(ii) derive status information regarding the operating condition of the multifunction peripheral,(iii) update the third non-volatile rewritable data storage device with the status information,(iv) read the status information from the third data storage device and transmit the status information via the first communications interface; and(b) a Host local to the multifunction peripheral for sending print jobs to the multifunction peripheral for printing, the Host comprising a second processor, a fourth rewritable non-volatile data storage device for storing Host programs and data and a fifth rewritable memory for short term storage, a second communications interface coupled to the communications interface of the multifunction peripheral by a communications channel, a third communications interface for communicating with a remote monitoring computer and a second clock for generating a second clock signal to the second processor, wherein the Host programs include an operating system and instructions for causing the second processor through the operating system to:(i) allow a remote technician to use the remote monitoring computer to select plural status conditions of the multifunction peripheral for the Host to monitor,(ii) allow the remote technician to use the remote monitoring computer to designate a notification method for the Host to notify the remote monitoring computer of the selected status conditions,(iii) allow the remote technician to use the remote monitoring computer to define in the Host plural trigger conditions to trigger notification by the Host of the selected status conditions to the remote monitoring computer,(iv) periodically generate a signal to the first processor via the second communications interface, the communications channel and the first communications interface to request that the first processor provide the multifunction peripheral status information stored in the third data storage device,(v) refresh a status information database in the fourth rewritable non-volatile data storage device from the status information received from the third data storage device in the multifunction peripheral, and(vi) analyze the status information database to detect if any of the selected trigger conditions have been met, and if so, then initiate a notification of the remote monitoring computer through the third communications interface in the manner designated by the remote technician for providing the status information regarding the status conditions the remote technician selected for monitoring.