Patent ID: 6124938
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method of sending software for operating a digital printing apparatus from a computer to the digital printing apparatus, comprising the steps of:providing a printer port between the computer and the digital printing apparatus, said printer port having a plurality of data lines for submission of data therethrough, and a plurality of status lines;in a first mode, (a) sending the software for operating the digital printing apparatus through the data lines;(b) determining one status, of plurality of possible statuses, of sending the software for operating the digital printing apparatus through the data lines;(c) converting the determined status to a multi-bit word symbolic of the status, each possible status being symbolized by a unique multi-bit word; and(d) sending the multi-bit word through the status lines in parallel fashion; andin a second mode, sending data relating to an image to be printed with the printing apparatus through the data lines, where levels on the status lines are not interpreted as a multi-bit word.