Patent ID: 6618163
Filing Date: 2003-09-09
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
An information-processing system comprising:at least one workstation in which a processor unit, a screen, and an operator-control device are operatively connected; at least one printer provided with a control unit and an operator control panel; and a network to which said workstation and said printer are connected, wherein said workstation is provided with a program for communication with said printer for sending print jobs to said printer and for calling up or receiving status information concerning said printer, said program including means for displaying current status information concerning said printer on the workstation screen in the form of a symbolic illustration or icon, said control unit adapted to execute print jobs in an autonomous mode or a command-controlled mode, said control unit, in the autonomous mode, starting the execution of a print order on its own initiative said control unit, in the command-controlled mode, starting the execution of a reproduction process, including a print order, in response to a start command from the operator control panel of the printer, said program displaying different icons for the cases in which said printer is active in the autonomous mode and in which the printer is active in the command-controlled mode.