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Network device discovery and status information distribution using independent information distribution processes

  • US 5,862,404 A
  • Filed: 02/12/1997
  • Issued: 01/19/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/12/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A computer network system in which workgroup peripherals are efficiently administered, the computer network system comprising:

  • (a) a first general purpose computer including a no-volatile memory and software for storing device status information in a first device status file in the non-volatile memory;

    (b) a first intelligent peripheral device associated with the first computer and communicatively coupled to the first computer by a computer network and including software for determining information concerning current device status of the first intelligent peripheral device and communicating to the first computer via the network the current device status information periodically for storage in the first device status file;

    (c) a plurality of workstations communicatively coupled to the first computer by the computer network, the workstations including software for requesting the device status information stored in the first device status file, receiving the device status information and displaying the device status information;

    the software in the intelligent peripheral device for determining information concerning current device status of the first intelligent peripheral device and communicating to the first computer via the network the current device status information periodically for storage in the first device status file independently of the plurality of workstations;

    whereby device status information is efficiently communicated from the first intelligent peripheral device to the workstations.

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