Method for dynamically synchronizing configuration information between a printer and an attached accessory

• US 6,094,548 A
• Filed: 05/25/1999
• Issued: 07/25/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. (HP Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Company (HP Inc.)
• Inventors: Gunning, Chris R., Fresk, J. Sean
• Primary Examiner(s): Brase, Sandra
• Assistant Examiner(s): MOLDAFSKY, GREGORY S
• Application Number:
  US09/318,527
• Time in Patent Office: 427 Days
• Field of Search: 399/1, 399/8, 399/9, 399/81, 399/75, 358/401
• US Class Current: 399/75
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 15/402 Sharing data concerning the arrangement's configuration or current state for managing optional units G06K15/4025
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00278 with a printing apparatus, e.g. a laser beam printer

Abstract

A method for dynamically synchronizing configuration information between a printer and an attached accessory. In one embodiment, the printer firmware creates a configuration change object that is immediately incremented any time a configuration parameter is changed. The accessory periodically queries the printer to determine if the configuration change object has been incremented, and, if so, the accessory re-reads and stores the new printer configuration along with the new configuration change object. In a second embodiment, the printer sends out a notice to the accessory that the printer configuration has changed immediately after the change is made, rather than accessory periodically asking the printer if the configuration has changed.

Claims

1. A method for synchronizing configuration information between a printer and an attached accessory, the method comprising:

printer firmware creating a configuration change object;

the printer firmware tracking printer configuration parameters;

the attached accessory reading and storing the printer configuration parameters and the configuration change object;

changing at least one of the printer configuration parameters;

the printer firmware changing the configuration change object;

the attached accessory periodically querying the printer to determine if the configuration change object has changed; and

if the configuration change object has changed, the attached accessory re-reading and storing the at least one printer configuration parameter that has changed and the configuration change object.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the attached accessory updating at least one user menu to reflect the at least one printer configuration parameter that has changed.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising the attached accessory having firmware operatively coupled to the printer firmware and the accessory firmware managing the at least one user menu.

4. A method for synchronizing configuration information between a printer and an attached accessory, the method comprising:

printer firmware tracking printer configuration parameters;

the attached accessory reading and storing the printer configuration parameters;

changing at least one of the printer configuration parameters;

the printer notifying the attached accessory that one of the configuration parameters has changed; and

the attached accessory re-reading and storing the at least one printer configuration parameter that has changed.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising the attached accessory updating at least one user menu to reflect the at least one printer configuration parameter that has changed.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising the attached accessory having firmware operatively coupled to the printer firmware and the accessory firmware managing the at least one user menu.

7. A method for dynamically updating a user menu on an accessory attached to a printer, the method comprising:

the accessory reading a printer configuration and a configuration change object;

the accessory displaying at least a part of the printer configuration on the user menu;

changing the printer configuration and the configuration change object;

the accessory querying the printer for any change to the configuration change object; and

if the configuration change object has changed, the accessory re-reading the printer configuration and displaying at least a part of the printer configuration that has changed on the user menu.