Importance

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Abstract

Method and apparatus for logging status information of a printer using an interactive network board coupled between the printer and a Local Area Network, includes the use of a Small Computer Systems Interface coupled to the board and having a data channel and a status channel, for transmitting print data to the printer over the data channel, transmitting printer status requests to the printer and receiving printer status data from the printer over the status channel. A memory is coupled to the board and is used for storing the received printer status data. A processor is also coupled to the board for adding beginning and end of print job indicia to the print data prior to transmission to the printer, and for causing the printer status requests to be transmitted to and received from the printer at a first predetermined interval (e.g. every minute). Furthermore, the processor calculates, at a second predetermined interval (e.g. daily) printer status statistics based on the received printer status data and the beginning and end of job indicia. Finally, the processor stores the calculated printer status statistics in the memory. Preferably, the calculated printer status statistics are then stored in a non-volatile memory in the printer and can be accessed at a later date from a remote location. Also, it is preferable if the printer status statistics are provided at a plurality of levels of resolution, the levels being selectable from the remote location.

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First Claim