Printing system wherein printer connected to one computer is managed by another computer over a network

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

P-0001[0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/969,750, filed Oct. 4, 2001; which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 09/161,419 filed on Sep. 24, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,333,790, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

P-0002[0002] The present invention relates to a printing system for performing printing using a computer, such as a personal computer, a workstation, or the like.

P-0003[0003] In a conventional printing system, the information to be printed, which is composed by a computer, is printed by transmitting the information to a printer, and the printer then carries out the printing itself.

P-0004[0004] However, since a printer manufacturer cannot be aware at all times of the operating state of a printer being used by a user, there are the following problems in the usability of the printer.

P-0005[0005] (1) When a user wants to know how to cope with a problem in his or her printer or wants to know about an advanced method of using the printer, he or she typically needs to make an inquiry to the customer service center of the printer manufacturer by telephone, which requires the expenditure of time and money. There sometimes occurs a problem in that, when the user makes such a telephone call, the telephone lines of the printer manufacturer are busy or the user is unable to communicate with an appropriate person in the service center for inquiry concerning a particular problem.

P-0006[0006] (2) It is difficult for the user to understand all of the types of the various kinds of consumable articles (various kinds of paper, toner, and so on) available for use in a complex printer, such as a laser printer, and to properly place an order for and obtain the various kinds of consumable articles required by the printer. It is possible to employ a service man dedicated to the servicing of the printer in order to solve a particular difficulty, but the cost for the services of the service man is not insignificant, and accordingly, to provide such services, the user is subjected to an increase in the cost of maintenance of the printer and the printer manufacturer is subjected to an increase in personnel expenses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

P-0007[0007] An object of the present invention is to solve the problems discussed above and to provide a printing system having a good usability. In order to attain this object and solve the problems described above, the present invention employs the following features.

P-0008[0008] A first printing system in accordance with the present invention is characterized by a printing system which comprises a network, and a first computer, a second computer, and a printer connected to the network, wherein the first computer instructs the printer to print. The printer is composed of a printer controller and a printer engine, the printer controller having an individual printer management part for managing the printer and an individual printer information DB part; and the second computer has a total printer management service processing part for managing a plurality of printers including the printer connected to the network and a total printer management information DB part. In the operation of this system, the printer controller receives information on occurrence of trouble in the printer engine and a description of the trouble; and, based on the received information, the first computer is sent information on the occurrence of trouble in the printer engine and a description of the trouble from the printer controller. In response to the first computer inquiring as to a method of coping with the trouble indicated by the printer controller, the printer controller transmits the contents of the inquiry to the second computer. Then, the total printer management service processing part of the second computer retrieves a reply to the inquiry from the total printer management information DB part, and transmits the reply to the printer. The printer then transmits the reply to the first computer.

P-0009[0009] A second printing system in accordance with the present invention is characterized by a printing system which comprises a network, and a first computer, a second computer, and a printer connected to the network, wherein the first computer instructs the printer to print. The printer is composed of a printer controller and a printer engine, the printer controller having an individual printer management part for managing the printer and an individual printer information DB part; and the second computer has a total printer management service processing part for managing a plurality of printers including the printer connected to the network and a total printer management information DB part. In the operation of this system, the printer controller receives information concerning the status of consumable articles in the printer engine, and stores the information in the individual printer information DB part. Based on the contents of the individual printer information DB part, the first computer receives information on a shortage of consumable articles in the printer engine from the printer controller and places an order for the consumable articles to the printer controller. The printer controller transmits the contents of the order to the second computer; and the total printer management service processing part of the second computer performs processing to accept the order by making access to and writing in the total printer management information DB part. Then information on completion of the order and accompanying information is transmitted to the printer. The printer then transmits the information on completion of the order and the accompanying information to the first computer.

P-0010[0010] A third printing system in accordance with the present invention is characterized by a printing system which comprises a network, and a first computer, a second computer, and a printer connected to the network, wherein the first computer instructs the printer to print. The printer is composed of a printer controller and a printer engine, the printer controller having an individual printer management part for managing the printer and an individual printer information DB part; and the second computer has a total printer management service processing part for managing a plurality of printers including the printer connected to the network and a total printer management information DB part. In the operation of this system, the printer controller receives information concerning the operating status of the printer engine, and stores the information in the individual printer information DB part. Based on the contents of the individual printer information DB part of the printer controller, the total printer management service processing part in the second computer collects the information concerning the operating status of the printer engine; and, based on the collected information, the total printer management service processing part in the second computer proposes the replacement of a part to the printer controller. The printer controller then transmits the part replacement proposal to the first computer. Based on the transmitted part replacement proposal, the first computer issues information for ordering the replacement part to the printer controller. The printer controller transmits the received information for ordering the replacement part to the second computer. The second computer receives the information for ordering the replacement part; and the total printer management service processing part of the second computer executes processing for acceptance of the order.

P-0011[0011] The third printing system in accordance with the present invention is further characterized by the fact that the total printer management service processing part in the second computer performs acceptance processing of an order, and then transmits information on completion of acceptance of the order and accompanying information to the printer controller. The printer controller then transmits the information on completion of acceptance of the order and the accompanying information to the first computer.

P-0012[0012] A fourth printing system in accordance with the present invention is characterized by a printing system which comprises a network, and a first computer, a second computer, and a printer connected to the network, wherein the first computer instructs the printer to print. The printer is composed of a printer controller and a printer engine, an updated program and data for the printer controller being registered and stored in the second computer. In the operation of this system, the second computer transmits information for proposing updating of a program and data of the printer to the printer controller; and the printer controller transmits the proposal information to the first computer. The first computer transmits updating request information for requesting an update of the program and the data to the printer controller; and the printer controller transmits the updating request information to the second computer. The second computer reads the requested program and the requested data, and then transmits the requested program and the requested data to the printer controller. The printer controller receives and stores the program and the data, and then transmits updating completion information concerning the program and the data to the first computer. The first computer notifies a user of completion of updating by displaying updating completion information on a screen using a user interface. The user of the first computer, having been notified of the completion of updating by the updating completion information, transmits a document to the printer; and the printer then performs printing of the document using the updated program and the updated data.

P-0013[0013] A fifth printing system in accordance with the present invention is characterized by a printing system which comprises a network, and a first computer, a second computer, and a printer connected to the network, wherein the first computer instructs the printer to print. The printer is composed of a printer controller and a printer engine, an updated program and updated data for the first computer being registered and stored in the second computer. In the operation of this system, the second computer transmits information for proposing updating of a program and data for the first computer to the printer controller. The printer controller then transmits the proposal information to the first computer. The first computer then transmits updating request information for requesting an update of the program and the data for the first computer to the printer controller; and the printer controller transmits the updating request information to the second computer. The second computer reads the requested program and the requested data, and then transmits the requested program and the requested data to the printer controller. The printer controller receives and stores the program and the data, and transmits the program and the data to the first computer. The first computer receives and stores the program and the data for the first computer and then notifies a user of completion of updating by displaying updating completion information on a screen using a user interface. The user of the first computer, having been notified of the completion of updating by the updating completion information, instructs the printer to print using the updated program and the updated data.

P-0014[0014] A sixth printing system in accordance with the present invention is characterized by a printing system which comprises a network, and a first computer, a second computer, and a printer connected to the network, wherein the first computer instructs the printer to print. The printer is composed of a printer controller and a printer engine, an updated program and data for the first computer being registered and stored in the second computer. In the operation of this system, the second computer transmits information for proposing updating of a program and data for the first computer to the first computer; and the first computer transmits updating request information for requesting an update of the program and the data for the first computer to the second computer. The second computer reads the requested program and the requested data, and then transmits the requested program and the requested data to the first computer. The first computer receives and stores the program and the data for the first computer and then notifies a user of completion of updating by displaying updating completion information on a screen using a user interface. The user of the first computer, having been notified of the completion of updating by the updating completion information, instructs the printer to print using the updated program and the updated data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

P-0015[0015]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a printing system in accordance with the present invention.

P-0016[0016]FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a software method of a printer in accordance with the present invention.

P-0017[0017]FIG. 3 is a block diagram for explaining a software method of a first computer in accordance with the present invention.

P-0018[0018]FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining a software method of a second computer in accordance with the present invention.

P-0019[0019]FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the hardware construction of the first computer and the second computer in accordance with the present invention.

P-0020[0020]FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the hardware construction of a printer in accordance with the present invention.

P-0021[0021]FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining a first embodiment of a processing procedure in accordance with the present invention.

P-0022[0022]FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining a second embodiment of a processing procedure in accordance with the present invention.

P-0023[0023]FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining a third embodiment of a processing procedure in accordance with the present invention.

P-0024[0024]FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the individual printer information DB part in accordance with the present invention.

P-0025[0025]FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the total printer information DB part in accordance with the present invention.

P-0026[0026]FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the total printer information DB part in accordance with the present invention.

P-0027[0027]FIG. 13 is a block diagram for explaining a fourth embodiment of a processing procedure in accordance with the present invention.

P-0028[0028]FIG. 14 is a block diagram for explaining a software method of a second computer in accordance with the present invention.

P-0029[0029]FIG. 15 is a block diagram for explaining a fifth embodiment of a processing procedure in accordance with the present invention.

P-0030[0030]FIG. 16 is a block diagram for explaining a sixth embodiment of a processing procedure in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

P-0031[0031] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

P-0032[0032] Initially, the overall construction of the printing system will be described, referring to FIG. 1.

P-0033[0033] The printing system is composed of a first network <b>110</b>, a second network <b>120</b>, a first computer <b>300</b>, and a printer <b>200</b> connected to the first network <b>110</b>, and a second computer <b>400</b> connected to the second network <b>120</b>.

P-0034[0034] It is assumed that the first network <b>110</b> is installed in an area usable for each user (hereinafter referred to as an area for each user <b>1001</b>) where the printer <b>200</b> is used, and the second network <b>120</b> is installed in a service center of a manufacturer of the printer <b>200</b> (hereinafter referred to as a manufacturer service center <b>1002</b>). Further, although each user or each company of users has a plurality of systems composed of the first network <b>110</b> and the first computer <b>300</b> and the printer <b>200</b>, only one of the systems is shown in FIG. 1 for making it easy to understand the user environment, but this is not a necessary condition for the present invention.

P-0035[0035] The first network <b>110</b> and the second network <b>120</b> are connected to each other using inter-network mutual connection technology (router or internet/intranet technology), so that the machines (computers and printers) connected to the first network <b>110</b> and the second network <b>120</b> can mutually communicate with each other. However, in order to make the system simpler, the first network <b>110</b> and the second network <b>120</b> may be constructed as one network.

P-0036[0036] The first computer <b>300</b> instructs the printer <b>200</b> to print a document composed by an application program <b>3140</b> using a printer logic driver <b>3130</b>, which is to be described later in conjunction with FIG. 3.

P-0037[0037] The printer <b>200</b> has a printer controller <b>2100</b> and a printer engine <b>2200</b>, and the printer controller has an individual printer management part <b>2120</b> and an individual printer information DB part <b>2121</b> in order to manage the printer. The construction of the printer <b>200</b> will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 2.

P-0038[0038] The second computer <b>400</b> has a total printer management service processing part <b>4120</b> and a total printer management information DB part <b>4130</b> in order to manage a plurality of printers including the printer <b>200</b>. The construction of the second computer <b>400</b> will be described in detail later with reference to FIG. 4.

P-0039[0039] The construction of the printer will now be described in detail, referring to FIG. 2.

P-0040[0040] As described above, the printer <b>200</b> has the printer controller <b>2100</b> and the printer engine <b>2200</b>, and the printer controller has the individual printer management part <b>2120</b> and the individual printer information DB part <b>2121</b> in order to manage the printer. The individual printer information DB part <b>2121</b> stores the information shown in FIG. 10 as an operating status of the printer engine <b>2200</b>.

P-0041[0041] As shown in FIG. 10, register information <b>10</b>A, printer operation information <b>10</b>B, use information on each consumable article <b>10</b>C, operation information on each part <b>10</b>D, and other information <b>10</b>E in regard to the printer <b>200</b> are stored in the DB part <b>2121</b>. Each item of information <b>10</b>A, <b>10</b>B, <b>10</b>C, <b>10</b>D, and <b>10</b>E is constructed as described in FIG. 10. In a case where the printer engine is of an electrophotographic type using a laser optical system, paper (on a size-by-size basis), toner, the photosensitive drum, cleaner, and so on are managed as consumable articles, and the printer controller, optical system parts (semiconductor laser, polygon mirror and so on), the fixing unit, and so on are managed as replaceable parts.

P-0042[0042] The individual printer management part <b>2120</b> manages the printing status of the printer engine <b>2200</b> while making access to the contents of the individual printer information DB part <b>2121</b>. The individual printer management part <b>2120</b> performs referring, writing/updating, retrieving, and the like operations as an access.

P-0043[0043] Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the printer controller <b>2100</b> has a first communication part <b>2110</b>, a spool control part <b>2130</b>, a print processing part <b>2140</b>, and an engine control part <b>2150</b>. The print processing part <b>2140</b> has a drawing part <b>2141</b> and a print instruction part <b>2142</b>.

P-0044[0044] The first communication part <b>2110</b> is composed of hardware and software with which the printer <b>200</b> communicates with the various machines (computer, printer, and the like) on the first network <b>110</b> and on the second network <b>120</b> through the first network <b>110</b>.

P-0045[0045] The spool control part <b>2130</b> receives and stores a print instruction for a document composed by the first computer <b>300</b> as a job, and sequentially outputs it to the print processing part <b>2140</b>. The spool control part <b>2130</b> can store a plurality of jobs together. Further, it is possible to instruct the spool control part <b>2130</b> to perform a state reference, such as a print waiting order, presence or absence of occurrence of trouble and the identification thereof, and so on, and spool control, such as a change in sequential order, a deleting operation, and so on from the first computer <b>300</b> or the printer controller <b>2100</b>.

P-0046[0046] The print processing part <b>2140</b> receives jobs from the spool control part <b>2130</b> one by one, and outputs them to the engine control part <b>2150</b> after a series of jobs is performed by the drawing part <b>2141</b> and the print instruction part <b>2142</b>. The spool control part <b>2130</b> receives a job for a document in the form of a print command sequence and page description language which the printer <b>200</b> can accept and print, and the job is transmitted to the drawing part <b>2141</b>. The described contents are constructed of different kinds of media, such as text, image, graphics, and the like. After translating the received job according to the document description, the drawing part <b>2141</b> expands the document description into dots, and converts them into bit map data to be written in a memory called a page buffer memory (not shown). The print instruction part <b>2142</b> instructs the engine control part <b>2150</b> to print the contents of the page buffer memory using the printer engine <b>2200</b>. The engine control part <b>2150</b> sequentially outputs the contents of the page buffer memory to the printer engine <b>2200</b>, and the printer engine <b>2200</b> physically prints the contents onto a sheet of paper using a printer mechanism. As to the operation of the printer mechanism, there are various printing method, such as a photographic method using a laser optical system, a photographic method using an LED, a photographic method using a liquid crystal shutter, an ink jet method, a shuttle type impact method, and so on.

P-0047[0047] The construction of the first computer <b>300</b> will now be described in detail, referring to FIG. 3.

P-0048[0048] The first computer <b>300</b> is composed of a second communication part <b>3110</b>, a first OS kernel part <b>3120</b>, a printer logic driver <b>3130</b>, an application program part <b>3140</b>, a spool control instruction part <b>3150</b>, and a printer management reference/instruction part <b>3160</b>.

P-0049[0049] The second communication part <b>3110</b> is composed of hardware and software with which the first computer <b>300</b> communicates with the various machines (computer, printer, and the like) on the first network <b>110</b> and on the second network <b>120</b> through the first network <b>110</b>.

P-0050[0050] The first OS kernel part <b>3120</b> is basic software (also called an operating system) for controlling the hardware, the user interface, and so on composing the first computer <b>300</b>. The second communication part <b>3110</b> can be regarded as a part of the first OS kernel part <b>3120</b>, but is described as a different element in order to provide a clearer description.

P-0051[0051] The application program part <b>3140</b> is composed of programs, such as a word processing program, a table-calculation program, a graphics program, and so on, which are used to form a document and produce an instruction to print the formed document using the printer <b>200</b>.

P-0052[0052] The printer logic driver part <b>3130</b> converts the document formed in the application program part <b>3140</b> into a document in the form of a print command sequence and page description language which the printer <b>200</b> can accept and print, and transmits the converted document to the printer <b>200</b> through the first OS kernel part <b>3120</b> and the second communication part <b>3110</b>.

P-0053[0053] The spool control instruction part <b>3150</b> is, as described above, used in the first computer <b>300</b> to instruct the spool control part <b>2130</b> in the printer <b>200</b> to perform a state reference, such as print waiting order, presence or absence of occurrence of trouble and the identification thereof, and so on, and spool control, such as a change in the sequential order, a deleting operation, and so on.

P-0054[0054] The printer management reference/instruction part <b>3160</b> is used in the first computer <b>300</b> to instruct the individual printer management part <b>2120</b> to refer to the contents of the individual printer information DB part <b>2121</b> and to perform printer management processing.

P-0055[0055] The construction of the second computer <b>400</b> will now be described in detail, referring to FIG. 4.

P-0056[0056] The second computer <b>400</b> is composed of a third communication part <b>4110</b>, a second OS kernel part <b>4140</b>, a total printer management service processing part <b>4120</b>, and a total printer management information DB part <b>4130</b>.

P-0057[0057] The third communication part <b>4110</b> is composed of hardware and software with which the second computer <b>400</b> communicates with the various machines (computer, printer, and the like) on the second network <b>120</b> and on the first network <b>110</b> through the second network <b>120</b>.

P-0058[0058] The second OS kernel part <b>4140</b> is basic software (also called an operating system) for controlling the hardware, the user interface, and so on composing the second computer <b>400</b>. The third communication part <b>4110</b> can be regarded as a part of the second OS kernel part <b>4140</b>, but is described as a different element in order to provide a clearer description.

P-0059[0059] The total printer management information DB part <b>4130</b> is a part in which the manufacturer of the printer <b>200</b> concentratively stores operation status information for the printers sold by the manufacturer as part of the service center of the manufacturer.

P-0060[0060] In the total printer management information DB part <b>4130</b>, the contents shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 12 are stored. As shown in FIG. 11, the total printer management information DB part <b>4130</b> stores management information for all printers managed by the second computer <b>400</b>, that is, printer <b>1</b> management information <b>1101</b>, printer <b>2</b> management information <b>1102</b>, . . . , printer n management information <b>1103</b>, . . . , printer N management information <b>1104</b>. In regard to, for example, the printer n management information <b>1103</b>, as shown in FIG. 12, register information <b>12</b>A, printer operation information <b>12</b>B, use information on each consumable article <b>12</b>C, operation information on each part <b>12</b>D, and other information <b>12</b>E in regard to the printer n are stored. Each item of the information <b>12</b>A, <b>12</b>B, <b>12</b>C, <b>12</b>D, and <b>12</b>E is constructed as the contents described in FIG. 12. In a case where the printer engine is of an electrophotographic type, using a laser optical system, paper (on a size-by-size basis), toner, the photosensitive drum, cleaner, and so on are managed as consumable articles, and the printer controller, optical system parts (semiconductor laser, polygon mirror and so on), the fixing unit, and so on are managed as replaceable parts.

P-0061[0061] The total printer management service processing part <b>4120</b> manages the printing statuses of the plurality of printers sold by the manufacturer while making access to the total printer management DB part <b>4130</b>. The total printer management service processing part <b>4120</b> includes a reference part <b>4121</b>, a write/update part <b>4122</b>, a retrieval part <b>4123</b>, and so on, and performs referring, writing/updating, and retrieving operations relative to the total printer management DB part <b>4130</b> using each of the reference part <b>4121</b>, the write/update part <b>4122</b>, and the retrieval part <b>4123</b>.

P-0062[0062] The hardware construction of the machines which make up the printing system will now be described, referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

P-0063[0063] Each of the first computer <b>300</b> and the second computer <b>400</b> is an apparatus which is composed of an MPU <b>500</b>, a system bus <b>501</b>, a ROM memory <b>510</b>, a RAM memory <b>511</b>, a keyboard <b>521</b>, a mouse <b>522</b>, a disk controller <b>531</b>, a secondary memory unit <b>532</b>, a display controller <b>541</b>, a display <b>542</b>, a network controller <b>550</b>, and a printer adapter <b>560</b>.

P-0064[0064] The system bus <b>501</b> carries various kinds of input and output signals (address signals, data signals, and other control signals) of the MPU <b>500</b>. The MPU <b>500</b> performs input and output operations with reference to the peripheral devices, such as the keyboard <b>521</b>, the secondary memory unit <b>532</b>, the display <b>542</b>, the network <b>110</b>, and so on, and with memories, such as the ROM memory <b>510</b>, the RAM memory <b>511</b>, and so on. The keyboard <b>521</b> is an input device composed of a plurality of input keys, and has the mouse <b>522</b> as a kind of pointing device connected thereto. The secondary memory unit <b>532</b> is connected to the system bus <b>501</b> through the disk controller <b>531</b>, and the display <b>542</b> is connected to the system bus <b>501</b> through the display controller <b>541</b>. The system bus of this apparatus is further connected to the network <b>110</b>, such as a LAN or a WAN, through the network controller <b>550</b>, and connected to a printer through the printer adapter <b>560</b> and a cable.

P-0065[0065] The hardware of the printer <b>200</b> will now be described, referring to FIG. 6.

P-0066[0066] The printer <b>200</b> is composed of the printer controller <b>2100</b> and the printer engine <b>2200</b>. The printer controller <b>2100</b> is composed of an MPU bus <b>601</b>, an I/F part <b>602</b>, an MPU <b>603</b>, a ROM memory <b>604</b>, a secondary memory unit <b>605</b>, a user operating panel <b>607</b>, a sub-MPU <b>606</b>, a printer memory controller <b>609</b>, and a RAM memory <b>60</b>A.

P-0067[0067] The MPU bus <b>601</b> carries various kinds of input and output signals (address signals, data signals, and other control signals) of the MPU <b>603</b>. The MPU <b>603</b> performs input and output operations relative to the peripheral controllers such as <b>602</b>, <b>606</b>, <b>609</b> and the memory devices such as <b>604</b>, <b>60</b>A, <b>605</b> through the MPU bus <b>601</b>.

P-0068[0068] The interface part <b>602</b> (hereinafter, interface is abbreviated as I/F) is a controller for effecting communication by the printer with the various kinds of machines via a cable, such as the first computer <b>300</b>, the second computer <b>400</b>, and so on. Physical I/Fs usable as the I/F part <b>602</b> are Ethernet, Token-Ring, FDDI (fiber distributed data interface), ATM (asynchronous transfer mode), and ISDN (integrated services digital network), and hardware logic appropriate for the I/F part <b>602</b> is installed depending on the physical I/F used.

P-0069[0069] The ROM memory <b>604</b> stores an initial boot-up program (also called an IPL (initial program loading) program) for the printer controller <b>2100</b> and part of a character font.

P-0070[0070] The RAM memory <b>60</b>A stores (a) a printer controller control program, (b) the remainder of the character font, (c) a command buffer memory, (d) a page buffer memory, and (e) various kinds of management tables, such as a page buffer management table and a printer management table, and others. Among these, the programs (a) and (b) are stored by downloading from any one of the computers <b>300</b> or <b>400</b> using the IPL program described above. It is possible that the programs (a) and (b) are not stored in the RAM memory <b>60</b>A, but are stored in the ROM memory <b>604</b> in advance. On the other hand, the character font need not be stored in the ROM memory <b>604</b> at all, since all of the character font may be stored in the RAM memory <b>60</b>A.

P-0071[0071] The sub-MPU <b>606</b> performs input and output processing with the user operating panel <b>607</b> or the printer engine <b>2200</b> according to an instruction from the MPU <b>603</b>.

P-0072[0072] The printer memory controller <b>609</b> performs read-out processing with respect to the contents of the RAM memory <b>60</b>A (normally contents of the page buffer part) to the printer engine <b>2200</b>, and performs DRAM memory control (refresh) when the RAM memory <b>60</b>A is a DRAM. The read-out processing is performed using an installed DMA (direct memory access) function. At the time when read-out of a one-page volume of data from the page buffer part is completed, the printer memory controller <b>609</b> asserts an interruption signal (one of the signals on the MPU bus <b>601</b>) to the MPU <b>603</b> to start interruption processing for termination of a page buffer read-out operation by the MPU <b>603</b>.

P-0073[0073] The printer controller <b>2100</b> communicates with the printer engine <b>2200</b> using the sub-MPU <b>606</b> through a signal line <b>600</b>C-<b>1</b>, and using the printer memory controller <b>609</b> through a signal line <b>600</b>C-<b>2</b> according to an I/F, called a printer engine I/F.

P-0074[0074] In a case where the printer engine is a shuttle printer, the printer memory controller <b>609</b> performs format transformation of the contents of the page buffer, and then outputs the transformed contents to the printer engine using the signal line <b>600</b>C-<b>2</b>. In a case where the printer engine is a laser printer, the printer memory controller <b>609</b> performs parallel-serial transformation of the contents of the page buffer, and then outputs the transformed contents to the printer engine using the signal line <b>600</b>C-<b>1</b>.

P-0075[0075] In a case where the printer engine is a shuttle printer, the signal line <b>600</b>C-<b>1</b> is used to receive signals for indicating a first position on a page from the printer engine. In a case where the printer engine is a laser printer, the signal line <b>600</b>C-<b>1</b> is used by the sub-MPU <b>606</b> to transmit a command for inquiring or instructing to the printer engine <b>2200</b> and to transmit a command for receiving a reply status from the printer engine, and status transmitting and receiving signals, and a control signal for controlling the procedure for reading the contents of the page buffer to the printer engine. It is possible to omit the sub-MPU <b>606</b> and allow the MPU <b>603</b> to perform the processing function of the sub-MPU <b>606</b>.

P-0076[0076] The above-described system is common to all the following embodiments.

P-0077[0077] A first embodiment of the processing procedure according to the invention will now be described, referring to FIG. 7.

P-0078[0078] Initially, the printer engine <b>2200</b> detects the occurrence of trouble. Examples of the troubles considered are shortage of consumable articles, such as paper, toner, and so on, a paper jam, an open door, a loss of printer power, a failure in the fixing unit, a failure in the optical system, a failure in the printing system, and so on.

P-0079[0079] The printer controller <b>2120</b> receives information on the occurrence of trouble in the printer engine <b>2200</b> and the contents thereof (process <b>701</b>). As the receiving method, there are a method in which the printer engine <b>2200</b> actively reports to the printer controller <b>2100</b> and a method in which the printer controller <b>2100</b> periodically monitors the status of the printer engine <b>2200</b>. Either of the methods may be employed, or both of them may be used together.

P-0080[0080] Then, the first computer <b>300</b> receives information on the occurrence of trouble in the printer engine <b>2200</b> and the identification of the trouble from the printer controller <b>2100</b> (process <b>702</b>). As the receiving method, there are a method in which the printer controller <b>2100</b> actively reports to the first computer <b>300</b> and a method in which the first computer <b>300</b> periodically monitors the status of the printer controller <b>2100</b>. Either of the methods may be employed, or both of them may be used together.

P-0081[0081] Then, the first computer <b>300</b> issues an inquiry to the printer controller <b>2100</b> as to a method of coping with the trouble (process <b>703</b>). The inquiry is issued using the user interface of the first computer <b>300</b> when the first computer <b>300</b> is informed of the occurrence of the trouble.

P-0082[0082] After that, the printer controller <b>2100</b> transmits the contents of the inquiry to the second computer <b>400</b> (process <b>706</b>). The action of the process <b>706</b> is called inquiry forwarding. It also may be referred to as an agent inquiry.

P-0083[0083] Next, the total printer management service processing part <b>4120</b> of the second computer <b>400</b> obtains a reply to the inquiry by retrieving and referring to the contents of the total printer management information DB part <b>4130</b> (process <b>705</b>). Then, the total printer management service processing part <b>4120</b> transmits the reply to the printer controller <b>2100</b> in the printer <b>200</b> (process <b>704</b>). The action of the process <b>704</b> is called replying It is also known as an agent reply.

P-0084[0084] Then, the printer controller <b>2100</b> forwards the received reply to the first computer <b>300</b> (process <b>707</b>). The action of the process <b>707</b> is called reply forwarding. It also may be referred to as a formal reply. The first computer <b>300</b> displays the reply on a screen using the user interface to show the reply to the inquiry to the user which has issued the inquiry.

P-0085[0085] In the above description, the user makes an inquiry as to a method of coping with the printer trouble using the first computer <b>300</b>, but another kind of inquiry can be used similarly to obtain a reply. For example, in a case of a highly functional printer having a scanner function, a FAX transmitting and receiving function, a multi-paper supplier, a multi-paper discharger, and so on, it is possible to make an inquiry on a method of using the printer and obtain a reply to the inquiry. As an example of the multi-paper discharger, inquiries can be made concerning a multi-sorter, a mail box, or the like.

P-0086[0086] According to the first embodiment, when a user wants to know about a method of coping with printer trouble or an advanced method of using a printer, the user can automatically access the data base in a service center of the printer manufacturer and obtain a reply to the inquiry on the computer simply by sending an inquiry to a printer at hand through the computer at hand usually used by the user. Therefore, a problem in the conventional technology can be solved and the usability of the printer can be improved.

P-0087[0087] A second embodiment of the processing procedure according to the invention will now be described, referring to FIG. 8.

P-0088[0088] The printer engine <b>2200</b> monitors and stores the status of consumable articles used in printing while performing printing processing. In a case where the printer mechanism is of an electrophotographic type, the consumable articles are paper, toner, the photosensitive drum, cleaner, and so on. In a case where the printer mechanism is of an ink jet type, the consumable articles are paper and ink. In a case where the printer mechanism is of the shuttle impact type, the consumable articles are paper and a ribbon.

P-0089[0089] The printer controller <b>2100</b> receives a signal indicating the status of consumable articles in the printer engine, and stores the status of consumable articles in the individual printer information DB part (process <b>801</b>). As the receiving method, there are a method in which the printer engine <b>2200</b> actively reports to the printer controller <b>2100</b> and a method in which the printer controller <b>2100</b> periodically monitors the status of the printer engine <b>2200</b>. Either of the methods may be employed, or both of them may be used together.

P-0090[0090] Then, based on the contents of the individual printer information DB part <b>2121</b> in the printer controller <b>2100</b>, the first computer <b>300</b> receives information indicating a shortage of consumable articles in the printer engine <b>2200</b> from the printer controller <b>2100</b> (process <b>802</b>). As the receiving method, there are a method in which the printer controller <b>2100</b> actively reports to the first computer <b>300</b> and a method in which the first computer <b>300</b> periodically monitors the status of the printer controller <b>2100</b>. Either of the methods may be employed, or both of them may be used together.

P-0091[0091] Then, the first computer <b>300</b> places an order for the consumable articles which are in short supply to the printer controller <b>2100</b> (process <b>803</b>). The order is placed using the user interface of the first computer <b>300</b> when the first computer <b>300</b> is informed of the shortage of the consumable articles.

P-0092[0092] Then, the printer controller <b>2100</b> forwards the order to the second computer <b>400</b> (process <b>806</b>).

P-0093[0093] Then, the total printer management service processing part <b>4120</b> in the second computer <b>400</b> performs processing to accept the order by making access to the total printer management information DB part <b>4130</b> to write the order in the total printer management information DB part <b>4130</b> (process <b>805</b>).

P-0094[0094] Then, the total printer management service processing part <b>4120</b> transmits information on the completion of acceptance of the order and the accompanying information to the printer controller <b>2100</b> in the printer <b>200</b> (process <b>804</b>). As the accompanying information, the article name, price, appointed date of delivery, and so on are described.

P-0095[0095] After that, the printer controller <b>2100</b> forwards the information on the completion of acceptance of the order and the accompanying information to the first computer <b>300</b> (process <b>807</b>). The first computer <b>300</b> displays the information on the completion of acceptance of the order and the accompanying information on a screen of a display to notify the user placing the order concerning the received information.

P-0096[0096] In the above description, the user places the order for the consumable articles to the first computer <b>300</b>, but other kinds of orders and requests can be made. For example, it is possible to make a request to replace an article which is in trouble or is almost reaching the end of its lifetime. Parts which need to be replaced are the printer controller, optical system parts, the fixing unit, and so on.

P-0097[0097] According to the second embodiment, even if the user does not understand the status of use of various kinds of consumable articles for a complex printer represented by a laser printer, the printing system automatically understands the status of use of various kinds of consumable articles and the user can place an order based on such information to the service center of the printer manufacturer. Therefore, a problem in the conventional technology can be solved and the usability of the printer can be improved. Since there is no need to dispatch a service man dedicated to the printer from the printer manufacturer to the place of the user for this purpose, it is possible for the user to reduce the cost of maintenance, and for the printer manufacturer to reduce personnel expenses.

P-0098[0098] A third embodiment of the processing procedure according to the invention will now be described, referring to FIG. 9.

P-0099[0099] The printer engine <b>2200</b> monitors and stores the operating status of printing while performing printing processing. In regard to the operating status, the period of use, the spent quantity, the remaining quantity, and the occurrence of a shortage in each of the consumable articles, the preceding exchanged time, average lifetime, period of use, number of occurrence of troubles and failures, history of occurrence of troubles and failures, and so on are monitored. These conditions relate to the contents shown in FIG. 10.

P-0100[0100] The printer controller <b>2100</b> receives information on the operating status (hereinafter, referred to simply as operating status information) of the printer engine <b>2200</b>, and stores the information in the individual printer information DB part (process <b>901</b>). The contents stored are the information <b>10</b>A, <b>10</b>B, <b>10</b>C, <b>10</b>D, <b>10</b>E of FIG. 10. As the receiving method, there are a method in which the printer engine <b>2200</b> actively reports to the printer controller <b>2100</b> and a method in which the printer controller <b>2100</b> periodically monitors the status of the printer engine <b>2200</b>. Either of the methods may be employed, or both of them may be used together.

P-0101[0101] Then, based on the contents of the individual printer information DB part <b>2121</b> in the printer controller <b>2100</b>, the second computer <b>400</b> receives the operating status information in the printer from the printer controller <b>2100</b> (process <b>902</b>). As the receiving method, there are a method in which the printer controller <b>2100</b> actively reports to the second computer <b>400</b> and a method in which the second computer <b>400</b> periodically monitors the status of the printer controller <b>2100</b>. Either of the methods may be employed, or both of them may be used together.

P-0102[0102] Then, the second computer <b>400</b> proposes replacement of a part which is in need of replacement to the printer controller <b>2100</b> (process <b>903</b>). The proposal is made using the user interface of the second computer <b>400</b>, by a person responsible for user service at the printer manufacturer who knows the replacement time of the part, using the second computer <b>400</b>.

P-0103[0103] The printer controller <b>2100</b> forwards the contents of the proposal to the first computer <b>300</b> (process <b>904</b>).

P-0104[0104] Then, the first computer <b>300</b> transmits information concerning an order for the replacement part to the printer controller <b>2100</b> in order to place an order for the part which is in its replacement time (process <b>905</b>). The order is placed at the time when the user of the first computer <b>300</b> finds the proposal information corresponding to the information of the process <b>904</b> on a screen of the first computer <b>300</b> or the like. Then, the printer controller <b>2100</b> forwards the contents of the order to the second computer <b>400</b> (process <b>906</b>).

P-0105[0105] Then, the total printer management service processing part <b>4120</b> in the second computer <b>400</b> performs processing to accept the order by making access to the total printer management information DB part <b>4130</b> to write the order in the total printer management information DB part <b>4130</b> (process <b>907</b>). Then, the total printer management service processing part <b>4120</b> transmits information on completion of acceptance of the order and the accompanying information to the printer controller <b>2100</b> in the printer <b>200</b> (process <b>908</b>). The accompanying information includes the name of the article, the price, the appointed date of delivery, and so on.

P-0106[0106] After that, the printer controller <b>2100</b> forwards the information on the completion of acceptance of the order and the accompanying information to the first computer <b>300</b> (process <b>909</b>). The first computer <b>300</b> displays the information on the completion of acceptance of the order and the accompanying information on a screen of the display using the user interface to notify the user placing the order concerning the received information.

P-0107[0107] The same result can be obtained even if the above procedure is changed as follows.

P-0108[0108] (1) Although the second computer <b>400</b> proposes the replacement of a part to the user of the first computer <b>300</b> through the printer controller <b>2100</b> in this embodiment, the second computer <b>400</b> may send the proposal for replacement of the part directly to the user of the first computer <b>300</b>.

P-0109[0109] (2) By eliminating the processes after the process <b>903</b>, the part may be replaced simply by having a service man of the printer manufacturer come to the place of the user where the printer <b>200</b> is installed to voluntarily replace the part.

P-0110[0110] According to the third embodiment, even if the user does not understand the status of use and the operating status of various kinds of parts which periodically need replacing in a complex printer represented by a laser printer, the printing system automatically understands the status of use and so an order can be placed to the service center of the printer manufacturer based on such information. Therefore, a problem in the conventional technology can be solved and the usability of the printer can be improved. Since there is no need to dispatch a service man dedicated to servicing the printer from the printer manufacturer to the place of the user, it is possible for the user to reduce the maintenance cost, and for the printer manufacture to reduce the personnel expenses.

P-0111[0111] A fourth embodiment of the processing procedure according to the invention will now be described, referring to FIG. 13 and FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5, FIG. 6, and FIG. 14.

P-0112[0112] It is assumed that the printer manufacturer has updated programs and data for the printer controller used in the printer <b>200</b>. For example, programs for the printer controller may have been updated to improve printing performance of the printer controller, and/or to add or change a printing function (color printing function, middle tone printing function, or compressed image data printing function) of the printer controller. Further, as the data for the printer controller, a solid black pattern, a line pattern, font data, and so on may have been added or changed. In such a case, the printer manufacturer registers and stores updated programs and updated data in the second computer <b>400</b> which manages all of the printers of the manufacturer (process <b>1301</b>).

P-0113[0113] Then, the second computer <b>400</b> transmits information for proposing updating of the programs and the data for the printer <b>200</b> to the printer controller <b>2100</b> (process <b>1302</b>). The information includes an explanation of the contents of the updating and a recommendation for accepting the updating, and a method of requesting the updating. Most of the programs and data for the printer <b>200</b> are programs and data for the printer controller <b>2100</b>. Although the following descriptions are limited to cases of programs and data for the printer controller, the same result can be attained in a case of programs and data for the printer engine <b>2200</b>. Then, the printer controller <b>2100</b> transmits the contents of the proposal to the first computer <b>300</b> (process <b>1303</b>).

P-0114[0114] Then, the first computer <b>300</b> transmits information concerning the request for updating to the printer controller <b>2100</b> in order to request updating of the programs and the data (process <b>1304</b>). The request is made at the time when the user of the first computer <b>300</b> finds the information concerning the proposed updating corresponding to the information of the process <b>1303</b> on a screen of the first computer <b>300</b> or the like. Then, the printer controller <b>2100</b> forwards the contents of the request to the second computer <b>400</b> (process <b>1305</b>).

P-0115[0115] Then, the total printer management service processing part <b>4120</b> in the second computer <b>400</b> performs processing for accepting the request by making access to the total printer management information DB part <b>4130</b> to write the order in the total printer management information DB part <b>4130</b> (process <b>1306</b>). Then, the total printer management service processing part <b>4120</b> reads out the requested programs and the requested data from a printer program/data part <b>4160</b> using a printer program/data management part <b>4150</b> of FIG. 14, and transmits the requested programs and the requested data to the printer controller <b>2100</b> (process <b>1307</b>). In FIG. 13, the reference character <b>1307</b>-<i>a </i>indicates the requested programs and the requested data to be transmitted.

P-0116[0116] The printer controller <b>2100</b> in the printer <b>200</b> receives and stores the programs and data (process <b>1308</b>). Then, the printer controller <b>2100</b> transmits information on completion of the updating of the programs and the data in the process <b>1308</b> and the accompanying information to the computer <b>300</b> (process <b>1309</b>). The first computer <b>300</b> displays the information on the completion of the updating of the programs and the data and the accompanying information on a screen of the display using the user interface to notify the user requesting the updating. The user of the first computer having been informed of the completion of the updating by the information on the screen of the display transmits a document to the printer <b>200</b> in order to perform printing using the updated programs and the updated data. The printer <b>200</b>, having been instructed to print, performs printing of the document using the updated programs and the updated data in the printer controller <b>2100</b> (process <b>1310</b>).

P-0117[0117] A method of storing the updated programs and the updated data in the system and a method of using the updated programs and the updated data will now be described, referring to FIG. 14, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6.

P-0118[0118] As shown in FIG. 14, the printer manufacturer stores printer programs and data for all printers which it sells in the second computer <b>400</b>. Here, programs and data for printer controllers are stored. More specifically, the programs and the data for printer controllers are stored in the printer program/data part <b>4160</b> and are managed by the printer program/data management part <b>4150</b>.

P-0119[0119] The printer program/data part <b>4160</b> is installed in the secondary memory device <b>532</b> of FIG. 5. The printer program/data management part <b>4150</b> in the second computer <b>400</b> is stored in the secondary memory device <b>532</b> as a program and is read out to the RAM memory <b>511</b> to be executed.

P-0120[0120] Referring to FIG. 6, the programs and the data for the printer controller <b>2100</b> are stored in the secondary memory device <b>605</b> in the process <b>1308</b>. Then, the programs and the data for the printer controller <b>2100</b> are read out from the secondary memory device <b>605</b> to the RAM memory <b>60</b>A at the time of initializing the printer controller <b>2100</b> and are used. The programs and the data read out to the RAM memory <b>60</b>A are placed in each of the processing part of the spool control part <b>2130</b>, the print processing part <b>2140</b>, the engine control part <b>2150</b>, the first communication part <b>2110</b>, and the individual printer management part <b>2120</b> of FIG. 2 so as to be executed.

P-0121[0121] The programs and the data read out to the RAM memory <b>511</b> are stored in the print processing part <b>2140</b> (particularly in the drawing part <b>2141</b>) to be used.

P-0122[0122] The same result can be obtained even if the above embodiment is changed as follows. Although the second computer <b>400</b> proposes the updating of the programs and the data to the user of the first computer <b>300</b> through the printer controller <b>2100</b> in the fourth embodiment, it is possible for the second computer <b>400</b> to propose the updating of the programs and the data directly to the user of the first computer <b>300</b>.

P-0123[0123] According to the fourth embodiment, there are the following effects.

P-0124[0124] (1) Updating of the programs and the data are performed through the network. Therefore, it is not necessary for the printer manufacturer to prepare media, such as floppy disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, and the like, which are necessary in the conventional system. Further, the printer manufacturer does not need to bear the transportation cost of the media, as is required in the conventional system.

P-0125[0125] (2) The proposal for updating the programs and the data can be transmitted from the printer manufacturer to the printer user by network communication without using mail or facsimile, which is different from the conventional system. Therefore, the mailing cost and facsimile cost (cost for paper and so on) can be substantially reduced.

P-0126[0126] A fifth embodiment of the processing procedure according to the invention will now be described, referring to FIG. 15 and FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 14.

P-0127[0127] It is assumed that the printer manufacturer has updated programs and data for using the printer <b>200</b> in the first computer <b>300</b>. The programs are utility programs for using the printer <b>200</b>, and examples of the utility programs are a printer logic driver for basic software and a printer logic driver for the personal computer. The printer logic driver is sometimes referred to simply as a printer driver, and corresponds to the part indicated by the reference character <b>3130</b> in FIG. 3. Other examples of the utility programs are (a) a print command converting program, (b) a spool control instruction program, and (c) a printer management reference/instruction program. The programs (a), (b), and (c) correspond to the parts respectively indicated by the reference characters <b>3140</b>, <b>3150</b>, and <b>3160</b> in FIG. 3. Examples of the data are font data, a paint-out pattern, and a line pattern which are installed in the first computer <b>300</b> and used in the printer <b>200</b>.

P-0128[0128] Thus, the printer manufacturer registers and stores updated programs and updated data for the first computer <b>300</b> in the second computer <b>400</b>, which manages all the printers of the manufacturer (process <b>1501</b>).

P-0129[0129] Then, the second computer <b>400</b> transmits information for proposing updating of the programs and the data for the first computer <b>300</b> to the printer controller <b>2100</b> (process <b>1502</b>). The information includes an explanation of the contents of the updating and a recommendation for accepting the updating, and a method of requesting the updating. Then, the printer controller <b>2100</b> transmits the contents of the proposal to the first computer <b>300</b> (process <b>1503</b>).

P-0130[0130] Then, the first computer <b>300</b> transmits information concerning the request for updating to the printer controller <b>2100</b> in order to request updating of the programs and the data for the first computer <b>300</b> (process <b>1504</b>). The request is made at the time when the user of the first computer <b>300</b> finds the information on updating corresponding to the information of the process <b>1503</b> on a screen of the first computer <b>300</b> or the like. Then, the printer controller <b>2100</b> forwards the contents of the request to the second computer <b>400</b> (process <b>1505</b>).

P-0131[0131] Then, the total printer management service processing part <b>4120</b> in the second computer <b>400</b> performs processing for accepting the request by making access to the total printer management information DB part <b>4130</b> to write the order in the total printer management information DB part <b>4130</b> (process <b>1506</b>). Then, the total printer management service processing part <b>4120</b> reads out the requested programs and the requested data from a printer program/data part <b>4160</b> using the printer program/data management part <b>4150</b> of FIG. 14, and transmits the requested programs and the requested data to the printer controller <b>2100</b> (process <b>1507</b>). In FIG. 15, the reference character <b>1507</b>-<i>a </i>indicates the requested programs and the requested data to be transmitted.

P-0132[0132] The printer controller <b>2100</b> in the printer <b>200</b> receives and stores the programs and the data, and transmits the programs and the data to the first computer <b>300</b> (process <b>1508</b>). Then, the first computer <b>300</b> receives the programs and the data for the first computer, and updates and stores the programs and the data in the secondary memory device (process <b>1509</b>).

P-0133[0133] The first computer <b>300</b> displays the information on the completion of updating of the programs and the data and the accompanying information on a screen of the display using the user interface to notify the user requesting the updating. The user of the first computer, having been informed of the completion of the updating by the information on the screen of the display, instructs the printer <b>200</b> to perform printing using the updated programs and the updated data (process <b>1510</b>).

P-0134[0134] A method of storing the updated programs and the updated data in the system and a method of using the updated programs and the updated data will now be described, referring to FIG. 14, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5.

P-0135[0135] As described previously with reference to FIG. 14, the printer manufacturer stores printer programs and data for all printers which it sells in the second computer <b>400</b>. Here, programs and data for the first computer <b>300</b> are stored. More specifically, the programs and the data for printer controllers are stored in the printer program/data part <b>4160</b> and are managed by the printer program/data management part <b>4150</b>.

P-0136[0136] The functions of the printer program/data part <b>4160</b> and the printer program/data management part <b>4150</b> in the second computer <b>400</b> are the same as in the case of the fourth embodiment. The updated programs and the updated data for the first computer are stored in the secondary memory device <b>532</b> of FIG. 5 in the process <b>1509</b>. Then, the programs and the data for the first computer <b>300</b> are read out from the secondary memory device <b>532</b> to the RAM memory <b>511</b> at the time of initializing the first computer <b>300</b> and are used. The programs and the data read out to the RAM memory <b>511</b> are placed in each of the processing part of the printer logic driver part <b>3130</b>, the spool control instruction part <b>3150</b>, and the printer management reference/instruction part <b>3160</b> of FIG. 3 to be executed. The programs and the data read out to the RAM memory <b>511</b> are stored in the first OS kernel part <b>3120</b>, the printer logic driver part <b>3130</b>, and the application program part <b>3140</b> to be used.

P-0137[0137] The same result can be obtained even if the above embodiment is changed as follows.

P-0138[0138] Although the second computer <b>400</b> proposes the updating of the programs and the data to the user of the first computer <b>300</b> through the printer controller <b>2100</b> in the fifth embodiment, it is possible for the second computer <b>400</b> to propose the updating of the programs and the data directly to the user of the first computer <b>300</b>.

P-0139[0139] According to the fifth embodiment, there are the following effects.

P-0140[0140] (1) Updating of the programs and the data is performed through the network. Therefore, it is not necessary for the printer manufacturer to prepare media, such as floppy disks, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, and the like, which are necessary in the conventional system. Further, the printer manufacturer does not need to bear the transportation cost of the media, as is required in the conventional system.

P-0141[0141] (2) The proposal for updating the programs and the data can be transmitted from the printer manufacturer to the printer user by network communication without using mail or facsimile, which is different from the conventional system. Therefore, the mailing cost and facsimile cost (cost for paper and so on) can be substantially reduced.

P-0142[0142] A sixth embodiment of the processing procedure according to the invention will now be described, referring to FIG. 16 and FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 5, and FIG. 14.

P-0143[0143] Similarly to the fifth embodiment, this embodiment is used for updating programs and data for using the printer with the first computer <b>300</b>.

P-0144[0144] However, in this embodiment, the first computer <b>300</b> receives the programs and the data directly from the second computer <b>400</b>, not through the printer <b>200</b>. The contents of the programs and the data for the first computer <b>300</b> to be updated are the same as those in the fifth embodiment.

P-0145[0145] The processing procedure in the sixth embodiment will now be described, referring to FIG. 16.

P-0146[0146] The printer manufacturer registers and stores updated programs and updated data for the first computer <b>300</b> in the second computer <b>400</b> which manages all the printers of the manufacturer (process <b>1601</b>). Then, the second computer <b>400</b> transmits information for proposing updating of the programs and the data for the first computer <b>300</b> to the first computer <b>300</b> (process <b>1602</b>). The information includes an explanation of the contents of the updating and a recommendation for acceptance of the updating, and a method of requesting the updating.

P-0147[0147] Then, the first computer <b>300</b> transmits information concerning the request for updating to the second computer <b>400</b> in order to request updating of the programs and the data for the first computer <b>300</b> (process <b>1603</b>). The request is made at the time when the user of the first computer <b>300</b> finds the information on updating corresponding to the information of the process <b>1602</b> on a screen of the first computer <b>300</b> or the like.

P-0148[0148] Then, the total printer management service processing part <b>4120</b> in the second computer <b>400</b> performs processing for acceptance of the request by making access to the total printer management information DB part <b>4130</b> to write the order in the total printer management information DB part <b>4130</b> (process <b>1604</b>).

P-0149[0149] Then, the total printer management service processing part <b>4120</b> reads out the requested programs and the requested data from a printer program/data part <b>4160</b> using the printer program/data management part <b>4150</b> of FIG. 14, and transmits the requested programs and the requested data to the first computer <b>300</b> (process <b>1605</b>).

P-0150[0150] The first computer <b>300</b> receives the programs and the data, and updates and stores the programs and the data in the secondary memory device (process <b>1606</b>). The first computer <b>300</b> displays the information concerning the completion of updating of the programs and the data and the accompanying information on a screen of the display using the user interface to notify the user requesting the updating. The user of the first computer, having been informed of the completion of the updating by the information on the screen of the display, instructs the printer <b>200</b> to perform printing using the updated programs and the updated data (process <b>1607</b>).

P-0151[0151] In FIG. 14, FIG. 2, FIG. 3, and FIG. 5, the method of storing the updated programs and the updated data in the system and the method of using the updated programs and the updated data are the same as in the fifth embodiment.

P-0152[0152] The sixth embodiment can also attain the same effects as the fifth embodiment.

P-0153[0153] According to the present invention, when a user wants to know about a method of coping with printer trouble or an advanced method of using a printer, the user can automatically make access to the data base in a service center of the printer manufacturer and obtain a reply to an inquiry concerning the computer only by making an inquiry to the printer at hand through the computer at hand usually used by the user. Therefore, a problem in the conventional technology can be solved and the usability of the printer can be improved.

P-0154[0154] Further, according to the present invention, even if the user does not understand the status of use of various kinds of consumable articles for a complex printer represented by a laser printer, the printing system automatically understands the status of use of various kinds of consumable articles and the user can place an order based on such information to the service center of the printer manufacturer. Therefore, a problem in the conventional technology can be solved and the usability of the printer can be improved. Since there is no need to dispatch a service man dedicated to servicing the printer from the printer manufacturer to the place of the user, it is possible for the user to reduce the maintenance cost, and for the printer manufacture to reduce its personnel expenses.

P-0155[0155] Furthermore, according to the present invention, even if the user does not understand the status of use and operating status of various kinds of replaceable parts for a complex printer represented by a laser printer, the printing system automatically understands the status of such parts and can place an order to the service center of the printer manufacturer based on such information. Therefore, a problem in the conventional technology can be solved and the usability of the printer can be improved. Since there is no need to dispatch a service man dedicated to servicing the printer from the printer manufacturer to the place of the user, it is possible for the user to reduce the maintenance cost, and for the printer manufacture to reduce its personnel expenses.