Abstract: An improved printing system is provided having at least one host computer and a printer in which the printer acquires print job accounting information and communicates it to the host computer via NPAP messages. A host computer downloads print job data to the printer through a communications port on the printer (i.e., either a parallel port, serial port, or network port), and as the printer prints the print job that it received from the host computer, the printer temporarily stores job accounting information. At the end of the print job, the printer communicates that job accounting information back to armed host computers via a bi-directional communications port, including typical information such as: the job identifier number, job processing time, number of sheets of paper from each paper source, number of impressions from each paper source (either one-sided or two-sided impressions), the port identifier, the network user name, the name of the print job (as specified), and the printer's serial number.

Abstract: Bidirectional communications between a host computer and a printer connected to the host, either locally or by way of a network, are used to provide a user of the host with access to a substantially real-time, visual and functional replica of the operator panel of the printer. The user may view the replica to access all data available through the printer operator panel. Using a mouse or other input device, the user of the host computer can also effectively actuate any pushbuttons or other operator panel control devices depicted as part of the replica.

Abstract: An improved printing system is provided having at least one host computer and a printer in which the printer acquires print job accounting information and communicates it to the host computer via NPAP messages. A host computer downloads print job data to the printer through a communications port on the printer (i.e., either a parallel port, serial port, or network port), and as the printer prints the print job that it received from the host computer, the printer temporarily stores job accounting information. At the end of the print job, the printer communicates that job accounting information back to armed host computers via a bi-directional communications port, including typical information such as: the job identifier number, job processing time, number of sheets of paper from each paper source, number of impressions from each paper source (either one-sided or two-sided impressions), the port identifier, the network user name, the name of the print job (as specified), and the printer's serial number.

Abstract: An External Network Adapter (ENA) is provided that acts as an interface between a network and a parallel or serial port of at least one printer, in which host computers on the network may send print jobs to the External Network Adapter, and these print jobs will be communicated to the printers in a manner that the print jobs will be printed correctly. The External Network Adapter can additionally receive NPAP queries and NPAP commands from a host computer over the network, and transfer those NPAP queries or commands to each of the printers at virtually any time, including during a print job. If the ENA receives any NPAP query or NPAP command from a host computer via the network, such NPAP queries or commands are sent to the printer between print job packets.