Abstract: A driver of the invention adapts to scan peripherals using information in capability descriptor provided by scan peripherals or a capability descriptor selected based upon scan peripheral model information. A driver of the invention automatically determines a scan peripheral's capabilities using information from the capability descriptor, and uses the information to configure itself from a set of driver modules. A user interface and scan job are then run through options enabled by the appropriate set of driver modules as determined by the capability descriptor. A preferred embodiment server of the invention embodies such an adaptive driver that queries a scan peripheral when it is first connected to the server. If an appropriate capability descriptor is obtained in response to the query, the capability descriptor is stored for use during a scan job.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a dirt separation system that has a dirt cup retaining a filter assembly having a screen element, an exit, and a filter element disposed between the screen element and the exit. A nozzle disposed in the dirt cup directs an airstream generally parallel to the surface of the screen element so that particles in the airstream are primarily separated by the screen element and, as the airstream ultimately travels towards the exit in the dirt cup, are secondarily separated by the filter element.

Abstract: A multifunction peripheral server discovery method with reduced network traffic is disclosed. Peripheral servers on a network advertise their basic function, such as print, and clients seeking peripherals with an additional function, such as scan, retrieve ID strings of peripherals having the basic function to determine if the additional function is available. The method also permits a user of a client on the network to enter addresses of peripherals not discovered when the client searches for peripherals having the additional function. The method also permits selection of a network protocol to be used by the client. An additional preferred step in the method is a determination of whether discovered peripherals having the additional function are compatible with a software application run by the client.

Abstract: A method of preventing multiple client access by datagram-based control protocols on a network having a scan peripheral and a server. The server utilizes a connectionless protocol for communicating control data and a connection oriented protocol for communicating scan data. A first client sends an open connection request to the server in an attempt to open a connection with the server. The server checks to determine if a connection with another client is currently open. Thereafter, the server rejects the open connection request in the event a connection is currently open. The server accepts the connection request and storing predetermined client information in the event a connection with another client is not currently open. The client sends a datagram-based protocol request for a predetermined action to the server. Next, the server determines if the predetermined action is a protected action and whether the request is from the client that has the currently open connection.

Abstract: A network peripheral server is adapted to enable a plurality of clients in a network to access a plurality of functions supported by a multifunction peripheral connected to the network. The server includes a network interface for communicating with the clients on the network according to a predetermined network protocol, a peripheral interface for communicating with the multifunction peripheral via a plurality of peripheral channels corresponding to the plurality of functions supported by the multifunction peripheral, and a gateway communicatively connected between the network interface and the peripheral interface for transferring data between the network interface and the peripheral interface.

Abstract: A method for repeating a previous scan operation in a network having a server connected to at least one scanner and at least one client includes saving the scan parameters of the previous scan operation received by the server from the client when a request to perform the previous scan operation is received from the client. The scan parameters of the previous scan operation is displayed when the client queries the server for scan parameters for a present scan operation, and the present scan operation is initiated using the scan parameters of the previous scan operation.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating an event message from a server connected to at least one peripheral device and at least one client via a network between a peripheral device and at least one client operably connected via a network. The method includes the server sending a message to any available peripheral device, responding to an event message from at least one peripheral device, responding to an acknowledgment message from at least one client, and responding to an expired timeout.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating an event message between at least one client operatively connected to a peripheral device, the peripheral device being adapted to execute an event when selected by a user or a client. The method includes maintaining a table of event descriptors in the peripheral device, selectively adding entries to the table in response to receiving a preselected add event descriptor request from a connected client, selectively deleting entries from the table in response to receiving a preselected delete event descriptor request from a connected client, and the user selecting an entry from said table of event descriptors for executing the selected event.

Abstract: A method and system for assigning logical port identification for multiple peripheral devices that may be connected to a peripheral server in a network environment is disclosed. The assigned logical port identification enables client computers to utilize client software to communicate with and control operation of the peripheral devices, even though the peripheral devices may be connected to the server with different types of physical interfaces, such as parallel port interfaces or by a Universal Serial Bus interface. The invention permits peripheral devices to be added and removed without producing peripheral device malfunctions and other problems that often occurred in the prior art.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decompressing and communicating a predetermined amount of data in a client-server environment in which the server relays communications between a client web browser and at least one shared peripheral device. Compressed data from the peripheral device is decompressed on-the-fly, and is packaged and transmitted to the client web browser. Appropriate logic is provided to ensure that the web browser receives an expected amount of decompressed data regardless of the amount of compressed data provided by the peripheral device. Moreover, logic is provided to reduce the amount of resources required in decompressing the data.

Abstract: A network multifunction peripheral server permits simultaneous processing of print and scan jobs from one or more networked clients. The server of the invention connects to a network through a network interface unit, preferably capable of communication via a plurality of predetermined network protocols. It includes one or more ports for connection to a multifunction peripheral through a communication link. Separate print and scan data flows are established for each port by the server. The server also establishes separate logical channels to the port through a protocol which allows multiple logical channels per communication link. Print and scan jobs are handled simultaneously for a single multifunction peripheral through separate print and scan data channels logically established by the server.

Abstract: An input/output device is connected to peripheral equipment. The input/output device includes a plurality of network transport modules. Each network transport module implements a different network protocol. The input/output device includes a communication mechanism for communication with the peripheral equipment. The input/output device also includes a gateway module, which interacts with each of the network transport modules and with the communication mechanism. For each endpoint within an application programming interface (API) module within the peripheral equipment, a corresponding endpoint is implemented within the gateway module. A control channel between the gateway module and the API module is used to transport control messages between the gateway module and the API module.

Abstract: An interactive networked client-server scan method launched and actively managed through a web browser interface on a client. A server of the method responds to a universal resource locator address identifying the server with a general purpose format software program that creates an interface in the client web browser and enables the client to interact with the server in initiating, altering and monitoring scan jobs and related data. The server preferably provides peripheral status information to the web browser, and enables the client to initiate preview scans while providing progress updates concerning such scans to the client. Parameter selection and alteration is also a preferred functionality enabled for selection and alteration in the client interface through the general purpose software program provided by the server. The server translates and formats data for the client, and also preferably performs an on-the-fly gamma correction of color data to data prior to transmitting it to the client.

Abstract: A method for preventing a hung state of a peripheral, the peripheral being connected by a protocol channel through a server to a network, and the network having a client. For certain types of peripherals, e.g. scanner control language peripherals, the present invention sends a reset sequence to the peripheral and then checks for a data flow between the client and the peripheral during a check data time period. Additionally, the invention sends an unlock sequence to the peripheral after the check for data time period expires. Thereafter, the present invention waits for an insurance time period to expire and then closes the protocol channel between the client and the peripheral. The present invention also waits for a response from the peripheral.

Abstract: A network peripheral support method including a client with a general purpose software capability and a server connected to the peripheral. The server of the present invention waits for a client to attempt to open a connection with the peripheral. The client sends a peripheral connection request via a data packet to the server, and the server accepts the connection. The server determines an availability of the peripheral and locks the peripheral so that it cannot be used by other clients. Thereafter, the server opens a connection with the peripheral, if it is available, and notifies the client of the peripheral availability. The server then waits for predetermined data from the client, which when received, results in the client having control of the peripheral for at least a first predetermined time period, and when received sends the data to the client. The server closes the connection with the client upon completion of sending the data to the client.