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 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: 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.