Abstract: A method for updating microcode of a printer includes the steps of embedding a microcode update file as a module in a print job file, inputting the print job file to the printer, recognizing that the print job file includes the microcode update file, and writing the microcode update file to a memory area in the printer indicated in the print job file. The microcode update file may include an executable program and after writing the microcode update file to memory execution may be transferred to the executable program.

Abstract: A printer configuration update system and method provide automatic updates of a printer configuration to a communicating device which may be a network interface card and/or a protocol converter. A configuration listing with a predetermined format is transmitted to the communicating device at the time of power-up of the printer and after any configuration changes. The configuration listing may be passed as a variable-length structure consisting of ordered fields containing codes recognizable by the communicating device. The new configuration may be a new printer coming on-line or may be a modification to an existing printer occurring during operation of the printer. Newly developed printers may thus be connected to the communicating device without having to reprogram the new printer configuration into the printer or the communicating device, and current printer configuration data may be transmitted to a protocol converter during operation for accurate data stream conversion.