Abstract: A device such as a printer, includes non-volatile memory storing a communications kernel. Upon startup, a microprocessor executes the communication kernel to prompt a host to download a setup kernel to the device. The microprocessor may verify the downloading using a check sum calculation. The microprocessor may execute the setup kernel to determine the operational characteristics on the device. For example, the microprocessor may interrogate the hardware elements of the device to determine a set of hardware characteristics. The microprocessor may also interrogate the device to determine a set of user selectable setup options and may further interrogate the device or a nonresident register for ownership and access attributes for selected modules and software. The microprocessor may link a number of resident and non-resident library modules, selected based on the operational characteristics. The library modules are dynamically linkable to reconfigure the software as operational characteristics change.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a printer or reader receives a data stream from a memory, such as from an RF or photonic memory, and compares portions of the data stream to a table of data. If a portion of the data matches an entry in the table, a corresponding entry in the table causes the apparatus to be automatically configured. Alternatively, an apparatus receives a data stream to be written, such as in a bar code symbol or tag memory. The apparatus analyzes portions of the data, comparing portions of the data to a reference table. If the apparatus identifies a match, the apparatus adjusts the writing of such data. For example, the printer writes a portion of the incoming data stream to both fields in a bar code symbol and in a portion of the memory in an adjacent RF readable tag.

Abstract: The invention permits network management services, utilized by a user via a software based console, used on any network connected device, viewed as a web page via the internet. Dynamic updating of the devices available to the console is performed by a Multicast Discovery Protocol. Multicast Remote Procedure Calls permit simultaneous command processing among an authorized target group of devices. A Multicast File Transfer Protocol permits time and bandwidth efficient one to many file transfers via a data stream at a pre-specified address which many clients simultaneously monitor. Hand shaking for the transfer is rotated among the clients so that they may each recover any lost data frames. Use of client registries for storing network data allows clients to be automatically configured upon connection to the network. Virtual monitoring and control over the clients may be exercised from the console by executing remote procedure calls.