Abstract: In an information processing system including workstations and printers interconnected by a network, current collective status information of a set of print jobs of a user is displayed permanently in icon form on the screen of the workstation of the user. The status is presented as one of three possible states: (1) active: there is still at least one print job of the set not ready; (2) passive: all the jobs of the set are ready, or the set is empty; or (3) error: a job of the set has caused an error in the printer. The set can include all the print jobs of a user, or a selection thereof. In response to a double mouse click on an icon, extensive information concerning the print jobs of the set to which the icon relates is displayed. As an alternative to permanent presentation in icon form, presentation can also be in the form of messages on the screen at the user's workstation when the status of the set changes.

Abstract: In a networked printing environment having at least a number of workstations of users, a management unit maintains logic storage spaces in a memory, each allocated to a respective user. Digital data files sent from a user's workstation for printing contain an identification of the relevant user and are either of a first type or of a second type. The first type is formed by files which must be printed automatically, and the second type is formed by files which must be stored in the logic storage space of the user in the memory and may be printed only on a command from the operator control unit, which command identifies the relevant file. When handling a print job, the management unit checks, whether the job can be performed completely. If this appears not to be the case, the management unit converts the file into a file of the second type and, if necessary, creates a logic storage space for the relevant user and stores the file in the logic storage space of the relevant user.

Abstract: In an information-processing system having workstations and at least one printer interconnected by a digital network, the current state of the printer or printers is presented on the screen of a workstation in the form of an icon. The printers are of a type which can carry out printing processes in an autonomous mode, in which a print job sent from a workstation is executed directly, and in a command-controlled mode in which a reproduction process, including a copying process, must be started from an operator control panel on the printer. When the printer is “occupied” in the autonomous mode, a different icon is displayed from that displayed when the printer is “occupied” in the command-controlled mode.

Abstract: A combined digital reproduction apparatus suitable for making prints in response to actuation of keys on an operating panel (e.g. copies of documents scanned with a scanner) and making prints on its own initiative (prints in accordance with a digital print file received from a network). In this apparatus, a user present at the apparatus for a print order is given priority. The control process of the apparatus for this purpose executes any print orders arriving via the network only if it does not detect any signs indicative of the fact that a user is preparing or executing a reproduction process at the apparatus. Such signs may, for example, be in the form of actuation of a key on the operating panel or the actual execution of a copying order. If the control process detects such signs, it does not start the print orders received via the network. If the control process does not detect such signs, it announces the print order first for a predetermined time period, e.g.