Abstract: A method of implementing a universal print driver in the Windows® V4 print architecture is provided. The method includes monitoring an event log to detect one or more trigger events relating to a printer instance of a connected printing device; upon detection of a trigger event, scheduled poll interval expiration, and/or an on-demand request, comparing a print driver currently associated with the printer instance to an actual model of the connected printing device and determining whether the print driver needs to be switched from an old printing device model to the connected printing device model. If the print driver needs to be switched, then mapping data is used to automatically look up a name of a printing device model entry corresponding to the connected printing device model in an INF file, among other things.

Abstract: Methods and systems for permitting a rendering device, such as a printer, to be automatically configured at the time of device driver installation, regardless of the means utilized to install the driver are disclosed. In general, a device driver (e.g., a printer driver) is associated with the rendering device. The device driver includes a driver default configuration. The driver default configuration can be initially set in the rendering device via an embedded network server (e.g., an embedded web server) in the rendering device. The driver installer can then query the driver default configuration as set on the rendering device. The driver can then be automatically adjusted prior to the installation of the driver, in response to querying the driver default configuration by the driver installer. The rendering device can be implemented as a printer, a scanner, a multi-function device, a photocopy machine, and the like.

Abstract: A device, such as a printer, can be connected to one or more computer systems along multiple communication media. In response to a message from one of the computer systems, the device generates a report. The report is generated in a manner that is independent of the communication medium over which the message is transported. The report is packaged for transport, and then transmitted along the appropriate communication medium back to the computer system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for permitting a rendering device, such as a printer, to be automatically configured at the time of device driver installation, regardless of the means utilized to install the driver are disclosed. In general, a device driver (e.g., a printer driver) is associated with the rendering device. The device driver includes a driver default configuration. The driver default configuration can be initially set in the rendering device via an embedded network server (e.g., an embedded web server) in the rendering device. The driver installer can then query the driver default configuration as set on the rendering device. The driver can then be automatically adjusted prior to the installation of the driver, in response to querying the driver default configuration by the driver installer. The rendering device can be implemented as a printer, a scanner, a multi-function device, a photocopy machine, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and systems for configuring and installing a rendering device in communication with a computer network that includes one or more clients and one or more servers are disclosed. In general, a driver associated with a rendering device can be installed and configured based on driver data and associated information maintained with a central repository within the computer network. Such a methodology requires minimum user intervention. A user can select a rendering device for installation, which triggers automatic installation of the rendering device based on the best-possible rendering device installation mechanisms available. The appropriate driver and installation settings can then be downloaded and selected. The administrator controls which rendering device installation mechanisms are allowed on the computer network and which are not.

Abstract: A system for scanning including a scan capable device and a controller for broadcasting a scan related message in response to a user input and for identifying for the user scan destinations that responded to the scan related message.