System and method for controlling printing in a multi-terminal single-printer environment

Abstract

Abstract A system and method is disclosed for controlling the printing of images displayed on multiple computer display terminals onto a single remote printer. The system, which can be described as a distributive video acquisition/control system, includes individual data conversion modules (video adaptors) proximately coupled to individual display terminals, a data re-conversion/multiplexer module located within or proximately coupled to the printer, and a fiber optic cable for serially linking the conversion and re-conversion modules. Each data conversion module includes an A/D (analog to digital) converter which converts parallel RGB (red, green, blue) analog video data (received from a terminal) to parallel RGB digital data, and an encoder which converts the parallel RGB digital data to coded serial digital data light pulses) for transmission over the fiber optic cable to the data reconversion module. Upon receipt of the serial data from the multiple conversion modules, the data reconversion module multiplexes and converts the serial data to parallel digital form, and stores the data in a frame buffer of the printer. The video acquisition/control system also includes a user interface or print control unit (module) which enables a user to easily calibrate the system and to enter print control information and receive, at his worksite, information about the status of the remote printer.

Inventors

• 👤 Guenther W. Wimmer

Bibliographic Details