This project will develop a standard protocol for the control of printers. This protocol will be independent of the underlying datastream or page description language used to create the printed page. This protocol will be usable by all classes of printers. This project is limited to management and control of printers and will not include management or control of printing systems or subsystems.
Purpose
There is currently no defined, independent standard for controlling printers. Each vendor builds some control into the underlying page description language or datastream. Without an independent, openly defined protocol, applications and operating systems cannot automatically determine the type of printer being addressed. This protocol will provide a minimun implementation subset which will allow automatic identification and configuration of printers and vendor extensibility to provide for growth and product differentiation.
Abstract
New IEEE Standard - Active.A protocol and methodology for software developers, computer vendors, and printer manufacturers to facilitate the orderly exchange of information between printers and host computers are defined in this standard. A minimum set of functions that permit meaningful data exchange is provided. Thus a foundation is established upon which compatible applications, computers, and printers can be developed, without compromising an individual organization's desire for design innovation.