1. Field of the Invention
This invention generally relates to the use of a network device/appliance to store its own newest driver, or other desired device driver desired by a user and to assist other computers or devices to update their drivers for using the device/appliance. This invention is further related to configuring a service center or resource administration station to download the newest or desired driver to the network device/appliance remotely.
2. Discussion of the Background
The cross-referenced applications and patents listed above show various methods to communicate with networked devices and appliances. In particular, a service center can establish communication via either direct communication (e.g., a connectionless (UDP) socket or connection-based (TCP) socket using an information protocol (e.g., an HTTP or FTP), or indirect communication (e.g., a store-and-forward system such as electronic mail (e-mail))).
Business office appliances such as copiers, facsimiles, multi-function image processors, printers and image storage systems have been connected to networks recently. However, in order to use the business office appliances, the device drivers of the appliances need to be installed at client computers. As newer drivers become available, it is necessary to update the driver of each client computer to take full advantage of the functions added by the newer driver.