Hewlett-Packard Company

Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.p.

David A Martz

Brian E Hoffmann

Charles J Gazdik

James M Sangroniz

Loay Abu-Husein

Kelli Kinkela

Joseph E Halpern

Walter J Scheiderich, Iii

A computer peripheral device learning apparatus includes a host computer, a communication path, and a computer peripheral device. The host computer includes a peripheral device driver configured to generate an output job. The computer peripheral device communicates with the host computer via the communication path. The computer peripheral device is configured to generate an output job in a first output job format. Furthermore, the computer peripheral device is operative to receive instructions from an external source on how to generate an output job in a second output job format. A method is also provided.

Apparatus and method for enhancing learning ability and behavior for a computer peripheral device

A method for installing and uninstalling software which fragments the process so that the installation or uninstallation of each component of a software suite is controlled by multiple independent files, rather than by a single script. Each software component has associated therewith a unique component-specific data file which is independent of and external to the installer-processing engine, the suite installation process flow, and the other software components. Each such data file contains the characteristics of the software component, as well as the commands to be executed for installation and unexecuted during uninstallation. The flow of the installation/uninstallation process is controlled by a separate process-control file which is read and executed by the install/uninstall processing engine, which for a preferred embodiment of the invention, is a state machine. Fragmentation of the installation process in this manner isolates the intelligence required to install and uninstall a specific software component, thereby separating installation flow information from component installation information. As a component data file may reside at any accessible location, component data files that were not in existence at the time the original software distribution package was created can be supplied with new or updated software components via the Internet so that those components can be integrated into an existing software suite at installation run time.

Software installation process using abstract data and program files

This invention includes a method for more efficiently installing a subset of software components and data files contained in a component pool in a distributed processing network such as the Internet. An installation package delivered to a requesting end user is custom configured at a remote server location prior to delivery to a client system operated by the user, in response to the user's inputs. The delivered installation package contains only the programs, data, and local installation tools required for the user's unique installation requirements. The user initiates the installation process by connecting to the remote server system via a telecommunications link within a distributed processing network, such as the Internet. Engaging in a dialog with the server which provides informational links to server-side databases, the user chooses all software components and options that he desires his software package to have. Such a package may be, for example, a subset of a software suite. After selection of all options, a single package is manufactured on the server. A single download then occurs of a single file. This is no bigger or smaller than what is absolutely required by the components and options selected. Upon receipt of the downloaded file, the user executes the file to unpack the installation directory. An auto-start feature can also be included which immediately launches the installation of the selected applications and options.

Method for more efficiently installing software components from a remote server source

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Boise, ID, United States of America

David A Martz