Communications interface for computer output printer

In a computer output printer, a host computer interface comprising:

• a plurality of input/output ports for simultaneously receiving print messages from a plurality of host computers, the number of input ports being a variable determined by placing interface cards in an input port rack;
• means for sensing the number of input ports and controlling a configuration display based upon the number sensed
• printer configuration means for configuring the printer differently for each of said input/output ports to emulate a plurality of other manufacturer's printers;
• and
• buffer means associated with each port for receiving and storing print messages from a plurality of ports while print messages from another port are being printed.

In a computer output printer, a host computer interface comprising:

• a plurality of input/output ports for simultaneously receiving print messages from a plurality of host computers;
• printer configuration means for configuring the printer differently for each of said input/output ports to emulate a plurality of other manufacturer's printers;
• buffer means associated with each port for receiving and storing print messages from a plurality of ports while print messages from another port are being printed;
• and
• an operator control panel having a display for displaying configuration parameters and operator input means for specifying port specific configuration parameters, said port specific parameters including printer emulation mode and baud rate, timeout and separator pages.

In a computer output printer, a host computer interface comprising:

• a plurality of input/output ports for simultaneously receiving print messages from a plurality of host computers;
• printer configuration means for configuring the printer differently for each of said input/output ports to emulate a plurality of other manufacturer's printers;
• buffer means associated with each port for receiving and storing print messages from a plurality of ports while print messages from another port are being printed;
• and
• POSTSCRIPT translator means for translating a generic document description to a printer specific description.

In a computer output printer, a host computer interface comprising:

• a plurality of input/output ports for simultaneously receiving print messages from a plurality of host computers;
• printer configuration means for configuring the printer differently for each of said input/output ports to emulate a plurality of other manufacturer's printers;
• buffer means associated with each port for receiving and storing print messages from a plurality of ports while print messages from another port are being printed;
• and
• port configuration means for configuring the input ports by command sequences from the host computer.

In a computer output printer, a host computer interface comprising:

• a plurality of input/output ports for simultaneously receiving print messages from a plurality of host computers, one of said ports comprising a network communication port;
• printer configuration means for configuring the printer differently for each of said input/output ports to emulate a plurality of other manufacturer's printers;
• and
• buffer means associated with each port for receiving and storing print messages from a plurality of ports while print messages from another port are being printed.