Ask question to a printer

rolandino · 03-20-2007, 04:21 AM

Hello,

i'd like to know how is it possible to
ask some questions to a printer (hp) using a script.
I can use command like "smbclient" or else...
I'd like to ask to the printer, the level of toner (for example)
But i i don't know where to find to command accepted for the printer...

thanks if you have a begining of solution

aus9 · 03-20-2007, 07:01 AM

do not have such a beast but a google shows this tool may be of interest?
http://hplip.sourceforge.net/tech_docs/overview.html

there are others but this looks nice?

You do not mention your distro.....it may already have a print tool for your perusal?

pixellany · 03-20-2007, 07:15 AM

If it is not built in to the driver, then you would need to get the interface spec and write some SW to send the right commands.

For example, there is the escputil and mtink for Epson inkjets--these utilities check the ink level and provide for head cleaning and checking.

A lot of Laser printers tell you about toner with a light on the printer---or of course, the quality of the printout.