How might I configure CUPS, or something, so that the job details (eg -- page count, need of duplexer, special paper, etc) directs the content to a designated printer queue?

I have two HP multi-function printers. One for small jobs(HP3833) and one beast(HP8600). I can manually select "print here" for each print request. However, I'd like to have a generic queue set as default, and let CUPS or other automation send small jobs to that printer and large jobs to the beast.

I believe that there is some way to make this happen because I used to have this running on Solaris years ago. I don't remember if CUPS was part of the process back then. I don't recall doing a lot of support scripting or other development. What I remember is a queue with some bogus printer name. One used this printer, BOGUS, for all print jobs. As the gears worked, jobs would be selected from the BOGUS queue and sent to either the SMALL queue or the LARGE queue based on the estimated page count.

We played similar tricks to access special papers or features using queues for DUPLEX, LEGAL, TABLOID, or LEDGER. Some of this has been simplified because modern printers select papers automatically. However, there are still reasons why special printer features might need human intervention.

Thanks in advance,
~~~ 0;-Dan

I don't think cups has a way to estimate page count. Since the default output format from most applications is PDF you could create your own dummy printer/filter to find out the page count from the meta data to select the desired printer. Otherwise I don't know of anyway.

As stated in your OP special features like duplex or special paper can be preset with a printer instance i.e special queue via the lpoptions command

One issue requires that I have multiple queues associated with the same physical printer. Is this possible?

One issue involves "virtual printer" queues (my words). The target of a virtual printer queue might be a physical printer or it might be another virtual printer queue. Each virtual queue would accomplish some set of filters and processing before passing the job along.

{BLUSH} I know that making paper is old-school, but there are still a huge number of places where paper is required.{/BLUSH} My virtual printer queues would work as well for print-to-PDF or other print-to-file implementations.

Thanks in advance,
~~~ *<;-} Dan

You can create a dummy printer/filters.


https://en.opensuse.org/SDB:Using_Yo...rint_with_CUPS

I've also created a dummy samba printer with a bash script that filters and selects printers/options. It is used for a legacy application but can be used for anything. I have not tried it on a systemd OS as of yet.

1 members found this post helpful.