System and method for descriptor-based discovery of network document processing devices

摘要

The subject application is directed to a network document processing device discovery system and method. Multicast address data and local identification data are first stored in an associated storage. A probe message is then received from an associated processing device via an associated network. The probe message corresponds to stored multicast address data. Probe identification data associated with the probe message is then tested with the local identification data. Device data, representing a capability of a document processing device, is then selectively communicated to the processing device according to an output of the testing.