Patent ID: 7325235
Filing Date: 2008-01-29
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A data processing apparatus for controlling a plurality of peripheral devices using a plurality of driver programs, the data processing apparatus comprising: a memory area configured to store setting data of a peripheral device of the plurality of peripheral devices, the memory including a public area and a private area inaccessible by an application and storing unique setting data of a driver program of the plurality of driver programs; an input unit configured to input a switch designation for switching a first driver program of the plurality of driver programs to a second driver program of the plurality of driver programs; an acquisition unit configured to acquire first setting data used by the first driver program from the public area in the memory area and second setting data from the private area in the memory area when the switch designation is inputted by said input unit; a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the first driver program and the second driver program are driver programs of the same type; a first selection unit configured to select third setting data available for the second driver program from the second setting data acquired from the private area, when said determination unit determines the first driver program and the second driver program are of the same type; a second selection unit configured to deselect the third setting data, when said determination unit determines the first driver program and the second driver program are not of the same type; and a generation unit configured to generate setting information interpreted by the application program, combining the first setting data acquired from the public area and any third setting data selected by the first selection unit.