Patent ID: 7808666
Filing Date: 2010-10-05
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A data processing device for processing a print request from an application using a plug-in module for extending a function of a printer driver, the data processing device comprising: a communication unit adapted to receive a notification of a setting value used for a printing process via an extension API from the application, the extension API being defined between the application and the printer driver, the application being able to control the plug-in module using the extension API; a determination unit adapted to determine whether the setting value notified from the application is related to the function extended by the plug-in module; and a discrimination unit adapted to discriminate, if the determination unit determines that the setting value is related to the function extended by the plug-in module, a conflict between the setting value and a setting value inputted to the printer driver by executing a conflict manager program to evaluate a conflict rule obtained from the printer driver and a conflict rule obtained from the plug-in module, wherein the communication unit notifies the application of response information relating to the reason for the conflict by calling the extension API, wherein the reason for the conflict is originated from parameters for the conflict rules evaluated by the conflict manager program and wherein the reason includes another setting value as information indicating how to avoid the conflict so that the setting value determined to be related to the extended function can be used.