Abstract The present invention allows for field changes of the function of a print driver based on the application requesting print driver services. First, a utility is activated. Using the utility, the application is selected and a flag is set that indicates the problem function. The flag and information about the associated application are stored in a data structure. Finally, the data structure is stored in a storage device. When the application requests services of the printer driver, all the data structures are scanned looking for an entry for the requesting application. If an entry is found, then the function flag is used to direct a change in the function of the printer driver. If an entry is not found, then a permanent list is searched for an entry of the application. Again, if an entry is found in the permanent list it is used to direct a change in the function of the printer driver.
A method for changing a function of a printer driver, said method comprising the steps of: activating a utility; selecting an application through said utility; indicating said function by setting a function flag; associating said function flag with said application in a data structure; storing said data structure in a storage means; detecting when said application requests services of said printer driver; reading said data structure from said storage means first searching said data structure for said function flag associated with said application; if said step of first searching finds said function flag associated with said application, then retrieving said function flag; using said function flag to direct a change in said function of said printer driver; if said step of first searching fails to find said function flag associated with said application, then second searching a hardcoded list for an entry associated with said application; and if said step of second searching finds said entry, then allowing said entry to direct a change in said function of said printer driver.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
171 words
A method for changing a function of a printer driver, said method comprising the steps of: activating a utility; selecting an application through said utility; indicating said function by setting a function flag; associating said function flag with said application in a data structure; storing said data structure in a storage means; detecting when said application requests services of said printer driver; reading said data structure from said storage means first searching said data structure for said function flag associated with said application; if said step of first searching finds said function flag associated with said application, then retrieving said function flag; using said function flag to direct a change in said function of said printer driver; if said step of first searching fails to find said function flag associated with said application, then second searching a hardcoded list for an entry associated with said application; and if said step of second searching finds said entry, then allowing said entry to direct a change in said function of said printer driver.