Method and apparatus for maintaining data integrity when displaying multiple dialog windows

摘要

In a data processing apparatus having a windowing user interface a user may manipulate data using dialog boxes. If the user requests the creation of more than one dialog box then the system checks to see if a dialog box for the active logically defined division within the application has already been raised and whether the request for the second dialog box would if granted allow the user to interfere with data integrity. If the system determines that data integrity could be jeopardized by creating the second dialog box then the request is refused. The freedom of action of the user is only restricted to the extent needed to protect data integrity. The system links dialog boxes and other items within a given logically defined division of an application together in a chain structure and allows a user to switch focus between them using cursor keys thereby clearly visually indicating the relationship between them.