Patent US 5,689,665

A layout table describing positions and types of a plurality of windows is used to manage a graphical user interface. At the time of initialization or when the layout table is changed, windows and associated window managing modules are generated or added in accordance with the contents of the layout table. The window managing module processes a user input event in accordance with its type and position, and displays appropriate information in the windows in accordance with the user's instructions. The user can describe the contents of the layout table in an external file or can specify layout information using a menu provided by the system when running the system. In this manner, the user can set the positions and types of windows as desired and improved ease of use can thus be enjoyed.