Computer human interface with multiapplication display

A human interface in a data processing system, said interface comprising:

• display means for displaying a window;
• means for representing information in at least two device-independent pictures;
• means permitting a portion of said information of a first one of said pictures to be accessed by at least first and second independent applications and for permitting a portion of said information of a second one of said pictures to be accessed by at least third and fourth independent applications, wherein each of said portions comprises a plurality of picture elements which are uniquely linked with said respective applications, said picture elements of said first and second applications being intermingled, and said picture elements of said third and fourth applications being intermingled;
• a picture manager process for controlling independently the picture elements linked with each of said respective applications;
• and
• means for displaying said portions of information of each of said pictures in said window of said display means such that information representing said first and second applications is displayed in an intermingled manner and information representing said third and fourth applications is displayed in the intermingled manner.