An improved system for managing user inputs and z-order in a graphic user interface
(GUI) environment is disclosed. A GUI element may include a plurality of keys corresponding
to keys on a typical keyboard, and may serve as a replacement for the keyboard.
The system permits an application having an input focus to retain the input focus
while inputs are received in the GUI element, and even transient user interface
elements (e.g., menus) will remain displayed in those applications after the user
inputs are entered. Input pen and mouse events may first be forwarded to the input
area application, which may remove the events from the normal circulation, preventing
other applications from learning of the events, and then post those events to the
input panel application separately.
