A method and system for processing signed data objects in a data processing
system is presented. A signed data object utility allows a user to view
and edit the contents of data objects embedded within a signed data object
via a graphical user interface. Graphical objects represent the data
objects embedded within a signed data object. A user may drag and drop
objects onto other objects within the signed data object, and the signed
data object utility automatically performs the necessary signing
operations. Logical associations between data objects contained within the
signed data object are determined, and the logical associations are
displayed using visual indicators between graphical objects representing
the associated data objects. As data objects are added or deleted, the
visual indicators are updated to reflect any updates to the logical
associations. The user may direct other operations on the signed data
object through the graphical user interface.
