Method for context-preserving magnification of digital image regions

摘要

A method for digital image magnification in a graphical user interface is disclosed. In contrast with prior methods which magnify a selected region of an original image without preserving its context, the present method provides a method for magnification that allows simultaneous viewing of the magnified image and its unmagnified context. In a preferred embodiment, the method provides a floating window [122] superimposed on an original image. Displayed within the floating window is a magnified image of a selected region of the original image. The floating window is centrally positioned over the selected region. In one aspect of the invention, the floating window is partially transparent so that portions of the original image within the floating window [124] are displayed in a faint manner in comparison to portions of the original image outside the floating window [126]. As the selected region is moved, typically by a user-controlled pointing device, the floating window [122] also moves.