Instrument having a virtual magnifying glass for displaying magnified portions of a signal waveform

摘要

An electronic instrument which has a virtual magnifying symbol capable of magnifying a portion of the instrument's signal waveform in a single window of the instrument display. The user is able to position the virtual magnifying symbol with knobs, buttons, or, more preferably, with a pointer, such as a mouse, digital pen, or touch screen. The virtual magnifying symbol can be employed at all times during display of the signal waveform. In the preferred embodiment, the virtual magnifying symbol is a magnifying glass. The user centers the desired portion of the signal waveform within the virtual lens of the magnifying glass, then magnifies the desired portion. Thus the instrument with the virtual magnifying glass of the present invention provides an innovative solution for simultaneously magnifying a portion of the instrument's signal waveform within the context of the entire signal waveform. Viewing, within the context of the entire signal waveform, a portion of that waveform allows the user to operate the instrument more efficiently and accurately.