Orthogonal magnifier within a computer system display

摘要

One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that selectively magnifies a region within a computer display without obscuring proximate regions in the computer display. The system operates by receiving positioning information from a user of a computer system, wherein the positioning information determines a position of a magnifier within the computer display. Next, the system positions the magnifier over the target region and over proximate regions in the computer display. The system then displays the target region within the magnifier in magnified form, and displays the proximate regions within the magnifier in reduced and/or partially magnified form, so that features within the proximate regions are visible within the magnifier and are not obscured by the magnifier. The system also displays regions within the computer display not covered by the magnifier in unmodified form.