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Abstract

A user-directed method for operating a processor-controlled machine allows a user to operate on an object-based model data structure from which a first image has been produced in order to apply any of a number of spatially and temporally bounded changes to the first image in a second image displayed in the spatial context of the first image. The method is implemented as an enhancement to the functionality of an application program, such as a graphical object editor. The user requests the display of a viewing operation region (VOR) coextensively with a first image segment of the first image in the display area of the machine's display device. In response to the user's request signal, a viewing operation associated with the VOR operates on a copy of the object-based model data structure that produced the image to produce a second modified view of the portion of the image coextensively positioned with the VOR, displaying the second, modified view in the VOR. Since the operation on the model data structure is made to a copy of the model only, it permits the previewing of changes to an image before actually applying the changes to the model using the application. Presenting the second, modified image only in the spatial context of the first image provides contextual feedback to the user. The method may thus provide spatially defined access to information in a complex model in an intuitive and easy to use manner.

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