User interface technique for producing a second image in the spatial

Abstract

A technique for producing a second image for display in the context of an original image uses a model data structure, in contrast to an image-based data structure, and a model-based operation, called a viewing operation, in contrast to an image-based operation, to produce the second image. The second image is displayed in the spatial context of the original image, as that context is defined by a viewing operation region, or VOR, at the same time as the original image is being displayed, giving the perception to a machine user of providing information related to the original image in the spatial context of the original image. The VOR functions as a type of 'visual filter', binding the second view of the original image to the display area defined by the VOR. In one illustrated embodiment, the method operates within the environment of a rendering application executing in a graphical user interface environment. A machine user moves the VOR over a portion of a rendered image, and in response to the user's movement action, a viewing operation associated with the VOR invokes the renderer that produced the original rendered image to produce a second modified view of the original image using a new value for a global parameter in the scene description. The second image is then clipped to the size and shape of the VOR, and is then presented in the VOR, showing the second modified view.