Method and apparatus for interactively generating electronic image creation tools

A method of generating an image electronically, the method comprising the steps of:

• interactively generating a three-dimensional profile for an electronic image creation tool which has been created by a method comprising the steps of:
• displaying an initial form of the three dimensional profile which, in cross-section, defines a boundary in the form of a circle or ellipse;
• positioning an indicator at a desired position relative to the displayed profile;
• determining a distance of said indicator position form a datum position and a direction of said indicator position relative to said datum direction;
• comparing a current distance of said indicator from said datum position with an initial distance of said indicator and,
• a) if said current distance is greater than said initial distance, generating a resultant elliptical profile having a major axis extending in a direction of the current indicator position relative to said datum direction and with a dimension increased by a factor defined as said current distance divided by said initial distance while a minor axis dimension is unchanged;
• and
• b) if said current distance is less than said initial distance, creating a resultant elliptical profile whose minor axis is parallel with a direction of the current indicator position relative to said datum direction and whose dimension is reduced by a factor defined as said current distance divided by said initial distance while a major axis dimension is unchanged;
• storing the generated profile;
• and using the generated profile as the electronic image creation tool for generating an image electronically.