Abstract: A design system for designing, dynamically changing and displaying design drawings. The invention allows a user to select a solid object from a display as the current, active object. The user then selects a first, parent face by selecting any point on a face of the solid object. Next, the user is prompted to select another point on a line of another face parallel to the first face. This operation defines the first offset face which is a variable distance from the first parent face. Subsequently, the user selects a point on a line to define a second parent face of the solid object. Then, the user selects a point on a line parallel to the second parent face. This defines the offset face and a corresponding distance between the two faces which is a fixed value. Finally, the user is prompted to enter a new distance between the first parent face and the first offset face.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for designing and displaying three dimensional solid representations from a two dimensional drawing. The invention prompts the user to select a two-dimensional view as a profile for extrusion. This is accomplished by selecting all the elements from a geometry to include in the extrusion. Thereafter, the user is prompted to select a front and back cutting face for the extrusion. The system thereafter transforms the selected two dimensional elements into three dimensional geometries.