L-Systems: Patterns with Grammar

Purpose To use L-Systems for generating complex images, and for learning about how the grammar of allowed combinations of movements affects the image generated

Materials Some version of L-system software, paper and pencil

Background

Procedure

Sample of the inverse problem. Samples of the forward problem can be found in the Background section.

Conclusion L-Systems are an efficient way to encode complicated images. Unlike the version of IFS we have studied, with L-Systems different replacements can be made in different parts of the picture. L-Systems can be extended to three dimensions, and have been used to make realisitc forgeries of plants. They provide a good laboratory for learning about recursive processes, and pattern recognition.

Exercises