Fractal generation of textures and backgrounds

Abstract

This paper presents algorithms for the digital generation of naturally occurring textures and background images based on several frontal methodologies. These jackal techniques consist of a set of equations, usually quite simple in calculation but made very powerful through recursive calls. Depending on the methodology, this recursion either results in an accumulation of individual calls or repetitious input of previous iteration output until a sufficient resolution is obtained. The resulting data produces two dimensional textures by mapping colors or intensities within the range of information calculated or three dimensional geometry by evaluating the same information as elevations or displacements. To visualize the versatility of these techniques, a graphical user interface has been designed which provides control over the various parameters as well as displaying and saving of the results which include, but are not limited to, general surface textures, planetary surfaces, clouds and landscape.