scopal affairsAsymmetric Attractor
A Clifford map, iterated millions of times and gathered as a density of light. Three starting shapes, an adjustable equation and a poster in print resolution.
The scene iterates a Clifford map with an added phase offset: x′ = sin(a·y + p) + c·cos(a·x + 0.7·p) and y′ = sin(b·x − 0.7·p) + d·cos(b·y − p). Many orbits run through this map on the graphics card, and their points gather as a density, shown with logarithmic exposure and a restrained glow. If the browser lacks the graphics features needed, a simple renderer takes over.
Three starting shapes are on offer: Fold, Eddy and Wing. Exposure, pause and a slow drift of the parameters can be operated; the four coefficients and the phase offset can be set freely. Some values give periodic orbits or a fixed point.
Under “Save a poster” the page renders the current shape at print resolution as a PNG: A4, A3 or A2 at 300 dpi, portrait or landscape, with the equation and values at the foot if wanted. The picture is made in the browser; nothing is uploaded.
The Clifford map and further families of attractors are documented in the HoloViz examples.