Fractal tree modeling: generation, rendering and growth animation

Plant modeling for visual purposes is a challenge, especially when user interaction is a concern. In this thesis, we propose a recursive, time-aware, fractal tree model with realistic features including statistical self-similarity, stochastic pruning and heuristic branch intersections. The main focus is on realistic branch structures. The skeletal model constructed by statistically fractal methods is fleshed out using heuristic acceleration techniques. We develop a system with near real-time feedback for fast model manipulation and viewing. The system implementation is developed on an SGI Iris Indigo XS24 workstation.