Projecting Mathematical Curves with Laser Light: A Tribute to Ptolemy
Merrill Lessley and Paul Beale

Bridges Leeuwarden: Mathematics, Music, Art, Architecture, Culture
Pages 483–484

Abstract

This paper describes the math and technology required to project a variety of mathematical curves with a computerized laser light control system. The focus is upon creating “large-scale” animated laser projections of roulette or spirograph shapes, such as those found in the epitrochoid, hypotrochoid, epicycloid, and hypocycloid families. The projection process described utilizes a geometric approach that was first presented by the Greek or Egyptian mathematician and astronomer Ptolemy, that of “epicycles.” Examples of these laser images can be viewed at http://spot.colorado.edu/~lessley/.

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