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→To Select A Group
You have the choice of allowing the computer to generate a starting pattern or of designing your own initial pattern. (The patterns on this selection screen are examples of some patterns you may want to try when designing your own patterns.) Let's press '''1''' and see some of the patterns you can select from the computer's list. The screen you see lists five types of patterns. We'll briefly explain each of these.
: '''1. Oscillators''' - When you press '''1''' for "oscillators," you see a screen with four different designs on it. Each design is an oscillator. Oscillators change (in place) and return to the initial design over two or more generations. See if you can tell how many generations it takes for each object to return to its starting pattern. (Press '''ENTER''' when you are ready to return to the "Color Life" selection list.)
:'''2. Shuttle''' - Press '''2''' to see the "shuttle." In this pattern the center design moves back and forth between two side blocks. The blocks remain static and do not move. Blocks and certain other objects are "still lifes," remaining the same from generation to generation. (Press '''ENTER''' when you are ready to return to the "Color Life" selection list.)
:'''3. Aircraft''' - When you press '''3''' you see a screen with two examples of "aircraft" designs. The small design at the top is called a "glider." It travels across the screen on a diagonal path. The larger design is known as a "heavy spaceship" and moves horizontally across the screen. These patterns travel across the screen several times before they intersect and break into new patterns. (Press '''ENTER''' to return to the "Color Life" selection list.)
:'''4. R-Pentomino''' - Press '''4''' for the design called "R-Pentomino." This interesting formation grows at random for hundreds of generations without forming a repeating pattern. See if you can trace its development! (Press '''ENTER''' to return to the "Color Life" selection list.)
:'''5. Seedling''' - Press 5 for the "seedling" design. This pattern evolves over twenty-six generations into an oscillator pattern that oscillates every three generations. (Press '''ENTER''' to return to the "Color Life" selection list.)
