(1) Use the mouse to click and drag the red data points within the dotted gray box, and observe the changes in the conic section in real time.
(2) This function requires the symbolic math toolbox and is tested using Matlab version 7.1 (R14) service pack 3.
(3) This function illustrates some techniques in GUI manipulation, computation of a conic-sections using the general determinant expression, and the "ezplot" function. Nevertheless, the code is developmental and hasn't been polished or heavily commented.
(4) "ezplot" is a really handy function, but it was not designed for speed. Using it repeatedly for animation slows things down enough for older machines to exhibit some lag in the animation.
(5) Parabolas require exact point placement. It is highly unlikely that you will get a parabola after the initial startup.
(6) Tested but no warranty; use at your own risk.
(7) Michael Kleder, November 2006