Computer-Generated Sand Mixtures and Sand-based Images

Abstract

Purpose – This paper aims to verify the effectiveness of the software implementation of the proposed algorithm in creating computer-generated images of sand mixtures using a photograph of sand as an input and its effectiveness in converting digital pictures into sand-based images out of the mixtures it generated.

Method – Visually compare the photographed image of the actual mixtures to its computer-generated counterpart to verify if the mixture generation produces results as expected and compare the computer-generated sand-based images with its source to verify image reproduction maintains same image content.

Results – The mixture comparison shows that the actual and the computer-generated ones have similar overall shade and color. Still, the generated one has a rougher texture and higher contrast due to the method of inheriting visual features by pixel, not by individual sand particles. The comparison of the sand-based image and its source has demonstrated the software's ability to maintain the essence of its contents during conversion while replacing its texture with the visual properties of the generated sand mixture.

Conclusion – The software implementation of the proposed algorithm can effectively use the images of sand to generate images of its mixtures and use those mixture images to convert a digital picture into a computer-generated sand-based image.

Recommendations – Explore the possibility of revising the method of inheriting visual features of sands by individual sand particles in generating images of sand mixtures instead of inheriting by pixel to improve the accuracy of the image generation.

Research Implications – Automating the sand ratio generation eliminates some of the manual processes involved in creating sand-based artworks, increasing their production efficiency.