These images are what happens when you combine a a random polygon generator with a “facial recognition algorithm”.
Which means the generator keeps generating until the recognition algorithm detects a face. Then it keeps running while it tries to automatically improve it. To…mixed results.
In short: it’s a million virtual chimps drawing a million virtual polygons until one of them somehow churns out a face, with no prompting or intervention from a human being whatsoever.
It’s equal parts soothing and terrifying to see.
The program, called pareidolia, is named for the phenomenon Pareidolia, which is “a psychological phenomenon involving a vague and random stimulus (often an image or sound) being perceived as significant”.
pareidoloop [Site,via prosthetic knowledge, thanks Bill!]
I want that program! To be able to generate random faces out of random shapes in gray scale will be great for parties!
Oops I pooped a little bit
Now just wait until someone claims to see a dead relative. Then it will be how this isn't random but influenced by ghosts and other paranormal means.
Or wait until someone sees the face of Jesus...
Pareidolia looks like a more sophisticated version of Thunderf00t's efforts, though they had different goals.
Thunderf00t's effort.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyjufVuQZ48
Looks like it's based on or inspired by this:
http://rogeralsing.com/2008/12/07/genetic-programming-evolution-of-mona-lisa/
The standalone program is enteraining to play with.