Algorithmic Indigo (LaserCyano) - README

[Banner Image]

Overview

Algorithmic Indigo is an open-source system that transforms digital images into cyanotype prints using a UV laser engraver. This repository includes a Gradio web interface for interactive control of the workflow.

📖 Documentation

• System Overview
• Calibration & Workflow
• Dithering Pipeline
• Blue Noise & Spatial Deconvolution

🚀 Gradio Web Interface

The Gradio demo provides a point‑and‑click interface to generate laser maps from images.

Setup

Installation

1. Create a virtual environment:

   python -m venv venv

2. Activate it:
   • Windows: venv\Scripts\activate
   • macOS/Linux: source venv/bin/activate
3. Install dependencies:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

Running the Application

python app.py

open browser to http://localhost:7860

Interface Walkthrough

Control	Description
Input Image	Upload or drag‑drop a source image (JPG, PNG, etc.).
Kernel File	Path to the dot‑gain kernel file (e.g., avg_deconvolution_kernel_1200dpi.npy).
LUT CSV	Path to the calibrated LUT file (e.g., cyanotype_lut.csv).
Blue Noise Kernel	Path to the 128×128 blue‑noise dithering kernel file.
Source DPI	DPI of the scanned image; influences dot size calculation.
Target DPI	Desired print resolution; determines line interval (e.g., 0.065 mm).
Target Longest Edge	Physical length of the longest edge of the print (mm).
Percentile	White‑clamp percentile for contrast adjustment (e.g., 93 %).
Pre‑Adjust Strength	Strength parameter for pre‑adjustment in dithering (0‑1).
Power Levels	Comma‑separated list of power levels (e.g., 0.0,0,0,1.0) mapping grayscale to laser power.
Process Image	Compute the optimized laser map using the current settings.
Simulate Image	Run a print‑simulation preview (print_simulation_process) and display scratch/out_dithered.png.
Dither Image	Generate the final dithered bitmap (dither_image).
Output Image	Real‑time preview of the dithered result; updates as you adjust parameters.
Download Dithered Image	Download the generated scratch/out_dithered.png file.

For a comprehensive walkthrough, see the lasercyano_howto_gradio.md documentation.

Advanced Options

• Noise Level Slider – Controls the amount of blue‑noise dithering; higher values produce finer grain but may increase processing time.
• Spread Profile Dropdown – Choose preset diffusion profiles (e.g., Fine Art Paper, Coated Board) or load a custom profile.
• Live Preview Checkbox – When enabled, the interface updates the simulated output in real time as you adjust parameters.

🛠️ Hardware Requirements

• UV laser engraver (e.g., TwoTrees TTS‑55 Pro)
• Flatbed scanner (≥1200 DPI)
• Heavy watercolor paper (300 gsm+)
• Cyanotype chemicals (potassium ferricyanide + ferric ammonium citrate)

📄 License

GNU GPL v3.0 – see LICENSE for details.

---

Algorithmic Indigo – Where code meets chemistry, pixels become Prussian blue.