String Art Generator

A comprehensive C++ string art generator with Arduino automation and analysis tools.

Overview

This project generates string art from images and provides complete automation tools for physical string art creation using an Arduino-controlled machine.

Python Tools

• generate.py: Compiles the C++ code and generates Arduino instructions
• send_commands.py: Sends serial commands to the Arduino stringer
• analyze_pegs.py: Analyzes peg usage patterns and generates frequency plots

Usage

Compilation

make

C++ String Art Generator

string-art input.pgm num_pins opacity threshold skipped_neighbors num_windings scale_factor output.pgm windings.txt

Parameters:

• input.pgm - Square P5 portable graymap image (suggested: 512x512)
• num_pins - Number of pegs around the circle (suggested: 200-300)
• opacity - Line opacity factor (suggested: 0.2, lower = darker lines)
• threshold - Scoring threshold (suggested: 255)
• skipped_neighbors - Minimum distance between consecutive pegs (suggested: 20)
• num_windings - Maximum number of string segments (suggested: 10000)
• scale_factor - Output image scaling factor (suggested: 4)
• output.pgm - Output string art image file
• windings.txt - windings output file

Python Workflow

Generate String Art and Instructions

python generate.py

This script:

1. Compiles the C++ code
2. Converts input images to proper format (cropped, resized, grayscale)
3. Runs the string art generator
4. Creates Arduino instruction files

Send Commands to Arduino

python send_commands.py

Sends the generated instructions to the Arduino stringer via serial communication.

Analyze Peg Usage

python analyze_pegs.py

Generates frequency plots and statistics showing how often each peg was used.