6: AI Image/Video Generators

6.1  Basics of AI for Image Generation Using Leonardo

In this tutorial, we will explore the basic functionalities of Leonardo.AI, an image generator. This will guide you through how to generate images, customize them, and explore different features offered by Leonardo.AI.

6.1.1  Getting Started with Leonardo.AI

1. Access AI Image Generation: Navigate to the AI image generation section on Leonardo.AI. You will see suggestions and helpful tips to get you started.
2. Understanding Alchemy and Modes: Alchemy is the 2D image pipeline in Leonardo.AI, offering high-fidelity generation and coherence. Different modes include Photorealistic Mode and Prompt Magic, which enhances your prompts.

6.1.2  Generating an Image

1. Enter a Prompt: Type in a prompt to describe the image you want to generate. For example, “An astronaut floating in space in front of Earth from above.” Choose the engine and adjust settings such as pixel count and dynamic rendering options.
2. Add Elements and Styles: Click on “Add Elements” to incorporate different styles and textures into your image. For example, you can select Baroque or Ebony and Gold styles. Confirm your selections to mix and match different styles.
3. Generate the Image: Select the number of images to generate (default is four). Adjust settings such as negative prompts to exclude specific elements. Click “Generate” to create the images. This process will consume tokens (20 tokens for four images).

6.1.3  Reviewing and Editing Generated Images

1. View Generated Images: Once the images are generated, review them. You may need to tweak prompts if some images turn out strange. Example: If one image has two globes, you might want to adjust your prompt or settings.
2. Advanced Settings: Explore advanced settings such as changing resolution, aspect ratio, and enabling features like Prompt Magic or Alchemy for smoother results.
3. Editing Images: Use the canvas feature to upload or select a previously generated image. Edit the image by drawing masks, erasing elements, or adding new prompts. For example, you can change Earth to a futuristic version or remove the Milky Way. Generate new variations based on your edits.

6.1.4  Additional Features

1. Texture Generation: AI also allows for texture generation, useful for creating detailed and textured images.
2. Community Creations: Browse through images created by other users to get inspiration and see different models and styles in action.
3. Settings and Customization: Adjust settings to enable or disable features like Easy Reply. Customize your user experience based on your preferences and needs.

Leonardo.AI offers a user-friendly platform to generate high-quality images with customizable elements and styles. By following these steps, you can create and edit images efficiently, making the most of the free tokens provided daily.

 

6.2  Image Generator  Dalle-E 2

In this section, we will explore the basic functionalities of DALL-E 2, an AI image generator by OpenAI. While DALL-E 3 is out, it’s not widely available yet, so we’ll focus on DALL-E 2, which offers 15 free image sets per month. Let’s dive into how you can generate and customize images using DALL-E 2.

6.2.1  Getting Started with DALL-E 2

1. Explore Generated Images: You can see different images that have been generated by users to get an idea of what DALL-E 2 can do.
2. Free Image Limit: DALL-E 2 allows 15 free images per month. For more, you might need to subscribe to a paid plan.

6.2.2  Generating an Image

1. Use Surprise Me: Click on “Surprise Me” to get a random prompt. For example, “an oil painting portrait of a cobra wearing medieval royal robes and an ornate crown on a dark background.” Including a style in your prompt (like oil painting, impressionistic, pixel art) is recommended to get better results.
2. Generate the Image: Click “Generate” to create images based on your prompt. DALL-E 2 will produce four different images for each prompt.
3. Review Generated Images: Review the images. You can choose the ones you like and ignore the ones that didn’t turn out well. You can download any image or report an issue if something is wrong with it.

6.2.3  Customizing and Editing Images

1. Generate Variations:

1. • If you like a particular image but want more options, click on “Generate Variations” for that image.
   • DALL-E 2 will create several variations based on the selected image.

2. Edit Images (Beta Feature):

1. • Click “Edit Image” to modify parts of the image. You can erase sections or add generation frames to extend the image.
   • When adding a new prompt, make sure to describe the entire image, not just the edited part.

3. Add Generation Frames:

1. • Extend the image by adding generation frames and giving new prompts for those sections. This allows you to expand on an image you like.

6.2.4  Tips for Better Prompts

1. Avoid Hands and Faces: DALL-E often struggles with generating realistic hands and faces. Use styles like impressionistic or pixel art to mask these flaws.
2. Give Clear Styles: Providing a clear style in your prompt (e.g., impressionistic, watercolor, pixel art) helps DALL-E generate more accurate and aesthetically pleasing images.
3. Get Prompt Ideas: Use ChatGPT to help generate prompts. Simply ask for prompt suggestions related to the image you want to create.

6.2.5  Example Prompt

Try a prompt like “a watercolor drawing of a bright city in the future with flying cars.” This prompt provides a clear style and subject, making it easier for DALL-E to generate good images.

DALL-E 2 is a powerful tool for generating creative images with AI. While it has limitations, especially with realism, using specific styles can help produce impressive results. Experiment with different prompts and styles to see what works best for you. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask. Happy creating with DALL-E 2!

 

6.3  Using AI Image Generation in the Classroom

AI image generation can be a powerful way to make lessons more interactive and engaging. AI image generation can be a fantastic tool to engage students and enhance learning across various subjects. Here are some practical ways to integrate AI-generated images into different classroom activities:

English Language Arts

1. Character Visualization: Students can use AI to visualize characters from books they are reading. This helps them see if their interpretation of the character matches the AI’s output, leading to discussions on descriptions and perceptions.
2. Creative Writing: When creating their own stories, students can use AI to generate images based on their descriptions of characters and settings. This can help them refine their descriptive skills and see how well their words translate into images.
3. Comparative Analysis: Use AI to generate different visual interpretations of the same character or scene and have students compare these to their own mental images and to each other. Discuss why there might be differences.

Mathematics

1. Word Problems: Have students create word problems based on AI-generated images. This can make math more engaging as they connect visual elements to mathematical concepts.
2. Geometry and Spatial Awareness: Generate complex images and ask students to identify different shapes, angles, and geometric properties within the picture. This can help them see real-world applications of geometry.
3. Graphing and Measurement: Use images to create problems involving measurement and graphing. For example, students can measure parts of the image or plot points on a coordinate grid based on elements in the image.

Science

1. Biology and Ecology: Students can create and visualize new species or ecosystems. They can describe how these organisms fit into their environments and discuss adaptations and ecological interactions.
2. Physics and Chemistry: Use AI to create visualizations of experiments or phenomena that might be difficult to see in a typical classroom setting. For instance, generate images of molecular structures or physics simulations.
3. Environmental Science: Have students visualize the impact of different environmental changes or conservation efforts. This can help them understand and engage with real-world issues.

History

1. Historical Re-imagining: Generate images that place historical figures or events in different genres or settings. This can help students relate to history in a new way and spark creativity.
2. Cultural Exploration: Create images of ancient civilizations, including architecture, clothing, and daily life. This can bring history lessons to life and make them more tangible.
3. Primary Source Analysis: Use AI to colorize or reimagine black-and-white historical photos. This can help students connect with historical events and figures on a more personal level.

General Classroom Activities

1. Engagement Hooks: Start lessons with interesting AI-generated images to capture students’ attention and curiosity. Use these images as prompts for discussions or writing exercises.
2. Visual Aids: Create custom visual aids for any lesson. If a specific image doesn’t exist, generate one that perfectly fits your teaching needs.
3. Project-Based Learning: Incorporate AI-generated images into student projects, allowing them to create unique and personalized content for presentations, posters, and reports.

Considerations

• Sign-Up Requirements: Some AI tools require sign-ups or accounts. Consider whether this aligns with your classroom policy, especially regarding student use of online tools.
• Ethical Use: Discuss the ethical implications of AI and its impact on creativity, originality, and intellectual property.
• Skill Development: Emphasize the development of skills like critical thinking, creativity, and technological literacy through the use of AI tools.