The Deep Dream Generator is a popular AI-based image manipulation tool originally developed by Google engineer Alexander Mordvintsev. It is best known for creating psychedelic, dream-like, and abstract art, though it has evolved to include more standard AI generation features like style transfer and text-to-image creation.

Here are the detailed aspects of the platform:

1. Core Features & Modes

The platform currently offers three main tools for creating images:

• Text 2 Dream (Text-to-Image): This is the modern standard for AI art. You type a text prompt (e.g., “A cyberpunk city in the rain”), and the AI generates a completely new image based on your description. It uses models similar to Stable Diffusion.

   

• Deep Style (Neural Style Transfer): This tool takes two images: a base image (your photo) and a style image (e.g., “The Starry Night” by Van Gogh). The AI repaints your base photo to look like it was painted in the style of the second image.

   

• Deep Dream (Original Mode): This works by over-processing an image to find patterns that aren’t actually there (a phenomenon called pareidolia). It often results in images filled with eyes, faces, and animals, creating a trippy, hallucinogenic effect.

   

2. The “Energy” System & Pricing

Deep Dream Generator does not use a standard credit system but rather an “Energy” system. Every image you generate consumes Energy points.

• Free Account: You get a set amount of energy when you sign up. However, the free tier is limited; once you run out, you must wait for a recharge or purchase a plan.

   

• Subscription Plans: Paid plans offer more energy and faster recharging rates.

   

  • Advanced: ~$19/month (120 Energy pts, recharges at 12 pts/hour)

     

  • Professional: ~$39/month (250 Energy pts, recharges at 18 pts/hour)

     

  • Ultra: ~$99/month (750 Energy pts, recharges at 60 pts/hour)

     

• Energy Consumption: A standard image might cost ~5 points. High-resolution or complex images (like “Quad HD”) cost significantly more energy.

   

3. Community & Social Features

Unlike some other AI tools that are purely utilities, Deep Dream Generator is built like a social network:

• Feed: There is a global feed where users publish their creations.

   

• Profiles: You have a user profile where you can showcase your art.

• Interaction: You can “Like” and “Follow” other artists.

   

• Trending: The “Trending” section showcases the most popular AI art of the day/week, which is a good place to find inspiration for prompts.

   

4. How It Works (The Tech)

• Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs): The original Deep Dream algorithm uses a CNN trained to recognize images (like dogs or buildings).

   

• Inceptionism: Instead of identifying the object, the software is told to “enhance” whatever it sees. If a cloud looks slightly like a dog, the AI makes it look more like a dog. This loop repeats until the cloud looks like a surreal dog-cloud hybrid.

5. Pros and Cons