{
  "id": 15418192,
  "title": "Making Hybrid Images (2014)",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/18/making-hybrid-images-2014",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-18T03:13:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Lobsters",
    "slug": "lobsters",
    "url": "https://www.jeremykun.com/2014/09/29/hybrid-images/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2006, Aude Oliva, Antonio Torralba, and Philippe G. Schyns introduced the concept of a \"hybrid image,\" which merges the ideas of Leonardo da Vinci and Salvador Dali. Hybrid images are those that appear different depending on the viewing distance. When viewed up close, they present a slightly strange, almost smiling woman; however, when you step back a few meters, the woman appears genuinely happy. This phenomenon closely resembles the enigmatic smile of Mona Lisa, as well as the dual images found in Dali's \"Gala Contemplating the Mediterranean Sea.\" These modern-day versions of Mona Lisa can be considered \"Mona Lisas of Science.\"\n\nThe key to creating such hybrid images lies in Fourier analysis, a mathematical technique that allows for the decomposition of complex functions into simpler pieces. This method has found numerous applications across various scientific and engineering disciplines, such as telecommunications, satellite imaging, and digital signal processing. The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), an efficient algorithm to perform the Fourier transform, has revolutionized the world, finding applications in smartphones, satellite technology, and more.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}