Generating placated random shapes for an area estimation study

Random but visually nice shapes are often needed for cognitive experiments and processes. This study describes a heuristic for generating random but nice shapes. We call them placated shapes. These shapes are produced by applying the Gaussian blur to randomly generated polygons. Subsequently, the threshold is set to transform pixels to black and white from different shades of gray. This transformation produces placated shapes for easier estimation of areas. Randomly generated placated shapes are used for testing the accuracy of cognitive processes by pairwise comparisons. They can also be used in many other areas such as computer games or software testing. Such shapes could also be used for camouflaging heavy army equipment.