Spherical surface parameterization for perspective shape from shading

We propose a new mathematical formulation for perspective shape from shading (PSFS) problems. Our approach is based on representing the unknown surface as a spherical surface, expressed by Euclidean distance to the optical centre, as opposed to the traditional representation by distance from the image plane. We show that our parameterization is better suited for perspective camera models and results in simpler models and equations for classical PSFS problems with a light source in the optical centre. The unknown distance field satisfies a simple isotropic Eikonal equation on the unit sphere in the case of a Lambertian surface reflection model. This is in contrast to previous methods with depth field parameterization, which result in anisotropic equations. Adding light attenuation to the model, we show that the distance field satisfies an Eikonal type of equation with a zero order term. We show how both Eikonal equations can be approximated by very efficient Fast Marching methods. A number of numerical tests and examples are provided to demonstrate our approach, and to compare with previous work. Our results indicate competitive accuracy and computational time that are several orders of magnitude faster than state-of-the-art iterative algorithms. A preliminary investigation indicates that our method could be used in more general PSFS problems.

► We propose a new parameterization for perspective shape-from-shading (PSFS) problems.
► We demonstrate that this leads to simpler PDEs for some classical PSFS problems.
► The resulting PDEs can be solved accurately and efficiently by Fast Marching methods.
► Our approach can be applied for more advanced PSFS problems.