A simple algorithm for shape from shading

Martin Bichsel, Alex Pentland

Abstract: A shape-from-shading algorithm that recovers depth from a brightness image typically in fewer than ten iterations, is described. This algorithm, which is a simplification of the algorithm of J. Oliensis and P. Dupuis (1991), is based on a minimum downhill principle that guarantees continuous surfaces and stable results. The algorithm is applicable to a broad variety of objects and reflectance maps.<