On 3-D surface reconstruction using shape from shadows

Abstract

In this paper we discuss new results on the Shape From Darkness problem: using the motion of cast shadows to recover scene structure. Our approach is based on collecting a set of images from a fixed viewpoint as a known light source moves 'across the sky'. Previously published solutions to this problem have performed the reconstruction only for cross sections of the scene. In this paper, we present a reconstruction algorithm and discuss the reconstruction of an entire 3-D scene under various light source trajectories. We also consider the constraints on reconstruction. We conclude with experimental results that illustrate the convergence properties of the solution process and its robustness properties.