An algorithm for the global solution of the shape-from-shading model

Abstract

A numerical scheme to solve the Dirichlet type problem for the first order Hamilton-Jacobi equation related to the shape-from-shading model is proposed. The algorithm computes the maximal solution of the problem provided a compatibility condition on the discretization steps is satisfied. This global formulation allows to include in the model the informations brought by the shadows in a rather natural way avoiding cumbersome boundary conditions on the interfaces between light and shadows and the use of additional informations on the surface.