Speed up of shape from shading using graduated non-convexity

Abstract

This paper will focus on a proposal to speed up Shape From Shading (SFS) approaches based on energy minimization. To this end, Graduated Non Convexity (GNC) algorithm has been adopted to minimize this strongly non convex energy. Achieved results are very promising and involve aspects both theoretical and practical. In fact, both a generalization of the original formulation of GNC and an effective discrete shape recovery characterize our approach. Finally, a drastic reduction of the computational time is reached in comparison with the other currently available approaches. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2003.