Application of computer algebra for the reconstruction of surfaces from their photometric stereo images

Abstract

The problem of reconstructing a Lambertian surface from its two photometric stereo images is discussed. Previously, the solution to this problem was only obtained for a special choice of two light source directions. In this paper, using the computer algebra system Mathematica, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the unique reconstruction of the surface from its two images is analyzed in a more general setting. Photometric images of various surfaces are simulated, and the validity of the theoretical results is demonstrated.