Photometric stereo for archeological inscriptions

A challenge with photometric stereo is the estimation of the light source position and of the radiant intensity at each pixel, which varies from pixel to pixel due to source anisotropy and changing distance from the source to the surface point. Hence, the technique has mostly been used in controlled laboratory settings. Recently [Malzbender et al. 2001; Rushmeier and Bernardini 1999] have showed new applications for photometric data. We have constructed a low-cost device suitable for use in the field, that allows photometric data to be captured quickly using only a digital camera with a remotely mounted flash. This enables us to easily reconstruct geometry and reflectance properties.