Back to Algorithms Overview

Photometric Stereo

Advanced 3D surface reconstruction using controlled lighting to reveal the physical topology of paint layers, brushstrokes, and surface textures invisible to conventional photography.

12+
Light Positions
3D
Surface Maps
μm
Precision
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Multi-Light Capture

Surface normals reconstructed from directional lighting variations

3D Reconstruction Process

How I capture and compute surface topology from lighting variations

1

Multi-Light Capture

Sequential photography under 12+ controlled light positions from different angles.

2

Normal Calculation

Surface normals computed from intensity variations across lighting conditions.

3

Surface Integration

3D height maps reconstructed from gradient fields using advanced integration methods.

4

Analysis & Visualization

Interactive 3D models with material property analysis and measurement tools.

3D Surface Analysis

Topology Mapping

  • Brushstroke height and direction analysis
  • Paint layer thickness measurement
  • Canvas texture characterization
  • Crack pattern documentation

Material Properties

  • Surface roughness quantification
  • Reflectance property mapping
  • Varnish layer identification
  • Paint medium differentiation

Research Applications

Conservation Science

  • Artist technique identification
  • Condition monitoring over time
  • Restoration planning and guidance
  • Preventive conservation strategies

Attribution & Authentication

  • Brushwork pattern analysis
  • Forgery detection methods
  • Historical paint technique study
  • Workshop practice identification

Technical Specifications

Precision and accuracy metrics for my photometric stereo system

Capture Setup

Light Sources12+ positions
Angular Coverage360° azimuth
Elevation Range15°-75°
Color Temperature5600K CRI>95

Surface Resolution

Height Precision< 10 μm
Lateral Resolution25 μm/pixel
Dynamic Range5 mm depth
Surface AreaUp to 2m²

Data Output

Normal Maps32-bit float
Height Maps16-bit depth
Mesh FormatPLY, OBJ, STL
VisualizationWebGL, Unity

Interactive 3D Visualization

My advanced visualization tools allow researchers and art enthusiasts to explore surface topology in real-time, revealing artistic techniques and material properties.

Real-time Lighting

Adjust virtual light positions to enhance surface features

Measurement Tools

Precise height, distance, and angle measurements

Cross-Section Analysis

Profile views of brushstrokes and surface features

False Color Rendering

Height-coded visualizations for enhanced analysis

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Quantitative Analysis

Statistical analysis of surface features and artistic techniques

Measurement Capabilities

  • • Brushstroke width and height profiles
  • • Paint thickness distribution maps
  • • Surface roughness quantification
  • • Impasto volume calculations