Tool
Shape-from-Shading online tool
Open-source, browser-based tool that turns photos of an inscribed surface taken under 2 or 4 lighting directions into a height map and normal map.
The tool uses cloud technology to store, process and share the results of the team’s 3D reconstruction algorithm. You upload pictures of a flat inscribed object, such as an epigraphic squeeze, paper embossment, seal, inscription or cast of a coin, taken from the same perspective under 2 or 4 different lighting conditions. The tool then produces a height map and a normal map of the surface.
A variety of sample projects is provided to help you get familiar with its features and options.
The software is open source. The source code can be reached from inside the application via About > For Developers > Source Code.
The method behind the tool is described in A novel framework for 3D reconstruction and analysis of ancient inscriptions (Machine Vision and Applications, 2010).