Robust Estimation of Light Directions and Albedo Map of an Object of Known Shape

Abstract

This paper describes a method to determine the direction of a light source and the distribution of diffuse reflectance from two images under different lighting conditions. While most inverse-rendering methods require 3 or more images, we investigate the use of only two images. Using the relationships between albedo and light direction at 6 or more points, we firstly show that it is possible to simultaneously estimate both of these if the shape of the target object is given. Then we extend our method to handle a specular object and shadow effect by applying a robust estimation method. Thorough experimentation shows that our method is feasible and stable not only for well controlled indoor scenes, but also for an outdoor environment illuminated by sunlight.