Depth Maps from Photographs

Depth Maps from Photographs
The virtual worlds in computer games provide a realistic backdrop to the action. But step too close and the effect is lost you’ll see that textures and patterns are usually displayed on flat surfaces that look dull and artificial.A simpler way to add depth to textured surfaces could change that. The new technique can reconstruct the depth of a surface simply by taking two photos of it – one with a flash and one without (check out the video). Merely analysing the resulting shading patterns can capture the surface’s 3D texture.Until now making realistic textures required the use of bulky and expensive laser scanners.