Method and Apparatus for Determining Optimal Image Viewing Direction

A computer-implemented method of processing 2D images of an asymmetrical object, includes: a) generating a 3D surface reconstruction of the object from 2D images of the object obtained from different perspectives; b) generating data specifying a point of interest in at least one 2D image used to generate the 3D surface reconstruction; c) generating data specifying an area of interest in the object, wherein the specified point of interest lies within the specified area of interest; d) identifying a plane containing view directions with reduced foreshortening for the specified area of interest; e) determining a 3D point corresponding to the specified point of interest on the 3D reconstruction of the object; and f) generating data representing at least one particular view direction corresponding to the 3D point and contained with the identified plane. A corresponding apparatus and computer program are also disclosed.