Abstract: A method for optically scanning a subject having a three-dimensional surface contour includes illuminating the subject with a matrix of discrete two-dimensional image objects such as a grid of dots. Respective object illumination images of the illuminated subject are captured from different known image perspectives. The respective object illumination images are processed to obtain a set of three-dimensional coordinates of at least a portion of the surface contour, including correlating positions of common discrete image objects in the respective illumination images, using data regarding the image perspectives. The machine vision system includes camera apparatus disposed at different camera perspectives relative to a subject, and one or more light projectors for projecting a grid-like structured light projection onto the subject. The machine vision system captures a sequence of images including a light object projector image and an ambient light reference image from each camera perspective.