Abstract: Apparatus for mapping an object includes an illumination assembly, which includes a single transparency containing a fixed pattern of spots. A light source transilluminates the single transparency with optical radiation so as to project the pattern onto the object. An image capture assembly captures an image of the pattern that is projected onto the object using the single transparency. A processor processes the image captured by the image capture assembly so as to reconstruct a three-dimensional (3D) map of the object.

Abstract: Methods and systems for interfacing a computer system are provided, which include capturing three-dimensional image maps over time of at least a part of a control element such as the body of a human subject, generating a three-dimensional representation of scene elements by driving a three-dimensional display with a second sequence of three-dimensional maps of scene elements. The two sequences of maps are correlated to detect a direction and speed of movement of the part of the body with respect to the scene elements. A relationship of the direction and speed of movement to at least one of the scene elements is established. A computer application is controlled according to the relationship that is established.

Abstract: A method for three-dimensional mapping of an object, including projecting with a projector a set of fringes on the object and capturing an image of the object in a camera. The method further includes processing the captured image so as to detect a Moiré pattern associated with the object and so as to extract depth information from the Moiré pattern, and configuring the projector and the camera so that a locally unambiguous characteristic of the Moiré pattern is related to a depth of the object.

Abstract: Apparatus for projecting a pattern includes a first diffractive optical element (DOE) configured to diffract an input beam so as to generate a first diffraction pattern on a first region of a surface, the first diffraction pattern including a zero order beam. A second DOE is configured to diffract the zero order beam so as to generate a second diffraction pattern on a second region of the surface such that the first and the second regions together at least partially cover the surface.

Abstract: A user interface method includes defining an interaction surface containing an interaction region in space. A sequence of depth maps is captured over time of at least a part of a body of a human subject. The depth maps are processed in order to detect a direction and speed of movement of the part of the body as the part of the body passes through the interaction surface. A computer application is controlled responsively to the detected direction and speed.

Abstract: A method for mapping includes projecting a primary speckle pattern from an illumination assembly into a target region. A plurality of reference images of the primary speckle pattern are captured at different, respective distances from the illumination assembly in the target region. A test image of the primary speckle pattern that is projected onto a surface of an object in the target region is captured and compared to the reference images so as to identify a reference image in which the primary speckle pattern most closely matches the primary speckle pattern in the test image. The location of the object is estimated based on a distance of the identified reference image from the illumination assembly.