Abstract: A phase shifting imaging module in a handheld imager is provided. The phase shifting imaging module includes a first beam splitter configured to split an image radiation beam into first and second image radiation beams. It also includes a first prism configured to align the first and second image radiation beams, and a second beam splitter configured to split the first and second image radiation beams into four image radiation beams. A second prism aligns the four image radiation beams. A phase mask introduces phase retardation between the four image radiation beams, resulting in four phase shifted image radiation beams. A pixilated sensor generates image data based upon each of the four phase shifted image radiation beams.

Abstract: A projector (20) projects a structured light pattern (46) along a first optical axis (44) onto a surface (80). A viewer (50) attached to the projector (20) receives a reflection of the structured light pattern (46) from the surface (80) along a second optical axis (54), and digitizes a two-dimensional snapshot. The optical axes (44, 54) are non-parallel, and they meet within a common field of view of the projector (20) and the viewer (50). A computer (61) interfaced to the viewer (50) receives the digitized snapshot, and analyzes it to mathematically model the surface for display and inspection. The projector and attached viewer are designed as a hand-held unit with a hand grip (66) and a trigger button (68) to trigger a snapshot. A guide tip (70) on the unit extends beside the two optical axes (44, 54) to the common field of view to position the hand-held unit.