  We introduce a method and a 3D-camera for single-shot 3D shape measurement,
with unprecedented features: The 3D-camera does not rely on pattern
codification and acquires object surfaces at the theoretical limit of the
information efficiency: Up to 30% of the available camera pixels display
independent (not interpolated) 3D points. The 3D-camera is based on
triangulation with two properly positioned cameras and a projected multi-line
pattern, in combination with algorithms that solve the ambiguity problem. The
projected static line pattern enables 3D-acquisition of fast processes and the
take of 3D-motion-pictures. The depth resolution is at its physical limit,
defined by electronic noise and speckle noise. The requisite low cost
technology is simple.
