Spatially self-similar patterned illumination for depth imaging

A device for projecting patterned radiation, comprising:

• a pattern-generating element configured to produce a radiation pattern, wherein the radiation pattern includes:
• a plurality of spatial symbols, wherein each spatial symbol from the plurality of spatial symbols comprises a radiation distribution such that at least one characteristic of the radiation distribution varies spatially and wherein the plurality of spatial symbols are configured such that:
• each respective spatial symbol from the plurality of spatial symbols is distinguishable from the other spatial symbols from the plurality of spatial symbols;
• and
• each respective spatial symbol from the plurality of spatial symbols is related to a master spatial symbol through a transformation operation.