Systems and methods for gathering data and information on surface characteristics of an object

A system for gathering information and data on the surface characteristics of an object, the system comprising:

• a table arranged to support the object;
• a projector suspended above the table and arranged to project a pattern of optical indicators toward the table in a field of projection;
• an optical wedge positioned proximate to the projector in the field of projection and arranged to periodically rotate about an axis of the field of projection, the optical wedge comprising:
• a first surface, generally perpendicular to the axis;
• and
• a second surface spaced apart from the first surface and positioned at an angle to the axis;
• a first camera positioned above and to one side of the table and angled toward the table and arranged to capture images of the optical indicators projected onto the object as the optical wedge rotates;
• and
• a second camera is positioned above and to opposite side of the table and angled toward the table and arranged to capture images of the optical indicators projected onto the object as the optical wedge rotates;
• wherein, the system is further arranged to gather information and data from the captured images and determine the surface characteristics of the object from said gathered information and data wherein the optical indicators are randomly distributed dots;
• wherein the optical wedge refracts the projection of the pattern of optical indicators.