Recording images of a three-dimensional surface by focusing on a plane of light irradiating the surface

A method for recording surface characteristics of an object, comprising:

• generating a first plane of electromagnetic energy and directing said first plane of electromagnetic energy against a surface to be recorded for irradiating said surface in a substantially first planar section defined by the intersection of said first plane of energy and said surface;
• arranging a lens plane and a film plane of a camera so that said first plane of energy, said lens plane and said film plane all intersect in a common line;
• focusing said camera on said first plane of electromagnetic energy in a region about said surface to be recorded;
• recording the surface characteristics of said object on said first planar section as viewed by said camera;
• generating a second plane of electromagnetic energy and directing said second plane against said surface for irradiating said surface in a substantially second planar section defined by the intersection of said second plane and said surface, said second planar section having a thickness substantially less than said first planar section.