Generation of surface contours by moiré patterns.

For a number of years, observations have been made of contour-like patterns created by the moiré interference of a grid with its shadow cast onto a surface. The conditions under which these patterns correspond to planar contours are derived, and systems to generate these contours are suggested. It is shown that moiré contour patterns provide a useful and flexible means of contouring surfaces. Experimental results are presented.