SUMMARYMost of the recent 3D image measurement methods have employed certain pattern projection techniques because of their higher reliabilities. Especially, the intensitymodulated technique can detect more stripe addresses by a single projection and therefore is very much expected for its practical use in the near future. The traditional techniques of this type, however, have encountered several serious problems where 3D measurements are difficult in sensitivity, speed and accuracy or fatally impossible for unknown objects. In order to solve these problems, we propose an automatic control technique of angle and space frequency of projection pattern. Furthermore, for security of measurement accuracy and measurement speed, projection pattern intensity control technique and optimal intensity-modulation projection technique are adopted in the proposal measurement system. By using the proposed technique the automatic 3D measurement intended for the geostationary objects and the swaying objects were realized in experimental results.