1. A method for 3-dimentional image acquisition, using structured light illumination, of a surface-of-interest under observation by at least one camera, the method comprising the steps of: (a) illuminating the surface-of-interest, while static, with structured light to obtain initial depth map data therefor; (b) while projecting a hold pattern comprised of a plurality of snake-stripes at the static surface-of-interest, assigning an identity to and an initial lock position of each said plurality of snake-stripes; and (c) while projecting said hold pattern, tracking, from frame-to-frame each of said plurality of snake-stripes, to acquire the 3-dimentional image.