Embodiments related to the enhancement of contrast in an image pattern in a structured light depth sensor are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides, in a structured light depth sensor system comprising a structured light depth sensor, a method comprising projecting a light pattern onto an object, detecting via an image sensor an image of the light pattern as reflected from the object, increasing a contrast of the light pattern relative to ambient light present in the image of the light pattern as reflected from the object to form a contrast-enhanced image of the light pattern as reflected from the object, and based upon a motion of the object as detected via the contrast-enhanced image of the light pattern, controlling an application that is providing output to a display.