Camera-based texture extraction in Augmented Reality (AR) systems is enhanced by manipulating projected patterns. One or more fine line patterns are projected onto a textured surface, a Moiré interference pattern measured, and different properties of the projected pattern(s) adjusted until the Moiré interference pattern measurements indicate that a similar texture pattern to that of the three dimensional target is being projected. Thereby, the target texture may be more closely matched even as sub-pixel resolutions, variable lighting conditions, and/or complicated geometries.