Systems for performing machine vision using diffuse structured light comprising: a linear diffuser having an axis of diffusion; a light source that projects an illumination pattern through the linear diffuser and onto a scene, wherein the illumination pattern has transiationai symmetry in a. direction of translation that is aligned with the axis of diffusion; and an image sensor that detects tight reflecting from the scene and that outputs signals corresponding to the detected light. Methods for performing machine vision using diffuse structured light comprising: projecting an illumination pattern from a light source through a linear diffuser and onto a scene, wherein the linear diffuser has an axis of diffusion and the illumination pattern has transiationai symmetry in a direction of translation that is aligned with the axis of diffusion; and detecting light reflecting from, the scene using an image sensor that outputs signals corresponding to the detected light.