Three-dimensional (3D) shape measurement based on spatial pattern projection (coded structured light projection) technique has been used in practical applications. However, multiple pattern projection is required for the measurement, and so application to a swaying human body part is difficult. A new technique for measuring the 3D topography of swaying human body parts or a human face using optimal intensity- modulation projection (OIMP) technique is presented. Since the proposed technique can correctly detect the stripe order of the projected pattern through a single pattern projection and double image capture, swaying human body parts or a human face can be measured with an accuracy of approximately 0.5 mm.