@chipmasque Thanks for your input. I think Ive managed to do what I intended.
I added an object material with a uniform color. Changed its shading to fresnel. Removed all specular components.
The file is attached for anyone who needs a starting point for structured light simulation in blender (and for myself if I get lost again:) )
ProjectPattern.zip (788 KB)
To see it in action press render (F12).