Systems and methods are provided to record at least a first and a second image of a marking on a surface of an object with a mobile computing device including a processor, a display and a camera with a lens. The lens and the display are located at the same side of the body of the computing device. The first image is taken with a first part of the display illuminating the object and the second image is taken with a second part of the display illuminating the object illuminating the object from different directions. Different illumination directions provide different shadow effects related to ridges and grooves on the surface. Processing the images which are substantially registered allows extraction of markings created by ridges and or grooves on the surface of the object. Computer tablets and smart phones perform the steps of the present invention.