Abstract: A system for the optical detection of objects includes a first source for generating light, microwaves, or ultrasound of a first wavelength. An object is illuminated by the light, the microwaves, or the ultrasound, wherein the illumination is distorted by the object. The system further includes at least one color light source for the generation of color light of a second wavelength, wherein the same object is illuminated by the color light of the color light source. The first wavelength is different from the second wavelength. Further, a sensor is provided for the detection of the object illuminated by the first source, and a second sensor is provided for the detection of the color light generated by the color light source, which is reflected by the object.

Abstract: A method for characterizing an object using distance measurement includes: determining elevation profiles using distance measurement, and evaluating the determined elevation profiles for a characterization of the object, the characterization includes a position and/or at least one object-specific parameter of the object.