Abstract: A method for determining the three-dimensional characteristics of an object, comprising the steps of illuminating at least a surface portion of the object with radiant energy, the radiant energy being directed through a color pattern to provide a first color image, the color pattern including a plurality of substantially vertical color strips, each of the color strips having varying hue; obtaining at least one first two-dimensional image of the illuminated surface portion of the object at a first position, the illuminated surface portion including the first color image; illuminating the surface portion of the object with a second light, the second light comprising substantially white light, the second light providing a second light image; obtaining at least one second two-dimensional image of the surface portion of the object illuminated by the second light, the two-dimensional image being obtained at the first position; determining the originated hue in the color pattern at a plurality of points in the first