1. A method for determining the shape of an object having a specular surface comprising the steps of: (a) projecting sequentially toward the object the light from each of a plurality of point light sources which are arranged in a fixed configuration about a common site at which the object is placed for inspection; (b) viewing the object at the common site to detect light patterns caused by the reflections of light of each point light source from the object surface; (c) interpreting the light patterns to determine the surface orientation of points on the object surface; and (d) reconstructing the object surface profile using the surface orientations of points on the object.