Abstract: Device and method for detecting the contour or shape of one or more articles by projecting multiple light beams on a different portions of an atricle, and measuring the level of light reflected from the article. The amount of light reflected indicates the distance of the light emitter/detector from the article. Readings from multiple light emitter/detector pairs provide an indication of the contour of the object. The readings may be processed to provide an indication of the number and size of articles passing by the sensors. The device may be placed over a conveyor carrying objects to be counted and/or sized.