Abstract: This invention is directed to an optical mark sensing device known as a mark read scanner for reading marks on a form. This scanner is a stand-alone device that has an internal micro-controller with the controlling software therein. An external personal computer is not required to operate the scanner in its intended manner. "Graphic switches" are printed on the form to define the characteristics of a form to be scanned. The expense of replacing the internal program of a scanner when a user requests a variation of a test form that had not been pre-programmed into the original specifications of the scanner is eliminated.