Abstract: An automatic apparatus is employed to recognize certain features on a printed circuit board and display that information on a screen so that an operator can create machine instructions for operations at those specific locations. Initially a printed circuit mask is placed on an X-Y table. A scanner automatically passes over the mask and searches for holes or other specific features. An interface system is employed to interface the scanner with a conventional computer. Several operations are employed to positively identify and locate a hole by size. Hole data is then checked to throw out duplicate information. Once the hole sizes are identified the information may be placed on a CRT screen. A machine operator then uses a stylus or other means to place machine instructions into memory at the location of the displayed features. The device may also be used to provide instructions to a routing machine or to compare a drilled printed circuit board with a previously scanned master negative.