An automatic scanning apparatus and method for detecting the presence of one or more objects in an image field under investigation or inspection. Electro-optical scanning means, such as a television camera, is employed to scan an image field and generate output electrical signals which vary in accordance with variations in the optical characteristics of the matter and objects in the image field scanned. Such signals are computer processed and analyzed to generate coded electrical signals which define optical characteristics of portion of the image field scanned, such as objects or the images of objects scanned, their shape, color of a combination of color and shape. Electronic means is provided to generate further coded electrical signals which indicate the presence of one or more objects in the image field scanned and may be used to effect intelligent indications thereof, to control one or more devices such as a motor or motors, and/or to provide information for computational purposes to be processed and utilized by a computer. In one form, that shape of an object or objects is detected and coded signals generated are employed to effect a comparison of such shape with information relating to the shapes of known objects to identify the object or objects scanned. In another form, the color or surface characteristics of an object is detected and resulting signals indicative thereof are compared with informatin derived from a memory to identify either the object or its color or surface characteristics. In a third form both shape and color are detected and compared with recorded information for identification purposes.