Abstract: An image reader apparatus for modifying a visual characteristic of a document, the apparatus comprising: a frame; a table coupled to the frame and adapted to position the document for viewing; an imager assembly having an addressable image array adapted to produce a digital image of a selected portion of the document positioned on the table, the addressable array having a programmable pixel group; a lens assembly adapted to focus the selected portion on the pixel group of the array; a processor for monitoring the relative spatial position of the document with respect to the imager assembly, the processor for coordinating the position of the pixel group within the array; a display coupled to the processor and adapted to receive the digital image communicated by the imager assembly; wherein movement of the pixel group within the array provides for movement of the selected portion over the surface of the document.