Patent ID: 7391539
Filing Date: 2008-06-24
Classification: H04N

Abstract:
1. An image reader which reads image information and produces image data representing the image information, comprising: (a) an image reading means for reading an image information of documents and producing the image data representing the image in formation for use in image production, the documents including a document having a layout of desired operation keys written by a user, (b) an operation unit provided with a display panel adapted to display operation keys and touch-operable by the user, (c) a control unit controlling operations of the image reading means and the operation unit based on operation of the operation keys displayed, and (d) a display changing signal input means for inputting a signal to change the display of operation keys of the display panel, wherein the control unit is configured to effect the following functions: a function of, when a display changing signal is inputted from the display changing signal input means and an image data of the desired operation keys described by closed areas in a layout written on the document is read by the image reading means, analyzing the image data and, based on analyzing the image data, determining display operation keys to be displayed in a changed layout on the display panel in correspondence with the desired operation keys, a function of displaying the display operation keys on the display panel, a function of displaying a function selection screen used to allot functions to the display operation keys after the display operation keys are displayed on the display panel, and a function of allotting the functions selected from a function list on the function selection screen to the display operation keys.