a reader for reading computer - generated lithograms which are written into a storage medium , having a light source for generating a light beam , having recording means for acquiring the image data generated by the light beam by illuminating the lithogram , and having display means for displaying the display data generated from the image data , wherein all the components are combined in a portable handheld unit . this reader solves the object of specifying a manageable reader which has great variability in reading the information contained in the dot distribution of a computer - generated lithogram .