System for accommodating third party imaging processing solutions in a scanner

A method for permitting insertion or replacement of electronic cards, the method comprising the steps of:

• (a) obtaining access to a scanner which scans hardcopy elements and which includes an electronic component for performing at least one processing function on an electronic representation of the hardcopy element, and a first processor for directing operations of the scanner and for receiving directions that are passed to other components;
• (b) installing a field-installed electronic card that performs additional processing on the electronic representation of the hardcopy element;
• (c) obtaining access to a second processor electrically connected to the scanner for sending directions to the field-installed electronic card through the first processor;
• and
• (d) installing field-installed control code into the second processor for directing the field-installed electronic card, where the directions include control instructions and protocols that are provided by the second processor from the field-installed control code.