Hi, I would like to offer you my expertise in analog and digital electronics and embedded firmware and software development.
I would like to know more about your project so I can offer you best approach?
I can offer you two approaches to this project, depending on what are your goals.
One would be embedded linux with existing off the shelf scanner, another would be custom built hardware. Each one has pluses and minuses, perhaps if you can answer few questions I can suggest you best approach.
1.) What is expected quantity to be produces?
2.) Would it be battery powered? and if so what would be expected life from one charge?
3.) Is production cost important?
4.) Is size important?
Embedded linux would be easiest and cheapest way from development stand point of view.
However if it would be produced in larger quantity if the size or power consumption is important, then custom built hardware is a way to go.
Thanks,
Vladimir.