DYNAMICALLY PROGRAMMABLE IMAGE CAPTURE APPLIANCE AND SYSTEM

A multiple function image capture and serving apparatus that comprises a processor unit having firmware memory with instructions for implementing an operating system and random access memory for receiving at least one executable code sections for performing a selected one of a plurality of image capture tasks; a network access module for communicatively connecting the processor unit to an ICA code server, wherein the processor unit in response to executing the operating system and selection of the task by a user is adapted to request and receive from the server at least one executable code sections for performing the selected task; and an image capture module for receiving and converting a visual image into a digital image signal and making said signal available to the processor unit for performing upon it the selected task pursuant to execution of the at least one received executable code sections.