If you guys run a linux box to host your *cast servers, look at the package "motion" to run a webcam to monitor the front of the scanner. It's primarily a motion detection package, but it can be set to run as a normal webcam, and the added bonus of a streaming HTTP server to forward the images to any browser. Coupled with Cambozola you can watch the stream anywhere that has Java.
In fact, I haven't looked at it, but Cambozola might work without motion.