# Handheld Document Scanners This Pen Puts a High Resolution Scanner in Your Pocket By Andrew Sztein | Published 2013-02-03 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/document-scanners References: [technabob](http://technabob.com/blog/2013/01/30/pen-sized-scanner/) & [hammacher](http://www.hammacher.com/Product/83180?PID=6147119&source=cj) Many smartphone users have taken photos of documents in the absence of a document scanner, but that's about to come to an end with this invention. It's with that in mind that Hammacher Schlemmer has released its ballpoint pen scanner, a really cool invention that will have you asking why nobody came up with this sooner. The pen itself writes on normal paper, but also comes built in with an auto-focus lens with a five megapixel sensor. It can also capture voice memos with its built-in microphone. To make sure your document scanning goes off without a hitch, the pen will project a laser-square to make sure your captures are framed properly. The pen also comes built in with 1 GB of storage, allowing for up to 1,000 image captures. That means that this pen officially has a higher capacity than the computer I used in high school. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 88% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Inventions](https://www.trendhunter.com/inventions) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Smartphone Document Scanning:** The increasing demand for convenient document scanning on smartphones presents an opportunity for app developers to create user-friendly and feature-rich scanning apps. - **Multifunctional Devices:** The integration of multiple functions, such as writing, scanning, and voice recording, into a single handheld device opens up possibilities for innovative gadgets that cater to diverse user needs. - **Miniaturized Scanning Technology:** The development of compact, high-resolution scanning technology offers potential for incorporating scanners into various everyday objects, simplifying document digitization. ### Who This Affects Most - **Mobile App Development:** The rise in smartphone document scanning calls for mobile app developers to create intuitive and efficient scanning applications catering to different user preferences and needs. - **Consumer Electronics:** The demand for multifunctional handheld scanning devices like the ballpoint pen scanner opens opportunities for companies to design and produce innovative gadgets that integrate various functionalities. - **Office Equipment Manufacturing:** The advancement of miniaturized scanning technology presents an avenue for office equipment manufacturers to develop compact and portable scanning devices for easy document digitization. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dynamic Portable Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iochowx1.md) - [Real-Time Digitizing Note-Taking Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digitizing-notetaking.md) - [Pocket-Sized 3D Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inspire-3d-scanner.md) - [Compact Portable Scanners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-scanner.md) - [AI-Powered Ballpoint Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nuwa-pen.md) - [Smart Note-Capture Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-pen.md) - [Industrial Handheld Printer Units](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scribe-handheld-printer.md) - [Digital Ink Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorpik-pen.md) - [AI-Fuelled Ballpoint Pens](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/xnote.md)