While everyone knew the day would eventually come when printing 3-dimensional objects from home was feasible, few people anticipated the arrival of HP's Topshot Printer, which not only copies, prints and faxes like an ordinary printer, but can completely scan 3D objects.
Although it may look like an old, high school projector, the Topshot's lanky arm actually has an embedded camera which takes six photographs of any small object you place within its field of view. Three pictures are taken using flash and another three are captured in ambient light; an installed program then synthesizes all the stills, producing a seamless 3-dimensional, digital rendering of the object. A WiFi router and an ethernet input allow the HP Topshot to upload images directly to the web without the use of a computer middleman. At $400, however, it seems as though this product is aimed at small business owners in lieu of kids interested in scanning their rear-ends!
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- 3D Printing Advances
- The rise of TopShot printer indicates opportunities for further development in 3D printing technology, such as advancing the resolution of printed objects.
- Small Business Automation
- The TopShot's efficiency in copying, printing, faxing and now 3D scanning small objects hints at the potential to improve small businesses' automation processes.
- Digital Design
- TopShot printers offer new dimensions for digital rendering, potentially creating new opportunities for design and rendering in industries like architecture and engineering.
Where This Applies
- Printing Industry
- The printing industry can explore opportunities to integrate 3D scanning technology into its current printing services, enabling new capabilities for customers.
- Small Business Services Industry
- The TopShot's ability to scan, copy, and print can improve small business services industry by creating more efficient and low-cost options for document management.
- Architecture and Engineering Industry
- TopShot printers can disrupt the industry's current rendering capabilities, allowing for more accurate and detailed 3D renderings.
