HP TopShot
| Company type | Technology product |
|---|---|
| Industry | Digital imaging, Printing technology |
| Products | Digital camera scanning technology for LaserJet Multifunction Printers |
| Parent | Hewlett-Packard |
HP TopShot represents a digital camera technology incorporated as the scanning component within LaserJet Multifunction Printers (MFPs).
Process
Acting like a miniature photo studio, TopShot captures three-dimensional items positioned on a dedicated platform located atop the MFP. It is also capable of scanning flat paper documents, accommodating any object that fits within its designated scanning area.
The MFP’s firmware processes the images captured by TopShot into digital files that can be printed, saved to a computer, sent via email, or uploaded through applications such as HP ePrintCenter's eStorage. The scanner driver supports conversion of these images into various file types including PDF, bitmap, JPEG, PNG, and TIF.
TopShot takes six separate shots—three illuminated by flashes from different directions—and combines them to correct distortions. It automatically removes backgrounds behind scanned objects to improve image sharpness without requiring manual editing. The scanning surface is designed to reduce shadowing and reflects a specific shade of white, which the system detects and excludes from the final output.
For document scanning, TopShot utilizes optical character recognition software to enhance text clarity and replicate fonts accurately while optimizing graphic elements. The multiple exposures are merged to produce flat, distortion-free document images suitable for professional use.
Uses
Marketed primarily as a digital photography tool emphasizing high image quality and user-friendliness, TopShot is well-suited for rapid capture of product photos for online retail, instructional materials, or social media content.
Additionally, it functions as a scanner for unconventional documents such as book pages, artwork, or delicate archival materials, facilitating non-contact digitization.
Using a digital camera instead of traditional scanning technology presents challenges including ambient light interference, flash glare, distortion at close range, and variations in paper texture affecting image quality. HP has integrated proprietary solutions within TopShot to mitigate these issues.
Bundled Readiris Pro Software enhances document digitization by converting scanned text into searchable and editable formats via Twain drivers.
The TopShot camera is affixed to an arm engineered for precise positioning and secure alignment during scanning. This arm resembles a handle but is purposely designed to be lightweight and flexible to prevent misuse as a lifting grip—an approach that also lowers production costs. User manuals advise against using the camera arm as a handle.