HoverCam: An Ideal "Document Camera" For Higher Education

HoverCam Solo 5x closed (l)
and open (r)

The HoverCam, based in San Diego, CA., makes document cameras, a product that's the modern equivalent of the obsolete overhead projector that used to be in every schoolroom and many conference rooms. Until now, almost 90% of the HoverCam's sales have been to the K-12 education market. That could change with the introduction of two new products, the desktop Solo 5x document camera and the ultraportable, pocket size HoverCam Mini 5.

The Solo 5x has unique features making it ideal for use on college campuses. Namely, its small footprint, high resolution, USB connectivity and multi-function capability including the ability to scan, video conference, record video and to present allow it to be used by college faculty numerous ways.

Here’s a list of the main features and uses on a college campus:

* Solo 5x has a small footprint -- it sits on an instructor’s desk in the office without taking up much desk space

* Scan documents and articles at the desk (without having to go to the photocopy machine down the hall)

* Use for instruction in class to show books, articles, iPad (tablet) screen – anything

* With its small footprint, the HoverCam Solo 5x doesn’t take up much space on a lectern.  It can be folded flat and easily put away

* Record instructional videos to post to a website for flipped classroom learning

* Incorporates a high-resolution, 5 mega-pixel camera, ideal for remote learning and "virtual office hours."  HoverCam works with Adobe Connect, GoToMeeting, Zoom, WebEx, Skype to show clear images during video and web conferences

* Take the HoverCam Mini 5 (the pocket-size version of HoverCam) to the library or on the road to scan multiple pages quickly and accurately. Ideal for scanning archive documents, rare books and other precious resources that may not be removed from the library.

* The HoverCam Solo 5x costs only $299 and the ultraportable HoverCam Mini $249, making either affordable for every instructor on campus to have their own HoverCam camera-scanner.

For additional information, please visit the HoverCam website at: http://www.thehovercam.com/products/solo5 and http://www.thehovercam.com/products/mini-5

HoverCam Prepares Launch of World's First "Scanning Camera"

Will the HoverCam Mini become
the new chocolate for road warriors?

With just two weeks to go before the start of CES, Pathway Innovations, Inc. (San Diego, CA) is busy preparing the launch of its much anticipated Mini 5, a new concept in cameras that combines the functions of scanner and camera for road warriors and office use.

"Anticipated" is a generous word - because in the consumer and business world there is no such thing as a "scan camera" that does what the Mini will attempt.  But in the education and professional audio visual (pro-AV) marketplace, the Mini will achieve the status as world's smallest "document camera."  For schools, this type of product is used as a replacement for the overhead projector (OHP) or opaque projector - ask any teacher what an "Elmo" is and they'll tell you it's not a furry Sesame Street Character but a tool for showing worksheets, books, 3-D objects and dissections to students in class. Elmo Corporation of Japan is the 800 lbs. gorilla in the "document camera" market. It's been 3 years since the upstart HoverCam introduced its first USB document camera with twice the performance of an Elmo at one-third the price. In a weak economy with schools concerned about budgets HoverCam sales to the K-12 education market have taken off. Now, here comes the Mini.

The HoverCam Mini 5 plugs directly into
the USB port of a computer without
a USB cable, making it convenient for
use on the road (or in an office).

The Mini incorporates features of a document camera, scanner, camcorder and camera, and fits into a pocket or purse. Despite the small size, the Mini packs powerful features including a true 5 megapixel sensor, resolution high enough to scan documents and use with popular OCR software such as ABBY Fine Reader. Furthermore, the refresh rate is fast enough to allow it to be used to record instructional videos, as a high resolution webcam for showing documents during remote conferencing and to conduct live training session showing new apps on an iPad or a tablet.

In the education market, the Mini is expected to be a hit among teachers who travel from school to school to train, and for administrators including school principals and IT directors.

What about the general business and consumer market? Will the Mini become the new chocolate for road warriors? According to Ji Shen, Pathway's CEO and HoverCam inventor, the Mini is a personal scanner, and he says jokingly, "it's the pathway to the paperless office."  The company has developed software for scanning documents, and includes links to export directly to Evernote, Dropbox, Facebook, YouTube and other Cloud Services.  In addition, the Mini will include software for scanning and managing business cards and receipts.

Is it fair to call the Mini a competitor to the ubiquitous NeatDesk(TM) or NeatReceipts(TM) scanners? No, according to Mr. Shen. "Neat has had several years to develop and perfect its receipt scanning software and we're just beginning. The HoverCam advantage is the versatility of a camera that scans documents and shoots photos and can used with Skype to video conference and and make recordings," he said.  Mr. Shen added,  "The Mini at this stage is a video presentation and quick scanning tool. But, I expect our receipt scanning software to improve with time."

·       Time Savings & Convenience

–    How does it feel waiting when using a traditional flatbed scanner that takes a minute to complete a single scan? The Mini addresses that problem by scanning in a second, and, using the motion sensor or auto timer a user can scan up to 30 items in a minute. In an office, instead of walking to the other side of the building to use a shared scanner, Mini owners will save time and reduce interruptions to their workflow. And, no more fumbling with a smartphone or tablet trying to use its camera as a scanner. With the Mini camera head set into position, scans are quick, accurate and can be filed instantly.

·         More Effective Remote Collaboration

–    During a web conference, ever try holding a document or drawing up to the built-in low resolution webcam of the computer? It was probably hard for people in other locations to see it clearly. Mini 5 attempts to solve that problem by providing crisp, clear images of documents and objects during online meetings and can be used with Skype™, GoToMeeting™, WebEx™ and other online meeting services.

·         Compact Size

–    Mini 5’s footprint takes up very little space on a desktop and is always available when needed to scan, record a video or better explain a concept over the Internet. And, it folds to fit in a pocket, purse or computer bag.

• 5MP Resolution

–      Mini 5 incorporates a 5 megapixel sensor sharp enough to function as a general scanner and to provide crisp clear images easily seen by an audience when used for live presentations of documents, 3D objects or to share images from a tablet or smartphone.

•       Fast Refresh Rate

–      Mini 5 sets a new standard in fast refresh rates for a live 5 MP USB document camera with video speeds of 20 frames per second when set @ HD 720P resolution and 15 fps when set @ 5 MP resolution. This allows for a very clear and smooth image when using the Mini 5 for live presentations or training.

•       Autofocus & Focus Lock Convenience

–      Mini 5 incorporates a tiny auto-focusing CMOS sensor and lens module. From any angle or distance, images become instantly clear. 

•       Laptop or Desktop

–      Mini 5 is designed to be easy to use on the go -- on an airplane, or on the floor of an exposition hall.  Simply plug it directly into a USB port of your laptop or ultrabook -- no cable required.  For even greater flexibility when making a presentation or to connect to a desktop, the Mini’s carry case can be converted into a stand, which connects to a computer with a USB cable. Not just a protective carrying case, the Mini’s protective case converts into a USB docking station. Clever.

·         Receipt Scanning With HoverCam "Memo" Software

–      HoverCam Memo™  software allows any receipt to be scanned with the click of the mouse or, using the motion trigger function, with the wave of your hand, allowing you to scan a pile of receipts quickly.  Generate expense reports and monthly analyses instantly.  Scan and organize in the Archive folder anything including notes, checks, invoices, mobile phone & tablet screen shots, diary pages, video clips, household inventory, and more. Upload scanned images and video directly to cloud services such as Evernote™, Dropbox ™, Facebook™ and YouTube™.

•       HoverCam Contact

–      Hover Contact™ software functions as a digital Rolodex allowing you to capture, store, review and manage all of your contacts. You can even connect with them automatically via Facebook or LinkedIn.

The company says the HoverCam Mini 5 will begin shipping in Q2 and is now taking reservations to purchase in April. The price is $299. The product will be available to the education market through a network of education specialist resellers and to the general business and consumer market through numerous resellers and online stores. For additional information, please visit the company's website www.thehovercam.com

Full disclosure: The writer has 20 years experience in the education technology marketplace and has been an importer and distributor of document cameras made in Japan, Korea and Taiwan. In the past, he was product manager of a business development project that included Elmo Corporation and is currently a consultant to Pathway Innovations, manufacturer of The HoverCam. The opinions expressed are his own, unless noted otherwise. Specifications and pricing are subject to change, but were accurate at the time of writing.

Upstart HoverCam Stakes Out Leadership Position in "Document Camera" Market

HoverCam "scanning cameras" are made by a feisty, bootstrapped, start-up company out of San Diego, CA called Pathway Innovations. Three years ago, Pathway was just two guys in a garage with a new type of "scan camera" - a camera on a stand with software that took a high-resolution picture of a document in a second, much faster than traditional flat-bed scanners.  In January 2010 Pathway exhibited at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas and sold a few units. At the end of the show, a visitor approached Ji Shen, the founder and inventor, and suggested, "You ought to be in education." Then, the light bulb went off and the company changed directions approached the school market where every classroom and every teacher in the world could use one of its HoverCams. There was a market for such products already called "document cameras," and there was an 800 lb. gorilla making them: Elmo Corporation of Japan. But the HoverCam concept was different. The traditional products were like "mainframes" -- they were large, expensive and hooked up directly to a projector.  But the HoverCam was small, cost just $199, connected to a computer, and used software to become an all-in-one, multifunctional device to teach, scan, record voice & video, Web conference and even grade tests. Every teacher who saw one wanted one, and the company has since grown to more than 50 people and opened a factory in China to keep up with demand.  Sales doubled in 2012 and are expected to double, or more, in 2013 according to Mr. Shen.

From (L), the "Mini", the world's small-
est document camera, (C) the Neo with
two cameras, (R) the Solo, world's fastest
5 mega pixel document camera.

The company makes a bold claim it is the technology leader in the document camera market for schools and the products it has developed seem to back it up. After shipping the first high resolution, USB document cameras 3 years ago, the company has developed the world's smallest document camera (the so-called Mini) which fits in a pocket and will begin shipping in Q1 2013. It developed a book scanning product called the Impress that scans books automatically and won a 2012 CES "Innovation Award." Earlier this year, the company began shipments of Neo 3, the first "document camera" to incorporate a two-camera design, that supports the concept of the "flipped classroom" by giving teachers the ability to easily create video content with the two cameras showing picture-in-picture, or to use the second camera when web conferencing. The company's latest introduction is the Solo 5, and its claim to fame is the world's fastest 5 mega pixel USB document camera for schools.

Like it's predecessor, the Solo 5 is also an all-in-one USB document camera targeted for the school market that allows teachers to present, scan, record voice and video and grade multiple choice tests.  Solo 5 offers twice the performance of HoverCam’s best-selling T3 and has the world’s fastest refresh rate of any true 5 mega pixel document camera, which means no more blurry images. In addition, the shooting area is A3 size which is much larger than its previous cameras and more practical for teachers.

Traditional "document camera" before advent of the HoverCam.

One of HoverCam's strong features has always been its software, called HoverCam Flex.  The software allows instructors to easily crop and capture images, zoom, rotate, annotate, record, manage documents, share via email or cloud services and even connect over the Internet with another HoverCam user anywhere in the world (this is the "HoverCam Connect" feature). The Solo 5 is compatible with leading interactive whiteboards and may be used with remote conferencing software including Skype™, Go To Meeting™ and WebEx™.  Other advanced features include a flip-up, fully rotating camera head, auto focus and the ability to tilt the arm to just an inch above an object for super close-ups that until now where possible only with document cameras costing hundreds of dollars more.

HoverCam Solo 5 (L) in closed
position. When opened, it has a
fully rotating camera head which
may be used as a webcam or
pointed down to scan or display
hi-res images of documents or
solid objects.
.

Each Solo 5 includes a one-year complimentary license of HoverCam’s GradeCentral™ software, which saves teachers time and provides student assessment quickly and easily. Solo 5 folds up to a compact size and is powered by a USB cable, so it is easy to move around and set-up. Because the foot-print is so small, it may be kept on the desk ready for immediate use anytime. More than just a document camera, the Solo 5 is a cost effective, multifunctional device for education that assists every teacher convey concepts more effectively, increase student engagement and save time capturing and managing documents.

The Solo 5 for education is priced at $269 and is available for purchase from the HoverCam's website and through a network of authorized education resellers.  For additional information and to test drive a unit, contact the manufacturer at www.thehovercam.com

The table below provides a summary of Solo 5  features & benefits:

Key Features	Benefits
5 MP resolution (2592 x 1944) sensor with Auto Focus and Auto Focus Lock	Capture and display clear images, so students at the back of the room can see small type on a full page document. With such high resolution, Solo 5 may also be used as a scanner to scan articles and student papers. Auto Focus makes it easier for teachers to set up and use.
Fast refresh rate of up to 25 frames/second at HD 720p resolution and UXGA 1200 X 1600	Display clear images with little blurring or delay, the Solo 5 may also be used to create instructional videos for “flipped learning” and for remote conferencing.
A3 shooting area	Capture and display images up to 17” x 22” including legal size and both pages of an open book.
Reticulated folding arm provides 12 mechanical zoom	Position camera head 1” above an object to show clear close-up shots desired in science classes. To achieve such clarity and level of zoom typically costs hundreds of dollars more. On top of that, 16X digital zoom.
HoverCam Flex software	Intuitive, easy to use software for zooming, manipulating images, capturing images, annotation, recording and sharing documents, videos, photos and content created. Ideal tool for "flipped" classroom instruction.
Multi-functional, all-in-one design	Incorporates key features of multiple devices into one HoverCam for scanning, grading, recording voice and video and live presentations providing a cost-effective tool for every classroom with a fast payback in instructor enthusiasm, improved delivery and increased student engagement. Cost effective alternative to Elmo brand products.
One-year GradeCentral™ software license included	Saves instructor time compared to grading by hand and provides immediate results compared to walking to another building to drop off tests at a ScanTron™ type of machine. GradeCentral allows teachers and schools to create test keys, score tests and analyze results.  Data capture may be easily exported to the school’s SIS.
Quick Keys	Use the quick keys on the base to snap an image, zoom in and out, freeze frame and snap to focus.
USB Interface	Just plug the USB cable from Solo 5 into the computer and you’re ready to use it immediately as the device is USB powered. Software is embedded in the unit so it's not necessary to download from the web. As a USB device, captured images may be drag and dropped into the window of any software program, including interactive whiteboard software and Microsoft Office™ applications. Use HoverCam's Whiteboard Connector software to display live video on any IAWB.

Full disclosure: The writer has 20 years experience in the education technology marketplace and has been an importer and distributor of document cameras made in Japan, Korea and Taiwan. In the past, he was product manager of a business development project that included Elmo Corporation and is currently a consultant to Pathway Innovations, manufacturer of The HoverCam. The opinions expressed are his own, unless noted otherwise. Specifications and pricing are subject to change, but were accurate at the time of writing.