Canon 2002 Annual Report Download - page 18

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16
Canon expands lineup of Bubble Jet printers featuring its
New “MicroFine Droplet Technology” for photo-quality image output
Although the global market for ink-jet printers continued to shrink from its peak in 2000, the increasing
popularity of digital cameras is sparking demand for printers that can provide photo quality. To take
advantage of this trend, Canon enhanced its lineup of photo-quality Bubble Jet printers with its
New “MicroFine Droplet Technology.” We also maximized production cost-efficiency measures. Our
i550, S520 and S500 midrange Bubble Jet printers were the fastest selling models during the year in
Japan and contributed to overall sales. In marketing activities, we aggressively promoted the direct print
concept, which enables users to connect Canon digital cameras directly to Bubble Jet printers, and
began working with five other camera and computer peripherals manufacturers to establish a standard
direct print system. In line with our global production strategy, we began Bubble Jet printer production
in Vietnam. In 2003, we will further reinforce our photo-quality Bubble Jet printer lineup to take
advantage of demand trends.
Canon dominated the market for monochrome laser beam printers in Japan for the 15th consecutive
year, but demand in this market is shifting toward color output products. To vitalize the market, we are
focusing product development and marketing initiatives providing high performance. By boosting our
lineup of printers in the high-speed 14-page-per-minute (ppm) to 20-ppm range output, we will offer
models to meet needs from personal to office use. Other plans include expanding our presence in Asia,
with an emphasis on China, as well as in Central and South America.
The increasing diffusion of digital cameras and multifunction peripherals is impacting demand for
image scanners in developed markets, but new potential exists in emerging markets such as China
and Eastern Europe. Canon foresees demand centering on two main categories: general-use image
scanners that are easy to use and affordable, and high-end models that stress image resolution and
film scanning. In this environment, Canon will pursue the strategy of precisely matching features and
Teruomi Takahashi, Chief Executive of i Printer Products Operations*,
T
alks about Bubble Jet Printer Strategy
Rapid expansion of the digital camera market has accelerated growth in the
digital photography market, especially in the area of printing photographs
at home. In this market, Canon’s strengths lie in its comprehensive lineup
of products with powerful original technologies from image input to
output. We are taking full advantage of the synergies made possible by
these technologies to become No.1 in the digital photography industry. In
addition, we are pursuing technologies that lead to highly distinctive and
appealing products, for example, by improving the functions of our direct
print system, advancing our imaging technologies to achieve the ultimate
in photo quality and expanding our offerings of applications that make
digital photography more convenient and enjoyable. We are also
enhancing the cost and technological competitiveness of Bubble Jet
printers by expanding production in Asian plants outside of Japan and
developing new ultraprecision production technologies in Japan.
Business Machines
Computer Peripherals
* As of December 31, 2002