Konica Minolta 2005 Annual Report Download - page 37

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35
In the camera segment, the Group holds numerous patents related to auto-focus
technologies developed for film cameras that can also be applied to digital cameras.
The Group is also actively building a patent portfolio primarily related to the pro-
prietary technologies that underpin high value-added products, such as CCD Shift
Anti-Shake technology, and folded optics technologies that allow flat and compact
product design.
(4) Medical & Graphic Imaging
In the Medical imaging field, the Group is positioning for film-less business
development by actively acquiring patents related to digital imaging input/output
equipment, networked systems and related solutions. In the Graphic Imaging field,
the Group is actively acquiring patents in the printing press field in addition to the
existing pre-press field, and is also emphasizing the acquisition of patents outside
Japan in keeping with the overseas development of the business.
(5) Sensing
The Group is acquiring sensing related patents primarily in the fields of 3D
measurement, color measurement and medical measurement fields. In addition to the
core 3D measurement technologies already acquired, the Group is seeking to acquire
patents for the integration of 3D data, which makes precise, high speed measurement
possible.
(6) Inkjet
The Group is pursuing R&D based on electronmechanics technologies, along with
silver halide, photo sensitive and other material technologies it has accumulated over
the years, and focuses on developing high-quality, high-reliability inks, high-
performance inkjet heads, and related technologies. The Group is actively acquiring
patents related to leading edge industrial-use inkjet heads that support digitalized
printing, along with related products such as inkjet textile printers and inks for the
textile industry.
(7) Shared Basic and Advanced Technologies
The Group is acquiring patents related to shared basic and advanced technologies
such as image sensing, nano-fabrication, image processing, software, organic
synthesis and polymeric materials. The Group is also concentrating on acquiring
patents for advanced technologies such as organic EL and other next generation
flat panel displays, as well as nano-coating employing high-pressure plasma.
2. R&D AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ORGANIZATION, COLLABORATION AND
ALLIANCES
The Konica Minolta Group has established R&D organizations within each business
company to conduct R&D on existing businesses, while Konica Minolta Technology
Center, Inc. works to deepen and enhance shared basic technologies and conduct
advanced research for the Group as a whole. The Group’s intellectual property
organization consists of the Intellectual Property Center, which is affiliated with the
Konica Minolta Technology Center. In addition to creating the Group’s intellectual
property strategy, the Center closely collaborates with the respective business
companies regarding the promotion of intellectual property activities, and serves as
the Group’s cross-functional organization for intellectual property.