Nikon 2007 Annual Report Download - page 18

NIKON ANNUAL REPORT 200716
REVIEW OF YEAR ENDED MARCH 2007
In the bioscience business, Nikon focused on
expanding sales of systems optimized for the
extended observation of live cells, especially
products based on the Perfect Focus System.
Popular products for this market included the
BioStation CT (Cell Tracking) observation
system and the BioStation IM (cell IMaging)
system for observing cell cultures using time-
lapse imaging.
In industrial instruments, Nikon launched
several new industrial microscopes, including
the MULTIZOOM AZ100 (Multi-purpose zoom
microscope), the ECLIPSE MA100 (a small
inverted metallurgical microscope) and the MM-
400/800 series of measuring microscopes for
digital image-based high-precision
measurement of large samples. The launch of
the compact, affordable iNEXIV VMA-2520 3D
measuring system also contributed to solid
growth in global sales of the NEXIV series of
CNC video measuring systems.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
Live cells: the main growth driver in the
bioscience business
In the bioscience business, the development of
completely new categories of instruments is a
vital part of achieving significant growth in
related markets.
One area of growth is systems for the
observation of live cells, a field where Nikon has
devoted substantial resources in recent years.
The Perfect Focus System fitted to the ECLIPSE
TE2000-PFS microscope provides automatic
control over focus adjustments, thus eliminating
any focal drift during live cell observation that
may be caused by extended observation, stage
movements, reagent additions or other factors.
This ensures that not even the slightest change
in the sample under observation is missed.
Nikon also finished commercial development of
the BioStation series during the year under
review. Shipments of the BioStation IM and
BioStation CT systems commenced in February
2007 and March 2007, respectively. These
products have attracted inquiries from many
customers, which is expected to translate into
increased sales in future.
Nikon has also started selling the BioStation ID
system nationally under an exclusive agreement
with GE Healthcare Biosciences (GEHB). Based
on the BioStation IM, this product features
special analytical software developed by GEHB
for the numerical analysis of images of live cell
cultures. Going forward, Nikon plans to make
further use of alliances with other companies to
expand sales of this series in new products
categories and sales regions.
Favorable overall growth achieved in
industrial instruments
The industrial instruments business achieved
favorable growth overall during the year ended
March 2007. This was partly the result of
successful market introductions of several new
products. Nikon extended the NEXIV series of
CNC video measuring systems, which utilize
optical measurement and computer-based
image-processing technologies to realize high-
speed, automatic high-precision measurement
and inspection of the shape, form and
dimensions of various types of precision devices
and electronic components. In semiconductor
inspection equipment, Nikon introduced the
AMI-3300 model for automatic macro
inspection of IC chips. AMI systems are
replacing visual inspection processes and are
thereby helping to raise the efficiency of process
management by improving accuracy and
providing clear, quantifiable inspection criteria.
Other new instruments launched in the year
under review included the MM-400/800 series
of industrial microscopes for high-precision
measurement, observation and digital imaging
of samples.
Going forward, the industrial instruments
business is focused on creating a stronger
development-led sales system around the world
to facilitate greater differentiation of the
product range.
Ongoing establishment of Nikon Imaging
Centers
To date Nikon has established Nikon Imaging
Centers in a number of the world’s leading
universities, including Harvard University, the
University of Heidelberg, Hokkaido University
and Oxford University. These facilities enable
researchers to gain hands-on experience with
Nikon microscopes. The year under review saw
the opening in September 2006 of a new Nikon
Imaging Center at the University of California
San Francisco. While contributing to the
advancement of campus research activities,
these centers also play a useful role in
development of new-concept microscopes by
giving Nikon the chance to gain direct feedback
from researchers. In the year ending March
2008, Nikon plans to establish more centers in
the Institut Curie in France, in Singapore’s
Biopolis research complex, and at Northwestern
University, which is based in Chicago, USA.
Consolidation of domestic sales company
trio boosts customer orientation
In April 2006, Nikon reformed sales structures in
Japan with the merger of three sales companies
based in Kawasaki, Osaka and Fukuoka into a
single firm, Nikon Instech Co., Ltd. The move
INSTRUMENTS
iNEXIV VMA-2520
A lightweight, compact CNC video measuring system
enabling automated measurements of mechanical
parts and other precision parts used in automotive and
electronics industries.
MM-400/800 SERIES OF MEASURING
MICROSCOPES
With application in various industries, from
semiconductors and LCDs to automotive-related, these
measuring microscopes include an enhanced height (Z-
axis) measurement function and high-precision digital
imaging metrology, while also enabling larger sample
measurements.