Olympus 2005 Annual Report Download - page 24

6.9
14.7
17.6
O thers
(including basic research)
Imaging
Systems
Business
25.2
35.6 Medical
Systems
Business
Industrial
Systems
Business
Life
Science
Business
R&D Expenditure
(Millions of yen)
05
R&D Expenditure by Segment
(%)
34 ,73 5
38,671
47,720
03 0 4 05
22 O LYMPUS 2 00 5
REVIEW O F O PERATIO NS
> Based o n its core competence in “O pto-Digital Technology,”
O lympus engages in research and develo pment in the optical,
digital imaging, and microprocessing fields to provide new value
to society. In fiscal 2005, research and development expenses
to taled ¥4 7 ,7 2 0 million (US$434 million), an increase of 2 3.4%
from the previous fiscal year. Research and development expen-
ditures were 5 .9 % of net sales.
O lympus Technology Fair 85
> In December 2004, O lympus held the O lympus Technology Fair
85 to commemorate the 85th anniversary o f its founding. Based
on “Your Vision, O ur Future,” our corporate slo gan and the
theme of the fair, O lympus showcased the achievements of its
research and development efforts and advanced technologies in
each business based on “O pto-Digital Technology,” a combina-
tion of sophisticated o ptical technologies and the latest in digital
technologies.
Research Results
> Research results during this fiscal year included the following
develo pments. In the imaging field, we created a large-diameter
interchangeable fixed F-number zo om lens for digital SLR cam-
eras. In the medical field, we developed a capsule endoscope. In
the life science field, we developed the automated blood transfu-
sion analyzer PK73 0 0 , which is able to analyze as many as 300
specimens o f blood for transfusions per hour for first-stage screen-
ing of blood-type analysis, HIV, syphilis, and other infectious dis-
ease viruses. In the industrial field, we developed printer image
evaluation technologies, mechatronic technologies that excel in
precision and stability, and image correction technologies to cre-
ate high-quality and high-speed inkjet printers.
The Corpo rate Research and Develo pment Center commercial-
ized O Sferion as an artificial bone replacement material in 1999
and fostered it into a new business in the health care field. In
other business ventures in the medical field, the Corporate
Research and Development Center has advanced research and
develo pment toward the commercialization of bone tissue engi-
neering that combines bo ne cells with ultra-pure β-TCP (β-trical-
cium phosphate), a material in O Sferion. In September 2004,
O lympus established O lympus Biomaterial Corp. as a wholly
owned subsidiary specializing in the biomedical materials and
regenerative medicine businesses. Through this new co mpany,
O lympus aims to expand the business further by improving busi-
ness speed, creating an integrated business structure, and
strengthening synergies.
In addition, O lympus has initiated the development o f optical
endoscopic early diagnosis technologies that use nanotechnolo-
gy in the early detection and diagnosis of cancer. Specifically,
we are developing ultra-compact optical spectroscopy devices
able to detect the intensity of fluorescent light in various wave-
lengths, and by integrating these devices into the tip of endo -
scopes, we aim to develop spectroscopy video in endoscopic
systems able to display detection images.
The Future Creation Labo ratory (FCRL) engages in research
with five- to 1 0 -year time horizons to create corporate value. In
fiscal 2005, FCRL started the Camera Senso r Network System
joint research project with Purdue University in the United States.
The joint project aims to support a new intelligent lifestyle
through the Camera Sensor Netwo rk System design that provides
information tailored specifically to an individual’s lifestyle.
In July 2 0 0 4 , O lympus established the W aseda-O lympus
Bioscience Research Institute in Singapore, jointly with W aseda
University, to focus o n the investigation of higher brain functions.
Information & Communication Business
> The Information & Communication Business was established in the
second half of fiscal 2 0 0 5 after ITX Corporation became a con-
solidated subsidiary in September 2004. Consolidated sales in
this business totaled ¥163,248 million (US$1,484 million), and
operating lo sses were ¥1,037 million (US$9 million) in fiscal
RESEARCH AN D DEVELO PM EN T
2005. O verall sales benefited from growth in sales of computer
peripherals in ITX Corporation’s networking technologies business
and mobile handsets in the mobile business. The Information &
Communication Business was unable to record operating income
due to amortizatio n of the consolidated adjustment account.