Olympus 2006 Annual Report Download - page 55

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OLYM PUS 20 06 53
C O R E T E C H N O L O G Y A N D B U S I N E S S M O D E L S
> Olympus’ management focuses on strengthening the Company’s
technological capabilities with the aim of becoming an ever-more-
advanced technology-oriented company.
Olympus’ core competence is in “Opto-Digital Technology,” a
fusion of the latest digital and optical technologies accumulated
by the Company over many years. In order to further strengthen
this core competence, Olympus has positioned the following tech-
nologies as fundamental and common to the Company as a whole:
optical technology, the science of capturing and controlling light;
electronic imaging technology, the manipulation of digital images
woven from light; precision technology, the detailed and con-
trolled skill applied to the creation of products; and cell-related
technology, the relization of cellular-level exploration. By channel-
ing research and development to build up a competitive edge, the
Company continues to create new levels of value for its imaging,
medical, life science, and industrial systems businesses.
In the fiscal year under review, Olympus invested approximately
¥45.9 billion into advancing its R&D efforts, representing almost
4.7% of sales.
R & D S E G M E N T A N D B U S I N E S S S T R AT E G Y O R I E N T A T I O N
> In an effort to further strengthen its Opto-Digital Technology,
Olympus is currently engaged in the research and development
activities described below.
Optical technology has been one of Olympus’ greatest strengths
since its founding. Pursuing the infinite possibilities of the applica-
tion of light, the Company undertakes continuous research and
development toward expansion in technological areas such as
spectroscopic techniques through which wavelengths of light are
freely manipulated and biological exploration and analysis using
light are made possible.
Electronic imaging technology at Olympus is aimed at meeting
the needs of several different business sectors. Here, the Company
is conducting research and development in such areas as digital
image processing, custom imager design, high-definition digital
movie systems and other areas.
Precision technology research and development focuses on
MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) incorporating ultra-
miniaturized processing technologies, ultraprecise processing,
micro mounting, micro sensors and actuators, and other related
technologies. These technologies are essential elements of the
key parts and components that distinguish Olympus products from
those of its competitors in various fields.
Cell-related technology at Olympus is aimed at creating new
business opportunities in the fields of bioscience and regenerative
medicine and covers research and development in such areas as
living cell analysis and manipulation, DNA computing, and bone
tissue culturing.
I N T E L L E C T U A L P R O P E R T Y R E P O R T
Number of Published Patents in Area of Core Competence
(Number of patents)
02 03 04 05 06
Ratio of Patents Held in Core Competence
(%)
Optical Technology
Electronic Imaging
Technology
Precision Technology
Cell-Related Technology 8
Optical
Technology
38
18 Electronic
Imaging
Technology
Precision
Technology
Cell-Related
Technology
2
34
Applied
Technology
06
1,000
500