Panasonic 2008 Annual Report Download - page 42

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R&D AND INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
In order to contribute to the realization of a ubiquitous networking society and coexistence with the global envi-
ronment, Matsushita engages in a broad range of R&D activities, including nanotechnologies and other advanced
research; digital network software technologies for AV equipment and next-generation mobile communications;
component and device technologies such as plasma display panels (PDPs) and system LSIs; and environmental
technologies such as fuel cell cogeneration systems.
By coordinating business, technology and intellectual property strategies, the Company works to develop
distinct technologies—the source of Matsushita’s competitiveness—and secure intellectual property rights for
those technologies to ensure the strength of its businesses. In this way, Matsushita is aiming to drive further
growth and become a manufacturing-oriented company.
R&D Strategy
Matsushita recorded ¥554.5 billion in R&D expenditures in
fiscal 2008. This investment was used to accelerate R&D
in priority areas including full HD plasma TVs, Blu-ray disc
(BD) recorders, its UniPhier® system LSIs, and household
fuel-cell cogeneration systems.
The Company’s R&D activities aim to generate added
value by maximizing synergies in a wide range of business
fields. Matsushita pursues development of unique technolo-
gies via a high level of cooperation, not only through in-house
production, but also through a sophisticated network of
cooperation among materials, components and devices,
and finished product divisions. For example, in plasma TVs,
Matsushita made advances in technology for achieving
higher luminous efficiency and forming ultra-large panels
that have doubled luminous efficiency*1 and provide the
same brightness while halving power consumption. It has
also developed the world’s largest*2 150-inch PDPs. These
ultra-large, high-resolution PDPs boast an 8.84- million-pixel
resolution, four times that of existing full HD PDPs.
Matsushita is also working on a digital AV equipment
platform strategy for the HD network era. The Company
developed a new generation of UniPhier® system LSIs com-
patible with MPEG-4 AVC/H.264, and in fiscal 2008 these
system LSIs were included in such products as BD record-
ers, HD camcorders, and VIERA mobile phones that receive
“one-segment” terrestrial digital TV broadcasts.
Aiming to develop products that are both user- and
environment-friendly, Matsushita also focused on R&D
designed to provide consumers with greater comfort and
energy efficiency. Specifically, based on research into
human physiology and senses, the Company developed air
conditioners that automatically adjust air flows depending
on people’s feeling of temperature, which results in signifi-
cantly improved energy efficiency.
Matsushita is also working to expand its global R&D
network and optimize placement of its development
resources. For example, the Company has established a
40 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. 2008