Toshiba 1997 Annual Report Download - page 20

18.
Major Accomplishments of Fiscal 1996
High-Speed Routers Using ATM
Switching Technology
Next-generation routers from Toshiba deliver the
high-speed data transmission capabilities needed for
the advanced networks of the future. Called Cell
Switch Routers, these units have transmission rates
that are about ten times faster than current high-end
routers. They are based on a novel approach in
which asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) switching
technology is applied to the router itself. An industry
first, this system ensures compatibility with ATM
networks. Toshiba hopes to position this technology
as a new open global standard.
1,300,000 Pixel CMOS Image Sensor
Toshiba succeeded in developing a 1/2-inch 1.3
million pixel prototype image sensor, which
combines the widely used complementary metal
oxide semiconductor (CMOS)
process with proprietary Toshiba
low-noise technology to achieve
high picture quality. It has an image
area of 1,318x1,030 pixels, ideal
for the top-of-the-line 1,280x960
pixel SXGA monitor format.
CMOS devices use much less
power than comparable charge-
coupled devices (CCDs) as image
sensors, and can potentially be
made much smaller, making them
ideal for ultracompact digital
cameras.
High-Definition Pictures From
an Ultra-High-Density DVD
For the first time ever, a DVD has stored and repro-
duced high-definition images. This Toshiba accom-
plishment was made possible by combining an ultra-
high-density DVD with MPEG 2 image compression
technology. The DVD can hold 7.5GB of data on a
single side, 60 percent more than conventional
DVDs. Using this technique, a double-sided DVD
can store up to 133 minutes of material and deliver
resolution superior to high-definition broadcasts.
This CMOS image sensor
delivers outstanding resolu-
tion yet is much smaller
than charge-coupled devices
and requires less energy.
Results
Share of Net Sales %
6.7 6.7 6.3 6.1 6.1
Mar. ’93 ’94 ’95 ’96 ’97
Research &
Development
Opportunities abound for applying Toshiba’s skills in the booming field of networks,
whether for the Internet, mobile communications or LANs. A significant share of research
activities is aimed at raising Toshiba’s profile in these fields. The ultimate objective is to
create powerful products that can establish new industry standards in the most attractive
market sectors. In March 1997, Toshiba showcased its wealth of leading-edge technol-
ogy at an exhibition called Tomorrow 21. More than 63,000 people attended this event,
which was held at the International Forum in Tokyo.
93March
0
70
140
210
280
350
94 95 96 97
(¥ billion)
A Pocket -Sized Communicator With
a PHS Phone
A new mobile communicator from Toshiba is the
world’s first portable terminal that combines PHS
communications with Internet access, including
E-mail. The unit can be linked with ease to the
Internet using its high-speed, 32kbps modem. The
compact, lightweight communicator also has a PHS
phone and a full range of personal information
manager functions. Images are produced on a 3.5-
inch LCD. Connection to an external memory device
is possible. When using Toshiba’s postage-stamp-
size SmartMedia card, this adds 2MB of storage.
The revolutionary GENIO mobile communicator
includes a PHS telephone and, for the first time
ever in this format, allows users to access the
Internet and to send and receive E-mail.
R&D Expenditures