Canon 2005 Annual Report Download - page 19

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systems, and through the unified efforts
of the entire Company to implement
development reform initiatives. The
development process traditionally
required the construction of many
physical prototypes to check for design
flaws. Canon has succeeded in drastically
reducing the number of prototypes,
however, as a result of improvements to
its visualization, measurement, analysis
and simulation technologies. This has led
to significantly shorter production times
and lower development costs.
17
To strengthen research ability in nanotechnology, Canon has dispatched researchers to worldwide leading-edge research institutes
such as the University of Cambridge’s Nanoscience Centre
Representing the contributions of
our R&D activities in numbers, the
proportion of sales accounted for by
new products (defined as two years from
product launch) has increased from 44%
in 2000 to 66% today.
Focused on Originality
Canon’s extensive and highly advanced
R&D activities have produced a wealth of
intellectual property. In fiscal 2005,
Canon newly acquired 1,828 patents in
the United States, climbing to second
rank overall from third in fiscal 2004,
and continuing a 14-year streak of
placing among the top three patent
registrants. We will draw on this accu-
mulated knowledge base to pursue the
development of key devices and leading-
edge technologies. Furthermore, Canon
continuously takes every precaution to
prevent the leakage of information
concerning production technologies and
manufacturing expertise.
As part of Canon’s international
diversification, we are conducting R&D
activities that are closely tied to regional
characteristics. Our regional marketing
headquarters, Canon U.S.A. and Canon
Europa are investing in R&D capabilities,
and will aim to employ their respective
specialty technical domains and local
market attributes in efforts to develop
new business ventures.
Canon developed DIGIC DVII image engine
for high-definition images
Canon’s unified color management scheme
supports high-level color matching