Fujitsu 2014 Annual Report Download - page 72

Fujitsu’s supercomputer PRIMEHPC FX10 is a massively parallel com-
puter system connecting up to several tens of thousands of nodes, with
each node connected in a configuration called a high-dimensional torus
(see the following figure).
This structure enables fine compartmentalization at any arbitrarily
selected point without requiring use of special switches. It also has the
added effect of being able to continue computing during node failures
by making slight detours on circuits.
This technology was highly applauded outside of the Company, being
awarded the fiscal 2014 Imperial Invention Prize by the Japan Institute
of Invention and Innovation, having already received the fiscal 2011
Contribution Prize of the
Ichimura Prizes in Industry
from the New Technology
Development Foundation.
Fujitsu supercomputers
employing this technology
are being used for research
such as life sciences, medi-
cine, and drug discovery,
and creation of new materi-
als and energy.
High-Dimensional Supercomputer
Interconnect Technology
High-dimensional torus interconnect structure
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Business and
R&D Divisions
Intellectual
Property Unit
Initial planning Project planning Prototyping Manufacture SalesDesign
Protecting and respecting intellectual property is part of the Code of Conduct in the Fujitsu Way, which articulates the philosophy of the
Fujitsu Group and the core values and principles guiding the actions of each of its employees. Accordingly, every employee recognizes intel-
lectual property as a key corporate asset supporting business activities. Moreover, Fujitsu employees are acutely aware of the role that
technologies backed by intellectual property play in enabling customers to rely with confidence on the products and services we deliver.
Fujitsu promotes an intellectual property strategy closely integrated with its business, R&D, and standards strategies.
Intellectual property supports R&D-derived creations such as technology and ensures Fujitsu’s competitive advantage and greater
latitude in business by working with standards activities. We are positively utilizing intellectual property through licensing activities, etc.,
which contribute to business earnings.
We are developing a framework to strengthen Group-wide intel-
lectual property activities to enable the entire Group to leverage
our intellectual property assets. Some issues require coordinated
action among the global bases in the Group. Here, we use regu-
lar meetings among Group companies to share information as
well as promote specific measures. In this way, we foster a uni-
fied approach to intellectual property activities.
1. Patent Rights
Patent rights support technological strength. Recognizing these
rights as an important corporate asset, we are developing a
global patent portfolio centered on patents in Japan.
We ensure that the acquisition, maintenance, and utiliza tion
of patents are carried out in keeping with the Fujitsu Group’s
global business development strategy. We therefore acquire,
maintain, and utilize the patents we need in the coun tries
(regions) where they are needed, to support the operation of our
R&D, production, and sales bases. In particular, Fujitsu stations
Group representatives in China in efforts to ensure that all the
results, namely the inventions, generated by local R&D facilities
lead to patent applications. Furthermore, in the U.S., the Fujitsu
Patent Center established in 2008 to improve our ability to
acquire patent rights is expanding its activities to raise the qual-
ity of our patents.
The Importance of Intellectual Property
Intellectual Property Strategy
Group-Wide Initiatives
LINKING BUSINESS AND R&D DIVISIONS
Patent portfolio
Idea selection
Survey of technology trends Patent application Patent survey to
avoid infringement Exercise of rights
Decision to commercialize Licensing negotiations
Consider alliances Ties with industry,
academia, and
government
Out-licensing
In-licensing
Explanations for underlined words can be found in the glossary on pages 160-162.
070 FUJITSU LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT 2014