Nikon 2014 Annual Report Download - page 24

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What are the competitive priorities for the
FPD Lithography Business Unit?
In our unit, several senior staff and I have central control over
the technical development, manufacture, quality control, and
sales of fl at panel display (FPD) lithography systems so we can
make decisions swiftly. We are also close to our customers and
can thus easily ascertain their issues and needs, and we regard
the ability to make quick and accurate judgments as one of the
unit’s strengths.
Another one of our FPD lithography systems’ strengths is
the unique Multi-lens Projection Optical System, consisting of
high-precision projection lenses arranged to cover a wide range
of exposure. With an increased number of lenses, this innovative
system can be used with larger glass plates. Installed in our
FX-101S FPD scanner, these multiple lenses perform the func-
tion that one giant lens would, making it amenable to use with
BUSINESS STRATEGY
a large 10th-generation 2,880 mm × 3,130 mm glass plate,
effi ciently giving exposure to panels in the upper 50 to 60 inch
range. The only company selling FPD lithography systems for
10th-generation large glass plates is Nikon.
At fi rst, we were focused entirely on larger FPDs, drawing
a road map to our progress to 11th- and 12th-generation large
glass plates. Then a few years ago, we saw the need for higher
defi nition outstripping the need for larger displays, so we
switched our direction to high-defi nition panels. Using the
Multi-lens Projection Optical System as it was, we managed
to make the projection lens and equipment higher in defi nition
and performance. As a result, I think we came out on top in
FPD lithography systems for small and medium-sized high-
defi nition panels in an expanding market for smartphones
and tablets.
This is an example of where we were experienced enough to
take advantage of a new business opportunity by leveraging our
existing technology and other strengths.
FPD scanner FX-67S
Interviews with Key People on the Strategy Going Forward
To be positioned to revitalize the display market, we have
to predict future needs and market our products based
on accurate investment decisions to meet these needs.
Kiyoyuki Muramatsu
Corporate Vice President
General Manager of FPD Lithography Business Unit
FPD Lithography Business Unit
FPD Lithography Systems, Unit Sales by Generation
(Years ended March 31)
Units
■
■ 7G and above
■
■ 5G / 6G
■
■ 4G
2012 2013 2014
100
80
60
40
20
0
86
43
56
37
17
32
4
1
38
4
7
45
Precision Equipment Business Refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis”
for details on performance. P. 48–51
22 NIKON REPORT 2014