Olympus 2006 Annual Report Download - page 24

6.2
18.7
22.7
Basic Research
Imaging
Systems
Business
20.0
32.4 Medical
Systems
Business
Others
Life
Science
Business
06
38,671
47,720
04 05 0 6
45,935
R&D Expenditure
(Millions of yen)
R&D Expenditure by Segment
(%)
> Based on its core competence in “Opto-Digital Technology,”
Olympus engages in research and development in the optical,
digital imaging, and microprocessing fields to provide new value
to society. In fiscal 2006, research and development expenses
totaled ¥45,935 million (US$399 million), down 3.7% from the
previous fiscal year. The ratio of research and development expen-
ditures to net sales was 4.7%.
R E S E A R C H R E S U L T S
> In the digital cameras field, Olympus introduced a new compact
digital camera, the “µ 720SW (Stylus 720SW in the U.S.),” fea-
turing cutting-edge capabilities—it is shock resistant to a height
of 1.5 meters, waterproof to a depth of 3 meters, and has an
exclusive Dust Reduction System. Furthermore, Olympus launched
its new E-330 (EVOLT E-330 in the U.S.) digital single-lens reflex
(SLR) camera in February 2006, which is equipped with the world’s
first* Full-Time Live View function on an interchangeable-lens-type
auto-focus digital camera. This makes it possible to frame images
right on the epoch-making, variable-angle LCD rear-mounted moni-
tor, and this new digital SLR has certainly attracted much atten-
tion.
In the medical systems field, in the fiscal year under review, we
released capsule endoscopes in Europe for small bowel examina-
tion. Olympus also expanded its basic research activities in areas
such as wireless power supply systems, capsule guidance systems
and self-propelled functionality in pursuit of the development of
next-generation capsule endoscopes.
In the life science field, we developed supersensitive imaging
technology for chemiluminescence that enables visualization of
the feeble light from live cells for state-of-the-art technological
research capabilities. This facilitates the monitoring of long-term
gene expression patterns, as well as the acquisition of cell infor-
mation both in images and data simultaneously. This exciting new
technology brings high expectations for its potential to contribute
to a wide range of research, including that of the effectiveness
and side effects of medicines, as well as regenerative drugs.
As for other basic research, Olympus and Nippon Sheet Glass
Co., Ltd. co-developed the world’s first microprocessing technol-
ogy for use on glass surfaces that enables the production of diver-
sified products at low cost.
The Future Creation Laboratory (FCRL) engages in research to
create long-term corporate value for the purpose of the Olympus
Group’s sustainable growth. In the fiscal year under review, FCRL
participated in an industry-academia-government research project
for frontier technologies, and in particular, worked vigorously on
a joint research and development project with the New Energy
and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO),
as well as with a consortium of projects for regional renaissance,
headed by the Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry.
*According to an Olympus assessment, as of December 2005
R E S E A R C H A N D D E V E L O P M E N T
LSI system for the high-per-
formance image-processing
engine
22 OLYMPUS 2006