Olympus 2007 Annual Report Download - page 20

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Research and Development
> To further sharpen its core competence in Opto-Digital
Technology, the Olympus Group is pursuing further devel-
opment of four platform technologies—optical, precision,
digital imaging and cell-related technologies—and push-
ing forward with basic research, as well as expanding
product development and creation of new businesses. The
Future Creation Laboratory is engaged in research aimed
at creating long-term corporate value for the sustainable
development of the Olympus Group.
Research and development expenses in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2007 amounted to ¥55,531 million
(US$463 million), a year-on-year increase of 20.9%. The
ratio of research and development expenditures to net
sales also increased 0.5 of a percentage point to 5.2%,
reflecting Olympus’ efforts to strengthen R&D. During the
fiscal year under review, R&D activities by business seg-
ment were as follows.
Imaging
System
Business
1.
Ultra-slender 5x-zoom lens unit for compact digital
cameras
> Olympus has developed the “dual super aspherical lens,”
which achieves the optical performance of several con-
ventional lenses, and the “CCD-shift image stabilizer” to
compensate for camera shake and provide clear image
quality even at high magnification. These two technologies
are combined into one ultra-slender 5x-zoom lens unit and
produced for use with compact digital cameras.
2.
E-410 digital SLR camera with interchangeable lens
> Olympus developed the E-410 (EVOLT E-410 in the
Americas) digital SLR camera, which maintains the size
and weight of the E-400, the world’s smallest, slimmest and
lightest digital SLR camera*, realized through meticulous
detail to compactness of the various units that comprise a
camera. On the E-410, Olympus added its Live View func-
tion that enables picture shooting while watching an LCD
monitor on the back of the camera.
* Based on an Olympus survey of digital SLR cameras with interchangeable
lenses, as of March 5, 2007
3.
Sensor-shift type image stabilizer unit for digital
SLR cameras
> Olympus developed a sensor-shift type image stabilizer
unit employing the exclusive Supersonic Wave Drive (SWD)
motor for E-510 (EVOLT E-510 in the Americas) digital SLR
cameras equipped with the Live View function.
Medical
Systems
Business
1.
EVIS LUCERA SPECTRUM endoscopic video
imaging system
> Olympus launched the new EVIS LUCERA SPECTRUM endo-
scopic video imaging system, which serves as the center-
piece of a range of general-use systems and specialized
videoscopes. In addition to normal light observation using
high-resolution HDTV imaging, the EVIS LUCERA SPECTRUM
also incorporates three imaging functions for observation
using specific light spectra: Narrow Band Imaging (NBI),
Auto Fluorescence Imaging (AFI) and Infra Red Imaging
(IRI).
2.
EVIS LUCERA GIF TYPE XP260N
Gastrointestinalvideoscope
> Featuring an ultra-compact, high-resolution CCD, this slim,
high-definition videoscope for the upper digestive tract can
be inserted through either the nose tract or the mouth.
3.
KD-611L disposable electrosurgical knife
> Olympus made this new endotherapy product to make
dissection or exfoliations of tissue during Endoscopic
Submucosal Dissection (ESD), which is gradually com-
ing into use as a less invasive treatment for lesions in the
submucosa.
18 OLYMPUS 2007
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