Olympus 2008 Annual Report Download - page 63

OLYMPUS 2008 61
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY REPORT
Core Technology and Business Models
> Olympus’ management focuses on strengthening the
Company’s technological capabilities with the aim of becom-
ing an even more advanced technology-oriented company.
Olympus’ core competence is in Opto-Digital Technology,
a fusion of the latest digital and optical technologies accu-
mulated by the Company over many years. In order to further
strengthen this core competence, Olympus has positioned the
following technologies as fundamental and common to the
Olympus Group as a whole: optical technology—the science
of capturing and controlling light; electronic imaging technol-
ogy—the manipulation of digital images captured from light;
precision technologies—the technologies to create products
accurately and control them precisely; and cell-related tech-
nology, which enables live cell observation and cell separation
culturing that is indispensable for establishing regenerative
medicine. By effectively channeling R&D resources to sharpen
its competitive edge, the Company continues to create new
levels of value for its Imaging Systems, Medical Systems, Life
Science and Industry-Related businesses.
In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2008, Olympus’ R&D
expenditure amounted to approximately ¥65.9 billion,
accounting for roughly 5.8% of net sales.
Olympus continuously enhanced its R&D efficiency in fiscal
2008. Based on this achievement, Olympus will make ongoing
efforts to strengthen its existing businesses, while aggres-
sively investing in M&A and R&D for the next generation of
businesses.
R&D Activities and Business Strategy
> In an effort to further strengthen its Opto-Digital Technology,
Olympus is currently engaged in R&D activities in the follow-
ing four core technologies.
In the optical technology field, the Company is continu-
ously undertaking R&D in areas including the application
of spectroscopic technology to diagnostic technology, and
usages of high-performance optics such as large-diameter
aspheric lenses, pursuing the infinite possibilities presented
by the application of light. One of the Company’s achieve-
ments is the development of a new optical axisymmetric free
curvature lens that enables omnidirectional image projection
and shooting.
In the electronic imaging technology field, Olympus is chan-
neling its R&D results into its individual business segments.
R&D projects in this field cover such technologies as digital
image processing, custom imager design and advanced,
high-definition image mapping. Examples are the Face
Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology, which prevents
backlighting failures by detecting faces and automatically
adjusting the exposure to include the background, and High-
Speed Imager AF.
In the precision technology sphere, the Company focuses
on R&D for Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS),
incorporating such technologies as ultra-fine processing,
ultra-precision processing, micro mounting, and micro sen-
sors and actuators. These technologies are essential elements
of the key parts and components that distinguish Olympus’
products from those of its competitors in various fields. Some
examples are the ultrasonic actuators installed in digital SLR
cameras for industry-best image stabilization, ultrasonic
motors for interchangeable lens-type digital SLR cameras,
optical encoders and AF sensor modules.
Cell-related technology at Olympus, which is aimed at
creating new business opportunities in the fields of biosci-
ence and regenerative medicine, is supported by R&D in such
areas as live cell analysis and manipulation technologies and
cell separation culturing technologies. To name just one of the
achievements, OSferion artificial bone replacement material
has now been commercialized.
R&D Segment and IP Overview
> The following graphs show the number of published patents
Olympus possesses in its areas of core competence, as well
as the number of such granted patents in relation to its overall
patent portfolio.
Number of Patents Published by Area of Core Competence
(Number of patents)
04 05 06 07 08
Optical Technology
Electronic Imaging Technology
Precision Technology
Cell-Related Technology
1,000
500
R&D Expenditure to Net Sales, R&D Efficiency
(%)
R&D Expenditure to Net Sales (Right)
0201 03 04 05 06 07 08
R&D Efficiency (Left)
10
15
5
300
200
100
Notes: R&D expenditure to net sales and R&D efficiency are calculated on the basis of
the IP strategy index set down by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.
R&D efficiency rate = Total operating income (2004-2008) / Total R&D
expenditure (1999-2003)
R&D expenditure to net sales = Total R&D expenditure over five years / Total
net sales over five years