Olympus 2010 Annual Report Download - page 20

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Olympus Group proactively pursues R&D in five main
areas: the optical, precision and electronic imaging technolo-
gies that comprise the Group’s core competencies of Opto-
Digital Technology, biomechanical & biological fundamental
technologies and common core technologies related to the
aforementioned four technologies.
In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010, R&D expenditures
amounted to ¥61.9 billion (US$687 million), or 7.0% of
net sales, demonstrating our commitment to expanding
technological R&D. This figure includes R&D expenditures
reported by individual business segments in addition to other
R&D expenditures related to basic research that cannot be
attributed to any particular segment, which amounted to
approximately ¥15.2 billion (US$169 million).
Imaging Systems Business
R&D expenditures recorded by the Imaging Systems
Business totaled approximately ¥9.8 billion in fiscal 2010.
Achievements on this investment include the following.
1. Development of OLYMPUS PEN E-P1 Interchangeable
Lens-Type Digital Camera
Based on the Micro Four Thirds System standard and mirror-
less inner structure, this interchangeable lens-type digital
camera boasts a significantly reduced size, and realizes the
high-performance and high-quality imaging equivalent to
the conventional SLR camera. The E-P1 adopted the 4/3’’
High-Speed Live MOS Sensor featuring 12.3 megapixels and a
Live Control function that facilitates instinctual operation. The
newly developed TruePic V image processing engine realizes
both high-quality still picture shooting and high-definition
video recording.
2. Development of µ[mju:] TOUGH-8010 (Stylus TOUGH
series in the Americas) Compact Digital Camera
As the high-end model of the µ[mju:] TOUGH series, this digi-
tal camera is waterproof to a depth of 10 meters,*1 dustproof
to keep out sand and dirt,*1 impact resistant for drops from
as high as two meters,*1 freezeproof in temperatures as low
as -10°C,*2 and crushproof to withstand up to 100kgf.*3 In
addition, Olympus developed a 28mm wide angle*4 5x optical
zoom lens equipped with CCD-shift image stabilization func-
tion, a feature that had been difficult to combine with impact
resistance.
*1 Under Olympus in-house test conditions
*2 The number of storable still pictures is reduced in low temperatures
*3 kgf is the unit of load imposed on an object. Based on Olympus in-house testing
*4 35 mm camera equivalent
3. Development of Live Guide New User Interface Function
For those who prefer the freedom to follow their instincts
when taking pictures instead of relying on conventional
camera settings, Olympus developed Live Guide, a new user
interface installed on OLYMPUS PEN Lite E-PL1 interchange-
able lens type digital camera. This new function allows
users to leverage conventional interchangeable lens camera
techniques, using five icons to adjust color vividness, color
balance, image brightness, depth of field and for quick move-
ment.
Medical Systems Business
R&D expenditures recorded by the Medical Systems
Business totaled approximately ¥25.7 billion in fiscal 2010.
Achievements on this investment include the following.
1. Development of VisiGlide™ Disposable Guidewire
Incorporating the material processing technology of Terumo
Corporation and Olympus technology that optimizes the
combination of endoscope and endotherapy devices, Olympus
improved the insertability and slickness of guidewires while
augmenting toughness and rotational capacity despite the
wires’ only 0.025mm thickness and also enhanced visibility
to X-rays. These improvements have made it easier to pass
devices the through previously hard to reach, narrow digestive
tract and to conduct selective insertion into pancreatico-
biliary ducts. Through the combination of these features,
VisiGlide™ helps to improve the efficiency of procedures.
2. Development of EVIS LUCERA Gastrointestinal
Videoscope OLYMPUS GIF TYPE PQ260
Aiming to ensure the high accuracy required for endoscopic
inspection and to reduce the burden on examinees, Olympus
makes every effort to enhance design technology and
downsize components. As a result, Olympus has achieved
high-resolution imaging in a slim body, a technically difficult
task. This videoscope enables the use of biopsy forceps,
which are frequently used in screening inspection, as well as
injection needles, making it ideal for use in simple treatments.
Furthermore, it can be used in combination with the processor
of the EVIS LUCERA SPECTRUM videoscope system equipped
with Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) to enhance the visualization of
the capillary network and mucosal morphology.
3. Development of QuadPort™ Disposable Multi-Instrument
Access Port, HiQ LS Curved Hand Instruments and
EndoEYE LS Laparo-Thoraco Videoscope with Advanced
CCD used for Laparo-Endoscopic Single-Site Surgery
(LESS Surgery)
Among its products for LESS surgery, Olympus has developed
a disposable multi-instrument access port that can simul-
taneously accommodate up to four instruments, including
an endoscope, while requiring only a single incision; curved
5-mm diameter hand instruments that feature a shaft with
curved distal and proximal ends to prevent interference
with other devices; and a laparo-thoraco videoscope with an
advanced computer-controlled display (CCD) that incorpo-
rates a deflectable control section to prevent interference
with other devices.
Please note that in certain locations, some of the products mentioned herein are not
available for sale or are as yet awaiting approval from local regulatory authorities.
18 OLYMPUS 2010