Pioneer 2010 Annual Report Download - page 14

R&D and Intellectual Properties
Pioneer has prioritized R&D initiatives in a consistent manner with its
business portfolio realignment. With this step, Pioneer is conducting
R&D with an emphasis on research themes that are expected to drive
future business expansion, such as organic light emitting diode (OLED)
lighting as well as on its Car Electronics business, a core business. New
car electronics-related technologies are expected to take on increasing
importance as electric vehicles are introduced into the marketplace. In
addition, the Company is stepping up research into fundamental audio
and video technologies, areas where Pioneer is known for its excellence.
Pioneer also focuses on discovering new research themes with the aim
of product commercialization within the next few years. In October
2009, the Company further strengthened the relationship between R&D
divisions and operating divisions by reassigning the former to its
business operation sites. Under this framework, Pioneer will promote
speedier R&D activities geared toward commercialization.
In the meantime, Pioneer considers its intellectual properties to be
an important business resource. Through strategic acquisition and
utilization of these rights, the Company is seeking not only to support
its existing businesses but also to ensure the competitiveness of its
businesses in the future.
Comprehensive Car Electronics and Car Ecology Technologies
Pioneer is engaged in R&D over a broad range of car electronics-related technologies in
anticipation of next-generation vehicles. In 2009, Pioneer brought to market car navigation
systems incorporating the Photoremo@Navi® standard, which enables smooth data links
between mobile phones and car navigation systems, as well as a demodulation LSI for ter-
restrial digital TV broadcasting, which enhances signal-reception performance using data
augmentation technology developed by Pioneer. In another development, industry and aca-
demia have joined forces to establish SIM-Drive Corporation* as a venture to promote elec-
tric vehicles. Pioneer is a sponsor of a SIM-Drive initiated program called the “Advanced
Electric Vehicle Prototype Development Business No.1.” Through this program, Pioneer
plans to promote R&D on optimal car electronics systems and services for electric vehicles.
In recent years, there has been a considerable increase in public awareness of the need for
low fuel consumption to reduce the carbon-dioxide emissions from automobiles. In response,
Pioneer has been working to develop eco-friendly car ecology technologies, including enhanc-
ing energy efficiency and eco-driving support services. In the past, exclusive wiring was neces-
sary to measure vehicle fuel consumption. However, Pioneer has developed technology to
measure fuel consumption that provides highly accurate estimates based on information from
car navigation sensors. Through this technology, the Company can now provide new features,
including the display of fuel consumption and “Eco Level” information.
* SIM-Drive Corporation homepage http://www.sim-drive.com/english/index.html
OLED Technology— a Promising Future of Lighting Applications
Recently, the energy issue has become an urgent priority for the entire world and there is a
growing movement to apply OLED technology, which can be expected to provide high
luminous efficiency, to lighting applications.
The Raku Navi AVIC-HRZ900 model incor-
porates Photoremo@Navi®, a demodulation
LSI for terrestrial digital TV broadcasting,
and fuel consumption estimation
technology.
PIONEER CORPORATION Annual Report 2010
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