1.Contributing to Enriched Lifestyles through Imaging Technology
Basic Approach and Policies
In recent years, data transfer speeds have increased dramatically along with the spread of the Internet such that data can be transmitted across the world in the blink of an eye. “Imaging,” a term for photography and video that has become commonly used throughout the world, is therefore becoming increasingly important. Canon believes that advanced imaging enlivens communications and is instrumental in bringing about a better society. Our goal is to contribute to achieving enriched lifestyles by offering a total lineup of imaging input and output devices for a broad range of applications, from daily living and business to medicine, media and the arts.
Developing Imaging Culture
—Canon enters the video production field with the Cinema EOS System
The Evolution of SLR Video Recording, Bringing New Expression to Cinematography
Video technology was born at the end of the 19th century, and it has been evolving rapidly through digitalization since the end of the 20th century. Revolutionary developments in imaging expression, such as computer graphics and 3D, have far exceeded what had been imagined possible.
Canon's EOS 5D Mark II, a full HD video-capable digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera, was launched in 2008. The camera's large sensor delivered a bokeh (blurring) effect that was previously very expensive to achieve in digital video. The camera's compact size and affordable price tag, combined with its stunning image quality, made it a hit among videographers.
Having received such an enthusiastic response from the video world, Canon announced the launch of the Cinema EOS System in November 2011. This digital cinematography system, comprised of the EF lens series with an added array of new EF Cinema lenses, a digital cinema camera, and a digital SLR camera, is optimized to capture video.
The Cinema EOS System product lineup, including more than 70 interchangeable lenses
Cinema EOS System Meets the Needs of the Video Industry
In developing the Cinema EOS System , Canon effectively used feedback and suggestions from industry insiders, including Hollywood professionals, to improve the video functions and usability of the EOS 5D Mark II.
As a result, Canon delivered a digital cinema camera that offers a “fusion of film and digital cinema” built around the development of a super 35mm CMOS sensor that matches the single-frame size of movie film. The new camera also provides maneuverability, durability and expandability in a small, lightweight body. Canon sought to provide functions that would satisfy professionals on the front lines of the film and video industry by developing the EF Cinema Lenses to provide exceptional imaging quality and support 4K* resolution.
- *4K resolution is 4,096 x 2,160 pixels, four times that of ful HD resolution.
Expanding the Horizons of Video Production and Further Developing the Imaging Culture
Canon expects the Cinema EOS System to play a role in expanding the horizons of video production.
Along with achieving reductions in size and weight, the system is being offered at a modest price point. Designed to enable operation by a single individual, the camera can be used by a broad range of customers. These not only include large studios creating movies, television programs and commercials, but also independent and documentary filmmakers. Canon has also established the Canon Hollywood Professional Technology & Support Center in the heart of the U.S. cinema and television production industry. In addition to providing equipment support for the industry, the support center encourages direct communication with users, through events such as educational programs where industry professionals serve as instructors. The support center aims to encourage creators explore new modes of video expression by utilizing the Cinema EOS System's and its cutting-edge features and functions.
Canon considers contributing to the development of imaging culture an important mission, and it will continue to expand the camera and lens lineup as it pursues new possibilities in the world of imaging.
Cinema EOS System in use on location
Enhanced Productivity through Advanced Document Management
—Global development of cloud document services
A major issue today is how to efficiently control and use documents in the modern business environment, in which the volume of data handled is growing and becoming more diverse. Cloud services, which enable businesses to establish the latest in secure document management environments without a major investment in facilities, are therefore gaining serious attention.
To offer the benefits of cloud services to a greater number of customers, Canon constructed a proprietary cloud-service platform called Canon Business Imaging Online. We launched this cloud document service in August 2011.
For example, this service permits employees to scan documents on a multifunction device (MFD) and store them on the cloud so they can be shared with or viewed by other employees. Also, by connecting smartphones with MFDs, documents can be safely printed or viewed anywhere and at any time.
This kind of service enables diverse communications and increases productivity. In future, Canon plans to develop cloud services that correspond to particular regional business characteristics.
Achieving advanced document management centering on MFDs by using cloud services
For Prompt, Accurate Diagnoses that Minimize Patient Impact
—Development of compact, wireless digital radiography systems
Digitalization has been accelerating in recent years, even in the medical field. Digital radiography (DR) not only offers faster image confirmation than film radiography, but is also expected to broadly increase diagnostic efficiency by, for example, making possible the sharing of image data among doctors and hospitals.
Canon has developed a portable wireless DR system to facilitate wider use of digital radiography. We developed this wireless, compact, lightweight system in response to requests from medical personnel, such as having the ability to operate the unit with one hand or removing the cord, which makes the unit hard to operate as well as unhygienic. The wireless feature of the system greatly improves portability and operability; the device can be operated separately from the radiography stand, making it easy to X-ray hands, feet and elbows. This also makes it possible to X-ray difficult-to-move patients in their rooms as well as in operating rooms, thus reducing patient impact.
This system also offers higher sensitivity and resolution, reducing patient X-ray exposure. This is a benefit in the treatment of patients with low immunity, such as newborns.
The speed of the digital system, plus the maneuverability provided by its small size and portability, have gained Canon DR systems high marks for use in disaster areas where rescuers are in a race against time.
Canon will continue to contribute to faster, more accurate medical diagnoses by developing new devices that broaden the range of radiography applications.
Canon DR used for treatment of newborns at Universitäts Kinderspital beider Basel, Switzerland
Wireless, portable DR
