Canon Inc., to aid the relief efforts in areas hit hard by the Great East Japan Earthquake, will donate five portable digital radiography systems to the Japanese Red Cross Society.

The portable DR systems, built around Canon's medical-use CXDI-55G multipurpose portable flat panel detector (digital radiography device), include components such as an X-ray device and control computer.

Since it is a compact and lightweight system, it is possible to transport it using a van or other such vehicle to areas outside the hospital. Therefore, it is greatly effectiveness in the field, for example in disaster areas with limited healthcare resources and in house calls.

On May 10, a presentation ceremony was held at the head office of the Japanese Red Cross Society. Canon Vice-President Toshizo Tanaka delivered an inventory list of the donations to Japanese Red Cross Society President Tadateru Konoe.

This system has been used in medical activities in stricken areas in the aftermath of disasters, including the major earthquakes that struck offshore of Sumatra, Indonesia, in 2009, and hit Haiti in 2010. Canon hopes it will contribute in many ways to the relief efforts in the disaster stricken areas in East Japan as well.