Canon global

Achieving Unified High-Quality Color Across Devices

As input and output devices differ in the range of colors that each is capable of reproducing, the colors appearing on displays and in printout have not always been consistent with the colors of the original input image.
Canon has been engaged in activities to achieve high image quality and consistent color reproduction performance in various input and output devices. The company has accumulated a wealth of expertise in image management, evaluation and simulation technologies, as well as in image processing technology. This expertise is put to use to accurately reproduce colors true to the original, to assign quantitative values to preferred colors, and to establish target colors as Canon Unified High-Quality Color. The company has also developed design and evaluation tools to achieve such goals, and has created an integrated image-development environment.
The Canon Unified High-Quality Color is currently being used in almost every category of Canon imaging device. Canon has further developed this technology to create Kyuanos, a high-accuracy color management system (CMS). This system achieves accurate color matching with reduced color differences by taking into account such factors as lighting conditions, print media characteristics, and so on which can have a significant impact on how colors appear.

Kyuanos: High-Accuracy Color Management System

Accurate color matching requires a device profile (or color design data) for each input/output device combination and paper media. Conventional technology demands a tremendous investment of time and effort for the creation of these profiles. With Kyuanos, however, profiles can be set up automatically, making it easy to achieve high-accuracy color matching that satisfies professional requirements. The color reproduction range of input and output devices has expanded in recent years, making it difficult to correctly reproduce colors using the conventional 8-bit and sRGB standard color space.

Differences in Color Reproduction between Input and Output Devices

Kyuanos offers an extended color space for 16-bit and 32-bit formats that allows for maximum input and output performance without color space restrictions. This enables the reproduction of exceptionally vivid colors with rich gradation.
Another feature of Kyuanos is the support for different lighting environments. Kyuanos is able to numerically convert colors based on human perception, lighting characteristics that significantly affect how images appear (for example, whether fluorescent or incandescent lighting is being used), and the color reproduction characteristics of the device in question. Using this data to convert images enables color consistency even under different lighting environments.

Difference in How Posters Look with Kyuanos

Achieving Connectivity for Digital Devices

Canon is currently developing communication network technologies which provide a cross-media communication environment in which input/output devices such as cameras and printers can easily be connected to a network, anytime and anywhere.

Schematic View of Wireless Communication and Device Automatic Connection Technology

Wireless Communication Technology

Wireless communication technology provides a high-speed communication environment that can be used anytime and anywhere.
Canon has been working on improving communication performance and enabling easy, secure network connectivity by focusing on the development of ways to embed such standard communication technologies as Wireless LAN (IEEE802.11b/g/a/n) into cameras, printers, and other products. Now developed as a common platform, this technology has been optimized for and implemented in Canon products.
Other activities that Canon is working on include the development of near Field Communication technologies and public wireless technologies. The company is also developing and standardizing middleware to provide automatic wireless connections.
Furthermore, Canon is developing technologies for wireless communications with smartphones in order to create new ways to utilize cameras and printers.

High-Speed Video - Communication Technology

Transmitting video images among networked devices requires technologies capable of controlling signals affected by external factors and transmission quality. Canon's high-speed video-communication technology enables the networking of high-definition video images and high-quality audio signals, as well as facilitating high-speed transfer while preserving the high-definition image quality.
Through the use of this technology, the company is working on the development of technologies to provide a more lifelike communication experience among remote locations over a network.

Device Automatic Connection Technology

Automatic connection technology includes standards such as DLNA^*1 and directory services.^*2 However, these standards are often incompatible and it is difficult even for devices using the same standard to automatically connect over a wide-area network such as the Internet. Canon is working to create a system for interconnecting a variety of input and output devices, and working on the development of communications software for automatically connecting devices using different standards over a wide-area network with the aim of quickly resolving inconveniences faced by users.

• *1 DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance)
  DLNA refers to both an organization and guidelines for promoting standardization for the exchange of data between home appliances, mobile devices, PCs, and other electronic equipment.
• *2 Directory service
  A directory service is a network management system that, among other functions, enables users to manage and search for location information of devices connected to a network.

Promoting Logical Data Compatibility

XML is a markup language^*3 used as a format for providing logical data compatibility to simplify the sharing of structured documents and data between different information systems. It has become more familiar in recent years for its use in terrestrial digital broadcasting data and map data used by the Geographical Survey Institute. While working to address the challenges of improving XML processing performance in products, Canon is developing XML technology with an eye on the future.

• *3 Markup language
  Markup languages describe the meaning and structure of documents and data by embedding specific text strings called "tags". Other markup languages include HTML and SGML. XML is derived from SGML.

Binary XML Technology

Binary XML technology is a technology that expresses text-based XML in a binary format that computers can directly understand. Binarization, which reduces the size of XML to less than 20% of its original text format size and boosts performance by at least five times, is essential when using XML in compact products. However, because each manufacturer uses a different binarization method, interoperability, which is one of the benefits of XML, is sacrificed.
Canon is promoting the formulation of standard binary XML specifications by the W3C,^*4 which is expected to prevail in the near future.
The company is also developing methods for compression and encoding of structural patterns optimized for XML data used in such areas as 2D graphic language, and is working to apply these to maximize XML processing performance in Canon imaging devices.

• *4 W3C
  The W3C, or World Wide Web Consortium, is an organization promoting the standardization of technology used on the WWW.

Web Application Technology

Many services, such as map and photo-sharing, are now provided as web applications.^*5 Recent web applications are written in the new HTML5 markup language, or JavaScript scripting language.^*6
Canon is developing embedded web application execution engines that support HTML5 and JavaScript to allow products such as MFPs and digital cameras to download web applications and utilize their functions directly from the products. The company will continue to promote services that integrate devices with the Internet while working to support such security functions as electronic signatures, encryption, and user authentication in XML.

• *5 Web application
  Web applications are programs that use web functions. When a user makes a request, the server provides a mechanism that generates and provides content.
• *6 Scripting language
  Scripting languages are simplified programming languages which operate by sequentially interpreting program contents.

Searching for Similar Images and Video Clips

The widespread popularity of digital cameras and video camcorders, increase in hard disk and memory card capacities, has led to a greater ability to shoot and store digital photos and video. On the other hand, because of the increased size of data stored, and of the capacity of databases containing images, it has become difficult to search for specific desired images out from a large volume of data.
Canon's image retrieval technology enables users to quickly and accurately search for images by using characteristic information of images themselves, and without the need to search in the keywords section.

Image Retrieval Technology

Canon's image retrieval technology searches image databases for images containing objects specified by the user.
This technology performs searches using many local characteristics found in the desired photo subject, checking them against other images in the database, and returning the search results containing all images which have any parts matching the searched characteristics. This makes it possible to quickly and accurately search large databases for images, even without remembering the image clearly. Highly reproducible characteristics are prioritized in the search, preventing potential search results from being overlooked due to the images being rotated, expanded, or reduced, or due to image degradation because of image scanning or compression of the original image.
In order to make the search even faster, the image features identified as characteristics are compressed to 1/4 their original data size, and combined with original indexing technology developed by Canon. With this combination, Canon achieved one of the fastest search speed in the industry (under equivalent operating environments).

Overview of Still-Image Retrieval Technology

Real-Time Embedded Operating System

DRYOS is an embedded real-time operating system^*7 developed by Canon for use in compact devices and employed in a wide range of company products such as digital cameras and digital video camcorders. The kernel module,^*8 which represents the heart of the system, facilitates customization to meet the needs of device and hardware resources, and it features a flexible structure that can be expanded in size from a minimum of 16 KB. It currently supports more than 10 types of embedded CPUs, and by supporting the use of an OS simulation development environment on PCs, makes it possible to develop software products without the need to operate them on prototype devices.
In response to demand for ever more multifaceted digital products, Canon has also developed various kinds of middleware for file systems and the TCP/IP network stack,^*9 in addition to device drivers to support USB and the like. By developing platform software in-house, the company can promote the reuse and sharing of software modules while quickly addressing the trend toward high-performance, high-functionality devices.

DRYOS Module Hierarchy

• *7 Real-time operating system
  An operating system that processes in real time. Such operating systems are often embedded in devices.
• *8 Kernel
  The core part of an operating system that manages system resources such as the CPU, memory, and peripherals, and provides basic functions to ensure that hardware and software run efficiently.
• *9 TCP/IP network stack
  A suite of software needed to work with the TCP/IP communications protocol for interfacing with the Internet.

Ensuring Efficient Development of Large-Scale System LSI

Canon develops its own system LSIs,^*10 single-chip ICs that contain all system components, including the hardware and software necessary to run the device. These system LSIs are tiny chips of only several square millimeters or centimeters, but they contain extremely large systems and are important components that determine product functions. Since the 1990s, Canon has been ahead of other companies in the development of system LSIs, developing LSIs such as DIGIC, the iR Controller, and L-COA, to reduce the size and increase the functionality of products.
Development of LSIs combining multiple functions requires collaboration among many engineers and an efficient development environment. Canon has developed a highly efficient system LSI integrated design environment that consolidates the entire development process, from specification study to physical design.

Overview of System LSI Development

• *10 System LSI
  A System LSI is a large-scale integrated circuit that contains functions provided by the CPU, memory, and dedicated LSI on a single chip. System LSIs realize faster operation because there is no need for the wiring required when using multiple chips. Furthermore, the area taken up on a circuit board is reduced, making it possible to reduce the size of the circuit board, resulting in a more compact device.

Design Support Environment

To support LSI design, Canon has developed MayDay, a unique design support tool. MayDay, an easy to understand web-based tool, supports communication and job progress for each member of a development team, which may include several hundred people. The compute farm underlying MayDay automatically activates the tool, managing a license pool for numerous CPUs and tools, and distributes the appropriate computing servers and licenses according to the demand for such resources. Configuration management allows the easy reuse of design assets by making possible the management of design-results files and entire directories needed for compilations and simulations.

Project Management Environment

The project management environment targets personnel such as designers and project leaders. Defect management enables the sharing of bug information for each project and linking to development flows, with multi-conditional search and tracking features. In the IP^*11 support system, functions that can be shared among multiple products are registered in a database as programs (IP core). Promoting the reuse of registered IP cores reduces the number of support processes and helps shorten development time.

• *11 IP: Intellectual Property

Analyzing Device Operating Mechanisms

In-process visualization technology enables the direct observation (optical observation) of the processes that take place within actual devices to reveal their operating mechanisms. This technology has been useful in revealing toner development and fixing processes, in addition to the ink-ejection process, in Canon products and has contributed to product design and technological innovation.
The diameter of a single toner particle in a laser printer or MFP is several μm,^*12 and the volume of a single ink droplet in an inkjet printer is 1 pl.^*13 In addition to being exceptionally small, they also move at incredibly high speeds, making it very difficult to accurately track them. Furthermore, because these phenomena occur in narrow spaces deep within products, simply viewing them poses a challenge. Advanced technologies including the creation of sample devices, shooting with ultra-high-speed cameras, and image analysis are used to observe the phenomena.

• *12 μm (micrometer) : 1 μm = one millionth of a meter
• *13 pl (picoliter) : 1 pl = one trillionth of a liter

Visualizing the Toner Development Process

This visualizing technology is used to observe toner particles as they fly towards the photosensitive drum. Based on these observations, engineers can analyze the movement and regularity of toner flying minute distances, which enables the clarification of mechanical positioning and optimal control voltages.

Visualizing the Toner-Fixing Process

Using an observation device, Canon is able to view the melting, expansion, and re-hardening of toner on the fixing component. Simulations performed by incorporating mechanical data measuring temperature, pressure, and displacement have contributed to the development of fixing-mechanism components and an understanding of the behavior of the toner itself.

Visualizing the Ink Droplet Ejection Process

Because the ink-ejection process takes place at ultrahigh speeds under which the time from ejection to fixing on paper is less than 1/10,000 of a second, Canon has developed analysis technology combining spatial analysis capabilities at a scale approaching the wavelength of light with time analysis capabilities at the one-millionth of a second level.

Analyzing Phenomena to Predict Product Performance

During product development, simulation technologies used to analyze phenomena and predict product performance support technological research and enable the shortening of development times.

Simulating the Electrophotographic Process

The electrophotographic process used to form images in laser printers and MFPs consists of charging, exposure, latent image, development, transfer, fixing, and cleaning. Each of these processes, vital for forming images, entails multiple and complex phenomena that until now were difficult to model mathematically.
Canon developed its own simulation technologies for these electrophotographic processes, enabling technological innovation and ensuring improved product-development efficiency.

Example of Simulated Transfer Process for Digital MFPs

Simulation of Inkjet Heads

When developing inkjet print heads, the structure of the nozzles, which ensure the optimal ejection of ink droplets, is a critical design point. Canon developed a simulation program for calculating ink ejection phenomena, which was then applied successfully to calculate ejection behavior based on nozzle structures and drive conditions. The program has made it possible to identify the relationship between nozzle structures and ejection characteristics before prototyping, enabling the short-cycle development of high-performance print heads.

Simulation of Ink Droplet Ejection

Toward More Convenient Mobile Devices

OLED displays are self-emitting displays based on the phenomenon of organic electro-luminescence, which occurs when voltage is applied to excite organic materials between two electrodes. They have high image quality and are light and compact, with low power consumption, making them attractive for use as displays in mobile telephones and other portable devices.
Canon, aiming to realize high performance, low-cost OLED displays, carried out the development process in-house, from organic materials to devices and processes.
To develop the organic materials, Canon applied the principles of the organic photo-conductors that it had developed for use in the field of electro-photography and further developed electron injection transport materials, as well as dopant materials and RGB light-emitting materials for increasing emission performance.
The system adopts a "top emission" structure that casts light to the encapsulation layer side, ensuring a wide aperture ratio to enable highly efficient light emission. Because organic films are color-coded using high-precision mask deposition technology to ensure that RGB luminescent materials emit light for each color, color filters and color conversion are not required. Active matrix TFT substrates are used to drive the pixels.
In terms of manufacturing technology, Canon is working closely with Group companies Canon ANELVA Corporation and Canon Tokki Corporation, who have developed vacuum processing technologies, and is also collaborating with Japan Display Inc. in order to produce OLED with high levels of efficiency, color purity, and longevity.

Accurately Detecting Movements on a Nanometer Scale

Encoders are sensors that measure the angle of or distance traveled by an object by attaching a scale to the target object and counting the scale. Canon has developed ultra-precise, ultra-accurate encoders using cutting-edge optical measurement technology.

Laser Rotary Encoders (LRE)

Laser rotary encoders detect angles using light analysis^*14 and interference,^*15 employing semiconductor lasers as the light source. The use of proprietary prism optics enables the creation of more compact devices. LREs are used to adjust the angle of industrial robot arms and camera platforms for broadcasting cameras.

Operating Principle of Laser Rotary Encoders

• *14 Light analysis
  A property of light. Light travels in waves which, upon striking an object, curve around into the shadow of the object. This phenomenon is known as diffraction.
• *15 Interference
  A property of light. Light travels in waves and becomes brighter when combined with light of the same phase. When combined with light with a phase that differs by 180 degrees, the two will cancel each other out, resulting in darkness. This phenomenon is known as interference.

Micro Linear Encoders (MLE)

Micro linear encoders, which use a unique light reflection-diffraction interferometer with LEDs as a light source, realize ultra-long life spans and an ultra-compact size. When used with a 1,000-part splitter, they achieve a maximum resolution capability of 0.8 nm.^*16 MLEs are used in stage sensors in semiconductor lithography tools, hard disk inspection equipment, and semiconductor measuring equipment.

Overview of MLE

• *16 nm (nanometer) : 1 nm = one billionth of a meter

Noncontact Precise Detection of Velocity Inconsistencies and Rotation Inconsistencies

A laser Doppler velocimeter is a device that measures the velocity of a moving or rotating object without coming into contact with the object by illuminating it with a laser through an afocal optical system.^*17
Laser light is converted into parallel beams using a collimator lens and split using a diffraction grating. Two lights with different frequencies created by an E/O frequency shifter (an element that shifts the frequency) are used to illuminate the measured object, and the scattered light is passed through a collecting lens to be read by a photodiode. The velocity is then measured based on the beat signal (Doppler frequency) of the light obtained. The system enables the measuring of speeds from a state of rest to -200 to 2,000 mm, -50 to 5,000 mm per second. The technology is used in R&D and production lines for detecting paper transport speeds and velocity irregularities in printers and digital MFPs, detecting rotation irregularities in photosensitive drums, and detecting rotation and feed inconsistencies in the drive units of machine tools.

• *17 Afocal optical system
  An optical system without a focal point (infinite focal length), in which the same parallel light that enters the lens also leaves the lens. The system is used in telescopes and beam expanders (an optical module for expanding the beam diameter of laser light).

Achieving Advanced Laser Processing

Laser-processing machines are devices that rotate mirrors at high speeds to determine the position of laser light to perform boring, cutting, and trimming processes.
Canon's galvano scanner,^*18 which utilizes proprietary encoder technology, is a high-precision laser scanner incorporated into laser processing machines. Combined with fully closed digital servo technology to provide optimal control in accordance with the application, the scanner detects mirror angles. Galvano scanners provide excellent positioning precision and repetitive reproduction capability along with high-speed performance. Incorporated into laser via-hole^*19 drilling devices and 3D molding devices, they play an instrumental role in the processing of high-density circuit boards for mobile phones, and the production of flat panel displays and solar panels.

• *18 Galvano scanner
  A scanner that applies a system employing a high-sensitive ammeter, or galvanometer. The word galvano is derived from the name of Italian physicist Luigi Galvani.
• *19 Via-hole
  A hole used for connecting circuit wiring created on each substrate in multi-layered substrates.

Ultra-Sensitive Displacement Detection at 0.08 nm

• *20 Michelson interferometer method
  Light from a light source is split into two or more beams and the light reflected by the object (measurement light) is recombined with the light reflected by a fixed reflective surface (reference light).

Focus and Zoom Drive Mechanisms Using Ultrasonic Vibration

Canon realized the world's first practical application of an Ultrasonic Motor (USM), incorporating the highly advanced motor as the focus drive in the company's interchangeable lenses for SLR cameras.
Piezoelectric ceramic elements cause an elastic body, called a stator, to flex, and these flexural oscillating ultrasonic waves progress along the circumference, causing elliptical rotation of the stator surface. This makes the rotor, which is in contact with the stator, to rotate in the opposite direction of the ultrasonic wave due to elliptical rotation friction. USM is a superior control technology that provides high torque and response. Furthermore, it produces little operating noise and is easy to employ in lenses, making it the ideal autofocus drive motor for EF lenses.
Canon has developed USMs that are optimal for EF lenses to realize the characteristics EF lenses are known for, such as quiet, fast focus drive and full-time manual focusing performance. USMs are also used in the fast zoom drives of digital compact camera zoom lenses.