Medical imaging enables the visualization of morphology and biological functions for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. Canon leverages its optical, precision and image processing technologies to research and develop medical imaging technologies that aid in the early detection of such conditions as cancer, heart disease, and lifestyle-related diseases, and to make possible high-precision, patient-friendly diagnostic imaging processes.

Canon collaborates with Stanford University in the United States and other leading research institutions both in Japan and abroad. One of the company's key undertakings in this area is the Innovative Techno-Hub for Integrated Medical Bio-Imaging project in cooperation with Kyoto University. The project seeks to achieve new visualization, measurement, and diagnostic imaging technologies, promoting unified research and development through all stages, from basic research to the development of diagnostic equipment. The aim is to create clinical imaging technologies with minimal impact on the patient's body while supporting highly sensitive, high-resolution, high-dimensional measurement and imaging of the morphology, functions, and metabolism of the body, and even signs of illness and the behavior of specific biomolecules leading to illness.

Researchers are currently engaged in research and development in elemental technology fields, including the areas of optical, ultrasound, and magnetic measuring. Examples include the development of sensing devices that examine the internal organs with high sensitivity and resolution, and the design and development of synthesis technologies for molecular probes that accumulate specifically at disease sites and emit physical biosignals.