A large-scale project fraught with difficulties
The development project took a long time and many people were involved. I imagine that you have a few unforgettable episodes that you can look back on.
It was mentioned earlier that, because the total area of the control board was around the size of four and a half tatami mats (7.425m2), there were whispers behind closed doors that the product wasn't feasible.
- Nakao
- The main unit's firmware, which I was responsible for, not only was large in scale, but also covered a wide range of areas. Because of that, we decided not to conduct any actual design for the first year. What we did was examine the overall configuration. We focused on finding proof of whether it was technically possible. The plan was to charge forward once we had finished confirming the viability of the technology employed. Because of this, I'll never forget having to tell our leaders, who eagerly wanted to start writing the program, that they'd have to wait a little longer.
- Ikeda
- I didn't know that was the strategy from the outset (laughs). On my part, I was initially at my wit's end since the prototype wouldn't work properly. Because it's such a large device, I had to oversee a variety of groups that came and went. But in the end, it turned out well. The various groups gradually came to work together and we could see where we were going. This probably led to the creation of a sense of unity throughout the development team.
- Ohki
- There was also much confusion at first during the development of the connecting system, which I was responsible for. This project gained cooperation from elite teams throughout the company from the early stages of development, but as detailed reviews progressed, discussions between the leaders of the relevant teams began to fall out of sync. The differences grew wider and wider the more we spoke (laughs). There was a period in which aligning our direction was important and difficult to achieve.
Why was that?
- Ohki
- The connecting system developed during this project utilized the same software configuration as that used in conventional imagePRESS*1 and imagePROGRAF*2 machines. Because of this, software engineers that were knowledgeable about these products were part of the team during development. They are all elite members who can't be satisfied by half-hearted discussion (laughs). They charge forward, focusing on the details in every discussion. This means that differences in opinion and approach are made clear, making it hard to come to an agreement. We agonized over such discussions. In the end, we created a masterpiece drawing indicating the basic design, and received the OK from all relevant personnel within the company. To create this design, we locked ourselves in a conference room for several days and worked day and night. The memory is a fond one now that I look back on it (laughs).
There are a lot of things going on at the start of a large-scale project, aren't there?
- Teshigawara
- One thing I clearly remember is the first time we printed using the prototype. The ink wouldn't eject properly and the output results were terrible, but everyone cheered when the first page came out and applause echoed throughout room where we conducted the demonstration. I think that was the first step of our dream coming true.
- *1 imagePRESS
Canon business-use digital production printer for high-mix, low-volume printing
- *2 imagePROGRAF
Canon large-format inkjet printer for printing posters, CAD output, etc.
Confidence in a new product developed with passion
The new product, which was completed so painstakingly, is about to be released to the world. What wishes or requests do you have? Could you conclude by telling everyone how you feel?
- Yamada
- More than anything, we'd like the excellent image quality to be recognized by professionals in the photo-print and printing industries. We would like them to see how quickly such beautiful photo prints can be made. In addition, we'd also like for general users to appreciate this beauty and be inspired by it.
- Ohki
- I think photos have a certain power. A single photo has the power to bring joy to people and warm their hearts by bringing back memories. Sometimes the memories are sad ones, but photos have the power of granting courage to overcome. I hope DreamLabo can provide beautiful photos with even greater power.
- Ikeda
- I think so too. The reason is that we'll be able to provide image quality of a level surpassing the conventional image quality seen in the photo-printing industry.
- Hirosawa
- It would be great if general users could specifically request that the DreamLabo be used when they want to create a commemorative album. That would mean that the addition of a double-sided printing function suitable for album printing was worthwhile.
- Watanabe
- Exactly. I'm anxious to hear what general users have to say. I believe that the day will come when DreamLabo becomes the industry standard.
- Kamo
- I think we'll need to increase the number of paper types to achieve this. Meeting the broad needs of users in terms of paper will also be essential for DreamLabo to become the industry standard.
- Nakao
- In addition to the expectation that DreamLabo will become the industry standard, I would be even happier if it led to the creation of new photo product-related businesses that have never existed before.
- Teshigawara
- That's quite possible. I think we achieved the image quality and functionality required for that.
I understand. DreamLabo seems to have the potential to create even unknown markets. Thank you for speaking with us today.
