Supporting evolving office document requirements and promoting

Supporting evolving office document requirements and promoting “genre
top strategies” by offering advanced color MFP and printing solutions
President
Akio Kitani
Konica Minolta Business Technologies
handles the Group’s core business,
which is the manufacture and marketing
of office equipment. As one of the few
manufacturers that provides both
MFPs* and printers on a worldwide
basis, we offer a comprehensive lineup
with an emphasis on color machines. In
addition, our experience and expertise
in this field enable us to combine
products and systems to create optimal
solutions tailored to the specific needs,
of each customer.
Having already established ourselves as
the top brand in the mid- and highspeed color MFP sector in both the
U.S.A. and Europe, we plan to grow our
business by concentrating resources in
the fast-growing field of color printing.
By offering high image quality and
value-added products, we intend to
promote “genre top strategies” that will
establish us as No. 1 in each segment.
Moreover, as networking and
information technologies become
increasingly integrated in today’s
businesses, we are working closely with
other IT companies to develop solutions
that meet the requirements of a wider
range of customers. By understanding
and responding quickly to changes in
society, we will be able to expand our
business as technology advances.
MFP (Multi Function Peripheral)
The essential office device is now shifting
towards color capability and network
compatibility
In the modern office where demand for color output is increasing,
Konica Minolta Business Technologies is delivering advanced solutions
that contribute to the enhancement of productivity and creativity. Driven
by the concept that “the user is the center of business”, our digital MFP
“bizhub” series is equipped with multiple functions including copying,
printing and scanning. Designed to serve as the hub of the office
network, these devices can consolidate administration of networked
equipment, manage distribution of digital data, and provide enhanced
security.
Color MFP “bizhub C300” + “PageACSES Ver. 2.0” + touch panel
(Document security is ensured with identical person certification using
noncontact IC card. Optional large touch panel improves operability.)
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High-speed monochrome
copier/MFP “bizhub PRO 1050”
Light production
An important domain with
high future growth potential
Advanced Technology
The light production market (quick printing) is one of our most important
target markets and we expect substantial growth in this area in the
future. Konica Minolta helps improve productivity and reliability by
providing rugged, industrial-strength color/monochrome MFPs (bizhub
PRO series) with the speed and image quality suitable for POD (Print
On Demand).
Next-generation toner providing a foundation for
enriched imaging
All of our latest copiers, MFPs and printers use “polymerized toners (SIMITRI
toner)” for faster printing and better quality. “Polymerized toners” are
characterized by the smaller diameter of toner particles and the greater
uniformity of their size and shape, enabling reproduction of fine lines and
halftones with enhanced sharpness and dramatically enhancing the quality of
color images. These toners are also beneficial for the environment, as they
require less energy and produce less exhaust gas.
Printers
With demand for polymerized toners rapidly increasing, we are building a new
factory to manufacture them at Nagano Prefecture in Japan. On completion,
we will have the world's largest production capability.
Focusing on high-performance systems, as well
as home office solutions
With color documents fast becoming the norm in business, Konica
Minolta has developed the color laser printer “magicolor” series, that
offers both a compact design and high-resolution printing performance.
Our array of printers is expanding with the addition of new highperformance printers for demanding office requirements, as well as
compact, lightweight, high-resolution, high-speed models for the
SOHO market. To maximize printer performance, our printers
incorporate our exclusive next-generation “Emperon” printing
technology, enhancing operability and functionality as well as facilitating
high-speed, high-quality printing.
Conventional toner
Polymerized toner
Location of head office:
Business activities:
1-6-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Manufacturing, sale and related services
of office equipment including copiers,
digital MFPs and printers, and related
supplies
Paid-in capital:
500 million yen
Consolidated sales in FY2005:
606.7 billion yen
Number of employees (consolidated): Approx. 19,800 (as of March 2006)
Color laser printer
“magicolor 5450”
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*MFP (Multi Function Peripheral): Multi-purpose machine offering
several functions including copier, printer, scanner and facsimile.
Putting advanced technologies such as next-generation DVD pickup lenses
and view angle magnification film to practical use
President
Takashi Matsumaru
Konica Minolta Opto, Inc. manufactures
and supplies optical components, such
as optical pickup lenses, lens units and
microcamera units, and display
materials, such as TAC films which are
used to protect the polarizers used as
the core component in LCD displays.
Both the optical components and the
display materials businesses are
positioned as strategic businesses
within the Konica Minolta Group,
targeted at the expanding digital
appliance and information
communication markets.
In response to rising market
expectations, we are working to refine
and improve our proprietary industryleading optical technologies, highprecision machining technologies and
thin film creation technologies. By
meeting market demand for highprecision, high-value-added products
and by aggressive R&D and capital
investment, we will maintain our
reputation as “the world’s best optical
devices manufacturer” and stimulate
new areas of growth. Our ongoing
commitment to promoting technological
innovation and pursuing high-level
technological synergies will ensure that
we are able to fulfill our mission as the
“essential” enterprise in the world of
imaging.
Optical components
High-precision optical components derived
from the synthesis of core technologies
As the first company to successfully commercialize aspheric plastic
lenses for compact discs, we have been a leader in the development of
pickup lenses for DVD and various other optical disc drives and players.
Today, products derived from such leading-edge proprietary
technologies as optical design and precision molding processing
technologies have the large share in the global market. We are also
actively engaged in production of pickup lenses for next-generation
DVDs using blue-violet laser diode. In the field of micro cameras for
mobile phones, we provide high-value-added micro lenses with
excellent light uniformity and color reproduction. Other high-precision
products include pickup prisms, lenses for laser printers, lens units for
digital cameras and glass hard disk substrates. Superior performance
and reliability have helped us win the confidence of a wide range of
customers around the world.
Lens unit
Microcamera unit
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Multiple AF unit
Advanced Technology
Display materials
Enhancing production capabilities to meet the
needs of the expanding LCD market
Integrating advanced technologies to support worldclass high-quality lenses
Leveraging the power of the advanced film production technologies
that we have developed over the past long years, we developed thin
type (40 microns) TAC (triacetyl cellulose) film for use in protecting LCD
polarizers. With demand for LCDs growing exponentially, we are
enhancing our production capabilities by building a fifth factory
dedicated to the manufacture of TAC film. We will also exploit other
superior core technologies such as thin-film and coating technologies
to develop advanced products such as view angle magnification film for
a large-screen LCD TVs.
Konica Minolta Opto’s world-leading optical design technology is the
foundation for the renowned quality of our pickup lenses for optical discs.
Stable, consistent production of high-precision and high-value-added optical
products would not be possible without our wide range of advanced proprietary
technologies such as plastic molding technology (for high-precision shapes and
forms), precision mold machining
technology (to make smooth surfaces), as
well as optical materials evaluation
technology, measurement & evaluation
technology (for optical performance), and
optical thin film (coating) technology.
Currently, we are enhancing these products
still further in preparation for mass
production of high-precision optical lenses
using blue-violet laser.
Location of head office:
Business activities:
2970 Ishikawa-machi, Hachioji, Tokyo
Manufacturing and sale of optical products
(such as optical pickup lenses), related
products and electronic materials (such as
TAC films).
Paid-in capital:
500 million yen
Consolidated sales in FY2005: 110.4 billion yen
Number of employees:
Approx. 2,700 (as of March 31, 2006)
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Delivering leading-edge digital imaging solutions and creating new values in the
medical and graphic imaging fields
President
Kiyofumi Tanida
Konica Minolta Medical & Graphic Inc. is
a leading provider of equipment and
services in the medical and graphic
imaging fields. With the rapid advance of
digitization in these fields, we focus on
delivering high value-added solutions that
integrate a wide range of cutting-edge
digital equipment, consumables, systems
and services. In the field of medical
imaging, we have used our wellestablished technology and expertise in
radiographic image processing to
develop an image diagnosis system
centered on high-resolution digital image
readers and output devices. We are also
working to develop systems and
networks to support regional medical
treatment and individual medical
practitioners, as well as major hospitals.
In the graphic imaging field, we provide
digital color-proofing systems that take
full advantage of our advanced
technology and expertise, and
aggressively make efforts in the
development of next-generation CTP
(Computer To Plate) systems — a
market where demand is growing rapidly.
We continue to bring new leading-edge
technologies to both the medical and
graphic imaging markets, while providing
the high-quality products and services
our customers depend on. We will also
seek to grow and broaden our market
base through active investment and
diligent R&D.
Medical imaging
Developing next-generation diagnostic
systems supported by the proven reliability of
our wide array of products
Ever since we introduced the first made-in-Japan X-ray film, medical
practitioners have put their trust in Konica Minolta's imaging products.
With digitization and networking progressing rapidly in this field, we
have developed a system for digitization, storage, and transmission of
X-ray images that enables an open network system and efficient image
management. In the area of high-precision diagnostic imaging systems,
products such as our “REGIUS” series digital image readers (direct
digitizers) and DRYPRO series digital image output systems (laser
imagers) are highly regarded in the medical community. Based on these
products, we have developed our “PCM system”, which combines a
mammography unit (the world’s first mammography unit to use phase
contrast to achieve high-quality images) with an image reader, image
processor, and printer, and provides a total digital solution that has
proven to contribute to early detection of breast cancer.
We are also contributing to the advancement of next-generation
diagnosis systems through the development of software such as PACS
Mammography system
“PCM system”
Mammography unit
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Digital image reader “REGIUS MODEL 190”
Graphic Imaging
Leading graphic imaging market to the next
level with superior digital solutions
(Picture Archiving and Communication System), as well as the creation
of other promising products linked with electronic clinical records. In the
field of pharmaceuticals for diagnosis, we provide intravascular contrast
agents for X-rays, and are developing a genetic testing system for
infectious diseases in collaboration with another company.
In the field of graphic imaging, the trend toward digitization has
increased the need for high quality and efficiency in graphic production.
Our customers have nothing but praise for the “Konsensus” series,
which sets the standard for the new generation of color-proofing output
systems. These systems can directly output digital data for colorproofing purposes, and can improve operational efficiency, cut costs
and reproduce high-quality images. In plate making, we are helping to
improve productivity by aggressively pushing forward with the business
of CTP (Computer To Plate) systems, which expose digital text and
image data directly to plate materials without outputting them to films.
Advanced Technology
New V-Plate technology makes X-ray
diagnosis easier on the human body
In X-ray photography, images are obtained by passing an
X-ray through the body to a plate composed of layers of
fluorescent material placed on a board. At Konica Minolta,
we developed the “V-Plate” that enables clearer images to
be obtained with less X-ray energy by evaporating special
fluorescent materials with a high X-ray absorption factor.
The “V-Plate” enjoys an excellent reputation for the quality
of its images and can be incorporated in a standing or
lying digital image reader.
Digital color-proofing system
“Digital Konsensus Pro”
Digital image reader (standing type)
“REGIUS MODEL 370”
Location of head office:
Business activities:
1-26-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Manufacturing, sale and related services of
consumables and equipment for medical and
graphic imaging
Paid-in capital:
500 million yen
Consolidated sales in FY2005: 146.6 billion yen
Number of employees:
Approx. 3,200 (as of March 31, 2006)
REGIUS console “CONSOLE CS-3”
Digital image output system
“Laser Imager DRYPRO MODEL 793”
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Contributing to the enhancement of the quality and precision indispensable to
various industries by providing high-precision measuring instruments
President
Hiroshi Furukawa
Derived from our state-of-the-art optical
and image processing technologies,
Konica Minolta’s measuring instruments
help improve quality control and
precision in a wide variety of industries.
Our display color analyzers for measuring
the color and luminance of displays, and
spectrophotometers, colorimeters and
other color measuring instruments used
for essential color management in many
manufacturing plants play important roles
in supporting various manufacturing
industries.
In the growing field of 3D measurement,
we have been developing new products
for industrial applications with our
proprietary technologies, as well as
medical and academic applications.
In the medical field, our pulse oximeter
(for measurement of oxygen saturation)
is well regarded.
We are currently integrating development
bases and establishing overseas sales
companies for reinforcement of business
infrastructure. By continuing to provide
solutions that respond to changing
needs based on our core “technology of
light”, we will meet the challenges of the
new era.
Color measurement
Active in the industrial field where precise
color management is indispensable
Color management is essential in many areas of manufacturing,
including automotive, paint, plastic, textiles, construction materials and
food, and requires the ability to measure subtle color differences that
human eyes cannot distinguish accurately. Konica Minolta’s
spectrophotometers and colorimeters are widely utilized at quality
control, R&D, distribution and sales scenes in such sectors.
Spectrophotometer “CM-2600d”
Display measurement
Our wide lineup of proven products makes us
one of the market’s leading performers
Display color analyzers help test display performance and quality in
examination and adjustment of white balance and contrast, by precisely
measuring chroma, brightness and balance. As the market for
widescreen TVs (plasma, LCD) and LED products (mobile phones,
digital cameras car navigation equipment) expands, demand for display
color analyzers is increasing. Konica Minolta’s advanced display
analyzers enjoy a large share of this growing market. We also offer a
wide range of other products to meet the needs of the display market
with various formats mixed, including a spectroradiometer for
brightness and chroma measurement and 2D color analyzer to
measure the distribution of brightness and chroma.
2D color analyzer “CA-2000”
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Non-contact 3D digitizer
“VIVID 9i/VI-9i”
3D measurement
High-precision, high-speed,
non-contact 3D scanning
Location of head office:
Business activities:
3-91 Daisennishimachi, Sakai-ku, Sakai, Osaka
Manufacturing and sale of measuring instruments
for industrial and medical purposes
Paid-in capital:
495 million yen
Consolidated sales in FY2006: 5.8 billion yen (11.1 billion yen*)
Number of employees:
Approx. 300 (as of March 31, 2006)
3D digitizers scan three-dimensional objects and import the 3D data to
computers. Our non-contact, high-precision, high-speed 3D digitizers are
widely used thanks to their simple operation and reliable performance. In
addition to medical, academic research, 3D archiving and computer
graphics production, our digitizers are used for industrial applications,
such as reverse engineering, design verification and quality inspection.
Medical measurement
Minimally invasive medical measuring
instruments
We provide the medical field with sophisticated measuring instruments
that impose little or no strain on patients. These include a pulse
oximeter, which can detect oxygen saturation in the blood simply by
projecting light on the human body, and a compact jaundice
meter that can test newborn babies for jaundice without
taking blood samples.
Advanced Technology
Oxygen saturation monitor “PULSOX-300i”
Measuring oxygen saturation in
the blood by projecting light on
a fingertip
All Konica Minolta’s measuring instruments are based on our “technology of
light.” For example, our pulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation in the
blood in real time without taking blood samples. Red light and infrared light are
projected from a small probe placed at the fingertip, then the difference in the
absorption ratio of oxidized and reduced hemoglobins is detected. This
enables the oximeter to accurately measure the amount of oxygen in arterial
blood (oxygen saturation) with almost no interference from skin color or bone.
*As this company’s operations also included sales from Konica Minolta Photo
Imaging, Inc. sales company in Europe and North America areas until 2005 FY,
sale from both sectors are included in this company’s total. 11.1 billion yen
represents the actual total sales of Konica Minolta Sensing, Inc., incorporating
the sales from both areas.
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