The new system could not be used in the same manner as a conventional CT system. What were the problems you encountered regarding commercialization? However, because of commercialization issues, we had difficulty putting the system on the market. In 2003, we developed a rotating gantry CT system for small targets, and in 2005, we developed a CT system applicable to the human body. First, we started developing a system to visualize specimens of internal organs. In 2001, a project was launched to develop a new high-resolution CT system that would revolutionize the captured image data. In other words, the profile of an object measuring 0.35 mm square or smaller could not be clearly seen. Since that time, however, there has been no improvement in resolution. In terms of higher resolution, a CT resolution of 0.35 mm was achieved in 1986. The term 'image data' refers to, for example, the images that enable a small feature to be visualized and the information that can be obtained about pathology. What does the term 'image data' refer to?

It should be noted, however, that little change has been seen in the image data itself. Every CT system manufacturer is intent on achieving improvements in these areas. Over the past several decades, the trend in CT technology has been to focus on 3-D imaging, high-speed scanning and reduced radiation dose. In fact, one differentiating aspect of CT systems is that they are capable of obtaining a diagnostic image with a small amount of radiation dose. Therefore, one focus of technological development has been to achieve the highest possible scanning speed, in a manner similar to a using high shutter speed on a camera.ДЄnother important focus of development has been to reduce radiation dose-an issue those involved in the diagnosis and treatment of disease have become increasingly aware of. For example, the heart is always beating. The CT is used to image the human body, which of course cannot remain completely still. This is the basic principle of tomographic imaging systems. The X-ray tube and X-ray detector rotate around the patient and record the X-ray attenuation level resulting from absorption into the body. With a CT system, X-rays from the system's X-ray tube unit ('X-ray tube') pass through the human body and are picked up by the X-ray detector on the other side. We started basic research on the Aquilion Precision in 2001, working in collaboration with the National Cancer Center Japan.ДЇirst, let me outline the technical trends in CT system development. When did you start development on this system? I hear that the Aquilion Precision provides remarkably higher resolution than conventional CT systems. A believer in the concept of continuous improvement, he is committed to always taking an innovative approach when encountering new challenges. Since 2015, he has been in charge of system development. Shindo was involved in mechanical design. The company's Aquilion Precision Ultra High-Resolution CT system is a world first, providing remarkably higher resolution than conventional systems.ДЄfter joining the company in the year 2000, Mr. The company boasts the top share of the Japanese market for CT systems and ranks third in the global market. In order to take its Medical Systems Business to the next level, Canon welcomed Canon Medical Systems into the Canon Group in December 2016.Д¬anon Medical Systems is involved in the sales and servicing of medical equipment, primarily X-ray CT diagnosis systems ('CT systems') and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems in more than 140 countries and regions. These innovations include X-ray digital cameras and optical coherence tomography devices for the diagnosis of retinal diseases. Since then, Canon has taken advantage of the optical and image-processing technologies it has cultivated through camera development to introduce leading-edge medical equipment.

In 1940, immediately after the founding of the company, Canon developed Japan's first indirect X-ray camera.

Principles of Green Procurement StandardsД¬anon has been involved in the medical equipment industry for decades.

Universal Design Initiatives in Products.

Business Report & Financial Statements / Interim Report.

Financial Results & Presentation Materials.

Inventories, Cash on Hand, and Interest Bearing Debt.

Directors, Audit & Supervisory Board Members, and Executive Officers.

Canon's Environmentally Friendly Products.

Contributing to a Society in Harmony with Nature.

Eliminating Hazardous Substances and Preventing Pollution.

Addressing the Responsible Minerals Sourcing (Conflict Minerals Issue).

Human Resource Development and Personal Growth.

Hiring and Treatment of Human Resources.

Responding to People and Society as a Good Corporate Citizen.

Protecting and Conserving the Environment.

Creating New Value and Solving Social Issues.

Flat Panel Display (FPD) Exposure Equipment.

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