Canon Speaks Image at EXPO 2010
By Jonathan Bees, Director of Strategic Marketing Products, George Mikolay, Senior Product Editor, and Jennifer Simoni, Associate
Editor, September 14, 2010
Canon held its Canon EXPO 2010 on September 1 through 3 at New York City’s Jacob Javits Center. Held every five years, this
year’s event was themed We Speak Image. Attendees included Canon customers, partners and dealers. The event will also be held
in Paris and Tokyo later this year and finish in Shanghai in early 2011.
Unlike the vendor events that we typically attend, which are limited mainly to displaying printer and MFP devices and technology,
Canon’s EXPO features a broader gamut of the company’s offerings. The product showcase included office equipment, still
and video cameras and medical imaging devices. The event is also unusual in featuring devices that serve from consumer to production
levels of the market, making it a truly unique opportunity to see a range of Canon’s technology in a single venue.
Keynote
Canon’s chairman and chief executive officer, Fujio Mitarai, closed the first day of the event with a keynote presentation on
the evening of Wednesday, September 1. Mitarai, who is the former president of Canon USA, spent the balance of his presentation
reviewing the performance of the company from 1995 to the present. His remarks centered around the three phases of the
company’s “Excellent Global Corporation Plan” to which he attributed the company’s unprecedented growth in
revenue and profits since 1995. For example, he noted, sales revenue more than doubled from 1995 to 2007.
The plan, Phase IV of which will begin in 2011, has a revenue target of 5 trillion yen by the year 2015. Note that Canon had 2009
revenues of approximately 3.2 trillion yen. Phase IV features the continued globalization and diversification of the company’s
businesses. Some of the key growth areas for Canon going forward include medical imaging, intelligent robots and safety and security.
As part of the Phase IV plan, Canon will establish a global headquarters system comprising three locations: the United States
(presumably in Long Island, New York), Western Europe and Japan. The headquarters will be responsible for establishing a regional
business and developing and manufacturing original products for sale within the corresponding regions. The regional structure is
designed with the goal of achieving business stability through managing currency exchange fluctuations.
Each headquarters location will also have some degree of specialization. For example, the United States headquarters will tentatively
feature the establishment of a fundamental technology research center. Likewise, the Western Europe headquarters will focus product
development on new concepts in office imaging and medical equipment.
Office: Advancing Business
The office area of the showcase, which was called “Advancing Business,” featured an unnamed 50 ppm A4 monochrome
prototype as well as several new models from the imageRUNNER and imageCLASS product families. While few details were available on the
prototype, this product is significant in that it would be Canon’s first A4 MFP in this speed range. A variety of software
solutions were also on display, including uniFLOW v5.0.
50-ppm A4 Monochrome Prototype
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Canon’s 50-ppm A4 Monochrome Prototype
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Tucked in a back corner of the office showcase was a 50-ppm A4 monochrome prototype. Limited information was available on the new
model, which will presumably fall in the imageRUNNER family. It is expected to hit the market in 2011.
The new model has a Spartan look and feel and features a tiltable monochrome touch-screen control panel. The configuration on display
included standard automatic duplex, a 50-sheet reversing automatic document feeder (RADF), a 500-sheet paper drawer, and an internal
50-sheet single-position finisher. According to Canon, the model can accommodate up to three additional 500-sheet paper drawers,
bringing the total paper capacity to 2,100 sheets when including the 100-sheet bypass. Also standard is color scanning.
Interestingly, while the machine does not incorporate a full version of MEAP, Canon’s multifunctional embedded application
platform, it was demonstrated with embedded uniFLOW Output Manager that presumably runs on a light version. A proximity card reader
was mounted to the side of the device and it was being used to authenticate users. Authentication can also be accomplished through
the use of a PIN code. The plan is for the model to ship with embedded uniFLOW, which can be enabled once a customer purchases the
software.
The prototype’s consumables system featured separate toner and drum components, which is consistent with its positioning within
the imageRUNNER product family.
imageRUNNER ADVANCE C2030/C2020
Offering rated speeds of 30 ppm for color and black and 20 ppm for color and black, respectively, the imageRUNNER ADVANCE C2030 and
C2020 offer many of the same features and capabilities of the other models in the ADVANCE Series, all in a compact footprint suited
to remote office locations and small businesses. Set for an October launch, the C2030 and C2020 will be replacing the imageRUNNER
C3080 and C2550. The devices will feature the same color touch-screen control panel of the other models in the ADVANCE Series,
including Main Menu/Quick Menu personalization for common functions and streamlined job control. But unlike the other models in the
ADVANCE Series, the C2030 and C2020 will not offer Advanced Box functionality. A space-saving internal finisher will enable corner or
double stapling of multipage documents. No booklet finisher will be supported.
Scheduled for launch in October, the new imageRUNNER ADVANCE C2030/C2020 will also support a range of software solutions, including
imageRUNNER ADVANCE Essentials. Essentials includes imageRUNNER ADVANCE Desktop, Tracker and Workflow Composer. For greater end-user
and administrator control, the imageRUNNER ADVANCE C2030/C2020 models will support Canon’s MEAP technology, allowing for
integration with customized business processes and leading third-party software applications. The devices can also be networked with
the fleet to allow integration with other imageRUNNER ADVANCE models.
Designed for easy maintenance, the units feature a pinch-and-pull fusing unit, and no screws are required for replacing the drums.
The waste toner will be user-replaceable. Toner can also be easily accessed and replaced. The models will feature a maximum paper
capacity of up to 2,000 sheets and support for up to 80-lb. cover media, while handling paper sizes up to 12" x 18". Each model will
also feature standard UFR II Printing, as well as Canon’s Universal Send document distribution capabilities and a
high-compression PDF/XPS feature. Adobe PostScript 3 and PCL 5c/6 will be supported as well. A Fiery controller option will not be
available. According to Canon, true 1200-x-1200 dpi print resolution (engine speed will slow down if 1200 dpi is selected) and
oil-free pQ toner will deliver sharp text, rich images and a high-quality finish.
Security features will also be robust. For example, with optional Adobe LiveCycle Rights Management ES Integration, users can specify
security policies and select authorized recipients after documents are scanned. Access Management System allows access to be
controlled by user, group or role, or even by a specific function. Data encryption and erase options and a removable hard drive will
also be supported.
Color imageCLASS MF9200 Series
Set for a November launch, the MF9200 Series will replace the Color imageCLASS MF8450c and Color imageCLASS MF9170c. Offering print,
copy, scan and fax capability, the new Color imageCLASS MF9280Cdn and MF9220Cdn color laser multifunction printers will feature
“User ID Management” control, which allows network administrators to monitor and limit print output; automatic
duplexing and unlike with its predecessor, LDAP address book support, which allows users to access destinations stored on network
servers simply by typing in the first few characters.
Offering rated speeds of 22 ppm in both color and black, the Color imageCLASS MF9280Cdn and MF9220Cdn, which will support paper up to
8.5" x 14", will feature a 50-sheet automatic document feeder, a 250-sheet tray, plus a 100-sheet multipurpose tray. An optional
500-sheet paper tray pedestal will also available. Incorporating a 3.5-inch color display with Easy-Scroll Wheel and hard keys, the
MF9200 Series will use Canon’s Single Cartridge System, which combines the toner, drum and development unit in one
cartridge.
Beyond the basic features of the MF9200 series, the MF9280Cdn is the first imageCLASS machine to be capable of handling PostScript 3
emulation. Integrated USB ports provide the capability to both print and scan directly to and from USB media.
imageCLASS MF4570dn
Targeting small businesses and home office users seeking an all-in-one office solution, the 26-ppm imageCLASS MF4570dn will offer
automatic duplexing, a 250-sheet front-loading paper tray and an automatic document feeder. Set for a mid-October launch, the
MF4570dn will replace the imageCLASS MF4350d and MF4370dn. According to Canon, the imageCLASS MF4570dn will offer a first-print time
of approximately 6 seconds and an energy-saving system to lessen the machine’s warm-up time. The device will also average just
3 watts in standby mode.
The new imageCLASS MF4570dn, which will feature a new, five-line LCD control panel display and built-in Ethernet port, will capture
scanned documents in 24-bit color at an interpolated resolution of up to 9600 dpi through the ADF or platen glass. The new device
will also use a 33.6-Kbps modem and Canon’s Single Cartridge System.
imageCLASS D420
Designed for home and small office placement, the 23-ppm imageCLASS D420, also scheduled for a mid-October launch, will offer
automatic duplexing, a 250-sheet front-loading paper tray as well as a single-sheet multipurpose tray and an energy-saving mode
utilizing approximately three watts of energy. The compact imageCLASS D420 will also offer a first-print time of approximately
9 seconds. Like the MF9200 Series and MF4570dn, this model will also incorporate Canon’s Single Cartridge System.
Solutions
On display in the office area was the latest version of Canon’s uniFLOW output management software. uniFLOW v5.0 features a
variety of enhancements, including “decision-based” workflow objects, imageRUNNER 2500 support, and enhanced document
security. This solution, which is designed to streamline fleet management and simplify workflow processes for end users and
administrators, is currently in BLI’s UK lab undergoing evaluation.
Canon also demonstrated eCopy ShareScan v5.0, which is available to Canon dealers now and will be released officially in the fourth
quarter. Innovations include eCopy Forms Processing, which automatically extracts information from a form and incorporates it into an
Excel spreadsheet or other accounting application; eCopy Connector to Intuit QuickBooks Accounting Software, which allows users
to scan documents directly from an imageRUNNER ADVANCE device, automate data extraction from the scanned document, and attach the
image to the appropriate QuickBooks transaction; and eCopy Highlight Extender, which uses keywords to automatically find and
highlight text within a stack of paper documents.
Production: The Power of Synergy
Production devices were shown within a section of the show floor called “The Power of Synergy – Canon &
Océ.” A number of Canon and Océ production and wide-format units were interspersed throughout the display area.
Interestingly, an Océ ColorStream 10000 FLEX, a color-capable continuous-feed model that runs at up to 1,515 images per
minute, was prominently located at the front of the production display. In addition, there were more devices from Océ than
Canon in the showcase.
imagePRESS C7010VP
The most important Canon machine in the room by far was the new imagePRESS C7010VP, a product preview of a 70-ppm color/monochrome
machine which is expected to launch in October at Graph Expo in Chicago. The new model is part of a three-machine series that will
also include the imagePRESS C6010 and C6010VP. The series will replace the imagePRESS C6000, C6000VP, and C7000VP in the product
line.
The new series introduces a number of important enhancements. Image quality is improved through the use of a new humidity sensor,
supported by an enhanced airflow ventilation system that helps minimize fluctuations in temperature and humidity. Media handling has
also been improved, and the models now handle up to 120-lb. cover/325-gsm paper. This is an increase in support from 110-lb.
cover/300-gsm on the previous platform. Paper handling has also been improved modestly on the lower end of the scale, with the new
models supporting paper weights down to 16 lb. bond/60 gsm compared with 17 lb. bond/64 gsm previously.
The imagePRESS models also feature a new saddle finisher. The device is able to booklet-fold up to 25 sheets, yielding a 100-page
booklet. The older platform’s finisher supports up to 20 sheets, or an 80-page booklet. Additional enhancements include folding
support for paper sizes up to 13" x 19" and support for custom paper sizes. Previously, the finisher supported folding of standard
paper sizes only (e.g. letter, legal, ledger). The new saddle finisher also adds a new feature whereby users are able to program
variable folding pressure on the sheets, so that additional pressure, or reduced pressure, can be applied to the fold as needed.
While the exact details have not been announced, the new series has a slightly more extensive collection of print controllers
featuring the latest processors and software. These will include three updated EFI Fiery controllers, two Creo controllers and a
Canon controller. Previously, Canon offered a single Creo controller.
Canon also demonstrated a prototype of a new accessory for the imagePRESS models. Called the Clear Imager, the device allows users to
place a coat of varnish on printed sheets. The accessory operates post process and in-line. It is unclear whether Canon will have the
Clear Imager ready at launch, or for that matter, whether it will go forward with it at all. Canon was gauging interest at the show
and from their various channel partners.
Productivity is another area where improvements have been made on the new series, although details are scarce. The series is roughly
8 percent faster when imaging 11" x 17" paper, and Canon said there were also improvements made to mixed-media feeding and mixed-plex
job processing (i.e. job streams with both simplex and duplex pages).
imagePRESS BW
Canon also used the production showcase to preview a prototype of an as yet unnamed monochrome machine, tentatively called the
imagePRESS BW. The 150-ppm model is derived from Canon’s imagePRESS 1100 series platform and offers the same features and
capabilities; the main difference is its faster engine. While no firm specifications or target launch date were provided, it’s
reasonable to assume that the new machine will hit the market some time in 2011. That is, if Canon customers and channel players have
the interest.
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Canon imagePRESS BW
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Canon and Océ
Given the production showcase title, one thing that many visitors to this area of the EXPO might have expected to find, but
didn’t, was new information regarding the integration of Canon and Océ. The only information available was a
newsletter-style handout that provided background on the merger, and information on the companies’ environmental philosophies
and histories. New information was also absent from the press conference. However, during informal discussions with analysts, Canon
management indicated that the complicated process of unifying the two companies was progressing on schedule and that great care was
being taken to “get it right.”
Managed Document Services (MDS)
Canon used EXPO 2010 to make a number of announcements supporting its managed document services (MDS) program. Most of the
announcements fell in the solutions area:
· A new Remote Diagnostic System
(RDS) Plug-in for imageWARE Enterprise Management Console. The free plug-in supports multi-vendor devices and provides automated
meter collection, pre-emptive service alerts and electronic billing for dealerships using imageWARE Remote.
· A new cost calculator for
providing cost-analysis data for fleets of Canon devices.
· A new Ecology Information Plug-in
for imageWARE Enterprise Management Console. The plug-in will be available in 2011 and provides measurement and analysis of carbon
dioxide (CO2) emissions based on power consumption and paper volume usage.
· The launch of updated uniFLOW
v5.0 (discussed earlier in the solutions section).
Canon also used EXPO to highlight the capabilities of its national service and support infrastructure, a key MDS strength. Accessed
through the Canon Major Account Program (CMAP), dealers are able to support geographically dispersed customers under a common
operating model, providing national service dispatch and consistency in the delivery of services.
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