At the 2009 Radiological Society of North America Annual Meeting (RSNA 2009), Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in medical imaging technologies, will celebrate the achievement of a Canon Inc. medical equipment manufacturing milestone as cumulative production of Canon CXDI Digital Radiography (DR) systems surpassed the 10,000 unit mark. The accomplishment was reached over a period of 12 years, beginning with the launch of the Canon CXDI-11 DR System in December 1997.

Canon Inc. began research and development on X-ray imaging sensors in 1993, leading to the introduction of the first DR system, the Canon CXDI-11 DR System, equipped with Canon’s proprietary LANMIT (Large Area New MIS Sensor and TFT) flat-panel detector in 1997. In addition to making possible the confirmation of an on-screen preview image in approximately three seconds following exposure, the Canon CXDI-11 DR System helped to enable the transmission of examination orders and the sharing of image data over intra-hospital networks. The system created a stir in the industry with its range of groundbreaking features not found in conventional radiography systems.

Canon Inc. went on to build a comprehensive DR system product lineup that has been installed at countless medical and healthcare facilitates worldwide, with the introduction of 12 generations of flat panel technology with a variety of products including – the Canon CXDI-11, Canon CXDI-22, Canon CXDI-31, Canon CXDI-40G, Canon CXDI-50G, Canon CXDI-40C, Canon CXDI-40EG, Canon CXDI-50C, Canon CXDI-40EC, Canon CXDI-60G, CXDI-40G COMPACT, Canon CXDI-55G, Canon CXDI-55C and the Canon CXDI-60C flat panel sensors – offering a full range of DR system solutions for various applications.

The systems have contributed to an expanded range of applications for digital radiography in fields outside of conventional medicine, including the examination of animals, such as the checking of leg injuries on racing horses, the inspection of artifacts and other remains at archaeological excavation sites, and assisting rescue organizations with natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and the earthquake in Pakistan.

Improving and expanding the lineup of its X-ray DR systems, Canon plans to introduce the CXDI-50RF¹, the world’s first portable dynamic and static sensor that will be capable of both viewing dynamic and capturing static X-ray images. Equipped with a 17 x 14 inch imaging area, the CXDI-50RF will be able to accommodate standard static X-ray image capture of the chest area and extremities. It will also enable up to 30 frames per second (fps) fluoroscopy, which radiographers can use to observe dynamics of organs, such as those used in digestion, for optimal timing in capturing static images. Multi-frame radiographic imaging up to 15 fps is also available. In fluoroscopy mode, the sensor unit will be able to be used in a docking station, similar to a cassette tray, which is equipped with an active air cooling system. The control software will provide advanced image processing and all the standard DICOM functions while acquiring and displaying smooth images in both radiographic and fluoroscopic modes.

Taking advantage of its proprietary sensor and imaging technologies, Canon aims to realize further market expansion by maximizing the performance of DR systems that combine dynamic-image viewing and static image capture, while also enhancing the Company’s overall DR system lineup. Additionally, through the promotion of filmless X-ray procedures at healthcare facilities and provision of strong support for monitor diagnosis, the Company intends to contribute to improved diagnostic accuracy and more efficient examination procedures.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranked third overall in the U.S. in 2008†, with global revenues of US $45 billion, is listed as number four in the computer industry on Fortune Magazine's World’s Most Admired Companies 2009 list, and is on the 2009 BusinessWeek list of "100 Best Global Brands." Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S. based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. At Canon, we care because caring is essential to living together in harmony. Founded upon a corporate philosophy of Kyosei – "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future" – Canon U.S.A. supports a number of social, youth, educational and other programs, including environmental and recycling initiatives. Additional information about these programs can be found at www.usa.canon.com/kyosei. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

¹Canon CXDI-50RF Dynamic DR Sensor has not yet been cleared by the FDA. This device has a 510(k) pending clearance with the FDA. Not for sale or lease in the United States.

†Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.