Research & Development

Fiscal 2010 R&D Expenditure by Segment

Major Advanced R&D Achievements for Fiscal 2010

(1) Paving the way for Higher Efficiency Datacenters with Development of High-Speed Transceiver Circuit that Extends In-Server Data Transmission Distance by 1.7 Times and Real-time High-speed Storage-Deduplication Technology

Datacenters supporting the modern cloud computing era require large-scale, high-performance servers connected to multiple processors. Extending circuit distance on the printed circuit boards that transfer data within each server is critical to realizing servers that meet these criteria. However, when data transfer speeds exceed 10 gigabits per second (10Gbps), signal distortion is amplified, thereby making proper data transmission difficult.

To resolve this problem, Fujitsu developed a high-speed data transceiver circuit that uses a new signal-processing algorithm to compensate for large signal distortion. This has made it possible to extend in-server transmission distance 1.7 times from approximately 70 cm to 120 cm, opening the way to larger server systems featuring higher performance.
Datacenters also need to utilize storage effectively in order to host large volumes of data. Fujitsu has developed a software technology that stores data while simultaneously eliminating data duplication. This technology can be utilized with any OS, making it an effective tool for virtual systems, where data duplication is frequently found. This advantage, in turn, enables reduction of both storage costs and power consumption at datacenters.

Part of this work is for research commissioned by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) of Japan, as part of the "Green IT Project: Development of Power-saving Technologies for Storage Systems."

(2) Distributed Data Storage Technology and Inter-Cloud Data Security Technology Utilizing the Strengths of Cloud Computing

In cloud datacenters, for distributed key-value data storage technology capable of efficiently writing large volumes of data, due to the fact that the data is distributed across multiple servers, it had been difficult to aggregate data or maintain its consistency, resulting in longer processing times. To address this issue, Fujitsu has developed technology capable of high-speed data aggregation and processing that is up to 8 times faster than conventional methods. The new technology is expected to open doors for new applications for cloud computing services, such as enabling shorter processing times for analysis of access log data.
Elsewhere, as a security technology for utilizing confidential data in external clouds, Fujitsu has developed cloud information gateway technology capable of controlling data exchange, by checking the security clearance level of the data and even the content of confidential information. The technology masks and adapts confidential data to enable the use of cloud services without the need to transmit actual data to external clouds, thus leading to new ways of leveraging cloud computing, including cross-industry business collaboration and task allocation.

(3) Mobile Phone Technology that Improves Voice-Call Quality—PITTATTATTARI VOVOICE Technology

Fujitsu has developed practical applications for "Super HAKKIRI VOICE (Extra-clear voice) 3," a technology that adjusts the sound quality of voice calls, to compensate for background noise. As a next step, Fujitsu developed "PITTARI VOICE (Exact voice)," a voice enhancement technology that improves voice quality even further. The technology optimally adjusts sound quality and volume by detecting the caller's movement (e.g. walking or running) and the surrounding environment (e.g. onboard a high-speed bullet train). "PITTARI VOICE (Exact voice)" was incorporated into several models of Fujitsu's mobile phones, including the docomo PRIME series^TM F-01C mobile phone released in Japan in November 2010.

(4) S Successful 40Gbps Optical-Fiber Transmission Using Directly-Modulated Semiconductor Laser Without Cooling

With the emergence of cloud computing and high-definition video distribution services, data traffic over networks is rapidly growing. Conventionally, optical transmission systems used for high-speed transfer of large volumes of data employed laser light sources that required cooling, which consumed a significant amount of power. Fujitsu has developed and successfully tested a directly-modulated semiconductor laser that does not require cooling and is capable of optical fiber transmissions at the speed of 40 gigabits per second (40Gbps). By eliminating the need for cooling, the new technology cuts power consumption by more than half compared to conventional technologies, taking Fujitsu a significant step ahead to realizing the next generation in energy-efficient, high-speed data transfer.

(5) Release of Sixth-Generation Milbeaut Imaging Processor for Beautiful Still and Video Images

The shift in recent years toward high-definition technology in digital cameras and other audio-visual devices has been accompanied by growing demand for higher image quality. In response, Fujitsu has developed the MB91696AM, an imaging processor of Fujitsu's Milbeaut advanced imaging processor series that enables both high-speed continuous shooting at 8 frames per second and high-resolution, Full Hi-Vision video. By enhancing its proprietary Milbeaut image processing technology and fully optimizing its H.264 Full HD codec engine, Fujitsu has taken image quality and processing performance to new heights for both still images and video.

(6) T Technology for High-Speed Detection of Toxic Proteins Using DNANA Aptamers

Fujitsu has developed a proprietary technology that uses DNA material in a sensor to measure the amount of protein present, by employing newly developed artificial antibodies called DNA aptamers. In the fiscal year under review, with Nagoya University of Japan, we jointly developed technology capable of detecting proteins 100 times faster than previous methods, by applying our newly developed artificial antibody technology to toxic proteins from Staphylococcus aureus, a common source of food poisoning. Furthermore, Fujitsu and the Technical University of Munich have jointly developed the world's first technology that optically measures with high speed and precision the changes in volume or size of protein. These technologies will lead to advancements in food safety by enabling more accurate and faster measurements during food shipment inspections.

Advanced R&D Strategic Direction in Fiscal 2011

Fujitsu has classified its framework for advanced research into the three categories below, with a view to achieving group-wide optimization from a global standpoint. Through this framework Fujitsu will carry out strategic R&D for the future of the Fujitsu Group, align business segment strategies with research strategies, and enhance resource shifts in response to changes in Fujitsu's business portfolio. Fujitsu will employ a top-down approach to setting research themes, and will conduct strategic research investment.

1. Core Strategic Themes: Technologies essential to the medium- to long-term future of the Fujitsu Group
2. B usiness Strategic Themes: Short- to medium-term technologies that business segments have committed to commercializing
3. S eeds-oriented Themes: Budding technologies not specific to current businesses, and medium- to longterm technologies targeting unknown domains

In particular, Fujitsu is promoting the following four themes as Core Strategic Themes.

(2) Intelligent Society
Fujitsu will help create social infrastructure that solves increasingly complex social problems and transcends individual corporate and industry barriers, to contribute new value and knowledge to societies and corporations.

(4) Green Datacenters
By optimizing power supply and cooling technologies, and employing optical networks, Fujitsu will build power-saving datacenters that realize high cost-performance as well.