On July 4, Olympus Corporation (Olympus, President: Tsuyoshi Kikukawa) will implement the simultaneous worldwide launch of its new industrial videoscope, the IPLEX FX. This new product is the first battery operated system of its type in the world^*1 to be fully dust-proof, rain-proof and drop-proof up to 1.2m. The IPLEX FX is the latest product in the IPLEX Series, which was first launched in 2001. While providing the equivalent features as the most advanced model in the series, the IPLEX FX has about one-eighth of the volume and 30% of the weight. The result of this drastic streamlining is a highly mobile system that is the same size as a small computer bag. It also features a scope with an external diameter of just 4.0mm for an increased range of inspection uses.

*1	Based on Olympus research, including a comparison of all-in-one industrial videoscopes as of July 4, 2007.

Overview of Launch

Product Name	Launch Date
IPLEX FX Industrial Videoscope	July 4, 2007

Principal Features

1. Improved durability-drop-proof equipment up to 1.2m^*2, 3x tougher insertion tube in abrasion^*3
2. Sealed body to shut out dust and water^*4, electromagnetic shielding^*5
3. Compact, lightweight body and battery-powered for improved portability
4. Superb image quality approaching naked-eye clarity, thanks to high-resolution CCD and LCD monitor and exclusive image processing algorithm
5. New ultra-thin videoscope with an external diameter of 4.0mm
6. Wide range of functions, including digital zoom, super-stereo measurement, and image management software

*2	Excluding the LCD. Complies with MIL Standard 810 (United States Defense Standards), Method 516.5
*3	Based on Olympus testing in comparison with the IPLEX II R Series.
*4	Complies with MIL Standard 810, Method 510.4/506.4 (United States Defense Standards).
*5	Complies with MIL Standard 461, RS103 (United States Defense Standards).

Background to Development

Olympus first entered the industrial endoscope market in 1968. We subsequently introduced an industrial videoscope in 1986, and the IPLEX all-in-one industrial videoscope in 2001. By continually enhancing our imaging and precision engineering technology, we have made an important contribution to non-destructive testing for both maintenance and R&D purposes. Industrial endoscopes are used for internal inspections in situations ranging from industrial plants, aircraft engines and power turbines, to automotive parts and plumbing systems in buildings. In addition to superb image quality and sophisticated features, users need endoscopes that are flexible, portable and tough enough to withstand heavy-duty use and harsh conditions in the field.

The IPLEX FX was developed to combine the performance and features of the IPLEX SA II R Series, the top model in the IPLEX Series, with the compactness of the IPLEX MX while also providing a new feature-toughness. The result is the world's first industrial endoscope system to pass a 1.2m drop test. With a totally dust-proof and rain-proof sealed body, the IPLEX FX is a departure from the image of fragility traditionally associated with precision equipment. Olympus has dramatically expanded the range of uses for industrial videoscopes.

Details of Principal Features

1. Improved durability-drop-proof equipment up to 1.2m, 3x tougher insertion tube in abrasion
   Internal driving parts, such as hard disks, that would be vulnerable to impacts, have been eliminated, and the system has been enclosed in a light yet tough magnesium alloy body. This design allowed the IPLEX FX to pass a dropping test from a height of approximately 1.2 meters (26 directions, tests performed with the system switched off). The newly developed insertion tube provides a 3x improvement in abrasion resistance. To prevent faults caused by excessive heat, a temperature sensor has been fitted to the tip of the insertion tube. If the temperature nears the system's upper limit (100°C), a warning buzzer sounds and a message appears on the monitor to warn the operator.
2. Sealed body to shut out dust and water, electromagnetic shielding
   All joints have been sealed, and the system's ability to withstand harsh conditions has been further enhanced thanks to an innovative cooling system that requires no air intake. The IPLEX FX can be used for inspection work in a much wider range of situations, including dusty factories and outdoors in the rain. Designed to prevent malfunctions caused by electromagnetic waves, the IPLEX FX can also be used on ships or near electrical equipment, such as generator turbines and power transmission pylons.
3. Compact, lightweight body and battery power for improved portability
   The IPLEX FX provides the equivalent features as the IPLEX SA II R, which is the most advanced model in this series, but its volume has been reduced to about one-eighth and weight to about 30%. This drastic streamlining has created a system that is the same size as a small computer bag. The IPLEX FX is equipped with a large-capacity lithium-ion battery capable of powering the system for 150 minutes. For hands-free operation, the IPLEX FX can be attached to a specially designed belt.
4. Superb image quality approaching naked-eye clarity, thanks to high-resolution CCD and LCD monitor and exclusive image processing algorithm
   To meet the requirement for high quality, true image reproduction and color, the IPLEX FX is equipped with Olympus' exclusive WiDER image processing. This technology allows bright, contrast-balanced images to be produced across the entire depth of field. The high-resolution CCD is complemented by a large 6.3-inch Crystal LCD with XGA resolution (approx. 790,000 pixels). By combining a high-resolution CCD and LCD monitor with an image processing algorithm capable of enhanced tone gradation, Olympus has created a system for a remote visual inspection with image quality approaching naked-eye clarity.
5. New ultra-thin videoscope with an external diameter of 4.0mm
   The IPLEX FX features a newly developed ultra-thin scope with an external diameter of 4.0mm for access to even narrower locations. There are two scopes with external diameters of 4.0mm and 6.0mm and effective lengths of 2m and 3.5m respectively. The insertion tube design of the scope with an external diameter of 6.0mm^*8 is based on Olympus' exclusive TTF system, whereby flexibility increases along the length of the tube toward the tip. The base unit and scope are separate units and are fully detachable for use in various combinations.

6. *8	Corrections made for error in writing.

7. Wide range of functions, including digital zoom, super-stereo measurement, and image management software
   With its 3x digital zoom function, the IPLEX FX closely approximates the process used in naked-eye inspections, allowing the operator first to take a broad view of the object and then move in for a closer look at any areas of concern. Olympus has further enhanced its renowned ultra-precise, omni-directional Super-Stereo measurement system and added a new Multi measurement function that automatically detects defects and simultaneously measures their area and depth. Another standard feature is the IPLEX Viewer, an easy-to-use image management program that requires no installation. This allows the user to display images stored on the memory card as either thumbnails or full-size pictures, and to drag-and-drop images^*6 into other software. IPLEX Viewer Plus^*7 also provides a high-precision measurement feature for recorded images.

*6	This feature only works with programs that support drag-and-drop.
*7	This will be available for download free-of-charge on the Olympus website in October 2007.

Note:

The durability test scenes including drop test, blowing rain test and sand and dust test can be found in the movies on the IPLEX FX Special Site.