Xerox, distributed to 24 sub-Saharan countries by Bytes Document Solutions, received 558 US utility patents in 2006, a 27% increase over 2005's 430 patents.
The company's joint venture partner in Japan, Fuji Xerox, received 255 US utility patents in 2006, bringing the group total to 813 patents.
The increase reflects the company's intensified focus on innovations that will power its next generation of products, solutions and services.
"Xerox has sharpened its focus on customer-centric research and increased its efforts in filing patents," says Rob Abraham, MD of Bytes Document Solutions.
"The company generates more than two-thirds of its equipment sales from products launched in the last two years. Sales of the Xerox iGen3 Digital Production Press also contribute significantly to revenue generation and next-generation ideas continue to provide the differentiating factor in our smarter document management services."
The patents cover a wide range of technology. Several of the significant patents issued in 2006 include:
* Natural Language Parser and a method for multi-class, multi-label categorisation: both software patents support Xerox document content analysis and processing for future service offerings.
* A number of patents covering software and hardware developed to support the new Tightly Integrated Parallel Printing (TIPP) platform for the Xerox Nuvera Digital Production System. Parallel printer architecture enables two print engines to work together seamlessly as one printer device.
* Registration-sensitive, see-through moir'e for anti-counterfeiting; watermarking printed images; glossmark applications for graphics enhancement; and variable glossmarks: these four patents support an array of specialty printing applications that add security components to documents.
* Several patents related to the next generation of emulsion aggregation (EA) toner, a process developed by Xerox research teams to grow toner from a molecular level rather than the traditional method of grinding toner into fine particles.
* Patents related to the process for making semiconductor nanoparticles that will support applications in printed organic electronics.
"Xerox researchers, scientists and engineers conduct work in colour science, computing, digital imaging, work practices, electromechanical systems, novel materials, and other disciplines connected to the company's expertise in printing and document management," says Abraham. "Named the Product Development and Management Association's Outstanding Corporate Innovator in 2006, the company consistently builds its inventions into business by embedding them in Xerox products and solutions; using them as the foundation for new business; or licensing or selling them to other entities."
Xerox's investment in innovation generates a steady stream of advanced technology. The company holds more than 8 000 active patents and invests about 6% of its revenue in research, development and engineering activities.
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As the authorised Xerox distributor to 24 sub-Saharan countries, Bytes Document Solutions, previously known as Xerox South Africa, is engaged in the marketing and servicing of the complete range of Xerox document equipment, software, solutions and services, and operating through an extensive network of distributors, dealers, concessionaires and channel partners. With black economic empowerment partner Kagiso Trust owning a 27% stake of the business, it is a wholly owned member of the JSE Securities Exchange-listed Bytes Technology Group. For more information on Bytes Document Solutions and Xerox, visit www.xerox.com/news.
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