CHICAGO--September 6, 2001--Canon U.S.A., Inc., a subsidiary of Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) introduced today the imageRUNNER 105, a 105 page-per-minute digital copier with optional network print and/or scan capabilities.

As the company's first internally-developed Segment 6, black-and-white digital print engine, the imageRUNNER 105 is ideally suited for high-volume document production environments, including Print On Demand (POD), Central Reprographic Department (CRD), Print-for-Pay, and corporate department applications.

"Canon is very excited to introduce the imageRUNNER 105 at Print '01 as another strong choice in our lineup of successful digital high-volume products," said Tod Pike, senior vice president of Marketing, Canon U.S.A. Imaging Systems Group. "We look forward to the new growth opportunities the imageRUNNER 105 will provide us as we further penetrate the growing Print On Demand marketplace."

The market for high-volume digital copier/printers is undergoing marked changes in device design. End user applications are calling for the replacement of large, under-utilized, costly, production print devices that are not economical in operation, to devices that provide equivalent high speed and advanced document finishing within a much more compact design.

The imageRUNNER 105 supports a monthly print volume of up to 600,000 impressions, and offers 600 x 600 dots-per-inch (dpi) and 256 grayscale resolution. The amorphous silicon drum for the device has an estimated yield of 5,000,000 impressions. Toner cartridges each provide an estimated yield of 36,600 images at 6 percent coverage per page.

"The imageRUNNER 105 easily integrates into production environments with its remarkably compact design, speed, durability, image quality, and document finishing capabilities," said Dennis Amorosano, director of Marketing, Canon U.S.A. Copier and Networked Office Systems Division. "Adding these strengths with the duty cycle, operating cost, and flexible networking options offered with this device makes it a rather easy replacement decision for owners of aging, costly, over-sized analog and digital production devices."

Flexible Network Print and Scan Options

Two network print options are offered with the imageRUNNER 105: The Canon Network Multi-PDL Printer Kit-B2 and the Canon imagePASS-M1 Print Controller. Both print options are designed to seamlessly integrate into customer networks while driving an extensive range of system capabilities from the desktop. Token Ring connectivity is optional with both models.

The Canon Network Multi-PDL Printer Kit-B2 offers 10/100 Ethernet connectivity and PCL5e and PCL6 printing support, with PostScript 3 emulation. The controller is suited for heavy text applications, and also allows the imageRUNNER 105 to perform network scanning through a robust combination of intuitive software drivers and control panel features.

The imageRUNNER 105 scans at 80 pages-per-minute, making it the fastest integrated scanner within a multifunction platform available today.

The Canon imagePASS-M1 Print Controller is specifically designed to handle true Adobe PostScript 3 files, large complex graphics, and variable data output. Co-engineered by Canon and EFI, the imagePASS-M1 features an Intel Pentium III 500 MHz Mobile processor, a 10.2 GB hard disk drive for job spooling and font storage, and 128 MB of DIMM memory standard, all to enhance multi-tasking capability and minimize network traffic. The unit also supports 10/100 Ethernet connectivity through two interfaces, making the imagePASS-M1 Print Controller accessible through the user network, and/or a "private" network between the controller and the imageRUNNER 105.

Flexible Network Print and Scan Options

Extensive Document Finishing

From a document-finishing standpoint, the imageRUNNER 105 offers several options, all of which include single and multi-position stapling of up to 100 sheets as standard. Additional finishing options include automatic 2/3 hole punch, automatic saddle-stitch booklet making, as well as optional support for Z-folding and document insertion via additional accessories. A Booklet Trimmer will also be available early next year. A 3,500-sheet paper deck that brings total on-line paper capacity up to 7,650 sheets (17 lb. Bond to 110 lb. Index) is also optional. Specific customer applications ranging from training manuals, booklets and other frequently revised publications, as well as customized documents, such as financial reports and brochures, are all facilitated through comprehensive device driver software.

Robust Image Server Functions

An internal 10 GB Image Server and 192 MB of RAM allows the imageRUNNER 105 to scan up to five copy jobs in "Copy Reservation" mode. A "Job Build" mode allows a user to combine an unlimited number of simplex and duplex originals using either the document feeder or platen glass. The same memory can also be used for a "Confidential Mail Box" function, which allows up to 7,700 pages of letter sized scanned or printed documents to be stored in 100 user-named mailboxes. A "Merge Documents" mode can combine jobs sent to a mailbox and convert them into a single file for uniform printing. Merged jobs can originate as hard copy documents, electronic files created in different software applications, or a combination of both.

NetSpot Suite Device Management Software

Canon NetSpot Suite is a group of platform independent software utilities that are designed to ease the administrative burdens associated with installing, monitoring, and managing Canon, and third party, SNMP-compliant, print devices across corporate networks or the Internet. Both end users and network administrators are given a level of access and control that is designed to optimize the uptime of the imageRUNNER 105 and other devices throughout an organization for maximum productivity. Within NetSpot Suite is the ability for users to obtain real-time descriptions of device status, its available features and accessories, and print job status and end of job notification through any standard Web browser. Plug-in modules to major enterprise management software applications such as CA-Unicenter TNG, HP OpenView, Tivoli NetView, and BMC Patrol are also available to network administrators.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. is an industry leader in professional and consumer imaging solutions and, through its parent company, Canon Inc., is a top patent-holder of imaging technologies. The company's comprehensive product line includes networked multifunction devices; digital and analog copiers (color and black and white); printers, scanners, image filing systems, and facsimile machines; camcorders, cameras and lenses; and semiconductor, broadcast and medical equipment. Canon employs 12,000 people at more than 30 facilities throughout North, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

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