Ricoh : Yoshihiko Hotta, a Ricoh engineer, receives the Johann Gutenberg prize for 2014
October 17, 2014 at 10:37 am EDT
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Tokyo, October 10, 2014- Yoshihiko Hotta, an Executive specialist in the IMS Division of Ricoh, was awarded the Johann Gutenberg prize for the year 2014 from IS&T (the Society for Imaging Science & Technology). The award ceremony took place on September 10 at the NIP30 (the 30th International Conference on Advances in Non-Impact Printing Technologies), a major annual meeting of the society held in the U.S.
The Johann Gutenberg prize, which has been granted every year since 1987 to one or two people who have made a significant contribution to the science and technology of printing. This award is presented by IS&T under the sponsorship of Hewlett-Packard Laboratories in the U.S.
Hotta has been engaged in the research and development of thermal recording technology and rewritable recording technology since he joined Ricoh in 1978. The award was given in recognition of his contributions to thermal rewritable technology, which he has been working on since 1986.
Through Hotta's efforts, Ricoh was able to develop opaque type rewritable technology that can change into transparent or opaque by the application of heat and the development of leuco type rewritable technology that can change color using leuco dye. The rewritable loyalty cards widely used today were made possible through this technology.
Ricoh also undertook the research and development of the "Ricoh Rewritable Laser System" (hereinafter "Rewritable Laser System") that established a new process for image printing capable of performing about 1,000 contactless rewrites. This led to significant improvements in high-speed printing and erasure as well as the photostability and repetition durability of labels. It is also a system for distribution solutions as it expanded rewritable technology that had been limited to indoor use into outdoor applications.
Dr. Yoshihiko Hotta holding the award plaque and the engraved medal with IS&T President Dr. Alan Hodgson at the IS&T award ceremony on NIP30/DF2014 (in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
| About Ricoh |
Ricoh is a global technology company specializing in office imaging equipment, production print solutions, document management systems and IT services. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in about 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ending March 2014, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,195 billion yen based on the IFRS accounting standard (approx. 21.3 billion USD).
The majority of the company's revenue comes from products, solutions and services that improve the interaction between people and information. Ricoh also produces award-winning digital cameras and specialized industrial products. It is known for the quality of its technology, the exceptional standard of its customer service and sustainability initiatives.
Under its corporate tagline, imagine. change. Ricoh helps companies transform the way they work and harness the collective imagination of their employees.
For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com/about/
Ricoh Company, Ltd. is one of the world's leading office equipment manufacturers. Net sales break down by family of products and services as follows:
- office automation equipment (48.5%): photocopiers, fax machines and printing systems;
- IT equipment and network systems (31.6%): PCs, servers, software, etc. The group also offers installation and start-up, training, technical support, and maintenance services;
- commercial and industrial printing solutions and systems (9.5%): inkjet print heads, imaging systems, commercial and industrial printers;
- thermal paper and thermal transfer ribbons (3.4%): for label printing;
- other (7%): primarily optical equipment, semiconductor, electronic components, measurement systems, photographic equipment, integrated circuits, and electronic processing equipment.
Net sales break down geographically as follows: Japan (44.8%), Europe/Middle East/Africa (23.4%), Americas (23%) and other (8.8%).
RICOH COMPANY, LTD. 
