Fuji Xerox's new prototype photocopier promises to translate text on the fly while maintaining page layout and graphics. It can scan a printed sheet written in Japanese and translate it into Chinese, English or Korean.
Unfortunately, the machine makes very "loose" translations. In the same manner that Babelfish and similar web translation services don't translate very clearly, the Fuji Xerox machine needs some fine tuning. But it's not a bad start for people who deal with international documents on a regular basis.
Copier That Translates
Fuji Xerox Prototype
Trend Themes
1. Real-time Translation - Fuji Xerox's prototype copier showcases the trend of real-time translation in document processing and communication.
2. Multilingual Automation - The prototype copier highlights the growing trend of automating multilingual tasks, allowing for more efficient communication in globalized industries.
3. Enhanced Text Processing - Fuji Xerox's photocopier prototype demonstrates the trend of advanced text processing technologies, enabling seamless translation while preserving layout and graphics.
Industry Implications
1. Translation Services - The real-time translation capabilities of the prototype copier present disruptive innovation opportunities in the translation services industry.
2. Global Business Communication - The multilingual automation features of the prototype copier can revolutionize global business communication in industries such as international corporations and trade.
3. Office Equipment Manufacturing - The enhanced text processing technology of Fuji Xerox's prototype copier opens up opportunities for disruption in the office equipment manufacturing industry.