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SHARP ANNUAL REPORT 200515
R&D Strategy
Sharp’s basic R&D strategy is “selection and concentration,” with
the objective being to strike a balance between enhancing existing
businesses and pursuing creativity that brings rise to new future busi-
nesses. Based on this strategy, we focus our R&D on one-of-a-kind
products and devices, especially LCD applied products and solar
cells, as well as on businesses that will drive future growth such as
digital home appliances and health and environment related prod-
ucts. All the while, we strive to make the most of opportunities gener-
ated by industry-academia-government collaboration to improve
R&D efficiency and minimize R&D risk.
Development of new technologies
Mobile LCD technology
In 2004, Sharp successfully developed and applied Mobile ASV
LCD technology, which is ideal for mobile equipment. This technolo-
gy integrates wide-viewing-angle ASV LCD technology nurtured in
AQUOS LCD TVs, into Advanced-TFT LCD technology that makes
possible bright, vivid display both indoors and out.
Sharp has developed and mass-produces System LCDs which
employ CG-Silicon technology*. This technology enables high perform-
ance transistors equivalent to those made of monocrystalline silicon on
a glass substrate. In the future, we will strive for further innovation in CG-
silicon technology and Mobile ASV LCD technology in order to create
displays befitting mobile equipment in the ubiquitous era.
* This technology was developed
jointly with Semiconductor Energy
Laboratory Co., Ltd. (SEL)
User Interface
Sharp promotes the development of a user interface for displays
that makes LCD-applied products easier to use. In LCD font display
technology, we developed a scalable font technology in which users
can generate the size of lettering they
desire with a single set of font data. In
addition, our unique XMDF (Mobile
Document Format) enhances the func-
tionality of the displays of mobile equip-
ment. Cumulative sales of products
equipped with this XMDF technology
had hit 10 million units as of March
2005.
Next-generation solar cells and fuel cells
Sharp is working to develop a crystalline solar cell that realizes
high conversion efficiency by creating contours in the surface that
trap sunlight through diffused reflection as well as a thin-film solar cell
that has different manufacturing process, allowing substantial reduc-
tion in silicon materials.
We also conduct the R&D of organic solar cells and succeeded
in realizing a conversion efficiency of 10.2% (liquid cell; 5mm square),
which is among the highest in the world.
We are currently developing high-performance nanotechnology-
enabled fuel cells for mobile equipment jointly with a U.S. venture
company.
One-of-a-kind technology and an aggressive patent strategy support Sharp’s
one-of-a-kind products
Sharp actively develops new technologies for the creation of one-of-a-kind products and
devices, while at the same time, conducts basic research for future businesses. As for intel-
lectual property, an aggressive patent strategy helps us to build strong business foundations.
R&D and Intellectual Property
Zaurus: Personal mobile tool equipped
with System LCD
XMDF contents