Sharp 2008 Annual Report Download - page 29

is currently being done on the personal protein chip, which can
recognize changes in health condition by identifying changes in
protein constituent patterns in the body. The chip is expected
to contribute to the early discovery of illness and individualized
medical care. At present, highly sophisticated technology and
complex manual procedures are required for the separation
and concurrent detection of different types of protein material.
Sharp is working on
making this process
totally automated. This
will suppress variations
in detectable amount
and considerably
reduce detection time,
making it possible
to use the chip for
medical diagnoses.
Solid-State Lighting Technology
Sharp is promoting the development of solid-state lighting tech-
nology using unique high-output semiconductor optical devices
and highly efficient phosphors. Besides featuring exceptional
energy-saving performance compared to existing incandescent
lamps and fluorescent lamps, solid-state lighting does not con-
tain any harmful substances such as mercury, thereby prompt-
ing expectations as environmentally friendly next-generation
lighting. Sharp has developed highly efficient phosphors that
can control luminous
wavelength according
to particle size by using
our unique composi-
tion method. Sharp is
working toward the
practical application
of solid-state lighting
by further enhancing
luminous efficiency.
Sidebar Widget Technology
Sharp has developed Sidebar Widget technology to provide
Web-based content such as weather, share price and traffic
information on the right side of the screen when watching an
AQUOS LCD TV. The technology has been incorporated into
AQUOS for the North American market. Viewers can configure
widgets to check everyday information with a push of a button
on the remote control,
and switch to full-
screen as required, to
see more detailed
information. Sharp
seeks to propose new
lifestyles by enhancing
the compatibility of its
products with various
network services.
Intellectual Property Strategy
Sharp views its intellectual property strategy as one of its key
management measures, promoting it in a coherent manner
with business and R&D strategies. In order to secure a
competitive edge with one-of-a-kind products and one-of-a-
kind devices for stronger business foundations, Sharp is
aggressively promoting patent right obtainment, while
keeping certain technologies as “black-box.”
Sharp has clearly delineated the fields that are central to its
business and has assigned engineers well-versed in patent
matters to each of these core business areas to conduct
strategic patent development close to the frontline. As of
March 31, 2008, Sharp had approximately 17,500 patents
in Japan and 21,500 overseas.
Sharp utilizes these patents to strengthen its strategic
businesses. In addition, to make further effective use of
patents, a proactive patent strategy is pursued. The products
of other companies are scrutinized, and if an infringement is
discovered, an appropriate warning is issued. In certain
cases, more aggressive action is taken, including filing
lawsuits. Sharp is also promoting obtainment of design and
trademark registrations based on its brand strategy and
aiming to increase the number of applications and
registrations globally.
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Examples of phosphors
Personal protein chip analyzing equipment
AQUOS equipped with Sidebar Widget technology