Sharp 2012 Annual Report Download - page 28

26 SHARP CORPORATION
R&D and Intellectual Property
R&D Strategy
Sharp conducts R&D activities with the goal of develop-
ing the technologies needed to constantly create one-
of-a-kind products from the perspective of users. The
final objective is to ensure that customers are satisfied
with Sharp products. To accomplish this objective, we
focus on three approaches to R&D. First is creating
unique products through the vertical integration of our
core technologies. Second is leveraging commodity
technologies shared in and outside of Sharp. Third is
using “open innovation” and cooperation with partners
to gain expertise in fields of technology that are new to
Sharp. Using all three approaches allows us to perform
R&D that is distinctive, speedy and efficient.
Home energy visualization system
Sharp has developed a home energy visualization system
enabling real-time confirmation of the power consumed by
home appliances, as well as the amount of power gener-
ated and sold by a solar power generation system. While
the conventional system only displays the total power
consumed by one breaker, Sharp’s system enables con-
firmation of the power consumed by individual appliances
by attaching dedicated plugs, which transmit power con-
sumption data, to sockets within the home. The plugs can
be installed easily without requiring special wiring work,
and data on the amount of power generated and amount
of power consumed by each appliance can be seen on a
dedicated tablet terminal via a repeater. Sharp will continue
to create products that raise awareness of saving electric-
ity and support comfortable energy-saving lifestyles.
Dye-sensitized solar cell technology
Sharp is working to develop dye-sensitized solar cells,
which are drawing attention as low-cost next-generation
solar cells. Dye-sensitized solar cells use pigments to
convert light energy into electrical energy in a process
similar to the photosynthesis that plants go through. For
this reason, dye-sensitized solar cells have a structure
that is simpler and materials that are cheaper than the
traditional silicon-based solar cells, and expectations are
placed on its potential for mass production at low cost. In
addition, the high degree of freedom in processing meth-
ods and dye materials enables it to be manufactured
in a variety of designs and colors. In terms of energy
conversion efficiency, with such results as 11.0% for a
1cm × 1cm cell and 9.0% for a 15cm × 15cm module*1,
Sharp has developed a world-class technology*2. Go-
ing forward, Sharp will strive to increasingly enhance
conversion efficiency as well as improve reliability and
durability in an aim for early commercialization.
*1 Values measured by the public research institute National Institute of
Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
*2 Achieved as a result of conducting research based on entrustment from
the Incorporated Administrative Agency New Energy and Industrial Tech-
nology Development Organization (NEDO)
Recovery support system for elderly motor function
Sharp has developed a motor function recovery support
system that links medical institutions and the homes of
the elderly via a high-speed communications network to
enable the elderly to be instructed by physical therapists in
their own home. This utilization of IT combining TVs, sen-
sors, and other devices enables ongoing proper training.
With this system, it is expected that there are also eco-
nomic and social benefits in that it can reduce the burden
such as medical and nursing care costs. There are also
benefits for medical institutions in that, based on gait tests,
blood pressure measurements and other data, physical
therapists can conduct real-time instruction and detailed
medical management. Going forward, Sharp will verify the
effectiveness of the system by testing it at medical institu-
tions with the aim of putting it into practical use.
R&D and Intellectual Property
Image of home energy visualization system
Dye-sensitized solar cell modules
Image of recovery support system for elderly motor function
Solar power generation system
LCD color
monitor
Broadband
router
Repeater
Dedicated
plug
Dedicated tablet terminal