Sharp 2012 Annual Report Download - page 29

Annual Report 2012 27
R&D and Intellectual Property
Ultra-low-reflection surface treatment technology
(moth-eye technology)
Sharp has developed a technology that realizes ultra-
low-reflection surfaces with reflectance of 0.1% or
less by forming moth-eye-like nanostructures on film.
It also features the outstanding property of being able
to provide wide-angle high-level visibility, and use of na-
noimprinting technology* enables mass production of
ultra-low-reflection surface treatment film at a low cost.
With this ultra-low-reflection surface treatment film,
a variety of applications are available, such as for TVs,
tablet terminals and digital signage, and significantly
minimizing reflected glare on the screen can realize
displays of a higher picture quality. In addition, applying
the film on show windows and other glass prevents the
reflection of light from illuminations and so applications
other than screen displays can also be expected.
* A technology for forming concavoconvex structures that are several tens
of nanometers to several hundreds of nanometers in size through the
transfer of the pattern onto resin using a mold
Super Hi-Vision LCD
As the world’s first direct-view type display for a next-
generation, high-definition TV broadcast service, Sharp
has developed* an 85-inch LCD (7,680 horizontal × 4,320
vertical pixels). This was achieved by enhancing display
quality utilizing Sharp’s proprietary UV2A technology. Su-
per Hi-Vision, which is a next-generation TV broadcast
service advocated by Japan Broadcasting Corporation
(NHK), is a super-high-definition display system with a
number of pixels that is 16 times as many as that of the
current HDTV broadcasting, and when seen on a display
with a large screen, provides an overwhelmingly real-
istic sensation and a powerful visual experience. Sharp
will continue to work on the development of displays,
through collaboration with NHK, that realize high-
definition images toward the start of its experimental
broadcasting, which is scheduled for 2020.
*Jointly developed with NHK
Intellectual Property Strategy
Sharp views its intellectual property strategy as one of
its key management measures, promoting it in a coher-
ent manner with business and R&D strategies. In order
to secure a competitive edge with one-of-a-kind prod-
ucts and one-of-a-kind devices for stronger business
foundations, Sharp is aggressively promoting patent
right obtainment.
Sharp has clearly delineated the fields that are cen-
tral to each business group and has assigned engineers
well versed in patent matters to each of these core
business areas to conduct strategic patent develop-
ment* close to the frontline. Sharp also obtains useful
patents arising from alliance activities from collabora-
tion with other companies or universities. As of March
31, 2012, Sharp had approximately 20,644 patents in
Japan and 24,232 overseas.
Sharp utilizes these patents to strengthen its strate-
gic businesses. In addition, we take actions to protect
our patents, such as by examining the products of
competitors. We exercise care concerning the intel-
lectual property of other companies, however, our
policy is to have other companies respect our intellec-
tual property in return. If we discover an infringement
on any of our patents, we issue a warning. 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 strat-
egy and aiming to increase the number of applications
and registrations globally.
* International patent applications (PCT applications) in 2011: Sharp ranked
4th among applicants (WIPO data)
85-inch Super Hi-Vision LCD