Technology Focus
OVERVIEW
SLA develops technologies that provide flawless delivery of communication, information, and entertainment to your phone, home, or office. Our technologies help create a world that understands, anticipates, and cooperates. Video, cellular, and vision technologies have forever changed how we communicate, learn, work, and relax. SLA brings together an interdisciplinary team of researchers with expertise in video coding, image processing, communications standards, computer vision, and computer science. We are dedicated to creating novel technology, and we partner with universities and leading technology companies to deliver cutting-edge functionality to Sharp TV’s, phones, and displays. We are also deeply engaged in the creation of new business both domestically and globally.
Video Compression and Streaming
COMPUTER VISION
SLA develops computer vision technology to support multiple Sharp business areas. We create technology for touch displays, mobile devices, and robotics, including vision-based mobile robot navigation, object detection, and touch tracking. We develop machine vision and image processing solutions for factory automation and inspection, including high-resolution imaging of LCD panels, defect measurement and correction, and high-speed object localization for inspection. Our team includes experts in signal/image/video processing, color and optics, computer vision, and machine learning.
SMART TV
SLA develops technologies and strategy for Sharp’s consumer display business. Our agile team is strategically positioned between the front lines of the North American market and Japan-based global technology development. For example, we develop cross-device platforms that drive connectivity between multiple displays, enabling new capabilities in the TV ecosystem.
LTE and Beyond 5G
For over two decades, SLA has developed advanced technologies and intellectual property to support Sharp’s cellular phone business. Our early standards work led to Sharp’s successful launch of the world’s first camera phone, while our early product development and certification efforts paved the way for the commercial launch of advanced feature phones and smart phones for Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile. SLA has promoted our innovative technologies in meetings of the 3rd Generation Partnership Program (3GPP) since 2007, when 3GPP first started specification work in LTE. SLA continues to innovate with development activities ranging from advanced automated testing platforms to wearable communication products.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
SLA has been a key developer of 2G, 3G, and 4G mobile communication intellectual property. Our patent portfolio includes technologies to extend handset battery life, improve communication reliability and security, reduce network overhead, and enable delivery and coordination of advanced features and services.
THIRD GENERATION PARTNERSHIP (3GPP) MEMBERSHIP
SLA team members participate with leading industry counterparts to develop standards for future generations of mobile communication products and services.
AUTOMATED TESTING
Today’s smartphones have thousands of feature combinations that must operate reliably in a variety of changing networks while complying with government, regulatory agency, and carrier requirements. SLA’s lab and field test automation solutions have been deployed worldwide to improve quality and reduce time to market for Sharp smartphones.