Texas Advanced Optoelectronic Solutions (TAOS) has produced a digital ambient light sensor and proximity sensor that can operate behind dark glass.
According to Embedded, the new TSL2771 device will eliminate the need for clear glass or plastic in front of the light sensor or the need to drill holes into a display so the light sensor can be reached.
With TAOS's new innovation, consumer electronics firms, such as Toshiba or General Electric, are now presented with more options in terms of product design.
Carlo Strippoli, TAOS vice-president of sales and marketing, suggested that consumers are now more sophisticated and manufacturers needed to respond to this fact by producing "sleeker, more compelling designs", whilst still delivering on quality.
He said: "The need for ambient light sensors to operate behind darkened glass or other translucent materials has emerged as a critical requirement in today's consumer electronic products."
TAOS, which was established in 1998, claims its mission is to "redefine optoelectronics solutions".
