White Goods
ams optical sensing technology enables new levels of convenience and quality with real-time monitoring and control for washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators. Our multi-spectral sensors in the visible and near IR spectrum let you ‘see into the water’ to determine detergent effectiveness and rinse quality using competitively-priced precision components. This chip-scale sensing includes a range of offerings that can detect color, particles, and turbidity in water or sense different types of fabric or textiles. Possible new capabilities include: direct detection of detergent concentration; spectral imaging for ovens; and non-contact monitoring of food freshness.
Getting more intelligent, white goods will be able to tell no user is present and reduce power consumption by turning off the display. This uses 1D time-of-flight sensing to monitor for user presence and can also be used for basic gesture recognition.
Other ams capabilities to support major appliances include: proximity and ambient light sensing for user display management; high-resolution image sensing; and position sensing for motor control and door monitoring.