Instead of relying on the standard sensor found in other digital imaging devices, Toshiba’s new sensor has microlenses which capture the color, intensity, and vector direction of rays of light, allowing the camera to shoot first without worrying about focus.

Measuring a mere 8mm, the new module will be small enough to fit into a smartphone, and can produce 2-megapixel images from its 8-megapixel sensor. The company plans to finalize development of the new sensor module by this year and may roll it out the following year.

Lytro has previously suggested it could include its Light Field Technology in smartphone cameras but nothing concrete has been announced. Toshiba’s new sensor module may provide a new push for this imaging technology, which could result in its wider adoption.