Apple Patents Technology To Deactivate Your iPhone Camera At Live Events

Apple Patents Technology To Deactivate Your iPhone Camera At Live Events.

Apple has been presented a US patent for a system that could deactivate iPhone cameras with infrared signals, permitting photography to be slightly banned in locations such as concerts and sensitive sites.

Apple provides no sign in its application as to whether it plans to set up this technology, which would open up the capability to block mobile phones from shattering pictures -- remotely.

The patent talks about to the camera detecting an infrared signal and interpreting the data. One signal could be used to deactivate both still photography and video recording.

For example, "an infrared emitter can be located in areas where the picture or video capture is prohibited, and the emitter can generate infrared signals with encoded data that includes commands to disable the recording functions of devices. An electronic device can then receive the infrared signals, decode the data and temporarily disable the device’s recording function based on the command".

"An infrared emitter can be located near an object and generate infrared signals with encoded data that includes information about that object. An electronic device can then receive the infrared signals, decode the data and display the information about the object to the user".

The same method could be used to stop video recording in movie auditoriums, and to block photography in sensitive locations.

Disabling video and photo capability is sure to be controversial among iPhone users who want to be prolonged, not limited, phone functionality. 

The patent filing recommends video capabilities would only be restricted if the phone is pointed in a certain direction. So users would be still able to take photos of their friends in the crowd, but their camera would switch off if they point it at the stage.