A new patent outlined by Apple would introduce infrared technology which could disable an iPhone, forcing users to put it down during sensitive events.
Encouraging users to put their iPhone down might sound like the antithesis of good product marketing, but it would surprisingly seem Apple is sick of users toying with their iPhone during certain sensitive events.
We’ve all probably endured someone using their phone at what Apple envisions as a sensitive event; video-recording or taking photos during a movie, a museum, or maybe even a family affair.
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For the latter two, Apple has an idea. The company has outlined a patent that could disable photography and video recording during ‘sensitive events’ at commercial locations.
The patent outlines that were an iPhone to detect a certain infrared signal, stating that “œThe image processing circuitry can determine whether each image detected by the camera includes an infrared signal with encoded data. If the image processing circuitry determines that an image includes an infrared signal with encoded data, the circuitry may route at least a portion of the image (e.g., the infrared signal) to circuitry operative to decode the encoded data.“
In layman’s terms, this would disable the capability to capture live footage or photographs during special events such as a music concert.
Apple notes that the technology could be feasibly used in a museum where photographs are prohibited, or in a classroom to encourage the concentration of learners.
The patent goes on to note that “œAn 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.“
Were Apple to force a commercial angle on the subject, the company could feasibly license the infrared technology in a similar manner it makes implements iBeacon technology. It seems deviously clever; sell an iPhone to a consumer, and then sell the means to block that consumer using it to certain locations or commercial stores.
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It is unknown whether Apple will proceed to make use of the patent, or whether it will pursue a commercial approach to the subject at all.
What are your thoughts? Be sure to let us know in the comments below!
Follow Bryan Smith on Twitter: @bryansmithSA
Source: DigitalTrends
