Apple has filed yet another patent that appears to describe a service that would potentially prevent iPhone and iPod Touch using their cameras and other features in certain circumstances.
According to Patently Apple, the new patent describes a type of system that uses image processing connected to the iPhone camera that would “determine whether each image detected by the camera includes an infrared signal with encoded data”.
The publication suggests that in some cases, devices could shut down certain functions after receiving infared signals.
“An electronic device could then receive the infrared signals, decode the data and temporarily disable the device’s recording function based on the command.
Such services could potentially be used at museums or concert halls, or other types of sensitive locations, where event organisers want to prevent any video from being taken. The system could also work to shut down other features within the phone itself.
However, as Apple tends to patent many new ideas, it may be a while away before this idea becomes a feature of the iPhone – if ever.
Patrick Stafford is a freelance journalist and a former deputy editor of SmartCompany.
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