A patent for an infrared system that could be used to shut off iPhone cameras and microphones at live performances is one of dozens awarded to Apple last month. The system could assist the music and movie industries by automatically disabling camera functions at movies or concerts. However, the technology could have other applications as well — for example, turning an iOS device into a museum or city tour guide, or a source of product information at a retail outlet.
Might be better than what Alicia Keys is implementing where people have to store their phones in a locked security bag while attending concert. If you need to make a call or use your phone you will have to find an attendant to unlock the bag. Really it's sad a few spoil it for everyone. We already have jamming devices and other means and now Apple is finding apparently this is an evolving market. The focus now is on capturing video and audio now, instead of in the past by confiscating rogue content already distributed. I guess Apple would have a valid interest in this being a content distributor. Too bad people do not realize buying a ticket is for watching the performance, not recording it.
A problem I see with the solution of "just cover[ing] up the sensor" is that the IR sensor may not be separate from the cameras image sensor. Digital cameras can already sense IR light. You might not notice, because Apple (and some other smartphone companies) filter it out before displaying the image to you.
Test this out by opening the camera on your iPhone and pointing a TV remote (or anything with an IR blaster) at the camera. Press one of the buttons and see if you can see if anything shows up. Chances are, you'll see nothing. But if you turn on your selfie camera, and point the remote at it that way... (unless they've updated the software since the last time I tried this) you should see a white light coming from the remote. Proof that the camera itself can sense IR.
Since the camera itself can just act as the receiver for the IR signal, the only way to cover up the IR sensor might end up with you covering up the camera itself. They win either way. Now, if there was an IR filter over the sensor we might not have a problem.
This has been controversial for over a month. It could be good for the performers because they can keep their right for their products or their songs. But it's also annoying for the users, as some may want to keep some moment for their own. They may choose to switch phones, or like the article said, use some tricks by covering up the sensor. I'm currently using iPhone, wonder how it works and how it makes Apple think it'll be useful!
Loading ...
Apple Patents Tech to Foil Concert Pirates
Posted by: John P. Mello Jr. July 16, 2016 11:15 AMA patent for an infrared system that could be used to shut off iPhone cameras and microphones at live performances is one of dozens awarded to Apple last month. The system could assist the music and movie industries by automatically disabling camera functions at movies or concerts. However, the technology could have other applications as well — for example, turning an iOS device into a museum or city tour guide, or a source of product information at a retail outlet.
Test this out by opening the camera on your iPhone and pointing a TV remote (or anything with an IR blaster) at the camera. Press one of the buttons and see if you can see if anything shows up. Chances are, you'll see nothing. But if you turn on your selfie camera, and point the remote at it that way... (unless they've updated the software since the last time I tried this) you should see a white light coming from the remote. Proof that the camera itself can sense IR.
Since the camera itself can just act as the receiver for the IR signal, the only way to cover up the IR sensor might end up with you covering up the camera itself. They win either way. Now, if there was an IR filter over the sensor we might not have a problem.