Apple patent could prevent people from filming, taking photos at concerts

Pitchfork: Apple Patents Technology That Could Prevent You From Filming, Taking Photos at Concerts

The patent specifically includes a drawing of a band onstage and a phone screen showing the text “RECORDING DISABLED”

Apple Patents Technology That Could Prevent You From Filming, Taking Photos at Concerts | Pitchfork »

In 2009, Apple applied for a patent on a sophisticated new camera technology using infrared signals. When the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office published the application in 2011, reports focused on how the technology could, among other things, block people from taking photos and filming concerts. Yesterday, Apple won approval for the patent, as 9to5Mac and Patently Apple were first to note.

According to the patent, the technology allows a camera to detect not just visible light, but also infrared data. In some cases, the device could use the infrared data to show a user information related to a nearby object, such as an exhibit in a museum. In other cases, the device could use the infrared data to disable the device’s recording functions. As an example, the patent includes an illustration of a band performing onstage as a camera screen shows the text “RECORDING DISABLED.” (See it below.)

As The New York Times reported back in 2011, “The recording industry could easily use this technology to disable a camera during a music concert by blasting an infrared signal from the stage and in turn disabling an iPhone from recording the concert for purposes of sharing it online, violating copyright laws.”

 

Great news for makers of Android phones

 

Good news for anyone sick of looking at the back of the phone of the guy/girl in front of you at concerts.

 

Great. The next step will be to emit that infrared beam everywhere.

 

I want a phone that stuns the people taking photos, filming, or yakking at concerts....

 

Yet another reason to start going back to taking photos with, oh I don't know, a CAMERA?!?!?!?

 

Perhaps it's time to invest in infrared lights....

 

Isn't it illegal to record? It is hurting the music industry.

 

Next step will be laws requiring all phones and other cameras to contain the technology.

Good time to stock up on Polaroid film (since pretty much nobody develops the non instant kind of film for consumers anymore).

 

I took this one in Dayton on Tuesday

 

Well...but I like you...

 

This was big news years ago when the story broke. But let's look at the bright side ...One of the unintended benefits of the technology is that everyone will go home with a nice tan, the result of being "baked" by wide-array infrared emissions.




Media consultant Elliot Mintz, after attending a brief "Test concert" introducing Apple's new infrared phone-blocking device in 2011, Los Angeles.

 

So I gotta know...how wuz he ?

 

I just applied for a patent to cover the iphone's camera lens with an IR (blocking) filter. Apple, your move.

 

Have you tried to take a camera into a concert lately...? Even the slightest attended club shows have prevented me from taking my Nikon in...

 

I agree with your point, rude and inconsiderate behavior is upsetting. There is a way to take a picture and talk to someone at a concert that is appropriate. It needs to be brief, not disruptive and reasonable.

Dylan pushes it too hard the other way. It would have been less distracting to let people take picture than it was to have ten staff people run to yell and threaten people each time they saw a phone. It was really obnoxious.

 

he didn't sing very many songs that he wrote. I shared more details over at the usual spot.

 

When it comes to Android phones, Google would have to pay each manufacturer to come up with their own technology or the manufacturers would have pay Apple the license to use their technology.

 

This is kind of intrusive, no? I mean, I understand how annoying it is to see people spend more time watching the concert through their phone than what's actually in front of them, but I also like to take pics of the shows I go to, during them, just to chronicle to moment. I certainly don't keep my phone out the whole time, maybe only take ~10-25 pics during a 2 hour show.

 

Does nice development work consumer or pro, even large format:
Newtown Camera, Inc. »

 

Yes it is and that's why they came up with this technology.

 

so the 30 second shaky cell phone video is hurting the industry but being able to listen to an artists entire catalog for free on the internet is not?

 

I saw on the news that this technology would also prevent people from recording police. I think cops are inclined to act more professional if they know they might be recorded.

 

Reminds me of when I was in Florence and The David was on display. They would not allow pictures, nor talking above a whisper (something about vibrations). I stood back and watched this one young fella snap a pic then jump behind a column. Hed wait a few seconds then go forward, snap a pic and jump behind a column. It was amussing. He was like the Mission Impossible guy when it came to covert disposable camera work.

 

It isn't hurting the music industry at all. Cellphone cameras and microphones are not really able to compete with professional equipment, and I don't think anyone ever watches a youtube clip and says, "Well, I've seen the whole show, so no need to actually buy a ticket!"

It is, however obnoxious to anyone who doesn't want to look at a bunch of camera screens while enjoying the show.