Rockin’ Patent – “Systems for Receiving Infrared Data”

  • Rockin’ Patent®: US Patent No. 8,848,059
  • Filed: 2 December 2009
  • In the name of: Apple, Inc (Assignee)
  • Title: Systems and Methods for Receiving Infrared Data with a Camera Designed to Detect Images Based on Visible Light
  • What’s claimed: “A method for controlling the operation of a device based on infrared data received with a camera of the device, the method comprising: detecting with the camera an image of at least one object based on visible light, wherein the detected image comprises an infrared signal with encoded data; determining with the device whether the detected encoded data comprises a disable command; and in response to a determination that the detected encoded data comprises the disable command, disabling with the device a record function of the device”.
  • Why this patent rocks:
    • One of the features described in this patent is the ability to disable a recording function of a device (e.g. a mobile phone) in certain situations, e.g. at a concert.
    • As described in the patent “[infrared] transmitters 590 can be located adjacent to stage 580. Accordingly, when a device near stage 580 or pointed at stage 580 receives an infrared signal from transmitters 590, the [device] may be unable to capture pictures of videos because of a command encoded in the infrared signal… [Device] 510 may be unable to display or store images if the device has received a command to disable recording. In some embodiments, display 516 may provide indicator 521 to a user to convey that it has received a command to disable recording. For example, if a user selects a record function while that function is temporarily disabled, display 516 may provide a black screen with indicator 521 to notify the user that recording has been disabled”

If you’re a patent-savvy music tech business looking for patent help, get in touch with Russell IP here! 

The information above is for general interest and information only and does not constitute legal advice.

Share the Post:

Related Posts

IP insurance: an option worth knowing about

By Iain Russell, Patent Attorney and Director at Russell IP (BSc, CPA, EPA, FRSA — 20 years’ experience in computer-implemented inventions and music technology). IP Insurance: An Option Worth Knowing About A question we are sometimes asked, particularly by those new to patents, is what the point is in having a patent if you cannot afford to enforce it, or to defend an allegation that you infringe someone else’s rights. It is a fair concern: patent disputes can be expensive. One option that some businesses may not be aware of is intellectual property (IP) insurance. Important note: Our expertise is

Read More

What Does A New UK Government Study Reveal About AI Patents?

By Iain Russell, Patent Attorney and Director at Russell IP (BSc, CPA, EPA, FRSA – 20 years’ experience in computer-implemented inventions and music technology). What Does A New UK Government Study Reveal About AI Patents? Published: September 2026 | Last updated: September 2026 A recent government-backed study in the UK has found that AI-related patent applications rose from 5.2% of all US patent applications filed in 2014 to 20.3% in 2023. In other words, AI patent applications now make up roughly one in five filings in the US. The finding comes from a study called AI Skills for Life and

Read More

Gain the Competitive Edge

Let's see how we can help protect your IP

Get in touch using the contact form or the phone number below to see how we can protect your IP.

There’s no obligation to sign up for anything.