December 2nd. 2009
20110128384 United States Patent Application
Assignee: Apple Inc. Cupertino.
(extract) [0004] Based on the decoded data, a device can display information to a user or modify an operation of the device. In some embodiments, a device can, based on receive infrared data, display information to a user relating to an object near the user. For example, an 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. In some embodiments, a device can, based on received infrared data, disable a function of the device. For example, an infrared emitter can be located in areas where picture or video capture is prohibited, and the emitter can generate infrared signals with encoded data that includes commands to disable the recording functions of devices. An electronic device can then receive the infrared signals, decode the data and temporarily disable the device’s recording function based on the command.
Life in the Infra-Red Kettle