Technology could be on its way that stops people taking pictures and recording video with their smartphones at gigs – would this be a good thing?

Apple has been granted a patent for an invention that would allow venues such as concert arenas, theatres and museums to beam coded infrared signals to iPhones.

Infrared emitters could be used to send useful information to handsets such as additional details on an exhibit – or they could be used to temporarily disable phone functions such as cameras.

The patent, filed in the US, says: “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.”

If photography isn’t blocked altogether, it could be that effects such as washing out are applied to discourage people from using their cameras.

Adele is one artist to chastise fans for filming her shows while just last weekend Florence and The Machine star Florence Welch called for concert-goers at the British Summer Time festival in Hyde Park to put their phones away for one song and “don’t be that guy filming”.

Would you be in favour of a system that stops people recording at events? Has your enjoyment of a gig or show been spoiled by other fans filming it on their phones? Or should it just be accepted in the social media age that people are going to view everything through a touchscreen rather than with their eyes? Add your comments below.