TWI892111B - Media hub device and media transfer method - Google Patents

Abstract

A media hub device includes an input module, an output module and a processing module. The input module is electrically connected to a media source device for receiving media data. The output module is electrically connected to a media play device. The processing module is electrically connected to the input module and the output module. The processing module determines if a verification procedure is passed. If the verification procedure is passed, the processing module transfers the media data to the media play device. If the verification procedure is not passed, the processing module restricts a transmission of the media data, such that the media data will not be completely played by the media play device.

Description

Media switching device and method

This disclosure relates to a media switching device that can enhance information security.

In business offices, connecting a laptop to a hub station to connect to multiple monitors has become commonplace. Users can move their laptops to different locations, where hubs and monitors can be installed, allowing them to conveniently use larger monitors. However, hubs are typically small and easily stolen. A third party could also connect an additional device to the hub to capture data transmitted through it. These scenarios all raise information security concerns.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a media conversion device, comprising an input module, an output module, and a processing module. The input module is used to electrically connect to a media source device and receive media data from the media source device. The output module is used to electrically connect to a media playback device. The processing module is electrically connected to the input module and the output module to determine whether a verification procedure has been passed. If the verification procedure has been passed, the processing module is used to transmit the media data to the media playback device through the output module. If the verification procedure has not been passed, the processing module restricts the transmission of the media data so that the media data will not be fully displayed on the media playback device.

From another perspective, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a media switching method performed by a media switching device. The media switching method includes: transmitting media data from a media source device to a media switching device, wherein the media switching device is electrically connected to a media playback device; determining whether a verification process has been passed; if the verification process has been passed, transmitting the media data from the media switching device to the media playback device; and if the verification process has not been passed, restricting the transmission of the media data so that the media data is not fully displayed on the media playback device.

In order to make the above features and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, embodiments are given below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The terms “first,” “second,” etc. used herein do not particularly refer to order or sequence, but are only used to distinguish elements or operations described with the same technical terms.

Figures 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams of a media adapter 100 according to one embodiment. In the examples of Figures 1A and 1B , the front side of the media adapter 100 includes a combo aux port 101 and multiple Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports 102. The back side of the media adapter 100 includes a power port 111, a Universal Serial Bus (Type-B) port 112, a display port (DP) 113, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) 114, an Ethernet port 115, a Universal Serial Bus (Type-A) port 116, and an audio output port 117. Figure 2 shows a usage scenario for the media adapter 100. The media adapter 100 is electrically connected to a media source device 210 and media playback devices 220 and 221. For example, the media source device 210 is a laptop computer, the media playback device 220 is a monitor, and the media playback device 221 is a projector. The media source device 210 provides media data, which may include audio, video, or data signals. These signals are transmitted to the media playback devices 220 and 221 via the media adapter 100.

The above description of the types, number, and placement of the various interfaces on the media adapter 100 is merely an example and is not intended to limit the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the media adapter 100 may be implemented as an internal circuit within an electronic device or as an external device. The present disclosure also does not limit the size or form factor of the media adapter 100. In other embodiments, the media source device 210 may be an electronic product such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or desktop computer.

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal architecture (e.g., internal circuitry) of a media adapter device according to one embodiment. Referring to Figure 3 , the media adapter device 100 includes an input module 310, a processing module 320, and an output module 330. The processing module 320 is electrically connected to the input module 310 and the output module 330. The input module 310 is electrically connected to the media source device 210 and receives media data from the media source device 210. The output module 330 is electrically connected to the media playback devices 220 and 221.

The input module 310 includes a video interface unit 311, a USB unit 312, an Internet unit 313, a command receiving unit 314, and a biometric information receiving unit 315. The video interface unit 311 is, for example, a circuit that complies with the DisplayPort (DP), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), or Digital Visual Interface (DVI) standards. The USB unit 312 is, for example, a circuit that complies with the Universal Serial Bus (USB) standards. The Internet unit 313 is, for example, a circuit that complies with the Ethernet standards. The command receiving unit 314 is used to receive commands from the media source device 210. In some embodiments, the command receiving unit 314 may also be a circuit configured below the video interface unit 311 or the USB unit 312. For example, the High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) specification defines Consumer Electronics Control (CEC), which can be used to transmit commands. Therefore, the command receiving unit 314 can also be hardware or firmware that complies with the Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) specification. In addition, the DisplayPort (DP) specification defines an AUX channel (Auxiliary Channel), which can be used to transmit information in both directions, so the command receiving unit 314 can also be hardware or firmware that complies with the AUX channel specification. Alternatively, the command receiving unit 314 can also be integrated with the Universal Serial Bus (USB). In some embodiments, the media adapter 100 is implemented on a circuit board, and the command receiving unit 314 can also be implemented as an integrated bus circuit (Inter-Integrated Circuit, I ² C) or firmware. In some embodiments, the command receiving unit 314 may also be a Display Data Channel Command Interface (DDCCI). The aforementioned Universal Serial Bus (USB) unit 312 and Internet unit 313 are optional and are configured based on user needs.

The biometric information receiving unit 315 is used to receive biometric information, such as fingerprints, irises, and facial models. In some embodiments, the device used to capture biometric information such as fingerprints, irises, and facial models is located outside the media adapter 100, and this biometric information is transmitted to the biometric information receiving unit 315. In other embodiments, the device used to capture biometric information such as fingerprints, irises, and facial models is integrated into the media adapter 100, for example, on the top or side of the media adapter 100, to facilitate user input of biometric information.

In some embodiments, input module 310 may also include circuits or modules for communication standards such as cellular networks (also known as mobile networks), near-field communication, infrared communication, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. In some embodiments, input module 310 may also include interfaces or interfaces such as optical fiber interfaces and Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI). The aforementioned interfaces, connectors, and buses are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned embodiments.

The processing module 320 includes a processor 321 and a memory 322. The processor 321 can be a central processing unit, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit, etc. The memory 322 can be a random access memory, a read-only memory, a flash memory, etc.

Output module 330 includes a video interface unit 331, an audio unit 332, a USB unit 333, a command sending unit 334, and an internet unit 335. Video interface unit 331, USB unit 333, command sending unit 334, and internet unit 335 are similar to video interface unit 311, USB unit 312, command receiving unit 314, and internet unit 313, respectively, but are used to transmit media data. In some embodiments, command sending unit 334 and internet unit 335 may also be integrated with command receiving unit 314 and internet unit 313, respectively. The audio unit 332 may be, for example, a TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) or TS (Tip-Sleeve) terminal, or an interface compliant with the MIDI specification, but this disclosure is not limited thereto. The aforementioned audio unit 332, Universal Serial Bus (USB) unit 333, and Internet unit 335 are optional and depend on user needs. The modules and units described in this disclosure may be a combination of software, firmware, and/or hardware, but are not limited thereto. When the aforementioned units are hardware, they may also be referred to as "circuits."

Here, processing module 320 determines whether a verification process has been passed to identify whether media source device 210 and media playback devices 220, 221 are trustworthy. If the verification process passes, media data from media source device 210 is transferred to media playback devices 220, 221 via output module 330, allowing normal playback of the media data. If the verification process fails, indicating that media source device 210 or media playback devices 220, 221 are untrustworthy, processing module 320 restricts (e.g., stops or blocks) the transmission of media data. Several examples will be provided below to illustrate the verification process.

In some embodiments, the verification process includes processing module 320 determining whether the connection status of media source device 210 or media playback device 220, 221 has changed. Specifically, processing module 320 can determine whether media source device 210 or media playback device 220, 221 has been plugged in or unplugged from a video interface, its power cord has been plugged in or unplugged, or its power has been turned on or off. If a change in connection status indicates that the verification process has failed, processing module 320 will restrict the transmission of media data, preventing the media data from being fully displayed on media playback device 220, 221 until subsequent password verification is passed. There are many ways to restrict the transmission of media data. For example, if the media data is a video, in some embodiments, a portion or all of the video can be obscured with black or a specific pattern, preventing the user from viewing the complete video content on the media playback devices 220 and 221. In some embodiments, the processing module 320 can also disable the input module 310 and/or the output module 330, preventing the media data from being transmitted to the media playback devices 220 and 221. For example, the processing module 320 can turn off the power of the input module 310 and the output module 330, or issue a command to the input module 310 and the output module 330 to stop their operation. In some embodiments, the media player 220 is a screen, and the processing module 320 can issue a command to the media player 220 to shut down the screen's backlight module, power supply, or panel, preventing the media data from being played on the media player 220. In some embodiments, the media data can be played for a limited time (e.g., one minute) before being blocked. In some embodiments, the processing module 320 can also add a warning message or arbitrary graphics or symbols to the media data.

In some embodiments, the verification process includes determining whether the media source device 210 and/or the media playback devices 220 and 221 are on a whitelist. If so, the verification process has been passed; otherwise, the verification process has not been passed. If a third party connects the media adapter 100 to an untrusted device (not on the whitelist), the media data cannot be displayed properly, thereby protecting confidential data from leakage or preventing an untrusted third party from controlling the displayed content.

In some embodiments, it is possible to determine whether all devices are on the whitelist, only media source device 210, or only media playback devices 220 and 221 are on the whitelist. The user can determine which verification process to use. In such an embodiment, media source device 210 is a computer, and an application is executed on the computer to provide a user interface. This user interface can provide multiple verification modes for the user to choose from.

FIG4 is a schematic diagram illustrating three modes according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG3 and FIG4 , the user interface 400 provides a password mode 410, a screen mode 420, and a source mode 430 for selection.

In step 412 of password mode 410, processing module 320 determines whether the status of the currently connected media source device 210 and media playback devices 220, 221 has changed. A status change in this context includes plugging or unplugging a video interface, plugging or unplugging a power cord, or turning a power on or off. For example, processing module 320 may determine whether the video interface of the currently connected media source device 210 and media playback devices 220, 221 has been plugged or unplugged. If not, indicating no status change, media data may be displayed normally in step 413. If the device status has changed, processing module 320 restricts the transmission of media data in step 414. Next, in step 415, the user may be prompted to enter a password on the user interface. The entered password (also referred to as the second password) is transmitted to the input module 310. The processing module 320 stores a pre-set password (also referred to as the first password). In step 416, the processing module 320 determines whether the password entered by the user is correct (whether the second password is the same as the first password). If the passwords are correct (they are the same), in step 417, the media data is transmitted to the media playback devices 220 and 221 for normal playback. If the passwords are incorrect (they are different), in step 418, the processing module 320 restricts the transmission of the media data. In some embodiments, the processing module 320 may also transmit the result of the password identification determination back to the media source device 210 for subsequent operations. In some embodiments, when the password is incorrect, it indicates the possibility of a third-party intrusion. The processing module 320 may interrupt the communication connection and the transmission of media data between the input module 310 and the media source device 210, or interrupt the communication connection and the transmission of media data between the output module 330 and the media playback devices 220 and 221.

In some embodiments, in step 415, the user's biometric information (also referred to as second biometric information) may be captured by the biometric information receiving unit 315. The processing module 320 also stores pre-established biometric information (also referred to as first biometric information). In step 416, the processing module 320 determines whether the first biometric information matches the second biometric information. If the two biometric information match, step 417 is executed; otherwise, step 418 is executed.

In step 421 of screen mode 420, it is determined whether the currently connected media player is on the whitelist. If the result of step 421 is yes, in step 422, the media data is displayed normally. If the result of step 421 is no, in step 423, the processing module 320 restricts the transmission of the media data. The user then enters a password (or biometric information). When the password is correct, the user can edit the whitelist in step 424 to add the new media player to the whitelist, so that when the media player is connected again in the future, the media data can be displayed normally by comparing the updated whitelist without entering a password. In step 425, the media data is displayed normally. If the password entered by the user is incorrect, steps 424 and 425 will not be executed.

In step 431 of source mode 430, a determination is made as to whether the currently connected media source device is on the whitelist. For example, the device can be identified by its Media Access Control Address (MAC address), device ID, or any other identifier. If the result of step 431 is yes, the media data is displayed normally in step 432. If the result of step 431 is no, the processing module 320 restricts the transmission of the media data in step 433. The user then enters a password (or biometric information). If the password is correct, the user can edit the whitelist in step 434 and add the new media source device to the whitelist. This allows the user to subsequently connect the media source device and display the media data normally without entering a password by comparing it to the updated whitelist. In step 435, the media data is displayed normally. If the password entered by the user is incorrect, steps 434 and 435 are not executed.

Referring to FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, Internet unit 313 and Internet unit 335 are communicatively connected to a remote device 340. Remote device 340, for example, is a server or any other computer system and can be operated by information security personnel. Information security personnel can enter a password in the user interface provided by remote device 340 and then send a command to Internet unit 313 via the Internet to edit the whitelist stored in media switching device 100. This editing can include adding or deleting devices or setting device permissions, etc., but this disclosure is not limited to these. In some embodiments, when the media switching device 100 detects a device that is not on the whitelist, or when a user enters an incorrect password on the media source device 210, the processing module 320 may transmit an error message (e.g., to notify the user) to the remote device 340 via the Internet unit 335. This error message may include any text, numbers, graphics, symbols, or binary data, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

In this embodiment, the media adapter 100 is connected to two media playback devices 220 and 221. The media source device 210 or the remote device 340 can provide a user interface, allowing the user to determine which media playback device 220 or 221 should be used to play the media data. Alternatively, the user can set one media playback device to play normally while the other media playback device does not play. This disclosure does not limit the number of connected media playback devices.

In some embodiments, there may be multiple white lists, one of which records trusted media source devices, and another white list records trusted media playback devices.

FIG5 is a flow chart illustrating a media switching method according to an embodiment. Referring to FIG5 , the media switching method can be executed by the aforementioned media switching device 100. In step 501, the media source device 210 transmits media data to the media switching device 100. In step 502, it is determined whether the verification procedure has been passed. In some embodiments, the verification procedure determines whether the connection status of the media source device 210 and the media playback device 220 has changed. If there is no change, the verification procedure has been passed; otherwise, the verification procedure has not been passed. In some embodiments, the verification procedure determines whether the aforementioned second password is the same as the first password. If they are the same, the verification procedure has been passed; otherwise, the verification procedure has not been passed. In other embodiments, the verification process determines whether both the media source device 210 and the media playback device 220 are on the whitelist, or only determines whether the media source device 210 is on the whitelist, or only determines whether the media playback device 220 is on the whitelist. In some embodiments, the verification process determines whether the biometric information matches. If so, the verification process has passed; if not, the verification process has failed. If the verification process passes, in step 503, the media switching device 100 transmits the media data to the media playback device 220, allowing the media playback device 220 to display the media data normally. If the verification process fails, in step 504, the media switching device 100 restricts the transmission of the media data so that the media data is not fully displayed on the media playback device 220. The steps in Figure 5 have been described in detail above and will not be repeated here. It is worth noting that the steps in Figure 5 can be implemented as multiple code blocks or circuits, and the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the method in Figure 5 can be used in conjunction with the above embodiments or on its own. In other words, other steps can be added between the steps in Figure 5.

The above-mentioned media switching device and method can increase the information security of the media switching device and prevent third parties from capturing media data.

Although the present invention has been disclosed above by way of embodiments, they are not intended to limit the present invention. Any person having ordinary skill in the art may make slight modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the scope of the attached patent application.

100: Media Adapter 101: Combo Audio Interface 102: USB Type-B Interface 111: Power Interface 112: USB Type-B Interface 113: Display Interface 114: High-Definition Multimedia Interface 115: Ethernet Interface 116: USB Type-A Interface 117: Audio Output Interface 210: Media Source Device 220, 221: Media Player 310: Input Module 311: Video Interface Unit 312: USB Type-B Unit 313: Internet Unit 314: Command Receiver Unit 315: Biometric Information Receiver Unit 320: Processing Module 321: Processor 322: Memory 330: Output Module 331: Video Interface Unit 332: Audio Unit 333: USB Unit 334: Command Sending Unit 335: Internet Unit 340: Remote Device 400: User Interface 410: Password Mode 412-418, 421-425, 431-435, 501-504: Steps 420: Screen Mode 430: Source Mode

Figures 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating the exterior of a media switching device according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a usage scenario of the media switching device according to one embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal structure of the media switching device according to one embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating three modes according to one embodiment. Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a media switching method according to one embodiment.

100: Media switching device

210: Media source device

220,221: Media playback device

310: Input module

311: Video Interface Unit

312: Universal Serial Bus Unit

313: Internet Unit

314: Command receiving unit

315: Bio-information receiving unit

320: Processing module

321: Processor

322: Memory

330: Output module

331: Video Interface Unit

332: Audio unit

333: Universal Serial Bus Unit

334: Command sending unit

335: Internet Unit

340: Remote Device

Claims (10)

A media switching device includes: an input module electrically connected to a media source device and receiving media data from the media source device; an output module electrically connected to a media playback device; and a processing module electrically connected to the input module and the output module, configured to determine whether a verification process has been passed. If the verification process has been passed, the processing module transmits the media data to the media playback device via the output module. If the verification process has not been passed, the processing module restricts the transmission of the media data, preventing the complete display of the media data on the media playback device. The media switching device of claim 1, wherein the input module includes at least one of the following units: a video interface unit; a universal serial bus unit; an internet unit; and a command receiving unit. The media switching device of claim 1, wherein the output module includes at least one of the following units: a video interface unit; an audio unit; a universal serial bus unit; a command sending unit; and an internet unit. The media switching device of claim 1, wherein the processing module is further configured to store a first password, wherein the input module is configured to receive a second password, and the verification process includes the processing module determining whether the second password is the same as the first password; if the second password is the same as the first password, the processing module transmits the media data to the media playback device via the output module. The media switching device of claim 1, wherein the processing module is further configured to store a first password. The verification process includes the processing module determining whether the media source device or the media playback device is on a whitelist. If the media source device and the media playback device are not on the whitelist, the input module receives a second password. The verification process further includes the processing module determining whether the second password is the same as the first password. If the second password is the same as the first password, the processing module transmits the media data to the media playback device via the output module and adds the media source device or the media playback device to the whitelist. A media switching device as described in claim 5, wherein if the second password is different from the first password, the processing module interrupts the communication connection between the input module and the media source device and the transmission of the media data, or interrupts the communication connection between the output module and the media playback device and the transmission of the media data. The media adapter device as described in claim 1, wherein the processing module is further configured to store a first biometric information, wherein the input module further includes a biometric information receiving unit configured to receive a second biometric information, and the verification process includes the processing module determining whether the second biometric information matches the first biometric information. The media switching device as described in claim 1, wherein the operation of the processing module to limit the transmission of the media data includes masking a portion of the media data. The media switching device as described in claim 1, wherein the operation of the processing module to limit the transmission of the media data includes disabling the output module or the input module. A media switching method, applicable to a media switching device, comprises: transmitting media data from a media source device to the media switching device, wherein the media switching device is electrically connected to a media playback device; determining whether a verification process has been passed; if the verification process has been passed, transmitting the media data from the media switching device to the media playback device; and if the verification process has not been passed, restricting the transmission of the media data such that the media data is not fully displayed on the media playback device.