KEY FOR ON-SCREEN TRANSMISSION

Abstract

Disclosed is a device for transmitting content over an external display facility, including: a processing unit; a USB connector; an HDMI connector; a data storage body; at least one wireless communication module; and an internal battery. The processing unit is designed, according to the mode, to: record visual content data on the data storage body when the data is received from the input connector and/or the at least one wireless communication module; encrypt the recorded data, or decrypt the encrypted data recorded on the data storage body; convert the content data into a media flow; and transmit the media flow via the output connector such that an external screen to which the device is connected transmits the corresponding media.

Claims

1. A device for the playing and/or displaying of content on an external display device and comprising: a processing unit, an input connector of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) type, an output connector of the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) type, a data storage member, at least one wireless communication module, and an internal battery, the processing unit being arranged to implement a data acquisition mode and a mode of media stream transmission and of controlling said transmission, the data acquisition mode comprising: saving visual content data in the data storage member upon receiving such data from the input connector and/or the at least one wireless communication module, and encrypting the saved data, the media stream transmission mode comprising: decrypting the encrypted data saved in the data storage member, converting the content data into a media stream, and transmitting said media stream via the output connector so that an external screen to which the device is connected plays and/or displays the corresponding media, the internal battery being arranged to power the components of the device in transmission mode.

2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a biometric sensor, the processing unit being further arranged to implement an authentication step by means of the biometric sensor, the result of the authentication step determining whether to implement the step of decrypting the data saved in the device.

3. The device according to ene e claim 1, wherein the processing unit is further arranged to implement the transmission mode independently of any control device external to the device.

4. The device according to claim 1, further comprising an operation indicator.

5. The device according to claim 1, further comprising an electronic paper type of screen.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the data storage member comprises a memory dedicated to visual, audiovisual, and/or multimedia content data, or a memory portion dedicated to visual, audiovisual, and/or multimedia content data.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit is further arranged to allow a direct exchange of data between: a Wi-Fi communication module of the device and a source device, and/or a Wi-Fi communication module of the device and a control device.

8. A method for the playing and/or displaying of content on an external display device, comprising a first set of operations for data acquisition and a second set of operations for media stream transmission and for controlling said transmission, the two sets of operations being implemented by a same device, the first set comprising: saving visual content data in a data storage member upon receiving such data from an input connector and/or at least one wireless communication module, and encrypting the saved data, the second set comprising: decrypting the encrypted data saved in the data storage member, converting the content data into a media stream, and transmitting said media stream via an output connector so that an external screen to which the connector is connected plays and/or displays the corresponding media.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium on which is stored a computer program comprising instructions for implementing a data acquisition mode and a mode of media stream transmission and of controlling said transmission, by a device according to claim 1 when this program is executed by a processor of said device, the data acquisition mode comprising: saving visual content data in the data storage member upon receiving such data from the input connector and/or the at least one wireless communication module, and encrypting the saved data, the media stream transmission mode comprising: decrypting the encrypted data saved in the data storage member, converting the content data into a media stream, and transmitting said media stream via the output connector so that an external screen to which the device is connected plays and/or displays the corresponding media.

10. (canceled)

11. A non-transitory computer-readable medium on which is stored a computer program comprising instructions for implementing a data acquisition mode and a mode of media stream transmission and of controlling said transmission, by a device according to claim 2 when this program is executed by a processor of said device, the data acquisition mode comprising: saving visual content data in the data storage member upon receiving such data from the input connector and/or the at least one wireless communication module, and encrypting the saved data, the media stream transmission mode comprising: decrypting the encrypted data saved in the data storage member, converting the content data into a media stream, and transmitting said media stream via the output connector so that an external screen to which the device is connected plays and/or displays the corresponding media.

12. A non-transitory computer-readable medium on which is stored a computer program comprising instructions for implementing a data acquisition mode and a mode of media stream transmission and of controlling said transmission, by a device according to claim 3 when this program is executed by a processor of said device, the data acquisition mode comprising: saving visual content data in the data storage member upon receiving such data from the input connector and/or the at least one wireless communication module, and encrypting the saved data, the media stream transmission mode comprising: decrypting the encrypted data saved in the data storage member, converting the content data into a media stream, and transmitting said media stream via the output connector so that an external screen to which the device is connected plays and/or displays the corresponding media.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium on which is stored a computer program comprising instructions for implementing a data acquisition mode and a mode of media stream transmission and of controlling said transmission, by a device according to claim 4 when this program is executed by a processor of said device, the data acquisition mode comprising: saving visual content data in the data storage member upon receiving such data from the input connector and/or the at least one wireless communication module, and encrypting the saved data, the media stream transmission mode comprising: decrypting the encrypted data saved in the data storage member, converting the content data into a media stream, and transmitting said media stream via the output connector so that an external screen to which the device is connected plays and/or displays the corresponding media.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium on which is stored a computer program comprising instructions for implementing a data acquisition mode and a mode of media stream transmission and of controlling said transmission, by a device according to claim 5 when this program is executed by a processor of said device, the data acquisition mode comprising: saving visual content data in the data storage member upon receiving such data from the input connector and/or the at least one wireless communication module, and encrypting the saved data, the media stream transmission mode comprising: decrypting the encrypted data saved in the data storage member, converting the content data into a media stream, and transmitting said media stream via the output connector so that an external screen to which the device is connected plays and/or displays the corresponding media.

15. A non-transitory computer-readable medium on which is stored a computer program comprising instructions for implementing a data acquisition mode and a mode of media stream transmission and of controlling said transmission, by a device according to claim 6 when this program is executed by a processor of said device, the data acquisition mode comprising: saving visual content data in the data storage member upon receiving such data from the input connector and/or the at least one wireless communication module, and encrypting the saved data, the media stream transmission mode comprising: decrypting the encrypted data saved in the data storage member, converting the content data into a media stream, and transmitting said media stream via the output connector so that an external screen to which the device is connected plays and/or displays the corresponding media.

16. A non-transitory computer-readable medium on which is stored a computer program comprising instructions for implementing a data acquisition mode and a mode of media stream transmission and of controlling said transmission, by a device according to claim 7 when this program is executed by a processor of said device, the data acquisition mode comprising: saving visual content data in the data storage member upon receiving such data from the input connector and/or the at least one wireless communication module, and encrypting the saved data, the media stream transmission mode comprising: decrypting the encrypted data saved in the data storage member, converting the content data into a media stream, and transmitting said media stream via the output connector so that an external screen to which the device is connected plays and/or displays the corresponding media.

17. The device according to claim 2, wherein the processing unit is further arranged to implement the transmission mode independently of any control device external to the device.

18. The device according to claim 2, further comprising an operation indicator.

19. The device according to claim 3, further comprising an operation indicator.

20. The device according to claim 2, further comprising an electronic paper type of screen.

21. The device according to claim 3, further comprising an electronic paper type of screen.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Other features, details, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from reading the detailed description below, and from an analysis of the appended drawings in which:

[0053] FIG. 1 shows a general view of a device according to the invention;

[0054] FIG. 2 shows a functional representation of components of the device of FIG. 1; and

[0055] FIG. 3 shows the cooperation of a device according to the invention with third-party devices.

[0056] The drawings and the following description essentially contain elements that are certain in nature. Therefore they can not only serve to provide a better understanding of the invention, but also to contribute to its definition where appropriate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0057] FIGS. 1 and 3 represent one embodiment of a device 1. The device 1 is arranged for the playing and/or displaying of content on an external display device, here for example an external screen 6 and/or a video projector 7, which are known per se. The display device has at least one input suitable for receiving an input stream, for example a video stream, such that the display device displays the visual content and, where appropriate, plays the associated audio content. The device may be arranged for playing content that is audiovisual, multimedia, or content of a single type, for example visual content only.

[0058] The device 1 has here a general key or stick shape, also called a dongle. In the example described here, the device 1 comprises: [0059] a processing unit 130, [0060] an input connector 2, here of the Universal Serial Bus (USB) type, for example a type A male connector, [0061] an output connector 4, here of the High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) type, for example an HDMI type A male connector, [0062] a data storage member 143, [0063] at least one wireless communication module 110, 111, 112, and [0064] an internal battery 101.

[0065] The output connector 4 in the form of a type A male HDMI port enables mechanical compatibility with a large number of existing display devices without the need for an adapter. In addition, optional standards and protocols may be supported such as Display Data Channel (DDC) and/or Consumer Electronics Control (CEC). In some variants, the output connector 4 may be of another form compatible with transmission of a video stream, for example mini-HDMI (type C), micro-HDMI (type D), or may even be in compliance with standards other than HDMI, for example DisplayPort, Thunderbolt 1, USB 3.1, and combinations of such standards.

[0066] The input connector 2 in the form of a type A male USB port enables mechanical compatibility with a large number of existing source devices, in particular computers, without the need for an adapter. In the example described here, the input connector 2 is also used as a socket for recharging the internal battery 101. In some variants, the input connector 2 may be of another form, for example USB mini-AB or micro-AB, or may even be in compliance with standards other than USB.

[0067] The input connector 2 may alternatively be absent. In these cases, reception of content data by the device 1 from a third-party device can be ensured by means of at least one of the communication modules 110, 111, 112 and/or by means of an additional wireless communication module. In other words, at least one of the wireless communication modules 110, 111, 112 is used as a content data input interface of the device 1. In addition, other means that are known per se are used to enable recharging the internal battery 101, such as a dedicated port and/or magnetic resonance or an induction loop for wireless charging.

[0068] In some variants, the device 1 comprises a single USB port, alternately used as an input connector 2 and as an output connector 4 (and optionally as a socket for recharging the internal battery 101). In this case, the USB port is in compliance with recent standards for the transmission of a video stream, for example a type C connector and according to the USB 3.1 standard or a later standard.

[0069] The device 1 may be included in a kit further comprising one or more adapters making it possible to adapt the connectors 2 and 4 to various ports.

[0070] In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the device 1 further comprises a biometric sensor 3, here in the form of a fingerprint scanner, and an operation indicator 5, here a visual indicator in the form of a set of diodes making it possible to represent at least the charge level of the battery 101. In some variants, the device 1 comprises a screen, for example of the electronic paper type, which enables displaying parameters of the key.

[0071] The device 1 has at least two operating modes: a data acquisition mode and a mode of media stream transmission and of controlling said transmission.

[0072] In data acquisition mode, the output connector 4 is not used. Data can be exchanged between the device 1 and the source device to which it is connected, for example via the input connector 2 and/or by means of one of the wireless communication modules 110, 111, 112.

[0073] In transmission mode, the input connector 2 is not used. The device 1 receives external data for controlling the transmission, via one of the communication modules 110, 111, 112. Alternatively, no control data is received from outside the device during transmission. In this case, control is managed by the processing unit 130 according to preset parameters.

[0074] FIG. 2 schematically represents the functional elements of the device 1 and their interactions. FIG. 2 is not representative of the physical organization of the elements of the device 1. For example, two functional elements represented separately in FIG. 2 may be implemented by the same hardware component of the device 1.

[0075] The device 1 comprises an internal portion 100. The components of the device 1, for example the connectors 2, 4, the biometric sensor 3, the operation indicator 5, as well as the battery 101, are connected to the internal portion 100. The internal portion 100 is, for example, housed in a housing. The connectors 2, 4, the biometric sensor 3, and the operation indicator 5 are at least partially accessible from outside the housing of the device 1.

[0076] The internal portion 100 is arranged so as to provide an output signal via the output connector 4 as a function of visual content data stored in the data storage member 143, and optionally as a function of control data received via a communication module 110, 111, 112.

[0077] The internal portion 100 of the device 1 here comprises: [0078] three wireless communication modules 110, 111, 112, [0079] the processing unit 130, [0080] the data storage member 143, [0081] a control member 102 of the input connector 2 (USB here), [0082] an energy management module 103, [0083] an operating system 140, [0084] a long-term storage flash memory 141, and [0085] RAM working memory 142.

[0086] The internal portion 100 may be in the form of a circuit board receiving a set of components, in particular those mentioned above.

[0087] Here, distinction is made between the operating system 140, the data storage member 143 intended to receive content data to be displayed, and the flash memory 141 intended to store other types of data. In practice, these different types of data may be stored in non-transitory storage media that are similar to each other or may even be stored in the same medium. For example, a single memory can be partitioned so that the data relating to the operating system 140, the content data to be displayed, and the other data are stored separately. In this case, a partition can be viewed as a data storage member 143.

[0088] The processing unit 130 may also be called a controller. The processing unit 130 comprises at least one processor, for example in the form of a system on a chip or SoC. All electronic components of the device are connected to the processing unit, in particular the data storage member 143. The processing unit 130 controls and manages all the electronic components and executes the software functions of the device 1. As the device 1 is designed to be regularly connected to a source computer device, the software components of the device 1, including the operating system 140, can easily be updated, including wirelessly.

[0089] The communication modules 110, 111, 112 allow the device 1 to adapt to various environments. For example, certain categories of electromagnetic waves may be prohibited in specific environments. The plurality of communication modules makes it possible to adapt the communications means implemented by the device 1, as desired. In the example described here, the device 1 comprises: [0090] a near-field communication module 110 (or NFC), meaning a range that is generally less than 10 centimeters, [0091] a very short range communication module 111, meaning a range that is generally less than 20 meters, for example Bluetooth, [0092] a short range communication module 112, meaning a range that is generally less than 100 meters, for example Wi-Fi.

[0093] Alternatively, a communication module compatible with a low power wireless network (or LPWan for Low-Power Wide-Area Network) is provided. Such communication, operating by relay, makes it possible to reach long distances.

[0094] The energy management module 103 is arranged to control the charging of the battery 101, here via the input connector 2. The energy management module 103 is arranged to supply power to the other components of the device 1, particularly in transmission mode.

[0095] The battery 101 and the energy management module 103 enable the device 1 to continue to operate independently of the availability of an external energy source, particularly in transmission mode. The device 1 can thus be arranged to be recharged by an external source, for example when temporarily plugged into the USB port of a computer.

[0096] The processing unit 130 is arranged to implement a data acquisition mode and a mode of media stream transmission and of controlling said transmission.

[0097] The data acquisition mode comprises: [0098] saving visual content data in the data storage member upon receiving such data from the input connector and/or the at least one wireless communication module, and [0099] encrypting the saved data.

[0100] During the saving process, the device 1 receives data, in particular visual content data to be displayed at a later time on a display device 6, 7.

[0101] In the examples described here, the data are encrypted upon receipt by the processing unit 130, then are stored permanently in encrypted form in the data storage member 143. For example, the legible data received (not encrypted) are temporarily stored upon receipt by means of the RAM working memory 142. Then, the legible data are deleted as soon as a corresponding encrypted version is stored in the data storage member 143. The use of the device 1 in data acquisition mode and from the point of view of the user is similar to that of a standard USB key. If the source device allows copying data to external media, for example via USB, then there is no need to install an additional software component on the source device enabling the use of the device 1 in data acquisition mode. The data transferred to the device 1 are automatically encrypted. The data are thus better protected in the event of loss or theft of the device 1.

[0102] The device 1 is arranged so that the user imports to it the data to be displayed, before the transmission, and preferably by a direct physical connection of the device 1 to his or her own source device, typically a computer. The data thus does not travel through a third-party network during transmission. However, the device 1 may be arranged so that it is also able to receive data from a remote (wireless) source device, for example by means of the wireless communication modules 110, 111, 112. Importing the content data from the source device to the device 1 can be done earlier in the process, prior to the transmission. Optionally, the import may be performed simultaneously with the transmission. In this case, a direct connection between the device 1 and the source device is preferred. Direct connection is understood here to mean in the absence of a third-party device such as a router. The source device is then arranged to transmit data to the device 1 independently of a third-party network, for example by itself generating a dedicated local area network, such as a Wi-Fi network, for example known under the name Wi-Fi Direct.

[0103] FIG. 3 represents a device 1 and its interactions with third-party devices in transmission mode.

[0104] The media stream transmission mode comprises: [0105] decrypting the encrypted data saved in the data storage member, [0106] converting the content data into a media stream, [0107] transmitting said media stream via the output connector so that an external screen to which the device is connected plays and/or displays the corresponding media.

[0108] Thus, in transmission mode, a stream is continuously transmitted to a display device 6, 7 from the device 1 and via the output connector 4. The output signal, or stream, is taken from content data stored in the data storage member 143. The processing which converts the content data as stored into a signal capable of being played and/or displayed on the fly by the display device 6, 7 is obtained by computer processing/operations implemented by the processing unit 130 of the device 1.

[0109] Preferably, the decryption, conversion, and transmission are done on the fly. In other words, sections of a content being played and/or displayed are decrypted, converted, and then transmitted as soon as required and when necessary for their playing and/or displaying. The content is not stored in a legible version (unencrypted) in the device 1 for a significant period of time.

[0110] In the embodiment described here, the playing and/or displaying is controlled by a user from a control device 8, for example a remote third-party device. Such control includes, for example, the usual operations such as selecting the media to play, play, pause, volume control, etc. In the example described here, a tablet computer or a smart phone may be used interchangeably as the control device 8. The source device used in data acquisition mode can thus become the control device 8 in transmission mode. Alternatively, the control device 8 may comprise a remote control or any other control device.

[0111] In transmission mode, the data exchanged between the control device 8 and the device 1 may be command type data only and not contain any content data. The consequences on security if the exchanged data are intercepted during transmission are therefore little to none.

[0112] Such a device may be used in a professional context to facilitate collaboration between multiple people, in particular when it is desirable to use display devices without connecting a computer containing sensitive data to them.

[0113] Such devices may advantageously replace the local area networks and cables generally made available to intermittent users of a meeting room.

[0114] Depending on the intended uses, access to the data on the device 1 may be subject to prior identification of the user. For example, the NFC 110 and/or Bluetooth 111 module may be used to detect an identification badge. In the example described here, the biometric sensor 3 is connected to the processing unit 103 in order to implement user detection and identification. Access to data and/or initiation of the transmission mode may be subject to prior recognition of a legitimate user. The user identification and authentication are implemented here by means of a fingerprint scanner. As a variant, other biometric sensors are used in place of or as a complement to the fingerprint scanner.

[0115] The device 1 may further be used in transmission mode in the absence of an external energy source, for example connected only to the HDMI port of a screen.

[0116] The invention is not limited to the exemplary devices described above solely by way of example, but encompasses all the variants that a person skilled in the art can envisage within the scope of the protection sought.