Digital display device allowing remote interruption of content streaming

Abstract

A digital display device (Disp3a, Disp3b) comprising: - a digital screen (Ecr); - a first receiver (Rec1) able to receive a first piece of content via a first communication channel; - a second receiver (Rec2) able to receive a message via a second communication channel; - a first player (Lec1) able to play, on the digital screen, the first piece of content received via the first communication channel; a switch (Comm) configured to deactivate playing of the first piece of content by the first player, upon receipt of the message by the second receiver.

Description

Description Title: DIGITAL DISPLAY DEVICE ALLOWING REMOTE INTERRUPTION OF A CONTENT BROADCAST Technical field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of digital displays. More specifically, it relates to the field of controlling digital display devices. Prior art

[0002] Digital signage devices are devices that allow the dissemination of digital content. Digital content can include, for example, advertisements, but also information or awareness campaigns.

[0003] Digital signage devices can, for example, take the form of large screens placed in public spaces, for example in metro stations, on building fronts or integrated into passenger shelters.

[0004] Digital signage devices are particularly useful for mass distribution of content campaigns, such as advertising or awareness campaigns. Modern digital signage devices are usually connected to an operator's infrastructure via a broadband connection, such as fiber, 4G, or 5G, through which the operator can send content and instructions for playing the content.

[0005] The content may, for example, include images, text, and video, and instructions for playing the content. A digital display device typically includes a playlist defining the content displayed by the display device during successive time slots.

[0006] While digital signage devices provide a particularly attractive solution for mass distribution of content, the channel through which the content is received by the display device can sometimes be corrupted, allowing malicious individuals to distribute malicious or inappropriate content.

[0007] This situation is all the more detrimental because corruption of the content reception channel can prevent the operator from sending correction messages through this channel. It may then be necessary to send a technician to the site to manually restart the digital screen. However, this operation is time-consuming and costly, and can delay the stopping of the distribution of malicious messages.

[0008] One solution to this problem may be to make the content reception channel more reliable, for example by encrypting communications. However, making the communication channel completely tamper-proof is difficult, and this does not eliminate the need for manual operations in the event of communication channel corruption.

[0009] There is therefore a need for a digital display device that allows the automatic stopping of the distribution of malicious content, in the event of corruption of the communication channel through which the content is usually received.

[0010] Another problem with state-of-the-art digital signage devices is that they receive content only from their operator. They cannot therefore be used for more global message broadcasts, for example emergency message broadcasts from authorities other than the device operator.

[0011] There is therefore also a need for a display device capable of broadcasting emergency messages issued by authorities other than the device operator. Summary

[0012] This disclosure improves the situation.

[0013] A digital display device is proposed comprising: at least one digital screen; at least one first receiver capable of receiving at least one first content via a first communication channel; at least one second receiver, distinct from the at least one first receiver, capable of receiving at least one message via a second communication channel, distinct from the first communication channel; a first player capable of playing on the at least one digital screen the at least one first content received via the first communication channel; a switch, configured to deactivate the reading of the at least one first content by the first player, upon receipt of a message by the at least one second receiver.

[0014] A "receiver" means a module capable of receiving information via a communication channel. If the communication channel is a radio communication channel, the receiver may, for example, comprise an antenna and a decoder. If the communication channel is a wired or fiber optic communication channel, the receiver may comprise a converter of the signals received via wired or fiber optic communication, and a decoder.

[0015] A "communication channel" is a set of elements that enable communication between two terminals. The communication channel can, for example, be a wired communication channel such as fiber optics or an ADSL network, or a wireless communication channel such as a 4G, 5G, Lora or satellite link.

[0016] This allows for the remote stopping of the distribution of malicious or inappropriate content received through the primary communication channel. Furthermore, the distribution of malicious content can be stopped almost instantly, even if the primary communication channel is corrupted. This also allows an authority other than the device operator to stop the distribution of the primary content and instead broadcast emergency messages.

[0017] According to another aspect, there is provided a system for managing a display device comprising: the display device according to one of the embodiments of the present disclosure; an infrastructure of the operator of the display device, in communication with the device display by the first communication channel; a platform, in communication with the display device by the second communication channel.

[0018] According to another aspect, there is provided a method for controlling a digital display device, comprising: receiving, by at least one first receiver of the device, at least one first content via a first communication channel; reading, by a first reader of the device, the at least one first content on at least one digital screen of the device; receiving, by at least one second receiver of the device, distinct from the at least one first receiver, at least one message via a second communication channel, distinct from the first communication channel; upon receipt of the at least one message, deactivating, by a switch of the device, the reading of the at least one first content by the first reader

[0019] According to another aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to one of the embodiments of the disclosure.

[0020] According to another aspect, there is provided a non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer on which is recorded a program for implementing the method according to one of the embodiments of the disclosure when this program is executed by a processor.

[0021] According to another aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for implementing all or part of a method as defined herein when this program is executed by a processor.

[0022] According to another aspect, there is provided a non-transitory, computer-readable recording medium on which such a program is recorded.

[0023] The features set out in the following paragraphs may, optionally, be implemented, independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0024] Advantageously, the device comprises a second reader capable of displaying on the digital screen a message received by the at least one second receiver or a second content associated with the message received by the second receiver, and in which the switch is configured to activate reading by the second reader upon receipt of the message.

[0025] This allows replacement content to be delivered even if the first player is corrupted, thus improving device security. It also allows for a player specifically tailored to playing content related to the message.

[0026] Advantageously, the device comprises: at least one first computing unit for implementing the first reader and the first receiver; at least one second computing unit, distinct from the at least one first computing unit, for implementing the second receiver and the switch.

[0027] A "computing unit" is an electronic component capable of performing electronic or computer calculations to perform a specific function. A computing unit can refer to any type of processor or electronic component capable of performing numerical calculations. For example, a computing unit can be an integrated circuit, an ASIC (from the English acronym "Application-Specific Integrated Circuit", literally in French "application-specific integrated circuit", a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a DSP (from the English acronym "Digital Signal Processor", literally in French "digital signal processor"), a processor, a GPU (from the English acronym "Graphics Processing Unit", literally in French "graphics computing unit"). A computing unit according to the invention is not limited to a particular type of computing architecture. For example, a processor may implement a Harvard or Von Neumann type architecture.

[0028] This further improves the security of the digital image broadcasting device, since, in the event of corruption of the first communication channel and / or the first reader, the deactivation of the reading of the first content is done by a computing unit completely independent of the first receiver and the first reader.

[0029] Advantageously, the switch is a software module integrated into the first reader.

[0030] This allows for the implementation of a simple and flexible architecture.

[0031] Advantageously, the first or second reader is configured to read a second content associated with the message.

[0032] Reading content associated with the message allows for the immediate dissemination of a message of interest, for example an emergency message of interest to the entire population, or a message related to stopping the dissemination of malicious messages.

[0033] Advantageously, the first or second player is configured to convert text content of the message into a video representing the content of the message, and play the video on the screen.

[0034] Converting the textual content of the message into video content to be displayed advantageously allows for a video rendering that immediately captures the attention of passers-by, while only having a very light text message to transmit, which allows for example to broadcast the message very quickly, avoid the loss of the message or send the message via low-speed networks.

[0035] Advantageously, the second receiver is configured to receive the second content associated with the message; and the first or second player is configured to play the second content on the screen.

[0036] This allows you to instantly replace the broadcast of the first content with the second content.

[0037] Advantageously, the first communication channel is a high-speed connection with an infrastructure of the operator of the display device, and the at least one first content comprises video content.

[0038] A "high-speed connection" means a connection that allows a high data rate, such as a Wi-Fi, 4G or 5G connection.

[0039] This allows for the reception and distribution of large standard content, such as videos. It also allows for rapid changes to the standard content to be distributed.

[0040] Advantageously, the second communication channel comprises a long-distance radio link.

[0041] This allows the display device to receive messages through the second communication channel from remote platforms.

[0042] Advantageously, the second receiver is in local communication with a satellite receiver.

[0043] This allows you to benefit from a satellite connection even when the display device itself is located in a position that prevents it from receiving satellite signals.

[0044] Advantageously, the second communication channel comprises a low-speed radio link.

[0045] A "low-speed radio link" means a radio link that can transmit messages at a reduced speed only, such as SMS or Lora links.

[0046] This allows the device to receive messages over reliable links, even over long distances, and to benefit from existing networks allowing message transmission over long distances.

[0047] Advantageously, the second communication channel is a communication channel with an emergency management platform configured to send an emergency message to the second receiver through the second communication channel upon the occurrence of a catastrophic event.

[0048] A "platform" is an infrastructure dedicated to a given task involving communication with remote devices. A platform may, for example, include computers, servers, storage, etc. that can send messages to the display device when a given event occurs.

[0049] This allows the emergency management platform to broadcast emergency messages on a mass scale to digital display devices from multiple operators, and thus to broadcast emergency messages to the population on a massive and rapid scale. This allows for rapid responses to catastrophic events on a national or regional scale.

[0050] Advantageously, the second communication channel is a communication channel with a platform configured to send a shutdown message to the second receiver through the second communication channel upon detection of corruption of the display device.

[0051] This allows the dissemination of malicious messages to the display device to be stopped immediately, as soon as corruption of the first reader and / or communication channel is detected. This significantly improves the security of the digital display device. Brief description of the drawings

[0052] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent upon reading the detailed description below, and upon analyzing the attached drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0053] [Fig. 1] shows an example of a security architecture within which the invention can be implemented. Fig. 2

[0054] [Fig. 2] shows an example of an architecture for detecting and stopping malicious messages within which the invention can be implemented. Fig. 3a

[0055] [Fig. 3a] shows a first example of a digital display device according to a set of embodiments of the invention. Fig. 3b

[0056] [Fig. 3b] shows a second example of a digital display device according to a set of embodiments of the invention. Fig. 4

[0057] [Fig. 4] shows an example of reception of satellite signals by indoor digital display devices according to one embodiment. Fig. 5

[0058] [Fig. 5] shows an example of local detection of corrupted digital display devices according to one embodiment. Fig. 6

[0059] [Fig. 6] shows an example of a method according to one embodiment. Description of the embodiments

[0060] Reference is now made to Figure 1.

[0061] Figure 1 represents an example of a security architecture within which the invention can be implemented.

[0062] In the architecture shown in Figure 1, an emergency management center Ctrl detects catastrophic events that may be human attacks (e.g., terrorist attacks) or natural disasters (e.g., floods, forest fires, etc.), and sends information and / or instruction messages to the population upon detection of a disaster.

[0063] The emergency management center Ctrl can for example be a national or regional center.

[0064] One of the channels used by the Ctrl center to send messages to the public includes digital display devices such as billboards. This type of device has the advantage of being present in many busy locations (train stations, travel shelters, shopping centers, etc.) and generally benefits from high visibility.

[0065] In the example of Figure 1, 3 digital display devices Displ 1, Disp12 and Disp13 are shown.

[0066] Upon occurrence of a catastrophic event, the Ctrl center is configured to send a message simultaneously to as many digital display devices as possible. Sending the message can be done in different ways. In the example of Figure 1, a message can for example be sent: to the device Displ 1 via a mobile network (SMS, 4G, 5G...) Res11; to the device Displ 2 via a low-speed and long-distance network Res12 (for example a Lora type network) Res12; to the device Displ 3 via an antenna Anti and a satellite Sat1.

[0067] Each of these transmission methods has its advantages. For example, the Res11 mobile network is generally well-developed, the low-speed, long-distance Res12 network allows messages to be sent over long distances, including to areas poorly served by conventional mobile networks, and Sat1 satellite transmission allows messages to be sent across the entire country.

[0068] These examples of transmission networks are however given as non-limiting examples only. According to the invention, any type of network capable of transmitting a message from the Ctrl center to a digital display device can be used.

[0069] Upon receipt of the emergency message, each of the devices Displ 1 , Disp12 and Disp13 is configured to stop broadcasting the current content, for example the current advertising campaign, to broadcast the emergency message sent by the center Ctrl .

[0070] This architecture therefore allows for rapid and massive dissemination of emergency messages to the population, and therefore for rapid reactions to catastrophic events.

[0071] The emergency message may in some cases be accompanied by content to be broadcast, for example a video providing information on the ongoing disaster and instructions on, for example, preventive actions to be taken to get to safety. In this case, the devices Displ 1, Displ 2 and Displ 3 can be configured to broadcast the content associated with the emergency message.

[0072] Reference is now made to Figure 2.

[0073] Figure 2 represents an example of a security architecture within which the invention can be implemented.

[0074] In the example of Figure 2, a digital signage device Disp2 is managed by an operator Op2. The operator Op2 includes an infrastructure Infra configured to send at least a first content to be displayed to the Disp2 device via a first communication channel Can21. For example, the infrastructure Infra may be an infrastructure for distributing advertising campaigns, and send advertisements to the Disp2 device to be displayed. The first communication channel Can21 may for example include optical fiber, Wi-Fi, a broadband mobile network, etc.

[0075] In some cases, the first Can21 channel may be hacked or corrupted, meaning that a malicious individual may corrupt the Can21 channel to display malicious content on the Disp2 device. Malicious content may generally be content that is not desired by the Op2 operator. This may, for example, be pornographic, hateful, misleading, discriminatory content, or more generally, content that has not been validated by the op2 operator.

[0076] The dissemination of malicious content can be detected in several ways. For example, the first Can21 channel can allow the Disp2 device to send return messages, or dissemination reports, to the Infra infrastructure. If there is no message or an inconsistent message, corruption of the first Can21 communication channel can be detected.

[0077] The distribution of malicious content can also be detected by a Uti2 user who, passing in front of the Disp2 device, notices the distribution of malicious content and alerts the operator.

[0078] Upon detection of malicious content, an operator's Plat security platform sends a stop message to the Disp2 device via a second Can22 communication channel. Upon receipt of the stop message, the Disp2 device immediately stops broadcasting the malicious content. The Disp2 device can also display text or video content associated with the stop message instead of the malicious content.

[0079] Sending a stop message via a second Can22 channel separate from the first Can21 channel thus makes it possible to immediately stop the distribution of malicious content, even if the first Can21 channel is unusable by the Op2 operator because it is corrupted.

[0080] We will now study in more detail the structure of a digital display device in a set of embodiments of the invention.

[0081] Reference is now made to Figure 3a.

[0082] Figure 3a represents an example of a digital display device Disp3a according to a set of embodiments of the invention.

[0083] The Disp3a digital display device is a device capable of displaying digital content. It may, for example, be an advertising display device, allowing the display of advertising campaigns, but also information or awareness campaigns, and / or public service messages.

[0084] The Disp3a digital display device can thus be placed, for example, on building facades, in train stations, shopping centers, metro stations, on travel shelters, etc. The Disp3a digital display device can generally be placed in any public or private space in which it is likely to be seen by passers-by.

[0085] The Disp3a digital display device comprises at least one Ecr screen. The at least one Ecr screen can display text, images and videos. The Disp3a digital display device may also comprise one or more speakers enabling them to broadcast soundtracks, for example when playing a video.

[0086] The digital display device also comprises a first Red receiver capable of receiving at least a first content via a first communication channel.

[0087] The first content can be standard content. "Standard content" means content that is usually displayed by the digital signage device. Standard content can be, for example, images, text, or videos.

[0088] As stated above, standard content corresponds to content usually broadcast by the digital display device such as: an advertising campaign; an information campaign; etc.

[0089] The first content can be in the form of different types of media, such as text, images or videos.

[0090] The first communication channel can be of different types. It can notably be a high-speed connection with an infrastructure Infra the operator of the display device

[0091] Infrastructure may include the central infrastructure of the display device operator, which enables content to be delivered to different display devices and provides instructions for content delivery. For example, the infrastructure may include computers, servers, storage, etc., for storing and sending digital content.

[0092] Using a broadband connection, such as 4G, 5G, ADSL or fiber optic connection, allows both the broadcasting of large standard content such as videos, but also the rapid modification of the standard content to be sent.

[0093] The display device Disp3a also comprises a first Led player capable of playing on the at least one digital screen the at least one first content received via the first communication channel.

[0094] The LED player allows you to broadcast standard content on the screen. The LED player can directly play the first content, for example a video, or modify it to play it. For example, the LED player can modify the content to adapt it to the screen, for example by resizing a video too large to be played on the screen, adjusting the brightness of several successive videos, etc.

[0095] The LED player can define a playlist of the content to be played. For example, the at least one first content received by the first receiver can be progressively integrated into a playlist, and the first LED player can successively play the tracks of the list. The management of the The playlist can be played in a variety of ways. For example, the first LED player can assign playing times, or percentages of playing time, to each track in the playlist. Tracks can also be played preferentially at certain times (hours / days, etc.) to accommodate people moving in front of the digital display.

[0096] The first receiver and the first player therefore make it possible to broadcast at least one first content sent by the operator of the digital display device.

[0097] However, the first communication channel can be corrupted. For example, a malicious individual can corrupt the communication channel to spread malicious messages. In this case, it may be impossible for the display device operator to restore the situation through the first communication channel, since it is corrupted.

[0098] The first channel also does not allow an authority other than the operator of the display device to display messages on the device. For example, the first communication channel cannot allow an emergency management center such as the Ctrl center shown in Figure 1 to send emergency messages to the Disp3a device.

[0099] In order to overcome these problems, the Disp3a device also comprises: at least one second receiver Rec2 capable of receiving at least one message via a second communication channel; a Comm switch configured to deactivate the reading of the at least one first content by the first reader, upon receipt of a message by the at least one second receiver.

[0100] Thus, upon receipt of the message on the second communication channel, the current display is immediately interrupted without needing to resort to the first communication channel.

[0101] The second communication channel may be a communication channel with a Plat platform, which may be, for example, a platform of the device operator, or a platform of a national or regional authority.

[0102] For example, the Plat platform may be an operator platform configured to send a shutdown message to the second receiver over the second communication channel upon detection of corruption of the display device.

[0103] This allows, for example, the operator of the display device to send a stop message to the display device as soon as corruption of the latter is detected, and thus to stop the dissemination of malicious messages without delay. In addition, since the second communication channel is separate from the first communication channel, corruption of the first communication channel does not affect the possibility of receiving the stop message via the second communication channel. The dissemination of malicious messages can therefore be stopped as soon as it is detected.

[0104] As shown with reference to Figure 2, detecting the spread of malicious messages can be done in different ways: the digital display device may be configured to send broadcast reports to the operator's infrastructure, via the first communication channel or the second. In the event of detection of an absence of a report, or of reports different from an expected report, a stop message may be sent to the display device via the second channel; the broadcasting of malicious or inappropriate content may be detected by users passing in front of the display device, who notify the operator of the display device; etc.

[0105] This way, the dissemination of malicious content is stopped as soon as it is detected, even if the first communication channel is corrupted and unusable by the operator of the display device, which significantly improves the security of the digital display device.

[0106] The Plat platform may also be an emergency management platform configured to send an emergency message to the second receiver through the second communication channel upon occurrence of a catastrophic event.

[0107] In this case, the Plat platform could, for example, be a national or regional platform sending emergency messages. For example, it could be a platform sending messages in the event of an attack (terrorist attack, bacteriological alert, etc.), an industrial disaster, or a natural disaster (earthquake, floods, etc.).

[0108] Regardless of the origin of the message received through the second communication channel, the first player can be configured not only to stop playing the first content, but also to play content associated with the message received through the second communication channel.

[0109] If the message is an emergency message, reading the content associated with the emergency message allows the emergency management platform to broadcast emergency messages en masse on digital display devices of several operators, and therefore to broadcast emergency messages en masse and quickly to the population. This allows for rapid response, on a national or regional scale, to catastrophic events.

[0110] If the message is a message to stop the distribution of malicious content, playing the content associated with the stop message allows, for example, the distribution of a message indicating that the display device is temporarily unavailable and will be repaired as soon as possible, or any other message relating to the stopping of the distribution of malicious content.

[0111] Reading the content associated with the message received through the second communication channel may simply consist of displaying the textual content of the message.

[0112] The text content of the message can also be converted into video content to be displayed on the screen.

[0113] For example, the text content of the message can be analyzed by the first reader, and converted into a video that visually represents the content. For example, if the message is a emergency message announcing an imminent flood, a video depicting a flood can be broadcast, accompanied by a text message indicating that a flood is imminent, and asking the population to take shelter. Such a video can, for example, be generated automatically by the first player, or retrieved from a video library integrated into the display device representing the different possible alert messages.

[0114] For example, the digital display device may include a library of videos corresponding to different alert messages, the videos being associated with tags. For example, a video may include tags relating to the type of message (for example #attack, flood, etc.), but also other characteristics of the video such as the location (#city, #mountain...), the season (#winter, #summer...), etc. The textual content of the message may thus include one or more tags corresponding to the type of video to be played, and the video may be selected by the display device according to the associated tags. Thus, the tags make it possible to select the most appropriate video according to both the content (type of message) and the context (broadcast environment).

[0115] Converting the text content of a message into video content for display advantageously provides a video rendering that immediately captures the attention of passers-by, while only requiring the transmission of a small message, which allows, for example, the message to be broadcast very quickly, avoid loss of the message or send the message via low-speed networks.

[0116] The second receiver can also be configured to receive content associated with the message. For example, the Plat platform can send, alongside the message, video content, which will be played by the first reader, potentially in parallel with the broadcast of text content from the message.

[0117] Thus, stopping the broadcast of the first content can be instantly replaced by the display on the Ecr screen of a second content associated with the message. For example, in the event of a disaster, the second content may contain information or instructions given to the population. Thus, information messages or instructions in the event of a disaster can be massively broadcast.

[0118] The second communication channel can be of different types.

[0119] For example, it may include a long-distance radio link, for example radio communication with relay antennas, according to the Lora standard, or via satellite.

[0120] A satellite link has the particular advantage of being able to widely broadcast emergency or alert messages across an area.

[0121] In case of satellite connection, the second receiver can be in local communication with a satellite receiver.

[0122] For example, the display device may be located inside a building (airport, train station, shopping center, etc.) and be locally connected (for example, by a wired local area network such as a Ethernet network, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) with a satellite receiver located on the roof of the building, or generally another nearby area where satellite signals can be received. An example of such an implementation will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 4.

[0123] Thus, the display device can receive messages transmitted by satellite, even if it is located indoors, or more generally in an area where it cannot receive satellite messages.

[0124] This allows you to benefit from a satellite connection even when the display device itself is located in a position that prevents it from receiving satellite signals.

[0125] The second communication channel can also include a low-speed radio link such as an SMS or Lora link. These links allow simple messages to be sent over long distances and very reliably, while benefiting from an already existing infrastructure and allowing messages to be sent in areas not covered by the cellular network.

[0126] In the example of Figure 3a, the Comm switch is a software module of the Led player. Stopping the broadcast of the first content, and the possible broadcast of a second content received by the second communication channel is therefore done directly at the level of the first Led player, which allows a simple and flexible architecture.

[0127] The Disp3a device, the Infra infrastructure, and the Plat platform form a Sys3a management system for the Disp3a display device.

[0128] Reference is now made to Figure 3b.

[0129] Figure 3b shows a second example of a digital display device according to a set of embodiments of the invention.

[0130] The Disp3b device comprises, like the Disp3a device, at least one first receiver Red , at least one first receiver Rec2, one first reader Led and one second reader Lec2. All the embodiments described with reference to the Disp3a device and Figure 3a are respectively applicable to the Disp3b device, with the exception of the integration of the Comm switch in the first reader Led .

[0131] On the contrary, in the Disp3b device, the Comm switch is separate from the first Led reader.

[0132] This increases the security of the Disp3b device, since the Comm switch can then operate even if the first Led reader is corrupted.

[0133] In one set of embodiments of the invention, the Disp3b device may also comprise a second reader capable of reading on the digital screen a message or a second content associated with the message received by the second receiver. In this case, the switch is configured not only to disable the reading of the first content by the first reader, but also to enable the reading of the second content by the second reader upon receipt of the message, and thus display the second content.

[0134] This further enhances the security of the device, since the second Lec2 reader is independent of the first Led reader and can therefore operate even if the first Le reader is corrupted.

[0135] In addition, the second Lec2 player may be specifically adapted for the dissemination of stop or emergency messages. For example, all of the functionality for playing a second content associated with the message discussed with reference to Figure 3a, including playing textual content associated with the message, a video associated with the message, or generating and playing a video associated with the message, may be implemented within the Lec2 player.

[0136] As shown in Figure 3b, the switch can be interposed between the first reader Led , the second reader Lec2, and the screen. Thus, the switch can activate or deactivate one of the two readers, simply by selecting one of its inputs to send to the screen.

[0137] The various elements of the Disp3b device, including the first reader Led , the second reader Lec2 , the first receiver Red , the second receiver Rec2 and the switch Comm can be implemented in different ways.

[0138] For example, each of these elements may include software modules executed by one or more computing units.

[0139] In particular, the device Disp3b may comprise: at least one first computing unit for implementing the first reader Led and the first receiver Red. The same first computing unit, or a plurality of distinct first computing units, may be used to implement the first reader Led and the first receiver Red; at least one second computing unit, distinct from the at least one first computing unit, for implementing the second receiver Rec2 and the switch Comm. The at least one second computing unit may also implement the second reader Lec2, in the embodiments of the invention where it is present. The same second computing unit, or a plurality of distinct second computing units, may be used to implement the first reader Lec2, the second receiver Rec2, and the switch.

[0140] Thus, two separate computing units, or groups of computing units, are used: on the one hand, to implement the standard content reception and broadcasting chain, which comprises the first Red receiver and the first Led player; and on the other hand, to implement the chain for stopping the broadcasting of the first content, and where appropriate for broadcasting the second content, comprising the Comm switch, the second Rec2 receiver, and in certain embodiments the second Lec2 player.

[0141] This further improves the security of the Disp3b device, since the chain for stopping the broadcast of the first content, and where applicable the broadcast of the second content, continues to operate even in the event of complete corruption of the broadcast chain of the first content.

[0142] In a set of embodiments of the invention, the different elements composing the Disp3b device can be arranged in separate hardware units, for example separate cards or printed circuits, linked together by wired or network links.

[0143] For example: the at least one first receiver Red can be linked to the first Led player by a TCP / IP link; the first Led player can be linked to the Comm switch by an HDMI link; the at least one second receiver Rec2 can be linked to the second Lec2 player by a serial port; the second Lec2 player can be linked to the Comm switch by a serial port, and an HDMI link. The HDMI link makes it possible to send content to be read, for example video content, from the second Lec2 player to the Comm switch. The serial port link allows the Lec2 player to send the Comm switch the order to switch the source of the content read on the screen, from the Led player to the Lec2 player; the Comm switch can be linked to the Ecr screen by an HDMI link

[0144] The Disp3b device, the Infra infrastructure, and the Plat platform form a Sys3b management system for the Disp3b display device.

[0145] Reference is now made to Figure 4.

[0146] Figure 4 shows an example of reception of satellite signals by indoor digital display devices according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0147] As indicated above, a digital display device located in an area not receiving satellite signals (e.g., indoors), may in one set of embodiments of the invention receive messages sent by satellite via a satellite receiver with which it is in local connection.

[0148] In the example of Figure 4, 4 digital display devices Disp41, Disp42, Disp43, Disp44 are located inside a building, and cannot receive messages sent by the satellite Sat4 because the signals emitted by the satellite are blocked by the partition Clois, which can be for example a wall or a ceiling of the building.

[0149] The digital display devices D isp41 , Disp42, Disp43, and Disp44 can for example be located in an airport, a train station or a shopping center.

[0150] In this example, the building is equipped with an Ant4 antenna linked to a RecSat4 satellite signal receiver located outside the building, for example on the roof. The RecSat4 receiver can thus freely receive signals emitted by the Sat4 satellite.

[0151] The signals are then sent back to the devices Disp41, Disp42, Disp43, and Disp44, for example via a Rep4 repeater linked to the RecSat4 receiver. The Rep4 repeater may for example include a Wi-Fi router.

[0152] Thus, all Disp41, Disp42, Disp43, and Disp44 digital display devices can receive messages, for example alert or emergency messages, via satellite, even if they are located indoors and cannot directly receive signals transmitted by a satellite.

[0153] Reference is now made to Figure 5.

[0154] Figure 5 shows an example of local detection of corrupted digital display devices according to one embodiment.

[0155] More precisely, Figure 5 represents a map of a city, where 7 digital display devices Dsp51, Disp52, Disp53, Disp54, Disp55, Disp56 and Disp57 are represented (in reality, the number of digital display devices managed by an operator is much higher and can reach several tens or hundreds of thousands of digital display devices located in a multitude of places, possibly distributed in several countries).

[0156] In case a localized Corr5 corruption of the 3 devices Disp51 , Disp52 and Disp53 is detected, a stop message can be selectively sent to the three devices Disp51 , Disp52 and Disp53 in order to stop the spread of malicious content on these devices.

[0157] This example, however, is provided as a non-limiting example only of selectively sending messages to a subset of digital display devices. According to various embodiments of the invention, shutdown messages may be sent to digital display devices according to different criteria, when a subset of the available devices is corrupted. For example, a message may be sent: To all display devices in a given area; To all devices with given technical characteristics (for example, a version number for which a security vulnerability has been identified); etc.

[0158] In any case, a message can be sent simultaneously to all devices for which corruption has been detected, in order to simultaneously stop all devices from displaying malicious messages.

[0159] This example demonstrates the ability of a display management system for digital display devices according to a set of embodiments of the invention to stop the distribution of malicious messages immediately on all devices affected by the corruption.

[0160] Reference is now made to Figure 6.

[0161] Figure 6 shows a method P6 of controlling a digital display device such as one of the devices Disp3a and Disp3b shown in Figures 3a and 3b.

[0162] The method P6 comprises a first step S61 of receiving, by at least one first receiver Red of the device, at least one first content via a first communication channel.

[0163] It then comprises a second step S62 of reading, by a first Led reader of the device, at least one first content on at least one digital screen Ecr of the device.

[0164] The method P6 then comprises a third step S63 of receiving, by at least one second receiver Rec2 of the device, at least one message via a second communication channel.

[0165] The method P6 finally comprises, upon receipt of the at least one message, a fourth step S64 of deactivating, by a switch Comm of the device, the reading of the at least one first content by the first reader.

[0166] All embodiments discussed with reference to Figures 3a and 3b are respectively applicable to method P6.

[0167] This disclosure is not limited to the examples of device, system, method and computer program described above, solely by way of example, but it encompasses all variations that may be envisaged by those skilled in the art within the framework of the protection sought.

Claims

Claims

1. Digital display device (Disp3a, Disp3b) comprising: at least one digital screen (Ecr); at least one first receiver (Red ) capable of receiving at least one first content via a first communication channel; at least one second receiver (Rec2), distinct from the at least one first receiver, capable of receiving at least one message via a second communication channel, distinct from the first communication channel; a first reader (Led ) capable of playing on the at least one digital screen the at least one first content received via the first communication channel; a switch (Comm), configured to deactivate the reading of the at least one first content by the first reader, upon receipt of a message by the at least one second receiver.

2. Device (Disp3b) according to claim 1, comprising a second reader (Lec2) capable of displaying on the digital screen a message received by the at least one second receiver or a second content associated with the message received by the second receiver, and in which the switch is configured to activate reading by the second reader upon receipt of the message.

3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims comprising: at least one first computing unit for implementing the first reader and the first receiver; at least one second computing unit, distinct from the at least one first computing unit, for implementing the second receiver and the switch.

4. Device (Disp3a) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the switch is a software module integrated into the first reader.

5. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the first or second reader is configured to read second content associated with the message.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the first or second player is configured to convert text content of the message into a video representing the content of the message, and play the video on the screen.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein: the second receiver is configured to receive the second content associated with the message; and the first or second player is configured to play the second content on the screen.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the first communication channel is a high-speed link with an infrastructure (Infra) of the operator of the display device, and the at least one first content comprises video content.

9. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second communication channel comprises a long distance radio link.

10. Device according to the preceding claim, in which the second receiver is in local communication with a satellite receiver.

11. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second communication channel comprises a low-speed radio link.

12. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second communication channel is a communication channel with an emergency management platform (Plat) configured to send an emergency message to the second receiver by the second communication channel upon the occurrence of a catastrophic event.

13. Device according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the second communication channel is a communication channel with a platform (Plat) configured to send a stop message to the second receiver via the second communication channel upon detection of corruption of the display device.

14. System (Sys3a, Sys3b) for managing a display device comprising: the display device according to any one of the preceding claims; an infrastructure (Infra) of the operator of the display device, in communication with the display device by the first communication channel; a platform (Plat), in communication with the display device via the second communication channel.

15. Method (P6) for controlling a digital display device (Disp3a, Disp3b), comprising: receiving (S61), by at least one first receiver (Red) of the device, at least one first content via a first communication channel; reading (S62), by a first reader (Led) of the device, the at least one first content on at least one digital screen (Ecr) of the device; receiving (S63), by at least one second receiver (Rec2) of the device, distinct from the at least one first receiver, at least one message via a second communication channel, distinct from the first communication channel; upon receiving the at least one message, deactivating (S64), by a switch (Comm) of the device, the reading of the at least one first content by the first reader.

16. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to claim 15 when this program is executed by a processor.

17. A non-transitory recording medium readable by a computer on which is recorded a program for implementing the method according to claim 15 when this program is executed by a processor.

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