Display device and method for controlling access to source device

Abstract

A method performed by a display device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, may comprise the operations of: identifying that locking is not set in a source device connected through an external connection port; displaying, through a display, a first graphic element for setting locking in the source device; on the basis of a first user input obtained through the first graphic element, displaying, through the display, a second graphic element for setting a password for locking the source device; and on the basis of a second user input obtained through the second graphic element, setting a password for the source device. The first graphic element may be displayed with a third graphic element that provides an entry point for the source device.

Description

Display device and method for access control of source device

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a display device and method for access control of a source device.

[0002] Display devices, such as Smart TVs, offer the capability to display various content through connections with external source devices like USB (Universal Serial Bus). While these devices support a variety of ports and interfaces to enhance user convenience, connecting external devices can raise issues regarding data protection and security. Particularly in public spaces or environments used by multiple users, technology is required to restrict indiscriminate access to connected source devices and ensure that only authorized users can access the content.

[0003] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device may include a display; an external connection port; a memory comprising at least one storage medium for storing instructions; and at least one processor comprising a processing circuit. The at least one processor may: identify that a source device connected through the external connection port is not locked; display a first graphic element through the display for locking the source device; display a second graphic element through the display for setting a password for locking the source device based on a first user input obtained through the first graphic element; and set a password for the source device based on a second user input obtained through the second graphic element. The first graphic element may be displayed together with a third graphic element providing an entry point for the source device.

[0005] According to one embodiment, the processor transmits the set password to the source device through the external connection port, and the password is stored in a device information file of the source device, and the device information file may provide a unique identification of the source device.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the unique ID of the source device may be included in the filename of the device information file.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the external connection port is a USB (universal serial bus) port, and the source device may be a USB device.

[0008] According to one embodiment, UI (user interface) setting information for the third graphic element includes lock status information indicating the lock status of the source device, and the processor may set the lock status information to a first value indicating that the source device is locked, based on the fact that a password for the source device is set.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the processor may reconfigure the third graphic element to include an indicator for indicating that the source device is locked when it identifies that the lock state information is set to a first value indicating that the source device is locked.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the processor may: display a fourth graphic element for displaying the first graphic element at a location adjacent to the third graphic element via the display in response to the selection of the third graphic element, and display the first graphic element at a location adjacent to the third graphic element via the display in response to the selection of the fourth graphic element.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the processor may display a fifth graphic element through the display to unlock the source device based on identifying that the source device connected through the external connection port is a locked device.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a display device may include a display; an external connection port; a memory comprising at least one storage medium for storing instructions; and at least one processor comprising a processing circuit. The at least one processor may: identify that a source device connected through the external connection port includes a plurality of partitions; display a plurality of first graphic elements through the display to provide an entry point for each of the plurality of partitions; each first graphic element provides an entry point for a corresponding partition of the source device; and, based on identifying that a first partition among the plurality of partitions is not locked, display a second graphic element through the display to set a lock on the first partition; the second graphic element is displayed together with the first graphic element; and, based on a first user input obtained through the second graphic element, display a third graphic element through the display to set a password for locking the first partition; and, based on a second user input obtained through the third graphic element, set a password for the first partition.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the processor can: generate a unique ID for each of the plurality of partitions and associate the password of the first partition with the unique ID of the first partition.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of a display device comprises: identifying that a source device connected through the external connection port is not locked; displaying a first graphic element through the display for setting a lock on the source device; displaying a second graphic element through the display for setting a password for locking the source device based on a first user input obtained through the first graphic element; and setting a password for the source device based on a second user input obtained through the second graphic element, wherein the first graphic element may be displayed together with a third graphic element providing an entry point for the source device.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of a display device may include: identifying that a source device connected through an external connection port includes a plurality of partitions; displaying a plurality of first graphic elements through the display to provide an entry point for each of the plurality of partitions, wherein each first graphic element provides an entry point for a corresponding partition of the source device; displaying a second graphic element through the display to set a lock on the first partition based on identifying that a lock is not set on the first partition among the plurality of partitions, wherein the second graphic element is displayed together with the first graphic element; displaying a third graphic element through the display to set a password for locking the first partition based on a first user input obtained through the second graphic element; and setting a password for the first partition based on a second user input obtained through the third graphic element.

[0016] However, the problems to be solved in this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and may be determined in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a display system including a display device and a source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a display device connected to a source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIGS. 3a to 3c are drawings illustrating a method in which a display device provides an entry point to a source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a unique ID of a source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a display device to set access control to a source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a signal flowchart illustrating an access control setting procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIGS. 7 to 10 are drawings illustrating a UI for the access control setting procedure of FIG. 6.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a display device to set access control for a source device including a plurality of partitions, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a UI for the access control setting method of FIG. 11.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a display device to perform processing on a selected source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] In the following description, the attached drawings are referenced, and specific examples of implementation are illustrated within the drawings. Additionally, other examples may be used and structural modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the various examples.

[0028] The embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0029] In this document, each of the phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., first) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., second) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0030] The term “module” as used in the various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0031] According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to one embodiment, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the components of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding components among the multiple components prior to integration. According to one embodiment, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a display system including a display device and a source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the display system (1) may include at least one display device (100) and / or at least one source device (200). Each device within the display system (1) may communicate indirectly or directly with one another via a wired or wireless network.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the display device (100) may include at least one processor (101), memory (102), display (103), external input port (104), and / or communication module (105). According to one embodiment, at least one of the components of the display device (100) (e.g., communication module (105)) may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. According to one embodiment, some of the components of the display device (100) may be integrated into a single component.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the display device (100) may include a device capable of performing various computing functions (e.g., watching video) and performing wired or wireless communication with a surrounding source device (200) or server. The display device (100) may be, for example, an electronic device (e.g., monitor, TV, smartphone, tablet PC) that includes a display such as a three-dimensional (3D) display device or a two-dimensional (2D) display device, but is not limited thereto. The display device (100) may include various types of electronic devices without being limited to the above description.

[0036] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (101) can execute operations or data processing regarding the control and / or communication of at least one other component of the display device (100) by executing at least one instruction stored in memory (102). The processor (101) may include at least one processing circuit that executes instructions stored in memory (102).

[0037] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (101) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. One or more of the at least one processor (101) may be configured to perform various functions described in the present disclosure individually and / or collectively. Where the “processor,” “at least one processor,” and “one or more processors” are described as being configured to perform various functions in the present disclosure, these terms may cover, for example, a situation in which one processor performs some of the cited functions and other processor(s) perform other parts of the cited functions, and may also cover, but are not limited to, a situation in which a single processor can perform all of the cited functions. Additionally, at least one processor (101) may include a combination of processors performing the cited / disclosed various functions, for example, in a distributed manner. At least one processor (101) may execute program instructions to achieve or perform various functions.

[0038] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (101) may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a sensor hub, a supplementary processor, a communication processor, an application processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and may have a plurality of cores.

[0039] According to one embodiment, at least one processor (101) can, for example, execute software to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of a display device (100) connected to the processor (101) and perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (101) can store instructions or data received from other components in volatile memory, process instructions or data stored in volatile memory, and store result data in non-volatile memory. According to one embodiment, the processor (101) may include a main processor (e.g., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor (e.g., graphics processing unit, neural processing unit, image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor) that can operate independently or together with it. For example, if the display device (100) includes a main processor and an auxiliary processor, the auxiliary processor may be configured to use less power than the main processor or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor can be implemented separately from the main processor or as part of it.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the processor (101) may obtain video frame data from at least one of memory (102), an external input port (104), or a communication module (107). The video frame data may include data regarding frames constituting the video. For example, the video frame data may be identified from memory (102) (e.g., a recorded and stored video). For example, the video frame data may include data obtained from the communication module (105) or the external input port (104).

[0041] According to one embodiment, the memory (102) is a storage medium used by the display device (100) and can store data such as at least one instruction or setting information corresponding to at least one program. The program may include an operating system program and various application programs. When the instructions stored in the memory (102) are executed by at least one processor (101), they can cause the display device (100) to perform at least one operation (e.g., at least one of the operations described later in FIGS. 2 to 12).

[0042] According to one embodiment, the memory (102) may include at least one type of storage medium among a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory, etc.), RAM (random access memory, RAM), SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read only memory, ROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable ROM), PROM (programmable ROM), magnetic memory, a magnetic disk, and an optical disk.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the display (103) can perform functions for outputting information in the form of numbers, characters, images, and / or graphics. The display (103) may include at least one hardware module for output. The at least one hardware module may include, for example, at least one of an LCD (liquid crystal display), an LED (light emitting diode), an LPD (light emitting polymer display), an OLED (organic light emitting diode), an AMOLED (active matrix organic light emitting diode), or a FLED (flexible LED). The display (103) may display a screen corresponding to data received from the processor (101). The display (103) may be referred to by other terms having an equivalent technical meaning. "Screen" may include an image displayed on the display of the electronic device. An image may be referred to by terms such as a frame. Various types of objects, such as icons, text, photos, videos, and widgets, may be displayed on the screen.

[0044] According to one embodiment, an external input port (or input / output interface) (104) can receive video and video information through a tuner or an input / output module. The external input port (104) may include at least one of a tuner and an input / output module. The tuner can select only the frequency of the broadcast channel to be received by the display device (100) from among many radio wave components by tuning, mixing, resonance, etc., of a broadcast signal received via wired or wireless means. The broadcast signal may include video, audio, and additional data (e.g., an EPG (electronic program guide)). The tuner can receive real-time broadcast channels (or real-time viewing video) from various broadcast sources such as terrestrial broadcasting, cable broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, and internet broadcasting. The tuner may be implemented as an integral unit with the display device (100) or as a separate tuner electrically connected to the display device (100). The input / output module may include at least one of an HDMI (high definition multimedia interface) input port, a component input jack, a PC input port, and a USB input port, which can receive video and video information from an external device of the display device (100) under the control of the processor (101). It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the input / output module may be added, deleted, and / or changed depending on the performance and structure of the display device (100).

[0045] According to one embodiment, the communication module (105) includes a communication circuit and may provide a wired / wireless communication interface that enables communication with an external device. The communication module (105) may include at least one of wired Ethernet, a wireless LAN communication unit, and a short-range communication unit. The wireless LAN communication unit may include, for example, Wi-Fi and may support the IEEE wireless LAN standard (IEEE 802.11x). The wireless LAN communication module (105) may be wirelessly connected to an access point (AP) under the control of a processor (101). The AP may include a device that enables devices to be connected using relevant standards utilizing Wi-Fi in a computer network. The short-range communication unit may perform short-range wireless communication with an external device under the control of the processor (101). Near-field communication may include Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, infrared data association, ultra-wideband (UWB), and near-field communication (NFC). The external device may include a server device that provides video services, etc., and a mobile terminal (e.g., phone, tablet, etc.).

[0046] According to one embodiment, a source device (200) is connected to a display device (100) via an external input port (104) and can communicate with the display device (100). The source device (100) may be, for example, a flash device (e.g., a USB device, an SD card, a microSD card, or an SSD (Solid-State Drive) device), but is not limited thereto. The source device (200) may include various types of electronic devices capable of providing source data to the display device (100) without being limited to the above description. For example, the source device (200) may be an electronic device such as a smartphone or a tablet computer.

[0047] According to one embodiment, the source device (200) may include at least one processor (201), memory (202), and / or a communication module (203). According to one embodiment, at least one of the components of the electronic device (200) may be omitted, or one or more other components (e.g., an interface, a connection terminal, an input / output module / port) may be added. According to one embodiment, the interface may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the source device (200) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., a display device (100)). According to one embodiment, the interface may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface. According to one embodiment, the connection terminal may include a connector through which the source device (200) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., a display device (200)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0048] According to one embodiment, the processor (201) may include at least one processing circuit that executes instructions stored in memory (202). According to one embodiment, the at least one processor (201) may include various processing circuits and / or multiple processors. One or more of the at least one processor (201) may be configured to perform various functions described in the present disclosure individually and / or collectively. For a description of the processor (201), refer to the description of the processor (101).

[0049] According to one embodiment, the memory (202) can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (201)) of the source device (200). For a description of the memory (202), refer to the description of the memory (102).

[0050] According to one embodiment, the communication module (203) includes a communication circuit and can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between a source device (200) and an external electronic device (e.g., a plurality of display devices (100) or a server), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. For a description of the communication module (203), refer to the description of the communication module (105).

[0051] Below, a method for access control and information protection for a source device (200) is described.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the display device (100) may restrict access to the source device (200) by blocking the port itself to which the source device (200) is connected. This port-based access control method may be inconvenient to set up because it involves entering a separate setting application of the display device (100) and going through many setting steps. Additionally, the port-based access control method may cause inconvenience in use when multiple users utilize a single display device (100) by completely blocking the port itself. In particular, unlike source devices used collectively such as a USB device, a set-top box (STB), game console, soundbar, or home theater that uses HDMI, source devices (200) are frequently owned and used by individuals. Therefore, blocking the port itself to prevent each individual from using such personalized source devices may reduce the usability of the display device (100), such as a TV used collectively.

[0053] Therefore, it is necessary to consider measures to enhance usability along with user information protection through access control at the source device level or source device partition level, rather than at the port level. Below, various examples of access control methods at the source device level or source device partition level are explained with reference to the respective figures.

[0054] FIG. 2 is a drawing illustrating a display device connected to a source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIGS. 3a to 3c are drawings illustrating a method in which a display device provides an entry point to a source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 2, a display device (e.g., the display device (100) of FIG. 1) can be connected to a source device (e.g., the source device (200)). For example, the display device (100) can be connected to the source device (200) through an external input port (e.g., the external input port (104) of FIG. 1).

[0057] According to one embodiment, a display device (100) (e.g., a TV) can communicate with a source device (200) (e.g., a USB device) connected through an external input port. For example, the display device (100) can transmit data to the source device (200) and receive data from the source device (200). Based on the data received from the source device (200), the display device (100) can display content (e.g., video content) through a display (e.g., the display (103) of FIG. 1).

[0058] According to one embodiment, the display device (100) may provide at least one entry point for entry (or access) to the source device (200) or a partition of the source device (200). The entry point may be a functional and / or physical point in the display device (100) that connects to or accesses the source device (200) or a partition of the source device (200). In the present disclosure, the entry point may be expressed as a start point, an access point, or other equivalent terms. In the present disclosure, an entry point for the source device (200) may be understood to encompass an entry point for a specific source device (200) or a specific partition of the source device (200).

[0059] According to one embodiment, a display device (100) may display a UI (hereinafter referred to as an entry point UI or an entry point UI element) that provides an entry point to a source device (200) through the display. The entry point UI may visually provide information, for example, the name of the source device (200), the shape of the source device (200), and / or the state of the source device (200). The entry point UI may have a format of, for example, a UI tile. A UI tile is a component used in UI design (e.g., a graphic element, or a UI element, or a graphic UI element) and may be a rectangular block or tile-shaped element that displays information within a screen or allows a user to interact. In the present disclosure, a graphic element may be defined and referred to as a UI element or a graphic UI element.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the display device (100) may provide an entry point UI through a connected device screen that provides information about connected device(s). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3a, the display device (100) may provide a first entry point UI (310a) through a connected device screen (300a). The connected device screen (300a) may be displayed through the display when a connected device selection item (320a) is selected.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the display device (100) may provide an entry point UI through a home screen (or, home launcher). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3b, the display device (100) may provide a second entry point UI (320b) through a home screen (300b). For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3c, the display device (100) may provide a third entry point UI (320c) through a portion of the home screen (300c) where a recent screen is displayed. The home screen (300b) may provide various information, such as information about the device(s) connected to the display device (100), information about the recent screen, information about recommended content, and information about installed applications. The home screen (300b) may be displayed through the display when a home screen selection item (320b, 320c) is selected or as a default screen.

[0062] According to one embodiment, a display device (100) can access a source device (200) based on user input through an entry point UI (310a, 310b, 310c). For example, when a user input selecting an entry point UI (310a, 310b, 310c) is received, the display device (100) can access a source device (200) associated with the selected entry point UI. Through this, the display device (100) can receive data from the source device (200) and, based on the received data, display content (e.g., video content) or transmit data to the source device (200).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the display device (100) may provide an access control function for the source device (200). The access control function of the source device (200) may include at least one function for access control and / or information protection of the source device (200). For example, the access control function of the source device (200) may include a locking function for the source device (200) or at least one partition of the source device (200). When a lock is set on the source device (200) or at least one partition of the source device (200), the display device (100) may access the data contained in the source device (200) or at least one partition of the source device (200) only when the correct password for unlocking is entered.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the display device (100) may provide an access control function for the source device (200) through a UI associated with an entry point UI for the source device (200). For example, the display device (100) may provide a function for setting the lock or unlock of the source device through a lock sub-menu UI (or a lock sub-menu UI included in the entry point UI) displayed at a location adjacent to the entry point UI for the source device (200).

[0065] In this way, when providing access control functions for the source device (200) through a UI associated with an entry point UI for the source device (200), access control functions for the source device (200) can be provided more intuitively and quickly compared to providing access control functions for the source device (200) through a separate settings screen. Various embodiments of providing access control functions for the source device (200) through a UI associated with an entry point UI will be described exemplarily below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 13.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating a unique ID of a source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment, a display device (e.g., the display device (100) of FIG. 1) may add the source device (200) to an internal source list when it identifies that the source device (e.g., the source device (200) of FIG. 1) is connected through an external input port (e.g., the external input port (104) of FIG. 1). Through this, the source device plugged into the display device may be added to the source list of the display device. When the source device is disconnected (unplugged), the source device may be removed from the source list of the display device. Meanwhile, even if the display device subsequently recognizes a source device that has been added to the source list, it may recognize it as a new source device and not remember the source device.

[0068] According to one embodiment, when a source device is connected, the display device can identify the source device using the source device's identification information (e.g., unique ID). Each source device has its own unique ID, and the display device can distinguish each source device based on the unique ID. In the present disclosure, the unique ID of a source device may be referred to as a UniqueKey.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the display device may generate a unique ID for a source device when it is identified that the source device connected through an external input port does not have a unique ID. For example, in response to the identification that the source device does not have a unique ID, the display device may generate a device information file (410) that provides a unique ID for the source device. The generated device information file may be stored in the source device. For example, the device information file (410) may be stored in the root folder of the source device. To this end, the display device may transmit the data of the generated device information file (410) to the source device through the external input port.

[0070] According to one embodiment, as illustrated in the folder screen (400) for the source device of FIG. 4, the device information file (410) may be an empty file with a file name and a file size of 0. The file name of the device information file (400) may include the value of the source device's unique ID (UniqueKey). For example, the device information file (400) may have the format ".device_info_8a743281-7404-4b19-9815-5a25d088fe46", and the unique ID of the source device in this device information file may have the format "8a743281-7404-4b19-9815-5a25d088fe46". Through the unique ID, which is part of the file name of this device information file (400), the display device can identify and distinguish the connected source devices. Meanwhile, if the source device includes multiple partitions, the device information file containing the aforementioned unique ID may be created for each partition of the source device and stored in the root folder of each partition.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a display device to set access control to a source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] The embodiment of FIG. 5 is described as an example in which a source device (e.g., the source device (200) of FIG. 1) includes a single partition. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the source device may include a plurality of partitions. In this case, the description of operations 510 to 540 of FIG. 5 may be applied to each partition of the source device. In other words, a password for locking may be individually set for each partition of the source device. Through this, access control and protection may be possible on a partition-by-partition basis. An example of setting a password for locking on a partition-by-partition basis is described exemplarily below with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, in operation 510, a display device (e.g., the display device (100) of FIG. 1) can identify that a source device connected through an external connection port (e.g., the external connection port (104) of FIG. 1) is not locked. For example, the display device can identify that a source device is not locked if the device information file of the source device does not contain password data. According to one embodiment, the external connection port may be a USB port, and the source device may be a USB device.

[0074] In operation 520, the display device may display a first graphic element (e.g., a lock submenu UI) for setting a lock on the source device through the display (e.g., the display (103) of FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, based on identifying that the source device is not locked, the display device may display the first graphic element for setting a lock on the source device.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the first graphic element may be displayed together with a third graphic element that provides an entry point to the source device (e.g., the entry point UI of FIG. 3a to 3c (310a, 310b, 310c)). For example, the first graphic element may be displayed at a location adjacent to the third graphic element (e.g., above or below the third graphic element) or may be included in the third graphic element. In this way, when an access control function (e.g., a locking function) of the source device is provided through the first graphic element displayed at a location adjacent to the third graphic element that provides an entry point to the source device, the access control function of the source device can be provided more intuitively and quickly.

[0076] According to one embodiment, a first graphic element may be associated with a third graphic element that provides an entry point to a source device. For example, in response to the selection of the third graphic element, a display device may display a fourth graphic element (e.g., a lock sub-menu activation UI) for displaying the first graphic element at a location adjacent to the third graphic element (e.g., above or below the third graphic element) via the display. Alternatively, in response to the selection of the fourth graphic element, the display device may display the first graphic element at a location adjacent to the third graphic element (e.g., below or above the third graphic element) via the display. Thus, when providing an access control function (e.g., a lock function) of the source device through the first graphic element associated with the third graphic element that provides an entry point to the source device, the access control function of the source device can be provided more intuitively and quickly compared to providing the access control function of the source device through a separate settings screen. The display of such first graphic element, third graphic element, and fourth graphic element is described exemplarily below with reference to FIGS. 6 through 8.

[0077] In operation 530, the display device may display a second graphic element (e.g., password setting UI) for setting a password for locking the source device based on a first user input obtained through a first graphic element. For example, the display device may display the second graphic element in response to user input being obtained selecting a lock setting button included in the first graphic element. The second graphic element may be, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Due to the lock setting based on such password setting, access to the source device may be restricted and information contained in the source device may be protected.

[0078] In operation 540, the display device can set a password for the source device based on a second user input obtained through a second graphic element. According to one embodiment, the display device can transmit the set password to the source device through an external connection port. The password is stored in the source device's device information file (e.g., the device information file (410) of FIG. 4), and the device information file may provide a unique ID of the source device. The unique ID of the source device may be included in the filename of the device information file. The password thus set is stored in the device information file and may be associated with the unique ID provided through the device information file. In this case, the display device can identify whether the source device identified by the unique ID provided through the device information file is a device with a password set, and can perform an action based on the identification result. By storing the password thus set in the source device's information file, the lock can be maintained even if the source device is reconnected after being unplugged.

[0079] According to one embodiment, UI setting information for a third graphic element may include lock status information indicating the lock status of the source device. The lock status information may be set to a first value (e.g., True or 1) indicating that the source device is locked, or a second value (e.g., false or 0) indicating that the source device is not locked. Based on the fact that a password is set for the source device, the display device may set the lock status information to a first value indicating that the source device is locked. When the display information identifies that the lock status information is set to a first value indicating that the source device is locked, the display information may reconfigure (or change, or update) the third graphic element to include a graphic object (e.g., an indicator) to indicate that the source device is locked. The reconfigured third graphic element may be, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 10.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the display device may display a fifth graphic element (e.g., unlock submenu UI) for unlocking the source device or unlocking the source device based on identifying that the source device connected through an external connection port is a locked device.

[0081] FIG. 6 is a signal flowchart illustrating an access control setting procedure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] FIGS. 7 to 10 are drawings illustrating a UI for the access control setting procedure of FIG. 6.

[0083] The embodiment of FIG. 6 may be an example of the access control setting operation of FIG. 5.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 6 through 10, in operation 610, a display device (100) (e.g., the display device (100) of FIG. 1) and a source device (200) (e.g., the source device (200) of FIG. 1) may be connected to each other through an external connection port (e.g., the external connection port (104) of FIG. 1). According to one embodiment, the external connection port may be a USB port, and the source device (200) may be a USB device. Through this device connection, a communication path (e.g., a session) may be established between the two devices, and data communication between the two devices may be performed through the established communication path.

[0085] In operation 620, the display device (100) may display an entry point UI (e.g., the entry point UIs of FIG. 3a through 3c: 310a, 310b, 310c). According to one embodiment, the display device (100) may display the entry point UIs (310a, 310b) on a screen (e.g., the device connection screen (300a) of FIG. 3a, the home screen (300b) of FIG. 3b, or the home screen (300c) of FIG. 3c) in response to identifying that the source device (200) is connected. For example, the entry point UI (310a) may be displayed as illustrated in the first screen portion (710) of FIG. 7. For example, the entry point UI (320a) may be displayed as illustrated in the first screen portion (810) of FIG. 8. In the present disclosure, the entry point UI may be referred to as the first UI or the first graphic UI.

[0086] In operations 625 and 630, the display device (100) may display a lock sub-menu activation UI (721, 821, 822) together with the entry point UI (310a, 310b) (e.g., at a location adjacent to the entry point UI (310a, 310b) or included in the entry point UI (310a, 310b)) in response to receiving a first user input selecting the entry point UI (310a, 310b). For example, as illustrated in the second screen portion (720) of FIG. 7, the lock sub-menu activation UI (721) may be displayed below the entry point UI (310a). For example, as illustrated in the second screen portion (820) of FIG. 8, the lock sub-menu activation UI (821, 822) may be displayed to the left and right of the entry point UI (320a). These lock submenu activation UIs (721, 821, 822) may be used to indicate that the lock submenu UIs (731, 732) are activated and available for use. In the present disclosure, the lock submenu activation UIs may be referred to as a second UI or a second graphic UI.

[0087] Meanwhile, depending on the embodiment, operation 630 may be omitted. In this case, in response to receiving a first user input selecting an entry point UI (310a, 310b) through operation 625, the display device (100) may immediately perform operation 640 to display a lock submenu UI (731, 732, 831, 832) without performing operations 630 and 635. In the present disclosure, the lock submenu UI may be referred to as a third UI or a third graphic UI.

[0088] In operations 635 and 640, the display device (100) may display the lock submenu UI (731, 732, 831, 832) together with the entry point UI (310a, 310b) (e.g., in a location adjacent to the entry point UI (310a, 310b) or included in the entry point UI (310a, 310b)) in response to receiving a second user input selecting the lock submenu activation UI (721, 821, 822). For example, when the source device (200) is not locked, a first lock submenu UI (731) for setting the lock may be displayed above the entry point UI (310a), as exemplified in the third screen portion (730) of FIG. 7. For example, when the source device (200) is locked, a second lock submenu UI (741) for locking or unlocking the lock may be displayed in the upper part of the entry point UI (310a), as exemplified in the fourth screen portion (740) of FIG. 7. For example, when the source device (200) is not locked, a first lock submenu UI (831) for locking may be displayed in the lower part of the entry point UI (320a), as exemplified in the third screen portion (830) of FIG. 8. For example, when the source device (200) is locked, a second lock submenu UI (832) for locking or unlocking the lock may be displayed in the lower part of the entry point UI (320a), as exemplified in the fourth screen portion (840) of FIG. 8. According to one embodiment, the first lock submenu UI (731, 831) may include a button for setting a lock (lock setting button), and the second lock submenu UI (732, 832) may include a button for unlocking a lock (lock unlock button).

[0089] In operations 645 and 650, the display device (100) may display a password setting UI (910) in response to receiving a third user input selecting a first lock submenu UI (731, 831) (e.g., a lock setting button). For example, the password setting UI (910) may be displayed as illustrated in the screen portion (900) of FIG. 9 in response to receiving a third user input selecting a lock selection button of the first lock submenu UI (731, 831). The screen portion (900) of FIG. 9 may be a screen that is overlaid, for example, on the third screen portion (730) of FIG. 7 or the third screen portion (830) of FIG. 8. The above-described password setting UI (910) may also be used as a password input UI for entering a password to unlock a set password. In the present disclosure, the password setting menu UI may be referred to as a fourth UI or a fourth graphic UI.

[0090] In operations 655 and 660, the display device may set a password based on a fourth user input (e.g., password input) entered through the password setting UI, update (or change, or reconfigure) the entry point UI, and display the updated entry point UI. For example, the updated entry point UI may be displayed as exemplified in the screen portion (1000) of FIG. 10. The updated entry point UI (310a, 310b) may include a first graphic object (e.g., a first indicator) (1001) to indicate that a lock has been set on the source device (200) and / or a second graphic object (e.g., a second indicator) (1002) indicating that the source device (200) has been selected as the currently connected device. Through this, the user can confirm that a lock has been set on the source device (e.g., the currently connected source device).

[0091] According to one embodiment, UI setting information for entry point UIs (310a, 310b) may include lock status information of a source device (200). UI setting information for entry point UIs (310a, 310b) may include data in JSON format. Table 1 below shows an example of UI setting information for entry point UIs (310a, 310b) that includes data in JSON format. Depending on the change in the value of this UI setting information for entry point UIs (310a, 310b), the display of the entry point UIs (310a, 310b) may change.

[0092]

[0093] Referring to Table 1, UI setting information for an entry point UI (310a, 310b) of a source device (200) (e.g., a flash device) may include lock status information (field). According to one embodiment, the lock status information (field) may be included in an extended field within the UI setting information for the entry point UI (310a, 310b). As described above, the lock status information may be set to a first value (e.g., True or 1) indicating that a lock is set on the source device (200) or a second value (e.g., false or 0) indicating that a lock is not set on the source device (200). When the lock status information is set to the first value indicating that a lock is set on the source device (200), the entry point UI (310a, 310b) may include a first indicator (1001) to indicate that a lock is set on the source device (200). If the lock status information is set to a second value indicating that the source device (200) is not locked, the entry point UI (310a, 310b) may not include the first indicator (1001).

[0094] In operation 655, the display device (100) can transmit data of the set password to the source device (200). In operation 660, the source device (200) can store the password in the device information file of the source device (200) based on the received data. Through this, the unique ID of the source device (200) and the password can be associated with each other. According to one embodiment, the password can be generated and / or stored in JSON format. For example, the password can be stored as data in JSON format. Table 2 below shows an example of password data containing data in JSON format.

[0095] {"lock_password" : "1234"}

[0096] Referring to Table 2, it can be seen that the password value entered through the password setting UI (910) (e.g., "1234") is set as the lock password (lock_password).

[0097] As described above, the first to fourth screen portions (710 to 740) of FIG. 7 may be screen portions included in the device connection screen (300a) of FIG. 3a, and the first to fourth screen portions (810 to 840) of FIG. 8 may be screen portions included in the home screen (300b) of FIG. 3b. The screen portion (900) of FIG. 9 may be a screen portion included in the device connection screen (300a) of FIG. 3a or the home screen (300b) of FIG. 3b. The screen portion (1000) of FIG. 10 may be a screen portion included in the device connection screen (300a) of FIG. 3a or the home screen (300b) of FIG. 3b.

[0098] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a display device to set access control for a source device including a plurality of partitions, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a UI for the access control setting method of FIG. 11.

[0100] In the embodiment of FIG. 12, for convenience of explanation, the source device is described as having three partitions (e.g., "Partition E:", "Partition F:", "Partition G:"), but is not limited thereto. The source device may have two or four or more partitions.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in operation 1110, a display device (e.g., display device (100) of FIG. 1) can identify that a source device (e.g., source device (200) of FIG. 1) connected through an external connection port (e.g., external connection port (104) of FIG. 1) includes a plurality of partitions.

[0102] According to one embodiment, when a source device includes a plurality of partitions, the display device may recognize each partition of the source device as an individual device. For example, when a source device includes three partitions, the display device may recognize three separate source devices as each connected to the display device. For example, when a source device includes three partitions, the display device may identify a source device having a first partition (hereinafter, the first partition source device), a source device having a second partition (hereinafter, the second partition source device), and a source device having a third partition (hereinafter, the third partition source device), respectively. In other words, although they correspond to a single source device physically, the display device may recognize the source device as a separate source device for each partition.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the display device may set a unique ID for each partition source device. For example, the display device may generate a first device information file providing a unique ID for a first partition source device, a second device information file providing a unique ID for a second partition source device, and a third device information file providing a unique ID for a third partition source device. Each device information file thus generated may be stored in the corresponding partition of the source device. For example, the first device information file may be stored within the first partition of the source device (e.g., the root folder of the first partition), the second device information file may be stored within the second partition of the source device (e.g., the root folder of the second partition), and the third device information file may be stored within the third partition of the source device (e.g., the root folder of the third partition). For a description of the creation and formatting of each unique ID and device information file, refer to the description in FIG. 4.

[0104] In operation 1120, the display device may display a plurality of first graphic elements (e.g., entry point UI) for providing an entry point for each of a plurality of partitions through the display (e.g., the display (103) of FIG. 1). Each entry point UI may provide an entry point for a corresponding partition of the source device. For example, as illustrated in the screen portion (1200) of FIG. 12, a first entry point UI (1210) for providing an entry point for a first partition (Partition E:) of the source device, a second entry point UI (1220) for providing an entry point for a second partition (Partition F:) of the source device, and a third entry point UI (1230) for providing an entry point for a third partition (Partition G:) of the source device may be displayed. The screen portion (1200) may be a screen portion included, for example, the connection device screen (300a) of FIG. 3a or the home screen (300b) of FIG. 3b. As such, the entry point UI (1210, 1220, 1230) is provided for each partition, so the display device can directly access a specific partition of the source device, and access control (e.g., lock) can also be set for each partition as described later.

[0105] For the convenience of explanation, the operation of setting access control on a single partition (a single partition source device) is described exemplarily below, but this description can be applied equally to each partition of the source device. Meanwhile, the operation of setting access control for a single partition source device to be described below may be the same as the operation of setting access control for a single source device described in FIGS. 5 to 8. Accordingly, the descriptions in FIGS. 5 to 8 may be referenced for the following description.

[0106] In operation 1130, the display device may display a second graphic element (e.g., the lock setting UI (731, 831) of FIGS. 7 and 8) for setting a lock on the first partition (or the first partition source device) based on identifying that the first partition (e.g., "Partition E:", "Partition F:", or "Partition G:") (or the first partition source device) among a plurality of partitions is not locked. The second graphic element may be displayed together with the first graphic element. The description of operation 1130 may include all or part of the description of operation 520 of FIG. 5 and the description of operations 625 to 640 of FIG. 6.

[0107] In operation 1140, the display device may display a third graphic element (e.g., password setting UI (910) of FIG. 9) for setting a password for locking the first partition (or, the first partition source device) based on the first user input obtained through the second graphic element. The description of operation 1140 may include all or part of the description of operation 530 of FIG. 5 and the description of operations 645 to 650 of FIG. 6.

[0108] In operation 1150, the display device may set a password for the first partition of the source device (or the first partition source device) based on the second user input obtained through the third graphic element. The description of operation 1150 may include all or part of the description of operation 540 of FIG. 5 and the descriptions of operations 655 to 660 of FIG. 6. According to one embodiment, the display device may transmit the set password for the first partition (or the first partition source device) to the source device through an external connection port. The password for the first partition (or the first partition source device) is stored in a first device information file for the first partition of the source device (or the first partition source device) (e.g., the device information file of FIG. 4), and the first device information file may provide a unique ID for the first partition of the source device (or the first partition source device). As in FIG. 4, the unique ID of the first partition (or the first partition source device) may be included in the filename of the first device information file. The password set in this way is stored in the first device information file and can be associated with the unique ID of the first partition (or the first partition source device) provided through the first device information file. Through this, the display device can identify whether the first partition (or the first partition source device) of the source device identified by the unique ID provided through the first device information file is a partition (or partition source device) with a password set, and can perform an action based on the identification result.

[0109] FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for a display device to perform processing on a selected source device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 13, in operation 1310, a display device (e.g., the display device (100) of FIG. 1) can select a source device (e.g., the source device (200) of FIG. 1 or a partition source device) through an entry point UI (e.g., the entry point UI (310a, 310b) of FIG. 3a to 3c, FIG. 7 to 8, FIG. 10, the entry point UI (1210, 1220, 1230) of FIG. 12). For example, the display device can select a source device corresponding to the entry point UI based on user input selecting the entry point UI.

[0111] In operation 1320, the display device can identify whether a password associated with the unique ID of the source device exists. The password associated with the unique ID can be set through the method described above in FIGS. 5 to 12. If no password exists, operation 1330 can be performed. If a password exists, operation 1340 can be performed.

[0112] In operation 1330, based on the identification that no password exists, the display device can execute the content of the source device. In this case, when the source device is not locked, the display device can access the source device directly without a separate password unlock operation and execute the content based on the data stored in the source device.

[0113] In operation 1340, based on the identification that a password exists, the display device can identify whether the correct password is entered. For example, the display device can display a password input UI (e.g., the password setting UI (190) of FIG. 9) and identify whether the correct password is entered based on user input obtained through the password input UI. If the correct password is entered, that is, if the same password as the set password is entered, operation 1360 can be performed. If the correct password is not entered, operation 1350 can be performed.

[0114] In operation 1350, based on the identification that the correct password has not been entered, the display device can move the focus back to the entry point UI. In this way, if the correct password has not been entered, the display device cannot access the selected source device, and the information of the locked source device can be protected.

[0115] In operation 1360, based on the identification that the correct password has been entered, the display device can execute the content of the source device. When the correct password for the source device that has been locked in this way is entered, the display device can access the source device and execute the content based on the data stored in the source device.

[0116] The effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

Claims

1. In a display device, display; External connection port; Memory comprising at least one storage medium for storing instructions; and It includes at least one processor comprising a processing circuit, wherein the at least one processor is: Identify that the source device connected through the above external connection port is not locked, and A first graphic element for setting a lock on the source device is displayed through the display, and Based on the first user input obtained through the first graphic element, a second graphic element for setting a password for locking the source device is displayed through the display, and Based on the second user input obtained through the second graphic element, a password for the source device is set, and A display device in which the first graphic element is displayed together with a third graphic element that provides an entry point to the source device.

2. In paragraph 1, the processor is: The set password is transmitted to the source device through the external connection port, and A display device in which the above password is stored in a device information file of the source device, and the device information file provides a unique ID (unique identification) of the source device.

3. In Paragraph 2, A display device in which the unique ID of the source device is included in the filename of the device information file.

4. A display device according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the external connection port is a USB (universal serial bus) port and the source device is a USB device.

5. In Paragraph 1, The UI (user interface) setting information for the above-mentioned third graphic element includes lock status information indicating the lock status of the source device, and The above processor is: A display device that, based on a password set for the source device, sets the lock status information to a first value indicating that the source device is locked.

6. In paragraph 5, the above processor is: A display device that reconfigures the third graphic element to include an indicator for indicating that the source device is locked when the lock status information identifies that the source device is set to a first value indicating that the source device is locked.

7. In paragraph 1, the processor is: In response to the selection of the third graphic element, a fourth graphic element for displaying the first graphic element is displayed through the display at a position adjacent to the third graphic element, and A display device that displays the first graphic element at a position adjacent to the third graphic element through the display in response to the selection of the fourth graphic element.

8. In paragraph 1, the processor is: A display device that displays a fifth graphic element through the display to unlock the source device based on identifying that the source device connected through the external connection port is a locked device.

9. In a display device, display; External connection port; Memory comprising at least one storage medium for storing instructions; and It includes at least one processor comprising a processing circuit, wherein the at least one processor is: Identify that the source device connected through the above external connection port includes a plurality of partitions, and A plurality of first graphic elements are displayed through the display to provide an entry point for each of the plurality of partitions, and each first graphic element provides an entry point for a corresponding partition of the source device. Based on identifying that a lock is not set on a first partition among the plurality of partitions, a second graphic element for setting a lock on the first partition is displayed through the display, and the second graphic element is displayed together with the first graphic element. Based on the first user input obtained through the second graphic element, a third graphic element for setting a password for locking the first partition is displayed through the display, and Based on the second user input obtained through the third graphic element, a password for the first partition is set, and the display device.

10. In paragraph 9, the processor is: Generate a unique ID for each of the above plurality of partitions, and A display device that associates the password of the first partition with the unique ID of the first partition.

11. In a method of a display device, An operation to identify that a lock is not set on the source device connected through the above external connection port; The operation of displaying a first graphic element through the display to set a lock on the source device; The operation of displaying a second graphic element through the display for setting a password for locking the source device based on a first user input obtained through the first graphic element; and Based on the second user input obtained through the second graphic element, the operation of setting a password for the source device is included, A method in which the first graphic element is displayed together with a third graphic element that provides an entry point to the source device.

12. In paragraph 11, the above method is: The operation of transmitting the set password to the source device through the external connection port; and A method comprising storing the above password in a device information file of the source device, wherein the device information file provides a unique identification of the source device.

13. In Paragraph 12, A method in which the unique ID of the source device is included in the filename of the device information file.

14. A method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the external connection port is a USB (universal serial bus) port and the source device is a USB device.

15. In Paragraph 11, The UI (user interface) setting information for the above-mentioned third graphic element includes lock status information indicating the lock status of the source device, and The above method is: A method comprising the operation of setting the lock state information to a first value indicating that the source device is locked, based on the setting of a password for the source device.

Images