USB Relay Device for Virus Detection and Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional USB relay adapter devices are limited to virus checking USB mass storage and cannot support other USB devices like keyboards, mice, and printers, causing inconvenience and increased risk of virus infection when these devices are used without the adapter.
Innovation Solution
A USB relay device with a connection switching unit that allows switching between a first connector for USB clients and a second connector for a USB host controller, enabling virus checks on files transferred between these devices and controlling the connection state based on the check results, thus supporting the use of various USB devices without impairing their functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a USB relay adapter device is used to perform virus checks on USB mass storage, then virus infection risk is reduced, but other USB devices such as keyboard, mouse, and printer cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a USB relay device as an intermediary component between the USB host controller and USB devices. This relay device includes a connection switching unit that mediates all USB connections, allowing virus checks to be performed on files transferred through it while still enabling various USB devices to function. The relay device acts as a gateway that monitors and controls file transfers without blocking device connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB relay device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both virus checking and device switching operations. The connection switching unit can dynamically switch between different USB devices (mass storage, keyboard, mouse, printer, etc.), making the system universally compatible with various USB device types while maintaining security functions.
2Reliability
If software programs are installed in terminals to restrict USB mass storage use or check for viruses, then security is improved, but old computers, IoT devices, PLCs with dedicated OS, or performance-designed systems cannot have additional software installed
Solution Approach 1:
The USB relay device serves as an external intermediary that provides virus checking capabilities without requiring installation on the host system. By placing the virus check engine in an external device, the solution works with old computers, IoT devices, PLCs, and performance-designed systems where software installation is not feasible.
Solution Approach 2:
The security function is segmented from the host system and placed in an external USB relay device. This segmentation allows the host system to remain unchanged and compatible with various platforms, while the external device provides the necessary security functionality independently.
3Reliability
If a USB relay adapter device is attached to the USB port for virus checking, then virus protection is achieved, but the versatility of USB devices is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The connection switching unit in the USB relay device dynamically switches connections based on the type of USB device detected and the current operation. When a keyboard, mouse, or printer is connected, the switching unit automatically routes connections appropriately, making these devices usable without manual intervention. The system adapts its behavior based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB relay device acts as a smart intermediary that intelligently manages connections between the host and various USB devices. It performs virus checks only when necessary (for mass storage devices with file transfers) while allowing direct passthrough for devices that don't require checking (keyboards, mice, printers), thus maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A virus detection system uses a USB relay device that can support not only the use of USB mass storage but also the use of other USB devices such as a mouse. The USB relay device has a connection switching unit for switching a connection state between a first connector unit to which a USB client is connected and a second connector unit connected to a USB host controller. The virus detection system includes a virus check engine unit that performs a virus check of a file acquired from the USB client or the USB host controller via the USB relay device. On the basis of a result of the check by the virus check engine unit, the USB relay device performs switching control of the connection state by the connection switching unit.