Communication adapter for detection devices and communication method for detection devices

Abstract

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a communication adapter for a detection device, the adapter comprising a housing, a wireless communication interface disposed on the housing, a mounting mechanism that can engage with the detection device to detachably attach the housing to the detection device, and a signal connector configured to connect to the wired communication interface of the detection device, wherein the signal connector is positioned relative to the mounting mechanism so as to connect to the wired communication interface of the detection device by engaging the mounting mechanism with the detection device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses, and more specifically, to detection devices for detecting substances such as chemical substances, biological agents, and other threats. Even more specifically, the present disclosure relates to a communication adapter for such devices and a communication method.

Background Art

[0002] Workers often work in environments where unknown potentially dangerous substances may be present. There are various techniques for detecting such substances and identifying whether they pose a threat. One such technique is ion mobility spectrometry (IMS). Some devices can provide detection of radiation sources and measure the dose rate and accumulated dose of ionizing radiation such as gamma radiation, thereby providing detection of radiation threats. For this purpose, specifically adapted photodetectors can be provided. Other types of detection devices, including mass spectrometers, Raman spectroscopy devices, and other types of systems, can also be used. The extremely important safety role played by these devices indicates that the reliability of operation is a crucial issue.

[0003] Portable detection devices such as wearable detectors and portable detectors are becoming even more widespread. Many security organizations, such as the military, require rugged and reliable portable detection devices.

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure aim to address these technical problems and other technical problems.

[0005] Aspects and examples of the present disclosure are set forth in the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] Here, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a front view and a side view of a detection device to which a communication adapter is attached. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an isometric view of the communication adapter shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an exploded view of the communication adapter shown in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a partial cutaway of the detection device with the communication adapter attached. In this figure, the lower part of the detection device is visible, and the housing of the communication adapter is partially cut out to show the mating of the adapter to the communication device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the mechanism shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a diagram of a system comprising the device shown in Figure 1, a UE (User Engineer), and a remote communication device.

[0007] In drawings, similar reference numbers are used to indicate similar elements. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Figure 1 shows a detection device 10 and a communication adapter 12 attached to the device 10.

[0009] As shown in the figure, the detection device 10 may include an inlet 14 for collecting a sample to be tested for the presence of a substance of interest. The inlet 14 may be located at one end of the detection device 10. Typically, the detection device 10 includes a human-operable user interface 16 for controlling the detection device 10 and providing a human operator with information indicating the test results. For example, the user interface 16 may include a display. This user interface 16 may be provided on a different part of the device 10 from the inlet 14, for example, on the front of the device 10. A communication adapter 12 may be attached from the inlet 14 to the other end of the detection device 10.

[0010] Typically, the detection device 10 is a human-carryable device configured to be portable or wearable by a single person. The device 10 may include an ion mobility spectrometer, such as a time-of-flight ion mobility spectrometer. Other types of human-carryable detection devices may also be used.

[0011] Regardless of the type of detection device 10, it is typically configured to generate detection data indicating the results of a detection test that can provide an indication of the presence or absence of the substance of interest in a sample provided to the device's inlet 14. The sample may represent substances in the vicinity of the device, such as substances in the air. For example, the device may draw in a stream of air through the inlet 14. The device may also include heating means for volatilizing the substance provided to the inlet 14, whether it is in the airflow or held by a sampling probe such as a swab.

[0012] The detection device 10 shown in Figure 1 has a substantially rectangular body 11, with an inlet 14 located at one end of the body 11. The other end of the body 11 may hold a projection, such as a projection 40 associated with the sheave pack module of the detection device 10. The other end may also hold elements for installing and / or removing and / or charging the battery pack of the detection device 10.

[0013] The wired communication interface of the detection device 10 may be provided by a connector such as a shielded multi-pin connector, which may be a micro-D or other D-sub type connector. Typically, this signal connector is a plug or socket and is configured to connect a complementary plug or socket connector. This connector on the outside of the detection device 10 may be provided from the inlet 14 to the opposite end of the detection device 10 and may be oriented away from the end of the body 11. This connector may be located adjacent to the aforementioned protrusion 40.

[0014] The communication adapter 12 may be fixed to this end of the device opposite to the inlet 14. When the communication adapter 12 is fixed to the device, the projection 40 associated with the sheave pack may be positioned in the recess 20 of the communication adapter 12.

[0015] Figure 2 shows the communication adapter 12 in more detail. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the communication adapter 12. Figures 4 and 5 show enlarged views of the adapter 12 when connected to the detection device 10.

[0016] As best shown in Figure 2, the communication adapter 12 provides a body 24 that is substantially rectangular in shape. This body 24 is made up of a housing 30 which has an oval recess 20 at the top of the housing 30 toward the rear of the housing 30. At the top of the housing 30, a connector 22 for wired signal connection is adjacent to this recess 20. As shown, the connector 22 is a shielded multi-pin connector such as a D-sub connector. An elongated member 28 runs along the front edge of the housing adjacent to the connector 22 and may have a hinged connection at one end and a releaseable clip 32 at the other end. The clip 32 may have an elastic retainer that engages with a corresponding mechanism in the housing 30. For example, the clip 32 holds a first engagement mechanism 32A which may be a projection such as a "nipple". This mechanism 32A is provided at the end of the elongated member 28 opposite the hinge. The housing 30 includes a second engagement mechanism 30A, such as two adjacent recesses, configured to hold the first engagement mechanism in one of two selectable positions, namely a latched position and an unlatched position. The elongated member 28 is operable to rotate around a hinge of the elongated member 28 to move the first engagement mechanism between these two positions. The first engagement mechanism may be elastically deformable so that it can "pop" between the two positions defined by the second engagement mechanism 30A.

[0017] Therefore, as described later, this elongated member 28 may provide a releaseable latch on the front upper edge of the housing 30. When the clips 32, 32A are in the non-latched position, the adapter 12 can be removed from the detection device 10.

[0018] The elongated member 28 also holds a lateral arm 32B that extends inward from the elongated member 28 toward the housing 30 and the base of the recess 20. When the adapter 12 is attached to the detection device 10, the projection 40 at the base of the detection device 10 is positioned in the recess 20. When the clips 32, 32A are in the latched position, the lateral arm 32B engages with this projection 40. The operation of this lateral arm 32B and the rear snap fitting 28' (described later) cooperate to hold the adapter 12 toward the detection device 10 (for example, to provide retention of the "long axis").

[0019] The PCB 34, which houses the data processor that performs data processing functions such as encryption and protocol conversion, is enclosed in the housing 30 below the signal connector 22. Typically, the PCB 34 is positioned parallel to the base 36 of the housing 30 and installed on the base 36 of the housing 30 so as to be aligned with, for example, the base of the detection device 10.

[0020] PCB34 holds hardware that provides at least one communication interface, such as a short-range wireless communication interface like Bluetooth®. PCB34 may also hold hardware for a wired communication interface, such as a serial bus like a Universal Serial Bus USB or similar. The PCB includes a connection section that connects a data processor to a signal connector to acquire a detection signal from the detection device 10. The data processor is configured to provide the detection signal to the wireless communication interface for transmission, and optionally to the wired communication interface as well.

[0021] The data processor is configured to convert the detection signal from a first data format associated with the wired communication interface of the detection device 10 to a second protocol different from the first communication protocol used by the detection device 10. The data processor is configured to use this second communication protocol to transfer the detection signal via the wireless communication interface. The detection signal may also be transferred via the wired communication interface of the adapter. The wired communication interface of the adapter may operate using a third communication protocol, which may be different from the first and second communication protocols.

[0022] Typically, the signal connector 22 on the top of the housing 30 is of the plug or socket type and is configured to connect to a complementary connector of the wired communication interface of the detection device 10. The connector 22 may have an end face that holds a plurality of pins or a plurality of cylinders that accommodate the pins. The connector 22 is configured such that these pins or cylinders and the sides of the connector are aligned with each other in a first direction which may be perpendicular to the end face of the connector and optionally perpendicular to the end face of the detector. Thus, the wired signal connectors of the adapter and the detection device 10 are configured to connect with each other by movement in this first direction.

[0023] As described above, the recess 20 is provided in the communication adapter 12 adjacent to the signal connector. The recess 20 is configured such that the protrusion 40 at the base of the detection device 10 can be installed in the recess 20. Usually, the recess 20 is larger (sideways) and deeper than the signal connector. The inner sidewall of the recess 20 may be configured to fit with the edge of the protrusion 40 in the detection device 10 such that the signal connector in the adapter can be aligned with the signal connector in the detection device 10 by sliding the protrusion 40 into the recess 20. Thus, the embodiment provides a robust and easily operable design that can be reliably operated even by workers wearing protective equipment and / or gloves that may be difficult to handle.

[0024] Also, the upper part of the housing of the communication adapter 12 holds an attachment mechanism configured to engage with the detection device 10 for removably attaching the housing to the detection device 10. As shown, this may be provided by snap-fitting at the rear edge of the upper part of the housing. The attachment mechanism may also include a retaining latch that can be provided at the front edge of the upper part of the housing. The attachment mechanism is configured to engage with the detection device 10 by pushing the housing in a first direction towards the detection device 10. As described above, the attachment mechanism may be guided by this movement as the protrusion 40 (e.g., sheave pack module) of the detection device 10 fits into the recess 20 in the adapter.

[0025] The attachment mechanisms 28, 28' may include snap-fit clips 28' provided by the wall at the rear edge of the housing 30, which have a deflectable part and hold an engagement mechanism such as a detent that can be provided by a groove or a ridge. The engagement mechanism is configured to engage with a complementary mechanism of the detection device 10 such as a sheave pack cover. The deflectable part may be elastic. The wall of the housing 30 may be configured to allow bending of the deflectable part, for example, the wall may include slots 27, 29 on both sides of the deflectable part.

[0026] During operation, in order to attach the communication adapter 12 to the detection device 10, the operator may first ensure that the elongated member 28 and the clips 32, 32A are in a non-latched position (for example, a position offset outward from the centerline of the assembly). Next, the operator may align the projection 40 of the detection device 10 with the recess 20 of the communication adapter 12 and then push the two together in a first direction. Thus, the detection device 10 may come into contact with a deflectable portion of the mounting mechanism and deflect that portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, for example outward.

[0027] When the engagement mechanism of the deflectable portion 28' engages with the complementary mechanism of the detection device 10, the deflectable portion can move inward again together as two “snap-fits”. Specifically, the deflectable portion 28' is deflected by the projection 40 (such as the sheave pack cover of the device 10). When the device 10 is fully seated in the adapter, the engagement mechanism of the deflectable portion 28' latches with the projection 40. This may provide audible and / or tactile feedback indicating secure engagement of the adapter to the detection device 10.

[0028] The elongated member 28 should be pushed toward the centerline of the assembly, and thus move the clips 32, 32A to the latch position and move the lateral arm 32B into the recess 20, so that the lateral arm 32B can engage with the surface of the projection 40 in the recess (such as a sheave pack cover).

[0029] With the communication adapter 12 in this position, the mounting mechanism is fully engaged, the clips 32, 32A are in the latched position, and the projection 40 of the detection device 10 is positioned in the recess 20 of the communication adapter 12. In this state, the communication adapter 12 is restrained to prevent (e.g., substantially prevent) relative movement in any direction perpendicular to the first direction. The elastic properties of the connection provided by the mounting mechanism and the clips 32, 32A together may make the connection resistant to mechanical shocks, such as those associated with dropping the device, and may function to prevent damage to the wired signal connection.

[0030] As described above, the mounting mechanism may include a retaining latch that can be used to release the communication adapter 12 from the detection device 10.

[0031] For example, the retaining latch may be operable to detach the mounting mechanism from the detection device 10. For example, the retaining latch may include an elongated member that provides one edge of the top of the housing. The elongated member may have an outward-facing surface that forms part of the outer surface of the housing and an inward-facing surface configured to engage with the outer surface of the detection device 10. One end of the elongated member may be rotatably connected to the housing, for example, by a pin or by being otherwise arranged to provide a hinge. The other end of the elongated member may include a clip that releasably holds the same end of the elongated member relative to the housing. To release the mounting mechanism from the detection device 10, the clip may be released to rotate the elongated member outward.

[0032] Furthermore, the signal connector and the mounting mechanism are positioned relative to each other on the upper surface of the communication adapter 12 such that the signal connector is connected to the wired communication interface of the detection device 10 by engaging the mounting mechanism with the detection device 10. The mounting mechanism may be configured such that the fully engaged (mounted) position of the mounting mechanism corresponds to the position where the signal connector of the communication adapter 12 is fully connected to the wired communication interface of the detection device 10.

[0033] The communication adapter 12 also holds a wireless communication interface for short-range wireless communication. At least part of the hardware for this interface is held by the PCB. An antenna may also be provided in the enclosure if necessary. Typically, the range of this wireless interface is about 20m or less, for example, 10m. The wireless communication interface may be configured to communicate via one or more protocols, such as Bluetooth® or a similar protocol, which can operate to establish a so-called personal area network (PAN) in the vicinity of the adapter.

[0034] Figure 6 shows a network 600. The network 600 comprises at least one system 60 consisting of a communication adapter 12, a detection device 10, and an article of user equipment 62, also known as a so-called UE, the article having a wide-area communication interface and a UE short-range wireless interface configured to communicate with the wireless communication interface of the communication adapter 12.

[0035] Network 600 may comprise multiple identical systems 66, 68, 70, each comprising its own detection device, communication adapter, and UE.

[0036] Network 600 also includes remote devices 64, such as monitoring servers, which are configured to communicate with the UE62 of each system 60, 66, 68, and 70 in Network 600 via a wide-area communication network.

[0037] In each system 60, 66, 68, and 70, the communication adapter 12 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the UE 62 of system 60, for example, via the short-range wireless interface of the communication adapter 12, or via a wired connection, which may be provided by a USB connector on the PCB 34. The UE 12 is then configured to communicate with the remote device 64 via a wide-area communication interface.

[0038] During operation, the user may attach the communication adapter 12 to the detection device 10 so as to establish a wireless communication link with the UE and a wired connection to the detection device 10. As an alternative to wireless communication to the UE, the wired connection may be provided as described above.

[0039] The sample is then provided to the inlet 14 of a detection device 10, which is operated to determine whether the substance of interest is present in the sample. The detection device 10 then provides the detection data based on this operation to the communication adapter 12 via a wired connection.

[0040] Next, the data processor of the communication adapter 12 converts the signals acquired from the detection device 10 into an appropriate data format for transmission to the UE over a short-range link. Optionally, the data is also encrypted before transmission. Along with the transmitted data, the communication adapter 12 may include an identifier for the detection device 10, such as a serial number or other data that uniquely identifies the specific device itself.

[0041] This allows the UE to acquire data based on the detection signal from the detection device 10 via the UE short-range wireless interface. This data may indicate the presence or absence of the target substance in the sample provided to the device. The data may also include a display of the detection signal itself, such as a mobility spectrum showing the arrival time of ions in the detector. The UE then transmits this data to a remote device via a wide-area network. The UE may include location data in this data, or otherwise provide it to the remote device, indicating the geographical location where the detection data is acquired by the detection device 10.

[0042] Furthermore, the remote device may be capable of transmitting data and commands to the communication adapter over a wide-area communication network.

[0043] Therefore, the remote device and the communication adapter may be configured together to provide one or more of the following operating modes.

[0044] In one embodiment, the remote device may be operable to send a command to the detection device 10 via the UE and the communication adapter 12 in order to trigger a warning in the detection device 10 indicating the presence of the substance in question. This warning may be provided in response to a sample provided by the user to the detection device 10. The mechanism may also allow the system in the network to be operated in a training mode in which a situation selected in the remote device can be simulated in a selected system.

[0045] In one embodiment, the remote device may be operable to send commands to the detection device 10 via the UE and a communication adapter to trigger an alert in the detection device 10 indicating the presence of the substance in question in another different system on the network. For example, the remote device may be operable to use a communication adapter to link alarms between detectors, so that the detection of a threat in one system triggers an alert in other selected detectors within a selected distance range of the system that detected the threat. Similarly, the remote device may be operable to send commands via a wide area network to a selected system to (a) cause that system to perform a detection operation and / or (b) modify operating parameters such as the detection window and threshold of the detection device in the other selected system. The commands for modifying the operation and / or operating parameters may be selected based on at least one of (i) detection data received from another system and (ii) the location of the system from which the detection data is received.

[0046] The remote device may also be configured to provide remote updates of firmware, discovery libraries, or configurations to the discovery device 10.

[0047] The UE of the systems described herein may be provided by any device used directly by end users of a wide-area communication network to communicate over the network. The UE may be a portable telephone, laptop computer, or tablet with mobile communication capabilities such as a broadband adapter GSM, 3GPP®, or 4G. The UE may also be any other device, such as a wireless transceiver or a mobile station capable of communicating over any wide-area network. In the context of this disclosure, it will be understood that a wide-area network (or WAN) may comprise systems such as telecommunications networks, including cellular networks. A WAN may also comprise wireless networks, such as private wireless networks maintained by security entities, such as military or security organizations.

[0048] In one embodiment, the adapter is configured to use the projection 40 of the detector sheave pack cover to function as an alignment guide in the X and Y axes, guiding the user to repeatedly perform correct alignment with respect to the signal connector in the Z axis (referred to herein as the first direction) when assembling the adapter and the detection device.

[0049] The adapter may be configured such that a slight resistance is felt when the user deeply inserts the adapter, while the rear snap mating is loaded as it passes the rear edge of the sheave pack cover. A “click” is felt when it is fully inserted, and this serves as a tactile cue for the user.

[0050] In one embodiment, the retaining latch may be pressed deeply from the front of the adapter by the user's finger or thumb. The latch may also be configured to emit a "click" sound when fully pressed.

[0051] The latch and rear snap-fit ​​may together hold the adapter along the Z-axis. The device may be configured such that the process of removing the adapter from the sensing device is the reverse of the mounting process.

[0052] By attaching the adapter in this way and orienting the PCBA parallel to the underside of the detector, the most compact integrated solution may be possible. In one embodiment, the maximum size of the adapter is less than 20 cm, for example, only 17.6 mm.

[0053] The assembly provided by the mounting mechanism can be robust but does not impose a significant size or mass on the user. In one embodiment, the mounting mechanism provides a connection that meets or exceeds the drop and vibration levels of MIL-STD810G.

[0054] Any feature relating to any one of the examples disclosed herein may be combined with any selected feature relating to any of the other examples described herein. For example, a feature of a method may be implemented in appropriately configured hardware, and a particular hardware configuration described herein may be employed in a manner that is implemented using other hardware.

[0055] From the above description, it will be understood that the embodiments shown in the figures are merely illustrative and include features that may be generalized, omitted, or replaced as described herein and in the claims. Referring to the drawings as a whole, it will be understood that the schematic functional block diagrams are used to illustrate the functions of the systems and devices described herein. However, it will be understood that the functions do not need to be divided in this manner and should not be interpreted as suggesting any particular structure of hardware other than those described herein and in the claims. One or more functions of the elements shown in the drawings may be further subdivided and / or distributed throughout the entire device of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the functions of one or more elements shown in the drawings may be integrated into a single functional unit.

[0056] In some examples, the controller's functionality may be provided by a general-purpose processor that can be configured to perform any one of the methods described herein. In some examples, the controller may comprise digital logic such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), or any other suitable hardware. In some examples, one or more memory elements may store data and / or program instructions used to implement the operations described herein. Embodiments of this disclosure provide a tangible non-temporary storage medium containing program instructions that can operate to program a processor to perform any one or more of the methods described and / or claimed herein, and / or to provide a data processing device described and / or claimed herein. The controller may comprise an analog control circuit that provides at least a portion of this control functionality. One embodiment provides an analog control circuit configured to perform any one or more of the methods described herein.

[0057] The embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative examples. Further embodiments are conceivable. Any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features described, or in combination with one or more features of any other embodiment or any combination of any other embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described herein may be adopted without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A communication adapter for a detection device, The aforementioned adapter is The casing and A wireless communication interface is provided in the aforementioned housing, A mounting mechanism that can engage with the detection device so as to detachably attach the housing to the detection device, A signal connector configured to connect to the wired communication interface of the detection device, It has, The signal connector is positioned relative to the mounting mechanism such that it is connected to the wired communication interface of the detection device by engaging the mounting mechanism with the detection device. A communication adapter characterized by the following features.

2. The signal connector is a plug or socket configured to engage with a complementary socket or plug of the wired communication interface of the detector by movement in a first direction, and the mounting mechanism is configured to engage by pushing the housing relative to the detection device in a first direction. The communication adapter according to claim 1.

3. The mounting mechanism is configured to fix the adapter to the detection device in order to prevent relative movement in any direction perpendicular to the first direction. The communication adapter according to claim 2.

4. The aforementioned mounting mechanism is Retaining latch, Equipped with, A communication adapter according to claim 1, 2, or 3.

5. The mounting mechanism is configured to snap-fit ​​to the detection device, and for example, the mounting mechanism is configured to provide audible and / or tactile feedback indicating secure engagement of the adapter with the detection device. A communication adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The mounting mechanism is configured to align the signal connector with the wired communication interface of the detector so that the signal connector and the wired communication interface are installed by pushing the adapter toward the detection device in a first direction. A communication adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The aforementioned enclosure is A recess arranged to accommodate the components of the detection device, Equipped with, For example, the recess is configured such that the signal connector is aligned for connection of the detector to the wired communication interface by installing the component in the recess. A communication adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The housing has a second wired communication interface on its external surface. A communication adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. Covers arranged in the second wired communication interface, Having, The communication adapter according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The aforementioned adapter is A data processor connected to the signal connector that acquires the detection signal from the detection device and configured to provide the detection signal to the wireless communication interface for transmission, Having, A communication adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The data processor is positioned on a PCB installed at the base of the housing, which is aligned with the base of the detection device. The communication adapter according to claim 10.

12. The data processor is configured to convert the detection signal from a first data format associated with the wired communication interface to a second protocol for transmission via the wireless communication interface. The communication adapter according to claim 10 or 11.

13. The data processor is configured to convert the detection signal from a first data format associated with the wired communication interface to a third communication protocol for transmission via a second wired communication interface. A communication adapter according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. The data processor is configured to encrypt the detection signal. The communication adapter according to claim 12 or 13.

15. The communication adapter is configured to acquire the identifier of the detection device via the wired communication interface. A communication adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A communication adapter according to any one of claims 1 to 15, A detection device for detecting the target substance, It has, The detection device is Equipped with a wired communication interface, The system is configured to output data based on the detection signal to the communication adapter via the wired communication interface. A system characterized by the following features.

17. User equipment, i.e., UE having a wide-area communication interface that communicates via a wide-area network, It has, The aforementioned UE is, A UE short-range wireless interface configured to communicate with the wireless communication interface of the communication adapter, Equipped with, The aforementioned UE is, The data based on the detection signal is acquired from the detection device via the UE short-range wireless interface. The system is configured to provide a display of the detection signal to a remote device via the wide area network for transmission. The system according to claim 16.

18. A communication adapter, which is detachably attached to the housing of the detection device, is operated to acquire detection data indicating the presence of the target substance in the detection device from the wired communication interface of the detection device. The aforementioned detection data is provided to the user equipment, i.e., the UE, via a short-range wireless interface. Includes, The UE is configured to provide the detection data to a remote device via a wide area network. A method characterized by the following:

19. When the mounting mechanism of the communication adapter demonstrates secure engagement of the communication adapter with the detection device, a secure connection with the UE is established via the short-range wireless interface. including, The method according to claim 17.

20. Convert the detection signal from a first data format associated with the wired communication interface to a second protocol for transmission to the UE via the short-range wireless interface. including, The method according to claim 18 or 19.

21. To provide the identifier of the detection device to the UE, Includes, For example, the identifier is obtained from the detection device via the wired communication interface. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20.

22. A method for operating user equipment, i.e., UE, The aforementioned method, A secure connection is established with a communication adapter that is detachably attached to the housing of the detection device, such that the mounting mechanism of the communication adapter provides reliable engagement of the communication adapter with the detection device. In order to obtain detection data indicating the presence of the target substance in the detection device from the communication adapter, the UE communicates with the communication adapter via its short-range wireless interface. The aforementioned detection data is provided to a remote device via a wide area network. including, A method characterized by the following:

23. Obtaining the identifier of the detection device from the communication adapter, The identifier is provided to the remote device via the wide area network, Includes, For example, the identifier is provided together with the detection data. The method according to claim 22.

24. The aforementioned detection data is encrypted, The aforementioned method, Decoding the aforementioned detection data, The UE provides a user alert when the detection data indicates the presence of a threat. including, The method according to claim 22 or 23.

25. Program instructions configured to program the processor of a communication adapter to perform the method described in any one of claims 18 to 21, and / or to program the UE to perform the method described in any one of claims 22 to 24, including, A computer program product characterized by the following features.

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