NL2009582C2

NL2009582C2 - Electromagnetic shielding system and method.

Info

Publication number: NL2009582C2
Application number: NL2009582A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Cornelis Dick Kuit
Original assignee: Nl Forensisch Inst
Priority date: 2012-10-08
Filing date: 2012-10-08
Publication date: 2014-04-14
Also published as: WO2014058304A1

Abstract

The invention relates to an electromagnetic shielding system (ESS) comprising: • - a portable container (CO) for receiving an electronic device (ED), wherein said container comprises conductive material for shielding electronic components within the container from incoming electromagnetic radiation; • - a first signal converter (FSC) arranged within the container, said first signal converter being connectable to the electronic device received in the container, wherein the first signal converter is configured to convert an electrical signal into an optical signal; • - a second signal converter (SSC) arranged outside the container, said second signal converter being connectable to a data processing device, wherein the second signal converter is configured to convert an optical signal into an electrical signal; and • - an optical path arranged between the first and second signal converters to transfer the optical signal from the first signal converter to the second signal converter.

Description

P31327NL00/MVE

Title: Electromagnetic shielding system and method

The invention relates to an electromagnetic shielding system and corresponding method which are particularly suitable to be used in forensic investigations.

Electronic devices, e.g. mobile phones, tablets, PDA’s, laptops, etc., may be involved in 5 forensic investigations, in which forensic experts try to obtain useful information from these electronic devices. As such electronic devices are more and more in contact with networks like for instance a phone network, public wireless internet network, etc., the chances of retrieving forensically useful information are reduced as the capability of receiving signals when an electronic device is powered-on may change and/or erase data of interest. It is thus 10 desirable when confiscating electronic devices with network connectivity to block signals from reaching the electronic devices.

In patent publication US 5.594.200, a prior art electromagnetic shielding system is disclosed comprising a container in which electronic devices can be placed, wherein the container 15 comprises conductive material for shielding electronic components within the container from incoming radiation. In order to retrieve the information data needs to be transferred from the electronic device within the container to a data processing device outside the container. The wiring that connects the electronic device and the data processing device may act as an antenna that transmits electromagnetic radiation to the electronic device even though the 20 used connector may be shielded. Further, wiring used for supplying power to the electronic device may also act as an antenna. Hence, information coming from the electronic device cannot be trusted to represent the situation right after confiscating the electronic device.

Another prior art electromagnetic shielding system is disclosed in international patent 25 application WO 2008/134753 A1. In WO 2008/134753 A1 the problem of the wiring acting as an antenna is addressed by providing an emitting device, i.e. a jamming device, in the container that generates electromagnetic noise corrupting any incoming electromagnetic radiation not shielded by the container.

30 However, jamming incoming signals with an emitting device as in WO 2008/134753 A1 is still not satisfactory, especially not when the electromagnetic radiation power used in current and future network systems increases, thereby increasing the chance of electromagnetic -2- signals from reaching the electronic device within the container. Jammers are not reliable, because they are not able to jam properly at all frequencies. Also, the use of jammers is prohibited in some jurisdictions as they may interfere with other systems, e.g. systems used by emergency services.

5

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved electromagnetic shielding system.

This object is achieved by an electromagnetic shielding system according to claim 1, and a 10 method for obtaining data from an electronic device according to claim 14 using such an electromagnetic shielding system.

A main advantage of the first and second signal converters is that there is no electrical wiring extending between the interior and the exterior of the container which may act as an 15 antenna. The chance of electromagnetic radiation entering the container via the data connection is therefore highly reduced.

Another advantage is the portable nature of the container which allows electronic devices to be placed in the container at a crime scene or any other confiscating location. The chance of 20 signals being received by the electronic device after confiscating is therefore highly reduced. The invention is thus not related to so-called screen rooms, which are electromagnetic shielded rigid structures with the size of a room.

In an embodiment, the optical path is formed by optical fibers, e.g. glass fibers.

25

The conductive material for shielding the electronic device in the container from incoming electromagnetic radiation is electrically conductive material of sufficient thickness, so that the electromagnetic radiation is not able to penetrate through the walls of the container. Preferably, the conductive material forms a continuous barrier with a minimum number of 30 openings.

The electromagnetic radiation to be shielded preferably falls within the frequency ranges used for telecommunications and other wireless communication devices and thus may include commonly used radiofrequencies, Bluetooth frequencies and frequencies used for 35 wireless internet communication.

-3-

In an embodiment, the container comprises a housing with an opening and a cover to close off the opening of the housing, wherein the cover is moveable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position.

5 The housing may be in the form of a rectangular box, wherein the opening is provided at a top side of the housing. The cover may be in the form of a lid to close off the opening of the container.

In an embodiment, the cover is attached to the housing via at least one hinge, wherein the 10 at least one hinge defines a pivot axis to allow the cover to be pivoted relative to the housing between the open position and the closed position, and wherein the pivot axis is substantially spaced from the opening.

In an embodiment, the opening of the housing comprises a peripheral edge, wherein a 15 sealing element is provided between the peripheral edge of the housing and the cover to sealingly engage with both the housing and the cover over substantially the entire length of the peripheral edge of the housing when the cover is in the closed position.

Positioning the pivot axis substantially away from the opening may have the advantage that 20 the cover approaches the opening and peripheral edges thereof in such a way that any sealing element present between the peripheral edges of the opening and the cover in the closed position is not weared or damaged during opening and closing of the container, or at least the wear and/or damage is minimized so that the sealing element has a longer technical lifespan and the shielding capabilities do not deteriorate as fast as with a pivot axis 25 positioned closed to the opening. The distance between the pivot axis and the opening is preferably at least 5cm, more preferably at least 10cm, most preferably at least 15cm.

In an embodiment, each corner present in the peripheral edge is rounded. This allows a single sealing element to be provided between the peripheral edge and the cover, which 30 improves the shielding properties of the container and reduces the risk of electromagnetic radiation leaking past the sealing element to inside the container.

In an embodiment, the sealing element is a conductive elastomer, which is easy to clean and provides flexibility to adapt its shape to the peripheral edge of the opening and the 35 cover to form a good seal between the two in the closed position of the cover. Cleaning of the seal is important, because dirt or other particles may cause electromagnetic radiation to leak past the sealing element.

-4-

The container is able to receive an electronic device for analysis, but after closing the opening of the container by the cover for shielding purposes, the container is no longer accessible for operating the electronic device if necessary. To this end, the container may 5 be provided with a further opening which is closed off by a flexible conductive material to maintain the shielding properties, but which allows to manipulate components inside the container through the further opening, e.g. by hand. The flexible conductive material may be provided in the form of a glove.

10 The further opening may comprise an internal flange provided on an internal side of the container and an external flange provided on an external side of the container. This ensures that the shielding properties are kept below a certain level also in case of manipulating components inside the container through the further opening.

15 The flexible conductive material may be provided in the form of a double layer to further increase the shielding capability.

In an embodiment, the further opening is closable by a separate cover. When the further opening is closed off by the separate cover, the shielding properties can be improved when 20 the further opening is not used to manipulate components inside the container, which may be beneficial during transport through an area with a lot of electromagnetic radiation sources.

In an embodiment, the electromagnetic shielding system comprises a camera, preferably a 25 digital video camera, wherein the camera is provided within the container, and wherein an output of the camera is transferred to a data processing device outside the container via the first and second signal converter. The camera is able to provide images from the inside of the container and makes a viewing window in the container superfluous, thereby enhancing the shielding properties. Manipulating components inside the container through a further 30 opening as mentioned above can then be aided by looking at the interior of the container via the camera. Another advantage of the camera may be that the output of the camera may be transferred to another location giving other users, e.g. forensic investigators at another site, a chance to simultaneously analyse the electronic device with users near the container.

35 Electronic devices within the container, such as the camera, the electronic device under analysis, other computer hardware, a light source, the first signal converter, etc., may require a connection to a power source. Although it is possible to provide a power source in -5- the container in the form of a battery, this may not be sufficient when using the shielding system for a long time. A further disadvantage of batteries may be their thermal behaviour, resulting in heated electronics.

5 Hence, in an embodiment the shielding system comprises connecting means to connect electronic devices or components within the container to a power source outside the container, wherein the connecting means comprise a low-pass filter. The low-pass filter is preferably arranged such that high-frequency electromagnetic radiation is not able to get into the container via the connecting means, which means that the low-pass filter is 10 arranged near a wall of the container.

Power sources usually are DC or low-frequency AC power sources, where low-frequency is in the order of 50-60Hz. By filtering the signal above these low-frequencies using the low-pass filter, an electromagnetic signal at a higher frequency is thus not able to penetrate the 15 container via the connecting means.

The low-pass filter and other additional equipment may be TEMPEST approved.

In an embodiment, the container comprises aluminium, preferably the entire container is 20 made of aluminium. Aluminium is a material which is easy to process during manufacturing of the container.

In an embodiment, the container is provided with electromagnetic radiation absorbing material on one or more inner surfaces of the container. This has the advantage that any 25 electromagnetic radiation unintentionally entering the container is absorbed and no standing waves can be formed.

In an embodiment, the container comprises two opposite flat sides that are arranged nonparallel with respect to each other, i.e. they extend non-parallel with respect to each other.

30 The advantage is that no standing waves can be formed between the two opposite flat sides as is the case with a parallel arrangement.

The optical path arranged between the first and second signal converters may also allow the transfer of optical signals from the second signal converter to the first signal converter, 35 thereby allowing two-way communication between the electronic device inside the container and the data processing device.

-6-

In an embodiment, the electronic device may be connected to a data processing device inside the container, so that the first signal converter is indirectly connected to the electronic device and converts electrical signals coming from the data processing device into optical signals. When the optical signals are transferred back into electrical signals by the second 5 signal converter, they may be processed by a further data processing device, e.g. for analysis purposes.

The invention further relates to a method for obtaining data from an electronic device placed within a portable container adapted to shield electronic components within the container 10 from incoming electromagnetic radiation, said method comprising the following steps: a. transmitting a first electrical signal by the electronic device within the container; b. converting the first electrical signal into a corresponding optical signal inside the container by a first signal converter; c. transferring the optical signal to outside the container; 15 d. converting the optical signal into a corresponding second electrical signal outside the container by a second signal converter; and e. providing the second electrical signal to a data processing device.

The invention also relates to a method to shield an electronic device from electromagnetic 20 radiation, comprising the following steps: a. providing a container adapted to shield electronic components within the container from incoming electromagnetic radiation, wherein the container comprises an opening which is closed off by a flexible conductive material allowing to manipulate components inside the container through the opening; 25 b. placing the electronic device inside the container; c. grabbing the electronic device with the flexible conductive material through the opening; d. moving the grabbed electronic device through the opening to outside the container; and 30 e. deforming the flexible conductive material, such that the electronic device is placed in a substantially shielded compartment in which the electronic device is surrounded by flexible conductive material.

For both methods, the container used may be a container as described above for the 35 electromagnetic shielding system.

-7-

The method to shield the electronic device from electromagnetic radiation is very useful when an electronic device has been placed inside the container, for instance at a crime scene, and later on the container needs to be opened. Opening the container increases the risk of signals being received by the electronic device dramatically and in order to reduce 5 this risk, the presence of the flexible conductive material can advantageously be used to temporarily shield the electronic device while the container is open. After closing the container again, the electronic device can be placed back inside the container through the opening.

10 The flexible device is preferably shaped in the form of a glove, which is large enough to allow people with average sized hands to use the gloves and is large enough to receive an electronic device such as a cell phone, PDA or any other handheld device.

Deforming the flexible conductive material to form a substantially shielded compartment may 15 comprise rotating the flexible conductive material about a rotation axis that is mainly normal to the opening that is closed off by the flexible conductive material, so that the portion close to the opening is twisted. Additionally or alternatively, deforming may comprise folding of the flexible conductive material.

20 The invention will now be described in a non-limiting way by reference to the accompanying drawings in which like parts are indicated by like reference symbols and in which:

Fig. 1 schematically depicts an electromagnetic shielding system according to an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 depicts a top view of a container for an electromagnetic shielding system 25 according to another embodiment of the invention, wherein the container is in an open configuration;

Fig. 3 depicts a side view of the container of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 depicts a side view of a container for an electromagnetic shielding system according to a further embodiment of the invention, wherein the container is in a closed 30 configuration;

Fig. 5 depicts a top view of the container of Fig. 4.

Fig. 1 schematically depicts an electromagnetic shielding system ESS according to an embodiment of the invention. The system ESS comprises a portable container CO for 35 receiving an electronic device ED. The container CO comprises conductive material, e.g. aluminium, for shielding electronic components within the container from incoming electromagnetic radiation. The electronic components shielded by the container CO include -8- the electronic device and possibly any other electronic component arranged within the container CO.

The system ESS is especially suitable to be used in forensic investigations. The electronic 5 device ED can be any device, but is usually a cell phone, PDA, tablet computer, or any other handheld electronic device that is capable to transmit and/or receive data using electromagnetic radiation. In fact, the electronic devices that can be placed inside the container are only limited to the ones that fit inside the container.

10 The system ESS further comprises a first signal converter FSC arranged inside the container, said first signal converter FSC being connectable to the electronic device received in the container. The connectability may express itself by a hardware connection using wires for data transmission, but in a less preferred embodiment may also be wireless using WIFI or Bluetooth or any other wireless communication means. The connection may further be 15 direct or indirect which allows the possibility that other electronic devices, data processing devices or components are arranged in between the electronic device ED and the first signal converter FSC from connection point of view. Essential is that electric signals representing data from the electronic device are relayed to the first signal converter. In Fig. 1, the fact that first signal converter FSC and the electronic device ED are connected to each other is 20 indicated by a first data line DL1, which is not necessarily a wire.

The electronic device ED is capable of transmitting a first electrical signal over the first data line DL1 to the first signal converter FSC. The first signal converter in turn is configured to convert the first electrical signal from the electronic device into an optical signal. This optical 25 signal is transferred over a second data line DL2 to a second signal converter SSC arranged outside the container, which second signal converter SSC is part of the system ESS. The second data line DL2 may also represent various ways to relay the optical signal from the first signal converter to the second signal converter and is for instance a glass fiber, but at least provides an optical path between the first and second signal converters to transfer 30 optical signals.

The second signal converter SSC is configured to convert the optical signal from the first signal converter FSC into a second electrical signal, which electrical signal may be transferred to a data processing device DPD via a fourth data line DL4.

35

The main advantage of this system ESS is that the link between the inside of the container and the outside of the container is an optical link, which is not affected by electromagnetic -9- radiation and thus cannot be used to get electromagnetic signals in and out of the container. This improves the shielding properties of the container with respect to systems where the link is an electrical link using a wire which then may act as an antenna.

5 The container may further contain other electronic components, in this case a digital camera CA which enables a user to look inside the container without having to open the container. The use of the camera makes the use of a separate viewing window in the container superfluous. In order to use the digital camera CA, the video signal, and possibly the audio signal as well, needs to be obtained from the camera. In this embodiment, the digital camera 10 CA is connected to the first signal converter FSC as well via third data line DL3, so that an electrical output of the camera CA is also converted to an optical signal and transmitted to the second signal converter to be converted back into an electrical signal for processing, in this case also in data processing device DPD.

15 Although in this embodiment, the camera CA and the electronic device ED share the first and second signal converter, this is not necessary per se, and it is also envisaged that both have their own first and second signal converter while still falling within the scope of the invention.

20 It is preferred that any data communication between the inside and the outside of the container runs via the second data line DL2 using optical signals.

The electronic device ED and/or the camera CA may use their own power supply in the form of a battery, but as shown in Fig. 1 may also be connected to a power source PS external to 25 the container CO. As the connection means used to connect the electronic device ED and the camera CA to the external power source PS potentially allow electromagnetic signals to reach the electronic device, the connection means preferably comprise a low-pass filter LPF located at or near the boundary formed by the container to block electromagnetic signals with a frequency above the normal frequency used by the power source from entering the 30 container via the connection means. The low-pass filter LPF is connected to the power source PS via first power line PL1, and respectively connected to the camera CA and the electronic device ED via second and third power lines PL2, PL3. The first power line PL1 is preferably embodied as an electrical wire, but the second and third power lines PL2 and PL3 may also represent wireless power transfer.

35

Fig. 2 depicts a top view of a container CO for a shielding system according to an embodiment of the invention in an open configuration. Fig. 3 depicts the container of Fig. 2 - 10- in cross-sectional view along line A-A’. The container comprises a housing HO with an opening OP and cover CR to close off the opening OP, wherein the cover CR is moveable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position. In Figs. 2 and 3, the cover is shown in the open position.

5

In the embodiment of Figs. 2 and 3, the cover CR is attached to the housing HO via two hinges HI, wherein the hinges define a pivot axis PA to allow the cover to be pivoted relative to the housing HO between the open and closed positions. The pivot axis PA is provided at a distance D from the opening OP. This distance D is preferably at least 1%, more 10 preferably at least 2% and most preferably at least 5% of the dimension W of the opening OP perpendicular to the pivot axis, such that the pivot axis is substantially spaced from the opening.

The housing HO comprises a peripheral edge PE surrounding the opening and facing 15 towards the cover when the cover is in the closed position. A sealing element SE is provided to sealingly engage with both the housing and the cover over substantially the entire length of the peripheral edge of the housing when the cover is in the closed position. The sealing element SE is provided in a groove GR in the peripheral edge and engages in the closed position with an engaging surface ES of the cover CR. Alternatively, the sealing element 20 may also be received in a corresponding groove of the cover CR. Alternatively, the groove GR and the sealing element SE are provided at the location of the engaging surface of the cover CR and the peripheral edge PE of the housing forms an engaging surface or groove to engage with the sealing element SE.

25 Each corner in the peripheral edge (four corners in this embodiment due to the rectangular shape of the opening OP) is configured such that the recess including the sealing element is rounded. As a result thereof, the sealing element can be made of one piece of string-like material instead of multiple pieces, which reduces the possible leaks through which electromagnetic radiation may be able to reach the electronic device in the container when 30 the container is closed.

Further, the sealing element is preferably a conductive elastomer, which makes it easy to clean while maintaining the shielding properties associated with the sealing element.

35 In Fig. 3 it can be seen that inner surfaces of the housing may be provided with electromagnetic radiation absorbing material layers ML. Hence, any radiation leaking into the - 11 - container is absorbed by these layers ML thereby e.g. preventing that a standing wave is formed between the inner surfaces.

Another measure to prevent a standing wave from forming is to provide two flat opposing 5 inner surfaces which extend non-parallel with respect to each other. In the embodiment of Figs. 2 and 3, this is applied to the top surface TS of the cover CR and the bottom surface BS of the housing HO which oppose each other in the closed position of the cover.

In the closed position, the container may be locked using a lock SL (see Fig. 2 only), which 10 prevents undesired opening of the container.

In Fig. 3, a cap FB is provided where for instance glass fibers may enter or exit the container CO. The cap preferably comprises or is preferably made of conductive material in order to shield the relatively small opening in the housing HO allowing the glass fibers to enter or exit 15 the container. The glass fibers may be used as optical path between a first and second signal converter as described for instance in relation to Fig. 1.

The container may further be provided with one or more further openings which are closed off by a flexible conductive material, preferably in the form of a glove, in order to allow 20 manipulation of objects inside the container through the one or more further openings. Fig. 3 depicts a flange FL which extends inwards and outwards from one of the one or more further openings and thereby aids in shielding the interior of the container from incoming electromagnetic radiation through said further opening.

25 Fig. 2 also shows the use of a gas spring GV in between the cover CR and the housing HO in order to keep the cover in an open position, but also to aid in opening the cover by applying a force between the cover and the housing at least partially compensating the gravitational forces.

30 The hinges HI of Fig. 2 and 3 may be configured to provide a limited pivoting range, such that the cover can only be opened up until a predefined open position and is maintained in that open position. One hinge part may therefore comprise an abutment against which the other hinge part can come to a rest.

35 Fig. 4 depicts schematically a side view of a container CO for a shielding system according to an embodiment of the invention in a closed configuration. The container CO comprises a - 12- housing HO with an opening OP and a cover CR closing off the opening OP. A top view of the housing HO including opening OP is shown in Fig. 5.

The housing HO further comprises two further openings FO, one further opening intended to 5 be used by a left hand and another further opening intended to be used by a right hand. The two further openings FO are closed off by a flexible conductive material CM in the form of a glove, wherein one glove is for a left hand and the other glove is for a right hand. The flexible conductive material thus forms a barrier for electromagnetic radiation and prevents electromagnetic radiation from entering the interior of the container through the further 10 openings. The flexible conductive material in the form of a glove provides the ability to manipulate components inside the container via the further openings. Visual feedback may be provided in the form of a digital camera as discussed in relationship to Fig. 1.

The gloves may be made of a double layer of flexible conductive material. Further, both the 15 internal side as the external side of the further openings are provided with a flange FL further enhancing the shielding properties of the container.

The further openings may also be closed off by a separate cover SC as shown for the left further opening FO in Fig. 5. The left glove in Fig. 5 is shown in a state in which it extends 20 into the interior of the container for manipulation. The right glove is shown in a state in which an electronic device ED is grabbed using the flexible conductive material and moved to outside the rigid walls of the container. By rotating the glove about a rotation axis AX normal to the further opening, the flexible conductive material will twist and form a substantially closed compartment holding the electronic device ED. As a result, the electronic device is 25 shielded from electromagnetic radiation even when the cover of the container is moved to an open position, for instance an open position corresponding to the open position as indicated in Fig. 2 and 3.

Although the shown embodiments combine two or more features of the invention, it is 30 specifically stated here that any combination of features as also indicated in the appended claims is possible depending on the amount of shielding required.

Claims

An electromagnetic shielding system comprising: - a portable holder for receiving an electronic device, the holder comprising a conductive material for shielding electronic components in the holder for incoming electromagnetic radiation; - a first signal converter arranged in the holder, wherein the first signal converter can come into communication with the electronic device received in the holder 10, the first signal converter being adapted to convert an electrical signal into an optical signal; a second signal converter arranged outside the holder, wherein the second signal converter can come into communication with a data processing apparatus, the second signal converter being adapted to convert an optical signal into an electrical signal; and - an optical path arranged between the first and second signal converters to transfer the optical signal from the first signal converter to the second signal converter.

An electromagnetic shielding system according to claim 1, wherein the holder 20 comprises a housing with an opening and a closure to close the opening of the housing, the closure being movable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position.

3. An electromagnetic shielding system according to claim 2, wherein the closure is connected to the housing via at least one hinge, the at least one hinge forming a pivot axis to enable the closure to pivot relative to the housing between the open position and the closed position, and wherein the pivot axis is substantially spaced from the opening.

4. An electromagnetic shielding system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the opening of the housing comprises a peripheral edge, wherein a sealing element is provided between the peripheral edge of the housing and the closure to abut against both the housing and the closure across in substantially the entire length of the peripheral edge of the housing when the closure is in the closed position, and wherein every corner present in the peripheral edge is rounded. 35

An electromagnetic shielding system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the opening of the housing comprises a peripheral edge, wherein a sealing element is provided between the peripheral edge of the housing and the closure to abut against both the housing and the closure over substantially the entire length of the peripheral edge of the housing when the seal is in the closed position, and wherein the sealing element is a conductive elastomer.

An electromagnetic shielding system according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the holder comprises a further opening which is closed by a flexible conductive material, preferably in the form of a glove, which makes it possible to place components in the manipulate the container through the further opening, the further opening comprising an internal flange on an inner side of the holder and an external flange on an outer side of the holder.

An electromagnetic shielding system according to any of claims 2-5, wherein the holder comprises a further opening which is closed by a double layer of flexible conductive material, preferably in the form of a glove, which makes it possible to place components in manipulate the container through the further opening.

8. An electromagnetic screening system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the further opening can also be temporarily closed by a separate closure.

An electromagnetic shielding system according to any of claims 1 to 8, comprising a camera, wherein the camera is placed in the holder, and wherein an output from the camera is transferred to a data processing apparatus outside the holder via the first and second converter .

An electromagnetic shielding system according to any of claims 1 to 9, comprising connection means for connecting electrical components in the holder to an energy source outside the holder, and wherein the connection means comprise a low-pass filter.

11. An electromagnetic shielding system according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the holder comprises aluminum.

An electromagnetic shielding system according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the container is provided with electromagnetic radiation absorbing material on one or more inner surfaces thereof.

13. An electromagnetic shielding system according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the container comprises two opposite flat sides that extend non-parallel to each other.

14. A method for obtaining data from an electronic device that is placed in a portable holder that is adapted to shield electronic components in the holder from incoming electromagnetic radiation, the method comprising: a. Sending a first electrical signal through an electronic device in the holder; -15- b. converting the first electrical signal into a corresponding optical signal in the holder by a first signal converter; c. transmitting the optical signal outside the holder; d. converting the optical signal into a corresponding second electrical signal outside the holder by a second signal converter; e. offering the second electrical signal to a data processing device.

15. A method of shielding an electronic device from electromagnetic radiation, comprising the following steps: a. Providing a holder adapted to shield electronic devices in the holder from incoming electromagnetic radiation, the holder having an opening comprises closed off by a flexible conductive material that makes it possible to manipulate components in the container through the opening; B. placing the electronic device in the holder; c. grasping the electronic device with the flexible conductive material through the opening; d. moving the grasped electronic device through the opening outside the container; 20 e. deforming the flexible conductive material such that the electronic device is placed in a substantially shielded compartment in which the electronic device 25