Method for operating an application system for generating electromagnetic fields by means of low-frequency current pulses, and an application system for carrying out the method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method (1) for operating an application system for generating electromagnetic fields by means of low-frequency current pulses (10) by means of an applicator (5), wherein the applicator (5) can be connected via a communication interface to a control unit (20) for receiving control commands, wherein the applicator (5) generates a plurality of successive current pulses (10) by means of a corresponding control command, wherein the respective current pulse (10) comprises at least a first signal component in the form of a rectangular pulse formed from a carrier frequency, and wherein a current pulse pause (16) is provided between two current pulses (10). The present invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Description

[0001] Method for operating an application system for generating electromagnetic fields by low-frequency current pulses and an application system for carrying out the method

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for operating an application system for generating electromagnetic fields by low-frequency current pulses, in particular for treating body regions, having the features of patent claim 1 and to an application system for carrying out the method having the features of patent claim 14.

[0003] Generic methods for generating electromagnetic fields are known in various forms from the prior art and are used, as intended, to expose body regions of living beings to electromagnetic fields. The generated electromagnetic fields are used in the prior art to influence biological processes in the body regions of the living beings. An example of such a device is known from the document EP 152 963 A1.

[0004] Furthermore, EP 0 594 655 B1 discloses a device comprising a generator producing a low-frequency, pulsed electric current and a transmitting coil connected to it. The electromagnetic fields generated by the coil are used to act on a body region to be treated. The device taught therein is intended to transport ions, and in particular protons, by specifically influencing the ion concentration in any body region in humans and animals. The application systems known from the prior art have proven successful in the past, but there is a desire to further develop this technology in order to improve its effectiveness and handling.

[0005] This is where the present invention comes in.

[0006] Based on this prior art, the present invention has for its object to propose a suitably improved method for generating electromagnetic fields by means of low-frequency current pulses, in particular for treating body regions of living beings, which suitably eliminates disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] This object is achieved by a method having the features of patent claim 1 and an application system for carrying out the method having the features of patent claim 14.

[0008] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are specified in the subclaims.

[0009] The method according to the invention for operating an application system for generating electromagnetic fields by means of low-frequency current pulses by means of an applicator with the features of patent claim 1 is characterized in that the applicator can be connected via a communications interface to a control unit for receiving control commands or control programs. The applicator can implement a corresponding received control command or execute the control program and generate a plurality of successive current pulses and use these to energize a transmitting coil of the applicator. The respective current pulse comprises at least a first signal component whose amplitude is in the form of a rectangular pulse formed from a carrier frequency. Furthermore, a current pulse pause is provided between two current pulses.

[0010] The present invention makes it possible to easily operate an application system that can generate pulsating electromagnetic fields. This is intended to stimulate the autonomic nervous system, which can, in particular, stimulate ion transport in the affected body region.

[0011] The at least one first signal component in the sense of the present invention preferably has an approximately constant amplitude over the time course of the respective current pulse.

[0012] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the current pulses follow a signal pattern. The signal pattern can be generated by changing the amplitude of two consecutive pulses, with the signal pattern preferably being generated, formed, or imposed by modulating the amplitude of the current pulses with a modulation frequency.

[0013] It has also proven advantageous if the current pulses follow a signal pattern. The signal pattern can be generated by changing the frequency of the generated pulses.

[0014] This advanced training is based on the idea of ​​generating pulsating electromagnetic fields which, due to modulation, become more intense and then weaker over time. The preferably sinusoidal, zigzag, crenellated or ramp-shaped signal curve contributes to the amplitude of the current pulses gently rising and falling over time along a complete period, thereby stimulating the autonomic nervous system and achieving particularly effective ion transport in the affected body region. Furthermore, it has been shown that sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the current pulses improves the depth of penetration of the electromagnetic fields into the body region.

[0015] Pulsating electromagnetic fields are used to treat sleep disorders, exhaustion, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, bone fractures, wound healing, improved wound healing, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, prevention and aftercare, and regeneration, particularly in competitive sports. The relevant body region is exposed to the pulsating electromagnetic fields. For this purpose, the applicator mentioned above can be positioned on the body in such a way that the pulsating electromagnetic fields can affect the body region to be treated.

[0016] The applicator has a communications interface for being controlled by a control unit or, preferably, remotely. The control unit therefore makes it possible to control the applicator without having to physically operate it. For example, the applicator can be switched on and off, and a variety of operating parameters (described in detail later) can be remotely adjusted. Furthermore, complete control programs can be transferred to the applicator and stored on a storage medium for later playback.

[0017] According to a development of the present invention, communication between the applicator and the control unit takes place wirelessly or, to put it another way, wirelessly. In particular, it is preferred if communication between the applicator and the control unit takes place via a standardized wireless data connection, such as Bluetooth or WiFi. By choosing such a standardized wireless data connection between the interfaces, on the one hand, a secure wireless data connection can be set up between the two devices and, on the other hand, there are a large number of devices which have a corresponding interface and which are used to communicate with the applicator. The user can therefore use existing devices, such as a laptop, smartphone, PC, smartbook or smartwatch, to control his applicator.A specific control unit can also be used that is designed to operate an application system.

[0018] Furthermore, communication between the applicator and the control unit can be bidirectional.

[0019] In particular, it is preferred if the control unit and the applicator are designed for battery operation. The control unit and / or the applicator can preferably have an internal rechargeable battery and / or a battery compartment for the use of, preferably standardized, battery cells, more preferably rechargeable battery cells. The applicator and / or the control unit can also have a connection, for example for a power bank or the like, wherein the connection can simultaneously be used to charge the batteries in the control unit and / or the applicator. This connection can also be used to load updates, programs, control programs or configurations onto the control unit and / or the applicator.

[0020] Furthermore, according to a preferred development of the invention, the signal curve comprises at least one current pulse sequence which describes at least one complete sinusoidal period. In particular, it has proven advantageous if a current pulse sequence describes several periods, although it should be noted at this point that the number of periods does not necessarily have to be a whole number. Accordingly, a current pulse sequence can last, for example, 3.5 periods. Furthermore, it should be noted that it can also be advantageous if a current pulse sequence comprises half a sinusoidal period.

[0021] According to a preferred development of the present invention, the signal waveform comprises at least one current pulse sequence which describes at least one complete sinusoidal period. In particular, it has proven advantageous if a current pulse sequence describes several periods, although it should be noted at this point that the number of periods does not necessarily have to be a whole number. Accordingly, a current pulse sequence can last, for example, 3.5 periods. Furthermore, it should be noted that it can also be advantageous if a current pulse sequence comprises half a sinusoidal period.

[0022] Furthermore, according to a further development of the present invention, the respective current pulse has a duration of between 0.1 ms and 10 s. It is particularly preferred if the respective current pulse has a duration of approximately 0.5 ms.

[0023] The duration of the corresponding current pulse determines, in particular, a high rate of change of the current in the signal waveform. This prevents the induced voltage pulses from exhibiting any significant phase shift compared to the current pulses. Thus, a continuous induction occurs due to the changing electromagnetic field in the body region.

[0024] A further development of the present invention provides that the complete sinusoidal period comprises at least four, more preferably at least eight, and even more preferably at least twelve current pulses, wherein the current pulse pauses between the individual current pulses can preferably be of equal length. It should be noted here that the number of current pulses per complete sinusoidal period can be increased as desired. The number of current pulses depends, among other things, on the modulation frequency, which determines the duration of a current pulse sequence.

[0025] A further development of the present invention provides that the signal waveform comprises at least three current pulse sequences of approximately equal amplitude. In particular, a current pulse sequence comprising a full period can also be formed by a half-period with a current pulse sequence pause of half a period.

[0026] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the current pulse pause between two current pulses has a duration of between 0.1 ms and 10 s. In particular, it has proven advantageous if the current pulse pause is less than approximately 5 ms. Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the current pulses are generated with a carrier frequency. The carrier frequency is preferably between 100 Hz and 100 kHz.

[0027] A further development of the present invention provides that the duration of current pulses, in conjunction with current pulse pauses, forms a frequency that is tuned to a mechanical resonance in organs, tissues, cell assemblies, or molecules. The mechanical resonance frequency is preferably between 3 Hz and 3 kHz.

[0028] For example, 200 Hz resonates with arterioles, causing them to vibrate slightly. This reduces the friction coefficient of the blood suspension on the endothelium, which can lead to a higher flow velocity, resulting in improved thermoregulation and increased erythrocyte transport to the capillary system.

[0029] According to a further development of the present invention, the stimulation frequency generates a sinusoidal or zigzag-shaped signal waveform. This modulation of the amplitude of the current pulses contributes to the pulses rising and falling gently over a complete period. This stimulates the autonomic nervous system and achieves particularly effective ion transport in the affected body region. Furthermore, it has been shown that sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the current pulses improves the penetration depth of the electromagnetic fields into the body region. The respective current pulse can be formed from a superposition of the first signal component already described and a second signal component, the second signal component being formed from a rising and / or falling current.The first signal component and the second signal component are preferably synchronized and superimposed.

[0030] Furthermore, the second signal component can advantageously be formed from a rising and / or falling current, which can correspond to the form of a linear, exponential function and / or a Fibonacci number sequence.

[0031] At this point, it should be noted that the second signal component can also be described as step-like. The individual steps can, for example, be due to the carrier frequency and can also correspond to a succession of rectangular pulses with increasing and / or decreasing amplitude.

[0032] Due to a high rate of change of the current in the second signal component with the rising and / or falling function, it results that in particular the induced voltage pulses do not show any significant phase shift compared to the current pulses, whereby a continuous induction occurs due to the changing electromagnetic field in the body region.

[0033] Furthermore, it is preferred if, according to a further development, a current pulse sequence pause is provided between two current pulse sequences at regular or irregular intervals, and that the current pulse sequence pause has a duration that is preferably longer than 0.1 ms and preferably shorter than 10 s. During the current pulse sequence pause, the organism is given the opportunity to allow the biochemical-physical processes stimulated by the pulses to take effect.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, all current pulses across at least one current pulse sequence have an amplitude selected such that the current pulses do not exhibit a polarity reversal in the signal path. In other words, the amplitude of a current pulse sequence can be A(t)>0 or, alternatively, A(t)<0.

[0035] In particular, it has proven advantageous if all current pulses over at least one current pulse sequence have an amplitude A > 0 or A < 0. Accordingly, the organism is continuously exposed to current pulses during a current pulse sequence, whereby the charged particles are continuously pushed in one direction.

[0036] A preferred development of the present invention provides that the modulation frequency is between 0.5 Hz and 120 Hz. A particularly preferred development of the present invention provides that the generator can switch between at least two modulation frequencies, wherein the generator can particularly preferably generate the modulation frequencies of approximately 6 Hz, approximately 10 Hz, and approximately 16 Hz. These modulation frequencies are adapted to the autonomic nervous system of a human brain, wherein the modulation frequency of approximately 6 Hz stimulates the autonomic nervous system toward a resting state, and approximately 16 Hz stimulates the autonomic nervous system toward a physically active person. Of particular note here is the third modulation frequency mentioned above of approximately 10 Hz, wherein this modulation frequency corresponds to stimulation of the autonomic nervous system toward a relaxed state.A part of the brain of all living beings, in particular the autonomic nervous system, oscillates in resonance with the modulation frequency and can therefore be particularly well stimulated with the modulation frequency. In particular, it can be advantageous if the - preferably only - modulation frequency or at least one of the previously described at least two changeable modulation frequencies is approximately 2.2 Hz, 7.83 Hz and / or 14.2 Hz. The frequencies mentioned can be harmonic or resonant frequencies of the autonomic nervous system. It should be noted here that "approximately" in this context is understood to mean a tolerance of approximately ±2 Hz. More preferably, the tolerance of the modulation frequency is ±10%.

[0037] A further development of the present invention provides that the respective current pulse has a carrier frequency between 100 Hz and 100 KHz or between 50 MHz and 250 MHz. In particular, it is preferred if the carrier frequency is 150 MHz, which, together with the sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the current pulses, makes it possible to achieve a focused field of action and a deep penetration depth with a high degree of energy transfer. In particular, the combination avoids an undesirable skin effect, in which high-frequency electromagnetic fields only penetrate the surface of the body regions and create undesirable eddy currents there, which can, for example, lead to a heat or pain stimulus.

[0038] According to a further development of the present invention, control commands for setting at least one of the following operating parameters are transmitted via the communication interface: the carrier frequency, the modulation frequency, a duration of the current pulses, a duration of the current pulse pause, the amplitude, and / or a start, stop, or pause of a control program. For example, the control command can change the modulation frequency depending on an input in order to achieve targeted stimulation of the autonomic nervous system according to the user's wishes.

[0039] A further development of the present invention also provides that at least one control parameter can be provided for the control unit, which can influence the amplitude of the current pulses, the modulation frequency, the modulation amplitude, the pause duration, a duration of the current pulse sequence pause and / or a duration of the current pulse sequence or the number of periods per current pulse sequence. The control unit processes the incoming control parameters and can use them to generate corresponding control commands or a control program, which are transmitted to the applicator via the communication interface. Typically, such a control parameter can comprise, for example, biofeedback, a blood pressure monitor, temperature detection, pulse detection or the like, whereby the application system can provide a signal curve of the current pulses adapted to the body.In the simplest case, the control parameter input can be provided by an HMI (human-machine interface) on the control unit. Such an HMI can comprise one or more control elements, which can be implemented mechanically or virtually, via displays, or similar. For example, a tablet PC or a smartphone with software or an app can be used. Such devices typically already have a corresponding communication interface.

[0040] The control parameter input can also comprise a further, preferably wireless, even more preferably standardized wireless, interface configured to allow communication between the control unit and a measuring device. Such a measuring device can be a conventional measuring device, a smart device, and / or a wearable such as a smartwatch. Such devices, in particular wearables, can measure, among other things, temperature, pulse, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, etc.

[0041] A further and second aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the method described above for the treatment of sleep disorders, exhaustion, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, bone fractures, improvement of wound healing, wound healing disorders, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, for prevention, aftercare and / or regeneration, particularly in competitive sports.

[0042] A further and third aspect of the present invention relates to an application system for carrying out the method described above. The applicator of the application system can, in particular, generate low-frequency current pulses and thus energize an applicator with at least one transmitting coil in order to generate the electromagnetic fields.

[0043] Furthermore, it has proven advantageous if the applicator comprises at least one measuring device that can detect the at least one previously described control parameter and transmit it to the device or the control parameter input of the device.

[0044] Furthermore, according to a further development, the device can be used for the treatment of sleep disorders, exhaustion, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, bone fractures, improved wound healing, wound healing, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, prevention and aftercare, regeneration, particularly in competitive sports.

[0045] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0046] Figure 1 shows a schematic and exemplary structure of the application system with a control unit and an applicator which generates electromagnetic fields by means of low-frequency current pulses and a transmitting coil for treating body regions,

[0047] Figure 2 shows idealized current pulses with a current pulse pause in between,

[0048] Figure 3 shows an idealized current pulse sequence with a sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the current pulses, and

[0049] Figure 4 shows two current pulse sequences, with a current pulse sequence pause between the current pulse sequences for the regeneration of the tissue.

[0050] Identical or functionally identical parts or features are identified by the same reference numerals in the following detailed description of the figures. Furthermore, not all identical or functionally identical parts or features are provided with a reference numeral in the figures. Figure 1 shows a preferred and exemplary embodiment of an application system 1. The application system 1 comprises an applicator 3, which can be remotely controlled by a control unit 2.

[0051] The control unit 2 and the applicator 3 each have a communication interface 4, 5 via which the control unit 2 and the applicator 3 can communicate with each other. The communication interface 4, 5 is preferably designed for wireless communication, for example via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and enables wireless unidirectional and / or bidirectional data transmission between the control unit 2 and the applicator 3.

[0052] The applicator 3 further comprises a generator 7 and a transmitting coil 6 for generating low-frequency current pulses 10. The generator 7 generates low-frequency current pulses 10 and supplies the transmitting coil 6 with them. The generator can have a storage medium and / or a data processing device.

[0053] The applicator 3 can also have a voltage source 8, which can be configured, for example, as an internal battery. A battery compartment can also be provided, allowing the use of conventional and replaceable battery cells.

[0054] The control unit 2 can send control commands to the applicator 3. The applicator 3 can receive and implement the control commands from the control unit 2.

[0055] When used as intended, the applicator 3 can be positioned on, under, around and / or adjacent to a body region of a living being, in particular a human being, wherein when the transmitter coil 6 is energized by the generator 7 with the current pulses 10, the transmitter coil 6 of the applicator 3 generates electromagnetic fields which can act on the body region.

[0056] The generator 7 can also be referred to as a signal generator and can generate a plurality of current pulses 10, which are illustrated as an amplitude-time diagram in Figure 2. The amplitude A is plotted as current I on the abscissa, and the time t on the ordinate.

[0057] The generator 7 may comprise one or more oscillators for generating a carrier frequency as well as one or more RF preamplifiers and main amplifiers configured to generate the current pulses 10.

[0058] Typically, the generator 7 comprises an oscillator for generating the carrier frequency and an oscillator for generating the modulation frequency. Furthermore, the generator 7 can comprise a signal generator and / or an amplitude regulator, as well as a high-frequency preamplifier and / or a high-frequency main amplifier.

[0059] The respective current pulse 10 has, as shown in Figure 2, a duration t1. Between two current pulses 10 there is a current pulse pause 16. The current pulse pause 16 has a duration t2. The duration t1 of the current pulses 10 can be longer than the duration t2 of the current pulse pauses 16. The ratio between t1 and t2 is preferably approximately 3:2.

[0060] The respective current pulse 10 has a carrier frequency between 100 Hz and 100 kHz, alternatively between 50 MHz and 250 MHz, with the carrier frequency preferably being approximately 150 MHz. Together with the sinusoidal amplitude modulation of the current pulses 10, a particularly focused field of action and a deep penetration depth with a high degree of energy transmission in the body region can be achieved.

[0061] The device 1 generates the current pulses 10 at a low frequency. According to the present invention, "low frequency" is understood to mean a frequency at which the current pulses 10 are generated, which is preferably between 100 Hz and 1000 Hz.

[0062] The respective current pulse 10 preferably has a duration between 0.1 ms and 10 s and has at least a first signal component which is designed as a rectangular current pulse.

[0063] Preferably, the respective current pulse 10 can be formed from a superposition of a first signal component and at least one second signal component, wherein the first signal component is a rectangular current pulse 10 and the second signal component is a current which increases linearly or exponentially over time or (not shown) decreases.

[0064] A plurality of current pulses 10 forms a signal curve, which is shown, for example, in Figures 3 and 4.

[0065] In particular, it can be seen from Figure 3 that the current pulses 10 are amplitude-modulated in a sinusoidal manner, after which the amplitude A of the current pulses 10 increases and decreases over time in a sinusoidal curve. In Figures 2 and 3, the sinusoidal curve results from the imaginary connections between the maximum amplitude A of the respective current pulse 10.

[0066] In the illustrated embodiment, the first signal component is amplitude modulated, while the second signal component remains constant.

[0067] According to an alternative embodiment not shown, the first signal component can be kept constant, while the second signal component is amplitude modulated.

[0068] According to a further alternative and not shown embodiment, the first signal component and the second signal component can be amplitude-modulated, wherein more preferably both signal components are equally amplitude-modulated.

[0069] The amplitudes A in the signal waveform S are modulated such that the current pulses do not exhibit a polarity reversal. In other words, the amplitude A during a current pulse 10 is > 0 at any time. In particular, it is preferred if the amplitude A is > 0 at any time. In this case, the first signal component is also always > 0.

[0070] The amplitude modulation occurs at a modulation frequency of 0.5 to 120 Hz, with the modulation frequency preferably being selectable. For this purpose, as shown in Figure 1, the device 1 can have at least one control parameter input 8, which in the simplest case can be formed by a switch that allows selection of the modulation frequency. Such a switch can, for example, be a rotary or slide control that can be set to any value between 0.5 Hz and 120 Hz, preferably continuously.

[0071] Between the current pulses 10 in the so-called current pulse pause 16, a base current (not shown) can be output by the generator, wherein the base current is several times smaller than the first signal component. The base current is preferably a maximum of 30%, preferably 20%, and even more preferably approximately 10% of the current of the first signal component.

[0072] The generator 7 outputs a current pulse train 11, which is formed from a plurality of current pulses 10, and the current pulse train 11 describes at least three complete sinusoidal periods with the same amplitude. Preferably, each complete period comprises approximately at least four current pulses 10.

[0073] At this point, it should be noted that the current pulse sequence 11 has at least three complete periods of equal amplitude, but the number of periods does not have to be an integer. However, it is preferred if each period begins with a local minimum of the amplitude A and ends with a local minimum of the amplitude.

[0074] As can be seen in particular from Figure 4, the current pulse trains 11 are interrupted by a current pulse train pause 12, wherein a preferred embodiment of the signal curve provides that the current pulse train has a length of approximately 0.1 ms to approximately 10 s. A current pulse train pause can be provided between each two current pulse trains, wherein the current pulse train pause 12 is preferably shorter than the current pulse train. Preferably, all current pulse trains last the same length. The current pulses 10 are transmitted from the generator 7 to the transmitting coil 8 via the electrical connections, and the transmitting coil 8 generates electromagnetic fields with which the body regions of a living being can be exposed.

[0075] The transmitting coil 8 can be of any desired design or, as shown in Figure 1, can comprise a flat coil. It is particularly preferred if the transmitting coil 8 is an air coil. It is particularly preferred if the transmitting coil 8 has a particularly low inherent inductance. For example, the transmitting coil 6 can be a copper coil.

[0076] The control unit 2 can send control commands to the applicator 3. The applicator 3 can receive and implement the control commands from the control unit 2. The control unit 2 can, among other things, transmit control commands for setting the working parameters such as the amplitude A of the current pulses 10, the modulation frequency, the modulation amplitude, the pause duration 11, the duration t4 of the current pulse train pause 11 and / or the duration t3 of the current pulse train 11 or the number of periods 15 to the applicator 3. The control commands can also specify the shape of the signal curve, for example whether the modulation of the amplitude A is sinusoidal, zigzag, crenellated or ramp-shaped, linearly increasing or decreasing, etc. It is also possible to switch the applicator 3 on and / or off and / or to put the applicator 3 into a sleep state or to wake the applicator 3 from the sleep state.

[0077] The control unit 2 can be designed in the manner of a remote control and can, for example, be a handheld device, i.e., a portable electronic device that can be powered by rechargeable batteries or batteries. The control unit 2 can, for example, comprise a user interface or HMI.

[0078] For example, the control unit 2 can be formed by a preferably mobile terminal device, such as a smartphone, tablet PC, laptop, or similar, with software or an app installed on the terminal device. The software or app can interpret user inputs on the user interface or HMI and generate control commands that are transmitted to the applicator 3 via the communication interfaces 4, 5.

[0079] The applicator 3 receives these control commands and implements them accordingly. In one exemplary embodiment, the control command can, for example, activate, pause, or cancel a control program stored on the applicator 3. Multiple control programs can be stored on the applicator 3, in particular on the storage medium, wherein the corresponding program can be started and / or stopped by a control command received from the applicator 3. The respective control program contains, in particular, a signal-time curve which, in particular, comprises a temporal sequence of a plurality of current pulse sequences.

[0080] Such a control program can also be created or calculated by the applicator 3. For example, a plurality of control parameters can be specified by the control unit 2, from which the applicator 3, in particular the data processing device, creates a control program and stores it, for example, on the storage medium. This control program can, for example, be read out by the control unit and, for example, shared with other users or application systems. For example, the control unit 2 can specify the frequency (e.g. 7.83 Hz), amplitude (from / to), current pulse shape (e-function, crenellated, etc.) and duration (16 minutes). The applicator control calculates the signal-time curve from this and can save this as a control program.

[0081] Communication between the communication interfaces 4, 5 can be bidirectional. The applicator 3 can transmit, for example, status information to the control unit 2. Such status information can be, for example, the charge state of the power source 8 and / or the operating parameters.

[0082] Instead of or in addition to the previously described embodiment, the control unit 2 can have at least one user interface and a control parameter input (not shown) through which control parameters such as blood pressure, body temperature, pulse, blood sugar level, etc. can be received. Depending on the measured control parameter, the amplitude A of the current pulses 10, the duration t1, the duration t2, the modulation frequency, the modulation amplitude, a duration t4 of the current pulse sequence pause 12 and / or a duration t3 of the current pulse sequence 11 or the number of periods of a current pulse sequence 11 can be set. For example, the control parameter input can comprise a standardized interface that can be connected to a corresponding at least one measuring device or a smart device, such as a wearable, in particular a smart watch, wherein the values ​​recorded by the measuring device are processed by the control unit 2.

[0083] In addition to or as an alternative to the at least one measuring device already mentioned, a measuring device can also be provided in the applicator 3. The measuring device in the applicator 3 can be formed, for example, by a receiving coil that detects the bioreaction of the body region to be treated. This data can be transmitted from the applicator 3 to the control unit 2 via communication interfaces 4, 5.

[0084] In the treatment and therapy of body regions of living beings, such as humans and / or animals, the generated electrometric field can be used to treat sleep disorders, exhaustion, stress, burnout, pain, degenerative diseases, inflammation, bone fractures, wound healing, circulatory disorders, metabolic disorders, prevention, aftercare and / or regeneration, particularly in competitive sports, although this list is not exhaustive.

[0085] Reference symbol list

[0086] 1 device

[0087] 2 App likat ions system

[0088] 3 Generator

[0089] 5 Applicator

[0090] 6 transmitting coil

[0091] 8 Control parameter input

[0092] 10 current pulses

[0093] 11 Current pulse sequence

[0094] 12 current pulse sequence pause

[0095] 15 period

[0096] 16 Current pulse pause tl duration of 10 t2 duration of 16 t3 duration of 11 t4 duration of 12

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method (1) for operating an application system for generating electromagnetic fields by low-frequency current pulses (10) by means of an applicator (5), - wherein the applicator (5) is connected to a control unit via a wireless communication interface (20) can be connected to receive control commands, - wherein the applicator (5) generates a plurality of successive current pulses (10) by means of a corresponding control command and energizes a transmitting coil (6) therewith, - wherein the respective current pulse (10) comprises at least a first signal component in the form of a rectangular pulse formed from a carrier frequency, and - wherein a current pulse pause (16) is provided between two current pulses (10).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the successive current pulses (10) have a signal waveform which is preferably generated by modulating the amplitude of the current pulses (10) with a modulation frequency.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the modulation frequency produces a sinusoidal, zigzag, crenellated or ramped signal waveform.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the respective current pulse (10) is formed from a superposition of the first signal component and a second signal component, wherein the second signal component is formed from a rising or falling current.

5. Method according to claim 4, characterized in that the second signal component from a rising or falling current can correspond to the form of a linear, exponential function or a Fibonacci number sequence.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a current pulse sequence pause (12) is provided between two current pulse sequences (11), and that the current pulse sequence pause (12) has a pause duration (t4) of 0.1 ms to 10 s.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all current pulses (10) have an amplitude (A) which is selected such that the current pulses (10) do not have a change in polarity in the signal curve.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the duration (tl) of a current pulse (10) together with the duration (t2) of a current pulse pause (16) over the duration of at least one current pulse train (11) has a frequency between 3 Hz and 3 KHz.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one control parameter for setting at least one of the carrier frequency, the modulation frequency, a duration (t2) of the current pulses, a duration (t1) of the current pulse pause (16), the amplitude, the shape of the second signal component, a time duration, a start time and / or a start date is transmitted via the communication interface.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control parameter input is provided, and that at least one control parameter can be provided via the control parameter input, which control parameter influences the amplitude A of the current pulses (10), the modulation frequency, the modulation amplitude, the pause duration (11), a duration (t4) of the current pulse train pause (11) and / or a duration (t3) of the current pulse train (11) or number of periods (15).

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication interface is a standardized Bluetooth or Wi-Fi interface.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (20) is a personal, preferably mobile, terminal.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control unit (20) and / or the applicator (5) are designed for battery operation.

14. Application system (1) for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 13.

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