System consisting of a patch and an antenna unit detachably fastened thereto, an antenna unit, and method for determining an intended vocal utterance of a person

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (100), an antenna unit, and a method (50), the system (100) comprising: a patch (200) to be applied to a skin surface (502); and an antenna unit, which can be detachably fastened to the patch (200) and has one or more antennas (304) which, when the antenna unit (300) is detachably fastened to the patch (200), are designed to emit electromagnetic waves towards the patch (200) in order to couple-in the electromagnetic waves into living tissue (500) through the skin surface (502) when the patch (200) is applied to the skin surface (502), and / or to receive electromagnetic waves from the direction of the patch (200).

Description

[0001] Honor

[0002] System comprising a patch and an antenna unit detachably attachable thereto, antenna unit and method for determining an intended speech utterance of a person

[0003] Various embodiments relate to a system (in other words, an arrangement) comprising a patch and an antenna unit that can be releasably attached to the patch, the patch, the antenna unit, and a method for determining an intended speech utterance of a person.

[0004] For various medical applications, it is necessary to couple and / or decouple radio frequency (RF) energy into a living body (e.g., human or animal). This may require the placement of antennas near the skin surface of the living body.

[0005] One example of such applications is communication with implants or a capsule camera during a colonoscopy. Another example is the diathermic heating of (living) body tissue. Yet another example is near-body radar measurements, such as in the localization of catheters or the characterization of a vocal tract for the purpose of determining an intended speech utterance. The latter is referred to below as an example illustration:

[0006] Vocal tract characterization can be performed for the purpose of determining the subject's intended speech utterance. See, for example, Wagner, Christoph, et al. "Silent Speech Command Word Recognition Using Stepped Frequency Continuous Wave Radar" (2021).

[0007] Technically, the human voice is often described by the so-called source-filter model. The lungs, trachea, and larynx together form the source. The air is compressed in the lungs and flows up through the trachea to the larynx. In the larynx, the vocal folds – colloquially known as the "vocal cords" – form the glottis. The laryngeal muscles keep the vocal folds under tension by exerting force via the arytenoid cartilages. During voiced speech, the pressure in the trachea and the tension of the vocal folds cause them to open and close periodically, creating an acoustic vibration, a sound wave. This sound wave is acoustically filtered by the time-varying shape of the vocal tract, consisting of the pharynx, oral cavity, and nasal cavity, before it exits the mouth and nostrils.

[0008] The production of speech from corresponding speech utterances consists of the process of phonation, technically expressed as the stimulation of an acoustic vibration by the vocal cords, and articulation, i.e., the filtering of the sound spectrum through the temporally changing shape of the vocal tract. The vocal tract is formed by the soft palate, which opens or closes the nasal cavity, the tongue, the upper and lower rows of teeth, and the upper and lower lips.

[0009] To characterize the vocal tract, the changes in electromagnetic waves from a radar measurement through reflection or transmission across a person's vocal tract are exploited. The radar signals can then be processed, for example, using an artificial neural network to determine an intended speech utterance.

[0010] The inventor has realized that when an antenna unit having an adhesive layer for being stuck to the person’s skin surface is used for radar measurement, it is not advisable and / or possible to reuse the antenna unit for hygiene reasons. This is because at least the area in contact with the skin surface should be replaced. Various embodiments relate to a system (in other words, an arrangement) in which an antenna unit can be detachably attached to a plaster. This makes it possible to replace the plaster and reuse the antenna unit. Consequently, this also significantly reduces the costs associated with radar measurement (e.g. due to the multiple use of the antenna unit). In addition to the costs, the multiple use of the antenna unit also reduces the amount of waste generated.In various embodiments, the antenna unit can be mechanically attached to the patch and the patch can be glued to the skin surface, which ensures, for example, stable positioning during radar measurement.

[0011] It shows

[0012] Figures 1A to 1E show a system (in other words an arrangement) comprising a patch and an antenna unit detachably attachable to the patch according to various embodiments;

[0013] Figures 2A to 2I show various aspects of a patch according to various embodiments;

[0014] Figures 3A to 3E show various aspects of an antenna unit according to various embodiments;

[0015] Figures 4A and 4B each show an exemplary use of an aid according to various embodiments;

[0016] Figure 5 shows a method for determining an intended speech utterance of a person according to various embodiments; Figure 6 shows an exemplary arrangement for carrying out a (body-near) radar measurement according to various embodiments; and

[0017] Figure 7 shows a system (in other words an arrangement) with a patch and an antenna unit that can be releasably attached to the patch according to various embodiments.

[0018] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.

[0019] FIG. 1A to FIG. 1E show a system (in other words, an assembly) 100 with a patch 200 and an antenna unit 300 according to various embodiments. FIG. 1A shows an exemplary top view and FIG. 1B shows an exemplary side view or cross-sectional view. It is understood that the figures are not intended to indicate scale or be otherwise limiting, but rather to illustrate various components (e.g., the system 100, the patch 200, and the antenna unit 300), so that the illustrated components may have any suitable size, shape, orientation, etc.

[0020] According to various embodiments, the antenna unit 300 can be detachably fastened to the plaster 200. This can be made possible, for example, by a mechanical holding structure 400. In some embodiments, the system can comprise the mechanical holding structure 400. For example, the mechanical holding structure 400 can comprise or be formed from a (detachable) adhesive, such as a hot melt adhesive. In this case, the antenna unit 300 can be detachably fastened to the plaster 200 by means of the adhesive (e.g., hot melt adhesive) serving as the mechanical holding structure 400. In other embodiments, as shown, for example, in FIG. 1C, the plaster 200 can comprise a mechanical plaster holding structure 202 and the antenna unit 300 can comprise a mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302.In this case, the mechanical patch support structure 202 and the mechanical antenna unit support structure 302 can be matched to form a detachable mechanical connection. Illustratively, the mechanical patch support structure 202 and the mechanical antenna unit support structure 302 can form the mechanical support structure 400. Various aspects of the mechanical support structure 400 (e.g., the mechanical patch support structure 202 and the mechanical antenna unit support structure 302) are described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2A to 3E for the patch 200 and / or the antenna unit 300.

[0021] The patch 200 may, as shown in FIG. 1D, be configured to be releasably attachable to a skin surface 502 of living (e.g., human or animal) tissue (also referred to as body tissue in some aspects) 500.

[0022] A detachable fastening or connection between two elements, as used herein, can be understood to mean that at least one element of the two elements can be detached from the other element without causing damage. For example, if a first element is detachably fastened to a second element, this can be understood to mean that the first element can be detached from the second element without causing damage. This applies regardless of whether the second element is (at least partially) destroyed or also remains non-destructive. Consequently, the expression that a first element is detachably fastened or attachable to a second element can be understood to mean that the first element can be detached from the second element without causing damage. For example, the antenna unit 300 can be detachably fastened to the plaster 200 in such a way that the antenna unit 300 can be detached from the plaster 200 without causing damage.In some embodiments, the patch 200 can also remain non-destructive. In other embodiments, the patch 200 can be at least partially destroyed. Regardless of whether the patch 200 is destroyed or remains non-destructive, it can be a disposable product. Consequently, the antenna unit 300 can be detachably fastened to the patch 200 such that the antenna unit 300 can be detached from the patch 200 non-destructively, regardless of whether the patch 200 is destroyed in the process or not. A non-detachable attachment or connection between two elements, as used herein, can be understood to mean that the two elements cannot be detached from one another non-destructively, i.e. that both elements are at least partially destroyed.

[0023] With reference to FIG. 1E, the antenna unit 300 may be connected to or connectable to a radio frequency cable 600 (e.g., a coaxial cable). In one example, the antenna unit 300 may be non-removably connected to the radio frequency cable 600. In another example, the antenna unit 300 may be removably connectable to the radio frequency cable 600. For example, the antenna unit 300 may have a radio frequency socket that may form a plug-in connection with a radio frequency plug connected to the radio frequency cable 600 (or vice versa) to thereby transmit a radio frequency signal. An exemplary plug-in connection is explained in German patent application DE 10 2022 131 699.8.

[0024] A radio frequency signal, as used herein, can be understood as a signal in the radio frequency range with a frequency greater than or equal to approximately 9 kHz. A radio frequency range from 9 kHz to 300 GHz is defined, for example, by Section 1 of the Twenty-Sixth Ordinance Implementing the Federal Immission Control Act (Ordinance on Electromagnetic Fields - 26. BImSchV) for radio frequencies. However, it is understood that the radio frequency signal described herein can also be a signal with a frequency greater than 300 GHz, even though this frequency range above 300 GHz is not currently regulated.

[0025] The radio-frequency cable 600 can be connected to or connectable to an (e.g., portable) electronics unit 700. The electronics unit 700 can be configured to provide and / or receive a radio-frequency signal to the system 100 by means of the radio-frequency cable 600. A plug connection as described above can additionally or alternatively also be formed between the radio-frequency cable 600 and the electronics unit 700, and / or the radio-frequency cable 600 can comprise a plurality of cables, each of which is connected to one another by means of such a plug connection. Since the plug connection can be removed, it is understood that a system can also comprise only selected ones of these elements.

[0026] The electronics unit 700 can be an electronics unit that can be worn (e.g., by a person, such as a patient). The electronics unit 700 can be configured to generate the radio-frequency signal. The electronics unit 700 can be configured to process one or more received radio-frequency signals (e.g., to digitize and optionally evaluate them). For example, the processing unit can comprise one or more processors. The one or more processors can be configured to evaluate digitized radio-frequency signals. For example, the system 100 can be part of a voice prosthesis, and in this case the evaluation can comprise speech production, for example. An example of this is described in patent application DE 10 2020 110 901 A1. FIGS. 2A to 2I show various aspects of the patch 200 according to various embodiments. The patch 200 can comprise a support structure 204.The carrier structure 204 may have a first side 204A and a second side 204B opposite the first side. The carrier structure 204 may have or be a flexible (e.g., textile or consisting of one or more films) carrier structure. The patch 200 may, for example, be a hydrocolloid patch. For example, the patch 200 may have a cavity at least partially filled with a gel (e.g., hydrocolloid gel), or the patch 200 may consist essentially of a gel (e.g., hydrocolloid). A hydrocolloid patch may, for example, provide biocompatibility. It is understood that the hydrocolloid gel is an example and that the patch may, alternatively, also have or consist of another gel.

[0027] The patch 200 may, for example, as shown in FIG. 2C, include an adhesive layer 206, which may be disposed on (e.g., directly over) the second side 204B of the support structure 204. The adhesive layer 206 may be configured to be releasably attachable to the skin surface 502 of the living tissue 500 (e.g., to thereby releasably attach the patch 200 to the skin surface 502 (e.g., to the cheek and / or neck of the person).

[0028] The patch 200 may, for example, include the mechanical patch support structure 202 (e.g., as part of the mechanical support structure 400), as shown in FIG. 2D. The mechanical patch support structure 202 may be disposed on the first side 204A of the support structure 204 and mechanically connected thereto. The mechanical patch support structure 202 may be configured to be releasably attachable to the mechanical antenna unit support structure 302 of the antenna unit 300. According to various embodiments, the patch 200 may include one or more electrically conductive structures 208. The one or more electrically conductive structures 208 may be disposed on and / or in the support structure 204. For example, the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 may be disposed in the support structure 204, as shown in FIG. 2E. For example, the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 may be as shown in FIG.2F, on the second side 204B of the carrier structure 204 (e.g. between the carrier structure 204 and the adhesive layer 206). In this case, a distance between a surface of a side of the adhesive layer 206 opposite the carrier structure 204 (i.e. a surface by means of which skin contact can be made) and the one or more electrically conductive structures 204 can be less than or equal to 1 mm. In another example, the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 can be arranged on the first side 204A of the carrier structure 204. An exemplary embodiment in this regard is shown in FIG. 2G as a plan view and in FIG. 2H as a cross-sectional view. In this example, the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 can at least partially (e.g. completely) surround the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 arranged on the first side 204A of the carrier structure 204.Illustratively, at least a portion of the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 may be exposed on the first side 204A of the support structure 204.

[0029] As an example, the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 in this case can be part of a bayonet closure, as shown by way of example in FIG. 21. Consequently, the mechanical holding structure 400 can be a bayonet connection which has a first bayonet closure as the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 and an associated second bayonet closure as the mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302. Depending on the design of the plaster 200, the carrier structure 204 and the adhesive layer 206 in this case can either be elliptical (e.g. circular) in order to completely cover an opening 2020 passing through the first bayonet closure (of the mechanical plaster holding structure 202) or can be annular and, for example, only arranged over a surface of the first bayonet closure, so that the opening 2020 also passes through the carrier structure 204 and the adhesive layer 206.The one or more electrically conductive structures 208 can be formed as wires, threads, push buttons, rivets and / or strips and / or can be formed in a planar manner (e.g. as a planar conductor plane) (e.g. deposited, vapor-deposited, etc.). According to various aspects, the through-opening 2020 (e.g. as a hole) can be created by punching during manufacture before the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 are arranged (e.g. before the application of an electrically conductive layer). Optionally, the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 (e.g. the electrically conductive layer) can be cut during manufacture and folded through the through-opening 2020 (e.g. backwards).

[0030] A bayonet lock, as used herein, may also be referred to as a twist lock. Optionally, the bayonet lock portion of the patch 200 may be manufactured using an injection molding process. In this way, a cost-effective patch 200 may be provided.

[0031] According to various aspects, the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 can have a clip closure (can also be referred to as a click closure). In some embodiments, the antenna unit 300 can be shaped such that at least a portion of it can be clicked into the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 of the plaster 200, which is designed as a clip closure. Consequently, in this case, the mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302 can be formed from the shape of the antenna unit 300 itself. In this case, the antenna unit 300 can be clamped into the mechanical plaster holding structure 202, which is designed as a clip closure. Therefore, the clip closure can also be referred to as a clamp connection in this case.In some embodiments, the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 can be designed to be elastic such that a user can elastically deform it at least in sections and thus insert the antenna unit 300 into the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 (e.g. better). For example, the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 can comprise or consist of a flexible plastic (e.g. silicone, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), etc.). Illustratively, the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 can comprise or form a (e.g. TPU) frame structure (wherein the antenna unit 300 can be clicked and / or clamped into the frame structure). In one example, the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 can be designed similarly to a silicone case (as a silicone frame structure) or a TPU case (as a TPU frame structure), as is used as a protective case for smartphones.For example, the mechanical plaster support structure 202 can comprise at least one such silicone or TPU frame structure. In this regard, it has been recognized that such a frame structure (e.g., TPU) can be arranged on a plaster with a corresponding adjustment, and then an antenna unit can be easily attached (e.g., clamped) to it by clicking it in.

[0032] During the manufacture of the patch 200, the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 can be connected to a textile structure (e.g., applied to it or inserted into it (i.e., between two textile layers), for example, by means of a roll-to-roll process (e.g., as aluminum foil). Alternatively, the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 can be produced by means of biocompatible printing.

[0033] According to various embodiments, the patch 200 may comprise or consist of one or more dielectric structures. The one or more dielectric structures may be configured, when the antenna unit 300 is detachably attached to the patch 200 and controlled to emit electromagnetic waves in the direction of the second side of the patch 200, to adapt an impedance (characteristic resistance, characteristic impedance) of these emitted electromagnetic waves. For example, the one or more dielectric structures may have a dielectric constant that substantially corresponds to the dielectric constant of the living (e.g., human or animal) tissue 500. For example, the one or more dielectric structures may have a relative dielectric constant in a range from 8 to approximately 70 (e.g., at a conductance less than or equal to 2 S / m).

[0034] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3E show various aspects of the antenna unit 300 according to various embodiments.

[0035] For the illustrative example described herein of detecting a person's intended speech utterance, the antenna unit 300 may be an antenna unit of a voice prosthesis. For example, the system 100 may be part of a voice prosthesis. In this case, the patch 200 may be applied (e.g., adhered) at least partially to the cheek and / or neck of a patient.

[0036] According to various embodiments, the antenna unit 300 may be configured as described in patent DE 10 2018 115 079 B4. The antenna unit 300 may include the mechanical antenna unit support structure 302.

[0037] In some embodiments, the antenna unit 300, as shown, for example, in FIG. 3B, may have one or more antennas 304 (in some aspects also referred to as antenna elements). The one or more antennas 304 may be configured to emit electromagnetic waves with a main radiation direction in the direction of the mechanical support structure 400 (e.g., the mechanical antenna unit support structure 302) and / or to receive electromagnetic waves from the direction of the mechanical support structure 400 (e.g., the mechanical antenna unit support structure 302). FIG. 3B schematically shows a radiation characteristic 306 of the emission of electromagnetic waves with a main radiation direction 308. This enables emission of the electromagnetic waves in the direction of the plaster 200 in order to radiate the electromagnetic waves through the skin surface 502 of the living tissue 500 into the living tissue 500.For example, the one or more antennas 304 may comprise a transmitting antenna (or multiple transmitting antennas). The transmitting antenna may be configured to emit a provided radio-frequency signal as electromagnetic waves in the direction of the mechanical support structure 400. The one or more antennas 304 may comprise a receiving antenna (or multiple receiving antennas). The receiving antenna may be configured to receive a radio-frequency signal reflected or scattered by one or more objects (e.g., a version of the radio-frequency signal transmitted by the transmitting antenna that is reflected by the one or more objects) (e.g., from the direction of the mechanical support structure 400). The antenna unit 300 may, as shown, for example, in FIG. 3C, alternatively (or additionally) to the one or more antennas 304, comprise an antenna transmission unit 305.The antenna transmission unit 305 may be configured to provide a radio frequency signal to the patch 200 and / or receive a radio frequency signal from the patch 200. This will be explained in more detail below.

[0038] It is understood that when reference is made herein to an "antenna" (e.g., the one or more antennas 304, the transmitting antenna, and / or the receiving antenna), this "antenna" may also be an array antenna comprising a plurality of individual antennas (may also be referred to as individual radiators) coupled together. Furthermore, it is understood that when reference is made herein to transmitting or emitting electromagnetic waves by the one or more antennas 304, this may be performed by the transmitting antenna, and when reference is made herein to receiving electromagnetic waves by the one or more antennas 304, this may be performed by the receiving antenna.

[0039] The antenna unit 300 may include one or more absorber elements 310 (e.g., shown in FIG. 3D as an example for the embodiment in which the antenna unit 300 includes the one or more antennas 304). The one or more absorber elements 310 may, for example, be arranged in layers. The one or more absorber elements 310 may be configured to provide a loss mechanism (e.g., dielectric, galvanic (resistive), or magnetic) for electromagnetic waves.In one example, if, as described herein, the transmitting antenna of the one or more antennas 304 is configured to emit electromagnetic waves, the one or more absorber elements 310 can provide the loss mechanism for these emitted electromagnetic waves, for example, to reduce the radiation in the direction of a side opposite the patch and thus to create an asymmetric radiation characteristic of the electromagnetic waves with a main radiation direction in the direction of the skin surface 502.In another example, if, as described herein, the antenna unit 300 comprises the antenna transmission unit 305 for providing a radio-frequency signal to the one or more electrically conductive structures 308 of the patch 200 so that they can emit electromagnetic waves in accordance with the radio-frequency signal, the one or more absorber elements 310 can provide the loss mechanism for these emitted electromagnetic waves in order to, for example, reduce the radiation in the direction of the side opposite the skin surface and thus create an asymmetric radiation characteristic of the electromagnetic waves. The one or more absorber elements 310 can comprise or consist of at least one metal. The one or more absorber elements 310 can comprise a matrix material in which carbon particles and / or metal particles are embedded.

[0040] The antenna unit 300 can be connected to the radio-frequency cable 600 (as shown, for example, in FIG. 3E by way of example for the embodiment in which the antenna unit 300 has one or more antennas 304). A radio-frequency signal can be provided to the antenna unit 300 by means of the radio-frequency cable 600, for example to emit corresponding electromagnetic waves by means of the transmitting antenna or to transmit the radio-frequency signal to the patch 200 by means of the antenna transmission unit 305. The antenna unit 300 can provide a radio-frequency signal (e.g. received by means of the receiving antenna or provided by the patch 200) to the radio-frequency cable 600.

[0041] The following describes the functionality of system 100. In this context, various aspects of the associated mechanical patch support structure 202 and mechanical antenna unit support structure 302 are also described by way of example. Furthermore, the various possibilities for emitting and transmitting electromagnetic signals are explained.

[0042] As described with reference to FIG. 1B, in some embodiments, the antenna unit 300 can be releasably attached to the patch 200 by means of an adhesive (e.g., hot melt adhesive) as the mechanical holding structure 400. In this case, the antenna unit 300 can have the one or more antennas 304, and the patch can optionally not have the one or more electrically conductive structures 208. In this way, electromagnetic waves can be transmitted toward the patch 200 and / or received from the patch 200 by means of the one or more antennas 304. In the case of the adhesive as the mechanical holding structure 400, in some embodiments the patch 200 can be at least partially destroyed upon non-destructive detachment of the antenna unit 300 from the patch 200.

[0043] In various embodiments, the plaster 200 can have the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 and the antenna unit 300 can have a mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302 associated with the mechanical plaster holding structure 202. The mechanical plaster holding structure 202 and the mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302 can provide a connection mechanism that can be releasably connected to one another. Any suitable type of connection that enables releasable fastening can be used for this purpose. For example, the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 and the mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302 can be releasably connected to one another (e.g. releasably fastened to one another) by means of a clip closure (e.g. with one or more locking lugs or formed as a frame structure made of a flexible plastic (e.g. TPU)).Illustratively, the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 can have a holder with a plaster click structure and the mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302 can have a corresponding click structure which can be clicked into the plaster click structure by means of a click mechanism. In another example, the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 and the mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302 can be detachably connectable to one another (e.g. detachably fastened to one another) by means of a bayonet closure (see, for example, FIG. 21). For example, the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 and the mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302 can be detachably connectable to one another (e.g. detachably fastened to one another) by means of a (e.g. electrically conductive or electrically non-conductive) hook-and-loop fastener.For example, the mechanical patch support structure 202 and the mechanical antenna unit support structure 302 can be releasably connected to one another (e.g., releasably secured to one another) by means of one or more snap fasteners. For example, the mechanical patch support structure 202 and the mechanical antenna unit support structure 302 can be releasably connected to one another (e.g., releasably secured to one another) by means of one or more magnets. Consequently, a magnetic connection can also be understood herein as a mechanically releasable connection. For example, the mechanical patch support structure 202 and the mechanical antenna unit support structure 302 may be releasably connectable to each other (e.g., releasably attachable to each other) by means of a dovetail fastener (it is understood that a dovetail fastener may also be understood as a type of clip fastener).For example, the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 and the mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302 can be detachably connected to one another (e.g., detachably fastened to one another) by means of a gecko foot connection. A gecko foot connection (short: gecko connection) can utilize the so-called gecko foot effect (short: gecko effect). For this purpose, at least one of the holding structures can have a correspondingly structured surface. The exemplary mechanical holding structures mentioned in this paragraph (viz. the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 and the mechanical antenna holding structure 302) enable both the antenna unit 300 and the plaster 200 to be detached from one another non-destructively.

[0044] The system 100 can be configured, when the antenna unit 300 is detachably attached to the plaster 200, to emit electromagnetic waves in the direction of the adhesive layer 206 or to receive them from this direction. For example, the system 100 can be configured (e.g., for radar measurement) to emit electromagnetic waves in the direction of the living tissue 500. In this case, the electromagnetic waves can penetrate the skin surface 502 and penetrate into the living tissue 500 (e.g., penetrate it). Such a radar measurement for determining an intended speech utterance of a person is described by way of example in the method 50 (with reference to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6).

[0045] In some embodiments, the antenna unit 300 may have one or more antennas 304 to transmit and / or receive the electromagnetic waves. In other embodiments, the patch 200 may have one or more electrically conductive structures 208 to transmit and / or receive the electromagnetic waves. In the latter case, the antenna unit 300 may have an antenna transmission unit 305 so that a radio frequency signal can be transmitted from the patch 200 to the antenna unit 300 and / or from the antenna unit 300 to the patch 200. Example transmission mechanisms are explained below: The patch 200 and the antenna unit 300 may be configured such that, when the antenna unit 300 is releasably attached to the patch 200, a radio frequency signal can be transmitted between them.According to various embodiments, the patch 200 and the antenna unit 300 may be configured such that the radio-frequency signal cannot be transmitted between them when the antenna unit 300 is not attached to the patch 200. Various examples of such transmission between the patch 200 and the antenna unit 300 are described below. It is understood that these examples are illustrative and not exhaustive.

[0046] In a first example, the patch 200 may include a patch transmission unit associated with the antenna transmission unit 305. The patch 200 may include corresponding structures for transmitting the high-frequency signal between the patch transmission unit and the one or more electrically conductive structures 208. The patch transmission unit and the antenna transmission unit 305 may be configured to transmit the high-frequency signal by means of a galvanically isolated coupling.

[0047] Galvanic isolation (also referred to as potential separation) can be understood as avoiding electrical conduction between two circuits (e.g. the patch 200 and the antenna unit 300) between which power or signals (e.g. the radio-frequency signal) are to be exchanged. With galvanic isolation, the electrical potentials of these circuits can be separated from one another and the circuits can then be potential-free from one another. It is understood that this separation cannot be eliminated elsewhere, for example via grounding. A "galvanically isolated coupling", as used herein, can be understood as a coupling between patch 200 and antenna unit 300 which, on the one hand, enables transmission of the radio-frequency signal, and on the other hand, there is galvanic isolation between the patch transmission unit and the antenna transmission unit 305.A galvanically isolated coupling is always a non-electrically conductive coupling for direct current / voltage.

[0048] The galvanically isolated coupling can, for example, be a substantially inductively isolated coupling (can also be referred to as inductively isolated coupling), a substantially capacitively isolated coupling, or a combination of inductively and capacitively isolated coupling. One possible embodiment is an aperture coupling. One possible embodiment of an inductively isolated coupling is a split ferrite core. Another embodiment is coupled conductor structures.

[0049] In the case of essentially inductively galvanically isolated coupling, the patch transmission unit and the antenna transmission unit 305 can each have (at least) one coil. The radio-frequency signal can then be transmitted between the coils. The coil can be designed as an air coil or as a coil with a core.

[0050] In the case of the essentially capacitively galvanically isolated coupling, the patch transmission unit and the antenna transmission unit 305 can each form one electrode of (at least) a capacitor.

[0051] In the case of aperture coupling, the patch transmission unit and the antenna transmission unit 305 can each have an opening in a conductive surface. Another metallic conductor, electrically insulated, can be located above the respective conductive surface. The high-frequency signal can be generated in the conductor by the defect in the ground. If the two openings, i.e. the opening of the patch transmission unit and the opening of the antenna transmission unit, lie on top of one another with no or a very small distance to one another, the magnetic field couples through the opening in the conductive surface of the patch transmission unit into the insulated, metallic conductor of the antenna transmission unit (and vice versa). Since the two conductive surfaces with an opening have no electrically conductive contact, there is a potential separation between the patch transmission unit and the antenna transmission unit.The insulation can be achieved, for example, by a thin polymer layer.

[0052] Due to the potential separation, the galvanically isolated coupling of the system 100 described herein can increase the safety of the system 100 itself. For example, the potential separation due to the galvanically isolated coupling protects against electric shock.

[0053] The galvanically isolated coupling can also reduce interference when transmitting the high-frequency signal.

[0054] Since, when the antenna unit 300 is detachably attached to the patch 200, no galvanic contact is formed between the patch transmission unit and antenna transmission unit 305, the service life of the patch 200 and the antenna unit 300 is also increased. For example, abrasion, short circuits / degeneration due to moisture ingress and / or contact corrosion of contact surfaces of the patch transmission unit and the antenna transmission unit 305 are prevented. The respective transmission unit can also be at least partially embedded, whereby influences such as dirt, moisture, mechanical influences, etc. can be reduced. In other examples (e.g., described below), the patch 200 and the antenna unit 300 can be configured to transmit the high-frequency signal by means of a galvanic coupling.Various embodiments relate to an electrically conductive (galvanic) contact between the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 of the patch 200 and the antenna transmission unit 305 when the antenna unit 300 is detachably attached to the patch 200.

[0055] In a second example, the support structure 204 can have a textile structure that is arranged between the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 and the one or more electrically conductive structures 208. The one or more electrically conductive structures 208 can in this case be fixed to the textile structure, for example, as wires, threads, or ribbons, or can be embroidered onto a textile layer. The antenna unit 300 can have electrical conductor structures that can be configured such that, when the antenna unit 300 is detachably attached to the plaster 200, the electrical conductor structures of the antenna unit 300 penetrate the textile structure of the plaster 200 and make electrically conductive contact with the one or more electrically conductive structures 208. The electrical conductor structures of the antenna unit 300 can, for example, be one or more microneedles, one or more microthreads, etc.have or be. In this case, the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 and the mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302 can have any suitable connection mechanism which makes it possible to realize the (protruding) electrical conductor structures of the antenna unit 300 (e.g. the bayonet closure shown in FIG. 21, as long as the opening 2020 is at least partially filled and at least some of the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 are arranged in this area). In some embodiments, a conductor-and-holding structure of the antenna unit 300 can provide both the electrical conductor structures and the mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302. One example of this is curved microneedles which are designed in such a way that they can penetrate the textile structure of the plaster 200 and thus adhere to orhook into it so that the antenna unit 300 is fastened to the plaster 200. At the same time, the curved microneedles can be designed such that, when they penetrate the textile structure of the plaster 200 and are fastened thereto, they make electrically conductive (galvanic) contact with the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 of the plaster 200. For example, the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 can be fixed to the textile structure as wires, threads or bands and the curved microneedles can at least partially penetrate the wires, threads or bands and in doing so establish the electrically conductive contact. In some embodiments, the curved microneedles can be designed such that the curved microneedles penetrate into the textile structure of the plaster 200 as a result of a rotation (e.g. rotation) of the antenna unit 300.penetrate it to thereby attach the antenna unit 300 to the patch 200. In other embodiments, the antenna unit 300 may include an antenna unit activation mechanism configured, upon activation (e.g., by a user, such as a patient), to move the curved microneedles to penetrate the textile structure. It is understood that the curved microneedles are an example of a conductor-and-support structure of the antenna unit 300, which may provide both the electrical conductor structures and the mechanical antenna unit support structure 302, and that other conductor-and-support structures are possible. It is further understood that the antenna unit 300 may have a respective associated antenna unit activation mechanism for a respective mechanical antenna unit support structure 302, which may establish the mechanical attachment to the patch 200.

[0056] In a third example, the antenna transmission unit 305 may include one or more contact pins (e.g., spring contact pins) (e.g., as part of a transmission structure). In this case, at least a portion of the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 may be disposed on the first side 204A of the support structure 204 (see, for example, FIG. 2G and FIG. 2H). Consequently, the portion of the one or more electrically conductive structures may be exposed toward the antenna unit 300. The one or more contact pins of the antenna unit 300 may be configured to physically touch and electrically contact the one or more electrically conductive structures 204 when the antenna unit 300 is releasably attached to the patch 200. In this case, the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 can, for example, be arranged flatly on the carrier structure 204 (e.g.vapor-deposited, glued and / or printed). Here too, the mechanical patch holding structure 202 and the mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302 can have any suitable connection mechanism which enables the one or more contact pins and the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 formed on the surface of the carrier structure 204 to be realized (e.g. the bayonet closure shown in FIG. 21, as long as the opening 2020 is at least partially filled and at least some of the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 are arranged in this area).

[0057] In a fourth example, the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 can have or be a first electrically conductive hook and loop fastener, and the mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302 can have or be a second electrically conductive hook and loop fastener associated with the first electrically conductive hook and loop fastener, which can be releasably fastened to one another by means of a hook and loop fastener (as mechanical holding structure 400). In this case, the antenna transmission unit 305 can be configured to provide the radio-frequency signal to the second electrically conductive hook and loop fastener in order to transmit the radio-frequency signal to the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 by means of the first electrically conductive hook and loop fastener, and / or to receive the radio-frequency signal from the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 by means of the first electrically conductive hook and loop fastener and the second electrically conductive hook and loop fastener.

[0058] Although various examples of a transmission mechanism between the patch transmission unit and the antenna transmission unit and / or exemplary connection mechanisms have been described above, it is understood that the patch 200 and the antenna unit 300 may also have a plurality of such (same and / or different) connection mechanisms and that the patch 200 and the antenna unit 300 may also have a plurality of such (same and / or different) transmission mechanisms.

[0059] It is understood that aspects described with respect to the patch 200 may also characterize corresponding aspects of the antenna unit 300 (or vice versa), so that, for example, a radio frequency signal can be transmitted and / or they can be releasably attached to one another.

[0060] The illustrative example of determining an intended speech utterance described herein may be relevant for patients who are physically limited (e.g., in their fine motor skills) (e.g., due to relatively advanced age, Parkinson's disease, or another illness). In the following, an exemplary device (referred to below as aid 40) is described with reference to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B with regard to its use and application. This aid 40 (may also be referred to as an applicator) can assist a person (e.g., the patient) in applying the patch 200 to the skin surface 502 (e.g., on the cheek and / or neck) and / or the antenna unit 300 to the patch 200 (e.g., make the application possible in the first place).

[0061] The tool 40 may have a coupling structure. The coupling structure may be configured to enable coupling of the tool 40 to the antenna unit 300 in order to releasably fasten the tool 40 to the antenna unit 300 (e.g., a side opposite the mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302) (e.g., in 42A in FIG. 4A or in 42B in FIG. 4B). The coupling between the tool 40 and the antenna unit 300 may, for example, be similar to a connection described herein between the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 and the mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302. The coupling between the tool 40 and the antenna unit 300 may, for example, be a magnetic coupling. Illustratively, the tool 40 may be configured to magnetically hold the antenna unit 300.

[0062] The aid 40 can have a first activation unit. The first activation unit can be configured to releasably attach the antenna unit 300 to the plaster 200 when the activation unit is activated by a user (e.g., in 44A in FIG. 4A or in 44B in FIG. 4B). In one example, the mechanical holding structure 400 can have the hot-melt adhesive, and the first activation unit can be configured to change (e.g., convert) the hot-melt adhesive from a solid state to a viscous state (e.g., by means of current) when the first activation unit is activated, so that the antenna unit 300 can be adhered to the plaster 200.In another example, the antenna unit 300 may have the mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302 and the plaster 200 may have the associated mechanical plaster holding structure 202 and the first activation unit may be configured to establish the connection between the mechanical plaster holding structure 202 and the mechanical antenna unit holding structure 302 (when these are arranged adjacent to one another upon activation). For example, the bayonet connection, the clip closure, etc. may be established upon activation. Illustratively, the system 100 comprising the plaster 200 and the antenna unit 300 detachably attached thereto may be formed by means of the first activation unit. Illustratively, the first activation unit may form the system 100 using current and / or a translational and / or rotational movement.According to various embodiments, the first activation unit of the aid 40 can trigger the antenna unit activation mechanism to releasably attach the antenna unit 300 to the patch 200. For example, in the case of the bent microneedles described herein, the first activation unit of the aid 40 can trigger the antenna unit activation mechanism, whereby the bent microneedles (if the antenna unit 300 is arranged adjacent to (e.g., in contact with) the patch 200) penetrate the textile structure of the patch 200 and releasably attach the antenna unit 300 to the patch 200 (and optionally, depending on the configuration of the patch 200 and the antenna unit 300, further electrically conductively contact the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 of the patch 200).

[0063] In some embodiments (see, for example, FIG. 4A), the aid 40 can then be detached from the system 100 (e.g., at 46A in FIG. 4A). The user (referred to in some aspects as a person, although the user can also be another person assisting the person to whose skin surface 502 the system 100 is to be applied) can then adhere the system 100 to the skin surface 502 (e.g., on the cheek and / or neck) using the adhesive layer 206 of the patch 200 (e.g., at 48A in FIG. 4A).

[0064] In other embodiments (see, for example, FIG. 4B), the aid 40 may comprise a second activation unit. The second activation unit may be configured to assist the user in adhering the patch 200 to the skin surface 502. For example, the adhesive layer 206 of the patch 200 may comprise a hot melt adhesive, and the second activation unit may be configured to change (e.g., convert) the hot melt adhesive from a solid state to a viscous state upon activation of the second activation unit, so that the patch 200 (and the antenna unit 300 releasably attached thereto) can be releasably adhered to the skin surface 502 (e.g., in 46B in FIG. 4B). The aid 40 may then be detached from the system 100 (e.g., in 48B in FIG. 4B). Alternatively to the aid 40 having the second activation unit, another aid may also have the second activation unit.Consequently, in this alternative embodiment, the tool for applying the system 100 to the skin surface 502 can be changed.

[0065] Since the patch 200 is detachably attached, it can then be detached from the skin surface 502 at a later time (e.g., to be replaced). Since the antenna unit 300 is detachably attached to the patch 200, the antenna unit 300 can be detached from the patch 200 at a later time (e.g., to be attached to a new patch). Clearly, the patch 200 can be exchanged (e.g., replaced) in this way, and the antenna unit 300 can be reused. An activation unit, as described herein, can be any type of unit capable of triggering the mechanisms described above. An initial activation can, for example, be triggered by means of a mechanical or electrical push button or touch button. The activation can comprise a triggering of the mechanical support structure 400 following the initial activation (e.g.,heating the hot melt adhesive or mechanical movement (e.g., turning, rotating, and / or linear insertion) of the mechanical antenna unit support structure 302 for connection to the mechanical patch support structure 202 (e.g., rotation of the bayonet lock).

[0066] According to various embodiments, the tool 40 (or another tool) may also be used to remove the antenna unit 300 from the patch 200 (i.e., to release the releasable attachment of the mechanical support structure 400).

[0067] It is understood that the processes described above can be carried out as (e.g. respective) methods.

[0068] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a method 50 for determining an intended speech utterance of a person (e.g., a patient). A near-body radar measurement can be performed here. FIG. 6 shows an exemplary arrangement for performing such a near-body radar measurement.

[0069] The method 50 may include releasably attaching a first antenna unit, which has at least one transmitting antenna, to a first patch (in 52A). The method 50 may include releasably attaching a second antenna unit, which has at least one receiving antenna, to a second patch (in 52B). For example, a first system 100(1) comprising a first patch and a first antenna unit and a second system 100(2) comprising a second patch and a second antenna unit may be formed in this manner.Although the method 50 is described for illustrative purposes for a first antenna unit having a transmitting antenna and a second antenna unit having a receiving antenna, it is understood that the first antenna unit may also include the transmitting unit 305 described herein to transmit a radio frequency signal to the one or more electrically conductive structures 208 and / or that the second antenna unit may include the transmitting unit 305 to receive a radio frequency signal from the one or more electrically conductive structures 208.

[0070] The method 50 may include (in 54A) applying the first patch to a first location on a skin surface of the person (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6, at least partially on a cheek and / or a neck on a left side of the face 802 of a person 800). The method 50 may include (in 54B) applying the second patch to a second location on the skin surface of the person different from the first location (e.g., as shown in FIG. 6, at least partially on a cheek and / or a neck on a right side of the face 804 of the person 800). According to various embodiments, the first antenna unit may be removably attached to the first patch either before the first patch is applied to the first location on the skin surface of the person (e.g., the living tissue 500) or after the first patch is applied to the first location on the skin surface of the person (e.g., the living tissue 500).Accordingly, the second antenna unit may be detachably attached to the second patch either before the second patch is applied to the second location on the skin surface of the person (e.g., the living tissue 500) or after the second patch is applied to the second location on the skin surface of the person (e.g., the living tissue 500).

[0071] According to various embodiments, the first location and the second location may be such (e.g., at least partially opposite each other) that at least a portion of a vocal tract of the person is located between the first location and the second location.

[0072] The method 50 comprises performing a radar measurement (at 56) after applying the first patch and attaching the first antenna unit, and after applying the second patch and attaching the second antenna unit. The radar measurement may comprise transmitting electromagnetic waves into living tissue of the person by means of the transmitting antenna of the first antenna unit and receiving, by the receiving antenna of the second antenna unit, a representation of the electromagnetic waves transmitted by means of the transmitting antenna and penetrating the living tissue. For example, the first system 100(1) may be connected to the (e.g., portable) electronics unit 700 by means of a first radio-frequency cable 600(1). For example, the second system 100(2) may be connected to the (e.g., portable) electronics unit 700 by means of a second radio-frequency cable 600(2).The electronics unit 700 can provide the radio-frequency signal to the first system 100(1) via the first radio-frequency cable 600(1), so that the first system 100(1) can transmit the electromagnetic waves into the living tissue via the transmitting antenna of the first antenna unit. The second.

[0073] System 100(2) can provide the representation of the electromagnetic waves received by the receiving antenna as another high-frequency signal to the electronics unit 700. Clearly, in this way, a transmission measurement (through the living tissue 500 of the person 800) can be carried out. Clearly, according to various embodiments, it may be sufficient if one antenna unit has only a transmitting antenna and another antenna unit has only a receiving antenna. The inventor has recognized that in radar measurements of a person's vocal tract, transmission measurements provide more information than reflection measurements (for example, due to high losses in living tissue), so that transmission measurements can enable a better characterization of the vocal tract.

[0074] The electronics unit 700 may be configured to characterize the vocal tract of the person using the representation of the electromagnetic waves penetrating the living tissue to determine the person's intended speech utterance. Thus, the method 50 may include characterizing the vocal tract of the person using the representation of the electromagnetic waves penetrating the living tissue (in 58) to determine the person's intended speech utterance. It is understood that when reference is made herein to characterization of the vocal tract and / or evaluation of radio frequency signals, these may be performed or carried out by the one or more processors of the electronics unit 700.

[0075] In order to determine a patient's intended speech utterance, it may be necessary to reapply the system 100 to the skin surface 502 every day (e.g., in the morning after the system 100 has been removed overnight). Illustratively, the patch 200 described herein can be a disposable product. The system 100 described herein, for example, is very comfortable because the patch 200 enables a skin-compatible adhesive bond. The patient can carry out this change independently. The antenna unit 300 can be used multiple times (e.g., daily for a week or longer, e.g., a month or longer). The patient can either first removably attach the antenna unit 300 to the patch 200 and then stick it on the cheek / neck, or can first stick the patch 200 on and then removably attach the antenna unit 300 to it. According to various embodiments, the patient can use the aid 40.This can assist the patient in attaching the antenna unit 300 to the patch 200 and, optionally, the patch 200 to the skin surface 502 (e.g., simplifying the attachment process so that it can be performed by multimorbid patients). The aid 40 can, for example, ensure a position and / or orientation of the antenna unit 300 (and optionally of the system 100).

[0076] If the antenna unit is used as a disposable product in a system that is permanently attached to the patch, it may be necessary to keep the complexity of the antenna unit low (due to limited overall system costs). In contrast, the antenna unit 300 can be used multiple times. This makes it possible, for example, to use a more complex antenna unit at the same overall cost, whereby the characterization of the vocal tract can be improved. Furthermore, the antenna unit 300 can, for example, have the absorber elements 310 at the same cost, whereby the radiation of electromagnetic waves into a side of the patch 200 opposite the skin surface 502 is reduced. In this way, for example, legal requirements regarding free-space radiation of electromagnetic waves can be met.

[0077] According to various embodiments, the system 100 described herein is a medical device or can at least be an accessory to a medical device. All surfaces that come into contact with the skin surface can be biocompatible. A further attachment mechanism according to various aspects provides one or more solid-state joints (compliant mechanism).

[0078] For example, a functionality can be implemented that allows different ways of connecting and disconnecting between the patch and the associated electronics.

[0079] Different mechanisms can be provided (e.g. inserting into a clip connector to connect, pressing a button, e.g. with a lever, to release).

[0080] The same mechanisms but different movement sequences can be used.

[0081] Fig. 7 shows an exemplary system 700 with a patch 702 and an antenna unit 704 that can be releasably attached to the patch 702, according to various embodiments. Furthermore, Fig. 7 shows a (e.g., fixed) radio-frequency cable 706 that is coupled to the antenna unit 704. A cable strain relief device 708 is provided at one end of the radio-frequency cable 706, at which the radio-frequency cable 706 is coupled to the antenna unit 704, in order to provide relief from a mechanical load on the radio-frequency cable 706, for example, a strain relief (symbolized in Fig. 7 by a double arrow 710).

[0082] The plaster 702 has a patch 712, on which a plug-receiving unit 714, for example a socket 714, is applied. The socket 714 is horseshoe-shaped and thus has an opening 716 in the insertion / removal direction. The antenna unit 704 can be inserted into the socket 714 through the opening 716 and then fastened therein. The socket 714 has a through-hole 718, into which a locking device 720 of the antenna unit 704 engages and locks when the antenna unit 704 is plugged into the plug-receiving unit 714.

[0083] The locking device 720 of the antenna unit 704 can have a switch 722 that, when the antenna unit 704 is not plugged into the socket 714, is open, so that a battery 724 (as an example of a power supply) is not electrically coupled to the electronic components of the antenna unit 704, and thus the antenna unit 704 is deactivated (turned off). If the antenna unit 704 is plugged into the socket 714, the switch 722 is closed, and thus the battery 724 (as an example of a power supply) is electrically coupled to the electronic components of the antenna unit 704, and thus the antenna unit 704 is activated (turned on).

[0084] Fig. 7 clearly shows a device with a solid-state joint. The locking mechanism is to be clipped in by pushing it in, and to release it, one can pull on the high-frequency cable 706 or the cable-relief device 708.

[0085] Examples illustrating various aspects of the system 100, the patch 200, the antenna unit 300, a device serving as an aid 40, and the method 50 are described below.

[0086] Example 1 is a patch for fastening an antenna unit (for example according to one of examples 19 to 28), the patch comprising: a support structure with a first side and a second side opposite the first side; one or more electrically conductive structures arranged on and / or in the support structure; a mechanical holding structure arranged on the first side of the support structure and connected to the support structure, which is configured to detachably fasten an antenna unit to the support structure; wherein the one or more electrically conductive structures are configured, when the antenna unit is fastened to the support structure, to emit a radio frequency signal provided by the antenna unit to the one or more electrically conductive structures at least in the direction of the second side of the support structure.

[0087] In example 2, the patch according to example 1 can optionally further comprise: a transmission unit which is configured such that, when the antenna unit is attached to the support structure, the radio-frequency signal can be transmitted by means of a galvanically isolated coupling between a transmission unit of the antenna unit and the transmission unit of the patch; wherein the one or more electrically conductive structures are configured to receive the radio-frequency signal from the transmission unit and to transmit it in the direction of the second side of the support structure.

[0088] Example 3 is configured according to Example 2, wherein the galvanically isolated coupling is an inductively galvanically isolated coupling, a capacitively galvanically isolated coupling, or a combination of these (e.g., an aperture coupling).

[0089] Example 4 is a patch according to example 2 or 3, wherein the transmission unit of the patch is configured such that the radio frequency signal cannot be transmitted by means of the galvanically isolated coupling between the transmission unit of the antenna unit and the transmission unit of the patch when the antenna unit is not attached to the support structure.

[0090] Example 5 is configured according to Example 1, wherein the carrier structure comprises a textile structure arranged between the mechanical holding structure and the one or more electrically conductive structures; wherein the textile structure is configured such that, when the antenna unit is attached to the carrier structure, electrical conductor structures (e.g. microneedles, microthreads, etc.) of the antenna unit penetrate the textile structure and make electrically conductive (galvanic) contact with the one or more electrically conductive structures, such that the antenna unit can provide the radio-frequency signal to the one or more electrically conductive structures of the patch by means of the electrical conductor structures.

[0091] Example 6 is configured according to Example 5, wherein the one or more electrically conductive structures are fixed to the textile structure as wires, threads or ribbons or wherein the one or more electrically conductive structures are embroidered onto the textile layer.

[0092] Example 7 is configured according to Example 1, wherein the one or more electrically conductive structures are arranged planarly on and / or in the carrier structure (e.g., vapor-deposited, glued and / or printed).

[0093] Example 8 is configured according to Example 1, wherein at least a portion of the one or more electrically conductive structures is exposed toward the first side of the support structure such that, when the antenna unit is attached to the support structure, contact pins (e.g., spring contact pins) of the antenna unit physically touch and electrically contact the one or more electrically conductive structures.

[0094] Example 9 is a plaster according to any one of examples 1 to 8, wherein the mechanical holding structure of the plaster comprises at least one holding structure from the following list of holding structures: a clip closure (e.g. formed with one or more locking lugs or as a (e.g. silicone or TPU) frame structure), a bayonet closure, a hook and loop closure, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid-state hinge closure and / or an adhesive (e.g. a hot melt adhesive).For example, the mechanical holding structure (400) has a holding mechanism and a different release mechanism, wherein the holding mechanism and the release mechanism are preferably selected from the group comprising or consisting of: a clip closure, a bayonet closure, a hook and loop closure, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid joint closure and / or an adhesive.

[0095] Example 10 is configured according to any one of Examples 1 to

[0096] 9, wherein the mechanical holding structure of the plaster is an electrically conductive hook and loop fastener, so that the antenna unit can be attached to the support structure by forming a hook and loop connection (also referred to as a hook and loop fastener) of the electrically conductive hook and loop fastener of the plaster with an associated electrically conductive hook and loop fastener of the antenna unit; wherein the electrically conductive hook and loop fastener is electrically conductively connected to the one or more electrically conductive structures, so that the antenna unit can provide the radio frequency signal to the one or more electrically conductive structures of the plaster by means of the electrically conductive hook and loop connection.

[0097] Example 11 is configured according to any one of Examples 1 to

[0098] 10 , wherein the carrier structure is a flexible carrier structure ( e . g . textile or one consisting of one or more films ) .

[0099] Example 12 is a patch according to any one of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the one or more electrically conductive structures form a planar conductor plane.

[0100] In Example 13, the patch according to any one of Examples 1 to 12 may optionally further comprise: an adhesive layer arranged on the second side of the carrier structure.

[0101] Example 14 is configured according to any one of Examples 1 to 13, wherein the patch further comprises a gel (e.g., a hydrocolloid gel) arranged in a cavity of the carrier structure; or wherein the carrier structure consists essentially of a gel (e.g., hydrocolloid gel).

[0102] Example 15 is a patch for attaching an antenna unit (for example according to one of the examples), the patch comprising: a support structure which has (or consists of) one or more dielectric structures; a mechanical holding structure connected to the support structure and configured to attach an antenna unit to the support structure; wherein the one or more dielectric structures are configured such that, when the antenna unit is attached to the support structure, they adapt an impedance (characteristic impedance, characteristic impedance) of electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna unit. For example, the one or more dielectric structures can have a dielectric constant that substantially corresponds to the dielectric constant of living (e.g. human or animal) tissue.For example, the one or more dielectric structures may have a relative dielectric constant in a range of 8 to about 70 (e.g., at a conductance less than or equal to 2 S / m).

[0103] Example 16 is configured according to Example 15, wherein the one or more dielectric structures comprise a gel (e.g., a hydrocolloid gel) disposed in the support structure; or wherein the support structure consists essentially of a hydrocolloid that forms the one or more dielectric structures.

[0104] Example 17 is a patch according to example 15 or 16, wherein the carrier structure has a first side and a second side opposite the first side; wherein the mechanical support structure is arranged on the first side of the carrier structure and wherein the patch further comprises an adhesive layer arranged on the second side of the carrier structure.

[0105] Example 18 is configured according to any one of Examples 15 to 17, wherein a distance between a surface of a side of the adhesive layer opposite the carrier structure and the one or more electrically conductive structures is less than or equal to 1 mm.

[0106] Example 19 is an antenna unit, comprising: a mechanical support structure configured to releasably attach the antenna unit to a patch (for example, according to any one of Examples 1 to 18); and an antenna transmission unit configured such that, when the antenna unit is attached to the patch, a radio frequency signal can be transmitted between the antenna unit and one or more electrically conductive structures of the patch.

[0107] Example 20 is configured according to Example 19, wherein the antenna transmission unit of the antenna unit is configured such that, when the antenna unit is attached to the support structure, the radio frequency signal can be transmitted by means of a galvanically isolated coupling between the antenna unit and a transmission unit of the patch.

[0108] Example 21 is configured according to Example 20, wherein the galvanically isolated coupling is an inductively galvanically isolated coupling, a capacitively galvanically isolated coupling, or a combination of these (e.g., an aperture coupling).

[0109] Example 22 is an antenna unit according to example 20 or 21, wherein the antenna transmission unit of the antenna unit is configured such that the radio frequency signal cannot be transmitted by means of the galvanically isolated coupling between the antenna unit and the transmission unit of the patch when the antenna unit is not attached to the patch.

[0110] Example 23 is configured according to Example 19, wherein the antenna transmission unit comprises electrical conductor structures (e.g., microneedles, microthreads, contact pins (e.g., spring contact pins), etc.) configured such that, when the antenna unit is attached to the patch, they (e.g., penetrate a textile structure of the patch and) electrically (galvanically) contact the one or more electrically conductive structures.

[0111] Example 24 is configured according to any one of Examples 19 to 23, wherein the mechanical holding structure of the antenna unit comprises at least one holding structure from the following list of holding structures: a clip closure (e.g., formed with one or more locking lugs or as a (e.g., silicone or TPU) frame structure), a bayonet closure, a hook-and-loop closure, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid-state hinge closure, and / or an adhesive (e.g., a hot-melt adhesive).For example, the mechanical holding structure (400) has a holding mechanism and a different release mechanism, wherein the holding mechanism and the release mechanism are preferably selected from the group comprising or consisting of: a clip closure, a bayonet closure, a hook and loop closure, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid joint closure and / or an adhesive.

[0112] Example 25 is configured according to any one of Examples 19 to 24, wherein the mechanical holding structure of the antenna unit is an electrically conductive hook and loop fastener, such that the antenna unit can be releasably attached to the patch by forming a hook and loop connection (also referred to as a hook and loop fastener) of the electrically conductive hook and loop fastener of the antenna unit with an associated electrically conductive hook and loop fastener of the patch; and wherein the electrically conductive hook and loop fastener of the antenna unit provides at least a portion of the antenna transmission unit, such that the radio frequency signal can be transmitted between the antenna unit and the one or more electrically conductive structures of the patch by means of the electrically conductive hook and loop connection.

[0113] Example 26 is an antenna unit, comprising: a mechanical support structure configured to releasably attach the antenna unit to a patch (for example, according to any one of examples 15 to 18); and an antenna element having one or more antennas configured to: emit electromagnetic waves with a main radiation direction in the direction of the mechanical support structure, and / or receive electromagnetic waves from the direction of the mechanical support structure.

[0114] Example 27 is configured according to Example 26, wherein the one or more antennas of the antenna unit comprise: a transmitting antenna configured to emit the electromagnetic waves in the direction of the mechanical holding structure, and / or a receiving antenna configured to receive the electromagnetic waves from the direction of the mechanical holding structure. Example 28 is configured according to Example 26 or 27, wherein the mechanical holding structure of the antenna unit comprises at least one holding structure from the following list of holding structures: a clip closure (e.g. with one or more locking lugs or designed as a (e.g. silicone or TPU) frame structure), a bayonet closure, a hook and loop closure, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid-state hinge closure and / or an adhesive (e.g. a hot melt adhesive).For example, the mechanical holding structure (400) has a holding mechanism and a different release mechanism, wherein the holding mechanism and the release mechanism are preferably selected from the group comprising or consisting of: a clip closure, a bayonet closure, a hook-and-loop closure, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid-state hinge closure and / or an adhesive.

[0115] Example 29 is a device comprising: a housing; a coupling structure configured such that an antenna unit can be releasably attached to the housing by coupling the coupling structure of the device to a coupling structure of the antenna unit; an activation unit configured such that, when the antenna unit is releasably attached to the housing, the antenna unit can be attached to a patch upon activation of the activation unit by a user (e.g., releasably or non-releasably).

[0116] Example 30 is configured according to Example 29, wherein an adhesive layer comprising a hot melt adhesive is disposed on one side of the antenna unit; and wherein the activation unit is configured such that, when the antenna unit is releasably attached to the housing, the hot melt adhesive is changed from a solid state to a viscous state upon activation of the activation unit by a user, so that the antenna unit can be adhered to the patch.

[0117] Example 31 is configured according to Example 29, wherein the antenna unit comprises a mechanical support structure arranged on one (e.g., exposed) side, which is configured to releasably attach the antenna unit to a patch; wherein the activation unit is configured such that, when the antenna unit is releasably attached to the housing and when the mechanical support structure of the antenna unit is arranged adjacent to a patch, upon activation of the activation unit by a user, the mechanical support structure of the antenna unit couples to the patch to thereby attach the antenna unit to the patch.

[0118] Example 32 is a device according to any one of Examples 29 to 31, wherein the coupling structure of the device is a magnetic coupling structure for magnetically coupling to the coupling structure of the antenna unit (e.g., for magnetically mounting the antenna unit to the device).

[0119] Example 33 is a system comprising: a device according to any one of examples 29 to 32; and an antenna unit according to any one of examples 19 to 28.

[0120] Example 34 is a system comprising: a patch according to any one of Examples 1 to 14; and an antenna unit according to any one of Examples 19 to 25.

[0121] Example 35 is a system comprising: a patch according to any one of examples 15 to 18; and an antenna unit according to any one of examples 26 to 28.

[0122] Example 36 is configured according to example 34 or 35, wherein the antenna unit is detachably attachable (e.g., attached) to the patch and comprises one or more antennas configured to transmit electromagnetic waves toward the patch in order to couple the electromagnetic waves through the skin surface into living tissue and / or to receive them from the patch.

[0123] Example 37 is a system comprising: a patch for application to a skin surface; and an antenna unit detachably attached to the patch having one or more antennas configured to transmit electromagnetic waves toward the patch in order to couple the electromagnetic waves through the skin surface into living tissue, and / or to receive them from the patch.

[0124] Example 38 is configured according to Example 37, wherein the one or more antennas of the antenna unit comprise: a transmitting antenna configured to transmit electromagnetic waves in the direction of the patch, and / or a receiving antenna configured to receive electromagnetic waves from the direction of the patch.

[0125] Example 39 is configured according to Example 38, wherein the one or more antennas comprise the transmitting antenna; and wherein the antenna unit comprises one or more (e.g. arranged in layers) absorber elements configured to provide a (e.g. dielectric, galvanic (resistive) or magnetic) loss mechanism for the electromagnetic field (e.g. near field) of the transmitting antenna, in order to reduce the radiation of electromagnetic waves in the direction of a side opposite the patch and thus to generate an asymmetric radiation characteristic of the electromagnetic waves with a main radiation direction in the direction of the skin surface. Example 40 is configured according to Example 39, wherein the one or more absorber elements comprise (e.g. consist of) at least one metal.

[0126] Example 41 is configured according to Example 40, wherein the one or more absorber elements comprise a matrix material in which carbon particles and / or metal particles are embedded.

[0127] Example 42 is a system according to any one of Examples 37 to 41, wherein the patch comprises a support structure comprising or forming one or more dielectric structures; wherein the one or more dielectric structures are configured to adapt an impedance of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna unit.

[0128] Example 43 is configured according to Example 42, wherein the one or more dielectric structures comprise a gel (e.g., a hydrocolloid gel) disposed in a cavity of the support structure; or wherein the support structure consists essentially of a hydrocolloid.

[0129] Example 44 is a system according to any one of Examples 37 to

[0130] 43, wherein the antenna unit is attached to a first side of the patch; and wherein the patch has an adhesive layer arranged on a second side opposite the first side.

[0131] Example 45 is configured according to any one of Examples 37 to

[0132] 44, wherein the plaster is detachably attached to the antenna unit by means of a clip closure (e.g. by means of one or more locking lugs or designed as a (e.g. silicone or TPU) frame structure), a bayonet closure, a hook and loop fastener, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid-state joint closure and / or an adhesive (e.g. a hot melt adhesive). For example, the mechanical holding structure (400) has a holding mechanism and a different release mechanism, wherein the holding mechanism and the release mechanism are preferably selected from the group comprising or consisting of: a clip closure, a bayonet closure, a hook and loop fastener, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid-state joint closure and / or an adhesive.

[0133] Example 46 is configured according to any one of Examples 37 to 45, wherein the patch is further configured according to any one of Examples 1 to 18; and / or wherein the antenna unit is further configured according to any one of Examples 19 to 28.

[0134] Example 47 is a system comprising: a plaster comprising: a support structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and one or more electrically conductive structures arranged on and / or in the support structure; and an antenna unit detachably fastened to the first side of the support structure of the plaster, wherein the antenna unit is configured to provide a radio frequency signal to the one or more electrically conductive structures; wherein the one or more electrically conductive structures of the plaster are configured to transmit the radio frequency signal provided by the antenna unit at least in the direction of the second side of the support structure.

[0135] Example 48 is configured according to Example 47, wherein the one or more electrically conductive structures of the patch are configured to receive a radio frequency signal reflected from one or more objects and to provide it to the antenna unit. Example 49 is a system according to Example 47 or 48, wherein the one or more electrically conductive structures are arranged on and / or in the carrier structure and are configured such that a radiation of electromagnetic waves in the direction of the second side of the carrier structure is equal to or greater than a radiation of electromagnetic waves in the direction of the first side of the carrier structure; and wherein the antenna unit has one or more (e.g. arranged in layers) absorber elements that are configured to have a (e.g. dielectric, galvanic (resistive) or magnetic) loss mechanism for the electromagnetic field (e.g.near field) of the one or more electrically conductive structures in order to reduce the radiation of electromagnetic waves in the direction of the first side of the carrier structure and thus to generate an asymmetric radiation characteristic of the electromagnetic waves with a main radiation direction in the direction of the second side of the carrier structure.

[0136] Example 50 is configured according to Example 49, wherein the one or more absorber elements comprise (e.g., consist of) at least one metal.

[0137] Example 51 is configured according to Example 50, wherein the one or more absorber elements comprise a matrix material in which carbon particles and / or metal particles are embedded.

[0138] Example 52 is a system according to any one of Examples 47 to

[0139] 51, wherein the patch has an adhesive layer arranged on the second side.

[0140] Example 53 is configured according to any one of Examples 47 to

[0141] 52, wherein the antenna unit is detachably attached to the antenna unit by means of a clip closure (e.g. by means of one or more locking lugs or formed as a (e.g. silicone or TPU) frame structure), a bayonet closure, a hook and loop fastener, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid-state hinge closure and / or an adhesive (e.g. a hot melt adhesive). For example, the mechanical holding structure (400) has a holding mechanism and a different release mechanism, wherein the holding mechanism and the release mechanism are preferably selected from the group comprising or consisting of: a clip closure, a bayonet closure, a hook and loop fastener, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid-state hinge closure and / or an adhesive.

[0142] Example 54 is a system of any one of examples 47 to 53, wherein the antenna unit is configured to provide the radio frequency signal by means of a galvanically isolated coupling to the one or more electrically conductive structures.

[0143] Example 55 is configured according to Example 54, wherein the galvanically isolated coupling is an inductively galvanically isolated coupling, a capacitively galvanically isolated coupling, or a combination thereof (e.g., an aperture coupling).

[0144] Example 56 is a system according to any one of examples 47 to 55, wherein the antenna unit has electrical conductor structures (e.g., microneedles, microthreads, contact pins (e.g., spring contact pins), etc.) that electrically (galvanically) contact the one or more electrically conductive structures (e.g., penetrating a textile structure of the patch); and wherein the antenna unit is configured to provide the radio-frequency signal to the one or more electrically conductive structures of the patch by means of the electrical conductor structures.

[0145] Example 57 is configured according to any one of examples 47 to 43, wherein the antenna unit is attached to the patch by means of an electrically conductive hook-and-loop connection; and wherein the antenna unit is configured to provide the radio-frequency signal to the one or more electrically conductive structures of the patch by means of the electrically conductive hook-and-loop connection.

[0146] Example 58 is a method comprising: releasably attaching an antenna unit to a pavement; (before or after attaching the antenna unit to the pavement) applying the pavement to a surface of an object having a plurality of elements; performing a radar measurement in which the antenna unit radiates a radio frequency signal that at least partially penetrates the pavement.

[0147] Example 59 is configured according to example 58, wherein the patch is attached to the surface of the object prior to attaching the antenna unit to the patch.

[0148] Example 60 is configured according to Example 58, wherein the patch is attached to the surface of the object after attaching the antenna unit to the patch.

[0149] Example 61 is a method comprising: releasably attaching a first antenna unit having at least one transmitting antenna to a first patch; releasably attaching a second antenna unit having at least one receiving antenna to a second patch; applying the first patch to a first location on a skin surface of living tissue; applying the second patch to a second location different from the first location on the skin surface of the living tissue such that at least a portion of the living tissue is disposed between the first location and the second location;after applying the first patch and attaching the first antenna unit and after applying the second patch and attaching the second antenna unit, carrying out a (near-body) radar measurement which comprises transmitting electromagnetic waves into the living tissue by means of the transmitting antenna of the first antenna unit and receiving, by the receiving antenna of the second antenna unit, a representation of the electromagnetic waves transmitted by means of the transmitting antenna and penetrating the living tissue;

[0150] Example 62 is configured according to Example 61, wherein the first antenna unit is detachably attached to the first patch before the first patch is applied to the first location on the skin surface of the living tissue; or wherein the first antenna unit is detachably attached to the first patch after the first patch is applied to the first location on the skin surface of the living tissue.

[0151] Example 63 is a method according to example 61 or 62, wherein the second antenna unit is detachably attached to the second patch before the second patch is applied to the second location on the skin surface of the living tissue; or wherein the second antenna unit is detachably attached to the second patch after the second patch is applied to the second location on the skin surface of the living tissue.

[0152] Example 64 is a system comprising: a patch for application to a skin surface; and an antenna unit releasably attachable to the patch having one or more antennas configured, when the antenna unit is releasably attached to the patch, to emit electromagnetic waves in the direction of the patch, to couple the electromagnetic waves through the skin surface into living tissue when the patch is applied to the skin surface, and / or to receive them from the direction of the patch.

[0153] Example 65 is configured according to Example 64, wherein the one or more antennas of the antenna unit comprise: a transmitting antenna configured, when the antenna unit is detachably attached to the patch, to transmit electromagnetic waves in the direction of the patch, and / or a receiving antenna configured, when the antenna unit is detachably attached to the patch, to receive electromagnetic waves from the direction of the patch.

[0154] Example 66 is configured according to Example 65, wherein the one or more antennas comprise the transmitting antenna; and wherein the antenna unit comprises one or more absorber elements configured to provide a loss mechanism for the electromagnetic field (e.g., near field) of the transmitting antenna, so as to reduce the radiation of electromagnetic waves in the direction of a side opposite the patch and thus to generate an asymmetric radiation characteristic of the electromagnetic waves with a main radiation direction in the direction of the skin surface.

[0155] Example 67 is a system according to any one of examples 64 to 66, wherein the patch comprises a support structure that comprises or forms one or more dielectric structures; and wherein the one or more dielectric structures are configured to adapt an impedance of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna unit.

[0156] Example 68 is configured according to Example 67, wherein the one or more dielectric structures comprise a gel (e.g., hydrocolloid gel) arranged in a cavity of the support structure; or wherein the support structure consists essentially of a hydrocolloid.

[0157] Example 69 is a system according to any one of Examples 64 to

[0158] 68 , wherein the antenna unit is attachable to a first side of the patch ; and wherein the patch has an adhesive layer arranged on a second side opposite the first side .

[0159] Example 70 is configured according to any one of Examples 64 to

[0160] 69, wherein the plaster is detachably attachable to the antenna unit by means of a clip closure, a bayonet closure, a hook and loop fastener, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid-state joint closure and / or an adhesive. For example, the mechanical holding structure (400) has a holding mechanism and a different release mechanism, wherein the holding mechanism and the release mechanism are preferably selected from the group comprising or consisting of: a clip closure, a bayonet closure, a hook and loop fastener, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid-state joint closure and / or an adhesive.

[0161] Example 71 is a system comprising: a patch for application to a skin surface, the patch comprising: a support structure having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and one or more electrically conductive structures arranged on and / or in the support structure;and an antenna unit which can be releasably fastened to the first side of the support structure of the plaster and has an antenna transmission unit which is configured, when the antenna unit is releasably fastened to the support structure of the plaster: to provide a radio-frequency signal to the one or more electrically conductive structures of the plaster, wherein the one or more electrically conductive structures of the plaster are configured to emit the provided radio-frequency signal as electromagnetic waves at least in the direction of the second side of the support structure in order to couple the electromagnetic waves through the skin surface into living tissue when the plaster is applied to the skin surface;and / or to receive a radio frequency signal from the one or more electrically conductive structures of the patch, wherein the one or more electrically conductive structures of the patch are configured to receive electromagnetic waves from the direction of the second side of the support structure and to provide them as the radio frequency signal to the antenna transmission unit.;

[0162] Example 72 is configured according to Example 71, wherein the patch comprises a patch transmission unit configured such that, when the antenna unit is detachably attached to the support structure of the patch, the radio frequency signal can be received by the antenna transmission unit by means of a galvanically isolated coupling.can be transmitted to the antenna transmission unit; or wherein the antenna unit has electrical conductor structures and wherein the support structure of the plaster has a textile structure which is arranged between the first side of the support structure and the one or more electrically conductive structures, wherein the textile structure of the plaster and the electrical conductor structures of the antenna unit are set up such that, when the antenna unit is detachably fastened to the support structure of the plaster, the electrical conductor structures of the antenna unit penetrate the textile structure of the plaster and make electrically conductive contact with the one or more electrically conductive structures, so that the antenna transmission unit transmits the high-frequency signal to the one or more electrically conductive structures of the plaster by means of the electrical conductor structures.can receive from them; or wherein the antenna unit has one or more contact pins and wherein at least a portion of the one or more electrically conductive structures is exposed towards the first side of the support structure such that, when the antenna unit is releasably attached to the support structure of the patch, the contact pins of the antenna unit physically touch and electrically contact the one or more electrically conductive structures.

[0163] Example 73 is a system according to example 71 or 72, wherein the patch is detachably attachable to the antenna unit by means of a clip closure, a bayonet closure, a hook and loop closure, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid hinge closure and / or an adhesive. For example, the mechanical holding structure (400) has a holding mechanism and a different release mechanism, wherein the holding mechanism and the release mechanism are preferably selected from the group comprising or consisting of: a clip closure, a bayonet closure, a hook and loop closure, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid hinge closure and / or an adhesive.

[0164] Example 74 is an antenna unit, comprising: a mechanical support structure configured to releasably attach the antenna unit to a pavement; and an antenna element having one or more antennas configured to: emit electromagnetic waves with a main radiation direction in the direction of the mechanical support structure, and / or to receive electromagnetic waves from the direction of the mechanical support structure.

[0165] Example 75 is configured according to Example 74, wherein the mechanical holding structure of the antenna unit comprises at least one holding structure from the following list of holding structures: a clip closure, a bayonet closure, a hook and loop fastener, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid-state hinge closure, and / or an adhesive. For example, the mechanical holding structure (400) comprises a holding mechanism and a different release mechanism, wherein the holding mechanism and the release mechanism are preferably selected from the group comprising or consisting of: a clip closure, a bayonet closure, a hook and loop fastener, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid-state hinge closure, and / or an adhesive.

[0166] Example 76 is a method for determining an intended speech utterance of a person, comprising: releasably attaching a first antenna unit having at least one transmitting antenna to a first patch; releasably attaching a second antenna unit having at least one receiving antenna to a second patch; applying the first patch to a first location on a skin surface of the person and the second patch to a second location on the skin surface of the person different from the first location such that at least a portion of a vocal tract of the person is disposed between the first location and the second location;after applying the first patch and attaching the first antenna unit, and after applying the second patch and attaching the second antenna unit, performing a radar measurement comprising transmitting electromagnetic waves into living tissue of the person by means of the transmitting antenna of the first antenna unit and receiving, by the receiving antenna of the second antenna unit, a representation of the electromagnetic waves transmitted by the transmitting antenna and penetrating the living tissue; and characterizing the vocal tract of the person using the representation of the electromagnetic waves penetrating the living tissue in order to determine the person's intended speech utterance;

[0167] Example 77 is configured according to Example 76, wherein the first antenna unit is releasably attached to the first patch before the first patch is applied to the first location on the skin surface of the person; or wherein the first antenna unit is releasably attached to the first patch after the first patch is applied to the first location on the skin surface of the person.

[0168] Example 78 is a method according to example 76 or 77, wherein the second antenna unit is releasably attached to the second patch before the second patch is applied to the second location on the skin surface of the person; or wherein the second antenna unit is releasably attached to the second patch after the second patch is applied to the second location on the skin surface of the person.

[0169] Example 79 is a use of the patch according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, the antenna unit according to any one of Examples 19 to 28, 74 or 75, the device according to any one of Examples 29 to 32, or the system according to any one of Examples 33 to 57 or 64 to 73 for near-body radar measurement to determine the intended speech utterance of a person.

Claims

Patent claims 1. System (100) comprising: • a plaster (200) for application on a skin surface (502); and • an antenna unit (300) detachably attachable to the patch (200) having one or more antennas (304) which, when the antenna unit (300) is detachably attached to the patch (200), are configured to emit electromagnetic waves in the direction of the patch (200) in order to couple the electromagnetic waves through the skin surface (502) into living tissue (500) and / or to receive them from the direction of the patch (200) when the patch (200) is applied to the skin surface (502).

2. System (100) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more antennas (304) of the antenna unit (300) comprise: • a transmitting antenna which, when the antenna unit (300) is detachably attached to the patch (200), is arranged to emit electromagnetic waves in the direction of the patch (200), and / or • a receiving antenna configured to receive electromagnetic waves from the direction of the patch (200) when the antenna unit (300) is detachably attached to the patch (200).

3. System (100) according to claim 2, • wherein the one or more antennas (304) comprise the transmitting antenna; and • wherein the antenna unit (300) comprises one or more absorber elements (310) which are configured to provide a loss mechanism for the electromagnetic field of the transmitting antenna, so as to limit the radiation of electromagnetic waves in the direction of a Patch (200) opposite side and thus to produce an asymmetrical radiation characteristic of the electromagnetic waves with a main radiation direction (308) in the direction of the skin surface (502).

4. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 3, • wherein the patch (200) comprises a support structure (204) which comprises or forms one or more dielectric structures; and • wherein the one or more dielectric structures are configured to adapt an impedance of the electromagnetic waves emitted by the antenna unit (300).

5. System (100) according to claim 4, • wherein the one or more dielectric structures comprise a gel arranged in a cavity of the support structure (204); or • wherein the carrier structure (204) consists essentially of a hydrocolloid.

6. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 5, • wherein the antenna unit (300) is attachable to a first side of the patch (200); and • wherein the patch (200) has an adhesive layer (206) arranged on a second side opposite the first side.

7. System (100) according to one of claims 1 to 6, • wherein the patch (200) is detachably attachable to the antenna unit (300) by means of a mechanical holding structure (400), wherein the mechanical holding structure preferably comprises a clip closure, a bayonet closure, a hook and loop closure, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, has a solid-state hinge closure and / or an adhesive; • wherein preferably the mechanical holding structure (400) comprises a holding mechanism and a different release mechanism, wherein the holding mechanism and the release mechanism are preferably selected from the group comprising or consisting of: a clip closure, a Bayonet closure, a Velcro fastener, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid joint closure and / or an adhesive.

8. System (100) comprising: • a plaster (200) for application on a Skin surface (502), wherein the patch (200) comprises: a carrier structure (204) having a first side and a second side opposite the first side, and one or more electrically conductive structures (204) arranged on and / or in the carrier structure (204); and • an antenna unit (300) which can be releasably fastened to the first side of the support structure (204) of the plaster (200) and has an antenna transmission unit (305) which is designed, when the antenna unit (300) is releasably fastened to the support structure (204) of the plaster (200): o to provide a radio-frequency signal to the one or more electrically conductive structures (204) of the plaster (200), wherein the one or more electrically conductive structures (204) of the plaster (200) are designed to transmit the provided radio-frequency signal as electromagnetic waves at least in the direction of the second side of the support structure (204) in order to, when the plaster (200) is on the skin surface (502) is attached, the electromagnetic waves through the skin surface (502) into living tissue (500); and / or o to receive a radio-frequency signal from the one or more electrically conductive structures (204) of the plaster (200), wherein the one or more electrically conductive structures (204) of the plaster (200) are configured to receive electromagnetic waves from the direction of the second side of the support structure (204) and to provide them as the radio-frequency signal to the antenna transmission unit (305).

9. System (100) according to claim 8, • wherein the patch (200) comprises a patch transmission unit which is configured such that, when the antenna unit (300) is detachably attached to the support structure (204) of the patch (200), the radio-frequency signal can be received by the antenna transmission unit (305) and / or transmitted to the antenna transmission unit (305) by means of a galvanically isolated coupling; or • wherein the antenna unit (300) has electrical Conductor structures and wherein the carrier structure (204) of the patch (200) has a textile structure which is arranged between the first side of the carrier structure (204) and the one or more electrically conductive structures (204), wherein the textile structure of the patch (200) and the electrical conductor structures of the antenna unit (300) are arranged such that when the Antenna unit (300) is detachably attached to the support structure (204) of the patch (200), the electrical conductor structures of the antenna unit (300) penetrate the textile structure of the plaster (200) and electrically contact the one or more electrically conductive structures (204) so that the antenna transmission unit (305) can transmit the high-frequency signal to the one or more electrically conductive structures (204) of the plaster (200) by means of the electrical conductor structures and / or receive it from them; or • wherein the antenna unit (300) has one or more contact pins and wherein at least a portion of the one or more electrically conductive structures (204) is exposed towards the first side of the support structure (204) such that, when the antenna unit (300) is releasably attached to the support structure (204) of the patch (200), the contact pins of the antenna unit (300) physically touch and electrically contact the one or more electrically conductive structures (204).

10. System (100) according to claim 8 or 9, • wherein the patch (200) is detachably attachable to the antenna unit (300) by means of a mechanical holding structure (400), wherein the mechanical holding structure preferably comprises a clip closure, a bayonet closure, a hook and loop closure, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid joint closure and / or an adhesive; • wherein preferably the mechanical holding structure (400) comprises a holding mechanism and a different release mechanism, wherein the holding mechanism and the release mechanism are preferably selected from the group comprising or consisting of: a clip closure, a bayonet closure, a Velcro fastener, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail joint, a gecko joint, a solid joint joint and / or an adhesive.

11. Antenna unit (300) comprising: • a mechanical support structure (302) configured to releasably attach the antenna unit (300) to a patch (200); and • an antenna element comprising one or more antennas (304) arranged to: o receive electromagnetic waves having a Main radiation direction in the direction of the mechanical support structure (302), and / or o to receive electromagnetic waves from the direction of the mechanical support structure (302).

12. Antenna unit (300) according to claim 11, • wherein the mechanical holding structure (302) of the antenna unit (300) comprises at least one holding structure from the following list of holding structures: a clip closure, a bayonet closure, a hook and loop closure, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a gecko connection, a dovetail closure, a solid joint closure and / or an adhesive; • wherein preferably the mechanical holding structure (400) comprises a holding mechanism and a different release mechanism, wherein the holding mechanism and the release mechanism are preferably selected from the group comprising or consisting of: a clip closure, a Bayonet closure, a Velcro fastener, one or more snap fasteners, one or more magnets, a dovetail closure, a gecko connection, a solid joint closure and / or an adhesive.

13. A method (50) for determining an intended speech utterance of a person, comprising: • releasably attaching a first antenna unit having at least one transmitting antenna to a first patch (52A); • releasably attaching a second antenna unit having at least one receiving antenna to a second patch (52B); • Applying the first patch to a first location on a skin surface of the person (54A) and the second patch to a second location on the skin surface of the person (54B) different from the first location such that at least a portion of a vocal tract of the person is located between the first location and the second location; • after applying the first patch and attaching the first antenna unit and after applying the second patch and attaching the second antenna unit , carrying out a radar measurement ( 56 ) which comprises transmitting electromagnetic waves by means of the transmitting antenna of the first antenna unit into living tissue ( 500 ) of the person and receiving , by the receiving antenna of the second antenna unit , a representation of the electromagnetic waves transmitted by means of the transmitting antenna and penetrating the living tissue ( 500 ) ; and • Characterizing the vocal tract of the subject using the representation of the electromagnetic waves penetrating the living tissue ( 500 ) to determine the intended speech utterance of the subject ( 58 ).

14. Method (50) according to claim 13, • wherein the first antenna unit is releasably attached to the first patch before the first patch is applied to the first location on the skin surface of the person; or • wherein the first antenna unit is releasably attached to the first Plaster is attached after the first plaster is applied to the first location on the skin surface of the person.

15. Method (50) according to claim 13 or 14, • wherein the second antenna unit is releasably attached to the second patch before the second patch is applied to the second location on the skin surface of the person; or • wherein the second antenna unit is releasably attached to the second patch is attached after the second patch is applied to the second location on the person's skin surface.

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