Device for performing high-frequency electrotherapy, and method for determining an appropriate carrier frequency.

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus 2 for performing high-frequency electrotherapy and a method for determining an appropriate carrier frequency. The apparatus 2 according to the present invention has two electrodes 22 or alternative skin contact elements that couple a high-frequency signal to a body 100. The high-frequency signal is generated and transmitted using a transmitter and / or modulator 18. Low-impedance signal generators 6, 16 are designed to generate a high-frequency carrier frequency, and a signal generator 4 is designed to generate a therapeutic frequency. The modulator 18 generates a high-frequency signal by amplitude modulating the high-frequency carrier frequency with the therapeutic frequency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing high-frequency electrotherapy and a method for specifying an appropriate carrier frequency.

Background Art

[0002] Devices for generating electrical, magnetic, and / or electromagnetic signals for treating the human body are, in practical applications, particularly known in the form of electrical stimulation devices. Such devices can often operate at various frequencies. The success of the application of these devices often depends on whether an appropriate treatment frequency is determined and applied (for each individual case situation). For this purpose, in many cases, an expert with appropriate experience is visited, and the expert determines and applies or recommends the application of an appropriate treatment frequency based on their experience and considering the situation of each individual case. In particular, reference is made to devices known in practice and sold under the trademarks "Timewaver" and "Healy" in various embodiments. In this regard, merely by way of example, reference is made to the products "Timewaver Frequency", "Timewaver Home", and "Healy". The present invention relates particularly to improvements related to these products and products equivalent thereto. Therefore, in this specification, all technical features of the above-mentioned products are explicitly referred to, particularly features implemented identically or similarly in all of the above-mentioned products.

[0003] A system for controlling stimulation pulses during stimulation of a user is known from Patent Document 1. This system includes at least one sensor, at least one data processing unit, and at least one pulse unit. Here, a very large number of different types are listed as appropriate sensors, among which near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) sensors are mentioned. In this system, the data processing unit is configured to compare the value measured by the sensor with a threshold value and, when the measured value and the threshold value are in a predefined relationship with each other, generate a control signal in the pulse unit.

[0004] Patent Document 2 provides a known bioresonance therapy device having an electrical circuit for recording body-specific or substance-specific input signals using a receiving antenna or receiving electrode, and supplying electromagnetic therapy signals to the body for therapeutic purposes. Here, a signal processing stage is also provided for processing the signals of an output circuit for supplying output signals to a transmitting antenna or transmitting electrode. The signal processing stage includes a delay circuit that can delay the output signal in time relative to the input signal.

[0005] An interactive wellness device for holistic sensory stimulation of a human being is known from Patent Document 3, and the function of this device is controlled and modulated, at least indirectly, by the user's physical condition measured using it.

[0006] Devices that generate electrical signals, magnetic signals, and / or electromagnetic signals that can be used at different therapeutic frequencies for treating the human body are known from Patent Documents 4 and 1. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] German Patent Application Publication No. 102015002565 [Patent Document 2] German Utility Model No. 29709094 [Patent Document 3] German Patent Application Publication No. 10002251 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2006 / 0064139 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The present invention is based on the problem of providing an apparatus for performing high-frequency electrotherapy and a method for identifying an appropriate carrier frequency for introducing a high-frequency signal into the body. These apparatuses and methods provide a novel and easy-to-use option for performing high-frequency electrotherapy as a self-treatment in a home setting, without the need for execution and / or supervision by a physician or other medically trained person (e.g., a practitioner or specialist therapist). [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The above problems are achieved according to the features of the independent claims in accordance with the present invention. Further practical embodiments are described in relation to the dependent claims.

[0010] The apparatus according to the present invention for performing high-frequency electrotherapy comprises two electrodes or alternative skin contact elements that couple high-frequency signals to the body of a human or animal. Furthermore, the apparatus comprises a transmitter that transmits high-frequency signals, and / or a modulator that generates high-frequency signals and transmits them to the electrodes or alternative skin contact elements.

[0011] In the context of this invention, a transmitter is understood as a unit designed to reliably isolate power from the body from the power grid. In other words, the design of the transmitter ensures that commercial current from the power grid does not flow to the ground through the body to which the device is connected.

[0012] In the sense of the present invention, a modulator is understood as a unit capable of modulating a signal. In particular, a modulator in the sense of the present invention is understood as a unit comprising at least two inputs and at least one output, capable of amplitude modulating at least two input signals. The amplitude-modulated signal emitted through at least one output of the modulator is also referred to as a high-frequency signal.

[0013] Two electrodes or alternative skin contact elements are provided to transmit the high-frequency signals provided by the transmitter and / or modulator described above. Coupling of the high-frequency signals is performed using the electrodes or alternative skin contact elements, particularly via the skin of the body. The apparatus for performing high-frequency electrotherapy is intended for use on humans or animals. The skin contact elements described above are designed, in particular, as coiled contact surfaces and / or capacitive contact surfaces.

[0014] The apparatus according to the present invention also includes a low-impedance signal generator that generates a high-frequency carrier frequency. This low-impedance signal generator has, in particular, an internal impedance of at most 10Ω. Therefore, the internal impedance is significantly lower than the impedance that occurs between two electrodes or alternative skin-contact elements placed on the human or animal body when the apparatus according to the present invention is used. This makes it possible to introduce a large portion of the carrier frequency energy into the body.

[0015] The apparatus according to the present invention further comprises a signal generator for generating therapeutic frequencies. Not only a single isolated frequency, but especially a mixture of frequencies, are understood as therapeutic frequencies in the sense of the present invention. Noise, audio signals, or square wave signals are also understood as therapeutic frequencies in the sense of the present invention.

[0016] In the context of this invention, the carrier frequency is understood as a single, isolated frequency suitable for amplitude modulation relative to the therapeutic frequency.

[0017] Next, the carrier frequency and the treatment frequency are applied to the input of the modulator, and the modulator performs amplitude modulation to provide a high-frequency signal.

[0018] This invention is based on the finding that it is advantageous to perform electrotherapy using high-frequency signals. The use of high-frequency signals makes it possible to uniformly distribute the signal throughout the entire body of a human or animal. It is recognized that therapeutic frequencies not originating in the high-frequency range can be reshaped by amplitude modulation with a high-frequency carrier frequency, resulting in a high-frequency signal that propagates well within the body. In particular, it is recognized that it is advantageous to perform high-frequency electrotherapy using devices that can be positioned and operated in close proximity to the body (so-called wearables). By introducing high-frequency signals into the body via electrodes or alternative skin contact elements, it is possible to efficiently deliver energy to a large portion of the body without exceeding applicable electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) guidelines.

[0019] It has also been found that the selection of carrier frequencies can depend on numerous characteristics that differ from body to body. Therefore, it may be advantageous to determine the carrier frequency by a method that individually identifies the carrier frequency for each body and the placement of the device within that body. In this way, the effectiveness of the corresponding treatment can be optimized so that the energy introduced into the body is distributed as uniformly as possible throughout the body.

[0020] In a practical embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the signal generator and the low-impedance signal generator are designed as grid-power-independent devices. In other words, the devices can be worn on the body and carried, and can be powered by a portable energy storage device. Therefore, treatment can be performed in a location-independent and unreliable grid power infrastructure, for example, while traveling, in natural environments, or in areas with inadequate infrastructure.

[0021] In addition, or alternatively, the signal generator and low-impedance signal generator can be functionally connected to a transmitter having galvanic isolation in a further practical embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. This ensures that commercial current does not flow through the body to the ground.

[0022] In a further practical embodiment of the device according to the invention, the device is designed such that the carrier frequency is at least twice the treatment frequency.

[0023] The carrier frequency is preferably selected from a first frequency range of 0.5 MHz to 20 MHz, or a second frequency range of 100 MHz to 200 MHz, or a third frequency range of 500 MHz to 1 GHz.

[0024] In addition or alternatively, the treatment frequency is preferably selected from a frequency range of 0.1 MHz to 12.5 MHz.

[0025] In a further practical embodiment of the device according to the invention, the two electrodes or alternative skin contact elements have a maximum distance of 20 cm from each other. More preferably, this distance is at most 15 cm, particularly preferably at most 12 cm, at most 10 cm, or at most 5 cm. This distance can also be selected to be smaller, for example, at most 3 cm, at most 2 cm, or at most 1 cm. Depending on each distance selection, both electrodes or alternative skin contact elements can be arranged on a small positioning unit, for example, on an armband, a leg band, a finger band, or a neck band, while maintaining their respective maximum distances.

[0026] In addition or alternatively, in a further practical embodiment of the device according to the invention, the two electrodes or alternative skin contact elements for coupling the high-frequency signal are part of at least one positioning unit, particularly part of a single positioning unit. By arranging the electrodes or alternative skin contact elements on the positioning unit, it becomes easier to place them on the body.

[0027] In a further practical embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, at least one positioning unit is designed as a band surrounding a body area. In this regard, we particularly refer to the possibility that the positioning unit may be designed as an armband, legband, abdominal band, limb band, ring, or other band-like element. In this case, the positioning unit can be quickly and easily positioned on the body. In particular, this arrangement makes it easier for the user to perform and receive high-frequency electrotherapy because the positioning unit can be worn during movement and / or in various postures such as standing, sitting, and / or lying down. Furthermore, in these cases, the positioning unit is small in design, positioned in an inconspicuous area of ​​the body, and / or its appearance does not reveal that it is part of an electrotherapy device, so it can be positioned and concealed from the body.

[0028] In a further practical embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, a carrier frequency determination module is provided in the apparatus. Such a carrier frequency determination module is designed, in particular, to perform at least one test measurement on a user and, based on the results of at least one test measurement, to determine a carrier frequency particularly suitable for the user.

[0029] The carrier frequency determination module is preferably designed as an integrated component of the device. Alternatively, the carrier frequency determination module may be manufactured as a separate component and functionally connected to the device.

[0030] In a further practical embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the signal generator and the low-impedance signal generator are each part of a separate apparatus and are functionally connected to each other for use. In this way, an apparatus that generates electrical signals, magnetic signals, and / or electromagnetic signals for, for example, the treatment of the human body, such as one known from, for example, International Publication No. 2018 / 228987, can be used as the signal generator. By functionally connecting to the low-impedance signal generator, high-frequency electrotherapy can be performed by a combination of the two apparatuses.

[0031] In a further practical embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, the signal generator and the low-impedance signal generator are designed to be connectable directly or indirectly. This connection can be made, in particular, by plug connections or other couplings. It is preferable that the connection is formed without the use of tools. In a further preferred modification, the connection is established by a quick-action coupling.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a method for determining a carrier frequency suitable for introducing a high-frequency signal into the body. A transmitting device and a measuring device are used for this purpose, and the transmitting device corresponds to the device described in one of the embodiments described above. The method also includes the following method steps.

[0033] In the first step of the method according to the present invention, a first high-frequency signal having a first frequency is generated by a transmitting device.

[0034] In a further step of the method according to the present invention, the generated high-frequency signal is then coupled to a body. Two electrodes or alternative skin contact elements are used for this purpose, positioned at a first location on the surface of the body and functionally connected to a transmitting device.

[0035] In a further step of the method according to the present invention, the coupled high-frequency signal is then received at a second location on the surface of the body. A measuring device is used to receive the high-frequency signal.

[0036] In a further step of the method according to the present invention, a further high-frequency signal of a second frequency is generated by a transmitting device. The second frequency is different from the first frequency.

[0037] In a further step of the method according to the present invention, the generated additional high-frequency signal is then coupled to a body. Two electrodes or alternative skin contact elements are used for this purpose, positioned at a first location on the surface of the body and functionally connected to a transmitting device.

[0038] In a further method step of the method according to the present invention, a coupled additional high-frequency signal is then received at a second location on the surface of the body. A measuring device is used to receive the high-frequency signal.

[0039] In fact, a method comprising the steps of generating high-frequency signals at various frequencies, coupling these high-frequency signals to a body, and receiving high-frequency signals can be repeated a desired number of times.

[0040] In particular, the frequency can be selected here to generate a high-frequency signal generated from the previous signal in a predetermined step size. In this way, for example, different frequencies can be selected from a specific frequency range. High-frequency signals with these frequencies are generated and sequentially coupled to the body. This results in the specific frequency range being iteratively "scanned".

[0041] It should be noted that the step size can also be variable. The distance between frequencies at which high-frequency signals are generated is not the same. For example, if the time required for the measurement procedure is known, the step size can be selected so that a specific frequency range can be iteratively "scanned" within a specific time. Alternatively, by using a mathematical model, a coarser scan with a larger step size can be performed first, followed by further scans with smaller step sizes within a frequency range selected as smaller. Similarly, the optimization procedure can be reduced by keeping the number of optimization steps variable within a specific time frame, and using that time frame to continuously decrease the step size with each scan step.

[0042] In a further step of the method according to the present invention, the received high-frequency signal is evaluated using a processor unit. This may be either a processor unit of a measuring device or a processor unit of a transmitting device. In this evaluation process, the frequency of the high-frequency signal is identified as the carrier frequency at which the ratio of power received by the measuring device to power radiated by the transmitting device is maximized. In other words, the frequency of the high-frequency signal is selected as the carrier frequency at which the loss is minimized as it passes through the body.

[0043] The method according to the present invention has the advantage that the carrier frequency can be individually identified to suit the physical characteristics of each part of the body being treated, as well as the arrangement of electrodes and / or alternative skin contact elements, thereby enabling the carrier frequency to propagate effectively within the body.

[0044] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, either the transmitting device and / or the measuring device comprises at least one transmitter having galvanic isolation.

[0045] Therefore, the transmitting and / or measuring devices can be designed as either grid-power-independent or grid-power-dependent devices. In the latter case, proper galvanic isolation ensures that the grid power is not connected to the earth through the body.

[0046] In devices that rely on grid power, galvanic isolation is achieved through the use of batteries / storage cells. In this case, separate elements such as transmitters are not required to achieve galvanic isolation.

[0047] In one embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the high-frequency signal introduced into the body is selected from a predetermined frequency range. For example, the predetermined frequency range can be the aforementioned frequency range of the treatment frequency. In this way, since the high-frequency signal is selected from the frequency range of the treatment frequency, the high-frequency signal itself can be used as the treatment frequency. Therefore, by using this high-frequency signal for amplitude modulation by the treatment frequency, two types of treatment can be performed simultaneously.

[0048] Further practical embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0049] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of the circuit diagram of the device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the function of the device according to the present invention when in use. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the circuit of the apparatus according to the present invention, which includes a transmitter. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the function of the device according to the present invention when it is in use, equipped with the transmitter shown. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of the circuit diagram for the method according to the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of the circuit of the method according to the present invention, which includes a transmitter. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0050] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the circuit of the apparatus 2 according to the present invention. The illustrated apparatus 2 includes a signal generator 6 that generates a carrier frequency, which is designed here as a high-frequency signal generator 16. Furthermore, apparatus 2 includes a signal generator 4 having a low-frequency signal generator 14. The signal generator 4 is designed to provide a therapeutic frequency. This therapeutic frequency is led to a modulator 18 through an amplifier 10 and a plug connector 20. The modulator 18 is also designed to be connected to the output of the high-frequency signal generator 16 in order to perform amplitude modulation between the carrier frequency and the therapeutic frequency. The resulting high-frequency signal is supplied to two electrodes 22 through a low-impedance amplifier 12 and introduced into the body 100, in this case the upper body of the human body 100, through these electrodes 22.

[0051] In addition to or instead of the electrode 22, a skin contact element (not shown) may be used to introduce a high-frequency signal into the body 100. Refer to the corresponding descriptions above, which also apply to this exemplary embodiment.

[0052] Similarly, with respect to the treatment frequency and the carrier frequency, refer to the above description which also applies to this embodiment.

[0053] The device 2 is preferably formed by a relatively small housing, so that it can be comfortably worn on a person's body 100 and, if desired, concealed. The dimensions are preferably less than 20cm × 20cm × 1cm, and more preferably less than 10cm × 10cm × 0.5cm.

[0054] The apparatus 2 shown in Figure 1 has portable energy storage devices 30, 32 that supply electrical energy to the aforementioned elements 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 (electronic components), and the portable energy storage devices 30, 32 are formed as rechargeable batteries and / or batteries in the practical embodiments shown herein.

[0055] It should be noted that all elements 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 (in this case, electronic components) can also be supplied with energy by only one energy storage device 30, 32.

[0056] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the function of the device 2 according to the present invention shown in Figure 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 2 is positioned on the forearm 101 of the body 100. A high-frequency signal is introduced into the body 100 via the electrode 22 and propagates from there throughout the whole body or at least over a large part of the body (see Figure 1).

[0057] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of the circuit of the apparatus according to the present invention having a transmitter 42. Compared to the embodiment shown in Figure 1, in Figure 2, elements 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 42 (electronic components in this case) are supplied with electrical energy by the connection to the power grid 40. The body 100 is then isolated from the circuit of the apparatus 2 by the transmitter 42 to protect it from the possibility of charge flowing from the power grid through the body 100 to the ground.

[0058] Note that only some of the elements 4, 6, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 42 (electronic components in this case) shown in the figure may be supplied with energy from the power grid, while the other elements may be supplied with energy by energy storage devices 30 and 32.

[0059] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the function of the device 2 according to the present invention when it is in use, having the transmitter 42 shown in Figure 3. The body 100 is isolated from the power circuit of the device 2 by the transmitter 42, so that electric charge cannot flow from the connection part 40 to the power grid through the body 100 to the ground.

[0060] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a circuit diagram of a method according to the present invention for identifying an appropriate carrier frequency for introducing a high-frequency signal to a body 100. For this purpose, a transmitting device 2 and a measuring device 50 are used. The transmitting device introduces an amplitude-modulated high-frequency signal to the body 100 via electrodes 22, as described above. The amplitude-modulated high-frequency signal is generated by a modulator 18 whose input side is connected to a high-frequency signal generator 16 and a low-frequency signal generator 14. The resulting amplitude-modulated high-frequency signal may be affected in intensity by a low-impedance amplifier 12.

[0061] The transmitting device also includes an antenna 24, through which the processor unit 26 can communicate with the measuring device 50. The measuring device 50 is similarly positioned on the body 100, but in a different location from the transmitting device 2. The high-frequency signal radiated by the transmitting device 2 is introduced to the measuring device 50 by electrodes 52 placed on the skin of the body 100. The high-frequency signal can be affected by its intensity using an amplifier 56, thereby enabling the processor unit 56 to process the received signal effectively. The processor unit 56 is connected to an antenna 58, and communication with the transmitting device 2 takes place via the antenna 58. As described above, the carrier frequency is specified so that the transmitting device introduces various high-frequency signals of known intensity to the body 100. These high-frequency signals are received by the measuring device 50, and the intensity reaching the measuring device 50 can be determined. In this way, the attenuation caused by the body 100 at various frequencies of the high-frequency signal can be determined for a selected arrangement of electrodes 22, 52. The frequency at which the measured attenuation is smallest is then identified as the carrier frequency. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmitting device 2 and the measuring device 50 are powered by portable energy storage devices such as batteries and / or rechargeable batteries. In addition to or instead of this, power can also be supplied via the power grid, as shown in Figure 6.

[0062] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of a circuit diagram of a method according to the present invention for determining an appropriate carrier frequency to introduce a high-frequency signal into a body 100 using a transmitter. For this purpose, the transmitter 2 and measuring device 50 are connected to a power grid. In this example, by using two transmitters 42, the power circuits of the transmitter 2 and measuring device 50 are isolated from the body 100, so that charge cannot flow through the body 100 to the ground. This is clearly shown in Figure 6 by the current Se being 0. The method is similarly applicable to the above description.

[0063] The features of the present invention disclosed herein, in the drawings and in the claims, individually or in any combination, may be essential for realizing the invention in various embodiments. The present invention may be modified within the claims to take into account the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0064] Therefore, all features mentioned in relation to the apparatus, including optional features, can also be understood as features of the method and can therefore be used in describing the method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 2. High-frequency electrotherapy device 4. Signal Generator 6. Signal Generator 10 Amplifiers 12 Low-impedance amplifier 14. Low-frequency signal generator 16. High-frequency signal generator 18 Modulator 20 plugs 22 electrodes 24 Antennas 26 processor units 30 Energy storage devices 32 Energy storage devices 40 Connection to the power grid 42 Transmitters 50 Measuring devices 52 electrodes 54 Amplifier 56 processor units 58 Antenna 100 body 101 Forearm

Claims

1. A device (2) for performing high-frequency electrotherapy, a) Two electrodes (22) or alternative skin contact elements that couple high-frequency signals to the body (100) of a human or animal, b) comprising a transmitter (42) that transmits a high-frequency signal, and / or a modulator (18) that generates a high-frequency signal and transmits it to the electrode (22) or the alternative skin contact element, c) The low-impedance signal generator (6, 16) is designed to generate a high-frequency carrier frequency, and the signal generator (4) is designed to generate a therapeutic frequency. d) The modulator (18) is a device that generates the high-frequency signal by amplitude modulating the high-frequency carrier frequency with the treatment frequency.

2. The signal generator (4) and the low-impedance signal generators (6, 16) have the following characteristics, namely, The signal generator (4) and the low-impedance signal generators (6, 16) are designed to be independent of the power grid. The signal generator (4) and the low-impedance signal generators (6, 16) are functionally connected to a transmitter (42) having galvanic isolation. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by comprising at least one of the following.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the transport frequency is at least twice the maximum value of the treatment frequency.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the treatment frequency is selected from a frequency range of 0.1 MHz to 12.5 MHz.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the two electrodes (22) or the alternative skin contact elements are at a distance of up to 20 cm from each other.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the two electrodes (22) that couple high-frequency signals or the alternative skin contact element are part of at least one positioning unit.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one positioning unit is designed in the shape of a band surrounding a body area.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a carrier frequency determination module (50) is provided, and the carrier frequency determination module (50) is designed to perform at least one test measurement on a user and determine a carrier frequency particularly appropriate for the user based on the results of the at least one test measurement.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the signal generator (4) and the low-impedance signal generators (6, 16) are each part of a separate apparatus and are functionally connected to each other when in use.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the signal generator (4) and the low-impedance signal generators (6, 16) are designed to be connectable directly or indirectly.

11. A method for determining an appropriate carrier frequency for introducing a high-frequency signal to a body (100) using a transmitting device (2) and a measuring device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least the following steps: (i) A step of generating a high-frequency signal of a first frequency using the transmitting device (2), (ii) coupling the generated high-frequency signal to the body (100) using two electrodes (22) or alternative skin contact elements at a first position on the surface of the body (100), (iii) The step of receiving the coupled high-frequency signal at a second position on the surface of the body (100) using the measuring device (50), (iv) Using the transmitting device (2), generate at least one further high-frequency signal of at least one second frequency, (v) coupling the generated at least one additional high-frequency signal to the body (100) at a first location on the surface of the body (100) using two electrodes (22) or alternative skin contact elements, (vi) Using the measuring device (50), receiving the coupled at least one additional high-frequency signal at a second location on the surface of the body (100), (vii) A step of evaluating the received high-frequency signal using the processor unit (56) of the measuring device (50) or the processor unit (26) of the transmitting device (2), wherein the frequency of the high-frequency signal is identified as the carrier frequency at which the ratio of the power received by the measuring device (50) to the power generated by the transmitting device (2) is maximized. Methods that include...

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the transmitting device (2) and / or the measuring device (50) comprises at least one transmitter (42) having galvanic insulation.

13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein after performing steps (i) to (vi) according to claim 11, steps (iv) to (vi) according to claim 11 are repeated using various high-frequency signals of different frequencies.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein all high-frequency signals introduced into the body (100) are selected from a predetermined range of frequencies.

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