KR20200055055A - Electromagnetic wave transmission device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a portable device (10) for transmitting electromagnetic waves. When placed on the surface, the device is capable of transmitting waves having a power flux density of at least 0.5 milliwatts per square centimeter of surface area and a frequency value of 3 to 120 gigahertz. Further, the device 10 can simultaneously expose a surface of at least 2.5 square centimeters to the wave.

Description

Electromagnetic wave transmission device

The present invention relates to the treatment of pain, especially low to moderate chronic pain.

A significant portion of the population suffers from chronic pain. By definition, chronic pain is recurrent or even continuous, and may occur for months or years without necessarily determining or eliminating its origin. Thus, without a way to neutralize the source, there is a need to relieve the patient by reducing or even eradicating symptoms, ie pain.

Currently, the most common approach to treating a patient's pain, such as chronic pain, is the administration of so-called analgesics, especially when pain occurs, soothing it. These analgesics may include opiate derivatives such as paracetamol, codeine or morphine, anti-inflammatory or anesthetic agents such as ibuprofen.

However, regular ingestion of these analgesic active ingredients may cause undesirable side effects (eg, nausea, drowsiness, heartburn).

An alternative to taking medication is to treat pain in a physical way. This reduces the risk of side effects as well as drug dependence.

In particular, a form of treatment is known by transdermal electrical nerve stimulation (or TENS for "transdermal electrical nerve stimulation"), which consists of circulating electric current in a patient's body region to stimulate nerves to reduce pain. However, using this technique requires placing a bulky device consisting of electrodes on the patient's body and connecting it to a generator. It also causes tingling that can cause unpleasant experiences to the patient.

Treatment forms known as “alternative medicine” such as acupuncture, reflexology or herbal medicine are also known. Although the effectiveness of some of these practices has been demonstrated, there is no clear scientific basis to support their method.

Finally, so-called treatment by transmission of “millimeter” waves (ie, its frequency is less than 300 gigahertz) is known to reduce pain (Usichenko Tl, Edinger H, "Low-strength electromagnetic military wave for the treatment of pain. Evid-based complementary alternative Med by Gizkho VV, Lehmann C, Wentt M, Feyerherd F" "See publication). It has been found that exposing the body parts to millimeter electromagnetic waves actually releases endocrine opioids, resulting in the synthesis of enkephalin and natural peptides that are involved in pain resistance in the brain (Rojavin MA, Giskin MC at Int J Radiat Biol) (Ziskin MC), "Magnetic millimeter waves in rats increase the duration of anesthesia due to ketamine and chlorine hydrates" publication).

Thus, this technique avoids the disadvantages of therapy by analgesics or nerve stimulation, and the manner of its manipulation is understood. In addition, transmitting millimeter waves can also be used to treat anxiety or sleep disorders.

International publication WO2012 / 022538 based on this principle discloses a device aimed at reducing pain in a patient by transmitting electromagnetic waves to the surface of the patient's body. The device has a bulky and impressive horn shape that is required for the patient to be brought to a specific location to hold the device or to be transported to the patient, and thus the patient can store the device and cannot use it anytime, anywhere. In addition, the patient should preferably seek the assistance of one or more humans specially trained to operate the device. The significant volume of the device is due to the absence of wave transmissions such as generators and antenna (s), which must provide a frequency wave between 30 and 300 Ghz to effectively treat and have a high power flux density.

CEM Tech Company sells less bulky devices aimed at reducing pain using electromagnetic waves. The device is small, but the power flux density level of the transmitted wave is 10-19 to 10-5 watts / cm ² . It is now known that millimeter-wave analgesic effects are not observed at power flux densities below 0.5 mW / cm ² (Rojavin MA, Radzievsky AA, Cowan A) A), see the publication "Millimeter Wave Pain Relief in Rats: Results of Cold Water Tail Flick Test" by Ziskin Mc).

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to effectively treat pain using electromagnetic waves, and to make a device provided for this purpose accessible and easy to use by a patient. Another object of the present invention is to use the device for other purposes, such as the creation of a well-being feeling, the treatment of anxiety, or even a sleep disorder.

To this end, the present invention provides a portable device for transmitting electromagnetic waves capable of transmitting waves having a power flux density of at least 0.5 milliwatts per square centimeter of the surface and a frequency value between 3 and 120 gigahertz when attached to the surface. The device can also simultaneously expose a surface of at least 2.5 square centimeters to the wave.

Thus, the device is portable, that is, the patient can wear it regularly or even continuously, without significant effort and without any logistical or practical drawbacks. In addition, due to the power flux density of at least 0.5 milliwatts per square centimeter of surface, treatment is effective and can reduce pain. Finally, frequency is a particularly effective frequency band for treatment with millimeter waves. In addition, Radzievsky AA, Gordienko OV, Alekseev S, Szabo I, Cowan A, Giskin MC by Ziskin Mc) study of "electromagnetic millimeter waves for the treatment of pain. Evid-based complementary and alternative Med" is to be obtained by the millimeter-wave frequency and power flux density of about 13mW / cm ² of about 61.25GHz is optimal effect of the treatment with the appear.

With regard to the ability to expose a surface of at least 2.5 square centimeters, the device may, for example, present a module comprising multiple antennas transmitting waves simultaneously, the area covered by all antennas, and accordingly , At least 2.5 consecutive square centimeters, which are exposed to the wave in a uniform manner, by the module. This makes it possible to obtain a surface that is constantly exposed to waves in a manner sufficient to induce the expected biological response.

Alternatively, the module may discontinuously expose 2.5 cm ² to the wave, ie, together, simultaneously expose multiple surface portions distributed over several different locations representing 2.5 cm ² of the irradiated surface.

It should be noted that the frequencies transmitted by different antennas are not necessarily the same. Different antennas may transmit different frequencies supplied by different ASICs. Nevertheless, the frequency remains within the band of interest.

Advantageously, the wave has a power flux density of 5 to 35 mW / cm ² .

Therefore, it is a particularly efficient power band. On the other hand, some standards do not allow power densities greater than 35 mW / cm ² , so the device can be calibrated to not exceed these limits if necessary.

Preferably, the surface is human or animal skin, and the device comprises a unit for detecting human or animal skin, and the device is capable of signaling the presence or absence of skin to be exposed to the wave, preferably Can determine the distance between the skin and the device.

“Exposure to wave” also means “irradiation by wave”.

Thus, the device transmits a wave directly to the subject's skin only when the skin is detected. If no skin is detected or if the distance between the device and the skin is too large, no transmission is performed. This prevents sending waves in any direction and saves energy. It is also possible to adjust the power or other parameters of the transmitted wave based on the estimated distance between the device and the skin.

Advantageously, the device comprises:

-Around the wrist;

- Leg;

- Ankle;

- Etc;

-Ears;

-Worn on at least one part of the palm, or

More generally, it can be worn on any site that represents a strong nerve dominant region.

Thus, it is attached like one of these parts, for example a watch around the wrist, to be worn without any particular discomfort to the patient. Regarding the strong areas of nerve control, Radzievsky AA, Rojavin MA, Cowan A, Alekseev SI, and Ziskin MC A study by Mc) on the hyperalgesic effect of millimeter waves in rats depending on the site of exposure. The Life Sciences. 2000; 66 (21): 2101-11 study studied the beneficial therapeutic effects of transmitting millimeter waves in these areas. Showed.

Preferably, the device comprises a rechargeable battery.

Therefore, it works wirelessly. Alternatively, it can be wired to provide higher power or to power over a longer period of time.

Preferably, the device,

-Flexible materials;

-Phase change material;

-Heat buffer;

-Graphite; And

-A heat sink comprising at least one of the elastomeric materials.

Thus, a heat sink can minimize heating of the device to keep the device at a temperature below 43 ° C. Flexibility allows adaptation to the shape and mobility of the device.

Preferably, the device comprises a unit for determining at least one data from the surface, for example impedance data.

Thus, this is done after transmitting electromagnetic waves by measuring the output power based on the adaptation of the relative impedance to the skin. Thereby, the device automatically acquires one or more characteristics of the patient's skin.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises a processing unit that enables to deduce at least one wave transmission parameter from the determined data or each determined data.

Thus, the acquired data is processed autonomously by the device which adjusts the parameters of the wave itself, without the intervention of the patient who needs to activate or program the wave transmission without worrying about the setting and fitting the wave to his body.

The present invention also provides a module for transmitting electromagnetic waves having a total volume of less than 4 cubic centimeters, preferably less than 3 cubic centimeters, and when disposed on the surface, electromagnetic waves having a power flux density of at least 0.5 milliwatts per square centimeter of the surface. It is suitable for sending.

Thus, the module is particularly compact and can be easily integrated and carried or used in portable devices. The minimum power flux density of 0.5 mW / cm ² is that millimeter wave treatment is effective in treating pain, but this module can be used for other purposes.

In addition, the present invention provides a method of transmitting an electromagnetic wave through which a transmitter worn on a human or animal object transmits electromagnetic waves toward the skin of the object, the wave having a power flux density of at least 0.5 milliwatts per square centimeter of skin and 3 to It has a frequency of 120 gigahertz.

Advantageously, the method,

The unit detecting the skin of a human or animal, and

And if the unit detects that the skin is located 3 millimeters or less from the transmitter, the transmitter includes transmitting a wave.

Other predetermined distances can be considered. The distance of 3 mm corresponds to a distance close enough to allow the skin to absorb almost all the power of electromagnetic radiation even if the module does not touch the skin, such as when the device is moved or the device is pressed against the patient's body.

Preferably, the method,

-Determining at least one impedance data of the skin; And

-Adjusting at least one transmission parameter according to the data or each data.

Preferably, the wave transmission occurs at at least one predetermined acupuncture point on the subject.

Indeed, several publications have been studied in particular by Lyensuk VP, Samosyuk IZ, Kurikovich YN, and Kozhanova Ak: "Acupuncture Points An experimental study of low-intensity millimeter-wave electromagnetic stimuli, "demonstrated the analgesic effect of millimeter waves at the point of acupuncture. In particular, when the device is worn on the wrist, which is a region where the nerve endings are rich, especially the acupuncture point pericardium 6, it is possible to increase the effectiveness of millimeter wave treatment.

Preferably, the transmission is controlled by a device capable of communicating with the transmitter at the transmitter or via a communication network.

The present invention also provides a computer program comprising code instructions that, when executed on a computer, can control the implementation of the steps of the method described above.

The computer program may be included in not only computer software but also an application for a mobile terminal such as a smart phone or a "smart watch", also known as a "connected watch."

In addition, the present invention provides a method of accessing a program according to the present invention for download over a communication network.

Finally, the invention provides an apparatus comprising a communication means and a program according to the invention.

Thus, the device can be, for example, a computer or a smartphone.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be presented by way of non-limiting examples and with reference to the drawings.

1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the invention.
2, 3, 5 and 6 are diagrams of a portable device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
4 shows a first embodiment of such a device.
7 to 15 are diagrams of components of a wave transmission module according to the first embodiment.
16 and 17 are diagrams of such modules with and without heat sinks, respectively.
18 shows the radiation of the modules of FIGS. 14 and 15.
19 and 20 illustrate use according to the second and third embodiments of the present invention.
21 to 29 show components of a module according to other embodiments of the present invention.

1 shows the general framework of the present invention. Patient 1 has chronic pain. The patient wears the device 10 according to the first and first embodiments of the present invention, and the device treats pain by transmitting electromagnetic millimeter waves to the skin of the wrist of the patient 1. In this case, the device 10 is a general type wrist watch and is attached around the wrist in the same way as a wrist watch. The device 10 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 2 and includes a control module 20 and a wave transmission module 22 that are illustrated in more detail in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6. The device 10 is a general type of watch, and may be a watch in which modules 20 and 22 are integrated. Conversely, the function of a watch can be integrated into the device 10.

The control module 20 controls the transmission module 22. The control module 20 is activated by the patient, but can also be programmed by the patient or other user at the device 10 either directly with the button 23 or via a terminal such as the computer 12. The button 23 is provided with a light-emitting diode that can be activated to indicate to the patient an event, for example, low battery or operation of a specific program in progress. The control module 20 is located at the top of the device 10 and the millimeter wave transmission module 22 is located at the bottom, and is therefore intended to contact the skin under the wrist.

The wave transmission module 22 integrated in the device 10 is now described in detail. It is a transmission module according to the first embodiment. Modules of this type, as well as other embodiments, may be incorporated into a wristwatch-shaped device 10 as well as any type of device for transmitting waves. This application is not limited to the treatment of pain.

The transmission module 22 schematically illustrated in FIG. 7 includes a plurality of circuit-antenna pairs 42, a heat sink 46, a skin sensor 44, a power input 45, a digital control unit 47, a reference Clock 48 and temperature sensor 49 are shown.

Each circuit-antenna pair 42 (one of which is schematically depicted in FIG. 8) has a control interface associated with the control module 20, ASIC (“On-Demand Integrated Circuit”) 26, and antenna 28. (24). The interface 24 can be located within the control module 20. The ASIC 26 as shown in FIG. 8 includes an oscillator 32, a power amplifier 34 and a digital portion 36 for setting and controlling components. As shown in more detail in Figure 9, the ASIC also includes a frequency divider 31, a communication bus 35, a "pulse-width modulation" (PWM) control unit 37 and a frequency comparator 38. . Oscillator 32 allows the ASIC operating frequency to be generated. The amplifier can amplify the signal and use desired power at the component output. The power is adjustable between 0 and 20 mW. The power can go up to 60mW without difficulty. The frequency comparator and divider make it possible to check the operating frequency. The power management circuit makes it possible to properly supply the functions of all components. Finally, the "PWM" control unit makes it possible to transmit the HF output signal continuously or discontinuously. The framework of the ASIC is shown in Figure 12. The ASIC 26 is manufactured using complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology, which is well known to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail. More specifically, the transistor is of the "CMOS 65 nanometer" type. Alternatively, they may have been developed from silicon-germanium (SiGe) or gallium arsenide (GaAs). On the other hand, "Gunn diode" type technology cannot achieve the desired minimum size and cost. Thus, the ASIC 26 includes a silicon integrated circuit 33 housed in a ball grid array (BGA) -type housing 37, the type of housing being customized for the ASIC 26, well known to those skilled in the art, The housing also includes a ball (called a "bump") 35. As shown in FIG. 13, the circuit 33 has two layers 71 of "HF" substrate 39 made of, for example, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) RO3003 made by Rogers. And 72) in an arrangement known as a "flip chip", which makes it possible to minimize the loss of electromagnetic radiation at high frequencies. An alternative to RO3003 can be MT77 (eg, Isola) woven impregnated glass fiber or RF301 (Taconic) or any other material that provides the same technical advantages as mentioned. have. The two layers 71 and 72 are separated by a layer 73 of RO4450F and copper layers 74, 75, 76 and 77. Also, vias 81, 82, 83 and 84 connect between different layers of the substrate. Naturally, the type and number of layers can be different.

The frequency oscillator 32 is arranged in a cavity (not shown) in the housing 37 so as not to disturb the generated frequency. In this case, the size of the BGA housing 37 is 2.2x2.2x0.9 mm. The connection to the antenna 28 is made by a “ball” 43. This set of components makes it possible to minimize electromagnetic wave losses. It is the antenna 28 that transmits electromagnetic waves to the skin of the patient 1. Needless to say, the arrangement of ASICs, control interfaces and antennas in the transmission module can be different.

The terminal connection 41 between the ASIC 26 and its antenna 28 is shown in FIG. 14. Thus, the coaxial connection 41 ensures the transmission of the wave between the power amplifier 34 and the antenna 28. Antenna is generally meant to be any type of radiating member if flat. A radiation member of this type may be referred to as a "patch".

15, ASIC 26 and antenna 28 are disposed on both sides of the substrate 39.

The antenna set 28 forms the antenna array shown in FIG. 10. Here, the rectangular antenna array is intended to be placed at a short distance from the skin of the patient 1, and is about 2.5 centimeters long and about 1 centimeter wide. In this case, 27 radiating members 28 are provided operating at short distances based on three rows of nine antennas aligned vertically and horizontally with respect to each other. These quantities and this arrangement are not limiting and others may be considered. The other members of FIGS. 7 and 9, in particular the temperature sensor 49, skin sensor 44, clock 48 and power module 45 are as shown in FIG. 22 in a slightly different embodiment described below. Likewise, it is disposed around the antenna array, also referred to as the active area. The assembly formed by these members and the active area located therein measures 37x20 mm and forms a transmission module 22 that can be integrated into devices such as bracelets.

This arrangement allows the active region to transmit waves evenly over 2.5 square centimeters of skin. “Uniform” means that the intensity of the wave reaching the skin should not exhibit a deviation greater than about 30% between the maximum value at one point and the minimum value at another point. 18 shows the radiation emitted by the device from the patient's skin in normal operating mode. The black form corresponds to radiation of 5 to 15 mW / cm ² , and the white form corresponds to radiation of less than 5 mW / cm ² . It is observed that 75% of the surface is irradiated with a density wave of 5 to 15 mW / cm ² . In general, the power density can be greater than 35 mW / cm ² , but the device is designed to be in the range of used power of 5 to 35 mW / cm ² in normal operation, especially in continuous wave transmission of 30 minutes. This mode of operation is most common as described below.

FIG. 11 shows the application of the module 22 for transmitting waves towards the skin 60 of the patient 1. In this case, a distance of 3 millimeters separates the module from the patient's skin. The goal is to attach the device to the skin, but there may be some space between the skin and the device. In addition, for more comfort and biocompatibility, the silicon layer 52 separates the antenna from the skin so that the skin does not directly support the antenna. Alternatively, the silicon layer can be another material that is transparent to millimeter waves, such as polycarbonate. This layer 52 of silicon can be measured from 1 to 2 millimeters, and the design of the antenna allows the layer 52 to have little or no interference with the emitted waves.

Overall, this wave transmission module 22, which can be referred to as a millimeter module (wave is referred to as "millimeter" for frequency considerations) or a millimeter card, in the above embodiment is 37 millimeters long, 20 millimeters wide and 3 thick Millimeter. Thus, the volume of the millimeter module is 2.96 cubic centimeters. Thus, as shown in Figure 16, the volume is less than 4, and even less than 3 cubic centimeters, so it can be inserted into a lightweight, low-volume device, such as a wristwatch type device 10. With the volume and the described arrangement representing 27 antennas, the developed ASIC 26 is coupled to the antenna 28, allowing the millimeter module to transmit waves of frequencies between 3 and 300. The preferred frequency is 61.25 GHz +/- 250 MHz. In all cases, the power flux density is at least 0.5 milliwatts per square centimeter, and waves are transmitted simultaneously to the skin surface of 2.5 square centimeters. However, millimeter wave treatment is effective at power densities starting at 0.5 milliwatts per square centimeter, preferably at a surface of at least 1 square centimeter. Thus, the disclosed module allows treatment to be performed because it is easily integrated into any device due to its small volume.

It is understood that the ASIC, antenna as well as the entirety of the millimeter module 22 may have different volumes, numbers and arrangements.

Therefore, in the second embodiment shown in Figs. 21 to 23, the performance of the modules is the same. The difference is that the ASIC is connected to four antennas on a 10 x 6.25mm surface. Thus, the ASIC / antenna pair covers the skin surface of 0.625 cm ^{2 on} a 1 mm thick PCB substrate. The four ASICs repeated four times side by side in the millimeter modules shown in FIGS. 21-23 are placed in different “BGA” housings each measuring 2.2 mm × 2.2 mm × 1 mm. The module, which includes two rows of eight antennas and four ASICs (four housings), makes it possible to continuously irradiate a 2.5 cm ² skin surface.

The antenna array 91 according to the above embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 21. The array 91, which is an “resonant cavity” array, includes four layers. Layer 92 allows for the routing of digital and power signals. The second layer 93 represents the access line to the antenna. The third layer 94 represents the bonding line. Finally, the fourth layer 95 is the layer through which waves are transmitted. Furthermore, such an antenna array is implemented in the previous embodiment, the only difference being the number of antennas and ASICs, and thus the arrangement of these members.

Alternatively, by placing ASIC / 4 antenna pairs separately at different locations on the patient's skin, the 2.5 cm ² surface is irradiated in a number of separate areas. Likewise, each of these pairs can be used independently to ensure greater comfort or to be incorporated into applications requiring smaller surfaces or lower power.

The skin sensor 44 of the described embodiments uses capacitive type measurements to determine that the patient's skin is positioned near the millimeter module 22. The structure of the skin sensor is known to those skilled in the art and is not limited to capacitive measurement, any miniaturizable skin sensor is acceptable. The skin sensor 44, which is connected to the control interface 24 and / or the control module 20, determines the presence or absence of human or animal skin. Also, the distance between the skin and the millimeter module can be determined. Wave transmission is allowed below 3mm. Otherwise, the control module 20 can prevent wave transmission. The goal here is to control the direction of the transmitted wave on the one hand and prevent inefficient wave transmission on the other hand to save energy. In the first embodiment, the skin sensor 44 is located outside the module on the side of the device 10.

The millimeter module 22 may also include a rechargeable battery. Preferably, a device assembly comprising a module 22, such as device 10, has a battery that supplies both the control module 20 and the wave transmission module 22. The battery can be charged in a major or other way. Naturally, it is interesting that the autonomy is hours, even days, so it is more convenient to use the patient's portable device for the purpose of treating pain.

Needless to say, some of the module components can be placed externally to better interact with devices that include modules such as batteries.

In addition to control module 20, millimeter module 22 and skin sensor 44, device 10 now includes other components to be described.

The band 58 of FIG. 3 is flexible and aims to adapt to the shape and size of the wrist like a conventional watch strap.

The device 10 also includes a dissipator 46 shown in FIG. 5, which can be considered part of the millimeter module 22. In this case, the dissipator is located outside the module and includes a flexible band 47 and a heat buffer 48, the two components being inserted into the strap of the device 10. The band 47 is associated with graphite and rubber. Rubber allows the band to be flexible and adapt to the strap. Graphite is light and has excellent thermal conductivity. The band 47 can be made of an elastomeric material other than rubber. The band can also be made of completely different materials, which must be flexible to adapt to the shape of the device. Buffer 48 contains phase-change material. Thus, during heat dissipation due to the operation of the device, the phase-change material absorbs a portion of the calories produced and maintains the overall temperature. The dissipator is placed with the device to keep the temperature in the area around the body below 43 ° C for continuous operation of the device for about 30 minutes. The temperature of 43 ° C corresponds to the maximum temperature standard established by a specific institution, so the device is designed to comply with these standards. Therefore, if the maximum allowable temperature is higher, it can be designed differently. The temperature is monitored by the temperature sensor of the millimeter module 22.

The device 10 also includes a unit (not shown) for determining the impedance of the skin. The unit can be part of the millimeter module 22.

The frequency of the wave transmitted by the device 10 through the module 22 can be between 3 and 300 gigahertz for effective treatment. However, the frequency of the disclosed device preferably varies from 30 to 120 gigahertz, preferably about 60 gigahertz, especially about 61.25 gigahertz.

The dielectric properties of each component, such as permittivity, conductivity, and loss tangent, must take into account the design of module 22 and device 10. Simulations and tests have been performed outside the nominal operating range of the 65nm CMOS type ASIC transistor, and there is no question about the component's lifespan with regard to the implementation of millimeter wave treatment described below.

An embodiment of the patient's pain treatment is now described.

The treatment aims to transmit waves towards the patient's skin area. Transmission generally lasts 30 minutes at a transmission rate twice a day. Preferably, a frequency of 30 to 120 gigahertz is predefined. Possibly, the power flux density generally varies between 5 and 35 mW / cm ² , but as can be lower or higher than this range, the frequency can change during transmission. Needless to say, other types of treatment are possible, especially with longer and / or more frequent transmissions.

In the first embodiment, the wave is transmitted towards the wrist, a high nerve dominant region by a module 22 integrated in the device 10 in the form of a wrist watch, and the module is referred to in FIG. 6). Indeed, it has been found that the transmission of waves to acupuncture points is particularly effective in the treatment of pain. In addition, very good results are achieved, especially for the region of nerve dominance. In fact, stimulation of nerve endings located under the skin causes a series of physiological actions called "systemic responses," which induce the synthesis of the endocrine opioids (including enkephalin) itself, which are responsible for reducing pain. . Therefore, the more waves are transmitted in a region with a dense nerve ending, the more likely the treatment is to be effective. The point pericardium 6 is an acupuncture point located in a region rich in nerve endings at the same time. Therefore, a device that transmits a wave toward this area is most important.

In addition, other potential benefits described in the literature related to this increase in opioid synthesis, such as reduction of heart rate and stress, improved sleep or even euphoria effects are known. Thus, this advantage can be derived from the device 10.

The frequency, duration and power of the wave can be parameterized by module 20 of device 10. As shown in FIG. 1, they can be pre-programmed by a terminal capable of communicating by any communication network, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi type link 18, for example computer 12. The computer 12 is a database 14 in which a process 16 having a link with the present invention or a program implementing the processes is recorded, and various data allowing the implementation of the present invention, in particular, inputted by the patient 1 Data and data obtained by the device 10.

In addition, by determining the impedance of the skin using the impedance detection unit, the computer transmits the characteristic data of the patient's skin to the control module 20. Subsequently, the parameters of the wave transmitted by the module 22 can be automatically modified via the control unit 20 by the program 16 or manually by the patient or other user. Thus, the device 10 adapts to the patient's skin. That is, the generated electromagnetic field is controlled by the characteristics of the skin. In addition, the electromagnetic field can be modified based on the distance measured between the skin and the device through the skin detector 44. The device may include other units for determining and processing other data obtained directly from the patient, which may function to adjust parameters of the transmitted wave such as power, frequency and transmission duration.

Other embodiments of the transmission module are shown in FIGS. 24-29. These differ from previous embodiments by multiple ASICs and antennas. Therefore, the module of Fig. 24 includes eight ASICs. Also, one or more radiating members may correspond to an ASIC. Thus, module 320 includes four ASICs for eight radiating elements at a ratio of two radiating elements to one ASIC. Finally, module 420 includes six ASICs and six radiating elements.

In addition, the transmission module may be incorporated into other devices intended to be worn by the patient, for example, in different parts of the body. Thus, FIG. 19 shows the device 100 according to the second embodiment, which is disposed on the ankle, including the control module and the transmission module, while FIG. 20 shows such a device 1000 according to the third embodiment, which is placed on the calf. ). Thus, in these second and third embodiments, waves are transmitted to other areas of the patient's body by the device 10 and other devices to essentially adapt to target areas of the skin. In all cases, miniaturization of the module makes the device light and bulky, easy to wear and not overburdened.

Modifications are possible within the transport module. For example, the structure of the antenna array can be different and can provide a "micro ribbon" type supply line or coaxial probe. The antenna may be a long slot antenna.

The control module can also be integrated into the electromagnetic transmission module.

Thus, an electromagnetic wave having a power surface density of at least 0.5 milliwatts per square centimeter of the surface, a frequency value between 3 and 120 gigahertz per square centimeter of the surface, on a surface of at least 2.5 square centimeters, whether continuous or spread over several individual parts of the surface. Several embodiments and implementation modes have been proposed to allow the transmission of data.

In addition to any pain treatment, the wave transmission module, possibly in combination with the control module, may be interesting to transmit waves for other purposes, such as improving sleep, for example, because it is particularly compact and lightweight. As a result, the wave transmission module can be integrated into any device when it is necessary to send millimeter waves in a surface or in any direction.

Further, the transmission module or control module and / or the device integrating these modules can be remotely controlled from a mobile terminal as well as a terminal such as a computer. For example, a mobile application comprising a pain treatment program can be stored on a mobile terminal such that the patient programs his treatment, e.g. power, frequency, duration and time of wave transmission, or his doctor or medical Assistants program these parameters remotely. In this case, the terminal includes software that provides one or more interfaces that enable the user of the terminal to configure the device. Programs allowing implementation of the present invention can be downloaded over a communication network.

It can also be added that a transmission module as well as a device comprising it may be used to reduce the patient's stress or even give a feeling of well-being.

Consequently, the use of the transmission of electromagnetic waves within the framework of the program to improve the problems perceived by the patient can be expected. The program may consist of a commitment to the use of a series of supervised treatments as the exposure parameters (frequency, power, etc.) evolve. A discovery session can be expected followed by a session suitable for the patient's feelings and the power of perceived effects. If the sensor can measure, a subsequent session can be adapted based on the measurement of the effect. Finally, the treatment session can be triggered by the user through the program or automatically if the sensor can measure its need.

Naturally, various modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (16)

As a portable device (10; 100; 1000) for transmitting electromagnetic waves,
When placed on the surface 60, the device is capable of transmitting a wave having a power flux density of at least 0.5 milliwatts per square centimeter of the surface and a frequency value of 3 to 120 gigahertz, the device also being at least 2.5 square centimeters Portable device, characterized in that it is possible to simultaneously expose the surface of the wave. In the preceding claims,
The wave has a power flux density of between 5 and 35 mW / cm ² . The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
The device 10; 100; 1000 comprises a detection unit 44 for human or animal skin, which can signal the presence or absence of skin to be exposed to the wave, preferably with the skin 60 Portable device characterized in that it is possible to determine the distance separating the device (10; 100; 1000). The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
The device (10; 100; 1000),
-Around the wrist;
-One leg;
- Ankle;
- Etc;
-Ears; or
-A portable device characterized by being suitable for at least wearing in one of the positions in the palm of the hand. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
The device (10; 100; 1000) is a portable device characterized in that it comprises a rechargeable battery. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
The device (10; 100; 1000),
-Flexible materials;
-Phase change material;
-Heat buffer;
-Graphite; And
-A portable device comprising a heat sink (46) comprising at least one of the elastomeric materials. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,
The device (10; 100; 1000) is a portable device, characterized in that it comprises a unit for determining at least one data of the surface (60), for example, impedance data. In the preceding claims,
The device (10; 100; 1000) comprises a processing unit (20) that enables to deduce at least one parameter of wave transmission from the determined data or each determined data. As a method of transmitting electromagnetic waves,
Transmitters 10; 100; 1000; 22; 220; 320; 420 worn by a human or animal subject face the subject's skin 60 with a power flux density of at least 0.5 milliwatts per square centimeter of skin and 3 to 120 gigabytes Electromagnetic wave transmission method characterized in that for transmitting the electromagnetic wave having a frequency of Hertz. In the preceding claims,
The above method,
-The unit 44 detecting the skin of a human or animal, and
-When the unit detects that the skin (60) is located 3 millimeters or less from the transmitter (10; 100; 1000; 22; 220; 320; 420), the electromagnetic wave comprising the step of transmitting the wave by the transmitter. Transmission method. The method of claim 9 or 10,
The above method,
-Determining at least one impedance data of the skin (60); And
And adjusting at least one parameter of the transmission according to the data or each data. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 11,
The method of electromagnetic wave transmission is characterized in that the wave transmission occurs at at least one predetermined acupuncture point (6) of the object. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12,
Wherein the transmission is controlled by the transmitter or by a device capable of communicating with the transmitter via a communication network. With computer program 16,
A computer program comprising code instructions that, when executed on a computer, can control the implementation of the steps of the method according to at least one of claims 9 to 13. A method of making a program of the preceding claim available for download on a communication network. A device comprising a communication means and the program of claim 14.

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