Device for applying electric field to subject and temperature control method thereof
By integrating an electrode array, temperature sensor, and signal controller into the alternating electric field therapy device, the electric field output can be monitored and controlled in real time, solving the problem of low-temperature burns caused by skin temperature rise during alternating electric field therapy, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of treatment.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGSU HEALTHY LIFE INNOVATION MEDICAL TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2021-12-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-12
AI Technical Summary
When applying alternating electric fields to treat tumors, the temperature rise of the patient's skin surface may cause low-temperature burns, and current technology makes it difficult to effectively control the temperature to avoid such damage.
Design a device comprising an electrode array, a temperature sensor array, an AC signal generator, and a signal controller to maintain the skin surface temperature within a safe range by real-time monitoring and control of the electric field output. The temperature sensor acquires temperature information, and the signal controller controls the electric field output based on a temperature threshold.
It achieves precise control of the alternating electric field, avoids low-temperature burns to the skin, and improves the safety and efficiency of electric field therapy.
Smart Images
Figure CN122006113A_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on December 24, 2021, with application number 202111596993X and invention title "Electric Field Generator, Device and Temperature Control Method Thereof for Applying an Electric Field to a Subject". Technical Field
[0002] This disclosure relates to tumor treating fields (TTF) technology, and in particular to a device for applying an electric field to a subject and a method for temperature control thereof. Background Technology
[0003] Tumor treating fields (TTF) is a treatment method that uses a low-intensity, mid-frequency (e.g., 100–300 kHz) alternating electric field to prevent the formation of spindle microtubules during mitosis in certain tumor cells and inhibit the separation of intracellular organelles during cell division, thereby inducing apoptosis in mitotic cells and thus achieving the effect of treating tumors.
[0004] Compared to traditional cancer treatments, TTF has an innovative mechanism of action. Certain physiological characteristics of tumor cells, such as their geometry and high-frequency mitosis, make them susceptible to TTF. TTF disrupts the normal aggregation of microtubules by applying directional forces to intracellular polar particles (such as macromolecules and organelles). These processes can lead to physical damage to the cell membrane and apoptosis. During the telophase of mitosis, the morphology of the cleavage groove leads to an uneven distribution of the electric field around it. Under the influence of TTF, the electric field strength at the cleavage groove is significantly enhanced, causing charged substances in the cell to move towards the cleavage groove, interfering with or even destroying cell structure formation, ultimately leading to cell division failure and apoptosis.
[0005] In related technologies, TTF applies an alternating electric field to the skin of a subject near a tumor via an electric field generator. The alternating electric field causes a rise in heat on the subject's application surface. To avoid low-temperature burns to the skin, it is necessary to design a device and temperature control method capable of rapidly controlling the corresponding alternating electric field output based on the detected temperature of the subject's application surface. Summary of the Invention
[0006] It would be beneficial to provide a mechanism to alleviate, reduce, or even eliminate one or more of the aforementioned problems.
[0007] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus for applying an electric field to a subject is provided, comprising: at least two pairs of electrode arrays configured to contact corresponding body parts of the subject; at least two pairs of temperature sensor arrays configured to acquire temperature information corresponding to temperature signals at the corresponding body parts of the subject; an AC signal generator configured to generate at least two AC signals to be output to the corresponding at least two pairs of electrode arrays to establish an electric field in at least two directions applied to the corresponding body parts of the subject; and at least two pairs of output terminals configured to be electrically connected to the AC signal generator, each pair of output terminals further configured to respectively output to the electrically connected... The pair of electrode arrays outputs an AC signal from the AC signal generator; and a signal controller is configured to acquire temperature information of each body part of the subject, and is further configured to: (1) when the acquired temperature information at the corresponding body part of the subject is greater than a temperature threshold, control the corresponding pair of output terminals to stop outputting the AC signal that establishes an electric field applied to the body part; (2) when the acquired temperature information at the corresponding body part of the subject is not greater than a temperature threshold, control the corresponding pair of output terminals to output the AC signal that establishes an electric field applied to the body part.
[0008] Optionally, it also includes at least two pairs of switches, each of the switches being disposed between the AC signal generator and a corresponding output terminal, wherein the signal controller is configured to stop or continue outputting an AC signal that establishes an electric field applied to the corresponding body part to the pair of output terminals electrically connected to the pair of switches by controlling the opening or closing of the corresponding pair of switches.
[0009] Optionally, the AC signal generator includes: a DC signal source configured to generate a DC signal; and a power converter configured to convert the DC signal into at least two AC signals.
[0010] Optionally, the AC signal generator further includes a DC signal switch electrically connected between the DC signal source and the power converter, and the signal controller is configured to control the supply of DC signal from the DC signal source to the power converter by controlling the DC signal switch.
[0011] Optionally, the AC signal generator further includes a DC signal switch electrically connected between the DC signal source and the power converter, wherein the signal controller is configured to control whether the AC signal generator generates the at least two AC signals by controlling the DC signal switch, thereby enabling the corresponding pair of output terminals to stop or continue outputting one of the AC signals that establishes an electric field applied to the corresponding body part of the subject.
[0012] Optionally, the temperature threshold range is 37℃-41℃.
[0013] Optionally, the temperature sensor array is combined with the electrode array and configured to sense temperature signals at corresponding body parts of the subject to provide the corresponding temperature information.
[0014] Optionally, the temperature information includes first temperature information and second temperature information, wherein the first temperature information indicates the temperature of the body part to which an electric field in one of the at least two directions is applied, and the second temperature information indicates the temperature of the body part to which an electric field in the other of the at least two directions is applied.
[0015] Optionally, the signal controller is configured to: acquire the first temperature information; compare the first temperature information with the temperature threshold; and when the first temperature information is greater than the temperature threshold, control the corresponding pair of output terminals to stop outputting one AC signal that establishes a directional electric field applied to the body part; or when the first temperature information is not greater than the temperature threshold, control the corresponding pair of output terminals to output one AC signal that establishes a directional electric field applied to the body part.
[0016] Optionally, the signal controller is further configured to: acquire the second temperature information; compare the second temperature information with the temperature threshold; and when the second temperature information is greater than the temperature threshold, control the corresponding pair of output terminals to stop outputting one of the AC signals that establishes an electric field applied to the body part in another direction; or when the second temperature information is not greater than the temperature threshold, control the corresponding pair of output terminals to output one of the AC signals that establishes an electric field applied to the body part in another direction.
[0017] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a temperature control method for the aforementioned device is provided, the method comprising: acquiring temperature information of a corresponding body part of the subject; comparing the temperature information with a temperature threshold; and when one of the acquired temperature information is greater than the temperature threshold, controlling a corresponding pair of output terminals to stop outputting an AC signal that establishes an electric field applied to the body part; or when each of the acquired temperature information is not greater than the temperature threshold, controlling the corresponding pair of output terminals to output an AC signal that establishes an electric field applied to the body part.
[0018] Optionally, the temperature information is a first temperature information or a second temperature information, wherein the first temperature information indicates the temperature of the body part to which an electric field in one of the at least two directions is applied, and the second temperature information indicates the temperature of the body part to which an electric field in the other of the at least two directions is applied.
[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a temperature control method for the aforementioned device is provided, the temperature control method comprising: acquiring first temperature information and second temperature information, the first temperature information indicating the temperature at a body part to which a first electric field in at least two directions is applied, and the second temperature information indicating the temperature at a body part to which a second electric field in at least two directions is applied; comparing the first temperature information with a temperature threshold, and controlling to stop outputting one of the at least two AC signals that establishes the first electric field when the first temperature information is greater than the temperature threshold, or controlling to output one of the AC signals that establishes the first electric field when the first temperature information is not greater than the temperature threshold; and comparing the second temperature information with the temperature threshold, and controlling to stop outputting one of the at least two AC signals that establishes the second electric field when the second temperature information is greater than the temperature threshold, or controlling to output one of the second AC signals that establishes the second electric field when the second temperature information is not greater than the temperature threshold.
[0020] Optionally, the temperature threshold range is 37℃-41℃.
[0021] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is provided that stores instructions thereon, which, when executed by a signal controller of the apparatus as described above, cause the apparatus to perform the temperature control method as described above.
[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including instructions that, when executed by a signal controller of the device as described above, cause the device to perform the temperature control method as described above.
[0023] These and other aspects of this disclosure will be apparent from the embodiments described below, and will be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Further details, features, and advantages of this disclosure are disclosed in the following description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of an electric field generator for applying an electric field to a subject, according to an example embodiment.
[0025] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of an electric field generator for applying an electric field to a subject, according to another example embodiment; Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram of a device for applying an electric field to a subject according to an example embodiment; Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for applying an electric field to a subject according to an example embodiment; Figure 5 According to the example embodiment Figure 4 Flowchart of AC control signals in the middle; Figure 6 According to another example embodiment Figure 4 The flowchart for controlling AC signals in the middle; and Figure 7 This is an overall flowchart of an apparatus for applying an electric field to a subject, according to an example embodiment. Detailed Implementation
[0026] Intermediate-frequency alternating electric field therapy (ETF) is a proven and effective method for tumor treatment. A tumor ETF system may include an electric field generator, an adapter, and an array of four transducers to apply an electric field to the patient. The intermediate-frequency alternating voltage is generated by the electric field generator, transmitted via a specialized cable to the adapter, which then transmits the voltage to the transducer array via cables. Finally, the four transducer arrays are placed in close contact with the patient's skin surface to create an electric field that can treat the tumor. At different times, for example, two pairs of electric fields with different directions are formed to interfere with the mitotic process of tumor cells. During a certain treatment cycle, the electric field generator alternately outputs intermediate-frequency alternating voltage to the two pairs of transducer arrays.
[0027] Due to the alternating electric field and the body's inherent impedance, the surface of the patch experiences an increase in heat. The safe upper limit of the human body's surface temperature is 41℃; exceeding this temperature can easily lead to low-temperature burns. To avoid low-temperature burns, it is necessary to monitor and control the temperature of the patch surface (or the human body surface) in real time.
[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of an electric field generator 100 for applying an electric field to a subject, according to an example embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the electric field generator 100 includes an AC signal generator 110 and a signal controller 120.
[0029] The AC signal generator 110 is configured to generate at least two AC signals to be output to at least two pairs of electrode arrays to establish electric fields in at least two directions for application to corresponding body parts of the subject.
[0030] The signal controller 120 is configured to acquire temperature information of a corresponding body part of the subject, and based on the temperature information, individually control the output of each of at least two AC signals to selectively apply a corresponding electric field in at least two directions to the corresponding body part.
[0031] In one example, signal controller 120 controls whether each AC signal generated by AC signal generator 110 is output to a corresponding electrode array pair. Each electrode array pair may include two electrode arrays. When signal controller 120 controls the first AC signal to be output to the corresponding electrode array pair, the AC signal will generate an electric field in a first direction between the two electrode arrays. The two electrode arrays can be applied to the body surface of the subject, so that the electric field in the first direction can be applied to the applied area. Similarly, when signal controller 120 controls the output of a second AC signal, different from the first AC signal, generated by AC signal generator 110, to the corresponding electrode array pair, the AC signal will generate an electric field in a second direction between the two electrode arrays. Based on the temperature information of the subject's body surface to which the electrode array pair corresponding to the first AC signal is applied and the temperature information of the subject's body surface to which the electrode array pair corresponding to the second AC signal is applied, signal controller 120 can independently control whether the first and second AC signals are output to the corresponding electrode array pairs.
[0032] In summary, the electric field generator 100 can control the various outputs of the AC signal generator 110 using the signal controller 120. Because each AC signal is controlled individually, the controllability of applying an electric field to the corresponding body part is improved.
[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram of an electric field generator 200 according to another example embodiment. (See diagram below.) Figure 2 As shown, the electric field generator 200 includes an AC signal generator 210 and a signal controller 220. The AC signal generator 210 includes a DC signal source 212 and a power converter 214.
[0034] DC signal source 212 is configured to generate a DC signal. In one example, a high-power DC signal source can be used.
[0035] The power converter 214 is configured to convert a DC signal into at least two AC signals.
[0036] In one example embodiment, the AC signal generator 210 further includes a DC signal switch S1. The DC signal switch S1 is electrically connected between the DC signal source 212 and the power converter 214. The signal controller 220 is configured to control the supply of a DC signal from the DC signal source 212 to the power converter 214 by controlling the DC signal switch S1.
[0037] In one example embodiment, the electric field generator 200 further includes at least two pairs of output terminals. Figure 2 Two pairs of output terminals (X1, X2) and (Y1, Y2) are shown. Each pair of output terminals is used to supply a corresponding AC signal from at least two AC signals from AC signal generator 210. In one example, power converter 214 converts DC signal source 212 into two mid-to-high frequency AC signals. The two AC signals are defined as an X-direction AC signal transmitted along an X-direction loop and a Y-direction AC signal transmitted along a Y-direction loop, respectively. The output terminal pair (X1, X2) constitutes the X-direction loop, and the output terminal pair (Y1, Y2) constitutes the Y-direction loop. The X-direction AC signal generates an X-direction electric field between the corresponding electrode array pairs, and the Y-direction AC signal generates a Y-direction electric field between the corresponding electrode array pairs.
[0038] In one example embodiment, the electric field generator 200 further includes at least two pairs of switches. The at least two pairs of switches are electrically connected to at least two pairs of output terminals, respectively. The signal controller 220 is configured to individually control the output of at least two AC signals from the at least two pairs of output terminals by individually controlling the at least two pairs of switches. Figure 2 Two pairs of switches (S2, S3) and (S4, S5) are shown. Switch pairs (S2, S3) are electrically connected to output terminal pairs (X1, X2), and each switch is electrically connected to its corresponding output terminal, for example, S2 is connected to X1 and S3 to X2. Switch pairs (S4, S5) are also electrically connected to output terminal pairs (Y1, Y2) in a similar manner. Furthermore, the signal controller 220 can control the output of X-channel AC signals and Y-channel AC signals from output terminal pairs (X1, X2) and (Y1, Y2) by individually controlling switch pairs (S2, S3) and (S4, S5). In various embodiments, switches S1 to S5 can take any suitable form, such as electronic switches or mechanical switches (e.g., relays).
[0039] In one example, when an X-axis electric field is desired based on temperature information, switch pair (S2, S3) is closed. If an X-axis electric field is not desired, switch pair (S2, S3) is opened, preventing the output terminal pair (X1, X2) from supplying the X-channel AC signal used to establish the X-axis electric field. A similar method can be used to control the Y-axis electric field based on temperature information. It should be understood that controlling the X-axis electric field does not interfere with controlling the Y-axis electric field, and vice versa.
[0040] In summary, the electric field generator 200 can individually control the application of an electric field to corresponding body parts of the subject by controlling each switch pair separately. For example, the electric field generator 200 can individually control the X-axis and Y-axis electric fields, improving the utilization rate of the electric field and ensuring the therapeutic effect.
[0041] In one example embodiment, the signal controller (e.g.) Figure 1 Signal controller 120 or Figure 2 The signal control (220) is configured to, for each body part of the subject, based on temperature information: in response to the temperature information being greater than a temperature threshold, control to stop outputting the AC signal from at least two AC signals used to establish an electric field applied to that body part; and in response to the temperature information not being greater than the temperature threshold, control to output the AC signal from at least two AC signals used to establish an electric field applied to that body part. In one example, the temperature threshold can be set to the upper limit of the safe temperature of the human body surface, 41°C. Therefore, when the temperature information of the subject's corresponding body part is greater than 41°C, the signal controller can control to stop outputting the AC signal used to establish an electric field for that part. Simultaneously, when the temperature information of another body part of the subject is not greater than 41°C, the signal controller can control to continue outputting the AC signal used to establish an electric field for that other part. The temperature threshold range is 37°C-41°C.
[0042] In this context, the actions "control to stop outputting AC signal" and "control outputting AC signal" can be achieved by controlling the corresponding switches (e.g., Figure 2 The switching actions are achieved by opening and closing the switches S2, S3, S4 and / or S5 shown in the diagram. However, it will be understood that these actions do not necessarily require explicit physical operation. For example, if a switch is originally closed to output an AC signal, then controlling the switch to output an AC signal does not require any explicit physical operation, but only requires maintaining the switch in the closed state, for example by maintaining the control signal that keeps the switch closed by supplying power.
[0043] In summary, the electric field generators 100 and 200 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can individually control the output AC signal based on the temperature information of the subject's body surface through the signal controllers 120 and 210. Therefore, the electric field generator of this disclosure improves the efficiency of electric field utilization while ensuring that the subject's body temperature is within a safe threshold.
[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram of a device 300 for applying an electric field to a subject according to an example embodiment. Figure 3 As shown, the device 300 includes at least two pairs of electrode arrays, at least two pairs of temperature sensor arrays, and an electric field generator 310. Figure 3 Two pairs of electrode arrays (320, 330) and (340, 350) are shown. At least two pairs of electrode arrays are configured to contact corresponding body parts of the subject. In one example, each electrode array may include multiple capacitively coupled electrodes. When the electrode arrays are placed on the subject, good electrical contact with the body is achieved.
[0045] At least two pairs of temperature sensor arrays (not shown) are configured to sense temperature signals at corresponding body parts to provide corresponding temperature information. In one example, each temperature sensor array includes multiple thermistors. Each thermistor is capable of sensing the temperature at the corresponding body part. In one example, the temperature sensor arrays and electrode arrays may be combined (e.g., each electrode is provided with a temperature sensor) and applied to the subject's body.
[0046] The electric field generator 310 can be used as follows Figure 1 or Figure 2 The electric field generator 100 or 200 shown, or any of the electric field generators described in the embodiments.
[0047] In one example embodiment, device 300 further includes an adapter 360. The adapter 360 is configured to convert temperature signals from the temperature sensor array into temperature information and transmit at least two AC signals to corresponding at least two pairs of electrode arrays. In one example, temperature signals sensed by at least two pairs of temperature sensor arrays are transmitted to the adapter 360 for processing to obtain temperature information applicable to the signal controller in the electric field generator 310. For example, the adapter 360 can process a voltage value sensed by a thermistor into a corresponding temperature value for further judgment by the signal controller in the electric field generator 310.
[0048] In summary, the device 300 for applying an electric field to a subject can acquire temperature signals and feed them back to the electric field generator 310. The electric field generator 310 controls the electric field applied to the subject based on the temperature information, thereby ensuring the safety of the device 300 when applying an electric field to the subject. Since the electric field generator 310 of this disclosure can individually control the electric field in each direction, it also ensures that the device 300 can apply the electric field in a targeted manner.
[0049] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method 400 for an electric field generator according to an example embodiment. In one example, method 400 can be used for electric field generator 100 or electric field generator 200. Figure 4 As shown, method 400 includes steps 410 and 420.
[0050] In step 410, the temperature information of the corresponding body parts of the subject is obtained.
[0051] In step 420, based on temperature information, the output of each of at least two AC signals is individually controlled to selectively apply corresponding electric fields in at least two directions to the corresponding body part.
[0052] Figure 5According to the example embodiment Figure 4 A flowchart for controlling AC signals. (Example) Figure 5 As shown, individually controlling the output of each of at least two AC signals to selectively apply a corresponding electric field in at least two directions to the corresponding body part (step 420) includes steps 510 to 530.
[0053] In step 510, a first temperature information is compared with a temperature threshold, the first temperature information indicating the temperature at the body part to which a first electric field in at least two directions is applied.
[0054] In step 520, in response to the first temperature information being greater than the temperature threshold, the output of the first AC signal that establishes the first electric field from at least two AC signals is stopped.
[0055] In step 530, in response to the first temperature information not being greater than the temperature threshold, the first AC signal is controlled to be output.
[0056] It will be understood that steps 520 and 530 do not necessarily have to occur in the order shown, as they can be parallel processes branching off after step 510 in the embodiments. The temperature threshold range is 37°C–41°C.
[0057] Figure 6 According to another example embodiment Figure 4 A flowchart for controlling AC signals. (Example) Figure 6 As shown, individually controlling the output of each of at least two AC signals to selectively apply a corresponding electric field in at least two directions to the corresponding body part (step 420) further includes steps 610 to 630.
[0058] In step 610, the second temperature information is compared with a temperature threshold, the second temperature information indicating the temperature at the body part to which the second electric field in at least two directions is applied.
[0059] In step 620, in response to the second temperature information being greater than the temperature threshold, the output of the second AC signal that establishes the second electric field from at least two AC signals is stopped.
[0060] In step 630, in response to the second temperature information not being greater than the temperature threshold, the control outputs a second AC signal.
[0061] It will be understood that steps 620 and 630 do not necessarily have to occur in the order shown, as they can be parallel processes branching off after step 610 in the embodiments. The temperature threshold range is 37°C–41°C.
[0062] In one exemplary embodiment, method 400 further includes continuously acquiring temperature information. Method 400 uses the continuously acquired temperature information to control the output of an AC signal via an electric field generator in real time.
[0063] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a process flow 700 for an apparatus for applying an electric field to a subject, according to an example embodiment. Figure 7 As shown, in step 710, the device for applying an electric field to the subject (e.g., device 300) is activated. In step 720, the temperature signal is continuously detected to provide corresponding temperature information to the electric field generator. In step 730, the electric field generator determines whether the first temperature information is greater than a temperature threshold (e.g., the upper limit of the safe temperature of the human body surface, 41°C). If the first temperature information is greater than the temperature threshold, the process proceeds to step 750. In step 750, the electric field generator stops outputting the first AC signal used to establish the first directional electric field. If the first temperature information is not greater than the temperature threshold, the process proceeds to step 740. In step 740, the electric field generator outputs the first AC signal to apply the first directional electric field to the subject. Further, in step 760, the electric field generator determines whether the second temperature information is greater than the temperature threshold. If the second temperature information is greater than the temperature threshold, the process proceeds to step 780. In step 780, the electric field generator stops outputting the second AC signal used to establish the second directional electric field. If the second temperature information is not greater than the temperature threshold, the process proceeds to step 770. In step 770, the electric field generator outputs a second AC signal to apply a second directional electric field to the subject. The temperature threshold range is 37℃-41℃.
[0064] In summary, according to process 700, when any temperature information is detected to exceed the temperature threshold, the electric field generator will shut down the corresponding electric field until the temperature information corresponding to that electric field returns to normal. However, shutting down one electric field does not affect the output of the other electric field. Therefore, the utilization rate of the electric field is improved, ensuring the therapeutic effect.
[0065] Although the temperature judgment and electric field control operations for different body parts shown in process 700 have a sequential order, in actual control, because the signal controller's processing time for a single command is on the order of microseconds and its response speed is extremely fast, these operations can still be regarded as being performed in parallel, so it will not cause temperature runaway.
[0066] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a signal controller of the electric field generator as described above, cause the electric field generator to perform the method described above.
[0067] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is also provided, including instructions that, when executed by a signal controller of the electric field generator as described above, cause the electric field generator to perform the method as described above.
[0068] Although this disclosure has been described and illustrated in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such description and illustration should be considered illustrative and suggestive, not restrictive; this disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. By studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, those skilled in the art will be able to understand and implement variations of the disclosed embodiments in practice with respect to the claimed subject matter. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps not listed, the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality, and the term "a plurality" means two or more. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be beneficial.
Claims
1. A device for applying an electric field to a subject, comprising: At least two pairs of electrode arrays are configured to contact the corresponding body parts of the subject; At least two pairs of temperature sensor arrays are configured to acquire temperature information corresponding to the temperature signal at the corresponding body part of the subject; An AC signal generator is configured to generate at least two AC signals to be output to at least two corresponding pairs of electrode arrays to establish electric fields in at least two directions for application to corresponding body parts of a subject. At least two pairs of output terminals are configured to be electrically connected to the AC signal generator, and each pair of output terminals is also configured to output an AC signal from the AC signal generator to a pair of electrode arrays electrically connected thereto. as well as The signal controller is configured to acquire temperature information of each body part of the subject, and is further configured to: (1) when the acquired temperature information of the subject's corresponding body part is greater than a temperature threshold, control the corresponding pair of output terminals to stop outputting one AC signal that establishes an electric field applied to the body part; (2) when the acquired temperature information of the subject's corresponding body part is not greater than a temperature threshold, control the corresponding pair of output terminals to output one AC signal that establishes an electric field applied to the body part.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes at least two pairs of switches, each of which is located between the AC signal generator and a corresponding output terminal, wherein the signal controller is configured to stop or continue outputting an AC signal that establishes an electric field applied to a corresponding body part to a pair of output terminals electrically connected to the pair of switches by controlling the opening or closing of the corresponding pair of switches.
3. The apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The AC signal generator includes: A DC signal source is configured to generate a DC signal; and A power converter is configured to convert the DC signal into the at least two AC signals.
4. The apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The AC signal generator further includes: A DC signal switch is electrically connected between the DC signal source and the power converter. The signal controller is configured to control the supply of the DC signal from the DC signal source to the power converter by controlling the DC signal switch.
5. The apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The AC signal generator further includes a DC signal switch electrically connected between the DC signal source and the power converter, wherein the signal controller is configured to control whether the AC signal generator generates the at least two AC signals by controlling the DC signal switch, thereby enabling the corresponding pair of output terminals to stop or continue outputting one of the AC signals that establishes an electric field applied to the corresponding body part of the subject.
6. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The temperature threshold range is 37℃-41℃.
7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The temperature sensor array is combined with the electrode array and configured to sense temperature signals at corresponding body parts of the subject to provide the corresponding temperature information.
8. The apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The temperature information includes first temperature information and second temperature information. The first temperature information indicates the temperature of the body part to which an electric field in one of the at least two directions is applied, and the second temperature information indicates the temperature of the body part to which an electric field in the other of the at least two directions is applied.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The signal controller is configured to: Obtain the first temperature information; Compare the first temperature information with the temperature threshold; and When the first temperature information is greater than the temperature threshold, the corresponding pair of output terminals are controlled to stop outputting one of the AC signals that establishes an electric field applied to the body part in one direction; or When the first temperature information is not greater than the temperature threshold, the corresponding pair of output terminals are controlled to output an AC signal that establishes a directional electric field applied to the body part.
10. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that, The signal controller is also configured to: Obtain the second temperature information; Compare the second temperature information with the temperature threshold; and When the second temperature information is greater than the temperature threshold, control the corresponding pair of output terminals to stop outputting one of the AC signals that establishes an electric field applied to the body part in another direction; or When the second temperature information is not greater than the temperature threshold, the corresponding pair of output terminals are controlled to output an AC signal that establishes an electric field applied to the body part in another direction.
11. A temperature control method for the apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, the temperature control method comprising: Obtain the temperature information of the corresponding body parts of the subject; Compare the temperature information with the temperature threshold; as well as When the acquired temperature information exceeds the temperature threshold, the corresponding pair of output terminals are controlled to stop outputting one of the AC signals used to establish the electric field applied to the body part; or When the acquired temperature information is not greater than the temperature threshold, the corresponding pair of output terminals are controlled to output an AC signal that establishes an electric field applied to the body part.
12. The temperature control method of the device as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The temperature information is either a first temperature information or a second temperature information, wherein the first temperature information indicates the temperature of the body part to which an electric field in one of the at least two directions is applied, and the second temperature information indicates the temperature of the body part to which an electric field in the other of the at least two directions is applied.
13. A temperature control method for the apparatus as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, the temperature control method comprising: Acquire first temperature information and second temperature information, wherein the first temperature information indicates the temperature at the body part to which the first electric field in the at least two directions of the electric field is applied, and the second temperature information indicates the temperature at the body part to which the second electric field in the at least two directions of the electric field is applied; Compare the first temperature information with the temperature threshold, and if the first temperature information is greater than the temperature threshold, control to stop outputting one of the at least two AC signals that establishes the first electric field, or if the first temperature information is not greater than the temperature threshold, control to output one of the AC signals that establishes the first electric field. as well as The system compares the second temperature information with the temperature threshold, and if the second temperature information is greater than the temperature threshold, it controls the output of one of the at least two AC signals that establishes the second electric field to stop, or if the second temperature information is not greater than the temperature threshold, it controls the output of one of the second AC signals that establishes the second electric field.
14. The temperature control method of the device as described in claim 11 or 13, characterized in that, The temperature threshold range is 37℃-41℃.
15. A computer-readable storage medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a signal controller of the apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-10, cause the apparatus to perform the temperature control method as claimed in any one of claims 10-14.
16. A computer program product comprising instructions that, when executed by a signal controller of the apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1-10, cause the apparatus to perform the temperature control method as claimed in any one of claims 10-14.