CN114099964A

CN114099964A - Electric field generator, device for applying electric field to subject and temperature control method thereof

Info

Publication number: CN114099964A
Application number: CN202111596993.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: 陈晟; 应建俊; 于晶; 张军
Original assignee: Jiangsu Hailai Xinchuang Medical Technology Co Ltd
Current assignee: Jiangsu Hailai Xinchuang Medical Technology Co Ltd
Priority date: 2021-12-24
Filing date: 2021-12-24
Publication date: 2022-03-01

Abstract

An electric field generator, a device for applying an electric field to a subject, and a temperature control method thereof are provided. The electric field generator comprises: an alternating current signal generator configured to generate at least two alternating current signals to be output to respective at least two pairs of electrode arrays to establish at least two directional electric fields for application to respective body parts of a subject; and a signal controller configured to acquire temperature information of a corresponding body part of the subject and individually control an output of each of the at least two alternating current signals based on the temperature information to selectively apply a corresponding one of the at least two directions of electric fields to the corresponding body part.

Description

Electric field generator, device for applying electric field to subject and temperature control method thereof

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to Tumor electric field therapy (TTF) technology, and more particularly, to an electric field generator, an apparatus for applying an electric field to a subject, and a temperature control method thereof.

Background

Tumor electric field therapy (TTF) is an effect of Treating tumors by preventing the formation of spindle microtubules and inhibiting the separation of intracellular organelles in the mitosis phase of certain Tumor cells and inducing apoptosis in the mitosis phase through a low-intensity intermediate frequency (e.g., 100-300 kHz) alternating electric field.

Compared with traditional cancer treatment methods, TTF has an innovative mechanism of action. Some of the physiological properties of tumor cells, such as geometry and high frequency mitosis, make them susceptible to TTF. TTF disrupts the normal aggregation of tubulin by exerting a directional force on intracellular polar particles (e.g., macromolecules and organelles). These processes may lead to physical disruption of the cell membrane and apoptosis. At the terminal stage of mitosis of the cell, the structural morphology of the cleavage furrow can cause uneven distribution of electric fields around the cleavage furrow, and meanwhile, under the influence of TTF, the electric field intensity at the cleavage furrow is obviously enhanced, and charged substances in the cell move to the cleavage furrow, so that the formation of the cell structure is interfered and even destroyed, and finally, the cell can fail to divide and go to apoptosis.

In the related art, TTF applies an alternating electric field to a site on the skin of a subject adjacent to a tumor via an electric field generator. Due to the application of the alternating electric field, the heat of the applied surface of the examinee rises. In order to avoid low-temperature skin scald, it is necessary to design an electric field generator, an apparatus and a temperature control method capable of rapidly controlling the output of a corresponding alternating electric field based on the detected temperature of the application surface of a subject.

Disclosure of Invention

It would be advantageous to provide a mechanism that alleviates, mitigates or even eliminates one or more of the above-mentioned problems.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an electric field generator for applying an electric field to a subject, comprising: an alternating current signal generator configured to generate at least two alternating current signals to be output to respective at least two pairs of electrode arrays to establish at least two directional electric fields for application to respective body parts of a subject; and a signal controller configured to acquire temperature information of a respective body part of the subject and individually control an output of each of the at least two alternating current signals based on the temperature information to selectively apply a respective one of the at least two directional electric fields to the respective body part.

Optionally, the alternating current signal generator comprises: a direct current signal source configured to generate a direct current signal; and a power converter configured to convert the direct current signal into at least two alternating current signals.

Optionally, the alternating current signal generator further comprises: and a direct current signal switch electrically connected between the direct current signal source and the power converter, the signal controller being configured to control supply of the direct current signal from the direct current signal source to the power converter by controlling the direct current signal switch.

Optionally, the apparatus further comprises at least two pairs of output terminals, each pair of output terminals for supplying a respective ac signal of the at least two ac signals from the ac signal generator.

Optionally, further comprising: and the signal controller is configured to separately control the output of the at least two paths of alternating current signals from the at least two pairs of output terminals by separately controlling the at least two pairs of switches.

Optionally, the signal controller is configured to: for temperature information of each of the subject's respective body parts: controlling to stop outputting the alternating current signal for establishing the electric field applied to the body part in at least two alternating current signals in response to the temperature information being greater than the temperature threshold; and in response to the temperature information not being greater than the temperature threshold, controlling to output an alternating current signal of the at least two alternating current signals that establishes an electric field for application to the body part.

Optionally, the temperature threshold range is 37 ℃ to 41 ℃.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for applying an electric field to a subject, comprising: at least two pairs of electrode arrays configured to be in contact with respective body parts of a subject; at least two pairs of temperature sensor arrays configured to sense temperature signals at respective body parts to provide respective temperature information; and an electric field generator as described above.

Optionally, an adaptor is further included, configured to convert the temperature signal into temperature information and transmit the at least two alternating current signals to the respective at least two pairs of electrode arrays.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a temperature control method of an electric field generator for applying an electric field to a subject, including the above apparatus for applying an electric field to a subject, the method including: acquiring temperature information of a corresponding body part of a subject; and individually controlling an output of each of the at least two alternating current signals based on the temperature information to selectively apply a respective one of the at least two directions of electric fields to the respective body part.

Optionally, the individually controlling the output of each of the at least two ac signals comprises: comparing first temperature information to a temperature threshold, the first temperature information being indicative of a temperature at a body part to which a first of the at least two directions of electric fields is applied; controlling to stop outputting a first alternating current signal for establishing the first electric field in the at least two alternating current signals in response to the first temperature information being greater than the temperature threshold; and controlling to output the first alternating current signal in response to the first temperature information not being greater than the temperature threshold.

Optionally, the temperature threshold range is 37 ℃ to 41 ℃.

Optionally, separately controlling the output of each of the at least two ac signals further comprises: comparing second temperature information to a temperature threshold, the second temperature information being indicative of a temperature at the body part to which a second of the at least two directions of electric fields is applied; controlling to stop outputting a second alternating current signal for establishing a second electric field in the at least two alternating current signals in response to the second temperature information being greater than the temperature threshold; and controlling to output a second alternating current signal in response to the second temperature information not being greater than the temperature threshold.

Optionally, the temperature threshold range is 37 ℃ -41 ℃.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions, which, when executed by a signal controller of an electric field generator as described above, cause the electric field generator to perform the method as described above.

According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a signal controller of an electric field generator as described above, cause the electric field generator to perform the method as described above.

These and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

Drawings

Further details, features and advantages of the disclosure are disclosed in the following description of exemplary embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an electric field generator for applying an electric field to a subject according to an example embodiment.

Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an electric field generator for applying an electric field to a subject according to another example embodiment;

fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for applying an electric field to a subject according to an example embodiment;

fig. 4 is a flow chart of a method of an electric field generator for applying an electric field to a subject according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of the control AC signal of FIG. 4 according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the control AC signal of FIG. 4 according to another example embodiment; and is

Fig. 7 is an overall flowchart of an apparatus for applying an electric field to a subject according to an example embodiment.

Detailed Description

Medium frequency alternating electric field therapy is a proven effective method for tumor therapy. An oncology electric field therapy system may include an electric field generator for applying an electric field to a subject, an adaptor, and four transducer arrays. The medium frequency alternating voltage is generated by an electric field generator, transmitted to an adapter through a special cable, transmitted to the transducer array through the cable, and finally attached to the skin surface of a detected person through, for example, four transducer arrays to form an electric field capable of treating tumors, and two pairs of electric fields with different directions are formed at different moments to interfere the mitotic process of tumor cells. In a certain treatment period, the electric field generator alternately outputs intermediate frequency alternating voltage to the two pairs of transducer arrays.

Due to the holding of the alternating electric field, the human body has impedance, and the heat on the surface of the patch is increased. The upper limit of the safe temperature of the human body surface is 41 ℃, and the phenomenon of low-temperature skin scald is easily caused when the upper limit temperature is exceeded. To avoid low temperature burns of the skin, it is necessary to monitor and control the temperature of the application surface (or body surface) in real time.

Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an electric field generator 100 for applying an electric field to a subject according to an example embodiment. As shown in fig. 1, the electric field generator 100 includes an ac signal generator 110 and a signal controller 120.

The alternating signal generator 110 is configured to generate at least two alternating signals to be output to the respective at least two pairs of electrode arrays to establish at least two directional electric fields for application to the respective body part of the subject.

The signal controller 120 is configured to acquire temperature information of a respective body part of the subject and individually control an output of each of the at least two alternating current signals based on the temperature information to selectively apply a respective one of the at least two directions of electric fields to the respective body part.

In one example, the signal controller 120 controls whether each of the ac signals generated by the ac signal generator 110 is output to a corresponding electrode array pair. Each electrode array pair may comprise two electrode arrays. When the 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 may be applied to a body surface of a subject so that an electric field in a first direction can be applied to the applied site. Similarly, when the signal controller 120 controls the second ac signal, which is different from the first ac signal, generated by the ac signal generator 110 to be output 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 electrode array corresponding to the first path of alternating current signal to the body surface of the subject to which the electrode array is applied and the temperature information of the electrode array corresponding to the second path of alternating current signal to the body surface of the subject to which the electrode array is applied, the signal controller 120 can individually control whether the first path of alternating current signal and the second path of alternating current signal are output to the corresponding electrode array pairs.

In summary, the electric field generator 100 can control the outputs of the AC signal generator 110 by the signal controller 120. Because each path of alternating current signal is controlled independently, the controllability of applying an electric field to a corresponding body part is improved.

Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an electric field generator 200 according to another example embodiment. As shown in fig. 2, 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.

The dc signal source 212 is configured to generate a dc signal. In one example, a high power dc signal source may be used.

The power converter 214 is configured to convert the dc signal into at least two ac signals.

In an exemplary 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 the dc signal from the dc signal source 212 to the power converter 214 by controlling the dc signal switch S1.

In an example embodiment, the electric field generator 200 further comprises at least two pairs of output terminals. Two pairs of output terminals (X1, X2) and (Y1, Y2) are shown in fig. 2. Each pair of output terminals is for supplying a respective one of the at least two ac signals from the ac signal generator 210. In one example, power converter 214 converts dc signal source 212 into a two-way medium-high frequency ac signal. The two paths of alternating current signals are respectively defined as an X-direction alternating current signal transmitted along the X-direction loop and a Y-direction alternating current signal transmitted along the Y-direction loop. Wherein the pair of output terminals (X1, X2) constitutes an X-direction circuit, and the pair of output terminals (Y1, Y2) constitutes a Y-direction circuit. The X-direction alternating current signal generates an X-direction electric field between the corresponding electrode array pair and the Y-direction alternating current signal generates a Y-direction electric field between the corresponding electrode array pair.

In an example embodiment, the electric field generator 200 further comprises at least two pairs of switches. 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 the at least two alternating current signals from the at least two pairs of output terminals by individually controlling the at least two pairs of switches. Two pairs of switches (S2, S3) and (S4, S5) are shown in fig. 2. The switch pair (S2, S3) is electrically connected with the output terminal pair (X1, X2) and each of the switches is electrically connected with the corresponding output terminal, for example, S2 is electrically connected with X1 and S3 is electrically connected with X2. The switch pair (S4, S5) and the output terminal pair (Y1, Y2) are also electrically connected in a similar manner. Further, the signal controller 220 can control the output of the X-path alternating current signal and the Y-path alternating current signal from the pair of output terminals (X1, X2) and (Y1, Y2) by individually controlling the pair of switches (S2, S3) and (S4, S5). In various embodiments, the switches S1-S5 may take any suitable form, such as electronic switches, mechanical switches (e.g., relays).

In one example, when it is desired to apply an X-direction electric field based on the temperature information, the switch pair is closed (S2, S3). If the application of the X-direction electric field is not desired, the pair of switches (S2, S3) is opened so that the pair of output terminals (X1, X2) cannot supply the X-path alternating current signal for establishing the X-direction electric field. For the Y-direction electric field, control based on temperature information can also be performed in a similar manner. It should be appreciated that control of the X-direction electric field does not interfere with control of the Y-direction electric field, and vice versa.

In summary, the electric field generator 200 is capable of achieving individual control of the application of the electric field to the respective body parts of the subject by individually controlling the respective pairs of switches. For example, the electric field generator 200 enables the X-direction and Y-direction electric fields to be controlled independently, thereby improving the utilization rate of the electric fields and ensuring the treatment effect.

In an example embodiment, the signal controller (e.g., signal controller 120 in fig. 1 or signal controller 220 in fig. 2) is configured to, for each of the subject's respective body parts' temperature information: controlling to stop outputting the alternating current signal for establishing the electric field applied to the body part in at least two alternating current signals in response to the temperature information being greater than the temperature threshold; and in response to the temperature information not being greater than the temperature threshold, controlling to output an alternating current signal of the at least two alternating current signals that establishes an electric field for application to the body part. In one example, the temperature threshold may be set to a safe upper temperature limit of 41 ℃ on the surface of the human body. Therefore, when the temperature information of the corresponding body part of the subject is greater than 41 ℃, the signal controller can control to stop outputting the alternating current signal for establishing the electric field of the part. Meanwhile, when the temperature information of another body part of the subject is not more than 41 ℃, the signal controller can control to continue outputting the alternating current signal for establishing the electric field of the other part. The temperature threshold range is 37-41 ℃.

In this context, the actions "control to stop outputting the ac signal" and "control to output the ac signal" may be achieved by controlling the corresponding switches (e.g., switches S2, S3, S4, and/or S5 shown in fig. 2) to open and close, respectively. However, it will be understood that these actions do not necessarily require explicit physical manipulation. For example, if a switch is originally closed to output an ac signal, controlling the switch to output the ac signal does not require any explicit physical operation to be performed, but merely maintains the switch in a closed state, for example by maintaining the supply of a control signal that closes the switch.

In summary, the

electric field generators

100, 200 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can individually control the output ac signals based on the temperature information of the surface of the subject's body by the

signal controllers

120, 210. Therefore, the electric field generator of the present disclosure improves the electric field use efficiency while ensuring that the body temperature of the subject is at a safe threshold.

Fig. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 300 for applying an electric field to a subject according to an example embodiment. As shown in fig. 3, 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. FIG. 3 shows two pairs of electrode arrays (320,330) and (340, 350). At least two pairs of the electrode arrays are configured to be in contact with respective body parts of a subject. In one example, each electrode array may include a plurality of capacitively coupled electrodes. When the electrode array is placed on the subject, good electrical contact with the body is made.

At least two pairs of temperature sensor arrays (not shown) are configured to sense temperature signals at respective body parts to provide respective temperature information. In one example, each temperature sensor array includes a plurality of thermistors. Each thermistor is capable of sensing a temperature at a respective body part. In one example, the temperature sensor array and the electrode array may be combined (e.g., one temperature sensor provided per electrode) and applied to the subject's body.

The electric field generator 310 may be the

electric field generator

100 or 200 as shown in fig. 1 or 2, or any of the electric field generators described in the embodiments.

In an example embodiment, the apparatus 300 further comprises an adaptor 360. The adapter 360 is configured to convert the temperature signals from the temperature sensor array into temperature information and transmit at least two alternating current signals to the respective at least two pairs of electrode arrays. In one example, the temperature signals sensed by at least two pairs of temperature sensor arrays are conducted into the adaptor 360 for processing to derive temperature information that can be applied to the signal controller in the electric field generator 310. For example, the adapter 360 can process the voltage value sensed by the thermistor into a corresponding temperature value for further determination by the signal controller in the electric field generator 310.

In summary, the apparatus 300 for applying an electric field to a subject can acquire a temperature signal and feed it 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 safety when the apparatus 300 applies the electric field to the subject. Since the electric field generator 310 of the present disclosure is capable of controlling the electric field in each direction individually, it also ensures that the device 300 can apply the electric field in a targeted manner.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart of a method 400 for an electric field generator according to an example embodiment. In one example, the method 400 may be used for the electric field generator 100 or the electric field generator 200. As shown in fig. 4, method 400 includes step 410 and step 420.

At step 410, temperature information of a respective body part of a subject is acquired.

At step 420, an output of each of the at least two alternating current signals is individually controlled based on the temperature information to selectively apply a respective one of the at least two directions of electric fields to the respective body part.

Fig. 5 is a flow chart of controlling the ac signal in fig. 4 according to an example embodiment. As shown in fig. 5, individually controlling the output of each of the at least two ac signals to selectively apply a respective one of the at least two directions of electric fields to a respective body part (step 420) comprises steps 510-530.

At step 510, first temperature information is compared to a temperature threshold, the first temperature information being indicative of a temperature at a body part to which a first of the at least two directions of electric fields is applied.

In step 520, in response to that the first temperature information is greater than the temperature threshold, control stops outputting the first alternating current signal establishing the first electric field of the at least two alternating current signals.

In step 530, in response to the first temperature information not being greater than the temperature threshold, control outputs a first alternating current signal.

It will be appreciated that

steps

520 and 530 may not necessarily occur in the order shown, as they may in embodiments be a parallel process that branches after step 510. The temperature threshold range is 37-41 ℃.

Fig. 6 is a flow chart of controlling the ac signal of fig. 4 according to another example embodiment. As shown in fig. 6, individually controlling the output of each of the at least two ac signals to selectively apply a respective one of the at least two directions of electric fields to a respective body part (step 420) further comprises steps 610-630.

At step 610, second temperature information is compared to a temperature threshold, the second temperature information being indicative of a temperature at the body part to which a second electric field of the at least two directions of electric fields is applied.

In step 620, in response to that the second temperature information is greater than the temperature threshold, controlling to stop outputting the second alternating current signal establishing the second electric field in the at least two alternating current signals.

In step 630, control outputs a second alternating current signal in response to the second temperature information not being greater than the temperature threshold.

It will be appreciated that

steps

620 and 630 may not necessarily occur in the order shown, as they may in embodiments be a parallel process that branches after step 610. The temperature threshold range is 37-41 ℃.

In an exemplary embodiment, the method 400 further includes continuously acquiring temperature information. The method 400 controls the output of the ac signal by the electric field generator in real time by continuously acquiring temperature information.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a process flow 700 of an apparatus for applying an electric field to a subject according to an example embodiment. As shown in fig. 7, at step 710, a device (e.g., device 300) that applies an electric field to a subject is turned on. At step 720, the temperature signal is continuously detected for feedback to the corresponding temperature information of the electric field generator. At step 730, the electric field generator determines whether the first temperature information is greater than a temperature threshold (e.g., an upper safe temperature limit of 41℃. on the surface of the human body). If the first temperature information is greater than the temperature threshold, the process proceeds to step 750. In step 750, the electric field generator control stops outputting the first ac signal for establishing the first directional electric field. If the first temperature information is not greater than the temperature threshold, the process proceeds to step 740. At step 740, the electric field generator outputs a first alternating current signal to apply a first directional electric field to the subject. Further, at step 760, the electric field generator determines whether the second temperature information is greater than a 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 control stops outputting the second ac signal for establishing the electric field in the second direction. If the second temperature information is not greater than the temperature threshold, the process proceeds to step 770. At step 770, the electric field generator outputs a second alternating current signal to apply a second directional electric field to the subject. The temperature threshold range is 37-41 ℃.

In summary, according to the process 700, when any temperature information is detected to exceed the temperature threshold, the electric field generator turns off the corresponding electric field until the temperature information corresponding to the electric field returns to normal. But turning off one field does not affect the output of the other. Therefore, the utilization rate of the electric field is improved, and the treatment effect is ensured.

Although the operations of temperature determination and electric field control for different body parts shown in the flow 700 are in sequence, in actual control, because the processing time of the signal controller for a single instruction is in the order of microseconds and the response speed is very high, these operations can still be regarded as being performed in parallel, and therefore, a situation of temperature runaway cannot be caused.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a computer readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions, which, when executed by a signal controller of an electric field generator as described above, cause the electric field generator to perform the method as described above.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is also provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a signal controller of an electric field generator as described above, cause the electric field generator to perform the method as described above.

While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative and exemplary and not restrictive; the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed subject matter, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. 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 used to advantage.

Claims

1. An electric field generator for applying an electric field to a subject, comprising:

an alternating current signal generator configured to generate at least two alternating current signals to be output to respective at least two pairs of electrode arrays to establish at least two directional electric fields for application to respective body parts of a subject; and

a signal controller configured to acquire temperature information of a respective body part of the subject and individually control an output of each of the at least two alternating current signals based on the temperature information to selectively apply a respective one of the at least two directional electric fields to the respective body part.

2. The electric field generator of claim 1, wherein said ac signal generator comprises:

a direct current signal source configured to generate a direct current signal; and

a power converter configured to convert the DC signal into the at least two AC signals.

3. The electric field generator of claim 2, wherein said ac signal generator further comprises:

a DC signal switch electrically connected between the DC signal source and the power converter,

wherein the signal controller is configured to control supply of the direct current signal from the direct current signal source to the power converter by controlling the direct current signal switch.

4. The electric field generator of claim 1, further comprising at least two pairs of output terminals, each pair for supplying a respective one of said at least two ac signals from said ac signal generator.

5. The electric field generator of claim 4, further comprising:

at least two pairs of switches electrically connected to the at least two pairs of output terminals, respectively,

wherein the signal controller is configured to individually control the output of the at least two AC signals from the at least two pairs of output terminals by individually controlling the at least two pairs of switches.

6. The electric field generator of any of claims 1-5, wherein the signal controller is configured to:

for temperature information of each of the subject's respective body parts:

controlling to stop outputting the alternating current signal which is used for establishing the electric field applied to the body part in the at least two alternating current signals in response to the temperature information being larger than the temperature threshold value; and is

And responding to the temperature information not larger than the temperature threshold value, and controlling to output the alternating current signal which is used for establishing the electric field applied to the body part in the at least two alternating current signals.

7. The electric field generator of claim 6, wherein said temperature threshold range is 37 ℃ -41 ℃.

8. An apparatus for applying an electric field to a subject, comprising:

at least two pairs of electrode arrays configured to be in contact with respective body parts of a subject;

at least two pairs of temperature sensor arrays configured to sense temperature signals at the respective body parts to provide respective temperature information; and

an electric field generator as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising an adapter configured to convert the temperature signal into the temperature information and transmit the at least two alternating current signals to the respective at least two pairs of electrode arrays.

10. A temperature control method for an electric field generator according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the method comprising:

acquiring temperature information of a corresponding body part of the subject; and

individually controlling an output of each of the at least two alternating current signals based on the temperature information to selectively apply a respective one of the at least two directions of electric fields to the respective body part.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein said individually controlling the output of each of said at least two ac signals comprises:

comparing first temperature information to a temperature threshold, the first temperature information being indicative of a temperature at a body part to which a first of the at least two directions of electric fields is applied;

controlling to stop outputting a first alternating current signal for establishing the first electric field in the at least two alternating current signals in response to the first temperature information being greater than the temperature threshold; and

and controlling to output the first alternating current signal in response to the first temperature information not being greater than the temperature threshold.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the temperature threshold ranges from 37 ℃ to 41 ℃.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein said individually controlling the output of each of said at least two ac signals further comprises:

comparing second temperature information to the temperature threshold, the second temperature information being indicative of a temperature at a body part to which a second of the at least two directions of electric fields is applied;

controlling to stop outputting a second alternating current signal for establishing the second electric field in the at least two alternating current signals in response to the second temperature information being greater than the temperature threshold; and

and controlling to output the second alternating current signal in response to the second temperature information not being greater than the temperature threshold.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the temperature threshold ranges from 37 ℃ to 41 ℃.

15. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon instructions which, when executed by a signal controller of an electric field generator according to any of claims 1-7, cause the electric field generator to perform the method according to any of claims 10-13.

16. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a signal controller of an electric field generator according to any of claims 1-7, cause the electric field generator to perform the method according to any of claims 10-13.