KR20240049147A - Apparatus for measuring temperature in electrode array - Google Patents

Abstract

A temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention is a temperature measuring device in an electrode array that is attached to the surface of an object and transmits an electric field to the object, and is mounted on the electrode array to transmit an electric field to the object. It is connected to a plurality of electrodes 1100 for measuring the temperature between the plurality of electrodes 1100 and the surface of the object, and a plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 for measuring the temperature of each. It may include a digital control unit 1300 that transmits a digital signal for controlling the module 1200 and receives a response signal from each temperature measurement module 1200. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electric field This has the effect of reducing the complexity of circuits and interface cables for measuring the temperature of each electrode in the treatment electrode array.

Description

Apparatus for measuring temperature in electrode array {Apparatus for measuring temperature in electrode array}

The present invention relates to a device for measuring temperature in an electrode array, and more specifically, to a device for measuring temperature in an electrode array in which the interface cable with the electrode array is minimized.

Tumor Treatment Fields (TTFields), which induces tumor cell death by delivering an alternating electric field to the tumor, is a proven cancer treatment method that has obtained FDA approval for relapsed glioblastoma and newly diagnosed glioblastoma.

An electric field tumor treatment system for delivering a therapeutic electric field to a target area of an object consists of a generator (alternating current signal generator), a distributor, and a plurality of electrode arrays.

According to US Patent No. 8,715,203 and US Patent No. 8,764,675, each electrode array consists of a plurality of electrode elements attached to the surface of an object. A typical electrode array for brain tumors (Glioblastoma) consists of 9 capacitively coupled individual electrodes in a 3X3 matrix structure, and a temperature sensor can be added to each individual electrode to measure the temperature between the electrode and the skin. The generator is connected via a distributor to two pairs of electrode arrays to cover two mutually orthogonal directions. The distributor connects the first electrode array pair to flow current for a certain period of time, and then selects the second electrode array pair to flow current for a certain period of time. The current generated from the generator is connected to the selected electrode array pair through a distributor, and is connected to the electrodes of the first electrode array and the skin and body of the subject to which the electrodes are attached, the skin of the subject to which the electrodes of the second electrode array are attached, the The current flows along the current path created by the electrodes of the second electrode array. At this time, a therapeutic electric field of a certain intensity or higher is delivered to the target area of the cancer cells, and this therapeutic electric field destroys the cancer cells by interfering with or delaying the division of dividing cancer cells.

At this time, the current flowing between the electrode and the skin generates heat, and in order to prevent skin burns caused by this heat, it is necessary to measure the temperature from an added temperature sensor. When the measured value of each temperature sensor exceeds a certain temperature (e.g. 41 degrees), there are optimization methods to avoid the risk of burning the subject by controlling the intensity of the current by temporarily stopping the system or changing the current waveform. It has been disclosed.

The interface cable between the electrode array and the distributor is very complex, consisting of a conductor for the current path, an analog signal line for outputting the temperature measurement value to the generator, and additional lines for the temperature measurement circuit. As an alternating current of hundreds of kHz or more than 1A flows, a change in the magnetic field occurs around the conductor for the current path, and this change causes unnecessary interference in the temperature analog output line, which can cause problems with accurate temperature measurement.

To solve this problem, U.S. Patent No. 11,097,101 and Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0008542 measure temperature within the electrode array using an analog multiplex, constant current source, analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and controller. A method of sequentially measuring temperature and digitally outputting the measured temperature value is disclosed. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022-0193404 extends this method and discloses a method of selecting a temperature sensor using a matrix switching method using two analog multiplexes and controlling the current waveform of the generator based on the measured temperature value. do. U.S. Patent Publication No. 2022-0257927 discloses a method of switching each electrode array based on the temperature of four or more electrode arrays.

However, despite these various approaches, circuits for additional temperature measurement and communication lines to control them are still needed. Therefore, there is a need for a method that can sequentially measure the temperature of each electrode without additional circuit elements.

US Patent No. 8,715,203 US Patent No. 8,764,675 US Patent No. 11,097,101 Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0008542 US Patent Publication No. 2022-0193404 US Patent Publication No. 2022-0257927

The purpose of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a device for measuring temperature in an electrode array in which the interface cable with the electrode array is minimized.

In order to solve the above problems, a temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to the surface of an object and transmits an electric field to the object, comprising: the electrode A plurality of electrodes 1100 mounted on an array to transmit an electric field to the object; A plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 for measuring the temperature between the plurality of electrodes 1100 and the surface of the object; And a digital control unit ( 1300); may be included.

Here, the plurality of temperature measurement modules are connected in cascade to the digital control unit, and each temperature measurement module includes a temperature sensor 1210 for measuring temperature; A conversion unit 1220 that converts the measured temperature value into a digital signal; A receiving unit 1230 that receives a digital signal; A transmitter 1240 that transmits a digital signal; And a temperature measurement module control unit 1250 for controlling the temperature sensor 1210, conversion unit 1220, receiver 1230, and transmitter 1240,

The temperature measurement module control unit 1250 measures the temperature through the temperature sensor 1210 according to the measurement signal received through the receiver 1230, and converts the measured temperature value to the conversion unit 1220. Converting to a temperature value signal through, and providing the converted temperature value signal through the transmitting unit 1240,

The temperature measurement module control unit 1250 combines the received measurement signal and the temperature value signal converted from the measured temperature value to form one data sequence, and then converts the one data sequence into the The temperature measurement module 1200 may be provided externally.

Here, the measurement signal received from the temperature measurement module 1200 includes the converted temperature value signal of at least one adjacent temperature measurement module in addition to the temperature measurement command,

The digital control unit 1300 and the plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 are connected in series, and the position information and temperature value of each temperature measurement module 1200 are determined by analyzing the response signal received by the digital control unit 1300. It may be an identification.

Here, the plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 are connected in parallel with the digital control unit 1300, and each temperature measurement module includes a temperature sensor 1210 for measuring temperature; A conversion unit 1220 that converts the measured temperature value into a digital signal; A receiving unit 1230 that receives a digital signal; A transmitter 1240 that transmits a digital signal; And a temperature measurement module control unit 1250 for controlling the temperature sensor 1210, conversion unit 1220, receiver 1230, and transmitter 1240,

The temperature measurement module control unit 1250 measures the temperature through the temperature sensor 1210 according to the measurement signal received through the receiver 1230, and converts the measured temperature value to the conversion unit 1220. Converting to a temperature value signal through, and providing the converted temperature value signal through the transmitting unit 1240,

The temperature measurement module control unit 1250 combines the received measurement signal and the temperature value signal converted from the measured temperature value to form one data sequence, and then converts the one data sequence into the The temperature measurement module 1200 may be provided externally.

Here, the digital control unit 1300 has a plurality of communication ports, each communication port representing the location information of one temperature measurement module 1200, and the corresponding location by analyzing the response signal received through each communication port. It may be to identify the temperature value of .

Here, the digital control unit 1300 sets a temperature measurement cycle, monitors the temperature measurement value of the temperature measurement module in real time according to the temperature measurement cycle, and the monitored temperature measurement value falls within a preset temperature range. If it exceeds this, the location information of the temperature measurement module and the monitored temperature measurement value may be provided to the outside.

Here, the digital control unit 1300 sets a temperature measurement cycle, monitors the temperature measurement value of the temperature measurement module in real time according to the temperature measurement cycle, and changes the rate of change of the monitored temperature measurement value to a preset change rate. If the range is exceeded, the location information of the temperature measurement module, the monitored temperature measurement value, and the rate of change may be provided to the outside.

Here, the electrode array may be made of a flexible substrate and may be attached to adapt to the curved surface of the object.

Here, the digital control unit 1300 may further include a power line communication unit (not shown) that transmits digital data received from the temperature measurement module 1200 using power line communication.

Here, in order to transmit an electric field to the object through the plurality of electrodes 1100, a high-frequency alternating current signal generator (not shown) that generates an alternating current voltage of 50 to 500 kHz may be further included.

A temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to another embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problems is attached to the surface of an object and transmits an electric field to the object, comprising: the electrode A plurality of electrodes 1100 mounted on an array to transmit an electric field to the object; A plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 for measuring the temperature between the plurality of electrodes and the surface of the object; And a digital control unit 1300 that connects the plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 to transmit a digital signal to control each temperature measurement module 1200 and receives a response signal from each temperature measurement module 1200,

Each of the temperature measurement modules 1200 includes a temperature sensor 1210 for measuring temperature; A conversion unit 1220 that converts the measured temperature value into a digital signal; A receiving unit 1230 that receives a digital signal; A transmitter 1240 that transmits a digital signal; And a temperature measurement module control unit 1250 for controlling the temperature sensor 1210, conversion unit 1220, receiver 1230, and transmitter 1240.

A unique identifier is assigned to the temperature sensor 1210, and the temperature measurement module control unit 1250 measures the temperature through the temperature sensor 1210 according to the measurement signal received through the receiver 1230. , converting the measured temperature value into a temperature value signal through the converter 1220, and providing the converted temperature value signal through the transmitter 1240,

The temperature measurement module control unit 1250 combines the unique identifier, the received measurement signal, and the temperature value signal converted from the measured temperature value to form one data sequence, and then The data sequence may be provided to the outside of the temperature measurement module 1200.

The interface cable between the electrode array and distributor for conventional electric field tumor treatment includes a current pass for flowing current to each individual electrode, a power line for a temperature measurement circuit to measure the temperature between the electrode and the skin, and a temperature measurement value. Numerous wires, including analog signal wires, are needed.

In addition, errors and unnecessary noise in temperature measurement values are inevitably included due to the influence of the magnetic field caused by the current path.

In order to solve these problems, the present invention discloses a method and device for sequentially digitally measuring temperature sensors provided in an electrode array in a daisy chain and outputting these measured values.

According to the temperature measuring device in the electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention, by outputting the measured temperature value using a power line communication protocol, the interface cable between the electrode array and the distributor includes a conductor for a current path and a temperature sensor. It can consist of only two conductors for power supply. This has the advantage of reducing the complexity of circuits and interface cables for measuring the temperature of each electrode in the electric field therapy electrode array.

1 is a diagram for explaining a temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining a temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the temperature measurement module in the temperature measurement device in the electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a block diagram of a temperature sensor with a serial interface and supporting a daisy chain structure in a temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram of a host controller for transmitting a command to a plurality of temperature sensors configured in a daisy chain and receiving temperature measurement data in a temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a diagram showing a host controller for serial communication with a generator or distributor in a temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a host controller for power line communication with a generator or distributor in a temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a diagram showing a plurality of electrodes, a temperature sensor, a communication controller, and a cable constituting a typical 3X3 electrode pad in a temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not relevant to the description are omitted, and identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly connected," but also cases where it is "electrically connected" with another element in between. . Additionally, when a part "includes" a certain component, this means that it may further include other components rather than excluding other components, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

When a part is referred to as being “on” another part, it may be directly on top of the other part or it may be accompanied by another part in between. In contrast, when a part is said to be "directly above" another part, it does not entail any other parts in between.

Terms such as first, second, and third are used to describe, but are not limited to, various parts, components, regions, layers, and/or sections. These terms are used only to distinguish one part, component, region, layer or section from another part, component, region, layer or section. Accordingly, the first part, component, region, layer or section described below may be referred to as the second part, component, region, layer or section without departing from the scope of the present invention.

The terminology used herein is only intended to refer to specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, singular forms include plural forms unless phrases clearly indicate the contrary. As used in the specification, the meaning of "comprising" refers to specifying a particular characteristic, area, integer, step, operation, element and/or ingredient, and the presence or presence of another characteristic, area, integer, step, operation, element and/or ingredient. This does not exclude addition.

Terms indicating relative space, such as “below” and “above,” may be used to more easily describe the relationship of one part shown in the drawing to another part. These terms are intended to include other meanings or operations of the device in use along with the meaning intended in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawing is turned over, some parts described as being “below” other parts will be described as being “above” other parts. Accordingly, the exemplary term “down” includes both upward and downward directions. The device may be rotated by 90 degrees or other angles, and terms indicating relative space are interpreted accordingly.

Although not defined differently, all terms including technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are further interpreted as having meanings consistent with related technical literature and currently disclosed content, and are not interpreted in ideal or very formal meanings unless defined.

Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

1 is a diagram for explaining a temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a diagram for explaining a temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the temperature measurement module in the temperature measurement device in the electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a block diagram of a temperature sensor with a serial interface and supporting a daisy chain structure in a temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram of a host controller for transmitting a command to a plurality of temperature sensors configured in a daisy chain and receiving temperature measurement data in a temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a diagram showing a host controller for serial communication with a generator or distributor in a temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a host controller for power line communication with a generator or distributor in a temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a diagram showing a plurality of electrodes, a temperature sensor, a communication controller, and a cable constituting a typical 3X3 electrode pad in a temperature measuring device in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 8 , a temperature measuring device 1000 in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to the surface of an object and measures the temperature in the electrode array to transmit an electric field to the object. The device 1000 includes a plurality of electrodes 1100 mounted on the electrode array to transmit an electric field to the object; A plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 for measuring the temperature between the plurality of electrodes 1100 and the surface of the object; And a digital control unit ( 1300); may be included.

The electrode array is used to transmit an electric field to the object, and may be attached to the surface of the object, and may be equipped with the plurality of electrodes 1100.

The plurality of electrodes 1100 may be mounted on the electrode array to transmit an electric field to the object. The plurality of electrodes 1100 may be mounted on the electrode array in various arrangements in consideration of the efficiency of electric field transmission.

The plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 may be used to measure the temperature between the surface of the object, and may be used to measure the temperature between the plurality of electrodes 1100 and the surface of the object.

The digital control unit 1300 is connected to the plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 and transmits a digital signal to control each temperature measurement module 1200, and a response signal of each temperature measurement module 1200. It may be receiving.

In the temperature measurement device 1000 in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 are connected in cascade to the digital control unit 1300, and each temperature measurement module (1200) is a temperature sensor (1210) for measuring temperature; A conversion unit 1220 that converts the measured temperature value into a digital signal; A receiving unit 1230 that receives a digital signal; A transmitter 1240 that transmits a digital signal; and a temperature measurement module control unit 1250 for controlling the temperature sensor 1210, conversion unit 1220, receiver 1230, and transmitter 1240.

In addition, the temperature measurement module control unit 1250 measures the temperature through the temperature sensor 1210 according to the measurement signal received through the receiver 1230, and converts the measured temperature value to the conversion unit 1220. ) is converted into a temperature value signal, and the converted temperature value signal is provided through the transmitter 1240,

The temperature measurement module control unit 1250 combines the received measurement signal and the temperature value signal converted from the measured temperature value to form one data sequence, and then converts the one data sequence into the The temperature measurement module 1200 may be provided externally.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3 together, the plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 are connected in series with the digital control unit 1300, and the temperature measurement module control unit 1250 is connected to the reception unit 1230. According to the measurement signal received through, the temperature is measured through the temperature sensor 1210, the measured temperature value is converted into a temperature value signal through the conversion unit 1220, and the converted temperature value signal is is provided through the transmitter 1240, and the temperature measurement module control unit 1250 combines the received measurement signal and the temperature value signal converted from the measured temperature value to form one data sequence. After being formed, the single data sequence may be provided to the outside of the temperature measurement module 1200.

Ultimately, the digital control unit 1300 receives the one data sequence, and when the one data sequence is analyzed, the temperature measured for each temperature measurement module 1200 in the plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 It will be possible to determine the temperature measured by the temperature measurement module 1200.

The measurement signal received from the temperature measurement module 1200 includes a converted temperature value signal of at least one adjacent temperature measurement module in addition to a temperature measurement command, and the digital control unit 1300 and the plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 may be connected in series to identify the location information and temperature value of each temperature measurement module 1200 by analyzing the response signal received by the digital control unit 1300.

In the temperature measurement device 1000 in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 are connected in parallel with the digital control unit 1300, and each temperature measurement module (1200) is a temperature sensor (1210) for measuring temperature; A conversion unit 1220 that converts the measured temperature value into a digital signal; A receiving unit 1230 that receives a digital signal; A transmitter 1240 that transmits a digital signal; And a temperature measurement module control unit 1250 for controlling the temperature sensor 1210, conversion unit 1220, receiver 1230, and transmitter 1240,

The temperature measurement module control unit 1250 measures the temperature through the temperature sensor 1210 according to the measurement signal received through the receiver 1230, and converts the measured temperature value to the conversion unit 1220. Converting to a temperature value signal through, and providing the converted temperature value signal through the transmitting unit 1240,

The temperature measurement module control unit 1250 combines the received measurement signal and the temperature value signal converted from the measured temperature value to form one data sequence, and then converts the one data sequence into the The temperature measurement module 1200 may be provided externally.

In addition, the digital control unit 1300 has a plurality of communication ports, each communication port indicating the location information of one temperature measurement module 1200, and analyzing the response signal received through each communication port to determine the corresponding location. It may be identifying a temperature value.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 together, the plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 are connected in parallel with the digital control unit 1300, and the temperature measurement module control unit 1250 is connected to the reception unit 1230. According to the measurement signal received through, the temperature is measured through the temperature sensor 1210, the measured temperature value is converted into a temperature value signal through the conversion unit 1220, and the converted temperature value signal is is provided through the transmitter 1240, and the temperature measurement module control unit 1250 combines the received measurement signal and the temperature value signal converted from the measured temperature value to form one data sequence. After being formed, the single data sequence may be provided to the outside of the temperature measurement module 1200.

In particular, the digital control unit 1300 has a plurality of communication ports, each communication port indicating the location information of one temperature measurement module 1200, and analyzing the response signal received through each communication port to determine the corresponding location. It may be identifying a temperature value.

Ultimately, when the digital control unit 1300 analyzes the received response signal using a plurality of communication ports connected in parallel, it determines which temperature measurement module 1200 and what temperature it is based on each communication port. It will be easy to determine whether the temperature value is measured by the measurement module 1200.

Meanwhile, the digital control unit 1300 sets a temperature measurement cycle and monitors the temperature measurement value of the temperature measurement module in real time according to the temperature measurement cycle, and the monitored temperature measurement value exceeds a preset temperature range. In this case, the location information of the temperature measurement module and the monitored temperature measurement value may be provided to the outside.

In addition, the digital control unit 1300 sets a temperature measurement cycle, monitors the temperature measurement value of the temperature measurement module in real time according to the temperature measurement cycle, and changes the rate of change of the monitored temperature measurement value within a preset change rate range. If it exceeds, the location information of the temperature measurement module, the monitored temperature measurement value, and the rate of change may be provided to the outside.

Ultimately, the digital control unit 1300 sets a temperature measurement cycle and monitors the temperature measurement value of the temperature measurement module in real time according to the temperature measurement cycle, i) the monitored temperature measurement value is within a preset temperature range. If it exceeds, the location information of the temperature measurement module and the monitored temperature measurement value may be provided to the outside. ii) If the rate of change of the monitored temperature measurement value exceeds the preset change rate range, the The location information of the temperature measurement module, the monitored temperature measurement value, and the rate of change may be provided to the outside.

In the temperature measuring device 1000 using an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode array may be made of a flexible substrate and may be attached to adapt to the curved surface of the object. That is, since the object may not have a flat surface, the electrode array may be formed of a flexible substrate so that it can be adaptively attached to the surface shape of the object.

In the temperature measuring device 1000 in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention, the digital control unit 1300 transmits digital data received from the temperature measurement module 1200 using power line communication (not shown). It may include more poems). In other words, in order to improve the efficiency of the connection cable, the cable for supplying power can also be used for communication purposes.

In the temperature measuring device 1000 in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention, a generator (not shown) generates an alternating current voltage of 50 to 500 kHz in order to transmit an electric field to the inside of the object through the plurality of electrodes 1100. connect the city). Therefore, the temperature measuring device in the electrode array presented in the present invention can be universally used in other treatment methods other than electric field tumor therapy, which requires electrical contact between the subject's skin and the electrode array to maintain the skin temperature within a certain temperature.

A temperature measuring device 1000 in an electrode array according to an embodiment of the present invention is attached to the surface of an object and is configured to transmit an electric field to the object. A plurality of electrodes 1100 mounted on and configured to transmit an electric field to the object; A plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 for measuring the temperature between the plurality of electrodes and the surface of the object; And a digital control unit 1300 that connects the plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 to transmit a digital signal to control each temperature measurement module 1200 and receives a response signal from each temperature measurement module 1200,

Each of the temperature measurement modules 1200 includes a temperature sensor 1210 for measuring temperature; A conversion unit 1220 that converts the measured temperature value into a digital signal; A receiving unit 1230 that receives a digital signal; A transmitter 1240 that transmits a digital signal; And a temperature measurement module control unit 1250 for controlling the temperature sensor 1210, conversion unit 1220, receiver 1230, and transmitter 1240.

A unique identifier is assigned to the temperature sensor 1210, and the temperature measurement module control unit 1250 measures the temperature through the temperature sensor 1210 according to the measurement signal received through the receiver 1230. , converting the measured temperature value into a temperature value signal through the converter 1220, and providing the converted temperature value signal through the transmitter 1240,

The temperature measurement module control unit 1250 combines the unique identifier, the received measurement signal, and the temperature value signal converted from the measured temperature value to form one data sequence, and then The data sequence may be provided to the outside of the temperature measurement module 1200.

Ultimately, a unique identifier is assigned to each temperature sensor 1210, and the temperature measurement module control unit 1250 converts the unique identifier, the received measurement signal, and the measured temperature value into a temperature value signal. After combining to form one data sequence, the one data sequence can be provided to the outside of the temperature measurement module 1200, so when the received one data sequence is analyzed, the unique identifier By using , you will be able to accurately determine which temperature measurement module the temperature value was measured from.

Meanwhile, explained from another perspective, the present invention relates to an electrode array for use with a generator (alternating current signal generator) that delivers a therapeutic electric field to a target area of an object. The electrode array includes a plurality of electrode elements configured to be disposed relative to an object. Each electrode element is configured to attach to the skin of a subject. A plurality of temperature sensors sense the temperature of the plurality of electrodes, and the electrode array includes temperature sensors.

Figure 4 is a block diagram of a temperature sensor supporting serial communication for measuring the temperature of each electrode of an electric field therapy electrode array. The temperature sensor 100 has a built-in temperature sensor. The built-in temperature sensor changes voltage depending on the temperature, and this voltage is converted to a digital value through an analog-to-digital converter. Depending on the command received through the control logic, register bank, and serial interface, the received command and data can be output as is through TX, or the measured temperature value can be added to the received data and output through TX.

An example of a component suitable for this purpose is the TMP144 from Texas Instrument. After the initialization sequence, the component is programmed with a unique interface address according to the location of the temperature sensor 100 and can individually respond to its own address. Additionally, temperatures can be measured sequentially in response to common commands, allowing the user to read or write to all devices on the bus without having to send individual addresses and commands to each device. Up to 16 temperature sensors can be daisy-chained.

FIG. 5 shows an example of transmitting and receiving temperature information by configuring a plurality of temperature sensors 100 in a daisy chain through the host controller 300. When the host transmits a command, the first temperature sensor 100 adds its own temperature measurement value 200 to the data part and transmits it through the TX 102 port, and the second temperature sensor adds the command and data received from RX. Receive input and add your temperature measurement value (201) to the data part. In this daisy chain, the temperature sensor adds its temperature measurement to the received data and transmits it via TX. The entire cycle is completed when the data transmitted from the last temperature sensor is received by the host controller.

FIG. 6 shows the structure of a host controller 300 for controlling a temperature sensor and sending measured temperature data to a generator or distributor, according to an embodiment. The host controller sends the received temperature measurements to the generator or distributor via UART.

FIG. 7 shows the structure of a host controller 400 for controlling a temperature sensor and sending measured temperature data to a generator or distributor, according to an embodiment. Here, the host controller has a structure for power line communication. Temperature measurements obtained sequentially through a plurality of temperature sensors 100 configured in a daisy chain are converted into current through a load in the host controller, and are placed on a power line to transmit temperature information to a generator or distributor.

Figure 8 shows the structure of the electrode array 500 having a typical 3X3 electrode structure. An embodiment is shown in which nine temperature sensors 100 for measuring temperature and a host controller 400 connected in series are arranged in an electrode array. The electrode array includes a plurality of electrode 501 elements configured to be disposed relative to an object. Each electrode attached to the subject's skin is connected to a conductor 502, which is a current path, and transmits a treatment electric field to the subject. The host controller 400 transmits the temperature measurement values obtained through serial communication with a plurality of temperature sensors 100 that measure the temperature between the bottom of each electrode and the skin through the connection line 504 and connector 503 connected to the generator or distributor. Or communicate with the generator.

The host controller of FIG. 8 may be configured in an electrode array or may be placed on the distributor side. The intensity of the current applied for electric field treatment can be adjusted based on the temperature value of each electrode measured through a plurality of temperature sensors composed of a daisy chain.

Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing its technical idea or essential features. You will be able to understand it. For example, a person skilled in the art may change the material, size, etc. of each component depending on the field of application, or combine or substitute the disclosed embodiments to implement the present invention in a form not clearly disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention, but this also may be done in a form not clearly disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention. It does not go beyond the scope of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above are illustrative in all respects and should not be understood as limiting, and such modified embodiments should be considered to be included in the technical idea described in the claims of the present invention.

1000: Temperature measurement device in electrode array
1100: Electrode #1 ~ #N
1200: Temperature measurement module #1 ~ #N
1210: Temperature sensor
1220: conversion unit
1230: Receiving unit
1240: Transmitter
1250: Temperature measurement module control unit
1300: digital control unit

Claims (11)

In the temperature measuring device in the electrode array attached to the surface of the object and transmitting an electric field to the object,
a plurality of electrodes 1100 mounted on the electrode array to transmit an electric field to the object;
A plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 for measuring the temperature between the plurality of electrodes 1100 and the surface of the object; and
A digital control unit 1300 that is connected to the plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200, transmits a digital signal to control each temperature measurement module 1200, and receives a response signal from each temperature measurement module 1200. ); containing
A device for measuring temperature in an electrode array. According to paragraph 1,
The plurality of temperature measurement modules are connected in series with the digital control unit,
Each of the temperature measurement modules above is
Temperature sensor 1210 for measuring temperature;
A conversion unit 1220 that converts the measured temperature value into a digital signal;
A receiving unit 1230 that receives a digital signal;
A transmitter 1240 that transmits a digital signal; and
It includes a temperature measurement module control unit 1250 for controlling the temperature sensor 1210, conversion unit 1220, receiver 1230, and transmitter 1240,
The temperature measurement module control unit 1250 measures the temperature through the temperature sensor 1210 according to the measurement signal received through the receiver 1230, and converts the measured temperature value to the conversion unit 1220. Converting to a temperature value signal through, and providing the converted temperature value signal through the transmitting unit 1240,
The temperature measurement module control unit 1250 combines the received measurement signal and the temperature value signal converted from the measured temperature value to form one data sequence, and then converts the one data sequence into the Provided to the outside of the temperature measurement module (1200)
A device for measuring temperature in an electrode array, characterized by: According to paragraph 2,
The measurement signal received from the temperature measurement module 1200 includes a converted temperature value signal of at least one adjacent temperature measurement module in addition to the temperature measurement command,
The digital control unit 1300 and the plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 are connected in series, and the position information and temperature value of each temperature measurement module 1200 are determined by analyzing the response signal received by the digital control unit 1300. to identify
A device for measuring temperature in an electrode array, characterized by: According to paragraph 1,
The plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 are connected in parallel with the digital control unit 1300.
Each of the temperature measurement modules above is
Temperature sensor 1210 for measuring temperature;
A conversion unit 1220 that converts the measured temperature value into a digital signal;
A receiving unit 1230 that receives a digital signal;
A transmitter 1240 that transmits a digital signal; and
It includes a temperature measurement module control unit 1250 for controlling the temperature sensor 1210, conversion unit 1220, receiver 1230, and transmitter 1240,
The temperature measurement module control unit 1250 measures the temperature through the temperature sensor 1210 according to the measurement signal received through the receiver 1230, and converts the measured temperature value to the conversion unit 1220. Converting to a temperature value signal through, and providing the converted temperature value signal through the transmitting unit 1240,
The temperature measurement module control unit 1250 combines the received measurement signal and the temperature value signal converted from the measured temperature value to form one data sequence, and then converts the one data sequence into the Provided to the outside of the temperature measurement module (1200)
A device for measuring temperature in an electrode array, characterized by: According to paragraph 4,
The digital control unit 1300 has a plurality of communication ports, each communication port representing the location information of one temperature measurement module 1200, and analyzing the response signal received through each communication port to obtain the temperature value at the corresponding location. to identify
A device for measuring temperature in an electrode array, characterized by: According to paragraph 3 or 5,
The digital control unit 1300 sets the temperature measurement cycle,
According to the temperature measurement cycle, the temperature measurement value of the temperature measurement module is monitored in real time,
When the monitored temperature measurement value exceeds the preset temperature range, the location information of the temperature measurement module and the monitored temperature measurement value are provided to the outside.
A device for measuring temperature in an electrode array, characterized by: According to paragraph 3 or 5,
The digital control unit 1300 sets the temperature measurement cycle,
According to the temperature measurement cycle, the temperature measurement value of the temperature measurement module is monitored in real time,
When the rate of change of the monitored temperature measurement value exceeds the preset rate of change range, the location information of the temperature measurement module, the monitored temperature measurement value, and the rate of change are provided to the outside.
A device for measuring temperature in an electrode array, characterized by: According to paragraph 1,
The electrode array is made of a flexible substrate and is attached to adapt to the curved surface of the object.
A device for measuring temperature in an electrode array, characterized by: According to paragraph 1,
The digital control unit 1300 further includes a power line communication unit (not shown) that transmits digital data received from the temperature measurement module 1200 using power line communication.
A temperature measuring device in an electrode array, characterized in that. According to paragraph 1,
Further comprising a high-frequency alternating current signal generator (not shown) that generates an alternating current voltage of 50 to 500 kHz in order to transmit an electric field to the object through the plurality of electrodes 1100.
A temperature measuring device in an electrode array, characterized in that. In the temperature measuring device in the electrode array attached to the surface of the object and transmitting an electric field to the object,
a plurality of electrodes 1100 mounted on the electrode array to transmit an electric field to the object;
A plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 for measuring the temperature between the plurality of electrodes and the surface of the object; and
A digital control unit 1300 that connects the plurality of temperature measurement modules 1200 to transmit a digital signal to control each temperature measurement module 1200 and receives a response signal from each temperature measurement module 1200,
Each of the temperature measurement modules 1200 is
Temperature sensor 1210 for measuring temperature;
A conversion unit 1220 that converts the measured temperature value into a digital signal;
A receiving unit 1230 that receives a digital signal;
A transmitter 1240 that transmits a digital signal; and
Including a temperature measurement module control unit 1250 for controlling the temperature sensor 1210, conversion unit 1220, receiver 1230, and transmitter 1240,
A unique identifier is assigned to the temperature sensor 1210,
The temperature measurement module control unit 1250 measures the temperature through the temperature sensor 1210 according to the measurement signal received through the receiver 1230, and converts the measured temperature value to the conversion unit 1220. Converting to a temperature value signal through, and providing the converted temperature value signal through the transmitting unit 1240,
The temperature measurement module control unit 1250 combines the unique identifier, the received measurement signal, and the temperature value signal converted from the measured temperature value to form one data sequence, and then Providing the data sequence to the outside of the temperature measurement module 1200
A device for measuring temperature in an electrode array comprising: