Modular X-ray source and method for replacing X-ray source tube for motion compensated tomosynthesis imaging system

Abstract

The present invention discloses a modular X-ray source and a method for replacing such an X-ray source. The source is within a consumable modular enclosure, wherein the entire assembly is replaced during maintenance. The enclosure covers the X-ray tube, and a high voltage circuit board 6 and cooling insulating oil are arranged within the modular enclosure. The enclosure structure includes an X-ray window, a connector engagement alignment guide, and an electrical connector. The modular X-ray source is used in a multiple source tomosynthesis imaging system in which multiple pulsed X-ray sources are utilized. Easy replacement of the X-ray tube assembly within the consumable modular enclosure results in lower maintenance costs and an overall reliable X-ray imaging machine. The modular source has the potential to increase machine production in the field and create a new standard for replaceable modular X-ray sources.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority of the following applications: Provisional Application Serial No. 63182426 filed on April 30, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63226508 filed on July 28, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63170288 filed on April 2, 2021, Provisional Application Serial No. 63175952 filed on April 16, 2021, Provisional Application Serial No. 63194071 filed on May 27, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63188919 filed on May 14, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63225194 filed on July 23, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63226508 filed on July 28, 2021; Provisional Application Serial No. 63170288 filed on April 2, 2021, Provisional Application Serial No. 63175952 filed on April 16, 2021, Provisional Application Serial No. 63194071 filed on May 27, 2021 Provisional application serial number 63209498 filed on June 11; provisional application serial number 63214913 filed on June 25, 2021; provisional application serial number 63220924 filed on July 12, 2021; provisional application serial number 63222847 filed on July 16, 2021; provisional application serial number 63224521 filed on July 22, 2021; and U.S. application serial number 17149133 filed on January 24, 2021, which U.S. application subsequently claims priority to provisional serial number 62967325 filed on January 29, 2020, and the contents of the above applications are incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates generally to X-ray generating equipment, and more particularly to a small, lightweight and energy-efficient X-ray source module. Background Art

[0003] X-ray sources have a wide range of applications in medicine, industry, security, and other scientific and technological fields. In most cases, there is one X-ray source in an X-ray imaging machine. However, in some cases, multiple X-ray sources are required in a single machine with specific fast imaging applications. Multi-source X-ray tomosynthesis imaging systems are becoming increasingly popular because they can create 3D images at high speeds and low dose rates. Because they use multiple pulsed X-ray sources in motion, it is necessary to make the X-ray sources modular for easy replacement. The X-ray source tube assembly is completely prefabricated off-site. On-site installation involves only basic connections to utilities.

[0004] When more X-ray sources are used in one machine, more reliability issues arise. If one X-ray source among the other X-ray sources fails, the machine as a whole will fail.

[0005] There are two ways to solve this problem. One way is to increase the reliability of the X-ray source itself by enhancing the reliability of each X-ray source component so that the machine can become more reliable overall. The other way is to create a new process so that the replacement of machine parts is easy and low cost, so that no special personnel training is required.

[0006] However, no matter how technological advances are made, some key components are consumable and are known to always have a finite lifespan. For example, no one expects a standard light bulb to last forever. Today, in most cases, every adult with ordinary skills is capable of replacing a standard light bulb.

[0007] Similarly, the X-ray tube of the X-ray source is the most consumed component in the X-ray machine. It has a limited service life. However, in the prior art, it is technically difficult to replace the X-ray tube in portable and monolithic types of X-ray sources. Due to the possible contamination of insulating oil, special tools are usually required, and in some cases even a clean room is required. X-ray tubes are a type of high-voltage device. It is an industry practice to discharge static electricity to the operator before working with them. However, X-ray tubes are not dischargeable. There are three general reasons. First, there is no safety mechanism for discharging additional charge in the X-ray tube. Second, there is no way to easily do this outside the X-ray tube. A considerable amount of insulating oil (10cm to 20cm) usually covers the surface of the X-ray tube. Some stray static electricity cannot pass through this oil layer. In addition, some metal parts may exist on the enclosure structure. If they are accidentally touched during the separation process, they may form additional capacitance and cause static discharge to the operator. Even if any additional charge is discharged, it will be like a pinprick or more minor, which can be ignored if people do not notice it. Third, even if no additional charge is generated inside the x-ray tube, the operator must wear conductive rubber gloves. If the gloves are made of synthetic materials, their conductivity will be very low. Due to the small gap, the capacitance between the x-ray tube enclosure structure and the x-ray tube window is very high. Therefore, if the gloves are accidentally touched during the separation process, they will become a conductive path to the high voltage part. In the absence of external grounding equipment, the electrostatic charge may cause unexpected events. There are two different x-ray sources used in x-ray imaging systems in the prior art. One x-ray source is a portable type source, and the other x-ray source is a monolithic type source.

[0008] Furthermore, replacing the tube in the prior art requires special personnel training. Even if the technician has a general understanding of the details of the X-ray tube, special training for a specific brand of X-ray source is still required. The technical difficulties and special training requirements can significantly and quickly increase the cost of the change. Summary of the invention

[0009] A modular X-ray source and method for replacing such an X-ray source, wherein a consumable X-ray tube, high voltage circuits and cooling insulating oil are arranged within a pre-designed modular enclosure structure. X-ray tube windows, alignment guides and electrical connectors are present on the modular enclosure structure. The enclosure is typically made of low-cost extruded aluminum and welded at both ends. The modular X-ray source is particularly useful for motion compensated multiple pulse source tomosynthesis imaging systems where an X-ray source is utilized and where easy replacement of the X-ray tube, lower maintenance costs, reliable X-ray imaging system startup and run time are desired.

[0010] Modular X-ray sources have many advantages. One advantage is that, due to the modular enclosure with the X-ray tube assembly, the entire enclosure of the X-ray tube assembly can be replaced very easily and at very low cost without special personnel training, because technical difficulties and special training requirements can significantly and quickly increase cost changes. Another advantage is that it takes only a very short time to make a replacement during the maintenance process, with very few mechanical and electrical steps followed. The system enables new X-ray standards, so technicians do not have to be familiar with different types of X-ray sources. The present invention has many advantages. The modular system has an X-ray tube, high voltage circuits, insulation and cooling oil, etc., all of which are built into the enclosure. For the user, only the electrical connectors and alignment guides need to be handled, which can make X-ray source maintenance as easy as replacing a standard bulb. The design of the modular X-ray source is suitable for high-volume production. The motion-compensated multiple pulse X-ray source tomosynthesis imaging system is intended to achieve low-cost rapid 3D imaging worldwide, so the X-ray source output can be very large. When the output increases, the cost of the X-ray source can be even much lower. Lower costs can then generate even higher output. Then the cycle of lower prices to higher volumes is a virtuous cycle that generates good results. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 A replaceable X-ray tube assembly of a modular X-ray source is illustrated.

[0012] Figure 2 Illustrated are details within a replaceable X-ray tube assembly of a modular X-ray source.

[0013] Figure 3 A motion compensated multiple pulsed X-ray source tomosynthesis imaging system is illustrated, in which multiple pulsed X-ray sources are used in a single machine.

[0014] Figure 4 An explanatory electrical diagram of a modular X-ray source is illustrated.

[0015] Figure 5 A conventional low power portable X-ray source is shown as one of the prior art.

[0016] Figure 6 A conventional monolithic X-ray source is shown as one of the prior arts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present invention will be described in detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Throughout this specification, the preferred embodiments and examples shown should be considered as examples rather than limitations of the present invention. As used herein, "the present invention" refers to any one of the embodiments of the present invention described herein and any equivalents. In addition, references to various features of the "present invention" throughout the document do not mean that all claimed embodiments or methods must include the referenced features.

[0018] The present invention will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing exemplary embodiments. Various embodiments are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein reference numerals such as reference numerals are used throughout to refer to elements such as reference numerals. In the following description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of one or more embodiments. However, it may be apparent that such embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form to facilitate the description of one or more embodiments.

[0019] Therefore, for example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that diagrams, schematic diagrams, diagrams, etc. represent conceptual views or processes that embody the system and method of the present invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figure can be provided by using dedicated hardware and hardware capable of executing related software. Similarly, any switch shown in the figure is only conceptual. Their functions can be performed by the operation of program logic, by dedicated logic, by the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, and specific techniques can be selected by the entity that realizes the present invention. It is also understood by those skilled in the art that the exemplary hardware, software, process, method and / or operating system described herein are for illustrative purposes, and are therefore not intended to be limited to any specific designated manufacturer.

[0020] Figure 3A new type of X-ray imaging system for performing efficient and ultrafast 3D radiography is shown. It is called a motion compensated multiple pulse X-ray source tomosynthesis imaging system 11. There are multiple pulse X-ray sources mounted on a moving structure to form a source array. Each pulse X-ray source includes an X-ray tube assembly 1 body and external electronic devices. Multiple X-ray sources are grouped to move simultaneously relative to an object at a constant speed on a predefined arc track. Each individual X-ray source can also move quickly around its static position at a small distance. When the X-ray source has a speed equal to the group speed but has an opposite direction of movement, the X-ray source and the X-ray flat panel detector are activated by an external exposure control unit so that the source temporarily remains stationary. This results in a greatly reduced source travel distance for each X-ray source. 3D scanning can cover a much wider sweep angle in a much shorter time, and image analysis can also be performed in real time. This type of X-ray machine utilizes many more X-ray sources than other types of X-ray image machines in order to achieve much higher scanning speeds. Because multiple sources are used, it is necessary to ensure that each X-ray tube is working properly so that the entire machine is running.

[0021] A plurality of X-ray sources are mounted on a rotating gantry. Each X-ray source emits a pulsed X-ray beam 4 toward an object. The frame structure includes a plurality of source frame segments. Each source frame segment has a plurality of pulsed X-ray tube sources. A plurality of source segment holders are used to hold individual source segments at predetermined positions in a certain arc shape. The overall source group is held by an overall structure designed to move in the direction of the arc. An arc-shaped guide rail with a predefined curvature is provided as a guide and track for supporting the movement of the overall structure. A source activation controller is connected to the X-ray flat panel detector and each X-ray tube of the source to trigger each X-ray tube individually.

[0022] The X-ray flat panel detector is configured to generate image data in response to X-ray electromagnetic radiation emitted from an X-ray source. Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein are described with respect to an X-ray flat panel detector, it should be understood that the detector may also be any other type of detector known in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4An exemplary X-ray source diagram with various elements is illustrated. Starting from the input of a standard 110V AC or 220AC power supply, the user-replaceable modular unit includes an X-ray source with a main rectifier 9, an inverter 10, a high voltage circuit board 6, and an X-ray tube 5, among others. The X-ray tube 5 and the high voltage circuit board 6 can be assembled by a single manufactured unit having several connected components in a sealed enclosure to form the main body of the X-ray tube assembly 1, so that it is consumable to be replaced on site if necessary. The enclosure may have some mounting holes on its exterior for easy installation. This assembly of the electrical connector 3 with the alignment guide 2 is located outside the enclosure for easy access during the replacement process. The window on the enclosure is an X-ray window 8 with a protective layer on the front surface. For a motion compensated X-ray tomosynthesis imaging system, multiple similar modules are built into a complete system. This modular design is intended to address the current deficiencies of the prior art of modular X-ray source systems. Currently, there are several modules available commercially on the market, but they are all relatively expensive compared to the present invention. Most of them are "modular" in the sense that they are relatively portable.

[0024] There are several key advantages of the present invention. The first advantage is that it is technically very easy to replace the X-ray tube assembly 1 in the module of the present invention. The second advantage is that no special tools are required. It is sufficient to use only some alignment guides. The third advantage is that no special personnel training is required. The fourth advantage is that because all components are made in the enclosure, all insulation contamination problems are solved.

[0025] The X-ray tube 5 is mounted to the inner front side of the X-ray tube assembly 1. There is a high voltage circuit board 6 and insulating oil in the module. The X-ray tube, the high voltage circuit board 6 and the insulating oil are placed in an enclosure. The enclosure can be made of aluminum alloy or similar materials. It can be stamped or molded into an extruded shape or a similar shape. The enclosure has an X-ray window 8, an alignment guide 2 and an electrical connector 3. The X-ray window 8 allows radiation from the X-ray tube 5 to pass through to the patient or the scanned object. The electrical connector 3 is used to connect the high voltage circuit board 6 and the filament of the X-ray tube 5. The alignment guide 2 is used to ensure that the electrical connector 3 is fully in place and the X-ray tube assembly 1 is aligned with the collimator, X-ray detector, etc.

[0026] The high voltage circuit board 6 drives the X-ray tube 5 to generate an X-ray beam 4, which is emitted from the X-ray tube window 8. The electrical connector 3 provides a low resistance path for the flow of current from the external main rectifier 9 and inverter 10 to the high voltage circuit 6 and the X-ray tube 5. There is a front cover and a rear cover as part of the rear enclosure. The main rectifier 9 and inverter 10 are electronic control boards on which components such as semiconductor chips and diodes, coils and capacitors can be assembled.

[0027] DC high voltages are used in motion compensated multi-source tomosynthesis imaging systems. These high voltages can be achieved using voltage multiplier circuits with various transformation ratios plus rectifiers, with air or vacuum gaps depending on the application requirements. The operating current varies with switching times ranging from tens of microseconds to tens of milliseconds. Most systems will have problems when the X-ray tube life is short enough. In addition, other machine components also need to be replaced due to numerous failure causes and their consequences. If no problems occur before the X-ray tube 5 is replaced, after 10 years the X-ray source life will be only about 1 / 3 of its original expected service life. Many other components in the X-ray machine (such as mechanical components, wiring and insulating oil) can also cause failure problems. However, their contribution is less than that of the X-ray tube 5.

[0028] The AC voltage comes from a standard 110V AC or 220AC power supply. The AC high voltage is supplied to the cathode side of the X-ray tube via an isolation device (such as a transformer). It is particularly useful for motion compensated tomosynthesis imaging systems that utilize multiple pulsed X-ray sources and require easy replacement of the X-ray tube assembly 1, lower maintenance costs, and reliable X-ray imaging system startup and operation time. For a low-cost modular X-ray source module enclosure structure, an X-ray tube window 8 is provided at one end of the module enclosure. The X-ray tube window 8 provides an X-ray path from the internal module enclosure to the outside. One or more alignment guides 2 are provided at the same end of the electrical connector 3.

[0029] The cathode controller communicates with the control unit to control the holding voltage to be applied to the filament as an electron emitter. When it is heated, the increased energy enables electrons to be released from the filament by thermal electron emission. The electron emitter is operably connected to the cathode controller and the power supply so that the electron emitter can emit electrons at a controllable level.

[0030] The high voltage generator generates high voltage pulses in the output terminal by means of a trigger pulse and a width control signal. These high voltage pulses can be applied to the X-ray tube and generate X-rays as an output X-ray beam 4 at the end of the X-ray tube 5 for use in medical imaging and other applications. The X-ray tube 5 is mounted to and located within the module housing enclosure. This portable and small X-ray tube assembly 1 has many advantages, such as being very easy to maintain and reliable, and replaceable like a light bulb.

[0031] The electrical control can be any kind of electrical device or any circuit as long as it can control the high voltage to the X-ray tube 5. However, in one embodiment, the electrical control is a low voltage component and is mainly located outside the X-ray tube assembly 1. The low voltage components of the control circuit are usually stable and have a much longer service life. The prefabricated X-ray tube assembly 1 module can be shipped individually to the X-ray imaging system company's site with appropriate packaging to build a new X-ray source or repair an old X-ray source. Usually, the X-ray tube 5 is already installed on the fuselage. Next, for safety reasons, an insulating bracket is set near the assembly with the old X-ray tube. On the insulating bracket, the old X-ray tube module enclosure can be removed from the X-ray machine. After that, the user can pull the X-ray tube assembly 1 out of the X-ray machine. To put back the new X-ray tube assembly 1, the user only needs to align the electrical connector 3 on the module enclosure using the alignment guide 2. After the new X-ray tube assembly 1 is fully in place, the power switch can be turned on.

[0032] Most commonly, standard smaller X-ray tubes 5 are used in multi-source tomosynthesis imaging systems. In other words, standard smaller X-ray tubes 5 are used in medical and security applications to generate better resolution at the lowest dose rate. Sometimes, large diameter X-ray tubes 5 have been traditionally preferred in the clinical field. However, for the present invention, there is no restriction on the shape of the X-ray tube 5. Typically, small diameter X-ray tubes 5 are used in medical and security applications for small area targets, while larger diameter X-ray tubes 5 are used in industrial applications. The X-ray tube 5 works in an oil-insulated chamber in most cases.

[0033] An electrical connector 3 with multiple contacts is arranged on one end of the X-ray tube assembly 1 enclosure. The connector allows electrical connection to an electronic device. A window is arranged toward the other end of the X-ray tube assembly 1 enclosure. An alignment guide 2 is arranged on one side of the X-ray tube enclosure. The alignment guide 2 is used to align the X-ray tube assembly 1 enclosure with a retaining device in the X-ray machine. The retaining device can be a device for retaining and replacing the X-ray tube assembly 1 and / or the X-ray source body. The X-ray tube assembly 1 enclosure also has an X-ray tube 5 chamber inside the enclosure. In one embodiment, the X-ray tube 5 chamber contains one or more consumable X-ray tubes 5. In another embodiment, the X-ray tube 5 chamber contains one or more non-consumable X-ray tubes 5. In some embodiments, the X-ray tube 5 chamber contains a combination of consumable and non-consumable X-ray tubes 5.

[0034] A high voltage is applied to the insulated electrode and the hot cathode filament. In some systems, a control grid controls the electron beam emitted from the filament. When the wire is sufficiently heated, a discharge occurs between the wire and the reflector, forming a charged gas cloud. When the charged gas cloud expands into the vacuum space, a stream of electrons is formed, which, depending on the polarity of the high voltage power supply, can strike the second anode. When struck by the electron stream, the anode emits X-rays at the side of the source module.

[0035] The electrical controls control the amount of power supplied to the X-ray tube 5 and the high voltage circuit based on control signals received from the control computer. The control computer can calculate the isocenter position of the X-ray beam 4 in the object to be imaged according to an imaging algorithm, and then control the electrical controls to achieve the desired X-ray output using controlled high voltage levels and currents through the X-ray tube 5 and the high voltage circuit. The voltage level and current in the high voltage circuit can be adjusted and controlled by adjusting and controlling the energy density and energy injection.

[0036] The X-ray tube 5 is typically cylindrical in shape. It has been cut to the required length in order to optimize efficiency. The X-ray tube shielding envelope is a protective layer surrounding the X-ray tube and may be made of a suitable material such as a heavy metal or ceramic. Although the exact composition of the envelope is not critical to the operation of the tube, a thick envelope may help absorb more radiation from electrons, since electrons lose energy as they pass through the envelope.

[0037] In some embodiments, the microcontroller controls an X-ray beam 4 generator, which may include an X-ray tube 5. The microcontroller is configured to control the timing and firing of the X-ray beam generator to generate an X-ray beam 4 for exposing an object, such as a patient. Control parameters (e.g., voltage, current, angle, X-ray tube potential, frame rate, window shape, window thickness, source-to-surface distance, duration of the X-ray beam 4, energy, contrast level, etc.) may be selected, modified, or controlled by input received from an operator console via input / output circuitry. The microcontroller may also be configured to communicate with other imaging system components via communication circuitry.

[0038] Most enclosures designed in the prior art use thick wall stainless steel to make very strong, high cost enclosures. Two locating threaded holes are placed in the middle of the bottom part. The locating threaded holes are used to accurately position the X-ray tube 5 when it is installed inside the enclosure. There are several alignment pins. Three alignment pins are in three different parts of the enclosure. One pin is in one side panel, another pin is in the opposite side panel, and the third alignment pin is in the bottom panel. This ensures correct X-ray window 8 alignment when the X-ray tube 5 is assembled into the enclosure. A crossbar can be used to support the X-ray tube 5. The crossbar has special features for having an improved grip.

[0039] Figure 1It is shown that outside the enclosure of the X-ray tube assembly 1, there are only multi-pin electrical connectors and connector guides to facilitate connector pin engagement alignment. With this X-ray tube assembly 1, all the user needs to do is to unplug the older X-ray tube assembly and replace the new X-ray tube assembly, just like replacing an advanced bulb set. For X-ray tubes 5 with different powers, the size of the X-ray tube assembly 1 may be different. Generally speaking, a higher power X-ray tube 5 will have a larger size than a lower power X-ray tube 5. Therefore, for a higher power x-ray tube 5, the size of the enclosure will also be larger.

[0040] The enclosure of the X-ray tube assembly 1 contains an X-ray tube 5. A cooling insulator insulates the interior of the enclosure of the X-ray tube assembly 1 from the external environment. The insulating and cooling liquid is typically oil. The enclosure of the X-ray tube assembly 1 includes a top plate, a bottom plate, a front plate, a back plate, an upper module frame, a lower module frame, a left end cover, a right end cover, a left end wall, a right end wall, an x-ray window 8, an alignment guide 2, an electrical connector 3, an alignment hole, a threaded column, a threaded hole, a nut, a nut mounting column, and a nut connector. The enclosure of the X-ray tube assembly 1 has an enclosure body. The module cover includes a cutout on the top surface so that the X-ray window 8 is visible outside the enclosure of the X-ray tube assembly 1.

[0041] The enclosure is made of low-cost extruded aluminum. The end flanges are welded to the main enclosure body to avoid fluid leakage. The connector is manufactured in a way that it has good electrical contact and good fluid sealing on the end flanges. The connector usually has a power connector and an X-ray control connector for driving a high-voltage power supply, usually a power connector set, but it can have multiple sets. These pins are built into the matching connector inside the enclosure. The enclosure is mainly filled with standard X-ray tube insulating oil for both insulation and cooling. The enclosure also has an internal electronic shielding structure and a high-voltage driver circuit. However, it can still improve the reliability of this system because there are built-in diagnostic components for finding out what happened to the X-ray tube 5. In addition, it is conducive to the long-term use of the system because the service life statistics are tracked electronically. Therefore, for the replacement process, most of it does not require special training. If necessary, most of the replacement process is just a plug-and-play activity that anyone can complete without special training.

[0042] There are three main differences from the prior art monolithic type and portable type modular X-ray sources. First, consumable components (such as the X-ray tube 5, high voltage circuit board 6 and insulating oil) are arranged inside the pre-designed enclosure. All other components are outside the enclosure. Second, there is an alignment guide 2 on the back of the enclosure to help position the replacement X-ray tube assembly 1. The alignment guide 2 and electrical connector 3 on the enclosure provide easy and quick replacement of the X-ray tube assembly 1. Third, other electrical components are modularized in the form of a removable PCB board.

[0043] The modular X-ray source can be inserted into the motion-compensated multiple pulse X-ray source tomosynthesis imaging system 11 to replace the traditional monolithic type X-ray source. The modular X-ray source includes an X-ray tube 5, a high voltage circuit board 6, insulation and cooling oil inside the module enclosure structure. The X-ray tube 5 has the following characteristics: the housing of the X-ray tube 5 should be sealed relative to the environment because the X-ray tube 5 can form X-rays. At one end of the X-ray tube 5 is a window for X-ray emission. At the other end of the X-ray tube 5 is a connector for electrical connection. One or more support structures should be installed inside the X-ray tube housing. It should have an electrical conductor extending from the X-ray tube pin through the housing to the outside of the X-ray tube. In addition, there should be a ballast installed inside the X-ray tube housing. A control panel or any other equipment can be installed outside the enclosure of the X-ray tube assembly 1. There should be a guide post installed on the enclosure of the X-ray tube assembly 1 so that it can be easily positioned for alignment.

[0044] A pre-designed, easy-to-assemble, and cost-effective standardized multi-source modular X-ray source assembly. The system has a longer service life, higher reliability, and lower cost. There is a high-voltage electrical connector inside the enclosure for connecting to the high-voltage circuit board 6 inside the enclosure. (a). During assembly, the user first assembles the two ends of the enclosure and welds them together. The high-voltage cable or bus bar passes through two holes on each end of the enclosure and is connected to the X-ray tube 5 and the high-voltage circuit board 6. To this end, the high-voltage connector at each end of the enclosure can be separated. (b). On the side of the enclosure, there is an alignment guide 2 connected to the high-voltage circuit and the electrical connector 3. It is also used for alignment and high-voltage DC adjustment. (c). The X-ray tube 5 and related components will then be installed inside the enclosure. An alignment tool is usually provided for each source, so the user can easily and effectively adjust and align before installing the final assembly.

[0045] In one embodiment, Figure 2The X-ray tube assembly 1 is shown designed in such a way that it can be easily replaced. The X-ray tube 5 is located inside a solid enclosure with a holder support. The enclosure has an X-ray window 8. A circuit board including the high voltage generating components of the X-ray tube 5 is also located inside the enclosure. The X-ray tube 5 is surrounded by high voltage oil. The oil also provides cooling capabilities. The enclosure is typically made of low cost extruded aluminum and welded together to seal at both ends.

[0046] The holder support is mounted to the support arm in such a manner that the holder support is movable relative to the support arm along the longitudinal axis of the support arm. The holder has an X-ray tube 5 attached thereto. The X-ray tube 5 is mounted in the holder by appropriate flanges, screws or other appropriate fixing means so that the X-ray tube 5 can be moved along the longitudinal axis of the holder. The X-ray tube 5 is connected to the power supply via a cable. The high voltage circuit is connected to the power supply via a cable. Therefore, the modular X-ray source includes the following main components: 1) low voltage power supply and control; 2) high voltage circuit board 6; 3) X-ray tube assembly 1; 4) enclosure for the X-ray tube assembly 1. The modular X-ray source can be manufactured to adapt to different multiple source imaging systems because the components are prefabricated off-site. Time and money can be saved when all components arrive on site together.

[0047] The enclosure contains a high voltage circuit board 6 and an X-ray tube 5 for operation. The X-ray tube 5 has electrodes at its two ends, also called cathode and anode. The electrodes are electrodes that are larger than the electrodes. The electrodes and are arranged to face each other at a certain distance in the space inside the enclosure. The high voltage circuit board 6 provides a high voltage to the electrodes and forms X-ray emission. The high voltage can reach tens of kilovolts. The electrical connector is located at the end of the enclosure. Alignment guides are required for the connector contact. The insulating coating covers the connector guides after the connector guides have played their role.

[0048] The system is modular and user replaceable because the entire X-ray tube assembly inside the enclosure can be replaced like a light bulb. The X-ray tube and high voltage circuits and the cooling insulating oil and X-ray tube alignment are arranged inside the pre-designed modular enclosure structure. There are X-ray windows 8, alignment guides and electrical connectors 3 on the modular enclosure structure. The enclosure is usually made of low-cost extruded aluminum and welded at both ends. There are X-ray windows 8, alignment guides 2 and electrical connectors 3 on the modular enclosure structure. The enclosure is usually made of low-cost extruded aluminum and welded at both ends. The X-ray tube 5 and the cooling insulating oil are placed inside the enclosure structure. The X-ray tube 5 and the cooling insulating oil are placed inside the enclosure structure, and the entire assembly is replaced for maintenance purposes. The modular X-ray module is particularly useful for motion compensated multiple source tomosynthesis imaging systems 11 in which multiple pulsed X-ray sources are utilized, because it realizes a reliable X-ray imaging system that is easy to replace the X-ray tube assembly 1, has low maintenance costs, and requires fast and long-lasting operating time.

[0049] Modular user-replaceable X-ray modules enable easy replacement / maintenance. An exemplary maintenance procedure includes the following: Step A. Turn off power; Step B. Unlock the safety latch that locks the enclosure; Step C. Pull the X-ray tube assembly 1 along the connector guide of the enclosure; Step D. Insert the new X-ray tube assembly 1 along the connector guide of the enclosure; Step E. Block both ends of the locking rod to keep the safety lock in place. The X-ray tube assembly 1 is then ready for operation. Installation is very simple.

[0050] Replacing the entire X-ray assembly 1 takes about one minute, so maintenance costs can be greatly reduced. In addition, when the actual replacement operation occurs, this process does not require special skills from the technician. The new X-ray assembly 1 enclosure is pushed together with the connector guide and the safety latch is locked. The safety latch can lock the two enclosure sides together. The alignment guide 2 with a window will help guide the correct positioning of the new enclosure. Once the connector guide is pushed over the enclosure side, this guide will be hidden.

[0051] Figure 5 Another type of conventional compact portable integral X-ray source 7 in the prior art is shown. The X-ray window 8 is in the front. The low voltage electrical controls, high voltage generator and X-ray tube 5 are all built inside an even smaller size enclosure. A microcontroller is also built into the enclosure. The microcontroller controls the voltage, exposure time and other settings. Typically, it can also be powered by a battery.

[0052] Figure 6The type of one-piece integral X-ray source 7 in the prior art is shown, which is usually called a monolithic type. The X-ray window 8 is in the middle of the body. In the monolithic body, the high voltage generator, low voltage electrical controls and X-ray tube are also built into a smaller solid enclosure. There is a power connector. There is also a connector for connecting to an external device or PC to send or receive commands. The monolithic type integral X-ray source 7 can have a higher power than the compact portable integral X-ray source 7.

[0053] Various modifications and alterations of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. It should be noted that the steps recited in any method claim below do not necessarily need to be performed in the order in which they are recited. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize variations in performing the steps based on the order in which the steps are recited. In addition, the lack of mention or discussion of a feature, step, or component provides a basis for a claim in which an absent feature or component is excluded by proviso or similar claim language.

[0054] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented as examples rather than limitations. Various figures may depict exemplary architectures or other configurations for the present invention, which is done to help understand the features and functionality that may be included in the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the example architectures or configurations shown, but various alternative architectures and configurations may be used to implement the desired features. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art how alternative functions, logical or physical partitions and configurations may be implemented to implement the desired features of the present invention. In addition, many different component module names other than those described herein may be applied to each partition. In addition, for flow charts, operational descriptions, and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein should not force implementation of various embodiments to perform the described functionality in the same order, unless otherwise indicated by the context.

[0055] Unless expressly stated otherwise, the terms and expressions used in this document and their variations should be interpreted as open-ended and not restrictive. As examples of the foregoing: the term "including" should be interpreted as meaning "including but not limited to" or the like; the term "example" is used to provide an illustrative example of the items under discussion, rather than an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the term "a" or "an" should be interpreted as meaning "at least one", "one or more", or the like; and adjectives such as "conventional", "traditional", "normal", "standard", "known", and terms of similar meaning should not be interpreted as limiting the items described to a given time period or to items available as of a given time, but rather, they should be interpreted as covering conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies available or known now or at any time in the future. Therefore, where this document refers to technologies that are obvious or known to a person of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies cover those technologies that are obvious or known to a person of ordinary skill in the art now or at any time in the future.

[0056] In some cases, the presence of broad words and phrases (such as "one or more", "at least", "but not limited to", or other such phrases) should not be understood to mean that narrower cases are intended or required to be used where such broad phrases may not be present. Use of the term "module" does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of a module are all configured in a common package. In fact, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, may be combined in a single package or maintained separately, and may further be distributed across multiple locations.

[0057] The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but should be given the most comprehensive scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A modular X-ray source assembly apparatus for a motion compensated multiple pulse X-ray source tomosynthesis imaging system, comprising: a plurality of multi-pin connectors for driving high voltage circuits, for controlling filaments, for obtaining high voltage feedback, and for measuring temperature; a plurality of connector engagement alignment guides; as well as a plurality of modular and user replaceable modules, each of the modular and user replaceable modules being coupled to a respective multi-pin connector and comprising: multiple user-replaceable enclosures; and A plurality of modular X-ray sources, each modular X-ray source is disposed in a corresponding enclosure and includes an X-ray window positioned on the corresponding enclosure, an X-ray tube disposed in the corresponding enclosure and facing the X-ray window, a plurality of high voltage generating circuit boards disposed in the corresponding enclosure, and a connector adapted to be coupled to a corresponding multi-pin connector, Therein, when the single X-ray source has a speed equal to the group source speed but has an opposite moving direction, the single X-ray source and the X-ray detector are activated by the exposure control unit.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is metal and is welded together to seal at both ends.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the X-ray source is surrounded by high voltage insulating oil, and wherein the oil cools the X-ray source.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein an X-ray window is welded on one end of the respective enclosure and an alignment guide is on the other end of the respective enclosure.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: An electrical connector is provided on one end of the respective enclosure.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: Cooling insulating oil is injected into the corresponding enclosure through a filling hole at an end of the enclosure to fill a space between a corresponding X-ray source and an X-ray source window, wherein the X-ray source is installed later.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, comprising: A holder support is mounted to a support arm, wherein the holder support is movable relative to the support arm along a longitudinal axis of the support arm.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the respective X-ray source is mounted in a holder, and wherein the respective X-ray source is movable along a longitudinal axis of the holder.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the enclosure is an aluminum enclosure filled with oil for high voltage insulation and cooling.

10. A method of performing multiple pulsed X-ray source tomosynthesis imaging by a system, wherein a modular X-ray source of the system is in a user-replaceable enclosure, the modular X-ray source comprising an X-ray window positioned on the enclosure, an X-ray tube disposed in the enclosure and facing the X-ray window, one or more high voltage generation circuit boards disposed in the enclosure, and a connector adapted to couple to a multi-pin connector, wherein: activating the single X-ray source and the X-ray detector by means of an exposure control unit when the single X-ray source has a speed equal to the group source speed but with an opposite moving direction, The method comprises: Disconnect the X-ray source power supply; unlocking one or more security latches; pulling the enclosure including the modular X-ray source to separate; and Push the new enclosure with the new X-ray source along the connector guides and lock the corresponding safety latches.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the respective X-ray sources are user replaceable in a multi-source tomosynthesis imaging system with a plurality of pulsed X-ray sources.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the enclosure is metal, the method further comprising: The enclosure is welded and sealed at both ends.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the X-ray source is surrounded by high voltage insulating oil, and wherein the oil cools the X-ray source.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the X-ray window is welded on one end of the enclosure and an alignment guide is on the other end of the enclosure.

15. The method according to claim 10, comprising: An electrical connector is connected to one end of the enclosure.

16. The method according to claim 10, comprising: Cooling insulating oil is injected into the enclosure through a filling hole at one end of the enclosure, and the oil is discharged into a space between the X-ray source and an X-ray source window, and then the X-ray source is installed.

17. The method according to claim 10, comprising: A holder support is mounted to the support arm, wherein the holder support is movable relative to the support arm along a longitudinal axis of the support arm.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the X-ray source is mounted in a holder, and wherein the X-ray source is movable along a longitudinal axis of the holder.

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