Method for evaluating, evaluation device and x-ray imaging apparatus for an x-ray tube

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an evaluation method for an X-ray tube used in an X-ray imaging device for taking multiple shots of a to-be-measured object to form an image of the to-be-measured object, wherein the method comprises: obtaining size information of the to-be-measured object; determining an X-ray tube energy required for each shot in the multiple shots based on the size information of the to-be-measured object; and determining whether to issue an instruction to start the multiple shots based on a current heat capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each shot. By judging whether the heat capacity of the X-ray tube can withstand the multiple shots according to the condition of the to-be-measured object, the effectiveness and accuracy of the judgment can be increased. In this way, not only can the heat capacity that the X-ray tube can withstand be avoided, but also unnecessary restrictions on the operation of the X-ray tube can be avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to an evaluation method for X-ray tubes, an evaluation apparatus for X-ray tubes, X-ray imaging equipment, a computer-readable storage medium, and a computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] X-rays have advantages such as short wavelength, high energy, and strong penetrating power, making them widely used in medical imaging equipment. X-ray imaging equipment, such as computed tomography (CT) machines and other X-ray machines, is widely used in the medical field as a medical imaging device. X-ray imaging equipment utilizes X-rays to penetrate the object being tested, such as the human body or a patient, and then irradiate it onto a film to form an image reflecting the internal tissue structure of the object being tested.

[0003] X-ray imaging equipment includes an X-ray tube, such as a cyclone tube, that emits X-rays, and a detector that receives X-rays. When the X-ray imaging equipment is working, a certain amount of high voltage is applied between the cathode and anode of the X-ray tube. Electrons are released from the cathode inside the X-ray tube and rapidly strike the anode target to generate X-rays. When the anode target is struck by electrons, a large amount of heat is generated. Excessive heat can seriously affect the performance of electrical components and affect the operation of the X-ray imaging equipment.

[0004] The methods described in this section are not necessarily methods that had been previously conceived or adopted. Unless otherwise specified, no method described in this section should be assumed to be prior art simply because it is included in this section. Similarly, unless otherwise specified, the issues mentioned in this section should not be considered to be accepted in any prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an evaluation method for an X-ray tube is proposed, the X-ray tube being used in an X-ray imaging device for taking multiple images of a test area of ​​an object to form an image of the test area. The method includes: acquiring size information of the object to be tested; determining the X-ray tube energy required for each of the multiple images based on the size information of the object to be tested; and determining whether to issue a command to initiate the multiple images based on the current thermal capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each image.

[0006] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, an evaluation apparatus for an X-ray tube is provided, the X-ray tube being used in an X-ray imaging device for taking multiple images of a test area of ​​an object to form an image of the test area. The evaluation apparatus includes: an acquisition unit configured to acquire size information of the test object; a first determination unit configured to determine, based on the size information of the test object, the X-ray tube energy required for each of the multiple images; and a second determination unit configured to determine, based on the current thermal capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each image, whether to issue a command to initiate the multiple images.

[0007] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, an X-ray imaging apparatus is provided, comprising: an X-ray tube; at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores a computer program that, when executed by the at least one processor, implements the method according to this disclosure.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program is provided, wherein the computer program implements the method according to this disclosure when executed by a processor.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, comprising a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the method according to this disclosure.

[0010] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, by determining whether the heat capacity of the X-ray tube can withstand multiple imaging sessions based on the condition of the object under test, the effectiveness and accuracy of the determination can be increased. This not only avoids exceeding the heat capacity that the X-ray tube can withstand, but also avoids unnecessary restrictions on the operation of the X-ray tube. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can more clearly understand the above and other features and advantages of this disclosure, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an evaluation method for an X-ray tube according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 For some exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 2 A flowchart of the method determination, evaluation, and other steps in the process;

[0014] Figure 3This is a graph showing the relationship between the heat capacity and the maximum permissible power of an X-ray tube according to some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure;

[0015] Figure 4 For some exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 2 A flowchart of the precise evaluation steps in the process;

[0016] Figure 5 For some exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the precise evaluation steps in the process;

[0017] Figure 6 A schematic block diagram of an evaluation apparatus for an X-ray tube according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0018] Figure 7 An example configuration of an electronic device that can be used to implement the methods described herein is shown.

[0019] The reference numerals in the attached figures are as follows:

[0020] 6000: Evaluation Device

[0021] 610: Acquisition Unit

[0022] 620: First Determined Unit

[0023] 630: Second Determining Unit

[0024] 7000: Electronic devices

[0025] 702: Processor

[0026] 704: Memory

[0027] 706: Communication Interface

[0028] 708: Display device

[0029] 710: Input / Output (I / O) Devices

[0030] 712: High-capacity storage device

[0031] 714: System Bus

[0032] 716: Operating System

[0033] 718: Application

[0034] 720: Other Programs

[0035] 722: Program Data Detailed Implementation

[0036] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this disclosure, specific embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0037] In this document, “illustrative” means “serving as an example, illustration or description”, and any illustration or implementation described herein as “illustrative” should not be construed as a more preferred or advantageous technical solution.

[0038] To keep the drawings concise, each drawing only schematically shows the parts relevant to this disclosure, and they do not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, to facilitate understanding, in some drawings, components with the same structure or function are shown only schematically, or only one is labeled.

[0039] In this article, "one" can mean not only "only one" but also "more than one". In this article, "first", "second", etc., are used only to distinguish one from another, not to indicate their importance, order, or mutual dependence.

[0040] X-ray imaging equipment uses X-rays to penetrate the object under test, such as the human body or a patient, to form an image reflecting the internal tissue structure of the object. Long bone stitching is an advanced imaging technique using X-ray imaging equipment that stitches together several related digital X-ray images through image processing into an image that can be displayed on a single radiograph. For example, when imaging long bones such as the spine and leg bones, it is usually necessary to divide the long bone into multiple scanning sequences to capture segments of the long bone, and then use long bone stitching technology to stitch together the multiple images acquired from the multiple captures into an image displayed on a single radiograph. In this document, "multiple captures" or similar expressions refer to various situations requiring multiple captures, including applications such as long bone stitching imaging as exemplified above, as well as multiple captures of the same object in situations such as orthopedic surgery or interventional surgery. This disclosure is not limited in this respect, and those skilled in the art can conceive of other situations requiring multiple captures by following the principles taught in this disclosure, which still fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0041] X-ray imaging equipment uses an X-ray tube (such as a x-ray tube) to emit X-rays. An X-ray tube typically consists of an anode target and a cathode. The filament of the cathode is energized to generate thermionic electrons. Driven by a high voltage between the anode and cathode, these electrons move at high speed and collide with the anode target, radiating X-rays. The X-rays exit through a window, and only a small amount of the energy carried by the high-speed electrons is converted into X-ray energy; the vast majority is converted into heat energy. Therefore, the X-ray tube's ability to withstand heat load is a parameter of the X-ray tube.

[0042] Heat capacity is typically used to characterize the ability of a component to withstand heat loads, and its unit is HU (heat unit). The heat capacity of an X-ray tube, that is, the capacity of a continuous X-ray load, is usually determined by the temperature of the X-ray anode.

[0043] Maximum heat capacity characterizes the maximum heat load a component can withstand. In this paper, the maximum heat load that an X-ray tube can withstand is referred to as the maximum heat capacity of the X-ray tube.

[0044] When an X-ray tube is operating, the object under test is exposed to X-rays. Exposure parameters may include, for example, tube voltage (in kV), tube current (in mA), and exposure time (in seconds). Tube voltage refers to the voltage output from the high-voltage generator to the X-ray tube, characterizing the penetrating power of the X-rays emitted by the tube. The higher the tube voltage, the greater the kinetic energy gained by the electrons emitted from the cathode, and the stronger the energy (i.e., penetrating power) of the generated X-rays. Tube current refers to the current output from the high-voltage generator to the X-ray tube, characterizing the quantity of X-rays emitted by the tube. The greater the tube current, the more electrons emitted from the cathode, the more electrons that strike the anode target per second, and thus, the more X-rays are generated.

[0045] Scanning power is the power used by the X-ray tube during operation. Typically, a scan sequence is used to image a portion of the human body, such as a segment of the torso. Different locations within a torso have varying thicknesses, and the scanning power used varies depending on the thickness. The scanning power used in a scan sequence can be understood as the average of the multiple scanning powers used during the scanning of a segment of the torso. Scanning energy is the energy used by the X-ray tube during operation; it is the integral of the scanning power over the corresponding operating time.

[0046] Typically, each X-ray tube has a theoretical heat dissipation curve. This curve depicts the rate at which the X-ray tube dissipates heat over a given period of time. Each X-ray tube usually corresponds to a specific heat dissipation curve, and the minimum rest time for the X-ray tube can be determined from this curve. In this paper, heat dissipation refers to the amount of heat that the X-ray tube can theoretically dissipate over a given period of time, which can be determined from the theoretical heat dissipation curve.

[0047] In related technologies, the overuse of X-ray tubes is usually avoided by simply limiting their heat capacity to a specific threshold. However, this simple method can lead to misjudgments, mistaking situations with low heat loads for conditions where imaging is impossible. This is because the heat generated by the X-ray tube varies in different imaging scenarios, and a single threshold cannot reflect the heat capacity requirements of different scenarios.

[0048] In this disclosure, by pre-judging whether the heat capacity of the X-ray tube can withstand multiple imaging sessions based on the condition of the object under test, the effectiveness and accuracy of the judgment can be increased. This not only avoids generating heat beyond the capacity of the X-ray tube, but also avoids unnecessary restrictions on the operation of the X-ray tube.

[0049] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an evaluation method 1000 for an X-ray tube according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The X-ray tube is used in an X-ray imaging apparatus for taking multiple images of a subject's area to form an image of the area. For example, the X-ray imaging apparatus can be various X-ray medical imaging devices such as a computed tomography (CT) scanner or a digital X-ray imaging device. Figure 1 As shown, method 1000 includes:

[0051] Step S101: Obtain the size information of the object to be measured;

[0052] Step S102: Based on the size information of the object under test, determine the X-ray tube energy required for each of the multiple imaging sessions; and

[0053] Step S103: Based on the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session, determine whether to issue a command to initiate the multiple imaging sessions.

[0054] In step S101, the size information of the object to be measured is obtained.

[0055] In some embodiments, the size information of the object under test is acquired by a camera, such as a 3D camera. This camera can be a camera integrated into the X-ray imaging equipment, an additional camera attached to the X-ray imaging equipment, or a camera located elsewhere in the medical room besides the X-ray imaging equipment.

[0056] The dimensional information of the object under test can refer to the overall dimensions of the object or the dimensions of a specific part of the object, such as the part to be tested. In some embodiments, the acquired dimensional information of the object under test may include the length and thickness of the object and the type of part to be tested, or may include only the length and thickness of the part to be tested. Taking the human body as an example, the length and thickness of the object under test may refer to the height and weight of the person, because the height and weight of a person are usually proportional to the length and thickness of the part to be tested. Therefore, the X-ray tube energy required to image the part to be tested can be determined by the height and weight of the person and the type of part to be tested. Alternatively, the dimensional information can obviously directly include the length and thickness of the part to be tested, and therefore the X-ray tube energy required to image the part to be tested can be determined directly based on the length and thickness of the part to be tested.

[0057] In step S102, the X-ray tube energy required for each of the multiple imaging sessions is determined based on the size information of the object under test.

[0058] When imaging long bones such as the spine, it is usually necessary to segment the bone and photograph each segment separately. The images obtained from multiple imaging sessions are then stitched together using long bone stitching techniques. The size information of the object under test is related to the number of imaging sessions (i.e., the number of segments) and the energy required for each imaging session. Therefore, based on the size information of the object under test, the load on the X-ray tube (i.e., the object under test) can be estimated, and the X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session can be determined accordingly.

[0059] In step S103, based on the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session, it is determined whether to issue a command to initiate the multiple imaging sessions.

[0060] Here, "current heat capacity" refers to the heat capacity at the current moment of executing the above steps. Using the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube and the estimated X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session, it is determined whether the X-ray tube is capable of performing multiple subsequent imaging sessions. If the heat capacity of the X-ray tube is sufficient to support the multiple subsequent imaging sessions, a command to initiate the multiple imaging sessions is issued. If the heat capacity of the X-ray tube is insufficient to support the multiple subsequent imaging sessions, a command to wait for a predetermined time period is issued. After the X-ray tube has cooled down for the predetermined time period, steps S101 to S103 are repeated to determine whether the X-ray tube can perform multiple imaging sessions after cooling down for the predetermined time period.

[0061] The above methods can increase the effectiveness and accuracy of the judgment. This not only allows for a pre-estimation of whether the X-ray tube can perform multiple imaging operations beforehand, avoiding the generation of heat exceeding the X-ray tube's capacity, but also enables accurate pre-judgment based on the different conditions of the object under test. This avoids the situation in related technologies where the X-ray tube's operation is limited by the same threshold, thus avoiding unnecessary restrictions on the X-ray tube's operation.

[0062] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, step S102 may include:

[0063] Step S1021: Determine the number of times to take multiple shots based on the length of the object to be measured and the type of the part to be measured, or based on the length of the part to be measured.

[0064] Step S1022: Based on the thickness of the object to be measured and the type of the part to be measured, or based on the thickness of the part to be measured, determine the exposure parameters required for each shot in the aforementioned determined number of shots; and

[0065] Step S1023: Determine the X-ray tube energy required for each shot based on the exposure parameters required for each shot.

[0066] In some embodiments, the size of the object under test can reflect the size of the part to be tested, thus the imaging parameters can be related to the size of the object under test. For example, the number of shots can be related to the length of the object under test and the type of part to be tested. As mentioned above, the height of a human body is usually proportional to the length of the part to be tested. For a selected type of part to be tested (e.g., spine or leg bone), if the object under test is long, the part to be tested will also be long, thus requiring more shots; if the object under test is short, the part to be tested will also be short, thus requiring fewer shots. The exposure parameters are related to the thickness of the object under test and the type of part to be tested. For a selected type of part to be tested, if the object under test is thick, the part to be tested will also be thick, thus requiring a greater penetration depth of X-rays; if the object under test is thin, the part to be tested will also be thin, thus requiring a smaller penetration depth of X-rays. Exposure parameters may include tube voltage, tube current, and exposure time.

[0067] In other embodiments, the dimensions of the area to be measured can be obtained directly. The number of images taken is directly related to the length of the area to be measured. If the area to be measured is long, more images are required; if the area is short, fewer images are needed. The number of images can be determined directly based on the length of the area to be measured. Furthermore, the exposure parameters are directly related to the thickness of the area to be measured. If the area to be measured is thick, the X-ray penetration depth needs to be greater; if the area to be measured is thin, the X-ray penetration depth needs to be smaller. Therefore, optionally, the exposure parameters required for each image can also be determined directly based on the thickness of the area to be measured.

[0068] Furthermore, based on the exposure parameters required for each image capture, the X-ray tube energy required for each image capture can be determined. For example, the required X-ray tube energy can be obtained by integrating the tube current over the corresponding exposure time and multiplying it by the tube voltage. Therefore, based on the above two correspondences, the X-ray tube energy required for each image capture can be determined based on the thickness of the object under test when performing the above steps.

[0069] Using the above method, the load of the X-ray tube can be more accurately estimated based on the actual situation of the object to be tested, thereby determining the X-ray tube energy required for imaging.

[0070] In some embodiments for obtaining overall size information of the object under test, step S1022, determining the exposure parameters required for each shot in the predetermined number of shots based on the thickness of the object under test and the type of the part to be measured, or based on the thickness of the part to be measured, may include: determining the size category of the object under test based on the thickness of the object under test; and determining the exposure parameters required for each shot in the predetermined number of shots based on the size category of the object under test and the type of the part to be measured. In some examples, the size category of the object under test can be determined based on its thickness, for example, large size, medium size, or small size. When the object under test is a human body, the body type can be determined based on the thickness or build of the human body, for example, large body type, medium body type, or small body type. When scanning a part of the human body (such as the leg bone or spine), the length and thickness of the part to be scanned are related to the body shape and the type of part to be scanned (such as the leg bone or spine). Therefore, based on the body shape (i.e., the length and thickness of the object to be scanned) and the type of part to be scanned, the number of times to take multiple shots and the exposure parameters required for each shot in the multiple shots can be determined.

[0071] In an X-ray tube, the exposure parameters required for each image capture correspond to the size category of the object under test, the type of part being measured, and the number of images captured. This correspondence can be determined based on theory, experiment, and / or experience, and can be represented, for example, by a corresponding table. For instance, a pre-stored table can show the correspondence between the number of images captured when photographing the long leg bone of a human, determined by the person's height and body type, and the exposure parameters and required energy for each image capture. The number of images is related to height, and the exposure parameters are related to body type. Based on the type of part being measured, the size category of the object under test, and the number of images captured, the required exposure parameters (including tube voltage, tube current, and exposure time) for each image capture can be obtained by looking up the pre-stored table.

[0072] In some examples, a pre-stored mapping table can show the correspondence between the body part to be tested, size category, number of shots, exposure parameters, and required X-ray tube energy. For example, the body part to be tested in the pre-stored mapping table could be the long leg bone of a human body, and the size category could include large, medium, and small body types determined based on body size. For instance, based on the length of the object to be tested, the number of shots is determined to be four, including a first shot, a second shot, a third shot, and a fourth shot. Based on the body type of the object to be tested (large, medium, or small), by looking up the pre-stored mapping table, the exposure parameters required for each shot of the long leg bone and the required X-ray tube energy calculated accordingly can be obtained. It should be understood that the values ​​of exposure parameters and X-ray energy in the mapping table will also be different for different types of body parts to be tested (e.g., spine, leg bone, etc.).

[0073] In the above situation, in step S1023, the energy of the X-ray tube required for each shot can be determined by looking up the pre-stored correspondence table. For example, for large-sized objects, in the second shot, the tube voltage and tube current * exposure time required for each shot can be obtained by looking up the table based on the exposure parameters, and then the X-ray tube energy required for the second shot can be calculated based on this; or, the X-ray tube energy required for the second shot can be obtained directly by looking up the table.

[0074] In some embodiments that directly obtain the size information of the part to be measured, step S1022, determining the exposure parameters required for each shot in the predetermined number of shots based on the thickness of the object to be measured and the type of part to be measured, or based on the thickness of the part to be measured, may include: determining the exposure parameters required for each shot in the predetermined number of shots based on the thickness of the part to be measured. As mentioned above, the exposure parameters are directly related to the thickness of the part to be measured. Therefore, the correspondence between the exposure parameters required for each shot, the thickness of the part to be measured, and the number of shots can be directly determined based on theory, experiment, and / or experience. This correspondence can be represented by a pre-stored correspondence table. In some examples, the pre-stored correspondence table can represent the correspondence between the thickness of the part to be measured, the number of shots, the exposure parameters, and the required X-ray tube energy. Based on the thickness of the part to be measured, the exposure parameters required for each shot can be obtained by looking up the pre-stored correspondence table.

[0075] In the above situation, in step S1023, the required X-ray tube energy for each imaging session can be determined by looking up the aforementioned correspondence table. For example, in a particular imaging session, the required tube voltage and tube current * exposure time can be obtained by querying the pre-stored correspondence table in the above example based on the exposure parameters, and then the required X-ray tube energy for that imaging session can be calculated based on this; alternatively, the required X-ray tube energy for that imaging session can be obtained directly by querying the correspondence table in the above example.

[0076] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 2As shown, step S103, determining whether to issue a command to initiate multiple imaging sessions based on the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session, may include: step S1031, determining whether the heat load of the X-ray tube during multiple imaging sessions exceeds the maximum heat capacity of the X-ray tube; specifically, determining the heat load of the X-ray tube during multiple imaging sessions based on the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube, the X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session, and the heat dissipation; and step S1032, determining whether the heat load exceeds the maximum heat capacity of the X-ray tube. The heat dissipation can refer to the heat dissipated by the X-ray tube during multiple imaging sessions. The heat dissipated by the X-ray tube after multiple imaging sessions can be calculated based on the theoretical heat dissipation curve of X-rays. In some examples, the heat load borne by the X-ray tube during multiple imaging sessions can be estimated by adding the total X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session to the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube and then subtracting the heat dissipation during multiple imaging sessions. By comparing the estimated heat load that the X-ray tube will withstand during multiple imaging sessions with the maximum heat capacity of the X-ray tube, it is possible to determine relatively easily and conveniently whether the heat capacity of the X-ray tube can withstand multiple imaging sessions, thereby avoiding the impact on the lifespan of the X-ray tube due to high heat exposure during use. Furthermore, estimating the heat capacity that the X-ray tube will withstand based on the X-ray tube energy determined by the size information of the object under test can improve the effectiveness and accuracy of the above judgment, thus avoiding unnecessary restrictions on the operation of the X-ray tube.

[0077] According to some embodiments, in response to determining that the heat load the X-rays will experience during multiple imaging sessions is greater than or equal to the maximum heat capacity of the X-ray tube, it can be determined that the heat capacity of the X-ray tube cannot withstand the multiple imaging sessions. At this time, an instruction can be issued to stop the X-ray tube from operating for a predetermined period of time, for example, 3 minutes. After the predetermined period of time the X-ray tube has stopped operating, the process returns to step S103 to re-determine whether to issue an instruction to start multiple imaging sessions. In some examples, in response to determining that the heat load the X-rays will experience during multiple imaging sessions is greater than or equal to the maximum heat capacity of the X-ray tube, a user prompt message is also issued to inform the user that the X-ray imaging equipment cannot perform imaging.

[0078] According to some embodiments, in response to determining that the heat load the X-ray tube will experience during multiple imaging sessions is less than the maximum heat capacity of the X-ray tube, a command can be issued to cause the X-ray tube to perform multiple imaging sessions. This avoids the heat load on the X-ray tube exceeding its maximum heat capacity after multiple imaging sessions.

[0079] According to some other embodiments, in order to further improve the accuracy and effectiveness of the judgment, in response to determining that the heat load to be borne in multiple imaging sessions is less than the maximum heat capacity of the X-ray tube, a precise assessment of the X-ray tube capacity is performed, i.e., step S1033 is performed. Specifically, it is determined whether the X-ray tube can provide sufficient capacity, such as energy, to perform each subsequent imaging session, so as to ensure that the X-ray tube does not operate under overload during each imaging session.

[0080] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, step 103, determining whether to issue a command to initiate multiple imaging sessions based on the current thermal capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session, may include: step S1033, determining whether the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in each imaging session is greater than the energy required by the X-ray tube in each imaging session, based on the current thermal capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session. This precise evaluation step ensures that the X-ray tube will not be overloaded during each imaging session.

[0081] According to some embodiments, in step S1033, determining whether the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in each imaging session is greater than the energy required by the X-ray tube in each imaging session, the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in each imaging session can be determined by the following method: based on the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session determined in step S102, the maximum allowable power of the X-ray tube in each imaging session is determined, and based on the maximum allowable power in each imaging session, the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in each imaging session is determined. Wherein, the maximum allowable power is the maximum scanning power that the X-ray tube can allow in one imaging session. To protect the X-ray tube, the maximum allowable power of the X-ray tube is usually set to decrease as the heat capacity of the X-ray tube increases. The relationship between the maximum allowable power of the X-ray tube and the heat capacity of the X-ray tube is, for example, as shown in the figure below. Figure 3As shown in the diagram, the horizontal axis represents the heat capacity of the X-ray tube, and the vertical axis represents the maximum permissible power of the X-ray tube. This allows the maximum permissible power corresponding to the heat capacity of the X-ray tube to be determined by looking up the aforementioned relationship when performing the above steps. Furthermore, since the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide is equal to the integral of the maximum permissible power of the X-ray tube over the longest achievable exposure time for each shot, the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide can be determined based on the determined maximum permissible power of the X-ray tube and the longest achievable exposure time for each shot. The longest achievable exposure time refers to the longest possible exposure time allowed to obtain a clear and complete image during shooting. The longest achievable exposure time is related to various factors; for example, too short an exposure time may not be sufficient to capture a complete image, while too long an exposure time may cause motion artifacts, resulting in unclear image edges, and may even cause harm to the human body. For example, the longest achievable exposure time for shooting can be a specific value, such as 450 ms. In some examples, when determining the longest achievable exposure time for each shot, the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide can be calculated based on the maximum permissible power of the X-ray tube.

[0082] In other words, based on the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session, the heat capacity of the X-ray tube before each imaging session is determined; based on the heat capacity of the X-ray tube before each imaging session, the maximum allowable power of the X-ray tube before each imaging session is determined; and based on the maximum allowable power of the X-ray tube before each imaging session and the longest achievable exposure time for each imaging session, the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide during each imaging session is determined. This ensures that the X-ray tube will not be overloaded during each imaging session.

[0083] The following is combined with Figure 4 and Figure 5 The above step S1033 will be explained in detail.

[0084] If the object under test requires N images, the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube is HU0, the expected power for the nth image is Pn, the maximum energy that can be provided for the nth image is EEn, and the X-ray tube energy required for the nth image is En, where n equals 1, 2, 3, ..., N. Figure 4 As shown, the steps for accurate evaluation include:

[0085] Step S401: Obtain the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube;

[0086] Step S402: Based on the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each imaging up to the (n-1)th imaging, calculate the heat capacity of the X-ray tube for the (n-1)th imaging; and based on the heat capacity of the X-ray tube for the (n-1)th imaging, determine the maximum allowable power of the X-ray tube for the nth imaging.

[0087] Step S403: Based on the maximum permissible power of the X-ray tube for the nth imaging, determine the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in the nth imaging.

[0088] Step S404: Determine whether the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in the nth imaging is greater than or equal to the energy required by the X-ray tube in the nth imaging. The energy required in the nth imaging is determined, for example, by step S102.

[0089] Specifically, in response to the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in the nth imaging session being greater than or equal to the energy required by the X-ray tube in the nth imaging session, steps S402 to S404 are repeated until n = N. In response to the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in the nth imaging session being less than the energy required by the X-ray tube in the nth imaging session, an instruction is issued to stop the X-ray tube from operating for a predetermined period of time, and steps S401 to S404 are repeated after the predetermined period of time.

[0090] For example, assuming the object to be tested requires four X-ray scans, the required X-ray tube energies for these four scans are E1, E2, E3, and E4, respectively. In this case, as... Figure 4 As shown, for the current state, step S401 is executed to obtain the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube, i.e., the initial heat capacity HU0; step S402 is executed to obtain the heat capacity HU0 before the first imaging, for example, by... Figure 3The first step involves determining the maximum permissible power P1 before the first imaging, corresponding to the initial heat capacity HU0. Step S403 is executed, whereby, based on the maximum permissible power P1 before the first imaging (i.e., the maximum permissible power available for the first imaging) and the longest possible exposure time for the first imaging (e.g., 450ms), the maximum energy EE1 that the X-ray tube can provide during the first imaging is determined. Step S404 is executed, whereby it is determined whether the maximum energy EE1 available during the first imaging is greater than or equal to the X-ray tube energy E1 required for the first imaging n1. If it is greater than or equal to E1, the next step is S405. If it is less than E1, an instruction is issued to stop the X-ray tube from operating for a predetermined time period. Steps S401 to S404 are repeated after the predetermined time period. Step S405 is executed, whereby it is determined whether the number of imaging sessions is greater than or equal to 4. If the number of imaging sessions is determined to be less than 4, for the second imaging session, the process returns to step S402, determining the maximum permissible power P1 before the second imaging session. The maximum permissible power P2 before the second imaging corresponds to the heat capacity HU1, where the heat capacity HU1 before the second imaging is the sum of the initial heat capacity HU0 and the X-ray tube energy E1 required for the first imaging n1; Step S403 is executed, based on the maximum permissible power P2 before the second imaging and the longest achievable exposure time for the second imaging, the maximum energy EE2 that the X-ray tube can provide in the second imaging n2 is determined; Step S404 is executed, determining whether the maximum energy EE2 that can be provided in the second imaging is greater than or equal to the X-ray tube energy E2 required for the second imaging. If it is greater than or equal to E2, then proceed to step S405; if it is less than E2, then issue an instruction to stop the X-ray tube from operating for a predetermined time period, and repeat steps S401 to S404 after the predetermined time period; Step S405 is executed, determining whether the number of imaging is greater than or equal to 4; if it is determined that the number of imaging is less than 4, for the third imaging, return to step S402. For the third and fourth imaging, the steps executed are the same as those for the first imaging n1 and the second imaging n2. For the sake of brevity, they will not be repeated here. For the fourth shot, in step S405, in response to the number of shots being equal to 4, step S407 is executed, and a command to start multiple shots is issued.

[0091] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, method 1000 may further include: step S104, in response to the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide for each image being greater than or equal to the energy required for each image, issuing a command to initiate multiple images of the object under test, thereby further ensuring that the X-ray tube can perform multiple images without exceeding its heat capacity limit. For example, in Figure 4In the process, when steps S402 to S405 have been executed for each shot and step S456 has been executed for the last shot, if it is determined that the number of shots is greater than or equal to the number of shots determined in step S1021, then step S407 is executed to issue an instruction to start multiple shots of the object under test.

[0092] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, method 1000 may further include: in response to the fact that the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in any single imaging session is less than the energy required for imaging, after a predetermined time period, re-determining whether the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in each imaging session is greater than the energy required for each imaging session, i.e., returning to step S1033. For example, in Figure 4 In the process, for a certain shooting, if step S404 is executed, and it is determined that the maximum energy EEn that can be provided for the shooting is less than the X-ray tube energy En required for the shooting, then after a predetermined time period, the process returns to step S401.

[0093] Figure 6 A schematic block diagram of an evaluation apparatus 600 for an X-ray tube according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 6 As shown, the evaluation device 6000 includes an acquisition unit 610, a first determination unit 620, and a second determination unit 630. The acquisition unit 610 is configured to acquire the size information of the object under test; the first determination unit 620 is configured to determine the X-ray tube energy required for each of the multiple imaging sessions based on the size information of the object under test; and the second determination unit 630 is configured to determine whether to issue a command to initiate multiple imaging sessions based on the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session. According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, by determining whether the heat capacity of the X-ray tube can withstand multiple imaging sessions based on the condition of the object under test, the effectiveness and accuracy of the determination can be increased. This not only avoids generating heat exceeding the capacity of the X-ray tube but also avoids unnecessary restrictions on the operation of the X-ray tube.

[0094] It should be understood that Figure 6 The various modules of the device 6000 shown can be connected to the reference. Figure 1 The steps in method 1000 are described in the same way. Therefore, the operations, features, and advantages described above for method 1000 also apply to device 6000 and its included modules. For the sake of brevity, some operations, features, and advantages will not be repeated here.

[0095] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an X-ray imaging apparatus is provided, comprising: an X-ray tube; at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores a computer program that, when executed by the at least one processor, implements the steps of method 1000 described above.

[0096] According to another aspect of this disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to said at least one processor; wherein said memory stores a computer program that, when executed by said at least one processor, implements the steps of method 1000 described above. X-ray imaging apparatus includes such electronic equipment.

[0097] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided storing a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method 1000 described above.

[0098] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a computer program product is provided, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method 1000 described above.

[0099] In the following text, combined with Figure 7 Illustrative examples describing such electronic devices, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, and computer program products.

[0100] Figure 7 An example configuration of an electronic device 7000 that can be used to implement the methods described herein is shown. The electronic device 7000 can be a variety of different types of devices, such as a service provider's server, a device associated with a client (e.g., a client device), a system-on-a-chip, and / or any other suitable computer device or computing system. Examples of the electronic device 7000 include, but are not limited to: desktop computers, server computers, laptop or netbook computers, mobile devices (e.g., tablets, cellular or other wireless phones (e.g., smartphones), notebook computers, mobile stations, etc.).

[0101] Electronic device 7000 may include at least one processor 702, memory 704, multiple communication interfaces 706, display device 708, other input / output (I / O) devices 710, and one or more mass storage devices 712 capable of communicating with each other, such as via system bus 714 or other suitable connections.

[0102] Processor 702 may be a single processing unit or multiple processing units, and all processing units may include single or multiple computing units or multiple cores. Processor 702 may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuits, and / or any device that manipulates signals based on operating instructions. Among other capabilities, processor 702 may be configured to acquire and execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory 704, mass storage device 712, or other computer-readable media, such as program code of operating system 716, program code of application program 718, program code of other program 720, etc.

[0103] Memory 704 and mass storage device 712 are examples of computer-readable storage media for storing instructions executed by processor 702 to perform the various functions described above. For example, memory 704 can generally include both volatile and non-volatile memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, etc.). Furthermore, mass storage device 712 can generally include hard disk drives, solid-state drives, removable media, including external and removable drives, memory cards, flash memory, floppy disks, optical disks (e.g., CDs, DVDs), storage arrays, network-attached storage, storage area networks, etc. Both memory 704 and mass storage device 712 can be collectively referred to herein as memory or computer-readable storage media, and can be non-transitory media capable of storing computer-readable, processor-executable program instructions as computer program code, which can be executed by processor 702 as a specific machine configured to perform the operations and functions described in the examples herein.

[0104] Multiple program modules may be stored on mass storage device 712. These programs include operating system 716, one or more application programs 718, other programs 720, and program data 722, and they may be loaded into memory 704 for execution. Examples of such application programs or program modules may include, for example, computer program logic (e.g., computer program code or instructions) for implementing components / functions such as: device 6000 (including acquisition unit 610, determination unit 620, and evaluation unit 630), method 1000 (including any suitable steps of method 1000), and / or other embodiments described herein.

[0105] Although Figure 7The modules 716, 718, 720, and 722, or portions thereof, are illustrated as being stored in memory 704 of computer device 7000. However, modules 716, 718, 720, and 722 may be implemented using any form of computer-readable medium accessible by computer device 7000. As used herein, "computer-readable medium" includes at least two types of computer-readable media: computer storage media and communication media.

[0106] Computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented by any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage devices, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, or any other non-transfer medium that can be used to store information for access by computer equipment.

[0107] In contrast, communication media can embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data within modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms. Computer storage media as defined herein do not include communication media.

[0108] Electronic device 7000 may also include one or more communication interfaces 706 for exchanging data with other devices, such as via a network, direct connection, etc., as discussed above. Such communication interfaces can be one or more of the following: any type of network interface (e.g., a network interface card (NIC)), wired or wireless (such as IEEE 802.11 Wireless LAN (WLAN)) wireless interface, Wi-MAX interface, Ethernet interface, Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, cellular network interface, Bluetooth™ interface, Near Field Communication (NFC) interface, etc. Communication interface 706 can facilitate communication across various network and protocol types, including wired networks (e.g., LAN, cable, etc.) and wireless networks (e.g., WLAN, cellular, satellite, etc.), the Internet, etc. Communication interface 706 can also provide communication with external storage devices (not shown), such as storage arrays, network-attached storage, storage area networks, etc.

[0109] In some examples, a display device 708, such as a monitor, may be included for displaying information and images to the user. Other I / O devices 710 may be devices that receive various inputs from the user and provide various outputs to the user, and may include touch input devices, gesture input devices, cameras, keyboards, remote controls, mice, printers, audio input / output devices, and so on.

[0110] The above description is merely an embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for evaluating an X-ray tube, wherein the X-ray tube is used in an X-ray imaging device, the X-ray imaging device being used to take multiple images of a test area of ​​an object to form an image of the test area, wherein... The method includes: Obtain the size information of the object to be measured; Based on the size information of the object under test, determine the X-ray tube energy required for each of the multiple imaging sessions; and Based on the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session, a decision is made on whether to issue a command to initiate the multiple imaging sessions. This includes: Based on the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube, the energy required for each X-ray tube imaging session, and the heat dissipation, the heat load of the X-ray tube during the multiple imaging sessions is determined. Determine whether the heat load exceeds the maximum heat capacity of the X-ray tube; In response to determining that the heat load to be subjected to during the multiple imaging sessions is less than the maximum heat capacity of the X-ray tube, based on the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session, it is determined whether the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in each imaging session is greater than or equal to the energy required by the X-ray tube for each imaging session; and In response to the fact that the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in each imaging session is greater than or equal to the energy required in each imaging session, a command is issued to initiate the multiple imaging sessions.

2. The evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein, The size information includes the length and thickness of the object to be measured and the type of the part to be measured, or includes the length and thickness of the part to be measured. Determining the X-ray tube energy required for each of the multiple imaging sessions includes: The number of times the multiple shots are determined based on the length of the object to be tested and the type of the part to be tested, or based on the length of the part to be tested. Based on the thickness of the object under test and the type of the part under test, or based on the thickness of the part under test, determine the exposure parameters required for each shot in the number of shots; and Based on the exposure parameters required for each shot, the required X-ray tube energy for each shot is determined.

3. The evaluation method according to claim 1 further includes: In response to determining that the heat load is greater than or equal to the maximum heat capacity of the X-ray tube, a new determination is made after a predetermined time period to whether to issue an instruction to initiate the multiple imaging sessions.

4. The evaluation method according to claim 1 further includes: In response to the fact that the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in any of the multiple imaging sessions is less than the energy required for that imaging session, the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in each imaging session is re-determined after a predetermined time period to see if it is greater than the energy required for each imaging session.

5. The evaluation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The maximum energy available in each shot is determined by performing the following steps: Based on the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session, determine the heat capacity of the X-ray tube before each imaging session. Based on the heat capacity of the X-ray tube before each imaging session, determine the maximum permissible power of the X-ray tube before each imaging session. as well as The maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in each shot is determined based on the maximum permissible power of the X-ray tube before each shot and the maximum achievable exposure time for each shot.

6. An evaluation apparatus for an X-ray tube, the X-ray tube being used in an X-ray imaging device, the X-ray imaging device being used to take multiple images of a test area of ​​an object to form an image of the test area, wherein... The evaluation device includes: An acquisition unit configured to acquire the size information of the object to be measured; A first determining unit is configured to determine the X-ray tube energy required for each of the multiple imaging sessions based on the size information of the object under test; and The second determining unit is configured to determine, based on the current thermal capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session, whether to issue a command to initiate the multiple imaging sessions. This includes: Based on the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube, the energy required for each X-ray tube imaging session, and the heat dissipation, the heat load of the X-ray tube during the multiple imaging sessions is determined. Determine whether the heat load exceeds the maximum heat capacity of the X-ray tube; In response to determining that the heat load to be subjected to during the multiple imaging sessions is less than the maximum heat capacity of the X-ray tube, based on the current heat capacity of the X-ray tube and the X-ray tube energy required for each imaging session, it is determined whether the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in each imaging session is greater than or equal to the energy required by the X-ray tube in each imaging session; and In response to the fact that the maximum energy that the X-ray tube can provide in each imaging session is greater than or equal to the energy required in each imaging session, a command is issued to initiate the multiple imaging sessions.

7. An X-ray imaging device, comprising: X-ray tube; At least one processor; as well as A memory that is communicatively connected to the at least one processor; in The memory stores a computer program that, when executed by the at least one processor, implements the method according to any one of claims 1-5.

8. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, wherein, The computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the method according to any one of claims 1-5.

9. A computer program product comprising a computer program, wherein, The computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the method according to any one of claims 1-5.

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