Changing orientation of x-ray radiator to vary x-ray radiation

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for generating X-ray radiation having X-ray properties, comprising the following steps: providing first examination type information and second examination type information for selection by means of an input means; receiving the selected check type information in the control unit; -selecting an X-ray radiator configuration from a plurality of X-ray radiator configurations by means of the control unit in dependence on the received examination type information; determining a control signal in dependence on the selected X-ray radiator configuration; automatically setting a mechanical adjustment unit of the X-ray emitter in accordance with the determined control signal in order to change the orientation of the X-ray emitter with respect to the recording region; and generating X-ray radiation having X-ray properties by means of an X-ray emitter provided for transmission of the examination object in the recording region.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for generating X-ray radiation having X-ray characteristics, a computer program product belonging thereto, an X-ray radiator device, and an C-arm X-ray facility. Background Art

[0002] Conventional C-arm X-ray facilities are typically dedicated to different applications. These applications usually require significantly different X-ray characteristics that cannot be generated by the same C-arm X-ray facility. Therefore, different C-arm X-ray facilities are typically used according to the application. The differences between these C-arm X-ray facilities usually relate to the anode disk angle of the anode of the X-ray radiator.

[0003] Applications that typically have significantly different X-ray characteristics are especially interventional radiography and angiography. In angiography, blood vessels, especially the heart, are traditionally shown enhanced with a contrast agent. Interventional radiography combines diagnostic imaging with a simultaneous typically minimally invasive therapeutic intervention. The X-ray characteristics of these two applications are different especially in terms of the maximum X-ray dose and / or the maximum X-ray cross-section. The X-ray characteristics of neuroradiology are similar to those of interventional radiography.

[0004] To improve the image resolution, EP 1 623 672 A1 discloses that an X-ray device has an X-ray tube and a slit-shaped aperture. The X-ray tube is used to generate X-rays from a focal spot of a rotating anode that can rotate about a rotation axis. The slit-shaped aperture is used to generate a fan-shaped beam of rays that can be gradually revealed from the X-rays and can move scanner-like above the examination area. In this X-ray device, it is proposed that the fan-shaped beam of rays can move above the examination area substantially in the direction of the rotation axis of the rotating anode, and the X-ray tube can be tilted about the focal spot such that the fan-shaped X-ray beam is in the region of the highest image resolution or the highest image sharpness when moving above the examination area.

[0005] It is known from DE 10 2006 008 255 A1 that in an X-ray device, a gantry of an X-ray source having an anode that can rotate about an anode axis is arranged at a rotor that can rotate about the Z axis, where the anode axis can be adjusted relative to the Z axis by means of a tilting device, and where, to compensate for an undesired change in the orientation of the focal spot in the Z direction, a movement device is provided for moving the anode in a direction parallel to the Z axis.

[0006] An X-ray device is described in DE 196 39 918 A1, which has: a zoom X-ray tube; a evacuated housing in which a cathode emitting electrons and an anode disc are arranged in a fixed connection with the evacuated housing, and an electron beam accelerated by an electric field impinges on the anode disc; and an electromagnetic system for deflecting and focusing the electron beam, the electromagnetic system having a plurality of current-carrying coil elements; and a lateral X-ray exit window in the housing, the X-ray exit window for X-ray radiation that exits substantially at a right angle to the longitudinal central axis and is recorded by an image receiver behind the object table, wherein at least the anode disc can be tilted relative to the image receiver about a connecting axis, and wherein the electromagnetic system at least partially surrounding the cathode-side neck section of the housing generates a quadrupole field to change the electron beam cross-section according to the tilt angle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The object underlying the present invention is to provide a method for generating X-ray radiation having X-ray properties, a computer program product belonging thereto, an X-ray radiator device and a C-arm X-ray facility, which have an extended field of application.

[0008] This object is achieved by a method for generating X-ray radiation having X-ray properties, a computer program product belonging thereto, an X-ray radiator device and a C-arm X-ray facility. Advantageous design options are described in the following description.

[0009] Regardless of the grammatical gender of the specific terms, persons with male or female gender identities are included.

[0010] A method according to the invention for generating X-ray radiation having X-ray properties by means of an X-ray radiator for transmitting an examination object in a recording area comprises the following steps:

[0011] - Providing first examination type information and second examination type information for selection by means of an input means,

[0012] - Receiving the selected examination type information in a control unit,

[0013] - Selecting an X-ray radiator configuration from a plurality of X-ray radiator configurations in relation to the received examination type information by means of the control unit,

[0014] - Determining a control signal in relation to the selected X-ray radiator configuration,

[0015] - Automatically setting a mechanical adjustment unit of the X-ray radiator according to the determined control signal to change the orientation of the X-ray radiator with respect to the recording area,

[0016] - An X-ray radiator configured to transmit an X-ray radiation to an examination object in a recording region is used to generate an X-ray radiation having X-ray characteristics.

[0017] An X-ray radiator device for generating an X-ray radiation having X-ray characteristics according to the present invention includes:

[0018] - A control unit,

[0019] - A memory unit, and

[0020] - An X-ray radiator,

[0021] - wherein the X-ray radiator has an interface, a mechanical adjustment unit, an evacuated X-ray tube, a cathode, an anode, and a collimator,

[0022] - wherein in the evacuated X-ray tube, the anode is rotatably arranged around an anode axis, and the cathode is arranged above the anode in an off-center manner with respect to the anode axis, and

[0023] - wherein the control unit can be connected to the interface to transmit control signals.

[0024] An C-arm X-ray facility according to the present invention includes:

[0025] - The X-ray radiator device according to the present invention,

[0026] - An X-ray detector,

[0027] - A holding device, and

[0028] - An C-arm,

[0029] - wherein the C-arm surrounds the recording region,

[0030] - wherein the X-ray radiator is arranged at a first end of the C-arm,

[0031] - wherein the X-ray detector is arranged at a second end of the C-arm opposite to the X-ray radiator,

[0032] - wherein the C-arm is arranged at the holding device and is pivotably arranged around the recording region,

[0033] - wherein an inclination axis of the mechanical adjustment unit is perpendicular to the C-arm plane, and / or a linear axis of the mechanical adjustment unit extends parallel to the C-arm plane.

[0034] One advantage of the present invention is that different X-ray characteristics of the same X-ray radiator can be achieved by automatically setting the mechanical adjustment unit according to the transmitted control signal. Thus, multiple applications requiring different X-ray characteristics can be performed with the same X-ray radiator device, in particular with the same C-arm X-ray facility. The multiple applications typically include an object to be examined in the transmission recording area.

[0035] The object to be examined can in particular be a patient. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the object to be examined is an object and / or a device. The applications for which X-ray radiation is generated are in particular medical applications, preferably diagnostic and / or therapeutic applications. The X-rays used in the applications typically have a maximum energy of less than 200 keV, in particular between 20 keV and 150 keV.

[0036] The X-ray characteristics in particular define measurable parameters of the generated X-ray radiation. The X-ray characteristics in particular define the maximum X-ray dose and / or the maximum X-ray cross-section. The X-ray characteristics, in particular the maximum X-ray dose and the maximum X-ray cross-section, are in particular related to the orientation of the X-ray radiator relative to the recording area.

[0037] The maximum X-ray dose in particular defines the maximum number of X-ray quanta with the maximum photon energy per unit area in the recording area. The maximum X-ray dose is in particular related to the tube current. The tube current in particular presets the amount of electrons that can be generated at the cathode of the X-ray radiator by means of an electron emitter. The electron emitter can be, for example, a thermionic emitter or a cold emitter. In the case of a thermionic emitter, in particular, the heat generation of the emitter limits the maximum tube current. In the case of a cold emitter, in particular, the emitter needle with a diameter in the nanometer range limits the maximum tube current because the generated electrons flow through the emitter needle and overheating of the emitter needle by the electron flow must be prevented.

[0038] The maximum X-ray dose is also in particular related to the cooling performance of the X-ray radiator, in particular the cooling performance for dissipating heat from the anode. The electrons emitted at the cathode typically hit the anode in the focal spot, where X-rays are generated when the electrons interact with the anode material. Typically, only 1% of the electron energy incident on the anode can be converted into X-ray quanta, and the rest is converted into heat. In particular, the cooling performance of the X-ray radiator resists damage or destruction of the anode.

[0039] The anode can be a stationary anode or a rotating anode. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the anode is rotatably supported together with the evacuated X-ray tube about a rotation axis.

[0040] The maximum photon energy is particularly related to the accelerating voltage between the cathode and the anode. The accelerating voltage is particularly composed of the potential of the cathode and the potential of the anode. The cathode and / or the anode can be at a high voltage potential. If the cathode or the anode is at a ground potential, the X-ray radiator is particularly a monopolar X-ray radiator. If the cathode and the anode are at a high voltage potential, the X-ray radiator is particularly a bipolar X-ray radiator.

[0041] The maximum X-ray cross-section particularly describes the surface on which the generated X-ray quanta are distributed. The maximum X-ray cross-section can be defined such that only the surface elements with a specific number of X-ray quanta are part of the X-ray cross-section. In other words, particularly, the scattered radiation and / or the edge region of the X-ray radiation are not part of the maximum X-ray cross-section. The maximum X-ray cross-section is particularly related to the distance from the focal spot. Therefore, the maximum X-ray cross-section is typically set by setting the focal spot size. The focal spot size is particularly related to the distance between the cathode and the anode, the emission surface of the emitter for emitting electrons, the selection of one or more electron emitters, and / or the deflection unit for focusing or defocusing the emitted electrons. Typically, the larger the maximum X-ray cross-section, the lower the heat input of the emitted electrons into the focal spot of the anode.

[0042] The X-ray characteristics are particularly related to the X-ray radiator configuration. The X-ray radiator configuration particularly defines the following operating parameters of the X-ray radiator, according to which X-rays can be generated by means of the X-ray radiator. The operating parameters of the X-ray radiator can particularly be divided into electrical operating parameters and mechanical operating parameters. The electrical operating parameters are particularly the operating parameters for setting the tube current and / or the focal spot size and / or for focusing or defocusing by means of the deflection unit. The mechanical operating parameters particularly set the orientation of the X-ray radiator, particularly the anode, relative to the recording area. The orientation can particularly involve the tilt angle and / or movement of the X-ray radiator relative to the recording area.

[0043] Providing the first inspection type information and the second inspection type information can include displaying the first inspection type information and the second inspection type information for the user of the X-ray radiator on a display unit. The display unit can have a graphical user interface for selecting the first inspection type information and the second inspection type information.

[0044] The user can particularly be a doctor and / or a radiology medical assistant. For example, the user can select the provided first inspection type information or the provided second inspection type information by means of an input mechanism.

[0045] When selecting by means of the input mechanism, particularly, either the first inspection type information is exclusively selected, or the second inspection type information is exclusively selected. The selection particularly includes specifying the first inspection type information or the second inspection type information as the selected inspection type information.

[0046] The input mechanism may include a display unit and / or a keyboard and / or a mouse and / or a gesture input unit and / or a voice input unit. In particular, the input mechanism may be connected to the control unit wirelessly or wiredly to transmit the selected examination type information. The selected examination type information may be transmitted as an examination type information signal.

[0047] The control unit may include an interface for receiving the selected examination type information and / or the examination type information signal. The control unit may include a memory unit and / or be connected to an external memory unit, and the control unit may store the selected examination type information and / or the examination type information signal in the memory unit.

[0048] Each X-ray radiator configuration may be present in an X-ray radiator configuration file. The X-ray radiator configuration and / or the X-ray radiator configuration file may be stored in a memory unit. The memory unit may be the memory unit of the control unit or an external memory unit.

[0049] Selecting an X-ray radiator configuration may include calling up a plurality of X-ray radiator configurations or X-ray radiator configuration files from the memory unit. The plurality of X-ray radiator configurations particularly includes a first X-ray radiator configuration associated with first examination type information and a second X-ray radiator configuration associated with second examination type information. The first X-ray radiator configuration and the second X-ray radiator configuration are particularly different in terms of their X-ray characteristics and / or the orientation of the X-ray radiator with respect to the recording area. Calling up a plurality of X-ray radiator configurations from the memory unit may include querying a database.

[0050] Selecting an X-ray radiator configuration may include identifying the X-ray radiator configuration associated with the first examination type information or the second examination type information. Typically, each examination type information is associated with an X-ray radiator configuration. The association is particularly a one-to-one association. The identification of the X-ray radiator configuration may be performed in the control unit and / or in the memory unit. For example, the memory unit may include a database for identifying the X-ray radiator configuration.

[0051] Selecting an X-ray radiator configuration by means of the control unit particularly means that the control unit is configured to convert the selected examination type information and / or the associated examination type information signal into an X-ray radiator configuration, for example, by calling up the X-ray radiator configuration associated with the selected examination type information. In principle, it is conceivable that the control unit is configured to calculate the selected X-ray radiator configuration by means of a program code mechanism, where the selected examination type information is an input parameter of the program code mechanism.

[0052] The X-ray radiator configuration can in particular be at least partially variable by means of an input mechanism. In particular, the electrical operating parameters can be at least partially variable. In particular, the mechanical operating parameters can be at least partially invariable, i.e., fixed. The fixed operating parameters, in particular the fixed mechanical operating parameters, are in particular invariable during the generation of X-ray radiation.

[0053] After selecting the X-ray radiator configuration, in particular, a control signal is determined in relation to the selected X-ray radiator configuration. The determination of the control signal can be carried out by means of a control unit and / or an X-ray radiator control unit. For example, the X-ray radiator can include an X-ray radiator control unit. The control unit can be configured to transmit the determined control signal from the control unit to the X-ray radiator and / or the X-ray radiator control unit.

[0054] The determination of the control signal can correspond to the selection of the X-ray radiator configuration. For example, in such a case, the selected X-ray radiator configuration and / or the X-ray radiator configuration file contains the control signal.

[0055] The determination of the control signal can include comparing the X-ray radiator configuration and / or the control signal of the X-ray radiator configuration and / or the determined control signal with the actual state of the X-ray radiator. For example, before or when determining the control signal, the X-ray radiator can transmit the actual state of the X-ray radiator to the control unit. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can preferably call the actual state from the memory unit. If the actual state in particular corresponds to the mechanical operating parameters, the control signal can consist of an acknowledgement of the actual state.

[0056] Alternatively, in particular in the case of deviation from the actual state, the determination of the control signal can include calculating at least one adjustment step that maps in particular the mechanical operating parameters. Preferably, the actual state after carrying out the adjustment step in particular results in the X-ray radiator configuration, in particular the mechanical operating parameters. The control signal is in particular a differential or difference control signal that describes a differential or difference change with respect to the mechanical operating parameters.

[0057] After determination, the determined control signal can in particular be transmitted from the control unit or from the X-ray radiator control unit to the mechanical adjustment unit of the X-ray radiator. The X-ray radiator and / or the mechanical adjustment unit in particular have an interface for receiving the control signal.

[0058] The automatic setting of the mechanical adjustment unit in particular includes the mechanical adjustment of the X-ray radiator relative to the recording area. In particular, during automatic setting, the relative position of the X-ray radiator relative to the recording area changes with the orientation. The mechanical adjustment unit in particular has a drive device so that the X-ray radiator can be automatically set according to the control signal.

[0059] It is conceivable that the automatic setting is released by the user. For example, the user can release the automatic setting by means of an input mechanism. The release (Freigeben) corresponds in particular to activating and / or monitoring the automatic setting.

[0060] During the automatic setting, in particular, the X-ray radiator is adjusted relative to the recording area in at least one spatial direction and / or around a spatial axis. The automatic setting can in particular include a movement in at least one spatial direction and / or an inclination around the spatial axis. The mechanical adjustment unit is in particular configured for a movement in at least one spatial direction and / or an inclination around the spatial axis of the X-ray radiator.

[0061] During the automatic setting, in particular, the evacuated X-ray tube is adjusted relative to the recording area by means of the mechanical adjustment unit according to a control signal. It can be that, for example, a part of the mechanical adjustment unit has the same relative position with respect to the recording area after the automatic setting as before the automatic setting. This part of the mechanical adjustment unit can be the bearing that supports the X-ray radiator relative to the recording area. During the automatic setting, in particular, the evacuated X-ray tube is adjusted relative to the bearing.

[0062] After the automatic setting, in particular, X-ray radiation is generated. Advantageously, the X-ray radiation has X-ray characteristics associated with the selected X-ray radiator configuration and thus the selected examination type information. During the generation of the X-ray radiation, typically at least one attenuation profile is detected by means of an X-ray detector, wherein the recording area is arranged between the X-ray detector and the X-ray radiator. The at least one attenuation profile is preferably characteristic of the selected examination type information.

[0063] In principle, it is conceivable that during the generation of the X-ray radiation, the X-ray radiator moves around and / or along the examination object. In such a case, in particular, no change is made by means of the mechanical adjustment unit during the generation of the X-ray radiation. In other words, the mechanical adjustment unit is in particular used to automatically set the X-ray radiator before the generation of the X-ray radiation. Typically, the fixed mechanical operating parameters do not change during the generation of the X-ray radiation.

[0064] The first examination type information can in particular describe interventional radiography. The second examination type information can in particular describe angiography. The description means in particular a preset according to a protocol, such that the user can distinguish and perform the different applications with the X-ray radiator. The X-ray characteristics of the first X-ray radiator configuration can be different from the X-ray characteristics of the second X-ray radiator configuration in terms of the maximum X-ray dose and / or the maximum X-ray cross-section.

[0065] Advantageously, a relatively high maximum X-ray dose, especially for angiography, can be achieved with an X-ray radiator. For interventional radiography, a relatively high maximum X-ray cross-section can advantageously be achieved with the same X-ray radiator. In particular, the maximum X-ray dose for angiography is higher than the maximum X-ray dose for interventional radiography. The maximum X-ray cross-section for interventional radiography is typically larger than the maximum X-ray cross-section for angiography. The change in the maximum X-ray dose or the maximum X-ray cross-section is effected in particular by setting the angle of the anode surface, on which the focal spot is generated, relative to the recording area.

[0066] One embodiment provides that the control signal has an inclination angle signal associated with the selected X-ray radiator configuration, wherein the mechanical adjustment unit has an inclination device for inclining the X-ray radiator with respect to the recording area, and wherein the automatic setting comprises inclining the X-ray radiator according to the inclination angle signal. The inclination device is in particular configured to incline the X-ray radiator with respect to the recording area about an inclination axis. Advantageously, the inclination axis is perpendicular to the anode axis and / or intersects the anode substantially in the focal spot of the anode. The anode axis is in particular the longitudinal axis of the evacuated X-ray tube and / or the rotation axis of the anode.

[0067] In the said embodiment, the inclination of the X-ray radiator is an adjustment step of the control signal. The inclination of the X-ray radiator with respect to the recording area can correspond to the inclination of the evacuated X-ray tube relative to the bearing of the X-ray radiator. The inclination angle signal in particular describes an inclination with an angle between -10° and 10°. The said embodiment in particular describes an automatic setting about a spatial axis.

[0068] One embodiment provides that the control signal has a movement length signal, wherein the mechanical adjustment unit has a movement device for moving the X-ray radiator along a linear axis, wherein the linear axis extends parallel to the recording area, and wherein the automatic setting comprises moving the X-ray radiator according to the movement length signal. In the said embodiment, the movement of the X-ray radiator is an adjustment step of the control signal. The movement of the X-ray radiator in particular corresponds to the movement of the evacuated X-ray tube relative to the bearing of the X-ray radiator. The movement length signal in particular describes a movement with a length between -10 mm and 10 mm. The said embodiment in particular describes an automatic setting in a spatial direction.

[0069] One embodiment provides for the position information of the anti-scatter grid to be called, a movement length signal being determined in relation to the position information, and an automatic setting including changing the relative position between the X-ray radiator and the anti-scatter grid. The position information of the anti-scatter grid can in particular be part of the actual state of the X-ray radiator. The position information can in particular be called from a memory unit and / or by the X-ray radiator, in particular before or when determining the control signal. Alternatively, the position information can be part of the X-ray radiator configuration. The position information can in particular relate to the focal spot on the anode of the X-ray radiator. The calling of the position information can be effected by means of a control unit and / or an X-ray radiator control unit. The anti-scatter grid advantageously has a relatively very high aspect ratio and / or is a so-called "Supergrid". In the said embodiment it is in particular advantageous that the focal point of the anti-scatter grid can be aligned with the focal spot of the anode of the X-ray radiator. That is to say the focal point can in particular be lost when the X-ray radiator rotates or moves relative to the recording area. The said embodiment can thus advantageously enable the use of an anti-scatter grid having a relatively very high aspect ratio.

[0070] One embodiment provides for the control signal to have a transmitter selection signal associated with the selected X-ray radiator configuration, the cathode of the X-ray radiator having a first electron emitter and a second electron emitter, the electron emission for a first X-ray radiator configuration being assigned to the first electron emitter and the electron emission for a second X-ray radiator configuration being assigned to the second electron emitter, and the generation of X-ray radiation including electron emission by means of the first electron emitter or the second electron emitter in accordance with the transmitter selection signal. The said embodiment is in particular advantageous since the determination of the control signal is related to the transmitter selection signal and thus to the associated electron emitter.

[0071] One embodiment provides for the control signal to have a focal spot length signal associated with the selected X-ray radiator configuration, the X-ray radiator having a deflection unit for adjusting the length of the cross-section of the electron beam, and the generation of X-ray radiation including deflecting the emitted electrons by means of the deflection unit in accordance with the focal spot length signal. The deflection unit for adjusting the length of the cross-section of the electron beam is in particular a deflection unit for focusing or defocusing the electrons. The adjustment of the length of the cross-section of the electron beam in particular means the adjustment of the expansion of the cross-section of the electron beam. By adjusting the length of the cross-section of the electron beam, in particular the length of the focal spot and / or the X-ray cross-section can be adjusted.

[0072] One embodiment proposes that the control signal has a collimator cross-section signal associated with the selected X-ray radiator configuration, wherein the automatic setting includes setting the collimator cross-section of the collimator of the X-ray radiator according to the collimator cross-section signal. The collimator is in particular configured to delimit the X-ray cross-section. In particular, after setting the X-ray cross-section as an X-ray characteristic during the generation of X-ray radiation, the X-ray cross-section is delimited. Thus, the collimator acts independently of the generation of X-ray radiation and / or after the generation of X-ray radiation.

[0073] A computer program product can be a computer program or include a computer program. The computer program product in particular has program code means for mapping the method steps according to the invention. Thereby, the method according to the invention can be carried out in a defined and reproducible manner, and the forwarding of the method according to the invention can be controlled. The computer program product is preferably configured such that the computing unit can carry out the method steps according to the invention with the aid of the computer program product. The program code means can in particular be loaded into the memory of the computing unit and typically be executed by means of the processor of the computing unit by accessing the memory. If the computer program product, in particular the program code means, is executed in the computing unit, typically all embodiments according to the invention of the described method can be carried out. The computer program product is stored, for example, on a physical, computer-readable medium and / or saved in digital form as a data packet in a computer network. The computer program product can be a physical, computer-readable medium and / or a data packet in a computer network. Thus, the invention can also be based on a physical, computer-readable medium and / or a data packet in a computer network. The physical, computer-readable medium can generally be directly connected to the computing unit, for example by placing the physical, computer-readable medium into a DVD drive or plugging it into a USB port, whereby the computing unit can in particular access the physical, computer-readable medium in a read manner. The data packet can preferably be called from the computer network. The computer network can have a computing unit or be indirectly connected to the computing unit via a wide area network (WAN) or a (wireless) local area network connection (WLAN or LAN). For example, the computer program product can be stored in digital form at a storage location in a computer network on a cloud server and transmitted to the computing unit via the Internet by means of a WAN and / or by means of a WLAN or LAN, in particular by calling a download link pointing to the storage location of the computer program product.

[0074] The features, advantages or alternative embodiments mentioned in the description of the device can equally be transferred to the method and vice versa. In other words, embodiments for the method can be improved with the aid of the features of the device and vice versa. In particular, the device according to the invention can be used in the method. Description of the Drawings

[0075] In the following, the present invention will be described and explained in detail according to the embodiments shown in the drawings. In principle, in the following description of the drawings, substantially the same structures and units are named with the same reference numerals as when they first appear in the corresponding structures or units.

[0076] The drawings show:

[0077] Figure 1 showing a method according to the present invention,

[0078] Figure 2 showing a first embodiment of the method according to the present invention,

[0079] Figure 3 showing a second embodiment of the method according to the present invention,

[0080] Figure 4 showing an X-ray radiator device, and

[0081] Figure 5 showing a C-arm X-ray facility. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0082] Figure 1 A method for generating X-ray radiation having X-ray characteristics by means of an X-ray radiator for transmitting an examination object in a recording area is shown in a flow chart having method steps S100 to S105.

[0083] Method step S100 represents: providing first examination type information and second examination type information for selection by means of an input mechanism.

[0084] Method step S101 represents: receiving the selected examination type information in a control unit.

[0085] Method step S102 represents: selecting an X-ray radiator configuration from a plurality of X-ray radiator configurations in relation to the received examination type information by means of a control unit.

[0086] Method step S103 represents: determining a control signal in relation to the selected X-ray radiator configuration.

[0087] Method step S104 represents: automatically setting a mechanical adjustment unit of the X-ray radiator according to the determined control signal to change the orientation of the X-ray radiator with respect to the recording area.

[0088] Method step S105 represents: generating X-ray radiation having X-ray characteristics by means of the set X-ray radiator for transmitting an examination object in a recording area.

[0089] Figure 2A first embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown in the flow chart.

[0090] The first inspection type information describes interventional radiography. The second inspection type information describes angiography. The X-ray characteristics of the first X-ray radiator configuration are different from the X-ray characteristics of the second X-ray radiator configuration in terms of maximum X-ray dose and / or maximum X-ray cross-section.

[0091] The control signal has an inclination angle signal related to the selected X-ray radiator configuration. The mechanical adjustment unit has an inclination device for inclining the X-ray radiator with respect to the recording area. The inclination angle signal describes an inclination especially at an angle between -10° and 10°.

[0092] The control signal also has a movement length signal. The mechanical adjustment unit has a movement device for moving the X-ray radiator along a linear axis. The linear axis extends parallel to the recording area. The movement length signal describes a movement especially at a length between -10 mm and 10 mm.

[0093] Method step S107 means: calling the position information of the anti-scatter grid.

[0094] Method step S108 means: determining the movement length signal related to the position information.

[0095] Method step S112 means: automatically setting includes moving the X-ray radiator according to the movement length signal.

[0096] Method step S106 means: automatically setting includes inclining the X-ray radiator according to the inclination angle signal.

[0097] Method step S109 means: automatically setting includes changing the relative position between the X-ray radiator and the anti-scatter grid.

[0098] In particular, method steps S106, S109, S112 can be carried out at least partly simultaneously, preferably synchronously, or successively.

[0099] Figure 3 A second embodiment of the method according to the invention is shown in the flow chart.

[0100] The control signal has a transmitter selection signal related to the selected X-ray radiator configuration. The cathode of the X-ray radiator has a first electron emitter and a second electron emitter. The first electron emitter is assigned to the electron emission for the first X-ray radiator configuration, and the second electron emitter is assigned to the electron emission for the second X-ray radiator configuration.

[0101] Method step S110 means that generating X-ray radiation includes electron emission by means of a first electron emitter or a second electron emitter according to an emitter selection signal.

[0102] The control signal also has a collimator cross-section signal related to the selected X-ray radiator configuration. The X-ray radiator has a collimator.

[0103] Method step S111 means that automatic setting includes setting the collimator cross-section of the collimator according to the collimator cross-section signal.

[0104] Figure 4 The X-ray radiator device 10 is shown in a circuit block diagram.

[0105] The X-ray radiator device 10 is configured to generate X-ray radiation having X-ray characteristics. The X-ray radiator device 10 has a control unit 11, a memory unit 12, and an X-ray radiator 13. The X-ray radiator 13 has an interface 14, a mechanical adjustment unit 15, a evacuated X-ray tube 16, a cathode 17, and an anode 18. In the evacuated X-ray tube 16, the anode 18 is rotatably arranged around an anode axis R. The cathode 17 is arranged above the anode 18 in an off-center manner with respect to the anode axis R. The control unit 11 can be connected to the interface 14 to transmit control signals.

[0106] The X-ray radiator 13 also has a collimator 19. The mechanical adjustment unit 15 has an inclination device for inclining the evacuated X-ray tube 16 about a recording area A around an inclination axis K. The inclination axis K is perpendicular to the anode axis R and intersects the anode 18 substantially in the focal spot of the anode. Substantially means that the focal spot is preferably arranged at a distance of less than 10 cm, particularly preferably less than 2 cm, from the inclination axis K.

[0107] Figure 5 The C-arm X-ray facility 20 is shown in a circuit block diagram. The C-arm X-ray facility 20 has an X-ray radiator device 10, an X-ray detector 21, a holding device 22, and a C-arm 23.

[0108] The C-arm 23 surrounds the recording area A. The X-ray radiator 13 is arranged at a first end of the C-arm 23. The X-ray detector 21 is arranged at a second end of the C-arm 23 opposite to the X-ray radiator 13. The C-arm 23 is arranged at the holding device 22 and is pivotably arranged around the recording area A.

[0109] The inclination axis K of the mechanical adjustment unit 15 is perpendicular to the C-arm plane. The C-arm plane corresponds to Figure 5 the image plane. Alternatively or additionally, the linear axis of the mechanical adjustment unit 15 can extend in the C-arm plane or be laterally parallel and offset from the C-arm plane.

[0110] The recording area A is shown as a plane in Figure 5 and particularly includes at least a part of the volume between the X-ray radiator 13 and the X-ray detector 21.

[0111] Although the details of the present invention have been described in detail by way of preferred embodiments, the present invention is not limited by the disclosed examples and other variants can be derived therefrom by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for generating X-ray radiation having X-ray properties by means of an X-ray radiator for transmitting an object to be examined in a recording area, the method comprising the following steps: - providing first examination type information and second examination type information for selection by means of an input mechanism, - receiving information on the selected examination type in the control unit, - selecting an X-ray radiator configuration from a plurality of X-ray radiator configurations by means of the control unit as a function of the received examination type information, - determining a control signal as a function of the selected X-ray radiator configuration, - automatically setting a mechanical adjustment unit of the X-ray radiator in accordance with the determined control signal in order to change the orientation of the X-ray radiator with respect to the recording area, - generating X-ray radiation having X-ray characteristics by means of the X-ray emitter which is provided for transmitting the examination object in the acquisition region.

2. The method according to claim 1, The first examination type information describes interventional radiography, and the second examination type information describes angiography.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, Therein, the X-ray characteristics of the first X-ray radiator arrangement differ from the X-ray characteristics of the second X-ray radiator arrangement with regard to a maximum X-ray dose and / or a maximum X-ray cross section.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control signal comprises a tilt angle signal which is associated with the selected X-ray radiator configuration, wherein the mechanical adjustment unit comprises a tilting device for tilting the X-ray radiator relative to the recording area, and wherein the automatic setting comprises tilting the X-ray radiator in accordance with the tilt angle signal.

5. The method according to claim 4, The tilt angle signal describes a tilt of an angle between -10° and 10°.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control signal comprises a movement length signal, wherein the mechanical adjustment unit comprises a movement device for moving the X-ray radiator along a linear axis, wherein the linear axis extends parallel to the recording area, and wherein the automatic setting comprises moving the X-ray radiator in accordance with the movement length signal.

7. The method according to claim 6, The movement length signal describes a movement with a length between -10 mm and 10 mm.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, Wherein position information of the anti-scatter grid is retrieved, wherein the movement length signal is determined in relation to the position information, and wherein the automatic setting comprises changing a relative position between the X-ray radiator and the anti-scatter grid.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control signal comprises an emitter selection signal associated with the selected X-ray radiator configuration, wherein the cathode of the X-ray radiator comprises a first electron emitter and a second electron emitter, wherein electron emission for the first X-ray radiator configuration is associated with the first electron emitter, and electron emission for the second X-ray radiator configuration is associated with the second electron emitter, and wherein generating X-ray radiation comprises electron emission by means of the first electron emitter or the second electron emitter in accordance with the emitter selection signal.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control signal comprises a focal spot length signal which is associated with a selected X-ray radiator configuration, wherein the X-ray radiator comprises a deflection unit for adjusting the length of the electron beam cross section, and wherein generating the X-ray radiation comprises deflecting the emitted electrons with the aid of the deflection unit in accordance with the focal spot length signal.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, The control signal comprises a collimator cross-section signal which is associated with the selected X-ray radiator configuration, wherein the X-ray radiator comprises a collimator, and wherein the automatic setting comprises setting a collimator cross-section of the collimator in dependence on the collimator cross-section signal.

12. An X-ray radiator arrangement (10) for generating X-ray radiation having X-ray characteristics according to any of the preceding claims, the X-ray radiator arrangement (10) comprising: - a control unit (11), - a memory unit (12), - an X-ray radiator (13), - wherein the X-ray radiator (13) has an interface (14), a mechanical adjustment unit (15), an evacuated X-ray tube (16), a cathode (17), an anode (18) and a collimator (19), - wherein in the evacuated X-ray tube (16), the anode (18) is rotatably arranged around an anode axis (R), and the cathode (17) is arranged above the anode (18) in an off-center manner relative to the anode axis (R), and - wherein the control unit (11) is connectable to the interface (14) for transmitting control signals.

13. The X-ray radiator arrangement (10) according to claim 12, The mechanical adjustment unit (15) has a tilting device for tilting the evacuated X-ray tube about a tilting axis (K) relative to a recording area (A), wherein the tilting axis (K) is perpendicular to the anode axis (A) and intersects the anode (18) substantially in the focal spot of the anode.

14. A C-arm X-ray facility (20), comprising: - An X-ray radiator arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 13, - X-ray detector (21), - a holding device (22), - C-arm (23), - wherein the C-arm (23) surrounds the recording area (A), - wherein the X-ray radiator (13) is arranged at a first end of the C-arm (23), - wherein the X-ray detector (22) is arranged at a second end of the C-arm (23) opposite the X-ray radiator (13), - wherein the C-arm (23) is arranged on the holding device (22) and is arranged pivotably around the recording area (A), - wherein the tilting axis (K) of the mechanical adjustment unit (15) is perpendicular to the C-arm plane and / or the linear axis of the mechanical adjustment unit (15) extends parallel to the C-arm plane. 15 . A computer program product which can be directly loaded into a memory of a control unit of an X-ray radiator device, the computer program product having program code means for carrying out the method according to claim 1 , when the computer program product is executed in the control unit.

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