Method and apparatus for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube

Abstract

A method for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube, characterized in that the method comprises: Recording arcing events that occurred during use of the X-ray tube; Classifying arc flash events by severity; Generating, based on the classified arc events, a first growth pattern for the occurrence of arc events; and Determining a level of bubbles in the x-ray tube by finding, based on the first growth pattern, a plurality of matching second growth patterns associated with known levels of bubbles in the x-ray tube.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a technology for generating x-rays, and more particularly to a method, apparatus, electronic device, computer-readable storage medium, and computer program product for evaluating the performance of an x-ray tube. BACKGROUND OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0002] X-ray sources for generating X-rays include an X-ray tube, which is a vacuum tube that converts an electrical input into X-rays. The availability of this controllable X-ray source has given rise to the field of radiography, the imaging of partially opaque objects with penetrating radiation. Unlike other sources of ionizing radiation, X-rays are only generated as long as the X-ray tube is switched on. X-ray tubes are commonly used in computed tomography (CT) scanners, X-ray diffractometers, medical X-ray imaging devices, and for industrial inspections.

[0003] Along with a vacuum tube used in an X-ray tube, there is a cathode that emits electrons into the vacuum and an anode to collect the electrons, creating an electric current flow, known as the beam, through the X-ray tube. A high-voltage source known as the tube voltage, typically 30 kV to 200 kV, is connected across the cathode and anode to accelerate the electrons.

[0004] An insulating oil used for cooling during use of an X-ray tube creates bubbles that accumulate over time and reduce the insulating oil's insulating ability. Bubbles will reach the X-ray tube with the insulating oil under the effect of the cooling device, and therefore, when the X-ray tube operates at high voltages, arcing occurs, damaging the X-ray tube.

[0005] Document DE 10 2012 204 138 A1 describes a method and device for predicting the service life of an X-ray generator, which is preferably a component of an X-ray inspection device used to examine objects to check their contents. Data from at least one physical parameter influencing the service life of the generator is regularly stored. The stored data is evaluated using stored statistics to determine the expected remaining service life of the X-ray generator.

[0006] Document CN 216978936 U describes the technical field of X-ray tubes, in particular, a device for monitoring an X-ray tube. A monitored X-ray tube device comprises an X-ray tube assembly and a cooling assembly, both connected via a cooling oil pipe. The device includes an ultrasonic detection module electrically connected to a display module. The ultrasonic detection module is attached to the cooling oil pipe to monitor bubbles or impurities in the insulating oil in real time. The ultrasonic detection module consists of an ultrasonic sensor, a control module, a signal detection module, and a feedback module. The ultrasonic sensor continuously transmits and receives ultrasonic waves to detect changes in the oil. The measurement results are displayed on the display module to enable efficient and non-destructive condition monitoring of the X-ray tube. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube is provided, which enables non-contact and timely assessment and prediction of a level of bubbles in the X-ray tube, thus obtaining information about whether the X-ray tube needs to be serviced or replaced in a timely manner. The method for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube includes: recording arcing events that occurred during use of the X-ray tube; classifying the arcing events by severity; generating, based on the classified arcing events, a first growth pattern for the occurrence of arcing events; and determining a level of bubbles in the X-ray tube by finding, based on the first growth pattern, a matching second growth pattern associated with a known level of bubbles in the X-ray tube.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube, comprising: a detection portion configured to record arc events that occurred during use of the X-ray tube; a processing portion configured to classify the arc events by severity and, based on the classified arc events, generate a first growth pattern for the occurrence of arc events; and a calculation portion configured to determine a level of bubbles in the X-ray tube by finding, based on the first growth pattern, a matching second growth pattern associated with a known level of bubbles in the X-ray tube.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively coupled 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 the aspects described above.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program is provided, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the method according to the aspects described above.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present 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 the aspects described above.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, by recording arcing events that occurred during use of an X-ray tube and classifying the arcing events according to severity, a plurality of curves according to the arcing events can be generated as a growth pattern for the occurrence of arcing events in the X-ray tube, and the growth pattern can be compared with or matched to a plurality of a priori or known growth patterns of the X-ray tube to thereby predict levels of bubbles in the X-ray tube, thereby timely assessing the performance of the X-ray tube, or whether it needs to be maintained, replaced, etc., improving the user experience when using an X-ray tube product, and ensuring its reliability.

[0013] It should be understood that what has been described in this section is neither intended to identify key or important features of embodiments of the disclosure nor to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will be readily understood from the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings illustrate embodiments, form a part of the specification, and, together with the textual interpretation provided in the specification, serve to explain exemplary implementations of the embodiments. The embodiments shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the claims. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

[0015] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art may more clearly appreciate the above-described and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, in which, in the drawings, Fig. 1 is a flowchart of a method for evaluating the performance of an x-ray tube according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a method for evaluating the performance of an x-ray tube according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of curves generated after arc flash events are classified by severity according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a structural block diagram of an apparatus for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 5 is a structural block diagram of an exemplary electronic device that may be used to implement embodiments of the present disclosure. SPECIAL DESIGNS

[0016] In order to provide a better understanding of the technical features, objects, and advantageous effects of the present disclosure, specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts.

[0017] "Schematic" as used herein means "serving as an example, instance, or explanation," and any representation or embodiment described herein as "schematic" should not be construed as representing a more preferred or advantageous technical solution.

[0018] For the sake of brevity of the drawings, each drawing only schematically shows parts related to the present disclosure and does not represent the actual structure of the product. Furthermore, to make the drawings clear and easy to understand, in some drawings, only one of the components having the same structure or function is schematically shown, or only one of them is labeled.

[0019] A "one" mentioned herein does not simply mean "only this one," but can also indicate a situation in which there is "more than one." The terms "first," "second," etc., are intended here only to distinguish one from the other, not to indicate a sequence or degree of importance or dependence of existence on one another.

[0020] An insulating oil used for cooling during use of an X-ray tube generates bubbles over time, which accumulate. One source of bubbles is, for example, the insulating oil cracking and gas generation after a high-energy X-ray beam bombards the insulating oil; furthermore, outside air diffuses into the insulating oil through a circulation line used to pump the insulating oil, causing bubbles to form and accumulate.

[0021] Arcing is also known as discharge or arcing. When arcing occurs in an X-ray tube, the resistance between the X-ray tube voltages is reduced, and the voltage drops rapidly. By detecting the extent of a voltage drop, it is possible to judge whether arcing has occurred, and the severity of the arcing can be determined based on the rate and amplitude of the voltage drop.

[0022] Typically, a high voltage equal to the tube voltage of the X-ray tube is applied across the cathode and anode of an X-ray tube to accelerate electrons in the vacuum of the X-ray tube, thereby bombarding the anode disk to generate X-rays. However, when the insulating ability of the insulating oil is reduced due to the accumulation of bubbles, an electric field generated at a high voltage will suffer an electric field collapse effect because the bubbles have reduced the insulating ability of the insulating oil, leading to arcing or arcing. Accordingly, there is a correlation between the occurrence of arcing events and the level of bubbles in an X-ray tube, and the level of bubbles in an X-ray tube can be used as an index to evaluate the performance of the X-ray tube.

[0023] An existing X-ray tube system lacks a function or device for venting gas. If an X-ray tube contains insulating oil partially contaminated by bubbles, arcing will occur during operation, damaging the original potential field and even rendering the X-ray tube unusable for generating X-rays. To identify defects in the X-ray tube caused by bubbles, a professional operator is often required to visit the site, disassemble the X-ray tube or the cooling device (a circulation pump that typically relies on insulating oil), return it to the factory, assemble it on a special test bench, and check for bubbles, for example, by rotating and vibrating the cooling device at various angles and listening to the noise generated by the cooling device.In addition, when an X-ray tube is sent to the factory for inspection and repair, there is a risk of delayed detection of a performance impairment of the X-ray tube.

[0024] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a method for evaluating the performance of an x-ray tube that enables bubble levels in the x-ray tube to be determined in a timely manner based on arcing events or logs recorded remotely or online during use of the x-ray tube.

[0025] Fig. 1 is a flowchart of a method for evaluating the performance of an x-ray tube according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] In step S110, arc events that occurred during use of the X-ray tube are recorded.

[0027] Here, the occurrence of an arc event is determined, for example, by detecting, with a detection circuit, a rapid voltage drop across the cathode and the anode of the X-ray tube.

[0028] Herein, a scanning operation status of the X-ray tube can be assessed by capturing an error log related to the use of the X-ray tube. For example, an error log of a CT system can be used to determine whether the X-ray tube has completed a scan and to record information about any scan interruptions caused by arcs in the X-ray tube. The occurrence of such a scan interruption is usually accompanied by the occurrence of multiple arc events within a short period of time. Thus, arc events associated with information about this scan interruption can be judged as severe.

[0029] In step S120, arc events are classified by severity.

[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment shown, the severity levels of arcing events are determined by detecting amplitude changes in the tube voltage of the X-ray tube during use, and the severity levels of the arcing events are classified according to a set interval range of the amplitude change. The tube voltage of the X-ray tube changes in amplitude due to the occurrence of an arcing event, the amplitude change having a magnitude proportional to the severity of the arcing event. Accordingly, a plurality of interval ranges are set according to the amplitude change to classify arcing events by interval range, thereby classifying arcing events by severity.

[0031] According to another exemplary embodiment shown, the severity levels of arcing events are determined by assessing the rate of change of the tube voltage of the X-ray tube during use, and the severity levels of the arcing events are classified according to a set interval range of change rates. When the tube voltage of the X-ray tube undergoes a voltage drop due to the occurrence of an arcing event, the rate of change or voltage drop is usually proportional to the severity of the arcing event. Accordingly, a plurality of interval ranges are set according to the rate of change (voltage drop) of the tube voltage of the X-ray tube to classify arcing events by interval range, so that arcing events are classified by severity.It should be noted that for assessing the severity of arc events that occurred during the use of the X-ray tube, a variety of interval ranges can be set simultaneously by means of the amplitude change and the rate of change of the tube voltage of the X-ray tube to classify the arcs that occurred according to their severity.

[0032] In step S130, a first growth pattern for the occurrence of arc events is generated based on classified arc events.

[0033] Here, the first growth pattern involves generating a plurality of first curves based on classified arc events.

[0034] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of curves generated after arc flash events are classified by severity, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] As in Fig. 3, the first growth pattern includes Class I arc events, Class II arc events, and Class III arc events classified by severity, and three first curves are generated according to the time and number of occurrence, namely the first Class I curve 200a, the first Class II curve 200b, and the first Class III curve 200c, wherein the first Class III curve 200c represents the curve for the most severe arc events recorded.

[0036] In step S140, a level of bubbles in the X-ray tube is determined by finding, based on the first growth pattern, a plurality of matching second growth patterns associated with known levels of bubbles in the X-ray tube.

[0037] Since the first growth pattern here involves generating a plurality of first curves based on classified arcing events, the corresponding second growth pattern comprises a corresponding number of second curves and incorporates the same criteria for classifying arcing events by severity as the first growth pattern. In the second growth pattern, certain correspondences between various known or a priori levels of bubbles in the X-ray tube and arcing events are recorded. By matching the recorded first growth pattern with respect to arcing events and a plurality of a priori second growth patterns, it is possible to predict the current situation and trends of changes in the level of bubbles in the X-ray tube.

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment shown, by comparing similarities between the first growth pattern and the second growth pattern, it is possible to predict or assess levels of bubbles in the X-ray tube or trends of changes therein. For example, similarities or degrees of similarity resulting from the first Class I curve 200a, the first Class II curve 200b, and the first Class III curve 200c are each compared with the corresponding second curves in the plurality of second growth patterns to find a matching second growth pattern, thereby predicting or assessing the current level of bubbles in the X-ray tube or trends of changes therein.

[0039] According to another exemplary embodiment shown, it is possible to predict or assess the level of bubbles in the X-ray tube or change trends therein by comparing the growth rate of the first growth pattern with that of the second growth pattern. Similarities between the first Class I curve 200a, the first Class II curve 200b, and the first Class III curve 200c and the corresponding growth rates of the second curve in the plurality of second growth patterns are compared to find a matching second growth pattern and thereby predict or assess the current level of bubbles in the X-ray tube or change trends therein.

[0040] It should be noted that when comparing the first growth pattern and the second growth pattern to find one or more matching second growth patterns, similarities between growth rates and / or various combinations thereof in the first curves and the corresponding second curves may be compared to find a match. No limit is imposed on this in the present embodiment.

[0041] Fig. 2 is a flowchart of a method for evaluating the performance of an x-ray tube according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, in the method for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube in this embodiment, steps S210 to S230 are the same as the above-described steps S110 to S130 and will therefore not be described in detail again here. The method for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube in this embodiment further includes the following steps: In step S240, it is determined whether the first growth pattern matches a known second growth pattern.

[0043] If no match is found in step S250, it is judged that the insulating oil does not contain bubbles.

[0044] In step S260, an error log regarding the use of the X-ray tube is recorded.

[0045] In step S270, it is determined whether the X-ray tube has completed a scan.

[0046] If the scanning operation has not been completed in step S280, then it is judged that the insulating oil contains no bubbles or a low level of bubbles.

[0047] In step S290, it is determined whether the scan still to be completed by the X-ray tube is related to an arcing event of the X-ray tube. If not, it is judged that the insulating oil contains no bubbles or a low level of bubbles.

[0048] If it is judged in step S292 that the scanning operation yet to be completed by the X-ray tube is associated with an arcing event of the X-ray tube, then it is judged that the level of bubbles in the insulating oil is relatively high.

[0049] Fig. 4 is a structural block diagram of an apparatus for evaluating the performance of an x-ray tube according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] As in Fig. 4, the apparatus 300 for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube comprises: a detection part 302 configured to record arc events that occurred during use of the X-ray tube; a processing part 304 configured to classify the arc events by severity and, based on the classified arc events, generate a first growth pattern for the occurrence of arc events; and a calculation part 306 configured to determine a level of bubbles in the X-ray tube by finding, based on the first growth pattern, a matching second growth pattern associated with a known level of bubbles in the X-ray tube.

[0051] The detection section 302 may include a detection circuit configured to detect voltage drops in the tube voltage of the X-ray tube to record arc events that occurred during use of the X-ray tube. Additionally, the detection section 302 may further include a memory or medium for recording the aforementioned arc events.

[0052] According to the device 300 for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube according to some embodiments shown, the processing part 304 is configured to obtain an error log related to the use of the X-ray tube and to determine a scanning operation status of the X-ray tube. An error log here is, for example, information recorded by a CT system or an X-ray inspection device regarding scan interruptions caused by arcing in the X-ray tube.

[0053] In the apparatus 300 for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube according to some embodiments shown, the processing part 304 is configured to determine the severity of arc events by assessing the rate of change of the tube voltage of the X-ray tube during use, and to classify the arc events by severity according to a set interval range of the rate of change.

[0054] In the apparatus 300 for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube according to some embodiments shown, the processing part 304 is configured to determine the severity of arc events by assessing the rate of change of the tube voltage of the X-ray tube during use, and to classify the arc events by severity according to a set interval range of the rate of change.

[0055] In the apparatus 300 for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube according to some embodiments shown, the calculation part 306 is further configured to compare similarities between the first growth pattern and the second growth pattern.

[0056] In the apparatus 300 for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube according to some embodiments shown, the calculation part 306 is further configured to compare the growth rate of the first growth pattern and that of the second growth pattern.

[0057] According to some embodiments shown, the first growth pattern comprises generating a plurality of first curves based on classified arc events, and the second growth pattern comprises at least a corresponding number of second curves. When the calculation part 306 compares similarities between growth rates of the first growth pattern and the second growth pattern, similarities between growth rates of one of the first curves, or a combination thereof, and the corresponding second curves may be compared, respectively, to match the first growth pattern with a second growth pattern to predict or evaluate the level of bubbles in the x-ray tube, thereby assisting in evaluating the performance of the x-ray tube.

[0058] It should be noted that the processing portion 304 and the computing portion 306 may be various general-purpose and / or special-purpose processing components having processing and computing resources.

[0059] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an electronic device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively coupled 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 the aspects described above. In some embodiments, the electronic device may comprise a computed tomography scanning system.

[0060] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program is provided, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the method described above.

[0061] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a computer program product is provided comprising a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the method described above.

[0062] With reference to Fig. 5, a structural block diagram of an electronic device 400, which may be used as the present disclosure, is described below as an example of a hardware device applicable to various aspects of the present disclosure. Electronic devices are intended to refer to various forms of digital electronic computing devices, such as laptop computers, desktop computers, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers, mainframe computers, and other suitable computers. Electronic devices may also refer to various forms of mobile devices, such as personal digital assistants, cellular phones, smartphones, wearable devices, and other similar computing devices.The components, connections and relationships between them, and their functions shown herein are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit implementations of the disclosure described and / or claimed herein.

[0063] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the device 400 includes a computing unit 401 capable of performing various suitable actions and operations according to a computer program stored in a read-only memory (ROM) 402 or loaded from a storage unit 408 into a random access memory (RAM) 403. Various programs and data required for the operation of the device 400 can also be stored in the RAM 403. The computing unit 401, the ROM 402, and the RAM 403 are interconnected via a bus 404. An input / output (I / O) interface 405 is also connected to the bus 404.

[0064] Various components in device 400 are connected to I / O interface 405, including an input unit 406, an output unit 407, a storage unit 408, and a communication unit 409. Input unit 406 may be any type of device capable of inputting information into device 400, wherein input unit 406 may receive input numeric or character information, generate key signal inputs related to user settings and / or function control of an electronic device, and may include, but is not limited to, a mouse, a keyboard, a touchscreen, a trackpad, a trackball, a joystick, a microphone, and / or a remote control.The output unit 407 may be any type of device capable of displaying information, and may include, but is not limited to, a display, a speaker, video / audio output ports, a vibration device, and / or a printer. The storage unit 408 may include, but is not limited to, a magnetic disk and an optical disk. The communication unit 409 enables the device 400 to exchange information / data with other devices via computer networks, such as the Internet and / or various telecommunications networks, and may include, but is not limited to, a modem, a network interface card, an infrared communication device, and a transceiver and / or a chipset for wireless communication, such as, but is not limited to, a Bluetooth™ device, a 1302.11 device, a Wi-Fi device, a WiMax device, a cellular device, and / or the like.

[0065] Computing unit 401 may be one of various general-purpose and / or special-purpose processing components having processing and computational resources. Some examples of computing unit 401 include, but are not limited to, central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), various specialized artificial intelligence (AI) computing chips, various computing units executing machine learning modeling algorithms, digital signal processors (DSPs), and any suitable processors, controllers, microcontrollers, etc. Computing unit 401 performs the various methods and processes described above, such as a method for evaluating the performance of an x-ray tube according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.For example, in some embodiments, a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be implemented as a computer software program tangibly contained on a machine-readable medium, for example, the storage unit 408. In some embodiments, a computer program may be loaded and / or installed onto the device 400, in whole or in part, via the ROM 402 and / or the communication unit 409. When a computer program is loaded into the RAM 403 and executed by the computing unit 401, one or more steps of the method described above may be performed. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the computing unit 401 may be configured to perform a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure by any other suitable means (for example, via firmware).

[0066] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described above can be achieved in digital electronic circuits, integrated circuit systems, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), systems on chips (SoCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or a combination thereof.These various implementations may include implementation in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, wherein the programmable processor may be a special-purpose or general-purpose programmable processor capable of receiving data and instructions from a memory system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and capable of sending data and instructions to the memory system, the at least one input device, and the at least one output device.

[0067] Program codes used to implement a method of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, or other programmable data processing device such that the program codes, when executed by the processor or controller, cause the functions / operations specified in a flowchart and / or block diagram to be performed. A program code may be executed entirely in one machine, partially executed in one machine, partially executed in a machine as a standalone software package, and partially executed in a remote machine, or entirely executed in a remote machine or remote server.

[0068] In the context of the present disclosure, a machine-readable medium may be a tangible medium that can contain or store a program to be used by a system, apparatus, or device for instruction execution, or to be used in combination with a system, apparatus, or device for instruction execution. A machine-readable medium may be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. Machine-readable media may include, but are not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, or any suitable combination thereof.More specific examples of machine-readable media may include an electrical connection based on one or more wires, a portable CD drive, a hard disk, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, and a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0069] To enable interaction with a user, the systems and techniques described herein may be implemented on a computer having: a display device, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor, for displaying information to a user; and a keyboard and pointing device (such as a mouse or trackball) with which a user can provide input to the computer. Other types of devices may also be used to enable interaction with a user; for example, feedback provided to a user may be any form of sensory feedback (such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); input from a user may be received in any form (including auditory input, voice input, and tactile input).

[0070] The systems and techniques described herein may be implemented in a computer system that includes back-end components (acting, for example, as a data server), or in a computer system that includes middleware components (for example, an application server), or in a computer system that includes front-end components (for example, a user computer having a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with implementations of the systems and techniques described herein), or a computer system that includes any combination of such back-end components, middleware components, or front-end components. The components of a system may be interconnected by digital data communications in any form or on any medium (for example, a communications network).Examples of communication networks include LANs (Local Area Networks), WANs (Wide Area Networks), and the Internet.

[0071] A computer system may include a client and a server. A client and a server are generally located far apart and typically interact with each other via a communications network. A relationship between a client and a server is established by computer programs running on corresponding computers that have a client-server relationship with each other.

[0072] It is understood that using the various forms of procedures shown above, steps may be rearranged, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in the present disclosure may be performed simultaneously, sequentially, or in different orders, which is not limited here, as long as the results expected from the technical solutions disclosed in the present disclosure can be achieved.

[0073] While embodiments or examples of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings, it should be understood that the methods, systems, and devices described above are merely illustrative embodiments or examples, and that the scope of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments or examples, and is defined only by the authorized claims and equivalents thereof. Various elements in the embodiments or examples may be omitted or replaced with equivalents thereof. Furthermore, steps may be performed in a different order than described in the present disclosure. Furthermore, various elements in the embodiments or examples may be combined in various ways.It is important to note that, as technology advances, many of the elements described herein may be replaced by equivalent elements that become known after the present disclosure.

[0074] What has been described above represents only embodiments of the present invention, rather than being intended to limit the scope of the present invention, and any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit or principle of the present invention.

[0075] Reference symbols / process steps used in the figures: 200a first curve of class I 200b first curve of class II 200c first curve of class III 300 Device for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube 302 Sensor part 304 processing part 306 Calculation part 401 Calculation unit 402 ROM 403 RAM 404 Bus 405 I / O interface 406 input unit 407 Output unit 408 storage unit 409 Communication unit S110 Recording of arcing events that occurred during use of the X-ray tube S120 Classify arc flash events by severity S130 Generating, based on the classified arc events, a first growth pattern for the occurrence of arc events S140 Determining a level of bubbles in the x-ray tube by finding, based on the first growth pattern, a plurality of matching second growth patterns associated with known levels of bubbles in the x-ray tube S210 Recording of arcing events that occurred during use of the X-ray tube S220 Classify arc flash events by severity S230 Generating, based on the classified arc events, a first growth pattern for the occurrence of arc events S240 Determine whether the first growth pattern matches a known second growth pattern S250 The insulating oil does not contain bubbles S260 Obtaining an error log regarding the use of the X-ray tube S270 Determine whether the X-ray tube has completed a scan S280 The insulating oil is judged to contain no bubbles or a low level of bubbles S290 Determine whether the scan still to be completed by the X-ray tube is related to an X-ray tube arcing event S292 The insulating oil contains a high level of bubbles

Claims

[1] Method for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube, characterized by that the procedure includes: Recording arcing events that occurred during use of the X-ray tube; Classifying arc flash events by severity; Generating, based on the classified arc events, a first growth pattern for the occurrence of arc events; and Determining a level of bubbles in the x-ray tube by finding, based on the first growth pattern, a plurality of matching second growth patterns associated with known levels of bubbles in the x-ray tube. [2] The method of claim 1, wherein classifying the arc events by severity further comprises: Obtaining an error log regarding the use of the X-ray tube, and assessing a scanning operation status of the X-ray tube. [3] The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein finding, based on the first growth pattern, a matching second growth pattern associated with a known level of bubbles in the x-ray tube comprises: Comparing similarities between the first growth pattern and the second growth pattern. [4] A method according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein finding, based on the first growth pattern, a matching second growth pattern associated with a known level of bubbles in the x-ray tube comprises: Comparing the growth rate of the first growth pattern with that of the second growth pattern. [5] A method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein classifying the arc events by severity comprises: Determining the severity of arc events by assessing amplitude changes in the tube voltage of the X-ray tube during use, and classifying the arc events by severity according to a set interval range of amplitude changes. [6] A method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein classifying the arc events by severity comprises: Determining the severity of arc events by assessing the rate of change of the tube voltage of the X-ray tube during use, and classifying the arc events by severity according to a set interval range of the rate of change. [7] The method of any of claims 1-6, wherein the first growth pattern comprises generating a plurality of first curves based on the classified arc events, and the second growth pattern comprises at least a corresponding number of second curves. [8] An apparatus for evaluating the performance of an X-ray tube, which is particularly adapted to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized by that the device includes: a detection part configured to record arc events that occurred during use of the X-ray tube; a processing part configured to classify the arc events according to severity and to generate a first growth pattern for the occurrence of arc events based on the classified arc events; and a calculation part configured to determine a level of bubbles in the X-ray tube by finding, based on the first growth pattern, a matching second growth pattern associated with a known level of bubbles in the X-ray tube. [9] The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the processing part is configured to acquire an error log related to the use of the X-ray tube and to determine a scanning operation status of the X-ray tube. [10] The apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the calculation part is further configured to compare similarities between the first growth pattern and the second growth pattern. [11] The device according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the calculation part is further configured to compare the growth rate of the first growth pattern with that of the second growth pattern. [12] The apparatus of any of claims 8-11, wherein the processing portion is configured to determine the severity of the arc events by assessing the rate of change of the tube voltage of the X-ray tube during use, and to classify the arc events by severity according to a set interval range of the rate of change. [13] The apparatus of any of claims 8-12, wherein the processing portion is configured to determine the severity of the arc events by assessing the rate of change of the tube voltage of the X-ray tube during use, and to classify the arc events by severity according to a set interval range of the rate of change. [14] The apparatus of any of claims 8-13, wherein the first growth pattern comprises generating a plurality of first curves based on the classified arc events, and the second growth pattern comprises at least a corresponding number of second curves. [15] Electronic device comprising: at least one processor; and a memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein the memory stores a computer program which, when executed by the at least one processor, implements the method according to any one of claims 1-7. [16] A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, the computer program, when executed by a processor, implementing the method of any one of claims 1-7. [17] A computer program product comprising a computer program, the computer program, when executed by a processor, implementing the method of any one of claims 1-7.

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