Changing the orientation of the X-ray source to vary the X-ray radiation

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for generating X-ray radiation having an X-ray characteristic, comprising the steps: - Providing first examination type information and second examination type information for selection by means of an input means, - Receiving the selected examination type information in a control unit, - selecting an X-ray tube configuration from a plurality of X-ray tube configurations depending on the received examination type information by means of the control unit, - Determining a control signal depending on the selected X-ray tube configuration, - Automatic adjustment of a mechanical adjustment unit of the X-ray tube according to the determined control signal to change the orientation of the X-ray tube relative to the exposure area, - Generating X-ray radiation with the X-ray characteristics using the adjusted X-ray source to illuminate the object under examination in the recording area.

Description

The invention relates to a method for generating X-ray radiation having an X-ray characteristic, to an associated computer program product, to an X-ray radiator arrangement and to a C-arm X-ray installation.Conventional C-arm x-ray systems are typically specialized for various applications. These applications regularly require significantly different X-ray characteristics, which cannot be generated by means of one and the same C-arm X-ray system. Therefore, different C-arm X-ray systems are usually used depending on the application. The differences of these C-arm X-ray systems regularly relate to the anode plate angle of the anodes of the X-ray sources.Applications that typically have significantly different x-ray characteristics are, in particular, interventional radiography and angiography. In angiography, conventionally blood vessels, in particular the heart, are increasingly displayed by means of a contrast medium. Interventional radiography combines diagnostic imaging with simultaneous, typically minimally invasive, therapeutic interventions. The X-ray characteristics of these two applications differ in particular in a maximum X-ray dose and / or in a maximum X-ray cross section. Comparable to interventional radiography is the X-ray characteristic of neuroradiology.EP 1 623 672 A1 discloses an image resolution improvement in which an X-ray apparatus is provided with an X-ray tube for generating an X-ray beam emanating from a focal spot of a rotating anode rotatable about an axis of rotation and a slit-shaped aperture for generating a fan-shaped beam which can be blended in from the X-ray beam and can be moved in a scanner-like manner over an examination region, the fan-shaped beam can be moved over the examination region substantially in the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotating anode, and the X-ray tube can be tilted about the focal spot in such a way that the fan-shaped X-ray beam, when moved over the examination region, lies in the region of maximum image resolution or maximum image sharpness.It is known from DE 10 2006 008 255 A1 that in an X-ray apparatus a gantry of an X-ray source with an anode rotatable about an anode axis is mounted on a rotor rotatable about a Z axis, wherein the anode axis is adjustable relative to the Z axis by means of a tilting device and wherein a movement device for moving the anode in a direction parallel to the Z axis is provided for compensating an undesired change in the position of the focal spot in the Z direction.DE 196 39 918 A1 describes an X-ray apparatus having an X-ray tube with zoom focus, having an evacuated housing in which an electron-emitting cathode and an anode plate on which the electron beam accelerated by means of an electric field impinges are arranged fixedly connected to the latter, and having an electromagnetic system for deflecting and focusing the electron beam with a plurality of coil elements through which current flows, and having a lateral X-ray exit window in the housing for the X-ray radiation emerging substantially at right angles to the longitudinal central axis and picked up behind an object table by an image receiver, wherein at least the anode plate is tiltable with respect to the connecting axis with respect to the image receiver, and wherein the electromagnetic system at least partially surrounding a neck portion of the housing on the cathode side generates a quadrupole field for changing the electron beam cross section in accordance with the tilt angle.DE 103 04 852 B4 discloses an X-ray monochromator for use in an X-ray device which has an X-ray source, having a crystal for spectrally narrowing an X-ray beam generated by the X-ray source, and having a positioning device by means of which the crystal can be adjusted in such a way that the spectral composition of the X-ray radiation can thereby be changed, characterized by a control device by means of which the positioning device can be automatically controlled as a function of a predeterminable factor between the maximum value of the energy spectrum of the X-ray beam and the maximum value of the energy spectrum of the spectrally narrowed X-ray radiation.DE 10 2010 043 712 B4 relates to a method for determining the value of a tube voltage of an X-ray tube of an X-ray device for generating at least one image of a specific tissue of a patient to be examined.The invention is based on the object of specifying a method for generating X-ray radiation having an X-ray characteristic, an associated computer program product, an X-ray emitter arrangement and a C-arm X-ray installation having an extended field of application.The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims.Regardless of the grammatical sex of a certain term, individuals with male, female or other sex identity are included.The method according to the invention for generating X-ray radiation having an X-ray characteristic by means of an X-ray radiator for transilluminating an examination object in a recording region comprises the steps:providing a first item of examination type information and a second item of examination type information for selection by means of an input means,receiving the selected examination type information in a control unit,selecting an X-ray generator configuration from a plurality of X-ray generator configurations in dependence on the received examination type information by means of the control unit,determining a control signal depending on the selected x-ray radiator configuration,automatically adjusting a mechanical adjusting unit of the x-ray radiator according to the determined control signal for changing the orientation of the x-ray radiator with respect to the receiving region,generating the X-ray radiation having the X-ray characteristic by means of the set X-ray radiator for transilluminating the examination object in the recording region.The X-ray radiator arrangement according to the invention has X-ray radiation having an X-ray characteristica control unit,a memory unit; andan x-ray radiator,wherein the x-ray radiator has an interface, a mechanical adjusting unit, an evacuated x-ray tube, a cathode, an anode and a collimator,wherein in the evacuated x-ray tube the anode is arranged rotatably about an anode axis and the cathode is arranged decentrally to the anode axis above the anode, andwherein the control unit is connectable to the interface for transmitting the control signal.The C-arm X-ray system according to the invention comprisesthe x-ray radiator arrangement according to the invention,an X-ray detector,a holding device anda C-arm,wherein the C-arm surrounds the receiving region,wherein the x-ray radiator is arranged at a first end of the C-arm,wherein the X-ray detector is arranged at the second end of the C-arm opposite the X-ray radiator,wherein the C-arm is arranged on the holding device and pivotable around the receiving region,wherein the tilting axis of the mechanical adjusting unit is perpendicular to the C-arm plane and / or the linear axis of the mechanical adjusting unit runs parallel to the C-arm plane.An advantage of the invention is that the automatic adjustment of the mechanical adjustment unit according to the transmitted control signal enables different X-ray characteristics by means of the same X-ray radiator of the X-ray radiator arrangement. Therefore, several applications requiring different X-ray characteristics can be advantageously carried out by means of the same X-ray radiator arrangement, in particular by means of the same C-arm X-ray system. The plurality of applications typically comprise the fluoroscopic illumination of the examination object in the recording region.The examination object can be, in particular, a patient. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the object under examination is an object and / or a device. The applications for which the X-ray radiation is generated are in particular medical applications, preferably diagnostic and / or therapeutic applications. The x-rays of the applications typically have a maximum energy below 200 keV, in particular between 20 and 150 keV.The X-ray characteristic defines in particular measurable parameters of the generated X-ray radiation. The X-ray characteristic defines in particular a maximum X-ray dose and / or a maximum X-ray cross section. The X-ray characteristic, in particular the maximum X-ray dose and the maximum X-ray cross section, depend in particular on the orientation of the X-ray emitter relative to the recording region.The maximum X-ray dose defines in particular a maximum number of X-ray quanta with a maximum photon energy per unit area in the recording region. The maximum X-ray dose depends in particular on a tube current. The tube current specifies in particular an amount of electrons which can be generated at a cathode of the X-ray radiator by means of an electron emitter. The electron emitter can be, for example, a thermionic or cold emitter. In the case of a thermionic electron emitter, in particular, a heat development of the emitter limits the maximum tube current. In the case of a cold emitter, the emitter needles with diameters in the nanometer range in particular limit the maximum tube current, since the generated electrons flow through the emitter needles and overheating of the emitter needles by the electron current must be prevented.The maximum X-ray dose further depends in particular on a cooling capacity of the X-ray radiator, in particular for heat dissipation of the anode. The electrons emitted at the cathode typically strike the anode in a focal spot, wherein the x-rays are generated during the interaction thereof with the anode material. Typically, only 1% of the electron energy arriving at the anode can be converted into X-ray quanta and the remainder into heat. Damage to or destruction of the anode is counteracted in particular by the cooling capacity of the X-ray radiator.The anode may be a stand anode or a rotating anode. It is alternatively conceivable for the anode to be mounted so as to be rotatable about the axis of rotation together with the evacuated X-ray tube.The maximum photon energy depends in particular on an acceleration voltage between the cathode and the anode. The acceleration voltage is composed in particular of the electrical potential of the cathode and the electrical potential of the anode. The cathode and / or the anode may be at high voltage potential. If the cathode or the anode is at ground potential, the X-ray radiator is in particular a unipolar X-ray radiator. When the cathode and the anode are at high voltage potential, the X-ray radiator is in particular a bipolar X-ray radiator.The maximum X-ray cross section indicates in particular the area over which the generated X-ray quanta are distributed. The maximum X-ray cross section can be defined in such a way that only area units with a specific number of X-ray quanta are part of the X-ray cross section. In other words, in particular stray beams and / or edge regions of the X-ray radiation are usually not part of the maximum X-ray cross section. The maximum X-ray cross section depends in particular on the distance to the focal spot. The maximum x-ray cross section is therefore typically adjusted by adjusting the focal spot size. The focal spot size depends in particular on a distance between the cathode and the anode, an emitter surface of the emitter for emitting the electrons, the selection of one or more electron emitters and / or a deflection unit for focusing or defocusing the emitted electrons. The heat input of the emitted electrons in the focal spot of the anode is typically the lower the greater the maximum X-ray cross section.The X-ray characteristic depends in particular on the X-ray generator configuration. The X-ray radiator configuration defines in particular the operating parameters of the X-ray radiator according to which the X-rays can be generated by means of the X-ray radiator. The operating parameters of the X-ray radiator can be divided in particular into electrical operating parameters and mechanical operating parameters. The electrical operating parameters are in particular those which set the tube current and / or the focal spot size and / or the focusing or defocusing by means of the deflection unit. The mechanical operating parameters set in particular the alignment of the X-ray radiator, in particular of the anode, relative to the receiving region. The alignment can relate in particular to a tilt angle and / or a displacement of the X-ray radiator relative to the receiving region.Providing the first examination type information and the second examination type information may include displaying the first examination type information and the second examination type information on a display unit for a user of the X-ray radiator. The display unit may include a graphical user interface for selecting the first examination type information and the second examination type information.The user can be, in particular, a doctor and / or a medical-technical radiology assistant. For example, the user can select the provided first examination type information or the provided second examination type information by means of the input means.When selecting by means of the input means, in particular exclusively either the first examination type information or exclusively the second examination type information is selected. The selecting includes, in particular, setting the first examination type information or the second examination type information as selected examination type information.The input means can comprise the display unit and / or a keyboard and / or a mouse and / or a gesture input unit and / or a voice input unit. The input means can be connected in particular to the control unit for transmitting the selected examination type information wirelessly or by cable. The selected examination type information may be transmitted as an examination type information signal.The control unit may comprise an interface for receiving the selected examination type information and / or the examination type information signal. The control unit can comprise a storage unit and / or be connected to an external storage unit in which the control unit can store the selected examination type information and / or the examination type information signal.Each x-ray configuration may be present in an x-ray configuration file. The X-ray generator configuration and / or the X-ray generator configuration file can be stored in the memory unit. The storage unit may be the storage unit of the control unit or the external storage unit.Selecting the x-ray generator configuration may include retrieving the plurality of x-ray generator configurations or the x-ray generator configuration files from the storage unit. The plurality of X-ray emitter configurations comprises in particular a first X-ray emitter configuration assigned to the first examination type information item and a second X-ray emitter configuration assigned to the second examination type information item. The first X-ray radiator configuration and the second X-ray radiator configuration differ in particular in their X-ray characteristic and / or in the orientation of the X-ray radiator with respect to the recording region. Retrieving the plurality of x-ray emitter configurations from the storage unit may include retrieving a database.The selecting of the X-ray generator configuration may comprise identifying that X-ray generator configuration which is associated with the first examination type information or the second examination type information. Typically, each examination type information is assigned an X-ray generator configuration. The assignment is in particular a 1-to-1 assignment. The identification of the X-ray configuration can take place in the control unit and / or in the storage unit. For example, the storage unit may include a database for identifying the x-ray generator configuration.The selection of the X-ray generator configuration by means of the control unit means, in particular, that the control unit is configured to translate the selected examination type information and / or the associated examination type information signal into an X-ray generator configuration, for example by calling up that X-ray generator configuration which is associated with the selected examination type information. It is conceivable in principle for the control unit to be configured to calculate the selected x-ray radiator configuration by means of program code means, wherein the selected examination type information is input parameters of the program code means.The X-ray radiator configuration can be at least partially variable, in particular, by means of an input means. 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, can be changed in particular during the generation of the X-ray radiation.After selecting the X-ray radiator configuration, in particular the control signal is determined depending on the selected X-ray radiator configuration. The determination of the control signal can be effected by means of the control unit and / or an X-ray radiator control unit. For example, the X-ray radiator may include the X-ray radiator control unit. The control unit can be designed to transmit the ascertained control signal from the control unit to the X-ray radiator and / or the X-ray radiator control unit.The determining of the control signal may correspond to selecting the x-ray emitter configuration. In this case, for example, the selected X-ray generator configuration and / or the X-ray generator configuration file contains the control signal.The determination of the control signal can comprise a comparison of the X-ray radiator configuration and / or of the control signal of the X-ray radiator configuration and / or of the determined control signal with an actual state of the X-ray radiator. For example, the X-ray radiator can transmit to the control unit the actual state of the X-ray radiator before or when determining the control signal. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit can retrieve the actual state preferably from the storage unit. If the actual state corresponds in particular to the mechanical operating parameters, the control signal can consist of a confirmation of the actual state.Alternatively, in particular in the event of a deviation from the actual state, the determination of the control signal can comprise a calculation of at least one adjustment step which maps the in particular mechanical operating parameters. Preferably, in particular the actual state after the adjustment step has taken place yields the X-ray radiator configuration, in particular the mechanical operating parameters. The control signal is in particular a delta or difference control signal which describes a change by the delta or the difference from the mechanical operating parameter.After the ascertainment, the ascertained control signal can be transmitted in particular 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.The automatic setting of the mechanical adjustment unit comprises in particular a mechanical adjustment of the X-ray radiator relative to the receiving region. In particular, a relative position of the X-ray radiator relative to the receiving region changes with the alignment during automatic setting. The mechanical adjustment unit has, in particular, a drive in order to be able to automatically adjust the X-ray emitter in accordance with the control signal.It is conceivable that the automatic setting is enabled by the user. For example, the user can enable the automatic setting by means of the input means. The enabling corresponds in particular to starting and / or monitoring the automatic setting.During automatic setting, in particular the X-ray radiator is adjusted relative to the receiving region in at least one spatial direction and / or about a spatial axis. The automatic setting can comprise in particular a movement along at least one spatial direction and / or tilting about a spatial axis. The mechanical adjustment unit is configured in particular for moving along at least one spatial direction and / or tilting about a spatial axis of the X-ray radiator.During automatic setting, in particular the evacuated X-ray tube is adjusted relative to the receiving region in accordance with the control signal by means of the mechanical adjustment unit. It can be that, for example, a part of the mechanical adjustment unit after the automatic adjustment has the same relative position with respect to the receiving region as before the automatic adjustment. This part of the mechanical adjustment unit can be a bearing which supports the X-ray radiator relative to the receiving region. During automatic adjustment, in particular the evacuated X-ray tube is adjusted relative to the bearing.After the automatic setting, in particular the X-ray radiation is generated. The x-ray radiation advantageously has the x-ray characteristic which is associated with the selected x-ray generator configuration and thus with 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 region 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.It is conceivable in principle that, when generating the X-ray radiation, the X-ray radiator is moved around the examination object and / or along the examination object. In this case, the change during the generation of the x-ray radiation does not take place in particular by means of the mechanical adjustment unit. In other words, the mechanical adjustment unit serves in particular for the automatic adjustment of 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.The first examination type information can describe, in particular, an interventional radiography. The second examination type information can describe, in particular, an angiography. The description means, in particular, that they are input by protocol, so that the user can discriminate these different applications and carry them out by means of the X-ray radiator. The X-ray characteristic of the first X-ray emitter configuration may be different from the X-ray characteristic of the second X-ray emitter configuration in a maximum X-ray dose and / or in a maximum X-ray cross section.Advantageously, for example, a comparatively high maximum X-ray dose can be achieved by means of the X-ray radiator, in particular for angiography. For interventional radiography, a comparatively high maximum X-ray cross section can be advantageously achieved by means of 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 is typically larger for interventional radiography than the maximum X-ray cross-section for angiography. The variation of the maximum X-ray dose or the maximum X-ray cross section is effected in particular by setting an angle of the anode surface on which the focal spot is generated relative to the recording region.One embodiment provides that the control signal has a tilt angle signal depending on the selected x-ray radiator configuration, wherein the mechanical adjustment unit has a tilting device for tilting the x-ray radiator with respect to the receiving region and wherein the automatic setting comprises tilting the x-ray radiator according to the tilt angle signal. The tilting device is configured in particular for tilting the X-ray radiator about a tilting axis with respect to the receiving region. Advantageously, the tilting axis is perpendicular to the anode axis and / or intersects the anode substantially in its focal spot. The anode axis is in particular a longitudinal axis of the evacuated X-ray tube and / or the axis of rotation of the anode.In this embodiment, tilting the X-ray radiator is an adjustment step of the control signal. The tilting of the X-ray radiator with respect to the receiving region can correspond to a tilting of the evacuated X-ray tubes relative to the bearing of the X-ray radiator. The tilt angle signal describes in particular a tilting by an angle between -10° and 10°. This embodiment describes in particular the automatic adjustment about a spatial axis.One embodiment provides that the control signal comprises a movement length signal, wherein the mechanical adjustment unit comprises a movement device for moving the X-ray emitter along a linear axis, wherein the linear axis runs parallel to the receiving region, and wherein the automatic adjustment comprises moving the X-ray emitter according to the movement length signal. In this embodiment, moving the X-ray radiator is a step of adjusting the control signal. The movement of the X-ray radiator corresponds in particular to a movement of the evacuated X-ray tube relative to the bearing of the X-ray radiator. The movement length signal describes in particular a movement by a length between -10 mm and 10 mm. This embodiment describes in particular the automatic setting in a spatial direction.One embodiment provides that position information of a scatter grid is retrieved, wherein the movement length signal is determined as a function of the position information and wherein the automatic setting comprises changing the relative position between the X-ray emitter and the scatter grid. The position information of the anti-scatter grid can be part of the actual state of the X-ray radiator. The position information can be retrieved in particular from the memory unit and / or from the X-ray radiator before or when ascertaining the control signal. Alternatively, the position information may be part of the x-ray generator configuration. The position information can depend in particular on the focal spot on the anode of the X-ray radiator. The position information can be called up by means of the control unit and / or the X-ray radiator control unit. The anti-scatter grid advantageously has a comparatively very high aspect ratio and / or is a so-called "super grid", In this embodiment it is particularly advantageous that the focus of the anti-scatter grid can be aligned with the focal spot of the anode of the X-ray radiator. This focus can be lost conventionally, in particular during rotations or movements of the X-ray radiator relative to the recording region. This embodiment thus advantageously enables the use of a scattered radiation grid with a comparatively very high aspect ratio.One embodiment provides that the control signal comprises an emitter selection signal depending on the selected x-ray emitter configuration, wherein a cathode of the x-ray emitter comprises a first electron emitter and a second electron emitter, wherein the first electron emitter is assigned to the first x-ray emitter configuration for the electron emission and the second electron emitter is assigned to the second x-ray emitter configuration for the electron emission, and wherein the generation of the x-ray radiation comprises an electron emission by means of the first electron emitter or the second electron emitter according to the emitter selection signal. This embodiment is particularly advantageous because the determination of the control signal depends on the emitter selection signal and thus on the associated electron emitter.An embodiment provides that the control signal comprises a focal spot length signal depending on the selected x-ray emitter configuration, wherein the x-ray emitter comprises a deflection unit for adjusting a length of the electron beam cross section, and wherein generating the x-ray radiation comprises deflecting the emitted electrons by means of the deflection unit according to the focal spot length signal. The deflection unit for adjusting the length of the electron beam cross section is in particular the deflection unit for focusing or defocusing the electrons. The adaptation of the length of the electron beam cross section means in particular an adaptation of an extent of the electron beam cross section. By adapting the length of the electron beam cross section, in particular a length of the focal spot and / or of the X-ray cross section is adapted.An embodiment provides that the control signal comprises a collimator cross-sectional signal depending on the selected x-ray radiator configuration, wherein the automatic adjusting comprises adjusting the collimator cross-section of the collimator of the x-ray radiator according to the collimator cross-sectional signal. The collimator is configured in particular for limiting the X-ray cross section. The limiting of the X-ray cross section takes place in particular after the X-ray cross section has been set as an X-ray characteristic in the generation of the X-ray radiation. The collimator thus acts independently and / or downstream for generating the X-ray radiation.The computer program product can be a computer program or comprise a computer program. The computer program product has, in particular, the program code means which depict the method steps according to the invention. As a result, the method according to the invention can be carried out in a defined and repeatable manner and control over a forwarding of the method according to the invention can be carried out. The computer program product is preferably configured such that the computing unit can carry out the method steps according to the invention by means of the computer program product. The program code means can be loaded in particular into a memory of the arithmetic unit and can typically be executed by means of a processor of the arithmetic unit with access to the memory. If the computer program product, in particular the program code means, is executed in the computing unit, typically all embodiments of the described method according to the invention can be carried out. The computer program product is stored, for example, on a physical, computer-readable medium and / or digitally stored as a data packet in a computer network. The computer program product may represent the tangible, computer readable medium and / or the data packet in the computer network. Thus, the invention can also proceed from the physical, computer-readable medium and / or the data packet in the computer network. The physical, computer-readable medium can usually be directly connected to the computing unit, for example by the physical, computer-readable medium being inserted into a DVD drive or being plugged into a USB port, as a result of which the computing unit can access the physical, computer-readable medium in particular in a reading manner. The data packet may preferably be retrieved from the computer network. The computer network can have the computing unit or be indirectly connected to the computing unit by means of a wide area network (WAN) or a (wireless) wireless area network connection (WLAN or LAN). For example, the computer program product can be digitally stored on a cloud server at a storage location of the computer network, can be transmitted by means of the WAN via the Internet and / or by means of the WLAN or LAN to the computing unit, in particular by calling up a download link which points to the storage location of the computer program product.Features, advantages or alternative embodiments mentioned in the description of the device are likewise to be transferred to the method and vice versa. In other words, claims can be further developed on the method with features of the device and vice versa. In particular, the device according to the invention can be used in the method.The invention is described and explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. In principle, structures and units that remain substantially the same are denoted by the same reference sign as when the respective structure or unit occurs for the first time in the following description of the figures.The following are shown: FIG. 1 shows a method according to the invention, FIG. 2 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention, FIG. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention, FIG. 4 shows an X-ray radiator arrangement, and FIG. 5 shows a C-arm X-ray system.FIG. 1 shows a method for generating X-ray radiation having an X-ray characteristic by means of an X-ray radiator for transilluminating an examination object in a recording region in a flow diagram with the method steps S 100 to S 105.Method step S 100 identifies the provision of a first item of examination type information and a second item of examination type information for selection by means of an input means.Method step S 101 identifies receiving the selected examination type information in a control unit.Method step S 102 identifies selecting an X-ray radiator configuration from a plurality of X-ray radiator configurations in dependence on the received examination type information by means of the control unit.Method step S 103 identifies a determination of a control signal depending on the selected X-ray radiator configuration.Method step S 104 identifies automatic setting of a mechanical adjustment unit of the X-ray radiator according to the ascertained control signal for changing the orientation of the X-ray radiator with respect to the recording region.Method step S 105 identifies generating the X-ray radiation having the X-ray characteristic by means of the set X-ray emitter for transilluminating the examination object in the recording region.FIG. 2 shows a first exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention in a flow chart.The first examination type information describes an interventional radiography. The second examination type information describes an angiography. The X-ray characteristic of the first X-ray generator configuration differs from the X-ray characteristic of the second X-ray generator configuration in a maximum X-ray dose and / or in a maximum X-ray cross section.The control signal includes a tilt angle signal depending on the selected x-ray generator configuration. The mechanical adjustment unit has a tilting device for tilting the X-ray radiator with respect to the receiving region. The tilt angle signal describes tilting, in particular by an angle between -10° and 10°.The control signal further includes a travel length signal. The mechanical adjustment unit has a movement device for moving the X-ray radiator along a linear axis. The linear axis runs parallel to the receiving region. The movement length signal describes a movement in particular by a length between -10 mm and 10 mm.Method step S 107 identifies that position information of a scatter grid is retrieved.Method step S 108 identifies that the movement length signal is ascertained as a function of the position information.Step S 112 indicates that the automatic adjustment includes moving the X-ray emitter according to the moving length signal.Method step S 106 identifies that the automatic setting includes tilting the x-ray emitter according to the tilt angle signal.Method step S 109 identifies that the automatic setting comprises changing the relative position between the X-ray emitter and the anti-scatter grid.In particular, the method steps S 106, S 109, S 112 can be carried out at least partially simultaneously, preferably in synchronization, or consecutively.FIG. 3 shows a second exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention in a flow chart.The control signal includes an emitter selection signal depending on the selected x-ray emitter configuration. A cathode of the x-ray radiator has a first electron emitter and a second electron emitter. The first electron emitter is assigned to the first x-ray emitter for the electron emission of the first x-ray emitter configuration and the second electron emitter is assigned to the second x-ray emitter configuration for the electron emission of the second x-ray emitter configuration.Method step S 110 identifies that generating the x-ray radiation comprises electron emitting by means of the first electron emitter or the second electron emitter according to the emitter selection signal.The control signal further includes a collimator cross-sectional signal depending on the selected x-ray emitter configuration. The X-ray radiator has a collimator.Method step S 111 indicates that the automatic adjustment comprises adjusting the collimator cross section of the collimator according to the collimator cross section signal.FIG. 4 shows an X-ray radiator arrangement 10 in a block circuit diagram.The X-ray radiator arrangement 10 is configured for generating X-ray radiation having an X-ray characteristic. The X-ray radiator arrangement 10 has a control unit 11, a storage unit 12 and an X-ray radiator 13. The X-ray radiator 13 has an interface 14, a mechanical adjustment unit 15, an 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 about an anode axis R. The cathode 17 is arranged decentrally to the anode axis R above the anode 18. The control unit 11 can be connected to the interface 14 for transmitting the control signal.Furthermore, the X-ray radiator 13 has a collimator 19. The mechanical adjustment unit 15 has a tilting device for tilting the evacuated X-ray tube 16 relative to the receiving region A about a tilting axis K. The tilting axis K is perpendicular to the anode axis R and intersects the anode 18 substantially in its focal spot. "Substantially" means that the focal spot is preferably arranged at a distance of less than 10 cm, particularly advantageously 2 cm, from the tilting axis K.FIG. 5 shows a C-arm X-ray system 20 in a block diagram. The C-arm X-ray system 20 has an X-ray radiator arrangement 10, an X-ray detector 21, a holding device 22 and a C-arm 23.The C-arm 23 surrounds the receiving region 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 the second end of the C-arm 23 opposite the X-ray radiator 13. The C-arm 23 is arranged on the holding device 22 and pivotable around the receiving region A.The tilting axis K of the mechanical adjustment unit 15 is perpendicular to the C-arm plane. The C-arm plane corresponds to the plane of the drawing of FIG. 5. Alternatively or additionally, the linear axis of the mechanical adjustment unit 15 can run in the C-arm plane or transversely parallel offset to the C-arm plane.The receiving region A is illustrated as a plane in FIG. 5. The recording region A comprises in particular at least a part of a volume between the X-ray radiator 13 and the X-ray detector 21.Although the invention has been illustrated and described in more detail by the preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is nevertheless not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

Claims

Method for generating X-ray radiation having an X-ray characteristic by means of an X-ray radiator for transilluminating an examination object in a recording region, comprising the steps: - providing a first item of examination type information and a second item of examination type information for selection by means of an input means, - receiving the selected item of examination type information in a control unit, - selecting an X-ray radiator configuration from a plurality of X-ray radiator configurations as a function of the received item of examination type information by means of the control unit, - 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 according to the determined control signal for changing the orientation of the X-ray radiator with respect to the recording region, - generating the X-ray radiation having the X-ray characteristic by means of the set X-ray radiator for transilluminating the examination object in the recording region.The method of claim 1, wherein the first examination type information describes an interventional radiography and the second examination type information describes an angiography.The method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the X-ray characteristic of the first X-ray generator configuration is different from the X-ray characteristic of the second X-ray generator configuration in a maximum X-ray dose and / or in a maximum X-ray cross section.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control signal has a tilt angle signal depending on the selected x-ray radiator configuration, wherein the mechanical adjustment unit has a tilting device for tilting the x-ray radiator with respect to the receiving region, and wherein the automatic setting comprises tilting the x-ray radiator according to the tilt angle signal.Method according to claim 4, wherein the tilt angle signal describes a tilting by an angle between -10° and 10°.The method according to any 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 emitter along a linear axis, wherein the linear axis runs parallel to the receiving region, and wherein the automatic adjustment comprises moving the X-ray emitter according to the movement length signal.The method of claim 6, wherein the travel length signal describes moving a length between -10 mm and 10 mm.Method according to one of Claims 6 or 7, wherein position information of a scatter grid is retrieved, wherein the movement length signal is determined as a function of the position information, and wherein the automatic setting comprises changing the relative position between the X-ray radiator and the scatter grid.Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control signal comprises an emitter selection signal depending on the selected X-ray emitter configuration, wherein a cathode of the X-ray emitter comprises a first electron emitter and a second electron emitter, wherein the first electron emitter is assigned to the first X-ray emitter configuration for the electron emission and the second electron emitter is assigned to the second X-ray emitter configuration for the electron emission, and wherein the generation of the X-ray radiation comprises an electron emission by means of the first electron emitter or the second electron emitter according to the emitter selection signal.Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control signal comprises a focal spot length signal depending on the selected x-ray emitter configuration, wherein the x-ray emitter comprises a deflection unit for adjusting a length of the electron beam cross section, and wherein generating the x-ray radiation comprises deflecting the emitted electrons by means of the deflection unit according to the focal spot length signal.The method of any preceding claim, wherein the control signal comprises a collimator cross-sectional signal in dependence on the selected x-ray emitter configuration, wherein the x-ray emitter comprises a collimator, and wherein the automatically adjusting comprises adjusting the collimator cross-section of the collimator according to the collimator cross-sectional signal.X-ray emitter arrangement (10) for generating x-ray radiation having an x-ray characteristic according to one of the preceding claims, having - a control unit (11), - a storage unit (12), - an x-ray emitter (13), - wherein the x-ray emitter (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 arranged rotatably about an anode axis (R) and the cathode (17) is arranged decentrally with respect to the anode axis (R) above the anode (18), and - wherein the control unit (11) can be connected to the interface (14) for transmitting the control signal.X-ray emitter arrangement (10) according to Claim 12, wherein the mechanical adjustment unit (15) has a tilting device for tilting the evacuated X-ray tube about a tilting axis (K) with respect to the receiving region (A), wherein the tilting axis (K) is perpendicular to the anode axis (A) and intersects the anode (18) substantially in its focal spot.C-arm X-ray system (20), having - an X-ray radiator arrangement (10) according to one of Claims 12 to 13, - an X-ray detector (21), - a holding device (22), - a C-arm (23), - wherein the C-arm (23) surrounds the receiving region (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 the 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 pivotably around the receiving region (A), wherein the tilting axis (K) of the mechanical adjusting unit (15) is perpendicular to the C-arm plane and / or the linear axis of the mechanical adjusting unit (15) extends parallel to the C-arm plane.A computer program product directly loadable into a memory of a control unit of an X-ray radiation device, comprising program code means for performing a method according to any of claims 1 to 11 when said computer program product is executed in said control unit.

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