Method for temperature control of an X-ray device, X-ray device and computer program product

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature of an X-ray device, comprising: - detecting a heating parameter of a heating element, wherein the heating parameter characterises a heating power currently provided by the heating element to at least one component of the X-ray device, - identifying a target heating parameter for the heating element, wherein the target heating parameter characterizes a heating power to be provided by the heating element to the at least one component of the X-ray device, - Adjusting a fluid supply parameter of a fluid supply unit depending on a comparison of the heating parameter and the target heating parameter, wherein the fluid supply unit is designed to provide a fluid for tempering the at least one component of the X-ray device, wherein the fluid supply parameter comprises a specification of a fluid temperature and / or a quantity of fluid to be supplied per unit of time, wherein the fluid is provided by the fluid provision unit based on the adjusted fluid provision parameter. The invention further relates to an X-ray device and a computer program product.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature of an X-ray device, an X-ray device and a computer program product.

[0002] Modern computed tomography (CT) scanners have a gantry with a rotating frame on which, among other things, an X-ray source for emitting X-rays and an X-ray detector for detecting X-rays are mounted. Current CT scanners are often cooled by a large airflow of cooling air. All components of the CT scanner are connected to a common compressed air duct and thus receive the same airflow, which is only statically adjusted by different ventilation holes.

[0003] Current CT scanners with photon-counting detectors have more specific system cooling requirements than CT scanners with integrated detectors. Photon-counting detectors comprise multiple electronic components, particularly semiconductor sensors. These electronic components, particularly semiconductor sensors, are usually temperature-dependent. Thus, the output signals provided by these electronic components are also temperature-dependent. For example, the counting rate stability of semiconductor sensors can be temperature-dependent. This can still be controlled using sensors, such as temperature sensors, and active, particularly local, heating elements. However, second-order effects, such as local changes in heat dissipation capacity or temperature gradients of a heat sink design, also play a role.Currently, the problem is solved by actively controlling the heating power of the detectors and, in some cases, by taking various system states into account using calibration tables. The cooling air supply control often acts as an independent control loop that regulates the blow-in temperature to a predetermined temperature. The detector design is often configured for a maximum possible and minimum available cooling power and must therefore be able to compensate for sometimes large cooling fluctuations.

[0004] US Pat. No. 7,186,021 B1 discloses a system for temperature control in an X-ray imaging environment, comprising a first component operable within a first temperature range, a second component operable within a second temperature range, and a fluid-based temperature control system capable of maintaining the first component within the first temperature range and the second component within the second temperature range. In one embodiment, the first component comprises an X-ray detector.

[0005] The document DE 103 31 522 A1 discloses a detector with a readout matrix applied to a flat substrate for reducing ghost image artifacts during the digital recording of X-ray images, in which the substrate is arranged in thermally conductive connection with a temperature regulating element designed as a heating element, with which the substrate can be kept at a predetermined target temperature.

[0006] The document DE 10 2012 204 766 A1 discloses an X-ray detector with photon-counting, directly converting detector elements, wherein the detector elements use a sensor material which directly converts incident photons of a radiation into charge freely moving in the sensor material, and wherein with the aid of a circuit arrangement, in particular an ASIC, the number of incident photons is determined in relation to predetermined energy ranges, in particular for imaging, wherein the total electrical power of at least one detector element is kept constant independently of an incident intensity of the radiation.

[0007] It is therefore the object of the present invention to enable improved temperature control of at least one component of an X-ray device.

[0008] The object is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments with useful further developments are the subject matter of the subclaims. Regardless of the grammatical gender of a particular term, it encompasses persons with male, female, or other gender identities.

[0009] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for controlling the temperature of an X-ray device, in particular a medical X-ray device. In a first step, a heating parameter of a heating element is recorded. The heating parameter characterizes a heating power currently provided by the heating element to at least one component of the X-ray device. In a further step, a target heating parameter for the heating element is identified. The target heating parameter characterizes a heating power to be provided by the heating element to the at least one component of the X-ray device. In a further step, a fluid supply parameter of a fluid supply unit is adjusted depending on a comparison of the heating parameter and the target heating parameter. The fluid supply unit is designed to provide a fluid for controlling the temperature of the at least one component of the X-ray device.The fluid supply parameter includes a specification for a fluid temperature and / or a fluid quantity to be supplied per unit of time. The fluid is supplied by the fluid supply unit based on the adjusted fluid supply parameter.

[0010] In the following, tempering describes in particular cooling and / or heating, for example to a predefined temperature or a predefined temperature range.

[0011] The X-ray device can comprise an X-ray source for emitting X-rays, for example, for illuminating an object under examination, and an X-ray detector for detecting incident X-rays. The X-ray source and the X-ray detector can be arranged in a defined arrangement relative to one another. Furthermore, the X-ray source and the X-ray detector can be mounted so as to be movable, in particular rotatable and / or translatable, in the defined arrangement, for example, relative to the object under examination.

[0012] Advantageously, the X-ray device can have at least one component to be tempered, for example the X-ray source and / or the X-ray detector.

[0013] The heating element can be designed to heat the at least one component of the X-ray device by providing the heating power. The heating element can be designed to electrically generate the heating power, in particular to electrically heat the at least one component, and / or optically generate the heating power, in particular to optically heat the at least one component. Advantageously, the heating element can comprise a heating wire for electrically generating the heating power, in particular for heating the at least one component. Alternatively or additionally, the heating element can comprise a light source for optically heating the at least one component, for example by means of infrared light. Advantageously, the heating element can be arranged on the at least one component or integrated into the at least one component.Alternatively, the heating element can be arranged at a distance from the at least one component, for example when the heating element is designed as a light source for optically heating the at least one component.

[0014] The heating parameter can comprise an operating parameter of the heating element and / or a temperature parameter. The operating parameter can, for example, describe a power, in particular electrical, provided to the heating element during operation of the heating element, for example an electrical voltage and / or current. The operating parameter can characterize, in particular quantify, the heating power currently provided by the heating element to the at least one component of the X-ray device, for example a quantity of heat per unit of time. The temperature parameter can characterize a current temperature of the heating element and / or the at least one component. The heating parameter, in particular the operating and / or temperature parameter, of the heating element can be detected, in particular measured, by means of a sensor. The sensor can provide the heating parameter.Furthermore, the operating parameter of the heating element can be detected based on a specification, for example a user input for providing the operating parameter to the heating element.

[0015] The target heating parameter can have all features and properties of the heating parameter. In particular, the target heating parameter can have a target value and / or setpoint for the heating parameter. Advantageously, the target heating parameter can be identified based on a component parameter of the at least one component. The component parameter can specify a temperature range, for example, an operating temperature range, for the at least one component. Identifying the target heating parameter can include determining, ascertaining, and / or retrieving the target heating parameter.

[0016] The fluid can comprise, for example, a liquid, in particular water, and / or a gas and / or gas mixture, for example, air. The fluid supply unit can be configured to supply the fluid, in particular to the at least one component. In particular, the fluid can be supplied by the fluid supply unit based on the adjusted fluid supply parameter. The fluid supply unit can comprise, for example, a pump and / or a fan and / or nozzle for supplying the fluid.

[0017] Advantageously, the fluid supply unit can be designed to provide the fluid for controlling the temperature of the at least one component. The fluid can be provided directly or indirectly, in particular indirectly, to the at least one component. Providing the fluid to the at least one component can comprise the fluid flowing towards and / or through and / or past the at least one component. Advantageously, this can establish thermal contact between the at least one component and the fluid. The temperature of the at least one component can be controlled by heat transfer with the fluid. For example, heat can be transferred from the at least one component, which has a higher temperature than the fluid, to the fluid. Alternatively, heat can be transferred from the fluid, which has a higher temperature than the at least one component, to the at least one component.

[0018] The fluid temperature can refer to a temperature of the fluid. The fluid quantity per unit of time can refer to a fluid volume per unit of time, in particular a fluid mass flow and / or fluid volume flow. If the fluid comprises a gas mixture, for example, air, the fluid quantity per unit of time can refer to an air volume per unit of time.

[0019] The fluid supply parameter can include the specification of the fluid temperature, in particular a target temperature or a target temperature range for the fluid, and / or a quantity of fluid to be supplied per unit of time, in particular the volume of fluid to be supplied per unit of time. The specification can, for example, include a control parameter for controlling the fluid supply unit to supply the fluid according to the fluid supply parameter.

[0020] Advantageously, the comparison of the heating parameter and the target heating parameter can comprise a comparison of a current value of the heating parameter and a value of the target heating parameter. The comparison of the heating and the target heating parameters can comprise, in particular, identifying, in particular qualitatively and / or quantitatively, a deviation between the heating and the target heating parameters. Adjusting the fluid supply parameter as a function of the comparison of the heating and the target heating parameters can comprise adjusting, in particular increasing or decreasing, the specification for the fluid temperature and / or the amount of fluid to be supplied per unit of time. The adjustment of the fluid parameter can be carried out, in particular, as a function of the deviation between the heating and the target heating parameters.For example, the fluid temperature can be increased and / or the amount of fluid to be provided per unit of time can be reduced if the target heating power exceeds the current heating power. Furthermore, the fluid temperature can be reduced and / or the amount of fluid to be provided per unit of time can be increased if the target heating power falls below the current heating power.

[0021] The proposed method can enable improved temperature control of at least one component of the X-ray device, in particular through active control of the fluid temperature and / or the fluid quantity per unit of time as a function of a current heating power of the heating element. The current and / or available heating power of the heating element can represent a direct and rapidly reacting variable, in particular a measured variable, for a change in the cooling behavior of the at least one component to be temperature-controlled. In particular, the proposed method can provide a substantially constant heating power for different operating states of the X-ray device, thus enabling a substantially constant thermal temperature control of a direct mechanical environment.This advantageously allows second-order thermal effects, such as a change in thermal gradients, thermal deformation of carrier structures, and / or thermal influence on peripheral sensors, to be significantly reduced. The various operating states of the X-ray device can, for example, include different motion states, in particular rotation states, of the defined arrangement of X-ray source and X-ray detector, for example a static or, in particular, rapidly rotating state, and / or different speeds of a fan for providing the fluid, for example a low or high speed, and / or different fluid temperatures, for example a low or high fluid temperature, and / or a different fluid flow, for example a low or high fluid flow.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed method, the heating parameter can comprise information on a current intensity for energizing the heating element.

[0023] Advantageously, the heating element can be designed to be energized to provide the heating power. The heating power that can be provided by the heating element can depend on the current supplied to the heating element. Advantageously, the heating parameter can include information about a current, in particular a current value, for energizing the heating element. Furthermore, the target heating parameter can include a target current, in particular a target current, for energizing the heating element. The target current can be specified directly or determined, for example, based on a target temperature of the at least one component.

[0024] The proposed embodiment can advantageously enable detection of the heating parameter without an additional sensor, for example a temperature sensor.

[0025] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed method, the fluid supply unit can have a temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the fluid to be provided. The temperature of the fluid to be provided can be adjusted depending on the fluid supply parameter.

[0026] The temperature control unit can be designed to control the temperature, in particular to cool and / or heat, of the fluid to be provided. The temperature control unit can, for example, have a cooling element and / or a further heating element and / or a heat exchanger. Advantageously, the fluid supply unit can be designed to supply the fluid, in particular the fluid at a lower temperature, to the temperature control unit. Furthermore, the temperature control unit can be designed to control the temperature of the fluid. Furthermore, the fluid supply unit can be designed to supply the temperature-controlled fluid to the at least one component.

[0027] Advantageously, the temperature control unit can be configured to adjust the temperature of the fluid to be provided depending on the fluid provision parameter. In particular, the temperature control unit can be configured to increase or decrease the temperature of the fluid depending on the fluid provision parameter.

[0028] The proposed embodiment can advantageously enable further temperature adjustment, in particular with a temporal reaction capability different from that of the heating element, by controlling the temperature of the fluid that can be provided, in particular in addition to the heating element.

[0029] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed method, the fluid supply unit can have a mixing valve configured to admix the temperature-controlled fluid to an untemperature-controlled fluid. Adjusting the fluid supply parameter can include adjusting the degree of admixture of the temperature-controlled fluid. Furthermore, the mixture of the untemperature-controlled and temperature-controlled fluid can be provided to the at least one component of the X-ray device.

[0030] Advantageously, the fluid supply unit can have a mixing valve, in particular also referred to as a mixer valve, which is designed to add the temperature-controlled fluid to an untemperature-controlled fluid. The temperature-controlled fluid can advantageously have a lower temperature than the untemperature-controlled fluid. For example, the mixing valve can have two inlets and one outlet. The untemperature-controlled fluid can be provided via one of the inlets and the temperature-controlled fluid via the other inlet. Furthermore, the mixture of the untemperature-controlled and the temperature-controlled fluid can be provided via the outlet of the mixing valve. The mixing valve can be designed to adjust the degree of admixture, in particular a mixing ratio, of the temperature-controlled fluid to the untemperature-controlled fluid. The adjustment of the degree of admixture can take place manually or automatically.The mixing valve can be designed to adjust the degree of admixture by adjusting, in particular reducing or increasing, a respective flow rate of at least one of the two inlets, in particular of the two inlets. The tempered and the untempered fluid can be provided from a common volume, for example a spatial volume, wherein the tempered volume is tempered by means of the tempering unit before being provided to the mixing valve. Adjusting the fluid supply parameter can comprise adjusting the degree of admixture of the tempered fluid. In this case, a current temperature of the untempered fluid can be compared with the current temperature of the tempered fluid. Based on the comparison result, the degree of admixture can be adjusted such that the mixture of the untempered and the tempered fluid has a predetermined fluid temperature.Adjusting the degree of admixture of the temperature-controlled fluid can comprise increasing or decreasing a fluid quantity, in particular a fluid volume, per unit time of the temperature-controlled fluid relative to a fluid quantity, in particular a fluid volume, per unit time of the untemperature-controlled fluid. If the temperature-controlled fluid has a lower temperature than the untemperature-controlled fluid, the fluid temperature of the provided fluid can be increased by reducing the degree of admixture of the temperature-controlled fluid, for example, if the target heating power exceeds the current heating power. Alternatively, the fluid temperature of the provided fluid can be reduced by increasing the degree of admixture of the temperature-controlled fluid, for example, if the target heating power falls below the current heating power.

[0031] The proposed embodiment can advantageously enable an energy-efficient temperature adjustment of the available fluid.

[0032] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed method, the fluid can comprise a gas or a gas mixture. Furthermore, the fluid supply unit can have a fan for supplying the fluid. The fan's speed can be adjusted to adjust the amount of fluid supplied per unit of time depending on the fluid supply parameter.

[0033] Advantageously, the fluid can comprise a gas or gas mixture, for example air. The fluid supply unit can comprise a fan, for example a nozzle and / or a rotor and / or propeller, which is designed to suck in the fluid on a first side of the fluid supply unit by means of negative pressure and to supply it on a second side of the fluid supply unit by means of positive pressure. The amount of fluid that can be supplied per unit of time can be, in particular, proportional to a rotational speed of the fan. Advantageously, the rotational speed of the fan can be adjusted to adapt the amount of fluid supplied per unit of time as a function of the fluid supply parameter. In particular, the rotational speed of the fan can be increased to increase the amount of fluid supplied per unit of time and decreased to decrease the amount of fluid supplied per unit of time.

[0034] The proposed embodiment can advantageously enable a direct adjustment of the amount of fluid provided per unit of time.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed method, the X-ray device can have at least one further component. A temperature control parameter can be identified for the at least one further component, which characterizes a current temperature control requirement of the at least one further component. Advantageously, the adjustment of the fluid supply parameter can also be carried out depending on the at least one temperature control parameter. The at least one component of the X-ray device can be prioritized over the at least one further component of the X-ray device when adjusting the fluid supply parameter.

[0036] Advantageously, the X-ray device can have at least one further component, in particular a plurality of further components. The at least one further component can be designed identically to or differently from the at least one component. The at least one further component can comprise, for example, an X-ray tube, a power supply unit and / or a generator. Advantageously, a temperature control parameter for the at least one further component can be identified, in particular predetermined, ascertained and / or determined. In particular, a temperature control parameter can be identified for each of the plurality of further components. The respective temperature control parameter of the at least one further component can characterize a current temperature control requirement of the at least one further component. The current temperature control requirement can describe a current target temperature and / or a current target temperature difference of the at least one further component.Advantageously, the adjustment of the fluid supply parameter, in particular the adjustment of the specification for the fluid temperature and / or the fluid quantity per unit of time, can additionally be carried out as a function of the at least one temperature control parameter, in particular the plurality of temperature control parameters, for example as a boundary condition for an optimization. In this case, the at least one component of the X-ray device can be prioritized, in particular given a higher weighting, over the at least one other component of the X-ray device when adjusting the fluid supply parameter.

[0037] The proposed embodiment can enable improved, in particular coordinated, temperature control of several components of the X-ray device, in particular of the at least one component and the at least one further component of the X-ray device.

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed method, the adaptation of the fluid supply parameter as a function of the tempering parameter can be limited to an adaptation of the specification of the amount of fluid to be provided per unit of time.

[0039] Advantageously, adjusting the fluid supply parameter can comprise adjusting the amount of fluid to be supplied per unit of time based on the comparison of the heating and target heating parameters, in particular based on the deviation between the heating and target heating parameters, and the temperature control parameter. Furthermore, adjusting the fluid supply parameter can comprise adjusting the specification of the fluid temperature per unit of time based on the comparison of the heating and target heating parameters. This advantageously ensures that the temperature control parameter is only taken into account when adjusting, in particular optimizing, the amount of fluid to be supplied per unit of time.

[0040] Adjusting the fluid parameter can comprise a global or component-specific adjustment, in particular optimization, of the specification for the fluid temperature and / or the amount of fluid to be provided per unit of time. For example, the specification for the fluid temperature and / or the amount of fluid to be provided per unit of time can be adjusted, in particular optimized, for the at least one component of the X-ray device. Furthermore, the specification for the amount of fluid to be provided per unit of time can be adjusted, in particular optimized, for the at least one further component of the X-ray device.

[0041] The proposed embodiment can advantageously enable improved coordination of the temperature control of the at least one component and the at least one further component, taking into account the respective temperature control requirements. This can enable independent or coordinated control, in particular regulation, of the fluid temperature and the fluid quantity per unit of time.

[0042] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed method, the adjustment of the fluid supply parameter can additionally be carried out taking into account a temporal course of the heating power of the heating element.

[0043] Advantageously, based on the heating parameter and the target heating parameter of the heating element, a temporal profile, in particular a temporal gradient, of the heating power of the heating element can be identified, in particular determined. The temporal profile of the heating power of the heating element can comprise a temporal change, for example an increase or a decrease in the heating power, or a temporally constant section. Advantageously, the temporal profile, in particular the temporal gradient, of the heating power of the heating element can additionally be taken into account when adjusting the fluid supply parameter. For example, the fluid supply parameter can specify a higher fluid temperature and / or a lower fluid quantity per unit of time when the heating power increases. Alternatively, the fluid supply parameter can specify a lower fluid temperature and / or a higher fluid quantity per unit of time when the heating power decreases.

[0044] The proposed embodiment can advantageously make it possible to reduce the inertia of the control and thus overshoots and undershoots of the heating output.

[0045] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed method, adjusting the fluid supply parameter can comprise adjusting the specification for the fluid temperature and the amount of fluid to be supplied per unit of time. The fluid temperature can be increased and the amount of fluid to be supplied per unit of time can be decreased if the target heating power exceeds the current heating power. Furthermore, the fluid temperature can be decreased and the amount of fluid to be supplied per unit of time can be increased if the target heating power falls below the current heating power.

[0046] Advantageously, adjusting the fluid supply parameter can comprise both adjusting the specified fluid temperature and the specified fluid quantity to be supplied per unit of time. In particular, adjusting the fluid supply parameter can comprise a coordinated adjustment of the specified fluid temperature and the fluid quantity to be supplied per unit of time. If the target heating power exceeds, in particular exceeds, the current heating power, the fluid temperature can advantageously be increased and the fluid quantity to be supplied per unit of time can be reduced. This can reduce heat transfer from the at least one component to the temperature-controlled fluid. If the target heating power falls below the current heating power, the fluid temperature can advantageously be reduced and the fluid quantity to be supplied per unit of time can be increased.This can increase heat transfer from the at least one component to the tempered fluid.

[0047] The proposed embodiment can enable improved temperature control of at least one component of the X-ray device. It can be taken into account that if a higher speed is requested by at least one other component, this request takes priority. To keep the heating power at the at least one component constant in this case, the fluid temperature can be adjusted by a corresponding factor, for example, based on a ratio of a target speed to a current speed, in particular an actual speed.

[0048] In a second aspect, the invention relates to an X-ray device, in particular a medical one, which is designed to carry out a proposed method for controlling the temperature of an X-ray device. The X-ray device comprises a fluid supply unit and at least one component to be temperature-controlled, comprising a heating element.

[0049] The X-ray device can comprise an X-ray source and at least one detector element, which are arranged in a defined arrangement relative to one another. Furthermore, the defined arrangement can be mounted so as to be movable, in particular translatable and / or rotatable. The X-ray source can be configured to emit X-ray radiation for illuminating an examination object arranged between the X-ray source and the at least one detector element. Furthermore, the at least one detector element can be configured to detect incident X-ray radiation, in particular after an interaction of the X-ray radiation with the examination object.

[0050] Advantageously, the X-ray device can be configured as a computed tomography (CT) system and / or a C-arm X-ray device and / or an O-arm X-ray device. In particular, the respective components of the X-ray device can be configured to perform the steps of the proposed method for controlling the temperature of an X-ray device. The X-ray device can further comprise a processing unit.

[0051] The X-ray device, in particular the processing unit, can be configured to detect the heating parameter of the heating element, identify the target heating parameter, and adjust the fluid supply parameter. Furthermore, the fluid supply unit can be configured to supply the fluid based on the adjusted fluid supply parameter.

[0052] The advantages of the proposed X-ray device essentially correspond to the advantages of the proposed method for controlling the temperature of an X-ray device. Features, advantages, or alternative embodiments mentioned here can also be applied to the other claimed subject matters, and vice versa.

[0053] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray device, the X-ray device can have at least one detector element for detecting incident X-radiation as the at least one component to be tempered.

[0054] The X-ray device can have one or more detector elements, each designed to detect incident X-ray radiation. The one or more detector elements can form the at least one component to be temperature-controlled, each with a heating element, in particular.

[0055] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray device, the fluid supply unit can have a temperature control unit for controlling the temperature of the fluid that can be provided as a function of the fluid supply parameter.

[0056] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray device, the fluid supply unit can have a mixing valve configured to add the temperature-controlled fluid to an untemperature-controlled fluid depending on the fluid supply parameter. Furthermore, the fluid supply unit can be configured to supply the mixture of the untemperature-controlled fluid and the temperature-controlled fluid to at least one component of the X-ray device.

[0057] In a further advantageous embodiment of the proposed X-ray device, the fluid supply unit can comprise a fan for supplying a gas or gas mixture as the fluid. The fan speed can be adjustable to adjust the amount of fluid supplied per unit of time depending on the fluid supply parameter.

[0058] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a computer program product comprising a computer program which can be loaded directly into a memory of a processing unit, with program sections for executing all steps of a proposed method for temperature control of an X-ray device when the program sections are executed by the processing unit.

[0059] The computer program product can comprise software with source code that still needs to be compiled and linked or simply interpreted, or executable software code that only needs to be loaded into the processing unit for execution. The computer program product enables the method for controlling the temperature of an X-ray device to be executed quickly, identically repeatably, and robustly using a processing unit. The computer program product is configured such that it can execute the method steps according to the invention using the processing unit.

[0060] The computer program product is stored, for example, on a computer-readable storage medium or on a network or server, from where it can be loaded into the processor of a processing unit, which can be directly connected to the processing unit or formed as part of the processing unit. Furthermore, control information of the computer program product can be stored on an electronically readable data carrier. The control information of the electronically readable data carrier can be configured such that, when the data carrier is used in a processing unit, it carries out a method according to the invention. Examples of electronically readable data carriers are a DVD, a magnetic tape, or a USB stick on which electronically readable control information, in particular software, is stored.If this control information is read from the data carrier and stored in a processing unit, all embodiments of the methods described above can be carried out.

[0061] A largely software-based implementation has the advantage that previously used processing units can be easily upgraded to operate in the manner according to the invention via a software update. Such a computer program product may, in addition to the computer program, optionally include additional components such as documentation and / or additional components, as well as hardware components such as hardware keys (dongles, etc.) for using the software.

[0062] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and described in more detail below. In different figures, the same reference numerals are used for the same features. They show: Fig. 1 to 4 schematic representations of various advantageous embodiments of a method for temperature control of an X-ray device. Fig. 5 a schematic representation of an advantageous embodiment of a proposed X-ray device.

[0063] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an advantageous embodiment of a proposed method for temperature control of an X-ray device. A heating parameter HP of a heating element can be detected CAP-HP. The heating parameter HP can characterize a heating power currently provided by the heating element to at least one component of the X-ray device. Advantageously, the heating parameter can include information about a current intensity for energizing the heating element. In a further step, a target heating parameter THP for the heating element can be identified ID-THP. The target heating parameter THP can characterize a heating power to be provided by the heating element to at least one component of the X-ray device.In a further step, a fluid provision parameter FP of a fluid provision unit can be adjusted depending on a comparison of the heating parameter HP and the target heating parameter THP ADJ-FP. Advantageously, the adjustment of the fluid provision parameter ADJ-FP can additionally take into account a temporal profile of the heating power of the heating element. In this case, the fluid provision unit can be designed to provide a fluid for temperature control of at least one component of the X-ray device. The fluid provision parameter FP can comprise a specification for a fluid temperature and / or a quantity of fluid to be provided per unit of time. Furthermore, the fluid can be provided by the fluid provision unit based on the adjusted fluid provision parameter FP PROV-F.

[0064] Advantageously, adjusting the fluid supply parameter ADJ-FP can include adjusting the specification for the fluid temperature and the amount of fluid to be supplied per unit of time. The fluid temperature can be increased and the amount of fluid to be supplied per unit of time can be decreased if the target heating power exceeds the current heating power. Furthermore, the fluid temperature can be decreased and the amount of fluid to be supplied per unit of time can be increased if the target heating power falls below the current heating power.

[0065] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a further advantageous embodiment of a proposed method for temperature control of an X-ray device. Advantageously, the fluid supply unit can have a temperature control unit for temperature control of the provided fluid. The temperature control of the provided fluid can be adjusted depending on the fluid supply parameter FP ADJ-T. Advantageously, the fluid supply unit can have a mixing valve which is designed to add the temperature-controlled fluid to an untemperature-controlled fluid. Adjusting the fluid supply parameter ADJ-FP can comprise adjusting an admixture degree ADJ-BG of an admixture of the temperature-controlled fluid. The mixture of the untemperature-controlled and the temperature-controlled fluid can be provided to the at least one component of the X-ray device PROV-F.

[0066] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of another advantageous embodiment of a proposed method for controlling the temperature of an X-ray device. The fluid can comprise a gas or gas mixture. Furthermore, the fluid supply unit can have a fan for supplying the fluid. Advantageously, the fan speed can be adjusted to adjust the amount of fluid supplied per unit of time depending on the fluid supply parameter FP ADJ-DZ.

[0067] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of a further advantageous embodiment of a proposed method for temperature control of an X-ray device. The X-ray device can have at least one further component. Furthermore, a temperature control parameter TP can be identified for the at least one further component ID-TP, which characterizes a current temperature control requirement of the at least one further component. In this case, the adaptation of the fluid supply parameter ADJ-FP can additionally take place depending on the at least one temperature control parameter TP. Furthermore, the at least one component of the X-ray device can be prioritized over the at least one further component of the X-ray device when adapting the fluid supply parameter ADJ-FP.Advantageously, the adjustment of the fluid supply parameter ADJ-FP depending on the tempering parameter can be limited to an adjustment of the specification for the amount of fluid to be provided per unit of time.

[0068] Fig.5 shows a schematic representation of an advantageous embodiment of a proposed X-ray device as a medical CT device 33. The CT device 33 can comprise the X-ray source 37, a detector unit 1 with a plurality of detector elements DE, and a processing unit PRVS. The X-ray source 37 and the detector unit 1, in particular the plurality of detector elements DE, can be arranged opposite one another. The X-ray source 37 can be designed to emit X-ray radiation. In particular, the X-ray source 37 can be designed to illuminate the detector elements DE with X-ray radiation along an X-ray incidence direction. The detector elements DE can each be designed to detect the X-ray radiation.

[0069] The CT scanner 33 may also include a gantry 32 with a rotor 35. The X-ray source 37 and the detector unit 1 may be arranged in a defined configuration on the rotor 35, in particular integrated into the rotor 35 or attached to the rotor 35. The rotor 35 may be mounted rotatably about a rotation axis 43. The examination object 39 to be imaged may be mounted on the patient support device 41 and movable along the rotation axis 43 through the gantry 32. The processing unit PRVS may be used to control the CT scanner 33 and to calculate cross-sectional images or volume images of the examination object 39.

[0070] The CT device 33 can further comprise a fluid supply unit FBE, which is designed to supply a fluid to at least one component of the CT device 33 to be temperature-controlled. Advantageously, the processing unit PRVS can be designed to detect the heating parameter CAP-HP of the heating element HE. Furthermore, the processing unit PRVS can be designed to identify the target heating parameter ID-THP for the heating element. Furthermore, the processing unit PRVS can adjust the fluid supply parameter ADJ-FP of the fluid supply unit FBE depending on the comparison of the heating parameter HP and the target heating parameter THP. The fluid supply unit FBE can be designed to supply the fluid for temperature-controlling at least one component of the CT device 33.Furthermore, the fluid supply unit FBE can be designed to supply the fluid to the at least one component PROV-F based on the adjusted fluid supply parameter FP. Advantageously, the detector elements DE can form the at least one component to be temperature-controlled. The fluid supply unit FBE can further have a temperature control unit TE for temperature-controlling the fluid that can be provided as a function of the fluid supply parameter FP. In addition, the fluid supply unit FBE can have a mixing valve MV, which is designed to add the temperature-controlled fluid to an untemperature-controlled fluid as a function of the fluid supply parameter FP. In this case, the fluid supply unit FBE can be designed to supply the mixture of the untemperature-controlled and the temperature-controlled fluid to the at least one component of the CT device 33 PROV-F.Furthermore, the fluid supply unit FBE can have a fan V for supplying a gas or gas mixture as the fluid. A speed of the fan V can be adjustable to adjust the supplied fluid quantity per unit of time depending on the fluid supply parameter FP.

[0071] The processing unit PRVS can be configured to control the fluid supply unit FBE, in particular its respective components, for example, by means of a signal SIG. In particular, the processing unit PRVS can be configured to control the fan V, the temperature control unit TE, and / or the mixing valve MV.

[0072] An input device 47, for example a keyboard, and an output device 49, for example a screen and / or display, can be connected to the processing unit PRVS, in particular signal-coupled. The input device 47 can advantageously be integrated into the output device 49, for example in a particularly resistive and / or capacitive input display. A user input for controlling the CT device 33 can be detected by means of the input device 47. Furthermore, the output device 49 can be designed to display a graphical representation of information and / or parameters of the CT device 33.

[0073] The schematic representations contained in the figures described do not represent any scale or proportions.

[0074] Finally, it should be noted once again that the methods described in detail above, as well as the devices illustrated, are merely illustrative examples that can be modified in a variety of ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the use of the indefinite articles "a" or "an" does not exclude the possibility that the respective features may be present in multiple instances. Likewise, the terms "unit" and "element" do not exclude the possibility that the respective components consist of several interacting subcomponents, which may also be spatially distributed.

[0075] In the context of the present application, the expression "based on" can be understood in particular in the sense of the expression "using." In particular, a formulation according to which a first feature is generated (alternatively: determined, determined, etc.) based on a second feature does not exclude the possibility that the first feature can be generated (alternatively: determined, determined, etc.) based on a third feature.

Claims

[1] Method for temperature control of an X-ray device, comprising: - detecting a heating parameter (CAP-HP) of a heating element (HE), wherein the heating parameter (HP) characterises a heating power currently provided by the heating element (HE) to at least one component of the X-ray device, - identifying a target heating parameter (ID-THP) for the heating element (HE), wherein the target heating parameter (THP) characterizes a heating power to be provided by the heating element (HE) to the at least one component of the X-ray device, - Adjusting a fluid supply parameter (ADJ-FP) of a fluid supply unit (FBE) as a function of a comparison of the heating parameter (HP) and the target heating parameter (THP), wherein the fluid supply unit (FBE) is designed to provide a fluid for tempering the at least one component of the X-ray device, wherein the fluid supply parameter (FP) comprises a specification for a fluid temperature and / or a quantity of fluid to be provided per unit of time, wherein the fluid is provided by the fluid supply unit (FBE) based on the adjusted fluid supply parameter (FP) (PROV-F). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the heating parameter (HP) comprises information on a current intensity for energizing the heating element (HE). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fluid supply unit (FBE) has a tempering unit (TE) for tempering the fluid that can be provided, wherein the tempering of the fluid that can be provided is adjusted (ADJ-T) depending on the fluid supply parameter (FP). [4] Method according to claim 3, wherein the fluid supply unit (FBE) has a mixing valve (MV) which is designed to admix the tempered fluid to an untempered fluid, wherein the adjustment of the fluid supply parameter (ADJ-FP) comprises adjusting a degree of admixture (ADJ-BG) of an admixture of the tempered fluid, wherein the mixture of the untempered and the tempered fluid is provided to the at least one component of the X-ray device (PROV-F). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid comprises a gas or gas mixture, wherein the fluid supply unit (FBE) has a fan (V) for providing the fluid, wherein a speed of the fan (V) is adjusted to adjust the amount of fluid provided per unit of time depending on the fluid supply parameter (FP) (ADJ-DZ). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the X-ray device has at least one further component, wherein a tempering parameter is identified for the at least one further component (ID-TP), which characterizes a current tempering requirement of the at least one further component, wherein the adjustment of the fluid supply parameter (ADJ-FP) is additionally carried out as a function of the at least one tempering parameter (TP), wherein the at least one component of the X-ray device is prioritized over the at least one further component of the X-ray device when adjusting the fluid provision parameter (ADJ-FP). [7] Method according to claim 6, wherein the adjustment of the fluid supply parameter (ADJ-FP) as a function of the tempering parameter (TP) is limited to an adjustment of the specification for the amount of fluid to be provided per unit of time. [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the adjustment of the fluid supply parameter (ADJ-FP) is additionally carried out taking into account a temporal course of the heating power of the heating element (HE). [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein adjusting the fluid supply parameter (ADJ-FP) comprises adjusting the specification for the fluid temperature and the amount of fluid to be provided per unit of time, whereby the fluid temperature is increased and the amount of fluid to be provided per unit of time is reduced if the target heating power exceeds the current heating power, whereby the fluid temperature is reduced and the amount of fluid to be provided per unit of time is increased if the target heating output falls below the current heating output. [10] X-ray device which is designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the X-ray device has a fluid supply unit (FBE) and at least one component to be tempered with a heating element (HE). [11] X-ray device according to claim 10, comprising at least one detector element (DE) for detecting incident X-radiation as the at least one component to be tempered. [12] X-ray device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the fluid supply unit (FBE) has a temperature control unit (TE) for controlling the temperature of the fluid that can be provided as a function of the fluid supply parameter (FP). [13] X-ray apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the fluid supply unit (FBE) has a mixing valve (MV) which is designed to add the tempered fluid to an untempered fluid depending on the fluid supply parameter (FP), wherein the fluid supply unit (FBE) is designed to provide the mixture of the untempered and the tempered fluid to the at least one component of the X-ray device. [14] X-ray apparatus according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the fluid supply unit (FBE) comprises a fan (V) for providing a gas or gas mixture as the fluid, wherein a speed of the fan (V) is adjustable to adjust the amount of fluid provided per unit of time depending on the fluid supply parameter (FP) (ADJ-DZ). [15] Computer program product comprising a computer program which can be loaded directly into a memory of a processing unit (PRVS), with program sections to carry out all steps of the method according to one of claims 1 to 9 when the program sections are executed by the processing unit (PRVS).

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