X-ray tube comprising multiple electron guns and system including same

Abstract

An X-ray tube according to one embodiment comprises: a plurality of electron guns; an anode including a front end portion which is irradiated with a plurality of electrons emitted from the plurality of electron guns and from which a plurality of X-rays are emitted; a case for accommodating the anode; and an irradiation window for extracting the plurality of X-rays emitted from the front end portion to the outside of the case, wherein each of the plurality of electrons emitted from the plurality of electron guns moves on the same plane and is irradiated onto the front end portion, and each of the plurality of X-rays emitted from the front end portion can be extracted in a direction crossing the same plane.

Description

X-ray tube including multiple electron guns and system including the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an X-ray tube including a plurality of electron guns and a system including the same.

[0002] This disclosure is derived from research conducted as part of the 'BRIDGE Convergence Research and Development Project' with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea and funding from the government (Ministry of Science and ICT).

[0003] X-rays are electromagnetic waves that have good penetrability for objects, and can be used for non-destructive and non-contact observation of the internal structure of objects or the human body. Electrons emitted from the cathode are accelerated by the anode and collide with the anode tungsten target, and only a portion (less than about 1%) of the electrical energy applied to the X-ray tube is emitted as X-rays from the anode tungsten target. The electrons emitted from the cathode head toward the anode, and are reflected from the end face of the anode to emit X-rays. The X-rays emitted from the anode are extracted to the outside of the X-ray tube, and can be used for non-destructive and non-contact observation of the internal structure of objects or the human body.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a technology relating to an X-ray tube including a plurality of electron guns and a system including the same.

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides embodiments of an X-ray tube. According to one embodiment, an X-ray tube includes an anode including a plurality of electron guns, a tip portion to which a plurality of electrons emitted from the plurality of electron guns are irradiated and a plurality of X-rays are emitted, a case accommodating the anode, and an irradiation window for extracting the plurality of X-rays emitted from the tip portion to the outside of the case, wherein each of the plurality of electrons emitted from the plurality of electron guns moves on the same plane and is irradiated to the tip portion, and each of the plurality of X-rays emitted from the tip portion can be extracted in a direction crossing the same plane.

[0006] In one embodiment, the plurality of electron guns may be arranged radially around the anode.

[0007] In one embodiment, the angle between each of the plurality of electron guns may be constant.

[0008] In one embodiment, the number of the plurality of electron guns may be four or more.

[0009] In one embodiment, the tip of the anode may be pyramidal, and the number of pyramids may be equal to the number of the plurality of electron guns.

[0010] In one embodiment, the tip portion may include a number of pyramidal faces equal to the number of pyramids, and the angles of each of the pyramidal faces with respect to the longitudinal direction of the anode may all be the same.

[0011] In one embodiment, the tip portion includes a number of pyramidal faces equal to the number of pyramids, and the angles of each of the pyramidal faces with respect to the longitudinal direction of the anode may be different from each other.

[0012] In one embodiment, the tip of the anode may be conical.

[0013] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of X-rays emitted from the tip can be directed toward different points on the target surface.

[0014] In one embodiment, the case comprises a first receptor made of a conductive material to which the plurality of electron guns are connected, and a second receptor joined to the first receptor to define an internal space for receiving the anode together with the first receptor, wherein at a receptor junction where the first receptor and the second receptor are joined to each other, a distance from the outer surface of the anode to the first receptor may be greater than a distance from the outer surface of the anode to the second receptor.

[0015] One aspect of the present disclosure provides embodiments of an X-ray tube system. According to one embodiment, an X-ray tube system includes an X-ray tube, a detector for receiving each of a plurality of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube and passing through a subject, the X-ray tube includes a plurality of electron guns, an anode including a tip portion to which a plurality of electrons emitted from the plurality of electron guns are irradiated and from which the plurality of X-rays are emitted, a case for accommodating the anode, and an irradiation window for extracting the plurality of X-rays emitted from the tip portion to the outside of the case, wherein each of the plurality of electrons emitted from the plurality of electron guns moves on the same plane and is irradiated to the tip portion, and each of the plurality of X-rays emitted from the tip portion can be extracted in a direction transverse to the same plane.

[0016] In one embodiment, the X-ray tube is rotatable relative to the subject about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the detector.

[0017] In one embodiment, the subject can rotate relative to the X-ray tube about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the detector.

[0018] In one embodiment, the apparatus may further include one or more processors that obtain information about each of the plurality of X-rays from the detector and generate a three-dimensional image of the subject based on the information about each of the plurality of X-rays.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electric field directions of all X-ray tubes can be arranged in the same manner.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a plurality of X-rays are emitted from one X-ray tube to minimize distortion of an image obtained from a target surface.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, efficient dose control is possible by easily controlling the X-ray exposure amount for each part of an object or human body, and more accurate diagnostic images can be provided.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the time required to restore a three-dimensional CT (Computed Tomography) image can be shortened and the quality of the image can be improved.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a three-dimensional CT image can be obtained while the equipment including the X-ray tube is stationary or has a reduced amount of movement.

[0024] The effects according to the technology of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an X-ray tube according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an X-ray tube taken along line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an X-ray tube system including a plurality of X-ray tubes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an X-ray tube system including a plurality of X-ray tubes according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of an X-ray tube according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of an X-ray tube according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of an X-ray tube taken along line B-B' of Fig. 5.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the main focus of the light source position of an X-ray tube according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an X-ray tube system including an X-ray tube including a plurality of electron guns according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] The embodiments of this disclosure are provided for the purpose of illustrating the technical concepts of this disclosure. The scope of rights under this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments presented below or the specific descriptions of these embodiments.

[0035] All technical and scientific terms used in this disclosure, unless otherwise defined, have the meanings commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. All terms used in this disclosure have been selected for the purpose of more clearly explaining this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of rights under this disclosure.

[0036] Expressions such as “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and the like used in this disclosure should be understood as open-ended terms that imply the possibility of including other embodiments, unless otherwise stated in the phrase or sentence in which the expression is included.

[0037] The singular forms described in this disclosure may include plural meanings unless otherwise stated, and the same applies to the singular forms described in the claims.

[0038] The expressions “first,” “second,” etc. used in this disclosure are used to distinguish between multiple components, and do not limit the order or importance of the components.

[0039] In this disclosure, when a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component can be directly connected or connected to the other component, or can be connected or connected via a new other component.

[0040] The dimensions and values ​​described in this disclosure are not limited to the dimensions and values ​​described. Unless otherwise specified, these dimensions and values ​​are to be understood to mean the values ​​described and equivalent ranges encompassing them.

[0041] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the attached drawings, identical or corresponding components are assigned the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments below, redundant descriptions of identical or corresponding components may be omitted. However, even if a description of a component is omitted, it is not intended that such component is not included in any embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an X-ray tube (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the X-ray tube (100) taken along line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the X-ray tube (100) may include an electron gun (120), an anode (130), a case (140), and an irradiation window (150).

[0044] In one embodiment, the electron gun (120) generates electrons and emits them toward the anode (130), and a cold cathode electron tube may be installed inside the anode to emit electrons by an electric field difference formed by a potential difference. The internal space of the electron gun (120) and the case (140) is connected to each other and may be sealed against the outside of the X-ray tube (100).

[0045] In one embodiment, the anode (130) may be formed as a positive electrode. The anode (130) may be surrounded by a conductive material. The anode (130) may be formed in the emission direction (D) of electrons emitted from the electron gun (120). e) may have a shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the case (hereinafter, the longitudinal direction). Specifically, the anode (130) may include a first part (13A) located on the second receptor (142) side of the case (140), a second part (13B) located on the opposite side of the first part (13A), that is, on the lower wall (141b) side of the first receptor (141), and a third part (13C) located between the first part (13A) and the second part (13B). The first part (13A), the third part (13C), and the second part (13B) may be arranged in sequence in parallel along the longitudinal direction. The outer peripheral peripheries of the first part (13A), the second part (13B), and the third part (13C) may be different from each other. Specifically, the outer circumference of the third part (13C) may be smaller than the outer circumferences of the first part (13A) and the second part (13B). When the gap between the anode (130) and the case (140) is narrow, a pinhole defect may occur in which electrons or high-energy materials penetrate the wall of the case (140). Therefore, the outer circumference of the third part (13C), which is arranged closest to the second receptor (142) of the case (140), is formed to be the smallest, thereby creating a gap between the anode (130) and the case (140), and preventing the pinhole defect. At this time, the outer circumferences of the first part (13A) and the second part (13B) may be the same. That is, only the central part (e.g., the third part (13C)) of the cylindrical anode (130) may be formed concave.

[0046] In one embodiment, the anode (130) may include a base portion (131) and a tip portion (132). The base portion (131) corresponds to a longitudinal column on which the first portion (13A), the second portion (13B), and the third portion (13C) are arranged, and a high voltage may be applied to the base portion (131). The tip portion (132) may correspond to an end portion formed on the second portion (13B) side of the base portion (131) of the anode (130). The electron gun (120) may emit electrons toward the tip portion (132). The incident electrons collide with the tip portion (132) at high speed, and the kinetic energy of the electrons may be converted into X-rays and thermal energy. Through this energy conversion, X-rays may be emitted from the tip portion (132). X-rays generated from the tip (132) can be irradiated to the outside by passing through the irradiation window (150). Referring to Fig. 2, the direction of electron emission (D e ) and the direction of movement of X-rays (D x ) can be perpendicular to each other. The direction of electron emission (D e ) and the direction of movement of X-rays (D x ) so that they are perpendicular to each other, the tip (132) is directed in the electron emission direction (D e ) can be arranged to be inclined with respect to the direction of electron emission (D). That is, the reflective surface of the tip (132) is in the direction of electron emission (D e ) can be arranged to be inclined.

[0047] In one embodiment, the case (140) may include a first receptor (141) and a second receptor (142). The first receptor (141) may be made of a conductive material and surround the periphery of the anode (130), particularly the periphery of the second portion (13B) including the tip (132). The first receptor (141) may include a side wall (141a) surrounding the outer circumferential surface of the anode (130) and a lower wall (141b) formed perpendicular to the direction in which X-rays are emitted from the anode (130). The lower wall (141b) may be formed perpendicular to the side wall (141a). The first receptor (141) may be connected to an electron gun (120).

[0048] In one embodiment, the first receptor (141) and the second receptor (142) may be joined to each other to define an internal space (S) for accommodating the anode (130). The case (140) may further include a receptor junction (14A) at which the first receptor (141) and the second receptor (142) contact each other. At a position corresponding to the receptor junction (14A), a distance (L1) from the outer surface of the anode (130) to the first receptor (141) may be greater than a distance (L2) from the outer surface of the anode (130) to the second receptor (142). Specifically, the first receptor (141) may be formed to surround the second receptor (142) at a position corresponding to the receptor junction (14A). Since the first receptor (141) is formed to surround the second receptor (142), the electric field can be easily maintained even if the energy of the internal space (S) increases. In addition, since the first receptor (141) is formed to surround the second receptor (142), the internal space (S) in the area surrounding the tip (132) of the anode (130) can be expanded. Accordingly, an anode (130) having a larger diameter (perimeter) can be placed inside the case (140).

[0049] In one embodiment, the first receptor (141) may be composed of a metal. Specifically, the first receptor (141) may be composed of KOVAR, which is an alloy of iron, nickel, and cobalt. As the first receptor (141) composed of a metal is grounded, the X-ray source can be stably driven by causing secondary electrons and / or scattered electrons generated by an electron beam to be emitted through the ground, and thus, the X-ray tube (100) according to one embodiment can stably extract high-voltage and high-power X-rays.

[0050] In one embodiment, the second receptor (142) may be composed of an insulator. Specifically, the second receptor (142) may be composed of ceramic. By composing the second receptor (142) of an insulator, specifically ceramic, the insulation effect is maximized and the vacuum state of the internal space (S) can be easily maintained.

[0051] In one embodiment, the irradiation window (150) may serve to extract X-rays emitted from the tip (132) of the anode (130) to the outside of the case (140), i.e., to the outside of the X-ray tube (100). The irradiation window (150) may be formed on the lower wall (141b) of the first receptor (141). In one embodiment, the irradiation window (150) may be composed of the same material as the first receptor (141). In one embodiment, the irradiation window (150) may be formed integrally with the first receptor (141). When the irradiation window (150) is formed integrally with the first receptor (141) of the same material, the manufacturing cost and time of the X-ray tube may be reduced. According to an embodiment, the irradiation window (150) may be formed (manufactured) by at least one selected from among metals such as Be, Al, or Ti. Since the absorption rate of X-rays by the irradiation window (150) differs depending on the density of the material forming the irradiation window (150), the operator can appropriately select the material of the irradiation window (150) as needed.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an X-ray tube system (1) including a plurality of X-ray tubes (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 3, the X-ray tube system (1) may include a plurality of X-ray tubes (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, the X-ray tube system (1) may include a slit (20) and a detector (30).

[0053] In one embodiment, a plurality of X-ray tubes (100) may be arranged side by side on a plane parallel to the detector (30). More specifically, the lower surface (e.g., the lower surface (141b) of FIG. 2) of the first receptor (e.g., the first receptor (141) of FIG. 2) may be arranged on a plane parallel to the detector (30). The intensities of X-rays extracted from each X-ray tube (100) may be different from each other.

[0054] In one embodiment, the slit (20) can variably adjust (limit) the irradiation field of X-rays extracted from the X-ray tube (100), thereby limiting the area where X-rays are irradiated to the detector (30). The irradiation field can be variably determined according to the shooting distance (the distance from the X-ray tube (100) to the detector (30). In addition, the X-rays can be irradiated so that the X-ray images irradiated by each X-ray tube (100) are connected to each other at their edges.

[0055] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an X-ray tube system (1) including a plurality of X-ray tubes (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 4, the plurality of X-ray tubes (100) can irradiate X-rays in a parallel direction toward a detector (30). The X-rays irradiated toward the detector (30) can be irradiated to the detector (30) while passing through a slit (20) and having an irradiation field adjusted (limited) by the slit (20). The plurality of X-ray tubes (100) can include at least three X-ray tubes (100). For example, the X-ray tube (100) can include a first X-ray tube (100a), a second X-ray tube (100b), and a third X-ray tube (100c).

[0056] In one embodiment, the intensities of X-rays irradiated from the first X-ray tube (100a), the second X-ray tube (100b), and the third X-ray tube (100c) may be different from each other. Specifically, the intensity of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube (100) located between the two X-ray tubes (100) may be the highest. For example, among the first X-ray tube (100a), the second X-ray tube (100b), and the third X-ray tube (100c), the intensity of X-rays emitted from the second X-ray tube (100b) located between the first X-ray tube (100a) and the second X-ray tube (100c) may be the highest. Accordingly, during X-ray diagnostic imaging, the intensity of the extracted X-rays may be adjusted according to the density of the imaging target disposed between the plurality of X-ray tubes (100) and the detector (30), thereby enabling efficient X-ray imaging. That is, low-dose X-ray photography can be enabled during X-ray diagnostic photography. In addition, since a plurality of X-ray tubes (100) according to one embodiment are arranged in parallel, even if the irradiation angle of the X-rays extracted from each X-ray tube (100) is limited, the X-rays can be irradiated to a relatively wide area of ​​the detector (30). Accordingly, the shooting distance (the distance from the X-ray tube (100) to the detector (30)) is reduced, so that space can be utilized efficiently, and high-quality images or videos can be acquired even with low X-ray output.

[0057] Fig. 5 is a top perspective view of an X-ray tube (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of an X-ray tube (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the X-ray tube (200) taken along line B-B' of Fig. 5. Referring to Figs. 5 to 7, the X-ray tube (200) may include a plurality of electron guns (220), an anode (230), a case (240), and an irradiation window (250).

[0058] In one embodiment, the electron gun (220) generates electrons and emits them toward the anode (230), and a cold cathode electron tube may be installed inside the electron gun (220) to emit electrons by an electric field difference formed by a potential difference. The internal space of the electron gun (220) and the case (240) is connected to each other and may be sealed against the outside of the X-ray tube (200). A plurality of electron guns (220) may be arranged radially with the anode (130) as the center. The angle between the plurality of electron guns may be constant. Specifically, when there are n electron guns (220), the angle between each electron gun (220) may be formed as 360 / n degrees (˚). For example, when there are two electron guns (220), the angle between the electron guns (220) may be 180 degrees. For example, when there are three electron guns (220), the angle between each electron gun (220) may be 120°. For example, when there are four electron guns (220), the angle between each electron gun (220) may be 90°. In particular, when taking an X-ray using an X-ray tube (200) including four or more electron guns (220), a precise and three-dimensional CT image or photograph can be obtained without mechanical shaking through X-ray images acquired from four or more views. For example, referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the electron guns (220) may include a first electron gun (221), a second electron gun (222), a third electron gun (223), and a fourth electron gun (224). The angle between each of the first electron gun (221), the second electron gun (222), the third electron gun (223), and the fourth electron gun (224) is 90°.

[0059] In one embodiment, the anode (230) may be formed as a positive electrode. The anode (230) may be surrounded by a conductive material. The anode (230) may be configured to have a direction of movement of electrons emitted from the electron gun (220) (e.g., the direction of movement (D) in FIG. 2). e)) may have a shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (hereinafter, longitudinal direction). The anode (230) may include a base portion (231) and a tip portion (232). The base portion (231) may correspond to a longitudinal column portion. A high voltage may be applied to the base portion (231). The tip portion (232) may correspond to the end of the base portion (231) in the anode (230). Electrons are emitted from the electron gun (220) toward the tip portion (232), and energy conversion is caused by the electrons incident on the tip portion (232), so that X-rays may be generated from the tip portion (232). The X-rays generated from the tip portion (232) may be irradiated to the outside by passing through the irradiation window (250).

[0060] Referring to Fig. 7, the tip (232) is in the electron emission direction (D e ) can be arranged to be inclined with respect to the direction of electron emission (e.g., the direction of movement (D) of FIG. 2). That is, the reflective surface of the tip (232) is aligned with the direction of electron emission (e.g., the direction of movement (D) of FIG. 2). e)) may be arranged to be inclined with respect to the base. In one embodiment, the tip (232) may be pyramidal. "n-pyramid" means a three-dimensional shape in which the base is an n-gon, the side faces are triangles, and the vertices of the respective side triangles meet at a point located perpendicular to the base. In addition, in the n-pyramid, "pyramid number" means n. When the tip (232) is pyramidal, the pyramid number matches the number of electron guns (220). The tip (232) may include a number of pyramidal faces (232A) equal to the number of pyramids. In one embodiment, the angles of each pyramidal face (232A) with respect to the longitudinal direction of the base (231) may all be the same. When the angle formed by each pyramidal surface (232A) with respect to the longitudinal direction of the base portion (231) is the same, X-rays emitted from each pyramidal surface (232A) can be irradiated on a virtual circular path of the target surface. In addition, in another embodiment, the angles formed by each pyramidal surface (232A) with respect to the longitudinal direction of the base portion (231) can be all different. By setting the angles formed by each pyramidal surface (232A) with respect to the longitudinal direction of the base portion (231) to be different from each other, X-rays emitted from each pyramidal surface (232A) can be irradiated on a position desired by a user of the target surface.

[0061] In another embodiment, the tip (232) may be conical. When the tip (232) is conical, regardless of the number of electron guns (220), electrons emitted from the electron guns (220) are reflected by the tip (232), so that X-rays can be emitted to an accurate position on the target surface. The X-rays reflected by the tip (232) and emitted to the target surface can be emitted toward different points.

[0062] In one embodiment, the case (240) and the investigation window (250) may include all of the same basic configurations and features as the case (e.g., case (140) of FIG. 1 and / or FIG. 2) and the investigation window (e.g., investigation window (150) of FIG. 2) of the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively, and may be equally applied to the present embodiment.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a focal track (FT) of light source positions of an X-ray tube (200) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 8 illustrates positions of light sources (S1, S2, S3, and S4) on a focal track (FT) when including four electron guns (e.g., electron guns (220) of FIGS. 5 to 7). For example, the first light source (S1), the second light source (S2), the third light source (S3), and the fourth light source (S4) may be arranged on a circular focal track (FT). That is, the plurality of light sources (S1, S2, S3, and S4) correspond to a set of points spaced apart from the center of the circular focal track (FT) by a certain distance. By arranging multiple light sources (S1, S2, S3, S4) on a circular focal point (FT), it is possible to acquire X-ray images at different positions, thereby obtaining images with minimal distortion when photographing a human body or object with a three-dimensional shape.

[0064] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an X-ray tube system (2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 9, the X-ray tube system (2) according to one embodiment may include an X-ray tube (200), a detector (300), and a subject (400). In one embodiment, the X-ray tube (200) may correspond to the X-ray tube (200) described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. In one embodiment, the detector (300) may receive X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube (200). In one embodiment, the detector (300) may receive each of a plurality of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube (200) and transmitted through the subject (400). In one embodiment, the subject (400) may be disposed between the X-ray tube (200) and the detector (300). The subject (400) corresponds to a photographing target of an X-ray tube system (2) including an X-ray tube (200), and can be restored in three dimensions by being imaged.

[0065] In one embodiment, the X-ray tube (200) and the subject (400) can rotate relative to each other. In one embodiment, the X-ray tube (200) can rotate (R1) relative to the subject (400) about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the detector (300). In another embodiment, the subject (400) can rotate (R2) relative to the X-ray tube (200) about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the detector (300).

[0066] In one embodiment, the X-ray tube system (2) may include one or more processors. According to one embodiment, the processor may obtain information about each of the plurality of X-rays from the detector (300). According to one embodiment, the processor may generate a three-dimensional image (e.g., a CT image) of the subject (400) based on the information about each of the plurality of X-rays.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the X-ray tube system (2), an X-ray tube (200) including a plurality of light sources (e.g., light sources S1, S2, S3, S4 of FIG. 8) can simultaneously acquire images at various focus positions for one subject (400). Accordingly, the time required to restore a 3D CT image of the subject (400) can be shortened, and the quality of the restored CT image can be improved. In addition, by rotating the X-ray tube (200) or the subject (400), the movement of the entire equipment including the X-ray tube (200) can be minimized, and the 3D CT image of the subject (400) can be acquired.

[0068] While the technical concept of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to certain embodiments and examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that various substitutions, modifications, and variations may be made without departing from the technical concept and scope of the present disclosure, which would be understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. Furthermore, such substitutions, modifications, and variations should be considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Multiple electron guns; An anode including a tip through which a plurality of electrons emitted from the plurality of electron guns are irradiated and a plurality of X-rays are emitted; a case accommodating the anode; and Including an investigation window that extracts the plurality of X-rays emitted from the tip to the outside of the case, An X-ray tube in which each of the plurality of electrons emitted from the plurality of electron guns moves on the same plane and is irradiated to the tip, and each of the plurality of X-rays emitted from the tip is extracted in a direction crossing the same plane.

2. In paragraph 1, An X-ray tube in which the above-mentioned plurality of electron guns are arranged radially around the anode.

3. In paragraph 2, An X-ray tube in which the angle between each of the plurality of electron guns is constant.

4. In paragraph 1, An X-ray tube having four or more electron guns.

5. In paragraph 1, An X-ray tube in which the tip of the anode is pyramidal, the number of pyramids being equal to the number of the plurality of electron guns.

6. In paragraph 5, An X-ray tube wherein the tip portion includes a number of pyramidal faces equal to the number of pyramids, and the angles of each of the pyramidal faces with respect to the longitudinal direction of the anode are all the same.

7. In paragraph 5, An X-ray tube wherein the tip portion includes a number of pyramidal faces equal to the number of pyramids, and the angles of each of the pyramidal faces with respect to the longitudinal direction of the anode are different from each other.

8. In paragraph 1, An X-ray tube wherein the tip of the anode is conical.

9. In any one of paragraphs 5 to 8, An X-ray tube in which each of the plurality of X-rays emitted from the tip is directed toward a different point on the target surface.

10. In paragraph 1, The above case is, a first receptor composed of a conductive material and to which the plurality of electron guns are connected; and A second receptor is included that is joined to the first receptor and defines an internal space for accommodating the anode together with the first receptor, An X-ray tube, wherein, at the receptor junction where the first receptor and the second receptor are joined to each other, the distance from the outer surface of the anode to the first receptor is greater than the distance from the outer surface of the anode to the second receptor.

11. X-ray tube; and It includes a detector that receives each of a plurality of X-rays emitted from the X-ray tube and transmitted through the subject, The above X-ray tube, Multiple electron guns; An anode including a tip portion from which a plurality of electrons emitted from the plurality of electron guns are irradiated and the plurality of X-rays are emitted; a case accommodating the anode; and Including an investigation window that extracts the plurality of X-rays emitted from the tip to the outside of the case, An X-ray tube system, wherein each of the plurality of electrons emitted from the plurality of electron guns moves on the same plane and is irradiated to the tip, and each of the plurality of X-rays emitted from the tip is extracted in a direction crossing the same plane.

12. In paragraph 11, An X-ray tube system, wherein the X-ray tube rotates relative to the subject about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the detector.

13. In paragraph 11, An X-ray tube system, wherein the subject rotates relative to the X-ray tube about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the detector.

14. In paragraph 11, Obtain information on each of the plurality of X-rays from the detector, An X-ray tube system further comprising one or more processors that generate a three-dimensional image of the subject based on information about each of the plurality of X-rays.

Images