A time-division multiplexing control device applied to a distributed X-ray source includes: a first switch module with a number of first switches that receive a high-voltage signal and a first control signal, selectively turning on one of the plurality of first switches according to the first control signal and sending the high-voltage signal through the first switch turned on; and a cathode control module including a plurality of cathode control stages in one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of first switches, used for receiving the high-voltage signal from the first switch module and sending working state data through a cathode control stage corresponding to the first switch turned on in the plurality of cathode control stages, where each cathode control stage includes a cathode control unit and a cathode.

An X-ray source for emitting an X-ray beam is proposed. The X-ray source comprises an anode and an emitter arrangement comprising a cathode for emitting an electron beam towards the anode and an electron optics for focusing the electron beam at a focal spot on the anode. The X-ray source further comprises a controller configured to determine a switching action of the emitter arrangement and to actuate the emitter arrangement to perform the switching action, the switching action being associated with a change of at least one of a position of the focal spot on the anode, a size of the focal spot, and a shape of the focal spot. The controller is further configured to predict before the switching action is performed, based on the determined switching action, the size and the shape of the focal spot expected after the switching action. Further, the controller is configured to actuate the electron optics to compensate for a change of the size and the shape of the focal spot induced by the switching action.

An X-ray source for emitting an X-ray beam is proposed. The X-ray source comprises an anode and an emitter arrangement comprising a cathode for emitting an electron beam towards the anode and an electron optics for focusing the electron beam at a focal spot on the anode. The X-ray source further comprises a controller configured to determine a switching action of the emitter arrangement and to actuate the emitter arrangement to perform the switching action, the switching action being associated with a change of at least one of a position of the focal spot on the anode, a size of the focal spot, and a shape of the focal spot. The controller is further configured to predict before the switching action is performed, based on the determined switching action, the size and the shape of the focal spot expected after the switching action. Further, the controller is configured to actuate the electron optics to compensate for a change of the size and the shape of the focal spot induced by the switching action.

An x-ray source includes an optical communications link to provide a galvanically isolated communication between a system controller and a gun controller. In specific examples, the link is provided through one or more fibers. In addition, the gun controller is preferably remote programmed by the system controller during startup. This addresses the problem of reprogramming a processor in a hard to access location/environment. A watchdog timer is also useful for the gun digital processor of the gun controller.

A radiation therapy system includes an X-ray imaging system that is configured with a combined and simplified filter and collimator positioning mechanism. In addition, an X-ray imager of the RT system is only positioned at a few discrete locations within a plane that is a fixed distance from the imaging X-ray source when generating X-ray images. As a result, for each of these discrete imaging positions, the simplified filter and collimator positioning mechanism positions a specific collimator-filter combination in a specific location between the X-ray source and the imager.

A radiation therapy system includes an X-ray imaging system that is configured with a combined and simplified filter and collimator positioning mechanism. In addition, an X-ray imager of the RT system is only positioned at a few discrete locations within a plane that is a fixed distance from the imaging X-ray source when generating X-ray images. As a result, for each of these discrete imaging positions, the simplified filter and collimator positioning mechanism positions a specific collimator-filter combination in a specific location between the X-ray source and the imager.

Example methods and apparatuses of controlling a user interface with a plurality of input mechanisms are disclosed. One example method includes causing a first set of input mechanisms in the plurality of input mechanisms to be visually emphasized via a first visual technique while a second set of input mechanisms in the plurality of input mechanisms is not visually emphasized via the first visual technique, receiving a user input via an input mechanism that is included in the first set, based on the user input, determining a third set of input mechanisms in the plurality of input mechanisms and a fourth set of input mechanisms in the plurality of input mechanisms, and causing the third set of input mechanisms to be visually emphasized via the first visual technique while the fourth set of available input mechanisms is not visually emphasized via the first visual technique.

Example methods and apparatuses of controlling a user interface with a plurality of input mechanisms are disclosed. One example method includes causing a first set of input mechanisms in the plurality of input mechanisms to be visually emphasized via a first visual technique while a second set of input mechanisms in the plurality of input mechanisms is not visually emphasized via the first visual technique, receiving a user input via an input mechanism that is included in the first set, based on the user input, determining a third set of input mechanisms in the plurality of input mechanisms and a fourth set of input mechanisms in the plurality of input mechanisms, and causing the third set of input mechanisms to be visually emphasized via the first visual technique while the fourth set of available input mechanisms is not visually emphasized via the first visual technique.

An X-ray device may comprise a timer for monitoring a nonoperation time, such as a time from a previous signal input to a control circuit to the next input signal. When the timer detects that the nonoperation time has exceeded a preset time, the control circuit controls the contactors and so as to turn off the contactors. The standby power of the X-ray device when the frequency of use during the nonoperation time is low can be reduced. Further, when the next signal is input to the control circuit, the control circuit controls the contactors so as to close the contactors, thereby restoring power supply. Therefore, when the next signal is input to the control circuit, the X-ray device is turned to a usable state.

A radiation imaging system includes: multiple radiation imaging apparatuses each including a radiation detecting panel and an enclosure enveloping the radiation detecting panel. The multiple radiation imaging apparatuses are arrayed so that a part of each of the radiation imaging apparatuses spatially overlap as seen from a radiation irradiation side, and a radiation image is acquired based on image signals from each of the multiple radiation imaging apparatuses. The enclosure of at least one radiation imaging apparatus of the multiple radiation imaging apparatuses is formed so that a radiation transmittance of the enclosure which defines the overlapping region is higher than a radiation transmittance of the enclosure which defines a different region.