Abstract: A maximum tube voltage value setting module 240a, a warming-up module 240b, a limit tube voltage control module 240c, a limit tube current control module 240d and a focus grid electrode control module 240e of an operation program 240 which respectively correspond to different maximum tube voltage values are stored in storage sections 32a-e of an X-ray tube control apparatus 3. When the maximum tube voltage value of an X-ray tube 1 is changed, an extraction section 34 extracts each module of the operation program 240 which corresponds to the maximum tube voltage value after being changed from the storage sections 32a-e. A communications section 36 sends the operation program 240 comprised of each extracted module to an X-ray tube controller 2 and overwrites it in a memory section 24.

Abstract: An initial image (the image of a slit plate 5 imaged when adjusted to an optimal focal diameter) is stored in a storage section 72 of an X-ray tube adjusting apparatus 7. An acquisition section 74 acquires a test image (the image of the slit plate 5 imaged at the time of adjusting the focal diameter). A presentation section 76 presents the initial image and an image representing the luminance on the initial image (showing a contrast ?a between a slit portion 764a and a residual area portion 766a in the initial image) and the test image and an image representing the luminance on the test image (showing a contrast ?b between a slit portion 764b and a residual area portion 766b in the initial image) simultaneously (in a comparable manner).

Abstract: A maximum tube voltage value setting module 240a, a warming-up module 240b, a limit tube voltage control module 240c, a limit tube current control module 240d and a focus grid electrode control module 240e of an operation program 240 which respectively correspond to different maximum tube voltage values are stored in storage sections 32a-e of an X-ray tube control apparatus 3. When the maximum tube voltage value of an X-ray tube 1 is changed, an extraction section 34 extracts each module of the operation program 240 which corresponds to the maximum tube voltage value after being changed from the storage sections 32a-e. A communications section 36 sends the operation program 240 comprised of each extracted module to an X-ray tube controller 2 and overwrites it in a memory section 24.

Abstract: An initial image (the image of a slit plate 5 imaged when adjusted to an optimal focal diameter) is stored in a storage section 72 of an X-ray tube adjusting apparatus 7. An acquisition section 74 acquires a test image (the image of the slit plate 5 imaged at the time of adjusting the focal diameter). A presentation section 76 presents the initial image and an image representing the luminance on the initial image (showing a contrast ?a between a slit portion 764a and a residual area portion 766a in the initial image) and the test image and an image representing the luminance on the test image (showing a contrast Ab between a slit portion 764b and a residual area portion 766b in the initial image) simultaneously (in a comparable manner).

Abstract: An X-ray tube controller measures operation information (filament power supply time in an X-ray tube and a grid voltage value applied to grid electrodes to maintain the tube current value under a predetermined tube voltage). The information is transmitted to an X-ray tube operation information acquiring unit via a communication line. In a storage section of the information acquiring unit, a database written with degree of attrition corresponding to the integrated power supply time of a filament (reduction ratio of thermalelectron emission amount (tube current value at a predetermined G1 voltage) to the initial value (thermalelectron emission amount when the filament is first used) is stored. An attrition degree determination section determines the degree of attrition of the filament from the count of filament power supply time with reference to the database. Also, the attrition degree determination section determines the end of life from the G1 voltage value.

Abstract: This invention aims at providing an X-ray apparatus having a stable X-ray output. Since the focus electrode of the X-ray tube of the X-ray apparatus according to this invention maintains a ground potential, the focus diameter of electrons bombarded against a target becomes constant. Hence, the X-ray output emerging from an exit window is stabilized. Since the potential ratio of a cathode to the target is always constant, the electric field distribution between the cathode and the target is stabilized, thereby stabilizing the X-ray output emerging from the exit window.