Abstract: A method includes positioning a patient at a first orientation relative to a radiation source. The method further includes using a 3D imaging technique to measure one or more positions of the patient's chest. The method further includes, while using the 3D imaging technique to measure the one or more positions of the patient's chest: generating a model of the patient's chest using the one or more positions of the patient's chest; updating the model of the patient's chest as the patient breathes; and exposing the patient to a dose of radiation using the radiation source, wherein the dose is based on the model of the patient's chest.

Abstract: A method and a device for driving high-voltage X ray tube with positive and negative pulses are disclosed comprises a microprocessor unit having a first output port and a second output port, respectively outputting a first and a second timing sequence of control signals, a high-voltage X ray tube, a first high-frequency voltage boost circuit outputting a first regulated high-voltage, a first high-voltage protection circuit, a second high-frequency voltage boost circuit outputting a second high-voltage, and a second high-voltage protection circuit. The first high and the second voltages are respectively, regulated by the first timing sequence of control signal and the second timing sequence of control signal. Both regulated high-voltages are, respectively, inputted to anode and cathode of the high-voltage X ray tube vias the high-voltage protected circuits.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for adaptive scan control. In one embodiment, a method includes, upon an injection of a contrast agent, initiating a contrast scan of a subject according to a fallback scan prescription, processing acquired projection data of an anatomical region of interest (ROI) of the subject to measure a contrast signal of the contrast agent, identifying a peak in the contrast signal within a predetermined time frame, if the peak in the contrast signal is not identified within the predetermined time frame, updating the fallback scan prescription to generate an adapted scan prescription for the contrast scan based on the contrast signal, and performing a remainder of the contrast scan according to the adapted scan prescription, and if the peak in the contrast signal is not identified within the predetermined time frame, continuing the remainder of the contrast scan according to the fallback scan prescription.

Abstract: An X-ray device includes a degree-of-wear detection unit for detecting a degree-of-wear of an emitter, an adhesion amount estimation unit for estimating an adhesion amount of a conductive material onto an envelope based on the degree-of-wear of the emitter and a relation between the degree-of-wear of the emitter and an adhesive amount of the conductive material onto the envelope stored in a storage unit.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for adjusting an exposure time of a camera and a device, where the method includes: controlling the camera to collect an imaging light spot of an imaging component with a first exposure time; obtaining an energy value received when the camera collecting the imaging light spot; if the energy value is not within a set energy range, obtaining a curve parameter corresponding to an exposure time-energy curve according to the energy value and the first exposure time; calculating an estimated exposure time corresponding to an optimal energy value according to the curve parameter; and updating the first exposure time with the estimated exposure time corresponding to the optimal energy value. The technical solution provided in the present disclosure can adjust the exposure time of the camera to a reasonable value so as to improve the accuracy and reliability of light spot analysis.

Abstract: Various embodiments of this disclosure provide a medical imaging apparatus and a method of processing a medical image. The medical imaging apparatus includes a data obtainer configured to obtain raw data generated by performing a tomography scan on an object. The medical imaging apparatus also includes a processor configured to obtain, from the raw data, a plurality of pieces of monochromatic image data respectively corresponding to a plurality of energy levels. The processor is also configured to receive an external input that sets a combination of weights respectively applied to the plurality of pieces of monochromatic image data. The processor is also configured to generate a synthetic image by applying the combination of the weights to the plurality of pieces of monochromatic image data. The medical imaging apparatus also includes a display configured to display the generated synthetic image.

Abstract: In order to predict the lifetime of an X-ray generator, the data of at least one physical variable which influences the lifetime of the generator are regularly stored. The stored data are evaluated by means of stored statistics in order to determine the expected remaining lifetime of the X-ray generator.

Abstract: A method for detecting electric arcs on an X-ray generator, the method comprising recording mechanical vibrations of an environment of the X-ray generator, the X-ray generator, or elements of the X-ray generator, using at least one sensor configured to record vibrations to record vibrations, and processing signals recorded by the at least one sensor to identify peaks corresponding to the formation of the electric arcs.

Abstract: The present invention relate to an X-ray photographing apparatus, and more particularly, to a high voltage driving circuit for X-ray tube, in which a first voltage multiplying rectifier unit and a second voltage multiplying rectifier unit are in series connected to each other based on a high voltage generation unit to stably convert a high voltage power generated from the high voltage generation unit into a drive power for an X-ray tube with high energy efficiency, and in which a plurality of isolation transformers or high voltage transformers is in series connected to each other in the high voltage generation unit to divide a voltage of the second voltage multiplying rectifier unit into a withstanding voltage of the isolation transformers or the high voltage transformers, thereby ensuring excellent insulation properties.

Abstract: In a high-voltage apparatus according to this invention, a predetermined voltage is applied to a rotating anode after waiting until the number of rotations increases to such an extent that the rotating anode is not damaged. That is, X-rays of desired intensity are already outputted from a point of time when the voltage is applied to the rotating anode. Therefore, diagnosis can be performed immediately after the voltage is applied to the rotating anode. That is, unlike the prior art, there is no need to wait until X-ray intensity becomes suitable for diagnosis after X-ray emission is started, and there is no need to irradiate the patient with unnecessary X-rays. Therefore, the patient can be inhibited from being irradiated with excessive X-rays (with an improvement made in a response from when the operator gives instructions for starting fluoroscopy until emission of X-rays suitable for diagnosis).

Abstract: An x-ray source is described. During operation of the x-ray source, an electron source emits a beam of electrons. This beam of electrons is focused to a spot on a target by a magnetic focusing lens. In response to receiving the beam of focused electrons, the target provides a transmission source of x-rays. Moreover, a repositioning mechanism selectively repositions the beam of focused electrons to different locations on a surface of the target based on a feedback parameter associated with operation of the x-ray source. This feedback parameter may be based on: an intensity of the x-rays output by the x-ray source; a position of the x-rays output by the x-ray source; an elapsed time during operation of the x-ray source; a cross-sectional shape of the x-rays output by the x-ray source; and/or a spot size of the x-rays output by the x-ray source.

Abstract: In an X-ray generating device (2) a temperature of a focal spot (21) may be determined. Furthermore a load condition is determined, which may also take into account a planned operation procedure of the X-ray generating device (2). The focal spot of the X-ray generating device is then automatically resizable based at least in part on the load condition.

Abstract: A method for determining a maintenance interval for a consumable part and/or for equipment containing a consumable part obtains a plurality of measurements of temperature of the consumable part, receives each of the measurements at a totalizing unit, correlates each of the measurements to one of a plurality of temperature subranges, accumulates for each of the subranges an amount of time the measurements of temperature were correlated to each of the subranges, determines a total time by aggregating the accumulated time for each subrange with a weighting function, and generates a signal to prompt a maintenance event when the total time equals or passes a runtime setpoint. In supplement to or in alternative to the above, the method also correlates a subrange of two sequential measurements, indexes a breakpoint register if the correlated subranges are different, and generates a signal to prompt a maintenance event when a value of the breakpoint register equals or passes a breakpoint setpoint.

Abstract: A power supply for a device which has a load, comprising a first resonant generator and a second resonant generator, coupled in parallel, each generator having a phase output. The power supply further comprises a control circuit coupled to the first and second generators controlling the first and second phase outputs, wherein the first phase output and the second phase output are summed to provide a variable power supply to the load.

Abstract: A system and method to predict a failure of an imaging system that includes a radiation source having an x-ray tube assembly is provided. The system includes a storage medium having a plurality of programmable storage instructions to instruct a processor to perform the steps of acquiring an age of the x-ray tube assembly, calculating a baseline probability of a survivability of the tube assembly for a remaining time period dependent on the age of the tube assembly, acquiring measurement of at least one operating parameter of the x-ray tube assembly, and automatically changing the baseline probability of a survivability of the imaging system for the remaining time period in response to the measurement of the at least one operating parameter of the x-ray tube assembly.

Abstract: An insulator for a vacuum tube is disclosed and includes an electrically insulative bulk material and a first antiferroelectric coating applied to a first portion of the bulk material.

Abstract: A control system for an X-ray source includes a sensor interface for receiving one or more sensor signals representative of operation of the X-ray source; a programmable controller operative in response to the one or more sensor signals and a sequence of control instructions for generating one or more control signals for controlling the X-ray source; and a control interface for supplying the one or more control signals to the X-ray source, either directly or indirectly.

Abstract: An x-ray unit has an x-ray radiator having an anode that emits x-rays upon being struck by electrons, a cathode that thermionically emits electrons upon irradiation thereof by a laser beam, electrical connections for application of a high voltage between the anode and the cathode to accelerate the emitted electrons toward the anode as an electron beam, a vacuum housing that can be rotated around an axis, an insulator that is part of the vacuum housing and that separates the cathode from the anode, a drive that rotates the vacuum housing around its axis, an arrangement for cooling components of the x-ray radiator, and an arrangement that directs the laser beam from a stationary source, arranged outside of the vacuum housing, onto a spatially stationary laser focal spot on the cathode and that focuses the laser beam.

Abstract: An x-ray source that can produce high-brilliance x-rays at a low cost and from a small footprint includes a radiofrequency (RF) photoinjector, an accelerator module (such as a linear superconducting accelerator moducle), a high-power optical laser apparatus, and a passive enhancement cavity. A stream of photons generated by the laser apparatus is accumulated in the enhancement cavity, and an electron stream from the photoinjector are then directed through the enhancement cavity to collide with the photons and generate high-brilliance x-rays via inverse-Compton scattering.

Abstract: An imaging tube (30) includes multiple high voltage elements (64). A voltage-clamping device (70) is coupled between the high voltage elements (64) and prevents the occurrence of overvoltage transients in the minor insulation of an imaging tube (30).

Abstract: In a method for estimating the remaining life span of an X-ray radiator that has been installed in an X-ray apparatus and is operational, under specified test conditions and at time intervals, a measurement value that is indicative for the remaining life span of the X-ray radiator is determined and stored in a memory. A forecasted progression of future measurement values is then forecasted from the instantaneous measurement value and previous measurement values that were determined under identical test conditions, which also are stored in the memory. The forecasted remaining life span of the X-ray radiator is then determined based on the forecasted progression and a limit value that is associated with the individual X-ray radiator, which is stored in the memory.

Abstract: In a method and a computer for generating a schedule for the implementation of examinations with an x-ray apparatus, in particular an x-ray computed tomography apparatus, a particularly exact schedule is generated by calculating an occupation duration for each patient using a load calculator that is present in the x-ray apparatus and to generate a schedule based on the calculated occupation duration, also taking into account a wait time for each examination.

Abstract: In a method for the calculation of a temperature T of a solid body of a liquid cooling medium, or the time t needed for a temperature change of the solid body or the liquid cooling medium, the differential equation dT/dt=b?cT is converted into a dimensionless differential equation. The function that solves the dimensionless differential equation is used to compile a matrix A(=aij), with which T and/or t can be easily calculated.

Abstract: In a method for calculating the temperature T of a solid body or the time t that is needed for a change of the temperature T of the solid body, a solution function to a dimensionless equation corresponding to the differential equation dT/dt=b?aT4?cT, is determined and used to create a matrix A=(aij) with which T or t can be easily calculated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to detect tube spits and to reduce spit related artifacts in a computed tomography imaging system. A way of detecting tube spit is to monitor the generator kilovolt or milliamp waveforms. Changes in kV waveform follow closely with those in offset-corrected projection data. If a tube-spit event is not detected, processing proceeds without tube spit correction. If a tube-spit event is detected, a tube spit correction is performed. The objective of tube-spit correction is to remove image artifacts due to the occurrence of a tube-spit event.

Abstract: A method for preventing overheating of an X-ray apparatus. The method includes controlling an X-ray tube and an X-ray detector which are opposed to each other with a subject between them so as to acquire projection data concerning the subject, estimating quantities of heat dissipated from the X-ray tube and a high-voltage generator that supplies power to the X-ray tube during the acquisition, and optimizing a control parameter, which is used to control the X-ray tube and the high-voltage generator, on the basis of estimates of the quantities of heat dissipated during the acquisition so as to prevent overheat of the X-ray tube and the high-voltage generator.

Abstract: An optical communication transmitter (13), receiver (15), and transceiver (17) having distinctive retro-reflective elements (30) and/or reflectivity that can be modulated. In one embodiment, the retro-reflective elements (30) can have different shapes or patterns (32), irrespective of rotation or size. In another embodiment, the retro-reflective elements can have their reflectivity modulated (42) to have a distinctive pattern in time. The solution also provides the capability to direct a remote optical receiver (15) to an available port (17) with an appropriate FOV. In the case where retro-reflective elements are only shape distinctive, a method may be used to direct the remote OWLink (15) to an appropriate port (17) of the hub (54). In addition to the hub ports (17) used for data links, additional hub ports called command ports (60) are added that are only used during the initial link setup of remote units. The hub (54) contains enough command ports (60) such that one command port covers each possible FOV.

Abstract: An electric discharge detection circuit includes an x-ray tube, a power supply that applies a high voltage to the x-ray tube, a tube voltage that detects the voltage applied to the x-ray tube, a differentiation circuit that differentiates a signal output from the tube voltage detector, a zero-crossing comparator that discriminates the polarity of an output signal from the differentiation circuit; a re-triggerable one-shot pulse generating circuit that generates one-shot pulses at a regular period, using the pulse output from zero-crossing comparator as the trigger, a counter that is input with the one-shot pulse output and counts the pulses to output from the zero-crossing comparator while operation is enabled period, an x-ray cut-off circuit that terminates the generation of high voltage when it receives the carry output and a display that displays the occurrence of an electric discharge phenomenon upon receipt of the carry output.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fast-working residual display suppression circuit for LCD and a method thereto. The method includes the following steps: receiving a control signal; if the control signal is an automatic control signal, comparing a first reference voltage with a fixed difference to a supply voltage to a second reference voltage according to an externally input start signal; as the first reference voltage≦the second reference voltage, outputting an activating signal to an LCD power controller and a fast discharge circuit; if the control signal is a manual control signal, directly outputting the activating signal in order to drive the LCD power controller and the fast discharge circuit and cutting off the power supply to the fast discharge circuit by the LCD power controller according to the activating signal and combining two discharge paths of the fast discharge circuit to produce an optimal discharge path to speed up the discharge rate.

Abstract: An x-ray system 20 includes an x-ray tube insert (24) that has an evacuated envelope (34), an anode assembly (38) and a cathode assembly (40). The anode assembly (38) and the cathode assembly (40) are located in operative relationship to one another within the evacuated envelope (34). A temperature indicating member (100) is located in thermally conductive contact with at least one assembly (38, 40, 66) located in the x-ray tube insert (24). The temperature indicating member (100) has a temperature sensitive characteristic which changes in response to adequate thermal exposure to at least one temperature threshold value.

Abstract: A radiographing apparatus, comprises a control section; and a plurality of radiographing sections each of which is connected to the control section. The control section establishes a standby mode in accordance with a situation that a non-used time period of the plurality of radiographing sections exceeds a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Possible failure of x-ray tubes is predicted by monitoring and analysis of operating parameters considered leading indicators of failure. Historical data for a tube population is analyzed by discriminant analysis to develop a failure prediction algorithm. The algorithm is used to correlate operating parameters, or values derived from the operating parameters with a potential for tube failure. The operating parameters may include anode overcurrent events and spits, or spit rate exceeded errors for a diagnostic system in which the x-ray tube is installed.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube configured to emit X-rays, an X-ray detector configured to detect X-rays passing through a subject in order to acquire projection data, a processor configured to reconstruct tomographic image data on the basis of the projection data, and an interlock unit configured to monitor generation of an arc in the X-ray tube. When an arc in the X-ray tube is detected, the interlock unit stops emitting X-ray emission from the X-ray tube. When a predetermined period of time elapse from the stop of X-ray emission, the interlock unit restarts X-ray emission from the X-ray tube.

Abstract: An electric discharge detection circuit includes an x-ray tube, a power supply that applies a high voltage to the x-ray tube, a tube voltage that detects the voltage applied to the x-ray tube, a differentiation circuit that differentiates a signal output from the tube voltage detector, a zero-crossing comparator that discriminates the polarity of an output signal from the differentiation circuit; a re-triggerable one-shot pulse generating circuit that generates one-shot pulses at a regular period, using the pulse output from zero-crossing comparator as the trigger, a counter that is input with the one-shot pulse output and counts the pulses output from the zero-crossing comparator while operation is enabled period, an x-ray cut-off circuit that terminates the generation of high voltage when it receives the carry output and a display that displays the occurrence of an electric discharge phenomenon upon receipt of the carry output.

Abstract: The invention concerns an x-ray tube having a thermionic emitter and a warning means, which exhibits means for measuring as least one electrical property of the thermionic emitter and produces a signal during analysis of the measured electrical property, if the measured electrical property shows a value indicating an impending failure of the thermionic emitter.

Abstract: In a method and a load computer for calculating the space-time temperature distribution in or, on an anode bombarded with electrons in an x-ray tube. The brief-term temperature boost in a surface layer in and around a focus spot on the anode of the x-ray tube is thereby calculated for the time span during and immediately after the electron bombardment of the focal spot, being calculated by the load computer. The load computer then calculates the long-term temperature distribution in the entire volume of the anode, taking into consideration the heat propagation that emanates from the focal spot as well as the heat emission from the surface of the anode. The results of the two calculations are added for determining the temperature distribution on and in the anode and, are displayed at a display and/or are, employed for driving the x-ray tube.

Abstract: A clinical XRAY based apparatus with a user interface is operated by initiating the apparatus and then entering a sequence of operational parameter values for as based thereon executing an XRAY irradiation process. In particular, during the entering an execution feasibility level of the process is dynamically ascertained in view of an anticipated physical or other quantitative effect on one or more critical elements of the apparatus. Upon detecting insufficient feasibility, one or more parameter values already entered are figured out that have a preponderantly negative effect on said feasibility level and a user-initiated amendment of their value or values is allowed, until raising the feasibility level to sufficient. Otherwise the entering is continued until completing the sequence as preliminary to executing the XRAY irradiation process.

Abstract: Possible failure of x-ray tubes is predicted by monitoring and analysis of operating parameters considered leading indicators of failure. Historical data for a tube population is analyzed by discriminant analysis to develop a failure prediction algorithm. The algorithm is used to correlate operating parameters, or values derived from the operating parameters with a potential for tube failure. The operating parameters may include anode overcurrent events and spits, or spit rate exceeded errors for a diagnostic system in which the x-ray tube is installed.

Abstract: A system for managing replacement of x-ray tubes, such as in medical diagnostic systems, includes circuitry for monitoring operating parameters of the x-ray tubes, and circuitry for analyzing the monitored parameters and scheduling for tube replacement based upon predicted failure. The scheduling circuitry may be located in a remote service center and is linked to the diagnostic systems via a network connection. A failure prediction circuit may be located at the remote service center or local to the diagnostic system. Upon identifying a predicted tube failure, replacement of the tube is scheduled and shipment of a replacement tube is ordered. Service personnel may be notified automatically to coordinate tube replacement. Electronic messages may be transmitted to the service personnel and to personnel in the facility where the x-ray tube is installed to notify all parties of the scheduled tube replacement.

Abstract: A rotary anode type X-ray tube is controlled by an X-ray emission control device. In the X-ray emission control device, the maximum permissible storage heat quantity which can be applied to the rotary anode of the X-ray tube is set, the anode storage heat quantity which is lowered based on the cooling characteristic of the rotary anode is calculated, the present anode storage heat quantity is calculated, and the imaginary anode storage heat quantity for the next X-ray emitting condition which is derived by calculation using the correction functions based on the anode input power, emission continuation time, anode rotation speed and focal point size, the anode input power of the next predicted X-ray emission, and X-ray emission continuation time is calculated.

Abstract: In an X-ray tube with a hydrodynamic slide bearing, an electron beam is caused to strike the focal point track area F on its rotary anode, which then emits X rays. An X-ray emission control device that sets the conditions for emitting the X rays stores as data the rises and drops in the temperature at the electron beam incident point and the other part on the focal point track surface of the anode. On the basis of the data, the input permission or inhibition conditions for the X-ray tube at every moment are calculated and the resulting conditions are displayed on a display unit. As a result, it is possible to perform a computing process in advance to determine whether or not X rays can be emitted under specific conditions without a permitting the rotary anode in the X-ray tube with a hydrodynamic slide bearing to melt and then display the results, thereby enabling a safe, efficient photographing control.

Abstract: The invention relates to an X-ray source, comprising a housing, an X-ray tube which is arranged therein and which is surrounded by a liquid insulating medium, and a temperature sensor for determining the temperature within the liquid insulating medium. A simple embodiment of the temperature sensor consists in that it comprises a measuring element which is in thermal contact with a spatial zone in the insulating medium and which assumes a uniform temperature which is dependent on the temperature distribution in the zone during operation of the X-ray source, and a temperature transducer which is thermally coupled to the measuring element and which generates an electric signal which is dependent on the temperature of the measuring element.

Abstract: An X-ray generator for operating an X-ray tube having parts of the tube connected to ground includes a high-voltage transformer arrangement having distinct secondary windings for producing positive and negative high voltages, for the anode and the cathode, respectively, of the X-ray tube. The unfavorable voltage distribution inherent in the feeding of such an X-ray tube by a high-ohmic generator is removed in a simple manner in that the secondary windings are each associated with a primary winding and that in series with the primary winding for producing the anode voltage an inductance is connected by means of a switching device.

Abstract: A high-voltage generator supplies an X-ray source with a high-voltage via at least one high-voltage cable. To protect the X-ray tube of the source against destruction by discharge phenomena in the X-ray tube, a damping impedance which is operative only from a high-frequency point of view is provided at the output of the high-voltage generator.

Abstract: A voltage control (22) controls the voltage applied between an anode (12) and a cathode filament (14) of an x-ray tube (10). A filament control (16) controls the amount of current fed through the filament. A voltage controlled oscillator (40) and counter (42) monitor the magnitude, if any, of a tube current (24) flowing between the cathode and the anode to generate x-rays (26). A microprocessor (50) calibrates the filament current such that the filament current value stored in a filament current look-up table (122) for each selectable tube voltage and tube current combination actually produces the selected tube current. The filament current is initialized (60) to a small current value and progressively incremented (66) until a commencement of the tube current (24) is monitored (64).

Abstract: The disclosure concerns X-ray tubes that are placed in a sealed casing and filled with a cooling liquid. The disclosed safety device is constituted by a thermostat and/or a pressure-sentitive switch, series connected in the power supply circuit of the filament of the cathode. In the case of a cathod with two filaments, the thermostat and/or the pressure-sensitive switch is or are connected to the common conductor. Thus, should a temperature or pressure threshold be exceeded, the supply to the filament is cut off, thus cutting-off the X-radiation.

Abstract: A gantry (A) of a CT scanner system has an x-ray tube (10) and radiation detectors (14) which produce patient diagnostic data. An operator using a keyboard (20) or other manual controls operates the x-ray tube and other components of the gantry. The operator also causes a central processing unit (C) to process the diagnostic data with a selected algorithm to provide diagnostic information for display on a display (24). The same keyboard and displays are also utilized in routine service and repair processes. A system monitor (E) compares operating conditions sensed by sensors (50), such as operating temperatures and compares them with acceptable operating conditions. When the sensed conditions are unacceptable, a timer (60) is started and shuts down (68) gantry operation after a preselected duration. The operator can override (72) the timed shut down, but each such override is recorded (74) in permanent storage (32).

Abstract: An X-ray tube exposure monitor for recording the emissions from a diagnostic X-ray tube. A photo diode is mounted inside the X-ray tube bulkhead and detects radiation from the X-ray tube. The photo diode is connected to a high gain amplifier and, in response to radiation being detected, the output of the amplifier sends an electronic signal to a microprocessor. The microprocessor records the emission duration and the temperature of oil around the X-ray tube and increments an exposure count. The recording and exposure count is stored in non-volatile memory which is read later by a service technician.

Abstract: An x-radiator has a housing filled with electrically insulating fluid and having a radiation exit window, an x-ray tube disposed in the housing surrounded by the fluid and directing x-radiation through the exit window. During operation, the x-ray tube generates heat, causing an increase in pressure of the fluid in the housing. A protection circuit is provided which discontinues operation of the x-ray tube when the pressure of the fluid in the housing reaches a limit value. In order to prevent the protection circuit from unexpectedly discontinuing operation of the x-ray tube during a patient examination, the x-radiator also includes a warning circuit which generates a signal when the pressure of the fluid in the housing reaches a threshold level, the threshold level being below the limit value.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting the exposure parameters of an X-ray generator that comprises an X-ray transformer for supplying high voltage and filament current to an X-ray tube, in which data relating to the functional relationships between the unloaded voltage of the X-ray transformer, the loaded voltage thereof, the anode current of the X-ray tube and the filament current are stored in the memory of a processor, and based on a measured unloaded voltage and a preset mAs exposure value the processor calculates and displays the loaded high voltage, sets a suitable discrete filament current and determines the exposure time corresponding to the predetermined mAs value in such a way that the X-ray tube cannot be overloaded. If the predetermined exposure data cannot be set due to overload, the processor indicates this fact, whereby the operator can either adjust the voltage or change the exposure parameters.