Method and apparatus to increase the operational time of a tomographic scanner

A method of diagnostic imaging comprising:

• rotating a plurality of x-ray sources about a subject;
• alternatingly powering the x-ray sources while the sources are rotating;
• measuring a time the x-ray source is powered;
• measuring power into the powered x-ray source;
• comparing the time and power from the measuring steps with a stored thermal profile;
• and
• determining whether to power another of the x-ray sources based on the comparing step.

A method of diagnostic imaging comprising:

• rotating a plurality of x-ray sources about a subject;
• noting an angular position when a first of the x-ray sources is depowered;
• delaying powering a second of the x-ray sources until the second source is at the angular position noted;
• and,
• receiving x-rays from at least one of the sources.

A method of diagnostic imaging comprising:

• rotating a plurality of x-ray sources about a subject;
• alternatingly powering the x-ray sources while the sources are rotating;
• monitoring a temperature of the x-ray source being powered;
• comparing the monitored temperature with preselected temperature conditions;
• and
• determining whether to power another of the x-ray sources based on the comparing step.

A method of diagnostic imaging comprising:

• concurrently rotating at least a first x-ray tube and a second x-ray tube around a subject;
• cyclically
• (a) powering the first x-ray tube while the second x-ray tube cools, and
• (b) powering the second x-ray tube while the first x-ray tube cools;
• monitoring the x-ray tubes for a failure condition;
• and
• inhibiting cycling between steps (a) and (b) in response to the monitoring step such that the cycling stops in response to a monitored failure condition.

A method of diagnostic imaging comprising:

• concurrently rotating at least a first x-ray tube and a second x-ray tube around a subject;
• cyclically
• (a) powering the first x-ray tube while the second x-ray tube cools, and
• (b) powering the second x-ray tube while the first x-ray tube cools;
• monitoring thermal loading conditions of the one of the first and second x-ray tubes that is being powered;
• comparing the monitored thermal loading conditions with preselected thermal loading conditions;
• and
• in response to the comparing step, switching between steps (a) and (b).

A method of diagnostic imaging in which x-rays are received on a plurality of detectors, and processed into an image representation and the image is displayed, the method further including:

• powering a first of at least two x-ray tubes for a first amount of time;
• switching power from the first x-ray tube to a second x-ray tube;
• powering the second x-ray tube for a second amount of time;
• switching power from the second x-ray tube to the first x-ray tube;
• determining a temperature of an anode of the powered x-ray tube;
• and
• switching the power in response to the determined temperature.