Ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus
First Claim
1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for obtaining ultrasonic information by scanning an interior of a subject with an ultrasonic wave through an ultrasonic probe, an output level of the ultrasonic wave being determined on the basis of a first parameter and a second parameter, the first parameter being a drive voltage which is applied to the ultrasonic probe, comprising:
- means for setting the second parameter, wherein the second parameter is selected from at least one of depth of focus, rate frequency, burst wave number transmission aperture and duty ratio of the ultrasonic wave; and
means for controlling the drive voltage on the basis of the set second parameter such that the output level of the ultrasonic wave is equal to or less than a predetermined upper limit value.
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Accused Products
Abstract
For an ultrasonic wave to be transmitted, an ultrasonic probe driving unit can apply a stepwise varying drive voltage to the ultrasonic probe. The drive voltage of the driving unit is so selectively set by a setting unit as to allow the output level of the ultrasonic wave to be in a range below, but nearest to, an upper limit. It is, therefore, possible to obtain maximal image quality in a range in which safety is secured.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for obtaining ultrasonic information by scanning an interior of a subject with an ultrasonic wave through an ultrasonic probe, an output level of the ultrasonic wave being determined on the basis of a first parameter and a second parameter, the first parameter being a drive voltage which is applied to the ultrasonic probe, comprising:
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means for setting the second parameter, wherein the second parameter is selected from at least one of depth of focus, rate frequency, burst wave number transmission aperture and duty ratio of the ultrasonic wave; and means for controlling the drive voltage on the basis of the set second parameter such that the output level of the ultrasonic wave is equal to or less than a predetermined upper limit value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for obtaining ultrasonic information by scanning an interior of a subject with an ultrasonic probe using an ultrasonic wave, comprising:
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means for setting at least one parameter associated with the scanning; calculating means for calculating an output level of the ultrasonic wave on the basis of the at least one parameter, the output level of the ultrasonic wave being selected from one of Ispta, Isppa, MI and TI; and means for displaying, in real time, the ultrasonic information and the output level calculated by the calculating means. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. An ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for obtaining a tomographic image of an object comprising:
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means for transmitting/receiving an ultrasonic wave to/from the object; means for varying at least one of a plurality of parameters relating to an ultrasonic output level to maintain the output level below a predetermined upper output value when another one of the plurality of parameters is varied; and means for displaying the tomographic image wherein said ultrasonic output level is represented by at least one of a mechanical index MI representing a mechanical influence on the object by energy generated when a bubble bursts as it is expanded and contracted while an ultrasonic wave is propagated through the object, and a thermal index TI representing a thermal influence (an increase in temperature of the tissue) on the object by energy absorbed in the tissue of the object from the ultrasonic wave. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification