JP2009142473A - Ultrasonic imaging apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic imaging apparatus capable of individually setting the limit value information of a control parameter and further ensuring the optimization of the maximum driving voltage. <P>SOLUTION: A limit value setting means 22 individually sets the limit value information of limit parameters such as MI, TI and DT, and a maximum driving voltage calculation means 23 turns the minimum value of the maximum driving voltage that the limit parameter calculated on the basis of the individual limit value information have to the driving voltage of transmission ultrasonic waves to be set to a transmission/reception part 102. Thus, the maximum driving voltage is optimized further on the basis of the limit value information that the individual limit parameters have, and image information which is more highly adaptable to the individual limit value information and highly sensitive depending on cases is acquired. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic imaging apparatus that limits a scan parameter value when an object is irradiated with ultrasonic waves based on safety standards.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, various safety restrictions have been added in consideration of the influence of ultrasonic waves on the human body as the functionality of ultrasonic imaging devices has increased. These restrictions include MI (Mechanical Index), which is an index of negative sound pressure that generates cavitation in a subject, and TI, which is an index related to the temperature rise in the living body related to the thermal action of ultrasound. (Refer to Non-patent Document 1, for example).

While an operator sets scan parameter value information such as an imaging range, depth of focus, and aperture in the depth direction of an ultrasonic wave from an operation panel, the ultrasonic imaging apparatus uses the scan parameter value information. The maximum drive voltage applied to the piezoelectric element is adjusted so that the value of the limit parameter when using is within the range of the specified limit value information.
Edited by Japan Electronic Machinery Manufacturers Association, “Revised Medical Ultrasound Handbook”, Corona, January 20, 1997, p. 52-58

  However, according to the above background art, the adjustment of the maximum drive voltage is not easy. That is, since there are a plurality of control parameters, it is easy to optimize the maximum drive voltage so as to obtain high-sensitivity tomographic image information without exceeding the upper limit values of all these control parameters determined by the standard. Not.

  Further, the upper limit value of the control parameter such as MI or TI is determined based on the safety standard of the standard. On the other hand, in imaging using an ultrasonic imaging apparatus, more limited control parameter limit values that do not exceed safety standards may make sense. For example, when the subject is sensitive to the temperature rise on the probe surface, it is preferable to set the limit value to a value lower than the temperature rise value defined by the standard, and it does not involve destruction of the contrast agent. In imaging using a contrast agent, it is preferable that the limit value of MI is set to be lower than the sound pressure at which cavitation occurs or less than the destruction sound pressure of the contrast agent.

  From these facts, it is important how to realize the ultrasonic imaging apparatus that allows the limit value information of the control parameter to be individually set and further optimizes the maximum drive voltage.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems caused by the background art, and makes it possible to individually set control parameter limit value information, thereby further ensuring optimization of the maximum drive voltage. An object is to provide an ultrasonic imaging apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention includes an input unit that inputs scan parameter value information when irradiating a subject with ultrasonic waves, For each of a plurality of limiting parameters for limiting the scanning parameter value information, a maximum value that is the maximum value of the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element that generates the ultrasonic wave based on the scanning parameter value information and the limiting value information of the limiting parameter Maximum drive voltage calculation means for calculating a drive voltage, and drive voltage setting means for setting a minimum value of the plurality of maximum drive voltages as a maximum drive voltage of a voltage applied to the piezoelectric element when performing the generation. .

  In the invention according to the first aspect, the maximum drive voltage is obtained for each control parameter, and these minimum values are set as the maximum voltage applied to the piezoelectric element when the ultrasonic wave is generated.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the invention of the second aspect is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the ultrasonic imaging apparatus individually sets limit value information included in the plurality of limiting parameters. And a limiting value setting means.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the second aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the first aspect, and sets the limit value information of the control parameter individually.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the limiting parameters are a probe surface temperature rise, a parameter of MI, TI, and Ispta3. It is characterized by including.

  In the invention according to the third aspect, parameters and limit values defined by standards related to safety are used as limit parameters.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the second or third aspect, wherein the limit value setting means sets the upper limit value of the limit parameter to the plurality of limits. An upper limit storage means for storing each parameter is provided.

  In the fourth aspect of the invention, the upper limit value of the restriction parameter is input in advance to the ultrasonic imaging apparatus.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the input unit sets a percentage of the upper limit value for each of the plurality of limiting parameters. A percentage setting means is provided.

  In the invention according to the fifth aspect, the input form is set so that the operator can easily grasp the value based on the percentage.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the fifth aspect, wherein the limit value setting means is configured to limit the plurality of limits based on the upper limit value and the percentage. Limit value calculation means for calculating limit value information for each parameter is provided.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the drive voltage setting means is provided for each of the plurality of limiting parameters. The differential voltage for each of the limiting parameters obtained by subtracting the minimum value from the maximum drive voltage is obtained.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the seventh aspect, wherein the ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes a display unit that displays the plurality of differential voltages. Features.

  In the eighth aspect of the invention, the operator recognizes the maximum drive voltage for each control parameter.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the ninth aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein the ultrasonic imaging apparatus stores the scan parameter value information. Scanning parameter value storage means for performing the processing.

  In the ninth aspect of the invention, the scan parameter value information is reused when performing similar imaging.

  The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the invention of the tenth aspect is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the ninth aspect, wherein the limit value setting means includes limit value storage means for storing the limit value information. It is characterized by.

  In the tenth aspect of the invention, the limit value information is reused when similar imaging is performed.

  An ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to an eleventh aspect of the invention is the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the tenth aspect, in which the maximum drive voltage calculating means stores the stored scan parameter value information and limit value information. And calculating the maximum drive voltage.

  In the eleventh aspect of the invention, when similar imaging is performed, the piezoelectric element is driven with the same maximum driving voltage.

  According to the present invention, the maximum drive voltage of the piezoelectric element is further optimized based on the limit value information set for each limit parameter, and high-quality tomographic image information can be acquired.

  The best mode for carrying out an ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited thereby.

  First, the overall configuration of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the present embodiment. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes a probe unit 101, an image acquisition unit 109, an image memory unit (memory) unit 104, an image display control unit 105, a display unit 106, an input unit 107, and a control unit 108, and includes an image acquisition unit. 109 further includes a transmission / reception unit 102 and an image processing unit 103.

  The probe unit 101 repeatedly irradiates ultrasonic waves in a specific direction of an imaging cross section of the subject 1 for transmitting / receiving ultrasonic waves, and reflects ultrasonic signals reflected from the inside of the subject 1 in time series. Received as a typical sound ray. The probe unit 101 performs electronic scanning while sequentially switching the irradiation direction of ultrasonic waves at the same time. Note that the probe unit 101 has piezoelectric elements (not shown) arranged in an array.

  The transmitting / receiving unit 102 is connected to the probe unit 101 by a coaxial cable (cable), and performs first-stage amplification of the electrical signal for driving the piezoelectric element of the probe unit 101 and the received ultrasonic signal. In the case of transmission of ultrasonic waves, the transmission / reception unit 102 delays the transmission signal to focus on the focal position. The transmission / reception unit 102 includes drive voltage varying means 12. The drive voltage varying unit 12 changes the voltage for driving the piezoelectric element in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 108. The drive voltage varying means 12 changes the drive voltage of the piezoelectric element and changes the sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave irradiated to the subject 1.

  The image processing unit 103 forms an electrical signal for driving the transmission / reception unit 102 and forms tomographic image information from the ultrasonic signal amplified by the transmission / reception unit 102.

  When receiving ultrasonic waves, the image processing unit 103 performs delay addition processing of the received ultrasonic signals, and after the A / D (analog / digital) conversion processing, converts the converted digital information. As B-mode image information, a process of writing in an image memory unit 104 described later is performed.

  The image memory unit 104 is an image memory for storing B-mode image information and the like. In particular, the image memory unit 104 displays time-varying B-mode image information together with acquisition time information when imaging is performed with a frame (frame) constituting one piece of tomographic image information as a minimum unit. save.

The image display control unit 105 displays a display frame rate (frame) such as B-mode image information generated by the image processing unit 103.
rate) conversion, color display control, and display image shape and position control of B-mode image information. In addition, ROI (region) indicating a region of interest on a display image such as B-mode image information
of interest) is also displayed.

  The display unit 106 visually displays the image information output from the image display control unit 105 using a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display unit 106 can perform color display according to an instruction from the image display control unit 105.

  The control unit 108 controls the operation of each unit of the above-described ultrasonic imaging apparatus based on the operation input signal given from the input unit 107 and the program (program) and data (data) stored in advance, and displays the B on the display unit 106. Display mode images.

  The input unit 107 includes a keyboard, a pointing device, and the like, and transmits an operation input signal and the like for selecting whether or not to perform display with a B-mode image to the control unit 108 by an operator. The input unit 107 also inputs limit value information related to control parameters such as MI, TI, and DT, which will be described later.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the input unit 107. The input unit 107 includes a keyboard 70, a TGC (Time Gain Controller) 71, a patient designation unit 72 including a new patient key, a measurement input unit 73 including a track ball, an ROI setting, and the like. Control parameter value setting means 74 for setting the control parameter limit value information in percentage.

  The control parameter value setting means 74 includes a control parameter selection key 75 and a percentage setting volume (volume) 76. The control parameter selection key 75 selects a control parameter such as MI, TI, and DT, and the percentage setting volume 76 is a volume for inputting a percentage with respect to a preset upper limit value of the selected control parameter.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the control unit 108. The control unit 108 includes an image acquisition control unit 21, a limit value setting unit 22, a maximum drive voltage calculation unit 23, and a drive voltage setting unit 24. Here, limit value setting means 22 includes upper limit value storage means 32 and limit value calculation means 33, and upper limit value storage means 32 includes MI upper limit value information 41, TI upper limit value information 42, DT upper limit value information 43, and the like. The limit value calculation means 33 includes an MI limit value calculation unit 44, a TI limit value calculation unit 45, a DT limit value calculation unit 46, and the like. Further, the maximum drive voltage calculating means 23 includes an MI corresponding voltage calculating unit 47, a TI corresponding voltage calculating unit 48, a DT corresponding voltage calculating unit 49, and the like.

  The image acquisition control unit 21 performs ultrasonic scanning based on scan parameter information such as imaging mode designation information, depth direction imaging range information, focal position information, and drive frequency information from the input unit 107, and obtains tomographic image information. get. In particular, the image acquisition control unit 21 changes the maximum drive voltage of the ultrasonic pulse irradiated to the subject 1 by using the drive voltage varying unit 12 of the transmission / reception unit 102 according to the designation from the input unit 107, and thus the subject. The ultrasonic sound pressure in 1 is changed.

  The limit value setting means 22 obtains limit value limit value information for limiting the scan parameter value. Here, the restriction parameter is a parameter defined by standards such as MI, TI, DT, and Ispta3. Incidentally, MI is a parameter obtained based on the negative sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave in the subject 1 and is an index indicating the degree of occurrence of cavitation occurring inside the subject 1. TI is a parameter obtained based on the intensity of ultrasonic waves in the subject 1 and is an index indicating the thermal action inside the subject 1. DT is a parameter obtained based on the maximum drive voltage of the piezoelectric element, the repetition period of electronic scanning, and the like, and is an index indicating the temperature rise on the surface of the ultrasonic lens in contact with the subject 1 of the probe unit 101. Ispta3 is a parameter indicating the thermal action of the ultrasonic wave in the subject 1, and is an index indicating the time-average acoustic intensity at the point where the sound pressure is maximum within a predetermined spatial region.

  The upper limit storage means 32 is a memory for storing the MI upper limit information 41, the TI upper limit information 42, and the DT upper limit information 43 defined by the above-mentioned standards such as MI, TI, and DT. These upper limit information is read into the nonvolatile memory in advance, for example, when the ultrasonic imaging apparatus is shipped.

  The limit value calculating unit 33 obtains limit value information of the limit parameter based on the percentage information for the upper limit value such as MI, TI, or DT, which is input from the input unit 107. The limit value calculation means 33 includes an MI limit value calculation unit 44, a TI limit value calculation unit 45, a DT limit value calculation unit 46, and the like. For example, the MI limit value calculation unit 44 reads the MI upper limit information 41 of the upper limit value storage unit 32 and the MI percentage information from the input unit 107 and calculates the limit value information.

  Here, the MIL indicating the MI limit value uses the function P, where the value of the MI upper limit information 41 is MIUL and the percentage information of MI is A%.

MIL = P (MIUL × (A / 100))
Is calculated using The function P is a monotonically increasing function of A, and has a different function form for each of MI, TI, and DT. The TI limit value calculating unit 45, the DT limit value calculating unit 46, and the like are also calculated in the same manner as the TIL that is the TI limit value, the DTL that is the DT limit value, and the like.

  The maximum drive voltage calculating means 23 includes an MI corresponding voltage calculating section 47, a TI corresponding voltage calculating section 48, a DT corresponding voltage calculating section 49, etc., and the MI limit value MIL and TI limit value TIL calculated by the limit value calculating means 33. The maximum drive voltage for driving the piezoelectric element is calculated for each control parameter using the DT limit value DTL and the like, and the scan parameter value set from the input unit 107. When apodization is performed, the piezoelectric elements arranged in the probe unit 101 have different driving voltages for each piezoelectric element. Here, the calculated drive voltage is the maximum drive voltage among them.

  For example, the MI-corresponding voltage calculation unit 47 uses a predetermined function f having the MI control value MIL input from the limit value calculation unit 33 and the scan parameter value input from the input unit 107 as dependent variables. The MI corresponding drive voltage Vmi is calculated. That is, the MI corresponding drive voltage Vmi uses the resonance frequency Ty, the focus depth Fd of the electronic focus, the aperture width Ap, the pulse waveform Wf, etc. as the MI control value MIL and the scan parameter value.

Vmi = f (MIL, Ty, Fd, Ap, Wf,...)
Calculated by Since the function f has a complicated function form, the calculation for obtaining Vmi can be performed numerically, but the inverse calculation, for example, the value of one scan parameter is determined using Vmi, MIL, and a plurality of scan parameter values. It is difficult to do so.

  In addition, the TI corresponding voltage calculation unit 48 and the DT corresponding voltage calculation unit 49 are TI compatible using the TI control value TIL and the DT control value DTL, and the functions g and h, just like the MI corresponding voltage calculation unit 47. The drive voltage Vti and the DT corresponding drive voltage Vdt are

        Vti = g (TIL, Ty, Fd, Ap,...)

Vdt = h (DTL, Ty, Fd, Ap,...)
Ask for. Further, when other control parameters are used, the same independent variable is used although the function form is different.

  The drive voltage setting unit 24 receives values such as the MI-compatible drive voltage Vmi, the TI-compatible drive voltage Vti, and the DT-compatible drive voltage Vdt from the maximum drive voltage calculating unit 23 and obtains the minimum drive voltage Vmin from these values. Transmit to variable means 12. That is,

Vmin = min (Vmi, Vti, Vdt,...)
It becomes. The drive voltage varying unit 12 sets the value of Vmin as the maximum drive voltage of the transmitter.

  Next, the operation of the control unit 108 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control unit 108. First, the operator sets scan parameters from the input unit 107 (step S401). Here, the operator inputs information such as the focal depth Fd, aperture width Ap, and pulse waveform Wf of the electronic focus from the input unit 107, and the resonance frequency Ty from the probe unit 101 connected to the ultrasonic imaging apparatus main body. Are set in the control unit 108.

  Thereafter, the operator sets percentage information for each control parameter from the input unit 107 (step S402). FIG. 5 is an example in which percentage information for each control parameter set from the input unit 107 is displayed on the display unit 106. FIG. 5 displays percentage information such as MI, TI, and DT. Here, the operator sets the percentage in consideration of the value of the control parameter optimal for imaging of the subject 1. For example, in the case where the subject 1 is heat-sensitive, the temperature rise at the contact surface of the probe unit 101 with the subject 1 is kept with the other limiting parameter values fixed at the upper limit of 100%. The value of DT as an index is set to about 50% of the upper limit value. Thus, the operator can surely reduce the discomfort due to heat that the subject 1 feels from the probe unit 101. On the other hand, setting only the DT value to 50% of the percentage with the percentages of the other limiting parameters set to the upper limit of 100% is compared to setting all the limiting parameters uniformly to 50% of the percentage. Thus, there is a case where the maximum drive voltage can be set high, and parameter optimization that is favorable in terms of image quality can be performed.

  As another example, when a contrast agent is administered to the subject 1 and this contrast agent is repeatedly imaged, the limit value information of MI is kept with the other limit parameter values fixed at the upper limit of 100%. Is set to a value equal to or lower than the destructive sound pressure of the contrast agent. When a contrast agent that can be repeatedly imaged is administered to the subject 1 and imaging is performed, the sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave irradiated by the subject 1 needs to be less than or equal to the destruction sound pressure of the contrast agent. The operator sets the limit value information of MI that is an index of the sound pressure in the subject 1 to be equal to or lower than the destructive sound pressure. For example, the limit value information of MI is set to 30% of the upper limit value, and the limit value information of other limit parameters is set to 100% of the upper limit value.

  Thereby, the operator can set the sound pressure inside the subject 1 to be equal to or lower than the destructive sound pressure of the reliable contrast agent. On the other hand, setting the percentage of only the limit value information of MI with the percentages of the other limit parameters set to the upper limit of 100% is lower than setting all the limit parameters uniformly low, There are cases where the maximum drive voltage can be set high, and it is possible to perform parameter optimization that is preferable in terms of image quality.

  Thereafter, the operator performs imaging (step S403), and the present process is terminated.

  As described above, in this embodiment, limit value information of limit parameters such as MI, TI, and DT is individually set, and the maximum drive voltage of the limit parameter calculated based on the individual limit value information is set. Since the minimum value is the maximum drive voltage of the transmission ultrasonic wave set in the transmission / reception unit 102, the maximum drive voltage is further optimized based on the limit value information included in the individual limit parameter, and the individual limit value is set. It is possible to acquire image information with high suitability depending on information and, in some cases, high sensitivity.

  In this embodiment, the operator sets the limit value information of the limit parameter individually in advance and performs imaging. However, for the time being, the calculation is performed for each limit parameter using the limit value information of the set limit parameter. It is also possible to obtain the maximum drive voltage corresponding to the parameter to be set and the minimum drive voltage among these maximum drive voltages, display information on these drive voltages on the display unit 106, and perform accurate resetting.

  FIG. 6 is an example in which the maximum drive voltage corresponding to the parameter calculated for each limiting parameter and the minimum drive voltage among these maximum drive voltages are displayed on the display unit 106. The display unit 106 includes maximum drive voltage information 52 along with the image information 51. As an example, the maximum drive voltage information 52 shows a case where the maximum drive voltage of TI that is a control parameter is minimized and the maximum drive voltage of TI is set in the transmission / reception unit 102.

  The maximum drive voltage information 52 is displayed at the lower right of the screen of the display unit 106. In the upper part of the display area, the maximum drive voltage information of TI is displayed together with percentage information with respect to the upper limit value. Also, below the displayed maximum driving voltage information of TI, information on differential voltages ΔVmi and ΔVdt of the maximum driving voltage calculated for other limiting parameters MI and DT from the maximum driving voltage of TI is displayed. Is displayed. Since Vti is the minimum value, ΔVmi and ΔVdt are positive values. For example, in FIG. 6, since ΔVmi = + 20V (100%), the maximum drive voltage Vmi calculated with respect to the control parameter MI is Vmi = 40 + 20 = 60V, which is a percentage of 100%. Is the calculated value.

  The operator can refer to the maximum drive voltage information 52 on the display unit 106 and use it as reference data (data) when inputting control parameters. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6, ΔVmi = + 20V (100%). Here, when imaging of the contrast agent is repeatedly performed without destroying the contrast agent, it is necessary to suppress the sound pressure in the subject 1 to be equal to or lower than the destruction sound pressure of the contrast agent. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the MI limit value Vmi, which is an index of the sound pressure in the subject 1, is +20 V (100%) with respect to the maximum drive voltage Vti, so that the maximum drive voltage is not changed. The MI limit value Vmi, which is an index of sound pressure, can be lowered, and the destruction of the contrast agent can be further reliably prevented.

  In the present embodiment, the maximum drive voltage is calculated using the limit value information and the scan parameter value information set from the input unit 107. For example, the limit value information and the scan parameter value information are limited to The maximum drive voltage can be calculated using the stored information by the limit drive storage unit and the scan parameter value storage unit provided in the value setting unit 22 and the maximum drive voltage calculation unit 23. Thereby, when performing the same imaging, it is possible to repeatedly perform imaging under the same conditions except for the trouble of performing the same setting.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of an ultrasonic imaging device. It is explanatory drawing which shows the input part concerning embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control part concerning embodiment. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of the ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to the embodiment. Input limit parameter value displayed on the display It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the drive voltage information displayed on a display part.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Subject 12 Drive voltage variable means 21 Image acquisition control part 22 Limit value setting means 23 Maximum drive voltage calculation means 24 Drive voltage setting means 32 Upper limit value storage means 33 Limit value calculation means 41 MI upper limit value information 42 TI upper limit value information 43 DT upper limit value information 44 MI limit value calculating unit 45 TI limit value calculating unit 46 DT limit value calculating unit 47 MI corresponding voltage calculating unit 48 TI corresponding voltage calculating unit 49 DT corresponding voltage calculating unit 51 Image information 52 Drive voltage information 70 Keyboard 72 Patient designation unit 73 Measurement input unit 74 Control parameter value setting means 75 Control parameter selection key 76 Percentage setting volume 101 Probe unit 102 Transmission / reception unit 103 Image processing unit 104 Image memory unit 105 Image display control unit 106 Display unit 107 Input unit 108 Control unit 109 Image acquisition

Claims (11)

An input unit for inputting scan parameter value information when irradiating the subject with ultrasonic waves;
For each of the plurality of limiting parameters that limit the scan parameter value information, the maximum value of the voltage applied to the piezoelectric element that generates the ultrasonic wave based on the scan parameter value information and the limit value information of the limit parameter A maximum drive voltage calculation means for calculating the maximum drive voltage;
Drive voltage setting means for setting a minimum value of the plurality of maximum drive voltages as a maximum drive voltage of a voltage applied to the piezoelectric element when performing the generation;
An ultrasonic imaging apparatus comprising:   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a limit value setting unit that individually sets limit value information included in the plurality of limit parameters.   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the limiting parameter includes at least one of a probe surface temperature increase, MI, TI, and Ispta3 parameters.   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the limit value setting unit includes an upper limit value storing unit that stores an upper limit value of the limit parameter for each of the plurality of limit parameters.   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the input unit includes a percentage setting unit that sets a percentage of the upper limit value for each of the plurality of restriction parameters.   6. The ultrasonic imaging according to claim 5, wherein the limit value setting means includes limit value calculation means for calculating limit value information for each of the plurality of limit parameters based on the upper limit value and the percentage. apparatus.   7. The drive voltage setting means, for each of the plurality of limit parameters, obtains a differential voltage for each limit parameter obtained by subtracting the minimum value from the maximum drive voltage. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus described in 1.   The ultrasound imaging apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the ultrasound imaging apparatus includes a display unit that displays the plurality of differential voltages.   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic imaging apparatus includes a scan parameter value storage unit that stores the scan parameter value information.   The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the limit value setting unit includes a limit value storing unit that stores the limit value information. The ultrasonic imaging apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the maximum drive voltage calculation unit calculates the maximum drive voltage using the stored scan parameter value information and limit value information.

Images