Apparatus configured to create a scan plan using an interactive tool and / or to evaluate compliance with the plan

Abstract

An apparatus includes a memory (128), a display (122), and a processor (126). The memory is configured to store a protocol definition module (132). The processor is configured to execute the protocol definition module, and the protocol definition module causes the processor to display, via the display, an interactive graphical tool (202) that includes a digital representation of an anatomical model, wherein an interactively generated scan field of view is superimposed over the digital representation of the anatomical model to create a standard scan protocol for execution by an imaging system, and wherein the scan field of view identifies an anatomical structure of an object to be scanned for the scan protocol.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following generally relates to devices configured to create scan protocols and / or evaluate compliance of scans based on scan protocols using interactive tools, and is described in the context of a specific application to computed tomography (CT) imaging, and can also be applicable to other imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the like. Background Art

[0002] A computed tomography (CT) scanner includes an X-ray tube that emits radiation. The emitted radiation passes through an examination region in which an object or body is located and is detected by a detector array opposite the X-ray tube. The detector array detects the radiation passing through the examination region and the object located in the examination region and generates projection data. A reconstructor processes the projection data and reconstructs projection images and / or volumetric image data of the object or body.

[0003] Generally, a prescan is first performed to generate a radiograph such as a projection image of a part of an object or body. The projection image, together with a scan protocol for clinical reasons, is used to create a scan plan for volumetric scanning of the object or body. This includes, for example, defining a field of view for scanning an anatomical structure of interest (i.e., a start scan position, a scan range, or a stop scan position), etc. Volumetric scanning of the object or body is then performed using the scan plan to generate volumetric image data of the anatomical structure of interest.

[0004] Scan protocols are typically defined at an institutional level specific to radiologists and / or healthcare facilities. Thus, the fields of view for the same clinical reasons may vary between institutions. In addition, scan protocols tend to be descriptive in nature. For example, a radiologist explains to a technician setting up and performing the scan how the imaging examination is to be performed. Therefore, it can be difficult to ensure that scans comply with the scan protocol. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Aspects described herein solve the problems mentioned above and other problems.

[0006] In one aspect, a device includes a memory, an input device, a display, and a processor. The memory is configured to store a protocol definition module. The processor is configured to execute the protocol definition module, which causes the processor to display, via the display, an interactive graphical tool that includes a digital representation of an anatomical model, wherein an interactively generated scan field of view is superimposed over the digital representation of the anatomical model to create a standard scan protocol for execution by an imaging system, wherein the scan field of view identifies an anatomical structure of an object to be scanned for the scan protocol.

[0007] In another aspect, an apparatus includes a memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store a protocol compliance module. The processor is configured to execute the protocol compliance module, which causes the processor to analyze multiple sets of volumetric image data generated by one or more imaging systems programmed with a scan protocol for a plurality of different scans to determine whether the sets of volumetric image data comply with the scan protocol.

[0008] In another aspect, a computer-readable medium is encoded with computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions, when run by a processor, cause the processor to: analyze volumetric image data generated by an imaging system executing a scan plan created according to a scan protocol to determine whether the volumetric image data complies with the scan protocol; and visually present in a display information indicating whether the volumetric image data complies with the scan protocol.

[0009] Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize other aspects of the invention upon reading and understanding the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The invention may take various forms of components and component arrangements and various forms of steps and step arrangements. The drawings are for purposes of illustration of the preferred embodiments only and should not be construed as limiting the invention.

[0011] Figure 1 Illustratively depicts an exemplary system having an imaging system and a computing device, the computing device having at least a protocol definition module and a protocol compliance module.

[0012] Figure 2 Illustratively depicts an interactive graphical tool of a protocol definition module that defines a scan protocol including an anatomical surface model.

[0013] Figure 3 Illustratively depicts an exemplary anatomical surface model and a line graph showing the deviation between the actual field of view from a scan and the field of view specified in the scan protocol.

[0014] Figure 4 A graph showing an aspect of compliance with a scan protocol (e.g., field of view, inspiration, rotation, etc.).

[0015] Figure 5 Illustrates an exemplary method in accordance with one or more embodiments herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The following generally describes an interactive tool for defining a scan protocol that includes a field of view of interest for scanning and / or evaluating a volumetric scan based on the scan protocol to comply with the scan protocol. For the sake of brevity and for purposes of explanation, the following is described in the context of a specific application to CT. However, the following is also applicable to MRI and / or other imaging modalities.

[0017] Figure 1 FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates an exemplary system 1 having an exemplary imaging system 100, such as a computed tomography (CT) system. The imaging system 100 includes a stationary gantry 102 and a rotating gantry 104, the rotating gantry 104 being rotatably supported by the stationary gantry 102. The rotating gantry 104 rotates about an examination region 106 about a longitudinal axis or z-axis 108. An object support 110 is configured to support an object or subject in the examination region 106 for guiding the object or subject relative to the examination region 106 for loading, scanning, and / or unloading the object or subject.

[0018] An X-ray radiation source 112, such as an X-ray tube, is supported by the rotating gantry 104 and generates and emits X-ray radiation through the examination region 106. A radiation-sensitive detector array 114 includes one or more rows 116 of detector elements, each row 116 extending in a direction transverse to the z-axis 108 and arranged parallel to one another along the z-axis 108. The radiation-sensitive detector array 114 detects the X-ray radiation passing through the examination region 106 and generates an electrical signal (projection data) indicative of the X-ray radiation. A reconstructor 118 reconstructs the projection data and generates projection (2D) images and / or volumetric (3D) image data, depending on the type of scan.

[0019] System 1 also includes a computer that serves as an operator console 120, and the computer includes a human-readable output device 122 (such as a display), an input device 124 (such as a keyboard, mouse, etc.), a processor 126 (e.g., a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), etc.), and a computer-readable storage medium (memory) 128. The computer-readable storage medium (memory) 128 includes a non-transitory medium (hardware memory) and does not include a transitory medium (signals, carriers, etc.). An application software 130 residing on the operator console 120, when run by the processor 126, allows an operator to control the operation of the imaging system 100, such as selecting the type of scan (e.g., a projection scan or a volumetric scan), selecting an imaging protocol, etc., via a graphical or other user interface.

[0020] A projection scan (also referred to as preview, scout, pilot, overview, etc.) is performed to generate a pre-scan projection image. This pre-scan projection image is used to create a scan plan for a volume scan, which is then performed to generate volume image data. In one example, the projection scan is performed where the rotating gantry 104 and thus the X-ray radiation source 112 are in a stationary position, the X-ray is turned on, and the object support moves the patient through the examination region 106 from a preset starting position over a preset distance or to a preset ending position. Alternatively, the rotating gantry 104 and thus the X-ray radiation source 112 rotate and the X-ray is emitted only at (one or more) predetermined angular positions (e.g., 0 degrees and / or 90 degrees). The resulting projection image is similar to an X-ray radiograph.

[0021] The volume scan is performed based on the created scan plan, where the rotating gantry 104 and thus the X-ray radiation source 112 rotate around the examination region 106 and the X-ray is continuously or intermittently turned on (e.g., using an X-ray tube grid switch, a radiation attenuation filter, etc. to control the duty cycle). For axial scans, the object support holds the patient in a stationary position. For helical / spiral scans, the object support moves the patient through the examination region 106 from a starting position in the imaging plane to an ending position. The resulting volume image data is created based on cross-sectional slices through the patient. Axial, sagittal, coronal, and / or oblique 2D images and / or 3D images can be derived from the volume image data.

[0022] The illustrated computer-readable storage medium 128 further includes at least a protocol definition module 132, a scan plan module 134, and a protocol compliance module 136. Modules 132, 134, and 136 include computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor 126, cause the processor to perform the functions of modules 132, 134, and 136 described herein. As described in more detail below, in one example, the protocol definition module 132 provides a digital representation of an anatomical model for an interactive graphical tool that allows an authorized user to define a scan protocol, the scan plan module 134 uses a defined scan protocol with a pre-scan projection image to create a scan plan for a volume scan, and the protocol compliance module 136 determines whether the completed scan complies with the scan protocol.

[0023] Although shown as being stored in the computer-readable storage medium 128 of the console 120, in a variant, one or more of the protocol definition module 132, the scan plan module 134, and the protocol compliance module 136 are stored in a memory external to and remote from the console 120, for example, in the memory of another console of another imaging system, in the memory of a computer workstation, in a network-accessible memory (e.g., "cloud"-based or other storage device), etc. In one instance, one or more of the modules 132, 134, and 136 are run by the processor 126. In another instance, at least one of the modules 132, 134, and 136 is run by one or more processors external to and remote from the console 120 (e.g., in the console of another imaging system, in a computer workstation, in the "cloud", etc.).

[0024] Figure 2 An example of an interactive graphical tool 202 for the protocol definition module 132 for creating a scan protocol is shown. The interactive graphical tool 202 is visually presented via the display device of the output device 122 and / or otherwise.

[0025] The interactive graphical tool 202 visually presents a surface model 204 of a portion of an anatomical model. One protocol for creating the surface model 204 includes overlaying a 2D triangle mesh on top of an image and then establishing a corresponding 3D mesh by placing the vertices of the triangles in 3D space according to values present in a depth map. Other surface models are also contemplated herein. Additionally or alternatively, the interactive graphical tool 202 visually presents an anatomical atlas, which is an image in which each voxel has a probability representing a specific anatomical tissue. The interactive graphical tool 202 is capable of switching between different types of digital representations and / or simultaneously displaying different types of digital representations. The digital representations can be constructed for an average object and / or specific to the patient to be scanned.

[0026] Examples of suitable surface models are described in the article "Shape constrained deformable models for 3D medical image segmentation" by Weese et al. (In: Biennial International Conference on Information Processing in Medical Imaging, Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2001. S. 380-387). Examples of suitable probabilistic atlases are described in the article "Annotation-free probabilistic atlas learning for robust anatomy detection in CT images" by Franz et al. (SPIE Medical Imaging: Image Processing, volume 9413, 941338, 2015). Examples of exemplary methods for establishing the context of the human anatomy are discussed in the article "Exploring the visible human's inner organs with the VOXEL-MAN 3D navigator" by Pflesser et al. (Studies in health technology and informatics, 2001, S. 379-385). Other methods are envisioned herein.

[0027] In one example, the portion of the object in the surface model 204 is the same regardless of the anatomy of interest (e.g., the entire body, even for a head scan). In another example, the portion of the object in the surface model 204 is specific to the anatomy of interest (e.g., for a head scan, only the head, not the entire body). In the latter example, the user first identifies the anatomy (e.g., the head), and the processor 126 automatically retrieves and renders the surface model (from a plurality of surface models) using the identified anatomy. Alternatively, the user selects the surface model from a library of available surface models. Additionally, the surface model 204 can be specific to the tissue of interest (e.g., blood vessels, soft tissue, bone, etc.), and / or include landmarks associated with the tissue of interest.

[0028] In the illustrated embodiment, the surface model 204 is pre-populated with a scan field of view 205, which is defined by the space between user-defined bounding structures such as an upper plane 206 and a lower plane 208. In another embodiment, the scan field of view 205 is defined by a bounding box or the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the scan field of view 205 has a cubic shape. In other embodiments, the scan field of view 205 has an arbitrary shape (e.g., cylindrical, etc.) and / or an inclined orientation (e.g., following the spinal direction). The plane 206 and / or the plane 208 can be standard planes and / or predefined planes of other users from a common available library, etc. In a variant, the surface model 204 is pre-populated with three or more planes. In another variant, the surface model 204 is not pre-populated with any planes. In this example, the interactive graphics tool 202 includes planes that the user can select and / or drag and drop onto the surface model 204. The user can adjust the geometry and / or position of the planes 206 and 208. In one example, this includes using a graphical indicator (e.g., for a mouse input device 124) and moving the corners or sides and / or the entire plane of the plane.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, the interactive graphics tool 202 includes an information area 210 that visually presents descriptions used to define the scan planes 206 and 208, such as offsets, widths, angulations (e.g., planes inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the object), slice thicknesses, image resolutions, 2D or 3D, specific organs (e.g., the heart), etc. The information area 210 can also include other information used to define the scan planes 206 and 208, such as landmarks and / or organs to be included and / or excluded, external devices used for scanning, scan parameters, CT dose, etc. The illustrated size, shape, and / or position of the information area 210 are for illustrative purposes and are not restrictive. In a variant, the information area 210 is omitted from the interactive graphics tool 202.

[0030] Examples of landmarks include the bifurcation of the aorta and the branches of blood vessels, the centers of vertebrae, the tops, ends, sides, etc. of organs, and / or other features associated with positioning an anatomical structure of interest. The planes 206 and 208 can be adjusted accordingly to ensure that any organ and / or landmark that should be in the image is in the image, and / or any organ and / or landmark that should not be in the image is not in the image. An example of an external device is a device for positioning the object. For example, a support can be a pillow placed under the head of the object to orient the head for a diagonal plane, e.g., to avoid irradiating the eyes of the object. In one example, the information area 210 allows the user to adjust the information therein, for example, by manually entering data, selecting data from a menu, etc. Generally, a pre-scan has been acquired using a support, such that the scan protocol and the pre-scan can be used to create a volume scan plan.

[0031] The scan plan generated by the usage scenario definition module 132 using the interactive graphical tool 202 is stored in the memory 128( Figure 1 ) and / or other storage devices, such as a central storage device at an imaging center, a radiology information system (RIS), a hospital information system (HIS), a "cloud"-based storage device, etc. The scan plan in such a storage device can be edited using the interactive graphical tool 202 and / or in other ways. In addition, the scan plan in such a storage device can be deleted using the interactive graphical tool 202 and / or in other ways. The scan plan can also be shared across imaging systems, facilities within a healthcare institution, healthcare institutions, etc. In one example, the stored scan plan is a "standardized" plan to be used and followed by one or more healthcare institutions when scanning a subject.

[0032] By way of non-limiting example, in one instance, the scan plan is used for scanning the abdominal aorta in the context of a scan of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Contrast CT scans are typically acquired to capture the shape of the aneurysm and the location of arterial branches. The branches have been used during the analysis phase when flow and pressure characteristics are calculated to estimate the rupture probability. The branches have been used during the interventional planning phase since typical stents are selected such that important branches are blocked. Another option includes a specific outflow portion in the arterial stent. For both options, coverage of important branch arteries (such as renal, iliac, and mesenteric arteries) is crucial for successful image acquisition. The interactive graphical tool 202 can be used to create a scan plan that adheres to these guidelines.

[0033] As briefly described above, the scan planning module 134 employs a scan plan with a defined pre-scan projection image to create a scan plan for volumetric scanning. In this example, this includes using segmentation, anatomical awareness, etc. to estimate the organ positions and extents in the pre-scan projection image to facilitate transforming the information in planes 206 and 208 and information region 210 into a patient geometry, thereby creating scan planes, e.g., by registration and / or other methods of transferring geometric information. The user can adjust the volumetric scan plan as needed. The volumetric scan plan is then used to program the imaging system 100 and / or other imaging systems to scan the patient. The volumetric scan plan and / or the resulting image data are also stored in a memory (such as memory 128, a central storage device at an imaging center, RIS, HIS, a "cloud"-based storage device, etc.).

[0034] As briefly described above, the protocol compliance module 136 determines whether the completed scan complies with the scan protocol used to create the volumetric scan plan. To this end, the protocol compliance module 136 performs image analysis to identify tissues, organs, landmarks, etc. in the field of view in the volumetric image data. The protocol compliance module 136 then compares the identified tissues, organs, landmarks, etc. in the field of view with the tissues, organs, landmarks, etc. specified in the scan protocol used to create the scan plan. The protocol compliance module 136 identifies the deviation between the actual scan and the scan protocol based on the comparison and stores the deviation in a storage device (such as a central storage device of an imaging center, RIS, HIS, a "cloud"-based storage device, etc.).

[0035] Figure 3 An example of the protocol compliance module 136 that evaluates the results of several different scans all based on the same scan protocol is shown. In one instance, the protocol compliance module 136 visually displays a copy 302 of the surface model 204 ( Figure 2 ) used to create the scan protocol and the actual upper planes 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314 and lower planes 316, 318, 320, and 322 for several different scans based on the same scan protocol. The paired upper and lower planes define a scan field of view therebetween, as described in connection with planes 206 and 208 and scan field of view 205. Figure 2 The surface model 204 and planes 206 and 208 can be displayed simultaneously with the copy 302 of the surface model 204.

[0036] In this example, the plot 324 shows the distribution 326 of the field of view deviation between the actual upper planes 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314 and the lower planes 316, 318, 320, and 322 along the longitudinal axis of the object. The distribution 326 includes a peak 332 for the upper planes 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, and 314 with respect to (abdomen) and a peak 334 for the lower planes 316, 318, 320, and 322 with respect to (pelvis). Figure 2 The graphical representations 332 and 334 of the planes 206 and 208 of Figure 2 are superimposed above the distribution 326. Alternatively, the actual upper and lower planes 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, and 322 can be compared with the planes 206 and 208 in

[0037] Generally speaking, the narrower the peak, the more actual scans that comply with the scan protocol, while the wider the peak, the more actual scans that do not comply with the scan protocol. Again, respiration is an example of something that can cause the scan plan to deviate from the desired position defined in the scan protocol to another position. Whether the field of view deviation of a specific scan is within an acceptable range depends on the specific type of scan, as different types of scans (e.g., abdomen vs. pelvis) may have different tolerances. Additionally, the same type of scan for different objects may have different margins added to the field of view. Thus, the scan protocol and other information are used to determine the acceptable range for the object.

[0038] In one example, the displayed upper and lower planes 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, and 322 are color - coded to visually indicate whether they comply with the scan protocol. For example, in one instance, a plane with a field of view within the acceptable range is coded green, a plane with a field of view outside the acceptable range but within a predetermined tolerance is coded yellow, and a plane with a field of view outside the predetermined tolerance is coded red. Other different and / or more indicators can be used to visually indicate the compliance of the fields of view of the upper and lower planes 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, and 322 with the scan protocol. In one instance, a plane coded red indicates that the scan is insufficient and needs to be performed again with an adjusted plane.

[0039] Figure 4 A graph showing an aspect of compliance with the scan protocol (e.g., field of view, inspiration, rotation, etc.). The information is aggregated over a large number of scans. Each bar represents an examination performed by a specific operator. The height of the bar indicates the percentage of protocol compliance performed by that operator.

[0040] In Figure 3 and Figure 4 The embodiments shown in and / or other embodiments can be shown in a dashboard or the like in the graphical user interface and / or network interface of the display monitor of the output device 122 to indicate deviations from the expected scan protocol for different technologies. In another example, Figure 3 is not visually presented, but the above - described description is used to determine the deviation. These statistics can be performed as required based on an arrangement (e.g., monthly) for all scan objects or subsets of scan objects, for all scan protocols or subsets of scan protocols, etc.

[0041] In one example, the deviation is used to facilitate determining whether a scan conforms to a scan plan. For example, movement due to respiration, for instance, can cause tissue specified in a scan protocol to be included in the scan to move outside the field of view where it is not scanned. In this example, the deviation can indicate that the scan does not conform to the scan protocol, and the protocol compliance module 136 can recommend repeating the scan. The recommendation is visually presented in the dashboard and / or communicated to the user in some other way. In another example, movement due to respiration, for instance, can cause tissue specified to be excluded from a scan to move inside the field of view where it is scanned. Similarly, the deviation can indicate that the scan does not conform to the scan protocol, and the protocol compliance module 136 can recommend repeating the scan. In both of these examples, the scan may or may not actually be repeated.

[0042] The deviation determined by the protocol compliance module 136 is not limited to the above examples associated with repeating a scan. For example, the deviation can additionally or alternatively be used to improve repeatability / efficiency. In this case, information indicating repeatability can be visually presented in the dashboard and / or communicated to the user in some other way. Examples include but are not limited to: data and / or percentages of the process where the scan first meets the scan protocol and the scan is not repeated; data and / or percentages of the process where the scan does not meet the scan protocol and the scan is repeated; the number of times the scan must be repeated before it meets the scan protocol; and the number of times the scan protocol fails to be repeated, etc.

[0043] Another example includes using the deviation for training. In this example, information can be visually presented in the dashboard and / or communicated to the user in some other way to guide and / or provide feedback to a trainee. The information can indicate recommendations to assist the trainee in performing a scan that conforms to the scan protocol, the number of times the trainee successfully completes a scan that conforms to the scan protocol on the first attempt, the number of times the trainee must repeat the scan before the scan conforms to the scan protocol, etc. Other examples include using the deviation to improve data relevance, e.g., in a clinical study, establishing consistency in practice, e.g., establishing whether a study is compensated, etc.

[0044] Again, although described in detail above with respect to CT, it also applies to other imaging modalities such as MRI, etc. For example, in the case of MRI, the information region 210 can include specifying an MR sequence, orientation, particular coils, etc.

[0045] Figure 5 An example method in accordance with one or more embodiments herein is illustrated.

[0046] At 502, a scan plan creates an interactive user interface (e.g., interactive user interface 202) as described herein and / or is visually presented otherwise.

[0047] At 504, a user uses the scan plan creating interactive user interface as described herein and / or otherwise to create a scan plan that includes one or more fields of view.

[0048] At 506, the scan plan that includes one or more fields of view is transformed into a scan schedule as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0049] At 508, the scan schedule is executed by the imaging system 100 as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0050] For example, respiration may cause an organ and / or landmark to move out of the field of view during a scan. In this instance, a deviation indicating that the organ and / or landmark is not always in the image data (even if the organ and / or landmark is within the field of view in the scan plane) may cause an increase in the size of the field of view in the scan plan to compensate for the motion due to respiration.

[0051] Additionally or alternatively, this may result in a repeat scan to generate image data for an object that includes these organs and / or landmarks. In another instance, a deviation indicating that an organ and / or landmark identified as being excluded in the scan plan is in the image data may cause a reduction in the field of view such that these organs and / or landmarks are not present in the image data. This can reduce patient dose.

[0052] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art can understand and achieve other variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the claims.

[0053] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the words "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may implement the functions of several items recited in the claims. Although certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims, this does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0054] A computer program may be stored / distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied together with or as part of other hardware, but may also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. An apparatus (120), comprising: a memory (128) configured to store a protocol definition module (132); a display (122); and a processor (126) configured to execute the protocol definition module, the protocol definition module causing the processor to display, via the display, an interactive graphical tool (202), the interactive graphical tool including a digital representation of an anatomical model, wherein an interactively generated scan field of view (205) is superimposed over the digital representation of the anatomical model to create a scan protocol for execution by an imaging system, wherein the interactive graphical tool switches between different types of digital representations and / or simultaneously displays different types of digital representations, wherein the scan field of view identifies the anatomical structures of an object to be scanned for the scan protocol; converting the scan protocol including the scan field of view into a pre-scan projection image of a scan plan; analyzing volumetric image data generated by the imaging system to determine whether the volumetric image data complies with the scan protocol; displaying a deviation between the volumetric image data and the scan protocol; wherein the processor further displays an information area (210) in the interactive graphical tool, and the processor populates the information area with at least one of the following: offset, width, angulation, slice thickness, image resolution, landmarks and / or organs to be included and / or excluded, external devices used for scanning, or CT dose.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, the digital representation includes a surface model or an anatomical atlas.

3. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, the processor pre-populates the digital representation with the pre-determined scan field of view.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein, the processor creates the scan field of view having at least two planes, each plane having an orientation and a different position over the anatomical model.

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, the processor receives a signal as an input, and the signal indicates an anatomical structure of interest, and the processor selects, based on the anatomical structure of interest, the digital representation to be displayed from a set of digital representations, the set of digital representations including at least a first digital representation specific to a first anatomical structure and a second different digital representation specific to a second different anatomical structure, and the selected digital representation includes the anatomical structure of interest.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, the processor positions the scan field of view over the digital representation at the location of the anatomical structure of interest.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, the processor changes the geometry or position of the scan field of view in response to a change in geometry or position indicated by an input device.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, the processor changes the information in the information area in response to a change in information indicated by an input device (124).

9. A computer-readable medium storing a computer program for creating and utilizing a scanning protocol, the computer program including program code units that, when the computer program is run on the apparatus according to claim 1, cause the apparatus to perform a scanning protocol creation and utilization method, comprising: displaying a digital representation of an anatomical model; creating, via an interactive graphical tool (202), a scanning protocol for execution by an imaging system, the interactive graphical tool including a digital representation of an anatomical model, wherein an interactively generated field of view (205) is superimposed over the digital representation of the anatomical model, wherein the field of view identifies an anatomical structure of an object to be scanned for the scanning protocol.

10. The computer-readable medium according to claim 9, wherein, the scanning protocol creation and utilization method further comprises: analyzing volumetric image data generated by the imaging system to determine, by a protocol compliance module, whether the volumetric image data complies with the scanning protocol.

11. The computer-readable medium according to claim 10, wherein, the scanning protocol creation and utilization method further comprises: visually presenting, via a dashboard displayed on a display, a deviation between the volumetric image data and the scanning protocol.

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