Protocol-dependent 2D prescan projection images based on 3D prescan volumetric image data

Abstract

The imaging system 302 includes an X-ray radiation source 312 configured to emit radiation that traverses an examination region, a detector array 314 configured to detect the radiation that traverses the examination region and generate signals, where the detected radiation is for a 3D pre-scan, and a reconstructor 316 configured to reconstruct the signals to generate 2D pre-scan projection images. The imaging system further includes a console 318, the processor of which is configured to execute 3D volume planning instructions 328 in the memory to display the 2D pre-scan projection images 402, 602, 802, 1002 and the scan plan or bounding box 404, 604, 804, 1004 based on a selected protocol for the planned 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest, and to receive input to confirm or adjust the scan plan or bounding box to create a 3D volume scan plan for the 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The following description relates generally to imaging, and more specifically to protocol-dependent two-dimensional (2D) pre-scan projection images based on three-dimensional (3D) pre-scan volumetric image data, with particular application to computed tomography (CT). [Background technology]

[0002] A computed tomography (CT) scanner includes an x-ray tube that rotates about an examination region and emits x-ray radiation that traverses the examination region. A detector array detects the x-ray radiation that traverses and impinges on the examination region and any object or subject therein (which attenuates the x-ray radiation). The detector array generates projection data representative of the impinging x-ray radiation. A reconstructor reconstructs the projection data to generate three-dimensional (3D) volumetric image data representative of the examination region and any object or subject therein.

[0003] Prior to performing a volume scan, a prescan is performed to generate 2D prescan projection images for planning the volume scan. Traditionally, a prescan (also called a scout, pilot, or survey) is performed by using an X-ray tube statically positioned at a given angle and moving the object or subject along the longitudinal scan axis (Z-axis) through the examination region while the X-ray tube is emitting X-ray radiation. A reconstructor reconstructs the acquired data to generate 2D prescan projection images, which mimic X-ray images and show the interior of the object or subject.

[0004] The extent of the object or subject scanned during a prescan is such that the region / tissue of interest of the volume scan is visible in the 2D prescan projection image. For example, a prescan for a lung scan covers the area from the shoulders to the pelvis. To plan a volume scan, a user specifies the Z-axis extent on the 2D prescan projection image for the region / tissue of interest. This is done through a scan plan or bounding box, which defines the start and end scan locations for the region / tissue of interest to be scanned. FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art 2D prescan projection image 102 with an exemplary scan plan or bounding box 104 superimposed thereon.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 10,045,754 B2, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference, discusses a low-dose 3D prescan, which is similar to a 2D prescan, except that the X-ray tube rotates during the scan to acquire tomographic data. The tomographic data is reconstructed to generate 3D prescan volumetric image data. This 3D prescan volumetric image data has poorer contrast resolution than diagnostic 3D volumetric image data from a diagnostic scan and is not used for diagnostic purposes. For planning purposes, the 3D prescan volumetric image data is used to generate 2D prescan projection images, for example, by summing the 3D volume along the ray path.

[0006] The 2D prescan projection images generated from data acquired during a 3D prescan are similar to the 2D prescan projection images generated from data acquired during a 2D prescan and can be used to plan a volume scan of a region / tissue of interest in the same way. For example, a user can use a scan plan or bounding box to define start and end scan locations for the region / tissue of interest to be scanned. Figure 2 illustrates an example of such a 2D prescan projection image 202, along with an exemplary scan plan or bounding box 204. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Unfortunately, in both cases, the 2D prescan projection images (i.e., those from the 2D prescan acquisition shown in FIG. 1, for example, and those from the 3D prescan acquisition shown in FIG. 2, for example) reveal only limited 2D information about the tissue of interest to be scanned. For example, in FIGS. 1 and 2, the delineation between the lung and the diaphragm at the lung / diaphragm interface is not clear. Thus, the scan plan or bounding box is often extended by some margin in the Z-axis direction to ensure that this region is scanned, e.g., to avoid having to rescan the object or subject because the entire region of interest was not scanned.

[0008] The aspects described herein address the above-mentioned problems and / or other problems.

[0009] For example, the following description describes, in one example, a technique for displaying 2D pre-scan projection images using different rendering algorithms to visually highlight regions / tissues of interest in the displayed 2D pre-scan projection images, where the regions / tissues of interest are determined from the scan protocol. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In one aspect, the imaging system includes an X-ray radiation source configured to emit radiation that traverses an examination region, a detector array configured to detect the radiation that traverses the examination region and generate signals representative thereof, the detected radiation being for a 3D prescan, and a reconstructor configured to reconstruct the signals to generate 2D prescan projection images. The imaging system further includes a console having a processor and a memory, the processor configured to execute 3D volume planning instructions in the memory, the 3D volume planning instructions causing the processor to: display the 2D prescan projection images and a scan plan or bounding box based on a selected protocol for the planned 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest, for planning a 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest; and receive input to confirm or adjust the scan plan or bounding box to create a 3D volume scan plan for the 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest. The 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest is performed based on the 3D volume scan plan.

[0011] In another aspect, a method includes acquiring projection data from a 3D prescan. The method further includes reconstructing the projection data to create 2D prescan projection images. The method further includes displaying the 2D prescan projection images and a scan plan or bounding box based on a selected protocol for the planned 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest for planning the 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest. The method further includes receiving input to confirm or adjust the scan plan or bounding box to create a 3D volume scan plan for the 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest.

[0012] In another aspect, a computer-readable storage medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor of a computer, cause the processor to acquire projection data from a 3D pre-scan; reconstruct the projection data to create 2D pre-scan projection images; display the 2D pre-scan projection images and a scan plan or bounding box based on a selected protocol for the planned 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest for planning a 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest; and receive input to confirm or adjust the scan plan or bounding box to create a 3D volume scan plan for the 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest.

[0013] Those skilled in the art will appreciate still other aspects of the present application upon reading and understand the accompanying description.

[0014] The invention takes form in various components and arrangements of components, and in various steps and arrangements of steps. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a prior art 2D prescan projection image and a scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 2D prescan. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates a prior art 2D prescan projection image and a scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 3D prescan. [Figure 3] 1 diagrammatically illustrates an exemplary imaging system including 3D volume planning instructions, according to embodiments herein. [Figure 4] 1 illustrates an anterior rib MIP 2D prescan projection image and a scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 3D prescan, according to embodiments herein. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a prior art anterior rib 2D prescan projection image and a scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 2D prescan. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a lateral spine MIP 2D pre-scan projection image and a scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 3D pre-scan, according to embodiments herein. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates a prior art lateral spine 2D prescan projection image and a scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 2D prescan. [Figure 8] 1 illustrates an anterior lung MIP 2D pre-scan projection image and a scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 3D pre-scan, according to embodiments herein. [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a prior art anterior lung 2D prescan projection image and a scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 2D prescan. [Figure 10] 1 illustrates a lateral lung MIP 2D pre-scan projection image and a scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 3D pre-scan, according to embodiments herein. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates a prior art lateral lung 2D prescan projection image and a scan plan or bounding box created from data acquired during a 2D prescan. [Figure 12] 1 illustrates an exemplary method according to embodiments herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The following describes a technique for generating a 2D prescan image from data acquired by a 3D prescan based on a scan protocol for a region / tissue of interest for a volume scan of the region / tissue of interest planned by the 2D prescan image. In one example, this enables the display of a differently rendered 2D prescan image to visually emphasize the region / tissue of interest in the 2D prescan image.

[0017] 3 illustrates an imaging system 302, such as a computed tomography (CT) scanner. The illustrated imaging system 302 includes a stationary gantry 304 and a rotating gantry 306 rotatably supported by the stationary gantry 304. The rotating gantry 306 rotates about a longitudinal axis (“Z”) around an examination region 308. A subject support 310, such as a couch, supports a subject or object in the examination region 308 and guides the subject or object for loading, scanning, and / or unloading.

[0018] An x-ray radiation source 312, such as an x-ray tube, is supported by the rotating gantry 306 and rotates therewith about the examination region 308, emitting x-ray radiation that traverses the examination region 308. An x-ray radiation sensitive detector array 314 is positioned opposite the x-ray radiation source 312 across the examination region 308. The x-ray radiation sensitive detector array 314 detects the x-ray radiation that traverses the examination region 308 (and any object or subject therein) and generates signals (i.e., projection data or line integrals) representative thereof.

[0019] The reconstructor 316 is configured to reconstruct signals from the X-ray radiation sensitive detector array 314 to generate image data. For example, in one implementation, the reconstructor 316 is configured to reconstruct a 2D prescan image from data acquired from a 2D prescan and / or a 3D prescan. With respect to 3D prescan data, this involves reconstructing 3D prescan volumetric image data and then generating a 2D prescan image therefrom. Additionally or alternatively, the reconstructor 316 is configured to reconstruct diagnostic 3D volumetric image data from data acquired from a diagnostic 3D volume scan planned by the 2D prescan image.

[0020] In one example, reconstructor 316 is implemented by hardware such as a central processing unit (CPU), microprocessor (μCPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. configured to execute computer-executable instructions stored, embedded, encoded, etc. on a computer-readable storage medium and / or non-transitory memory. Reconstructor 316 may be part of system 302 (as shown) and / or may be remote therefrom, e.g., on a remote computing system, distributed across other computing systems, or part of a “cloud” based resource.

[0021] The operator console 318 includes a human-readable output device 320, such as a display monitor, filmer, etc., and an input device 322, such as a keyboard, mouse, etc. The operator console 318 further includes a processor 324 (e.g., a CPU, μCPU, etc.) and a computer-readable storage medium ("memory") 326 (this excludes primary media), such as physical memory, such as a memory storage device, etc. The computer-readable storage medium 326 includes computer-readable instructions. The processor 324 is configured to execute at least the computer-readable instructions.

[0022] In one example, the computer-readable instructions include at least 3D data acquisition instructions and reconstruction instructions. Examples of suitable data acquisition include a 2D prescan and / or a 3D prescan, and a diagnostic 3D volume scan. Examples of suitable reconstruction include 2D prescan projection images from data acquired by the 2D prescan and / or a 2D prescan projection images from data acquired by the 3D prescan, and diagnostic 3D volumetric image data from data acquired by a diagnostic 3D volume scan.

[0023] The computer-readable instructions also include 3D volume planning instructions 328. As described in more detail below, the 3D volume planning instructions 328 include instructions for creating and displaying 2D pre-scan projection images generated from data acquired by the 3D pre-scan based on a scan protocol for the region / tissue of interest for a 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest being planned by the 2D pre-scan images. In one example, the scan protocol is obtained from an instruction issued by a clinician (e.g., a physician, a radiologist, etc.) and input / selected by a user configuring the imaging system 302 to scan a subject via the input device 322 of the console 318 and / or other means.

[0024] Next, non-limiting examples of 2D pre-scan projection images generated from data acquired by a 3D pre-scan based on a scan protocol for a region / tissue of interest for a 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest planned by the 2D pre-scan images are described.

[0025] In one embodiment, the scan protocol is for a rib scan, and the execution instructions 328 select a rendering algorithm for the ribs. In this embodiment, the tissue of interest is bone, which significantly attenuates x-rays, so the rendering algorithm selected is a maximum intensity projection (MIP) rendering algorithm, resulting in voxels with values ​​that represent bone, or material, represented through high intensity. Generally, MIP is a rendering technique for projecting voxels with maximum intensity along a ray from a given viewpoint to a projection plane.

[0026] In one example, the executable instructions 328 determine the rendering algorithm for the scanning protocol for ribs from a predetermined mapping, look-up table (LUT), or the like. That is, the mapping, or the like includes a data structure that maps each type of scanning protocol to a rendering algorithm, which is stored in the memory 326 and / or other storage device. The mapping, or the like, may be predetermined based on empirical and / or theoretical data. In another example, a user specifies the rendering algorithm of interest. In yet another example, the instructions 328 include artificial intelligence (e.g., machine learning) that learns the mapping, or the like, from the selections / preferences of individual clinicians and / or healthcare facility users.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates a 2D prescan projection image 402 of an anterior view of a subject, along with a scan plan or bounding box 404, generated from data acquired during a 3D prescan based on a scanning protocol for the ribs. For comparison, FIG. 5 illustrates a prior art 2D prescan projection image 502 of an anterior view of a subject, and a scan plan or bounding box 504, generated from data acquired during a 2D or 3D prescan not based on a scanning protocol. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the ribs are visually emphasized (i.e., brighter) in the 2D prescan projection image of FIG. 4 compared to the 2D prescan projection image of FIG. 5. In one example, this allows an operator to more easily verify that the ribs of interest are adequately covered and / or to more easily adjust the scan plan or bounding box 404 to adequately cover the ribs.

[0028] In another embodiment, the scan protocol is for scanning the spine. In this embodiment, the tissue of interest is bone, so the execution instructions 328 again select the MIP rendering algorithm. FIG. 6 illustrates a 2D prescan projection image 602 of a lateral view of a subject, along with a scan plan or bounding box 604, generated from data acquired during a 3D prescan based on a scan protocol for the spine. For comparison, FIG. 7 illustrates a prior art 2D prescan projection image 702 of a lateral view of a subject, and a scan plan or bounding box 704, generated from data acquired during a 2D or 3D prescan not based on a scan protocol. In FIGS. 6 and 7, the spine is visually emphasized (i.e., brighter) in the 2D prescan projection image of FIG. 6 compared to the 2D prescan projection image of FIG. 7. This, in turn, allows the operator to more easily verify that the vertebrae of interest are adequately covered and / or adjust the scan plan or bounding box 604 to adequately cover the vertebrae.

[0029] In another embodiment, the scan protocol is for a lung scan. In this embodiment, because the lungs are filled with air and surrounded by soft tissue, the execution instructions 328 select an air / soft tissue (ST edge) interface rendering algorithm. FIG. 8 illustrates a 2D prescan projection image 802 of an anterior view of a subject, along with a scan plan or bounding box 804, generated from data acquired during a 3D prescan based on a scan protocol for the lungs. For comparison, FIG. 9 illustrates a prior art 2D prescan projection image 702 of an anterior view of a subject, and a scan plan or bounding box 904, generated from data acquired during a 2D or 3D prescan not based on a scan protocol. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the lungs are visually emphasized (i.e., brighter) in the 2D prescan projection image of FIG. 8 compared to the 2D prescan projection image of FIG. 9. This allows the operator to more easily confirm that the lungs are sufficiently covered and / or to more easily adjust the scan plan or bounding box 804 to sufficiently cover the lungs.

[0030] In another example, the scan protocol is again for a lung scan. Because lungs are filled with air and surrounded by soft tissue, execution instructions 328 similarly select an air / soft tissue (ST edge) interface rendering algorithm. FIG. 10 illustrates a 2D prescan projection image 1002 of a lateral view of a subject, along with a scan plan or bounding box 1004, generated from data acquired during a 3D prescan based on a scan protocol for the lungs. For comparison, FIG. 11 illustrates a prior art 2D prescan projection image 1102 of a lateral view of a subject, along with a scan plan or bounding box 1104, generated from data acquired during a 2D or 3D prescan not based on a scan protocol. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the lungs are visually enhanced (i.e., brighter) in the 2D prescan projection image of FIG. 10 compared to the 2D prescan projection image of FIG. 11. This in turn allows the operator to more easily verify that the lungs are adequately covered and / or to more easily adjust the scan plan or bounding box 1004 to adequately cover the lungs.

[0031] Returning to FIG. 3 , in one example, console 318 displays only visually enhanced 2D prescan projection images (e.g., 2D prescan projection images 402, 602, 802, or 1002) during volume scan running. In another example, console 318 displays both visually enhanced 2D prescan projection images (e.g., 2D prescan projection images 402, 602, 802, or 1002) and non-visually enhanced 2D prescan projection images (e.g., 2D prescan projection images 502, 702, 902, or 1102) during volume scan running. In another example, a user may toggle between visually enhanced and non-visually enhanced 2D prescan projection images. The images displayed may be determined automatically by instruction 328 and / or defined by an operator for each different type of scan and / or examination, depending on the operator's preference or other reasons. The operator may confirm and / or adjust (eg, increase or decrease the Z-axis range) and then confirm the scan plan or bounding box.

[0032] Suitable rendering algorithms include algorithms for projecting 3D data into a 2D plane, including, but not limited to, MIP, ST edges, minimum intensity projection (MIP) which projects voxels with the lowest intensity as opposed to MIP, multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) which reformats the volumetric data to generate 2D pre-scan projection images in axial, sagittal, coronal, and / or oblique planes, curved MPR (cMPR) which effectively straightens curved structures (e.g., vertebrae, vessels, etc.) so that the entire length of the section or the entire curved structure is visualized simultaneously in the same plane, and / or other volume rendering techniques.

[0033] In one example, the techniques described herein enable more accurate volume scan plans, where the boundaries of the scan plan or bounding box may fit the region / tissue of interest more accurately, compared to volume scan plans planned using prior art 2D pre-scan projection images that do not visually highlight the region / tissue of interest. In one example, this reduces the overall dose received by the patient by reducing the margin, compared to prior art configurations in which 2D pre-scan projection images are created by adding a margin to ensure coverage of the region / tissue of interest in the pre-scan.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, to plan a volumetric scan, the 2D pre-scan projection images described herein, generated based on data acquired during the 3D pre-scan and a selected scan protocol for the region / tissue of interest, may also be used in trauma or other instances, for example, to identify fractures directly from the 2D pre-scan projection images, which, in one example, saves time and / or reduces the dose received by the patient.

[0035] If the imaging system 302 is configured for spectral (multi-energy) imaging, the visually enhanced 2D pre-scan projection images take advantage of spectral characteristics. For example, the visually enhanced 2D pre-scan projection images may be contrast-only, or virtually contrast-free, for example, if the region / tissue of interest includes a vessel, etc. In this example, the predetermined mapping, etc. (or other mapping, etc.) may include a certain type of spectral image data for each scan protocol, with the user selecting the type of spectral image data of interest and / or the artificial intelligence also learning the type of spectral image data from the user's selection for the individual clinician and / or healthcare facility.

[0036] Generally, the spectral configuration includes an X-ray tube configured to emit broadband (polychromatic) radiation for a single selected peak emission voltage of interest, and the radiation-sensitive detector array includes energy-resolving detectors such as multi-layer scintillator / photosensor detectors and / or photon-counting (direct conversion) detectors, or the X-ray tube is configured to switch between at least two different emission voltages during a scan, and / or two or more X-ray tubes, each configured to emit radiation having a different average energy spectrum, are angularly offset on the rotating gantry, and the radiation-sensitive detector array is a non-energy-resolving detector and / or an energy-resolving detector.

[0037] FIG. 12 illustrates an exemplary method according to embodiments herein.

[0038] It should be understood that the order of operations in the method is not limiting. As such, other orders are contemplated herein. Additionally, one or more operations may be omitted and / or one or more additional operations may be included.

[0039] At 1202, a 3D pre-scan is performed as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0040] At 1204, a region / tissue of interest for the 3D volume scan is identified from a selected scan protocol for the 3D volume scan, as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0041] At 1206, a rendering algorithm is identified based on the selected scan protocol for the 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest, as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0042] At 1208, 2D pre-scan projection images for planning a 3D volume scan are created from the 3D pre-scan data using the specified rendering algorithm, as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0043] At 1210, a scan plan for the 3D volume scan is created using the 2D pre-scan projection images as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0044] At 1212, a 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest is performed based on a scan plan for the 3D volume scan as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0045] At 1214, 3D volumetric image data of the region / tissue of interest is reconstructed from the data acquired during the 3D volume scan, as described herein and / or otherwise.

[0046] The foregoing may be realized by computer-readable instructions encoded on or embedded in a computer-readable storage medium, which, when executed by a processor of a computer, cause the processor to perform the described operations. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the computer-readable instructions is embodied by a signal, carrier wave, or other non-transitory medium that is not a computer-readable storage medium.

[0047] While 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, and the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0048] The words "comprises", "has", "includes" do not exclude other elements or steps, and the singular does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0049] The computer program is 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 telecommunications systems. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. an X-ray radiation source that emits radiation that traverses an examination region; a detector array that detects radiation traversing the examination region and generates signals, the detected radiation being for a 3D prescan; and a reconstructor for reconstructing the signals to generate a 2D prescan projection image; a console having a processor and a memory, The processor executes 3D volume planning instructions in the memory, the 3D volume planning instructions causing the processor to: displaying the 2D pre-scan projection images and a scan plan or a bounding box based on a selected scan protocol for a planned 3D volume scan of a region / tissue of interest for planning a 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest, the display including determining, based on the selected scan protocol, a rendering algorithm suitable for visually highlighting the region / tissue of interest from among a plurality of rendering algorithms, and rendering the 2D pre-scan projection images of the region / tissue of interest based on the determined rendering algorithm; receiving input confirming or adjusting the scan plan or bounding box to create a 3D volume scan plan for the 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest; and An imaging system, wherein the 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest is performed based on the 3D volume scan plan.

2. The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the rendering algorithm is a volume rendering algorithm that projects 3D volume data into a 2D plane.

3. The imaging system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the rendering algorithm visually enhances the region / tissue of interest in the displayed 2D pre-scan projection image.

4. 4. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the rendering algorithm is selected from the group consisting of maximum intensity projection, soft tissue / edge interface, minimum intensity projection, multi-planar reconstruction, and curved multi-planar reconstruction.

5. The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the rendering algorithm is selected from the group consisting of contrast-only and virtual non-contrast images.

6. 6. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the memory includes a predetermined mapping between scan protocols and rendering algorithms, and the console further selects the rendering algorithm from the predetermined mapping based on the selected scan protocol.

7. The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the console selects the rendering algorithm based on user input specifying the rendering algorithm.

8. The imaging system of claim 1 , wherein the console selects the selected rendering algorithm based on a trained machine learning algorithm.

9. 10. The imaging system of claim 8, wherein the trained machine learning algorithm is trained to map rendering algorithms to the scan protocol based on at least one of a clinician or a health care organization's rendering algorithm preferences.

10. A processor-implemented method, comprising: acquiring projection data from a 3D pre-scan; a step of reconstructing the projection data to generate and display 2D pre-scan projection images, the step including displaying the 2D pre-scan projection images and a scan plan or a bounding box based on a selected scan protocol for the planned 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest, the step including determining, based on the selected scan protocol, a rendering algorithm suitable for visually highlighting the region / tissue of interest from among a plurality of rendering algorithms, and rendering the 2D pre-scan projection images of the region / tissue of interest based on the determined rendering algorithm; receiving input confirming or adjusting the scan plan or bounding box to create a 3D volume scan plan for the 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest; , which performs each step of the method.

11. The method of claim 10 , wherein the rendering algorithm visually enhances the region / tissue of interest in the displayed 2D pre-scan projection image.

12. A method as described in claim 10 or 11, wherein the processor further performs a step of obtaining the rendering algorithm from a predetermined mapping between the scan protocol and the rendering algorithm, based on user input or selected by a machine learning algorithm.

13. A method described in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the processor further performs a step of performing the 3D volume scan of the area / tissue of interest based on the 3D volume scan plan.

14. 1. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions, the computer-executable instructions, when executed by a processor of a computer, causing the processor to: acquiring projection data from a 3D pre-scan; reconstructing the projection data to generate and display 2D pre-scan projection images, which includes displaying the 2D pre-scan projection images and a scan plan or a bounding box based on a selected scan protocol for the planned 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest, and the generating and displaying of the 2D pre-scan projection images includes determining, based on the selected scan protocol, a rendering algorithm suitable for visually highlighting the region / tissue of interest from among a plurality of rendering algorithms, and rendering the 2D pre-scan projection images of the region / tissue of interest based on the determined rendering algorithm; receiving input confirming or adjusting the scan plan or bounding box to create a 3D volume scan plan for the 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest; A computer-readable storage medium for implementing the above.

15. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 14 , wherein the rendering algorithm visually enhances the region / tissue of interest in the displayed 2D pre-scan projection image.

16. The computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to: Obtaining the rendering algorithm from a predetermined mapping between scan protocols and rendering algorithms, selected based on user input or by a machine learning algorithm.

16. The computer-readable storage medium according to claim 14 or 15, which causes the following to be performed:

17. The computer-executable instructions further cause the processor to:

16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, further comprising a computer-readable storage medium for causing the 3D volume scan of the region / tissue of interest to be performed based on the 3D volume scan plan.

Images