Hanging protocol templates are predefined layouts used to display the images. A hanging protocol assistant matches up an existing template to the study characteristics.
When opening a study, the hanging protocol assistant searches through saved templates to find one best matching the study. If a good match is found, the viewer loads the series as defined by the hanging protocol.
If no good match is found, the hanging protocol assistant uses default settings based on modality type.
If no match is found, and no default configuration exists, the assistant opens up layout manager to allow the user to manually organize the study.
To enable the hanging protocol assistant:
Click Settings/Customize Settings/Layout.
Click the Use hanging protocol assistant check box.
When enabled, the hanging protocol assistant inspects the existing study characteristics, and selects the template previously used for a study with similar characteristics. The assistant analyses many study attributes, including study type, modality, number of series, types of series, number of monitors used to display a series, and monitor orientation. If no good match is found, the assistant assigns a default.
The hanging protocol manager uses the attributes listed above along with the series description value when loading the series into image frames. The series descriptions are recorded automatically when defining a hanging protocol.
Note: Hanging protocols created prior to v7.0 contain no series description information. Update pre-7.0 hanging protocols by applying them, adjusting the position of the series in the Viewer, and clicking the Save button. When prompted to overwrite the existing hanging protocol, click OK.
When ending a session, the hanging protocol assistant compares the study characteristics to the template applied. The assistant then adds this information to its rules base. If you change the template before closing the study, the assistant will not learn how to apply them on future studies. If you define and save templates for different layouts, and apply them to your study accurately, the hanging protocol assistant should be able to correctly select the best template after about 20 studies.
Refer to Applying Hanging Protocols for details on applying a hanging protocol.