Various embodiments of the inventions of the present disclosure a systematic framework of matrices constructed as a basis for a centralized control of assigning imaging operators to operate imaging systems (11) in accordance with a plurality of scheduled imaging examinations. An operator preference matrix (70) including an array of operator preference entries arranged by the imaging operators and the scheduled imaging examinations and an operator availability matrix (80) including an array of operator availability entries arranged by the imaging operators and the scheduled imaging examinations are constructed to provide for a construction of an operator capability matrix (60) including an array of operator capability entries arranged by the imaging operators and the scheduled imaging examinations, which the operator capability matrix (60) serving as a basis for generating an operator assignment schedule (50) for the imaging operators to operate the imaging systems (11) in accordance with the scheduled imaging examinations.