General course objectives:

The purpose of the course is to give a thorough introduction to modern diagnostic imaging systems. This includes the primary systems as X-ray, computer tomgraphy (CT), ultrasound and MR. Certain aspects of PET, PET/CT and SPECT will also be explained. Both the physics behind the systems will be taught as well as the signal processing performed in the systems. A number of exercises will be made. Two projects about two different imaging systems must be handed in during the course.

Learning objectives

A student who has met the objectives of the course will be able to:

• Explain the physical interaction mechanisms for ultrasound, X-ray, CT, MR, SPECT, and PET scanning.
• Explain the signal processing involved in making a B-mode ultrasound image.
• Explain signal processing methods for estimating blood velocity using ultrasound.
• Explain back-projection algorithms used in CT, MR, and PET scanners.
• Write programs in Matlab that implement signal processing methods and estimators used in medical imaging.
• Understand journal articles on medical imaging and implement signal processing algorithms from the literature.
• Give a quantitative evaluation of signal and image processing algorithms in terms of performance and accuracy.
• Write a scientific report explaining a signal processing algorithm implementation made in Matlab and quantifying its performance.
• Identify anatomic structures in a clinical image.

Content:

Physics of ultrasound imaging. B-mode imaging. Signal processing in flow estimation systems (Doppler Systems). X-ray physics and imaging. CT scanning and reconstruction. MR scanning and reconstruction. PET, PET/CT and SPECT scanning. Molecular Imaging. Matlab exercises. Implementation of signal processing. Report writing. Oral exam.

Evaluation:

The evaluation is based on two reports, which are made in groups of two students and an oral exam. The date for the oral exam follows the DTU rules for placement of exams, and usually takes place over two days. It is possible to select which of the days to have the exam on.