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.