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Computer Lab Exercises for Medical Imaging Using SimuRad

Abstract

In this paper we present a series of computer lab exercises for an undergraduate Medical Imaging course using a newly developed computer simulation software – SimuRad, which has been designed to help students better understand the underlying math, physics and engineering principles of medical imaging. This paper includes the discussions on the architecture of the SimuRad software, the design of the computer lab series, preliminary assessment from student groups, and subsequent improvement and deployment plans. The development and deployment of this software is partially supported by an NSF CCLI grant.

Introduction

“Medical Imaging” is an important subject in most bio-medical and bio-engineering curricula. It is a multi-discipline subject involving studies in biology, physics, mathematics, electrical engineering, and computer science. A comprehensive medical imaging course may cover fundamental science and engineering principles (e.g. atomic and nuclear physics, Fourier analysis and reconstruction, and computer assisted tomography), medical imaging modalities (e.g. x-ray radiography, x-ray CT, nuclear medicine gamma imaging, magnetic resonance imaging, and ultrasound imaging), and clinical imaging practices (e.g. image analysis, visualization, instrumentation, and radiological protection)1,2. Although it has been a typically a graduate level course in most of the radiology, medical physics, biomedical engineering, and computer engineering programs3, it has also been frequently offered to undergraduate students as a required or elective course.

In order to offer this as an introductory undergraduate course, it is necessary to emphasize conceptual learning through lab exercises4,5. In this paper we present a series of computer lab exercises based on a newly developed computer simulation software – SimuRad6, which can help students better understand the underlying science and engineering principles of medical imaging.

SimuRad is an interactive software which implements numerical algorithms to simulate physical and biological processes in most common medical imaging modalities. The software contains expandable modules, each to support a series lab exercises related to a particular modality. Currently implemented modules include math fundamentals, computed tomography (CT), x-ray physics, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), image enhancement and analysis. With these modules, seven computer lab exercises have been designed. Lab 1, Convolution and Fourier Transform (math preparation) Lab 2, Projection and Projection Slice Theorem (tomography) Lab 3, Frequency domain reconstruction – number of projects, interpolation methods (x- ray CT, MRI) Lab 4, Filtered back projection – number of projections, filters, noise (x-ray CT) Lab 5, X-ray attenuation coefficient and survival probability (x-ray) Lab 6, NMR signals – precessions, relaxation, basic sequences (MRI) Lab 7, Brain activation detection in fMRI (image analysis)

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Man, H., & Ritter, A. (2010, June), Computer Lab Exercises For Medical Imaging Using Simurad Paper presented at 2010 Annual Conference & Exposition, Louisville, Kentucky. 10.18260/1-2--16603