Computer Science, the Digital Image, and Computed Radiography

Radiography Theory

Materials Included

Text
Video
Quiz

This theory module provides an introduction to computer science, the technology used in radiographic imaging, and the difference between digital imaging and computed radiography.

Purchase Now

Medical imaging is dependent on the computer for most aspects of acquiring and processing the image, and for subsequent transmission and storage of the recorded data. This theory module provides an introduction to computer science, the technology used in radiographic imaging, and the difference between digital imaging and computed radiography. It also covers the elements of the digital image and how these affect image quality. If you are studying for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists® (ARRT) registry exams, this module is an ideal learning resource.

You’ll learn

to identify the different components of a medical imaging computer system
to describe the fundamentals of digital imaging, and how digital imaging compares with film screen imaging
to identify the different elements of a digital image and their effect on image quality
how to explain the science behind digital and computed radiography
much more (see “content details” for more specific information)

Introduction

Step 1 - Background to the computer

Step 1.1 - Computer types

Step 1.1.1 - Server

Step 1.1.2 - Operator console

Step 1.1.3 - Workstation

Step 1.2 - Computer systems

Step 1.2.1 - Hardware

Step 1.3 - Software

Step 1.4 - Networking systems

Step 1.5 - Computer security

Step 2 - Digital imaging compared with film-screen imaging

Step 2.1 - Equipment

Step 2.2 - Image acquisition

Step 2.3 - Image processing

Step 2.4 - Clinical application

Step 2.5 - Patient radiation dose

Step 3 - Elements of the digital image and image quality

Step 3.1 - Spatial resolution

Step 3.1.1 - Field-of-view

Step 3.1.2 - Matrix size

Step 3.1.3 - Pixel size

Step 3.1.4 - Bit-depth

Step 3.1.5 - Spatial frequency

Step 3.2 - Contrast resolution

Step 3.2.1 - Linear response

Step 3.2.2 - Exposure latitude

Step 3.2.3 - Detective quantum efficiency

Step 3.2.4 - Signal-to-noise ratio

Step 3.2.5 - Contrast-detail curve

Step 3.3 - Post-processing

Step 3.3.1 - Windowing

Step 3.3.2 - Edge enhancement

Step 3.3.3 - Annotation

Step 3.4 - Grids

Step 3.5 - Image artifacts

Step 3.6 - Collimation

Step 4 - Computed radiography

Step 4.1 - Equipment

Step 4.1.1 - X-Ray imaging system

Step 4.1.2 - Cassette

Step 4.1.3 - Image plate

Step 4.1.4 - Computed radiography reader

Step 4.2 - Image acquisition

Step 4.3 - Image processing

Step 4.3.1 - Cassette insertion

Step 4.3.2 - Laser scanner

Step 4.3.3 - Image process

Step 4.3.4 - Image display

Step 4.3.5 - Image plate erasure

Step 4.3.6 - Cassette ejection

Step 4.4 - Patient radiation dose

Review history and development of the computer.
Define terminology associated with digital imaging systems.
Describe the various types of digital receptors.
Discuss the fundamentals of digital radiography, distinguishing between cassette-based systems and cassette-less systems.
Describe the advantages and disadvantages of digital imaging versus cassette-based imaging.
Discuss spatial resolution, contrast resolution, and noise related to digital imaging.
Describe the features of a contrast-detail curve, and interpret a modulation transfer function curve.
Discuss how post-processing allows the visualization of a wide dynamic range.
Explain the relevant features of a storage phosphor imaging plate and operating characteristics of a computed radiography reader.
Describe how digital imaging can be used to help reduce patient radiation dose.
Describe HIPAA concerns with electronic information.
Explain the Patient's Bill of Rights, Patient Privacy Rule (HIPAA) and Patient Safety Act.

The SIMTICS modules are all easy to use and web-based. This means they are available at any time as long as the learner has an internet connection. No special hardware or other equipment is required, other than a computer mouse for use in the simulations. Each of the SIMTICS modules covers one specific procedure or topic in detail. Each module contains:

an online simulation (available in Learn and Test modes)
descriptive text, which explains exactly how to perform that particular procedure including key terms and hyperlinks to references
2D images and a 3D model of applied anatomy for that particular topic
a step by step video demonstration by an expert
a quiz
a personal logbook that keeps track of all the modules the learner has studied and how long