Computed tomography, sinograms, and image reconstruction in the classroom

Abstract

As part of an undergraduate introductory survey course on medical physics, x-ray computed tomography (CT) was used to illustrate fundamental principles and mathematics in imaging science. A qualitative description of sinograms was presented to students through a hands-on activity involving simple classroom materials, then the basics of tomographic image reconstruction were presented. Modern applications of CT imaging, including for the diagnosis and treatment of disease, were used to emphasize the utility of medical physics and medical imaging. A simple, qualitative description of convolution, including a very elementary presentation on Fourier transforms and inverse transforms, was included to offer a basic introduction to some of the mathematical tools used in medical imaging physics. Electronic media and materials for the lesson plan are available upon request.