RPS102 – Fundamentals of Digital Imaging
Summer 2010
David Raulerson,BSHCA, RDMS,RVT,RT, ( R ) (CT) ARRT
Full Time
Office Location 338
Phone Number: 912-688-6021
draulerson@ogeecheetech.edu
Office Hours: By appointment
On-Line CRN 17455
Course Description:
This course introduces the student to the fundamentals of computed radiography (CR) and the
principles of digital image acquisition and processing and its application in radiography.
Emphasis is placed on image acquisition, optimizing image quality, image processing and
image compression techniques, and the development of a QA/QC program. Topics include
computer imaging basics, pixels and voxels, digital radiography hardware requirements, digital
image processor, basics of computer radiography, concepts of direct digital radiography (DDR),
image quality and quality assurance.
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
Following the completion of this course the participant will:
1. Discuss the historical aspect of the development of computerized radiography.
2. Define the following terms: byte, kilobyte, megabyte, gigabyte, and terabyte.
3. Describe the configuration of a digital image and digitalization.
4. Discuss the terms pixel, voxel, and their relationship to the digital image.
5. Describe a photostimulable phosphor.
6. State the ionizing range for photostimulable phosphors using radiation both
electromagnetic and particulate.
7. Discuss how the gray scale seen with digital imaging is produced.
8. Calculate the number of pixels in a given matrix size.
9. Discuss image matrix and the meaning of gray-scale dynamic range.
10. List the components of a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and discuss their functions.
11. List the components of the digital image processor and discuss the application of each.
12. List the basic hardware components for digital radiography.
13. Compare and contrast digital versus conventional radiography.
14. Describe the process for each of the following: film digitization, digital fluoroscopy, computed
radiography (CR) (-photostimulable phosphors), and Direct readout capture Radiography
(DR) (-charged-coupled device (CCD), -indirect conversion, - direct conversion.
15. Define the term exposure index and discuss its role in technique selection by the
technologist.
16. State the role of CR image capture into PACS for image display and storage.
PREREQUISITES/COREQUISITES:
RPS 101; RPS 104
CORREQUISITE:
RPS 132
CONTACT HOURS: 6
CREDIT HOURS: 5
REQUIRED TEXT:
Digital Imaging: A Primer for Radiographers, Radiologists and Health Care Professionals, Jason
Oakley, Greenwich Medical Media Limited. ISBN 978-0-521-86619-4
Materials and Supplies:
Required: Scantrons for exams
Suggested: Pen and/or Pencil, Notebook
COMPETENCY AREAS:
1. Computer Imaging Basics
2. Pixels and Voxels
3. Digital Radiography Hardware Requirements
4. Digital Image Processor
5. Basics of Computer Radiography
6. Concepts of Direct Digital Radiology (DDR)
7. Image Quality and Quality Assurance
8. Computer Imaging Basics
9. Pixels and Voxels
10. Digital Radiography Hardware Requirements
11. Digital Image Processor
12. Basics of Computer Radiography
13. Concepts of Direct Digital Radiology (DDR)
14. Image Quality and Quality Assurance
Classroom Policies and Procedures:
Academic honesty is expected in this class.
Books are NOT to be used during tests.
Tests are timed. You will be informed regarding the length of time you have for each test.
Points will be deducted for extended time as follows:
5 minutes or less
5 – 10 minutes
10 – 15 minutes
15 minutes or more
5 point deduction from grade
10 point deduction from grade
25 point deduction
35 point deduction
CLASS PROCEDURES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
 Visit the course web site regularly to view new announcements and work through the
Assignments section.
 Complete assignments on time.
 All assignments are to be emailed through the course email.
 The final exam will be taken on campus.

LIBRARY USAGE:
You may be required to utilize the OTC library to research articles either in print or on the WEB.
COMMUNICATION:
Important communication about this course will be transmitted through the Ogeechee Tech
student e-mail system. Students should check their student e-mail accounts before each class in
order to receive the most up-to-the-minute information about classes and assignments.
Ogeechee Tech sends vital information about financial aid, registration, and college news
through the student e-mail system. Students should check their student e-mail accounts
periodically for this information.
Student e-mail accounts may be accessed through the college website, www.ogeecheetech.edu,
under the Current Students tab.
ATTENDANCE:
Students are expected to access the website on a regular basis. It is advisable to spend a
minimum of five hours per week in this coursework.
WORK ETHICS:
10 work ethics assignments must be completed and posted on the discussion board. These
work ethics assignment can be found on the Discussion Board.
Other Requirements:
You must come to campus to take final examination.
CODE OF CONDUCT:
CHEATING:
The program’s policy for cheating specifies that one (1) incident of cheating will result
in a grade of zero (0) for that examination and DISMISSAL FROM THE PROGRAM.
Cheating includes but is not limited to: Copying from the test of another student allowing
another student to copy from your test. Possessing materials or objects not authorized by the
instructor during the test, including “crib notes”, programmable calculators, open textbooks,
notebooks or notes, even if unused. Copying, recording, buying, stealing, transporting or soliciting
tests (pre or post testing), test keys, questions written assignments or computer programs.
Seeking aid from or collaborating with another student for aid without permission from the
instructor during a test. Discussing the test with a student who has not already taken the test.
Substituting for another person, or permitting another to substitute for you. Alteration of
scantron or any other grade sheets through changing answers or filling in of blank spaces
after being graded
A student dismissed for cheating or plagiarism will not be eligible for re-entry.
Plagiarism is defined as copying someone else’s work and presenting it as
one’s own, without the knowledge of the original author. All research due must
give credit when quotes are used.
SAFETY:
Please refer to the OTC website:
http://www.ogeecheetech.edu/student_services/campus_safety.html
DISTRIBUTION OF GRADES:
Evaluation of the student’s achievement of the course objectives will be based on satisfactory
completion of all required activities. Grading to be computed as follows:
Weekly Assignments
32%
Article Reviews
25%
Unit Exams
40%
Comprehensive final exam 28%
GRADING SCALE:
A 90 – 100 B 80 – 89
C 70 – 79
D 60 – 69
F 0 - 59
DISABILITY STATEMENT:
Students with disabilities who believe that they may need accommodations in this
class based on the impact of the disability are encouraged to contact Penny Hendrix in
the Special Services Office, Room 332C, Kennedy Bldg., 912-486-7211, to coordinate
reasonable accommodations.
WORK ETHICS:
Students will receive a work ethics grade each quarter for each fundamental and
specific course in which they enroll. The work ethics grade of 3, 2, 1, or 0 will not affect
the student’s academic grade point average (GPA). Work ethics grades will appear on
the student’s quarterly Student Grade Reports and Transcripts. Performance factors
and indicators include, but are not limited to, quality of work, ability to follow instructions,
productivity, dependability, honesty, reliability, attendance and punctuality, attitude,
integrity, enthusiasm, interpersonal skills, and initiative. The work ethics grade
descriptions are
Exceeds expectations:
3
Meets expectations:
2
Needs improvement:
1
Unacceptable:
0
WARRANTY STATEMENT:
The Department of Technical and Adult Education guarantees employers that
graduates of State Technical Colleges shall possess skills and knowledge as prescribed
by State Curriculum Standards. Should any graduate employee within two years of
graduation be deemed lacking in said skills, that student shall be retrained in any State
Technical College at no charge for instructional costs to either the student or the
employer.
DISCLAIMER:
The instructor reserves the right to amend or correct this course syllabus as
necessary. If the instructor amends or corrects this syllabus, students will be given a
revised syllabus or corrections.
REVISED 10/09