Course Descriptions
for Imaging Science
1051-200 Imaging Science First Year Seminar
An introduction to academic and student life in the College of Science and the Center for Imaging Science. Topics covered will include a history of imaging science, Wallace Library and basic library skills, resources for student life, campus and laboratory safety practices, the Office of Cooperative Education and Career Services, and resume and cover letter writing. Class 1, Credit 1 (F)
1051-204 Imaging in the Physical Sciences
This course presents a survey of the field of imaging science and its applications by examining representative imaging systems from the imaging chain perspective. Fundamental properties and characteristics of light, optics, and sensors, as well as fundamental principles of image processing, are presented and explored through lab experiments and through analysis of familiar imaging systems (e.g., traditional film and digital cameras, telescopes, medical X-ray systems, consumer video systems, copy machines, laser and ink-jet printers, and fax machines). Students explore how imaging techniques are applied to representative scientific problems from fields such as medical science, remote sensing, and astronomy. (Corequisite 1016-214, 271, or 281) Class 3, Lab 3, Credit 4 (F, W)
1051-211 Programming for Imaging Science
This course will introduce the student to the IDL environment as a data visualization tool and a programming language. The student will learn the various capabilities of the package and how they can rapidly prototype solutions to various science and engineering problems. As these solutions are developed, fundamental concepts of programming and data structures will be introduced. Programming assignments will include fundamental imaging related problems and will work with scalar, vector and array processes. This course will emphasize the need for concrete problem definition, problem decomposition into smaller sub-problems, implementation/testing, and presentation/documentation of the algorithm and results. (Algebra and trigonometry) Class 4, Credit 4 (F)
1051-215 Imaging Science Fundamentals
An exploration of the fundamentals of imaging science and the imaging systems of the past, present and future. Imaging systems studied include the human visual system, consumer and entertainment applications (e.g., traditional and digital photography, television, digital television and HDTV, virtual reality); medical applications (e.g., X-ray, ultrasound, MRI); business/document applications (e.g., impact and non-impact printing, scanners, printers, fax machines, copiers); and systems used in remote sensing and astronomy (e.g., night-vision systems, ground- and satellite-based observatories). The laboratory component includes experiments related to the principles and theories discussed in the corresponding lecture. Laboratory experiments give students experience with many imaging systems and exposure to the underlying scientific principles. (Competency in algebra) Class 3, Lab 2, Credit 4 (F, W)
1051-217 Fundamentals of Astronomical Imaging
Familiarizes students with the goals and techniques of astronomical imaging. The broad nature of astronomical sources will be outlined in terms of requirements on astronomical imaging systems. These requirements are then investigated in the context of the astronomical imaging chain. Imaging chains in the optical, X-ray, and/or radio wavelength regimes will be studied in detail as time permits. Laboratory assignments will range from construction and characterization of a hand-held telescope to analysis of images collected at the RIT Observatory. (1051-215 or permission of instructor) Class 3, Lab 2, Credit 4 (W)
1051-253 Special Topics: Imaging Science
Topics of special interest, varying from quarter to quarter, selected from the field of imaging science and not currently offered in the curriculum. Specific topics are announced in advance. (Not offered each quarter. Consult director of the Center for Imaging Science) Class variable, Credit variable
1051-300 Introduction to Imaging Systems
This course provides a framework for the study of imaging science in the remainder of the imaging science curriculum. Elements of imaging science taxonomy, including the imaging chain, image analysis and imaging systems characterization are introduced or reviewed. Practical examples are drawn from familiar imaging systems such as digital and film still cameras, LCD displays, NTSC video, etc., are introduced and selected systems are studied in depth. Current events in the development or use of imaging science will be incorporated at the discretion of the instructor to reinforce understanding of the structure of the field of imaging science. The student will master basic laboratory skills in the use of still and video cameras, including effects of and control of illumination, exposure, focus and depth of field, focal length, dark and flat field calibration. (1016-282, 1017-311, or equivalent) Class 3, Lab 3, Credit 4 (F)
1051-303 Geometrical Optics
This course introduces the description of optical imaging systems based on the ray model of light. Topics include refraction, reflection, imaging with lenses, stops and pupils, and optical system design using computer software. (1017-313) Class 3, Lab 3, Credit 4 (W)
1051-313 Interactions Between Light & Matter
Fundamental aspects of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation and materials. The course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the physical mechanisms underlying instruments used to detect, measure, and image electromagnetic energy (CCDs, silver halide film, OPC, vidicon, etc.). Basic concepts of quantum theory, atomic structure and the particle/wave duality of light and matter are introduced. Electronic transitions in materials and the physical and chemical results of light absorption are explored, with practical examples in image detection. Applications in detector spectral sensitivity, spectroscopy, human vision, and colorimetry will be touched on. (1016-283, 1017-312, 1051-204) Class 4, Credit 4 (S)
1051-320 Linear Mathematics for Imaging
This course develops the concepts of complex numbers and linear algebra for describing imaging systems. (1016-305) Class 4, Credit 4 (W)
(1051-400)1051-350 Vision & Psychophysics
The final “component” in many imaging systems is visual perception. The human visual system can also be considered as an imaging system itself; arguably the most complex system, from visual optics through high-level cortical processing such as the perception of depth and motion. An understanding of the characteristics and limitations of the visual system aids in designing and evaluating imaging systems. Unlike other elements of imaging systems, it is difficult or impossible to get objective measures of visual perception; psychophysics provides tools for measuring perceptual mechanisms. This course presents an overview of the organization and function of the human visual system and some of the psychophysical techniques used to study visual perception. (1051-300 or permission of instructor) Class 4, Credit 4 (W)
(1051-461) 1051-361 Digital Image Processing I
This course is an introduction to the basic concepts of digital image processing. The student will be exposed to image capture and image formation methodologies, sampling and quantization concepts, statistical descriptors and enhancement techniques based upon the image histogram, point processing, neighborhood processing, and global processing techniques based upon kernel operations and discrete convolutions as well as the frequency domain equivalents, geometrical operations for scale and rotation, and grey-level resampling techniques. Emphasis is placed on applications and efficient algorithmic implementation using the IDL programming language. (1016-283, 1016-305, 1051-211 or equivalent) Class 4, Credit 4 (S)
(1051-401) 1051-370 Radiometry
This course introduces the concepts of quantitative measurement of electromagnetic energy. The basic radiometry terms are introduced using calculus-based definitions. Governing equations for source-propagation and sensor output are derived. Simple source concepts are reviewed and detector figures of merit are introduced and used in problem solving. The radiometric concepts are then applied to simple imaging systems so that a student could make quantitative measurements with imaging instruments. (1016-283, 1017-313) Class 3, Lab 3, Credit 4 (S)
1051-402 Color Science
This course presents an introduction to color perception, measurement, and reproduction. Building upon an understanding of the human visual system, psychophysics, and radiometric measurements and computations, this course explores in more detail the basis of color perception, applies those principles to the measurement of color stimuli, and then explores the applications of color science in imaging. (1051-350, 370) Class 4, Credit 4 (F)
1051-403 Tone & Color Reproduction
Builds on 1051-401 and 1051-402 to understand strategies for governing mean value input/output relationships of imaging systems. This includes tone and color reproduction in both hard copy and soft display, and the propagation of imaging signals through multiple components. Optical, electronic and hard copy systems will be examined. Techniques for characterizing input/output parameters and how these parameters propagate through multiple imaging steps will be a major focus. Traditional sensitometry and densitometry will be included. How fundamental chemical and physical parameters lead to input/output characteristics of systems will be studied and modeled. Laboratory experiments will include characterization of electrophotographic, electronic and chemical imaging systems. Models will be tested against measured system performance. (1051-401, 402) Class 3, Lab 3, Credit 4 (W)
1051-420 Environmental Applications of Remote Sensing
An introduction to the wide range of environmental applications of remote sensing. Systems for detecting physical phenomena and analysis techniques for extracting useful information are described for active and passive sensors operating throughout the electromagnetic spectrum from both airborne and spaceborne sensors. The Earth’s atmospheric, hydrospheric and terrestrial processes are examined at a global scale. Application areas studied include monitoring vegetation health, identifying cultural features, assessing water resources, and detecting pollution and natural hazards. (1017-213 or permission of instructor) Class 4, Credit 4 (W)
1051-446 Multi-wavelength Astronomical Imaging
Survey of modern imaging techniques in astronomy. Students analyze astronomical imaging systems in terms of the requirements placed on the systems, and the strengths and limitations of each component in the imaging chain. Examples of specific techniques covered include optical CCD cameras and spectrometers, X-ray CCD imaging spectroscopy, and radio molecular mapping. (1017-314, 1017-301 also recommended) Class 3, Lab 3, Credit 4 (S)
1051-451 Imaging Systems I: Tone Transfer Function
This course applies the mathematical and computational skills acquired in previous courses to the analysis and modeling of mean-value, tone propagation through both linear and non-linear imaging systems of both discrete and continuous processes. System modeling techniques will be described based on (a) empirical metrics of system components, (b) underlying physical mechanisms of imaging processes. Modeling of multi-channel systems will emphasize the analysis of inter-image characteristics and the impact of spectral sensitivity on information content in the output image. (1051-211, 1051-320) Class 3, Lab 3, Credit (F)
1051-452 Imaging Systems II: Resolution, MTF & Spatial Artifacts
This course applies the mathematical and computational skills acquired in previous courses to the analysis and modeling of spatial properties of both linear and non-linear imaging systems of both discrete and continuous processes. Experimental techniques for measuring resolution, MTF, CTF, PSF and LSF of individual and complex systems will be described. These functions will be modeled mathematically for both individual imaging processes and for sequences of linear and non-linear processes. Physical mechanisms (including finite detectors and sampling, optical turbidity, and electronic time constraints) will be treated mathematically for their impact on MTF. (1051-451) Class 3, Lab 3, Credit 4 (W)
1051-453 Imaging Systems III: Noise & Random Processes
This course applies the mathematical and computational skills acquired in previous courses to the analysis and modeling of noise and random processes in a sequence of imaging processes. Experimental techniques for measuring noise will be studied and practiced. Noise characteristics of imaging systems will be modeled based on mathematical probability and moment theory. Jacobian operators and Fourier theory will be used to model correlated noise and to propagate noise properties through complex sequences of imaging processes. Practical metrics of noise and signal/noise ratios will be examined for their utility as figures of merit for imaging systems. (1051-452, 1016-314) Class 3, Lab 3, Credit 4 (S)
1051-455 Physical Optics
The principles of wave optics are applied to imaging systems. Topics include propagation of electromagnetic radiation, the wave equation, diffraction, and interference. Particular emphasis is placed on the fundamental limitations of the optical system on the resulting image. (1017-313, 1051-320) Class 3, Lab 3 Credit 4 (W)
1051-462 Digital Image Processing II
This course is an introduction to the more advanced concepts of digital image processing. The student will be exposed to image reconstruction, noise sources and techniques for noise removal, information theory, image compression, video compression, wavelet transformations and the basics of digital image watermarking. Emphasis is placed on applications and efficient algorithmic implementation using the IDL programming language. (1051-361) Class 4, Credit 4 (F)
1051-463 Digital Image Processing III
This course discusses the digital image processing concepts and algorithms used for the analysis of hyperspectral, multispectral, and multi-channel data in remote sensing and other application areas. Concepts are covered at the theoretical and implementation level using current, popular commercial software packages and high-level programming languages for examples, homework and programming assignments. The requisite multivariate statistics will be presented as part of this course as an extension of the univariate statistics to which the students have been previously exposed. Topics to be covered will include methods for supervised data classification, clustering algorithms and unsupervised classification, multispectral data transformations, data redundancy reduction techniques, image-to-image rectification, and data fusion for resolution enhancement. (1051-211 or equivalent, 1051-462, 1016-314) Class 4, Credit 4 (W)
1051-465 Detectors
This course provides an overview of the underlying physical concepts, designs, and characteristics of detectors used to sense electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths ranging from as short as X-rays to as long as millimeter radiation. The basic physical concepts common to many standard detector arrays will be reviewed. Some specific examples of detectors to be discussed include photomultipliers, microchannel plates, hybridized infrared arrays, PIN detectors, and radio frequency mixers. The use of detectors in fields such as astronomy, high energy physics, medical imaging and digital image processing will be discussed. (1051-313, 1051-370) Class 3, Demonstration 1, Credit 4 (S)
1051-499 Imaging Science Co-op
Cooperative education experience for undergraduate imaging science students. Credit 0 (offered every quarter)
1051-501 Senior Project
Develops skills in scientific research, including use of library resources, technical report writing, technical presentations. Students are required to research, write and present a proposal for a research project. The proposed research, if approved, is performed in 1051-502, 503. (Matriculation in SIMG) Class 3, Credit 3 (F)
1051-502, 503 Senior Project II, III
Students perform the independent research project defined in 1051-501 under the direction of a faculty member in imaging science. The student presents the results of the project to a public meeting at the end of spring quarter. Class 1, Credit Variable (W-502, S-503)
1051-511 Imaging Systems Analysis I
This first course introduces the necessary mathematical topics, e.g., vector space, matrix algebra, complex functions, special functions and Fourier series. The concepts of continuous and discrete convolution, Fourier transform, linear systems in both one and two dimensions are examined and then applications of these concepts to the evaluation of imaging systems is considered. Emphasis is placed on understanding the underlying mathematical principles and their connection to real-life applications. The perspective of modeling an imaging system as a linear system is introduced from the beginning and is maintained throughout the course. Finally, some examples of imaging systems, including cascaded systems are used to describe how and why output depends on the system design parameters. (1051-313, 1051-401, 1051-462 or permission of instructor) Class 4, Credit 4 (F)
1051-512 Imaging Systems Analysis II
A continuation of 1051-511 extending the linear-systems formalism for analyzing and characterizing imaging systems; point, line and edge spread functions; optical, modulation and phase-transfer functions; coherent and incoherent optical systems. (1051-511) Class 4, Credit 4 (W)
1051-513 Image Microstructure
This course examines the spatial properties of both linear and non-linear imaging processes. Instrumental techniques are examined for the experimental characterization of noise (granularity) and resolution properties of images and imaging processes. The control of tone and color reproduction through both optical and digital strategies of halftone imaging is described. Also described are temporal microstructure effects in real-time imaging systems such as television and motion pictures. Emphasis is also placed on the underlying physical, chemical and optical mechanisms that impact microstructure of images and systems. (1051-403) Class 3, Lab 1, Credit 4 (S)
1051-528 Design & Fabrication of Solid State Cameras
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with hands-on experience in building a CCD camera. The course provides the basics of CCD operation including an overview, CCD clocking, analog output circuitry, cooling and evaluation criteria. (Senior status imaging science or permission of instructor) Class 1.5, Lab 7.5, Credit 4 (W)
1051-553 Special Topics: Imaging Science
Topics of special interest, varying from quarter to quarter, selected from the field of imaging science and not currently offered in the curriculum. Specific topics are announced in advance. (Not offered each quarter. Consult director of the Center for Imaging Science) Class variable, Credit variable
1051-599 Independent Study
A student-proposed advanced project sponsored by an instructor. Approval required by the department chairperson and the director of the school. Available to upper-level students with a GPA of 3.0 or greater. Credit variable