Dr. James T. Dobbins Profile

Dr. James T. Dobbins

Professor Emeritus, Assoc Vice Provost Emeritus

SPIE Involvement:

Author

Area of Expertise:

Medical imaging , Physics , Imaging science , University senior administration , Leadership

Profile Summary

My research career has centered on developing and evaluating advanced diagnostic imaging algorithms, including several that are now in clinical use worldwide. I also have expertise in the science of image quality metrology, and won the Sylvia Sorkin Greenfield award for best paper of the year in the journal Medical Physics in 1996. I have served in senior administration at Duke University as Associate Vice Provost responsible for the academic and programmatic aspects of launching a new joint-venture university in China. I was the founding Director of the Duke Medical Physics Graduate Program that offers PhD and MS degrees in areas including imaging science. I have leadership experience at the national level chairing an education council and serving as President of two national professional associations. I served as co-chair of the Physics of Medical Imaging conference for SPIE in 1998-2000.

Publications (32)

Proceedings Article | 1 March 2019 Presentation + Paper

Presentation + Paper

Multi-x-ray source array for stationary tomosynthesis or multi-cone angle cone beam CT

John Boone, Amy Becker, Andrew Hernandez, James Dobbins, Paul Schwoebel

Proceedings Volume 10948, 109480U (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2512959

KEYWORDS: X-rays, X-ray computed tomography, X-ray sources, Sensors, Breast, Collimation, X-ray imaging, Prototyping, Scanners, Imaging systems

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Proceedings Article | 19 March 2014 Paper

Paper

Population of 100 realistic, patient-based computerized breast phantoms for multi-modality imaging research

W. Paul Segars, Alexander Veress, Jered Wells, Gregory Sturgeon, Nooshin Kiarashi, Joseph Lo, Ehsan Samei, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 9033, 90331X (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2043868

KEYWORDS: Breast, Mathematical modeling, Data modeling, Image segmentation, 3D modeling, Breast imaging, Mammography, Breast cancer, Tissues, Skin

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Proceedings Article | 19 March 2014 Paper

Paper

Dose reduction in CT with correlated-polarity noise reduction: context-dependent spatial resolution and noise properties demonstrating two-fold dose reduction with minimal artifacts

James Dobbins, Jered Wells, W. Paul Segars

Proceedings Volume 9033, 90335G (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2043685

KEYWORDS: Computed tomography, Spatial resolution, Image processing, Denoising, Single mode fibers, Image quality, Modulation transfer functions, Signal to noise ratio, CT reconstruction, Metrology

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Proceedings Article | 19 March 2013 Paper

Paper

Development of matched virtual and physical breast phantoms based on patient data

Nooshin Kiarashi, Gregory Sturgeon, Loren Nolte, Joseph Lo, James Dobbins, William Segars, Ehsan Samei

Proceedings Volume 8668, 866805 (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2008406

KEYWORDS: Breast, Tissues, 3D modeling, Tissue optics, Statistical analysis, Imaging systems, Mathematical modeling, Signal attenuation, X-ray imaging, X-rays

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Proceedings Article | 19 March 2013 Paper

Paper

Preliminary investigation of the frequency response and distortion properties of nonlinear image processing algorithms

Jered Wells, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 8668, 86681H (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2008549

KEYWORDS: Distortion, Signal processing, Spatial frequencies, Nonlinear image processing, Modulation transfer functions, Nonlinear filtering, Image processing, Double positive medium, Medical imaging, Reconstruction algorithms

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Proceedings Article | 6 March 2013 Paper

Paper

Dose reduction in CT with correlated-polarity noise reduction: comparable image quality at half the dose with projection space processing

James Dobbins, Jered Wells, W. Segars

Proceedings Volume 8668, 86681O (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2008563

KEYWORDS: Computed tomography, Image processing, Denoising, Image quality, Reconstruction algorithms, Heart, Signal to noise ratio, Medical imaging, Image filtering, Interference (communication)

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Proceedings Article | 17 March 2011 Paper

Paper

A patient image-based technique to assess the image quality of clinical chest radiographs

Yuan Lin, Ehsan Samei, Hui Luo, James Dobbins, H. Page McAdams, Xiaohui Wang, William Sehnert, Lori Barski, David Foos

Proceedings Volume 7961, 796160 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.878765

KEYWORDS: Image quality, Lung, Image processing, Chest imaging, Chest, Imaging systems, Radiography, Databases, Image filtering, Spine

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Proceedings Article | 17 March 2011 Paper

Paper

Refinement of motion correction strategies for lower-cost CT for under-resourced regions of the world

Jered Wells, W. Paul Segars, Christopher J. Kigongo, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 7961, 796133 (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.878697

KEYWORDS: Reconstruction algorithms, X-ray computed tomography, Sensors, 3D image reconstruction, 3D image processing, Image quality, Medicine, Computed tomography, Detection and tracking algorithms, Image restoration

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Proceedings Article | 16 March 2011 Paper

Paper

Correlated-polarity noise reduction: feasibility of a new statistical approach to reduce image noise

James Dobbins, Jered Wells

Proceedings Volume 7961, 79610A (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.879076

KEYWORDS: Image quality, Image processing, Denoising, Computed tomography, Radiography, Signal to noise ratio, Image quality standards, Medical imaging, Interference (communication), Image resolution

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Proceedings Article | 23 March 2010 Paper

Paper

Initial investigation into lower-cost CT for resource limited regions of the world

James Dobbins, Jered Wells, W. Paul Segars, Christina Li, Christopher Kigongo

Proceedings Volume 7622, 76223C (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.844293

KEYWORDS: X-ray computed tomography, Scanners, Image quality, Sensors, X-rays, Chest, Image acquisition, Motion models, X-ray imaging, Lung

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Proceedings Article | 14 March 2009 Paper

Paper

Computerized 3D breast phantom with enhanced high-resolution detail

Christina Li, W. Paul Segars, Joseph Lo, Alexander Veress, John Boone, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 7258, 72580S (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.813529

KEYWORDS: Breast, Tissues, Data modeling, Image segmentation, Mathematical modeling, 3D modeling, Image processing, Mammography, 3D image processing, Image processing algorithms and systems

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Proceedings Article | 13 March 2009 Paper

Paper

Extension of DQE to include scatter, grid, magnification, and focal spot blur: a new experimental technique and metric

N. Ranger, A. Mackenzie, I. Honey, J. Dobbins, C. Ravin, E. Samei

Proceedings Volume 7258, 72581A (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.813779

KEYWORDS: Modulation transfer functions, Imaging systems, Spatial frequencies, Sensors, X-rays, Chest imaging, Radiography, Quantum efficiency, Scatter measurement, Signal attenuation

Read Abstract +

In digital radiography, conventional DQE evaluations are performed under idealized conditions that do not reflect typical clinical operating conditions. For this reason, we have developed and evaluated an experimental methodology for measuring theeffective detective quantum efficiency (eDQE) of digital radiographic systems and its utility in chest imaging applications.To emulate the attenuation and scatter properties of the human thorax across a range of sizes, the study employed pediatric and adult geometric chest imaging phantoms designed for use in the FDA/CDRH Nationwide Evaluation of X-Ray Trends (NEXT) program and a third phantom configuration designed to represent the bariatric population. The MTF for each phantom configuration was measured using images of an opaque edge device placed at the nominal surface of each phantom and at a common reference point. For each phantom, the NNPS was measured in a uniform region within the phantom image acquired at an exposure level determined from a prior phototimed acquisition. Scatter measurements were made using a beam-stop technique. These quantities were used along with measures of phantom attenuation and estimates of x-ray flux, to compute the eDQE at the beam-entrance surface of the phantoms, reflecting the presence of scatter, grid, magnification, and focal spot blur. The MTF results showed notable degradation due to focal spot blurring enhanced by geometric magnification, with increasing phantom size. Measured scatter fractions were 33%, 34% and 46% for the pediatric, adult, and bariatric phantoms, respectively. Correspondingly, the measured narrow beam transmission fractions were 16%, 9%, and 3%. The eDQE results for the pediatric and adult phantoms correlate well at low spatial frequencies but show degradation in the eDQE at increasing spatial frequencies for the adult phantom in comparison to the pediatric phantom. The results for the bariatric configuration showed a marked decrease in eDQE in comparison to the adult phantom results, across all spatial frequencies, attributable to the combined differences in geometric magnification, and scatter. The eDQE metric has been demonstrated to be sensitive to body habitus suggesting its usefulness in assessing system response across a range of chest sizes and potentially making it a useful factor in protocol assessment and optimization.

Proceedings Article | 18 March 2008 Paper

Paper

Three-dimensional computer generated breast phantom based on empirical data

Christina Li, W. Paul Segars, Joseph Lo, Alexander Veress, John Boone, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 6913, 691314 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.772185

KEYWORDS: Breast, 3D modeling, Computer simulations, Tissues, Data modeling, Image segmentation, Mammography, Breast imaging, Skin, X-ray computed tomography

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Proceedings Article | 28 March 2007 Paper

Paper

Methodology for determining dose reduction for chest tomosynthesis

Christina Li, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 6510, 65102D (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.713554

KEYWORDS: Signal to noise ratio, Lung, Chest, Image filtering, Chest imaging, Sensors, Computer simulations, Human subjects, Imaging systems, Image processing

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Proceedings Article | 16 March 2007 Paper

Paper

Methodology of NEQ (f) analysis for optimization and comparison of digital breast tomosynthesis acquisition techniques and reconstruction algorithms

Ying Chen, Joseph Lo, Nicole Ranger, Ehsan Samei, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 6510, 65101I (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.713737

KEYWORDS: Modulation transfer functions, Reconstruction algorithms, Sensors, Digital breast tomosynthesis, X-rays, Breast, Optimization (mathematics), Interference (communication), Detection and tracking algorithms, Mammography

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Proceedings Article | 10 March 2006 Paper

Paper

Biplane correlation imaging for lung nodule detection: initial human subject results

Nariman Majdi Nasab, Ehsan Samei, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 6144, 61441X (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.652582

KEYWORDS: Image segmentation, Lung, Brain-machine interfaces, Lung cancer, Human subjects, Computer aided diagnosis and therapy, Chest, X-rays, Image processing, Computer aided design

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Proceedings Article | 2 March 2006 Paper

Paper

Noise power spectrum analysis for several digital breast tomosynthesis reconstruction algorithms

Ying Chen, Joseph Lo, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 6142, 614259 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.652282

KEYWORDS: Reconstruction algorithms, Received signal strength, Breast, Gaussian filters, Digital breast tomosynthesis, Sensors, Medical imaging, Physics, Image stacking, Spectrum analysis

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Proceedings Article | 2 March 2006 Paper

Paper

Preliminary assessment of the temporal subtraction of tomosynthesis images for improved detection of pulmonary nodules

Christina Li, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 6142, 61425C (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.652492

KEYWORDS: Lung, Image segmentation, Image registration, Image filtering, Chest, Chest imaging, Radiography, Image processing algorithms and systems, Visibility, Image processing

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Proceedings Article | 2 March 2006 Paper

Paper

Gaussian frequency blending algorithm with matrix inversion tomosynthesis (MITS) and filtered back projection (FBP) for better digital breast tomosynthesis reconstruction

Ying Chen, Joseph Lo, Jay Baker, James Dobbins III

Proceedings Volume 6142, 61420E (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.652264

KEYWORDS: Gaussian filters, Reconstruction algorithms, Breast, Mammography, Tissues, Breast cancer, 3D image processing, Human subjects, Medical imaging, Image filtering

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Proceedings Article | 20 April 2005 Paper

Paper

Initial application of digital tomosynthesis with on-board imaging in radiation oncology

Alan Baydush, Devon Godfrey, Mark Oldham, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 5745, (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.596245

KEYWORDS: Radiation oncology, Computed tomography, Sensors, Data acquisition, Tumors, Imaging systems, CT reconstruction, Visualization, Image processing, Radiotherapy

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Proceedings Article | 20 April 2005 Paper

Paper

Digital breast tomosynthesis using an amorphous selenium flat panel detector

M. Bissonnette, M. Hansroul, E. Masson, S. Savard, S. Cadieux, P. Warmoes, D. Gravel, J. Agopyan, B. Polischuk, W. Haerer, T. Mertelmeier, J. Lo, Y. Chen, J. Dobbins, J. Jesneck, S. Singh

Proceedings Volume 5745, (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.601622

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Modulation transfer functions, Breast, Image quality, X-rays, Selenium, Prototyping, Data acquisition, Reconstruction algorithms, X-ray detectors

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Proceedings Article | 20 April 2005 Paper

Paper

Impulse response analysis for several digital tomosynthesis mammography reconstruction algorithms

Ying Chen, Joseph Lo, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 5745, (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.595684

KEYWORDS: Reconstruction algorithms, Digital mammography, Sensors, Image stacking, Breast, Chest, Detection and tracking algorithms, Computer simulations, X-rays, Mammography

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Proceedings Article | 6 May 2004 Paper

Paper

Digital tomosynthesis rendering of joint margins for arthritis assessment

Jeffrey Duryea, Gesa Neumann, Hiroshi Yoshioka, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 5368, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.535850

KEYWORDS: Radiography, Microchannel plates, Gold, Bone, Visualization, Medicine, Therapeutics, 3D image processing, Computed tomography, 3D metrology

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Proceedings Article | 5 June 2003 Paper

Paper

Practical strategies for the clinical implementation of matrix inversion tomosynthesis (MITS)

Devon Godfrey, Amber Rader, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 5030, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.480352

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Tomography, X-rays, Chest, Reconstruction algorithms, Radiography, X-ray imaging, X-ray detectors, Image acquisition, Detection and tracking algorithms

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Proceedings Article | 5 June 2003 Paper

Paper

Standardization of NPS measurement: interim report of AAPM TG16

Andrew Maidment, Michael Albert, Phillip Bunch, Ian Cunningham, James Dobbins, Robert Gagne, Robert Nishikawa, Richard Van Metter, Robert Wagner

Proceedings Volume 5030, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.480451

KEYWORDS: Sensors, X-rays, Standards development, Diagnostics, Imaging systems, Imaging devices, Calibration, Signal detection, Medical imaging, Spatial frequencies

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Proceedings Article | 28 June 2001 Paper

Paper

Development and characterization of a dual-energy subtraction imaging system for chest radiography based on CsI:Tl amorphous silicon flat-panel technology

John Sabol, Gopal Avinash, Francois Nicolas, Bernhard Claus, Jianguo Zhao, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 4320, (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.430897

KEYWORDS: Tissues, Dual energy imaging, Bone, Imaging systems, Chest, Aluminum, Prototyping, Radiography, Image quality, Electroluminescence

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Proceedings Article | 28 June 2001 Paper

Paper

Optimization of matrix inverse tomosynthesis

Devon Godfrey, Richard Warp, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 4320, (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.430908

KEYWORDS: Reconstruction algorithms, Radiography, Sensors, Chest, Tomography, Fourier transforms, Visualization, Detection and tracking algorithms, Linear algebra, Image quality

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Proceedings Article | 28 June 2001 Paper

Paper

Application of digital tomosynthesis to hand radiography for arthritis assessment

Jeffrey Duryea, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 4320, (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.430907

KEYWORDS: Radiography, Bone, Gold, 3D image processing, Sensors, Reconstruction algorithms, Tissues, Microchannel plates, Cartilage, Algorithm development

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Proceedings Article | 28 June 2001 Paper

Paper

DQE of direct and indirect digital radiography systems

Ehsan Samei, Michael Flynn, Harrell Chotas, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 4320, (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.430953

KEYWORDS: Modulation transfer functions, Sensors, X-rays, Spatial frequencies, Aluminum, Radiography, Imaging systems, X-ray detectors, Signal to noise ratio, Computing systems

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Proceedings Article | 25 April 2000 Paper

Paper

Applications of matrix inversion tomosynthesis

Richard Warp, Devon Godfrey, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 3977, (2000) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.384512

KEYWORDS: Sensors, Reconstruction algorithms, Chest, Image processing, Detection and tracking algorithms, Image quality, X-ray detectors, Radiography, Tomography, Image restoration

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Proceedings Article | 8 May 1995 Paper

Paper

Recent progress in noise reduction and scatter correction in dual-energy imaging

Dean Hinshaw, James Dobbins

Proceedings Volume 2432, (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.208330

KEYWORDS: Chromium, Bone, Tissues, Modulation transfer functions, Denoising, Signal to noise ratio, Dual energy imaging, Chest, Radiography, Scattering

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Proceedings Article | 11 May 1994 Paper

Paper

Dual-energy computed radiography: improvements in processing

David Ergun, Walter Peppler, James Dobbins, Frank Zink, David Kruger, Fredrick Kelcz, Frederik de Bruijn, Erwin Bellers, Yi Wang, Raymond Althof, Marco Wind

Proceedings Volume 2167, (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.175102

KEYWORDS: Algorithm development, Tissues, Image processing, Bone, Point spread functions, Radiography, Detection and tracking algorithms, Denoising, Sensors, Chromium

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Showing 5 of 32 publications

Proceedings Volume Editor (3)

SPIE Conference Volume | 25 April 2000

Medical Imaging 2000: Physics of Medical Imaging

SPIE Conference Volume | 28 May 1999

Medical Imaging 1999: Physics of Medical Imaging

SPIE Conference Volume | 24 July 1998

Medical Imaging 1998: Physics of Medical Imaging

Conference Committee Involvement (11)

Physics of Medical Imaging

13 February 2005 | San Diego, California, United States

Physics of Medical Imaging

15 February 2004 | San Diego, California, United States

Physics of Medical Imaging

16 February 2003 | San Diego, California, United States

Conference Program Committee -- Physics of Medical Imaging 2002

1 January 2002 |

Conference Program Committee -- Physics of Medical Imaging 2001

1 January 2001 |

Showing 5 of 11 Conference Committees

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