Systems and methods for generating two-dimensional images from projection data

A processing device for generating a two-dimensional image of an imaging surface of an object, the imaging surface including a plurality of pixels, said processing device configured to cause a computer to implement a method comprising:

• acquiring from a detector array communicatively coupled to said processing device, for each pixel of the plurality of pixels, data values for x-rays that pass through the pixel and are within a pre-determined angle from parallel to a viewing direction, wherein the viewing direction is non-parallel to the imaging surface, wherein the x-rays are emitted from an x-ray source that rotates around the object through a plurality of views, and wherein the data values for the pixel are acquired across the plurality of views;
• combining the data values acquired for each pixel to calculate a final value for each pixel;
• and
• generating the two-dimensional image of the imaging surface based on the calculated final values for each pixel.

A CT system for imaging an object, said CT system comprising:

• a CT scanner comprising:
• an x-ray source configured to rotate around the object through a plurality of views and project x-rays towards the object;
• and
• a detector array positioned opposite said x-ray source;
• and
• a storage medium communicatively coupled to said detector array and encoded with machine readable computer program code for generating a two-dimensional image of an imaging surface of the object, the imaging surface including a plurality of pixels, the storage medium including instructions for causing a computer to implement a method comprising:
• acquiring from said detector array, for each pixel of the plurality of pixels, data values for x-rays that pass through the pixel and are within a pre-determined angle from parallel to a viewing direction, wherein the viewing direction is non-parallel to the imaging surface, and wherein the data values for the pixel are acquired across the plurality of views;
• combining the data values acquired for each pixel to calculate a final value for each pixel;
• and
• generating the two-dimensional image of the imaging surface based on the calculated final values for each pixel.