Method and apparatus for acquiring a uniform distribution of radon data sufficiently dense to constitute a complete set for exact image reconstruction of an object irradiated by a cone beam source

Apparatus for acquiring discrete cone beam projection data along a three dimensional (3D) scanning trajectory in order to obtain a substantially uniform distribution of Radon data on each of a plurality of co-axial planes that is sufficiently dense to ensure the acquisition of a complete set of Radon data for exact image reconstruction of an object irradiated by a scanning cone beam source, said apparatus comprising:

• cone beam source;
• planar array detector means fixed with respect to said cone beam source;
• means for scanning along said 3D scanning trajectory wherein said trajectory satisfies the condition that at least a composite of planar projections of said trajectory provides a continuous, convex, closed curve enclosing a corresponding planar projection of the object, said scanning means further including means for selecting respective portions from a plurality of 3D scanning trajectory projections onto respective planes of said plurality of co-axial planes to collectively form a continuous, convex, closed curve enclosing the respective projection of said object;
• means for discretely sampling cone beam projection data consistently at a select plurality of positions along said scanning trajectory;
• means for collecting said cone beam projection data for image processing;
• and
• means for processing collected cone beam projection data into a three dimensional image by Radon inversion.