Multi-slice x-ray CT using a detector mask

A computed tomography imaging system which comprises:

• a detector array comprised of a plurality of detector elements aligned linearly in a path disposed in a plane that intersects a central axis;
• an x-ray source for producing x-rays which impinge on the detector array elements after passing through a patient disposed along the central axis;
• a mask positioned between the x-ray source and the detector array, the mask having a plurality of segments positioned over successive detector elements in the detector array to block x-rays from reaching a portion of each detector element, the segments being staggered to define a plurality of slice planes disposed along the direction of the central axis by establishing subsets of said plurality of detector elements which detect x-rays in each of said plurality of slice planes;
• and
• an image reconstructor coupled to the detector array to receive scan data therefrom which indicates the x-rays impinging on each detector element, the image reconstructor including means for reconstructing a separate slice image from the scan data produced by each of said subsets of detector elements.