An object-oriented library incorporating efficient projection/backprojection operators for volume reconstruction in 3D PET

Iterative reconstruction methods applied to image reconstruction in three-dimensional (3D) positron emission tomography (PET) should result in possibly better images than analytical reconstruction algorithms. However, the long reconstruction time has remained an obstacle to their development and, moreover, their clinical routine use. Together with the constant increase in performances of the computing platforms, recent developments in parallel processing techniques offer practical ways to speed up the calculations and attain clinically viable processing rates [1]. The aim of this paper is to present the development of a library of object-oriented building blocks for the implementation of both analytical and iterative reconstruction algorithms in 3D PET.