Apparatus and method for optimizing detection of objects in computed tomography data

A method of and apparatus for detecting objects in computed tomography (CT) data includes the ability to define the types of objects to be detected, and at least one algorithm related to the detection of each type of object. Multiple types of objects can be detected and distinguished from one another. Each type of object exhibits an object detection rate related to the probability of the system detecting the corresponding object type, and a false detection rate related to the false identification of objects, different from the target objects, as the target objects. An overall system detection rate is related to a combination of the object detection rates. Each type of object can also be associated with a unique object false alarm rate, with a overall false detection rate being related to the combination of object false alarm rates. The overall system and/or object detection rate, and/or the false alarm rate and/or the overall false detection rate can be optimized by modifying at least one algorithm so as to adjust at least one of the object detection rates or object false alarm rate.