An imaging system for use in acquiring image data of a subject , comprising: an annular gantry housing configured to encircle a region of the subject , and in which is positioned a source of radiation; an image detector movable within the annular gantry housing ; a memory system configured to store an optimal path having a start position, an end position, and a non-circular path from the start position to the end position of the image detector , including both physical movement of the image detector and timing of image data collection, wherein the optimal path is based on an analysis of test image data acquired from a plurality of subjects to acquire the image data; and a processor configured to execute instructions from the memory system to: drive movement of the image detector from the start position to the end position along the non-circular path, detect radiation with the image detector at a selected rate as the image detector moves along the non-circular path, and form a three-dimensional reconstruction of the region of the subject based at least in part on the detected radiation; wherein the non-circular path is a non-symmetrical non-circular path. an annular gantry housing configured to encircle a region of the subject , and in which is positioned a source of radiation; an image detector movable within the annular gantry housing ; a memory system configured to store an optimal path having a start position, an end position, and a non-circular path from the start position to the end position of the image detector , including both physical movement of the image detector and timing of image data collection, wherein the optimal path is based on an analysis of test image data acquired from a plurality of subjects to acquire the image data; and a processor configured to execute instructions from the memory system to: drive movement of the image detector from the start position to the end position along the non-circular path, detect radiation with the image detector at a selected rate as the image detector moves along the non-circular path, and form a three-dimensional reconstruction of the region of the subject based at least in part on the detected radiation; wherein the non-circular path is a non-symmetrical non-circular path. a memory system configured to store an optimal path having a start position, an end position, and a non-circular path from the start position to the end position of the image detector , including both physical movement of the image detector and timing of image data collection, wherein the optimal path is based on an analysis of test image data acquired from a plurality of subjects to acquire the image data; and a processor configured to execute instructions from the memory system to: drive movement of the image detector from the start position to the end position along the non-circular path, detect radiation with the image detector at a selected rate as the image detector moves along the non-circular path, and form a three-dimensional reconstruction of the region of the subject based at least in part on the detected radiation; wherein the non-circular path is a non-symmetrical non-circular path. drive movement of the image detector from the start position to the end position along the non-circular path, detect radiation with the image detector at a selected rate as the image detector moves along the non-circular path, and form a three-dimensional reconstruction of the region of the subject based at least in part on the detected radiation; wherein the non-circular path is a non-symmetrical non-circular path. <EOS>