xPod™ Mini & Trauma Systems

Clarity out of the Chaos

​Patent Pending

xPod™ is a next-generation field-deployable X-ray ecosystem designed for emergency medicine, military, and pre-hospital care. The product line now splits into two clear tiers:

• xPod Mini: An iPad-sized controller tethered to a fold-out DR panel and microtube source, powered by ANODE+ Micro battery modules. Optimized for neck and limb imaging prior to patient movement, with optional ultrasound and photoacoustic overlays via iNanoscope.

• xPod Trauma: A ruggedized pod with shielding and higher power tube for chest/abdomen triage and surge capacity in ERs and disaster zones.

 

Both tiers integrate into the 911 Emergency Medical Informatics ecosystem, enabling secure transmission, AI-assisted workflows, and incident-centric EMR integration.

 

Clear images anywhere, lower dose, faster decisions, unified with 911 data systems.

Brand & Positioning

Sub-Brands:

• xPod Mini – tablet + fold-out DR panel, extremity/neck focus.

• xPod Trauma – full pod for ER/field chest/abdomen.

• xPod Ortho – extremity imaging with frames.

• xPod Shield – standalone shielding pod.

• xPod Vet & Dental – veterinary and dental variants.

• xPod AI – software suite.

• xPod Power – ANODE+ battery modules and smart docks.

• xPod Fusion – iNanoscope ultrasound/photoacoustic overlay option.

 

xPod Mini – Potential Specs (Neck/Limb Focus)

• Generator: 0.5–1.0 kW HF, 40–90 kVp, 1–20 mA. Optimized for extremity and neck imaging, low heat load.

• Detector: 10×12” DR panel, 100 µm pixels. Fold-out or cassette form factor.

• Controller: Rugged tablet (iPad class) with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth. Runs UI, image viewer, and links to 911 ecosystem.

• Power: ANODE+ Micro 200–400 Wh lithium pack with ultracap assist. ~50–100 exposures per charge. Recharges to 80% in ≤10 min.

• Form Factor: Entire kit <8 kg in a carry case. Fits ambulance bench or medic bag.

• Multi-scan Add-ons: Software stitching, cine loops, ultrasound fusion.

 

Multi-scan / CRT-Style Features

• Rapid sequence radiographs: multiple low-dose frames for motion review.

• Panel repositioning: fold-out/sliding panels for expanded FOV.

• Hybrid mode: ultrasound probe integration into tablet UI.

• AI alignment: guides tube/detector pose for consistent images.

 

xPod Trauma – Potential Specs

• Generator: 3–5 kW HF, 40–125 kVp, 10–100 mA.

• Detector: 35×43 cm DR panel, 100–150 µm.

• Shielding Pod: Collapsible tungsten-polymer curtains, ≥0.5 mm Pb-eq.

• Power: ANODE+ Duo swappable packs (1–2 kWh each).

• Setup: ≤3 minutes with color-coded latch points.

• Use Case: ER surge tents, battlefield chest/abdomen triage.

 

ANODE+ Integration

• Pulsed Power Pack: 24–48 V modules with ultracap burst rail for X-ray pulses.

• Fast Recharge: Vehicle dock, kiosk dock, or AC top-off in 5–10 minutes.

• Fleet Telemetry: Shared BMS, SOC/SOH tracking across all 911 devices.

• Noise Immunity: Filters designed to suppress EMI in detector/data channels.

• Branding: “Powered by ANODE+” visible on packs and UI.

 

iNanoscope Integration

• Shared Imaging Pipeline: CMOS denoise, flat-field corrections applied to DR.

• Super-Resolution: Recovers fine detail at lower mAs.

• Nano-structured Scintillators: Reduced lateral spread, sharper pixels.

• Hybrid Fusion: Ultrasound/photoacoustic probes integrated into the same tablet UI.

• Cine Mode: Multi-frame fusion for motion studies (airway, cervical spine).

 

System Architecture Overview

• Mini: Tablet + tethered fold-out panel + microtube head.

• Trauma: Shielded pod + larger DR + higher power generator.

• Both: ANODE+ modular power, 911 Phone connectivity, xPod AI workflow layer.

 

Competitor Landscape

• GE/Siemens/Fuji: Large 90–120 kg portables, $130k–$190k.

• MinXray Impact: Hand-carried generator + panel, no shielding, $35k–$55k.

• Carestream Nano: CNT-based portable, ~100 kg, $130k+.

• xPod Mini: <8 kg, fold-out DR, neck/limb focus, $39k–$59k.

• xPod Trauma: Shielded pod, chest/abdomen capable, $59k–$79k.

 

Integration with 911 Ecosystem

• 911 Phone: control and backhaul.

• 911 Kiosk: power, docking, telepresence.

• Unified timeline with CardioPoint, AortaPoint, Purple Patch.

 

Development & Pilot Roadmap

• Q1–Q2: Mini breadboard (tube + fold-out detector), ANODE+ Micro burst rail prototype.

• Q3: DVT prototypes of Mini and Trauma.

• Q4: FDA pre-submission, human factors studies.

• Q5: Pilot deployments (ER triage, EMS training centers, DoD partners).

• Q6: 510(k) submission and early market launch.

 

Risk Register (Initial)

• Scatter compliance in tight spaces: Medium likelihood, High impact → Mitigated with conservative shielding, interlocks, technique limits.

• Image quality variability across sites: Medium likelihood, Medium impact → Mitigated with AI QC, locked protocols, technician training.

• Battery safety & runtime: Low likelihood, High impact → Mitigated with LFP chemistry, BMS, hot-swap packs, thermal design.

• Regulatory delays: Medium likelihood, High impact → Mitigated with early Q-Sub, predicate mapping, gap analysis.

• Supply chain for DR panels: Medium likelihood, Medium impact → Mitigated with dual-sourcing, safety stock, common interfaces.

• Cybersecurity vulnerabilities: Medium likelihood, High impact → Mitigated with SBOM, penetration testing, OTA patching, secure boot.

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User Safety & Radiation Dose Risks

• Patient Dose

  • Risk of overexposure if protocols are set too high.

  • Repeat imaging increases cumulative dose.

  • Pediatric/fragile patients especially vulnerable.

  • Mitigation: Locked low-dose presets, AI exposure coaching, DAP logging.

• Operator Exposure

  • Scatter radiation in confined ambulance or tent space.

  • Frequent users (EMS crews) could accumulate dose over time.

  • Mitigation: Collimation, optional shielding pod, exposure interlocks, distance prompts, personal dosimetry.

• Bystander Exposure

  • Nearby staff or family may be unintentionally exposed.

  • Mitigation: Clear visual/audible “X-RAY ON” signals, quick setup, shielding curtains.

• Thermal & Power Risks

  • Tube overheating if duty cycle exceeded.

  • Power drop mid-exposure could cause incomplete imaging.

  • Mitigation: ANODE+ burst packs with ultracap, enforced cooldown duty cycles, thermal monitoring.

• Infection Control

  • Risk of cross-contamination when used on multiple patients in field conditions.

  • Mitigation: Smooth wipe-down materials, sealed seams, IP54-rated housings, disposable covers.

• Human Factors / Misuse

  • Non-radiology staff (paramedics) may lack training.

  • Potential for incorrect positioning or unnecessary repeat scans.

  • Mitigation: AI alignment coach, tele-radiology support, integrated training modules.

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IP & Moats

• Fold-out panel mechanisms and compact shielding pods.

• ANODE+ burst pack integration with imaging systems.

• AI dose/detail optimizer shared across modalities.

• iNanoscope SR + fusion overlays.

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Key Investor Metrics

• Dose reduction: 25–40% vs. conventional portables at equal diagnostic score.

• Kit weight: <8 kg (Mini).

• Setup: <90 seconds (Mini), <3 min (Trauma).

• Exposure-to-image: ≤5 seconds.

• Payback: 12–16 months at 30 studies/day.

 

Image Quality (IQ) Analysis & Miniaturization Trade-offs

Achieve diagnostic-grade neck/limb radiography at sub-kW tube power and small detector geometry while maintaining ALARA.

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Core IQ Metrics & Methods

• MTF (Modulation Transfer Function) – IEC 62220-1-2 slanted-edge analysis. Target MTF50 ≥ 1.5 lp/mm; MTF10 ≥ 3.0 lp/mm.

• NPS/NEQ (Noise Power Spectrum / Noise-Equivalent Quanta) – Maintain NEQ ≥ 85% of benchmark DR at f ≤ 2 lp/mm.

• DQE(f) (Detective Quantum Efficiency) – DQE(0) ≥ 60%; DQE(2 lp/mm) ≥ 30%.

• SNR/CNR (Signal-to-Noise / Contrast-to-Noise Ratio) – CNR ≥ 5 for cortical bone at low-dose.

• Contrast-Detail Detectability – Match detectability to portable DR at ≤80% dose.

• Geometric Unsharpness (Ug) – Ug ≤ 0.2 mm (neck), ≤ 0.1 mm (extremity).

• Temporal Performance – Cine mode ≥ 2 fps with motion blur ≤ 0.2 mm.

• Lag/Ghosting, PRNU/DSNU – Lag < 0.5% at 200 ms; PRNU < 1%.

 

Miniaturization Gaps & Countermeasures

• Lower Tube Power → Higher Quantum Noise → Mitigated with iNanoscope SR denoise pipeline, edge-aware algorithms.

• Small Detector & FOV → Fold-out/sliding panel, software stitching, geometric calibration.

• Scatter in Tight Spaces (No Grid) → Air-gap + virtual grid correction; validate contrast recovery ≥70%.

• Focal Spot vs. Heat Load → Microfocus anode, enforced duty cycles with ANODE+ telemetry.

• EMI in Vehicle Environments → Faraday shielding, twinax tether, ANODE+ LC filters.

• Heel Effect & Beam Uniformity → Tube orientation guidance, copper/aluminum filtration, flat-field correction.

• Collimation & Alignment Errors → AR overlays, AI pose coach, auto-rejects for cutoff.

• Motion Blur (Uncooperative Patients) → Short exposures at higher kVp, cine averaging, immobilization aids.

 

Test Beams, Phantoms & Fixtures

• Beam Quality: RQA3/5/7, calibrated HVL.

• Phantoms: Leeds TO.10/20, CD RAD, step wedges, anthropomorphic extremity/neck models.

• Fixtures: Fold-out panel alignment jigs, motion stages, scatter cups.

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Acceptance Criteria (v0.1)

• DQE(0) ≥ 60% and MTF50 ≥ 1.5 lp/mm at RQA5.

• CNR non-inferiority at ≤80% dose.

• Virtual grid contrast recovery ≥70% at 15 cm air-gap.

• Stitching seam RMS error <1%; geometric error <0.5 mm over 25 cm.

 

Verification & Validation Plan

• EVT: Breadboard IQ, EMI immunity, thermal tests.

• DVT: Full system with ANODE+, observer performance studies.

• Pilot: EMS/ER trials logging dose, repeat rates, reject reasons.

 

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xPod Mini and Trauma, powered by ANODE+ and fused with iNanoscope, deliver hospital-grade imaging in ultra-portable kits—bringing radiology, ultrasound, and AI together at the point of need.

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