Closed-Loop Audio Modulation for Non-Invasive Neural Oscillation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing neuromodulation technologies for altering brain oscillations are limited by the need for surgery, restricted stimulation regions, bulky equipment, high cost, unwanted side effects, and unsuitability for non-clinical settings.

Innovation Solution

A non-invasive method and system for closed-loop modulation of audio data that adjusts neural oscillations by receiving and processing brain activity data to generate personalized audio signals, enhancing or suppressing specific frequency bands in targeted brain regions using a calibrated input-output relationship.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If invasive neuromodulation techniques such as Deep Brain Stimulation or implanted electrodes are used, then precise control over neural oscillations can be achieved, but the need for surgery and implants is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol precision over neural oscillationsVSAvoidease of implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical/electrical stimulation systems with acoustic stimulation delivered through headphones. The system uses sound waves to modulate neural oscillations, substituting the need for implanted electrodes and surgical intervention with a non-invasive auditory delivery mechanism that achieves comparable neuromodulation effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces audio signals as an intermediary medium to transmit neuromodulation effects to the brain. Instead of direct electrical or magnetic stimulation, the system uses sound waves as a carrier that can penetrate the skull and modulate neural activity, particularly in auditory and connected brain regions, thereby achieving invasive-level control without surgical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If non-invasive neuromodulation methods are used, then no surgery is required, but the regions of the brain that can be stimulated are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of implementationVSAvoidcoverage of brain regions

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a versatile neuromodulation system where a single audio delivery platform (headphones) can stimulate multiple brain regions through different acoustic parameters. By varying frequency, amplitude, and temporal patterns of audio signals, the system can target auditory cortex, prefrontal cortex, and other connected regions, making one device capable of addressing multiple neurological conditions and brain areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If closed-loop modulation with historical neural oscillation data is implemented, then precise control and personalized therapy can be achieved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of neural oscillation controlVSAvoidcomplexity of processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary calibration by collecting historical neural oscillation data during an initial session to establish baseline characteristics and optimal audio parameters for each user. This pre-processing creates personalized profiles that simplify real-time control, as the system only needs to deviate from established baselines rather than compute everything from scratch during therapy sessions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements closed-loop feedback by continuously monitoring neural oscillations during audio delivery and adjusting audio parameters in real-time based on measured responses. The system compares current oscillation patterns against historical data and desired target states, automatically modifying audio signals to maintain optimal therapeutic effect, thereby achieving precise personalized control through adaptive regulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20250242128A1Method of closed-loop modulation of audio data for neural oscillation suppression or enhancement

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 RICKERT JOERN

AI summary

A system for closed-loop modulation of audio data includes a neural oscillation modulator. The neural oscillation modulator receives initial audio data selected by a user. The neural oscillation modulator receives current neural oscillation data for a current time period. The neural oscillation modulator obtains historical neural oscillation data for historical time periods. The neural oscillation modulator determines modulated audio data based on the initial audio data, the current neural oscillation data, the historical data, and a pre-configured input-output relationship. The current neural oscillation data is phase shifted based on the historical data and the pre-configured input-output relationship to determine the modulated audio data. The neural oscillation modulator delivers the modulated audio data to a user device. The user device generates audio waves based on the modulated audio data and delivers the audio waves to the user to adjust neural oscillation activity of the user.