Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT
Many people suffer from stress, sleep problems, or concentration disorders. Medication does not always help—and often reaches its limits. The neurotech start-up Healyan has developed a system consisting of LED glasses and an app that aims to promote mental states such as relaxation, concentration, or better sleep. The underlying idea: light and sound pulses are combined in such a way that they gently stimulate the brain – individually customizable and suitable for everyday use.
Real-time sound modulation for mental stimulation
In an initial joint project with Fraunhofer IDMT, an extension of the system was already implemented, allowing the light pulses of the glasses to be synchronized in real time with the music selected by the user.
In a further joint project with Fraunhofer IDMT, the existing system is now being expanded to include a central component: a sound generator that produces modulated tones in real time, targeting defined mental states. The tones are played back in close temporal coordination with the light pulses from the glasses and the music being played in order to enable the most effective audiovisual neuromodulation possible.
Depending on the selected application mode, various modulation techniques are used, such as isochronic, binaural, or frequency-modulated tones. This is supplemented by an individually adjustable carrier tone frequency in the range from 1 to 120 Hz. This approach aims to enhance the therapeutic effect of the application through these personalized sound patterns.
Responsibilities of Fraunhofer IDMT
Fraunhofer IDMT contributes its expertise in the field of audio development and modulation. Specifically, the institute is responsible for the technical implementation of various functions that enable flexible and precise control of sound modulation. These include:
- the implementation of different modulation techniques
- an adjustable carrier frequency
- an adjustable modulation frequency
- multiplexing with other sound sources, such as music services
- precise synchronization of sound and light pulses without phase shift
- an API for integration into the Healyan app
- ensuring operability on different operating systems such as Android and iOS.
Fraunhofer IDMT is thus laying the technical foundation for the integration of personalized, neuromodulating sound patterns into the Healyan app – as a basis for clinical studies and future therapeutic applications.
Areas of application: From tinnitus to Alzheimer's prevention
The system is already being used to help with stress, tinnitus, sleep problems, and depressive moods. Applications are planned for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, as well as for the accompanying treatment of other psychological and neurological indications.