# MindMachine - User Manual

## 1. What MindMachine Does

MindMachine turns your smartphone into a simple audiovisual mind machine.

During a session:
- the screen displays blinking or pulsing light patterns,
- stereo headphones play binaural audio,
- the phone is placed in front of your eyes using a simple holder.

MindMachine is intended for relaxation, focus, meditation support, or experimentation. It is not a medical device.

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## 2. Before You Begin

You will need:
- a smartphone with the MindMachine app installed,
- stereo headphones,
- a simple cardboard phone holder or face-mounted support,
- a safe, comfortable place to sit or lie down.

Do not use the app while walking, driving, cycling, or operating machinery.

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## 3. Important Safety Information

Do not use visual stimulation mode if:
- you are sensitive to flashing lights,
- you have epilepsy or a seizure disorder,
- flashing lights trigger migraines or discomfort for you,
- you feel dizzy, nauseous, anxious, or unwell.

Stop the session immediately if you experience:
- eye strain,
- headache,
- dizziness,
- nausea,
- panic,
- discomfort of any kind.

Use stereo headphones for binaural sound sessions.

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## 4. Building a Simple Cardboard Holder

You can create a simple holder from stiff cardboard.

The holder should:
- keep the phone in front of your eyes without using your hands,
- hold the phone securely,
- sit comfortably on the nose or forehead area,
- allow enough airflow and comfort.

Think of it like very simple cardboard glasses or a visor.

Important:
- do not press the phone tightly against your face,
- do not block breathing,
- make sure the phone cannot fall into your eyes,
- test comfort before starting a session.

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## 5. Starting a Session

1. Open MindMachine.
2. Read the safety information.
3. Connect stereo headphones.
4. Choose a session preset.
5. Review the session duration and settings.
6. Place the phone into the holder.
7. Position the phone in front of your eyes.
8. Press **Start**.

A short countdown may appear before the session begins.

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## 6. Choosing a Session

MindMachine may provide presets such as:
- **Relax**
- **Focus**
- **Meditation**
- **Sleep Prep**

Each preset may use different:
- blinking speeds,
- light patterns,
- session lengths,
- binaural beat settings.

If custom sessions are supported, you can adjust these settings yourself.

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## 7. During a Session

During a session:
- the screen will blink, flash, or pulse,
- the audio will play through the headphones,
- the app will keep the screen awake,
- the remaining time may be shown.

You can usually:
- pause the session,
- resume the session,
- stop the session at any time.

If anything feels uncomfortable, stop immediately.

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## 8. After a Session

When the session ends, the app will:
- stop the sound,
- stop the visual pattern,
- show a completion screen.

You may then:
- repeat the same session,
- return to the home screen,
- choose a different preset.

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## 9. Tips for Best Results

- Use the app in a calm environment.
- Start with shorter sessions.
- Use moderate brightness first.
- Make sure your headphones are truly stereo.
- Sit or lie down comfortably before starting.
- Test your cardboard holder before a full session.

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## 10. Troubleshooting

### No binaural effect
Possible causes:
- headphones are not connected,
- audio is playing through speaker instead of headphones,
- headphones are mono instead of stereo.

What to do:
- reconnect headphones,
- verify left/right stereo output,
- restart the session.

### Screen turns off
What to do:
- reopen the app,
- restart the session,
- check battery-saving settings if needed.

### The session feels too intense
What to do:
- lower brightness,
- choose a gentler preset,
- shorten the session,
- use audio-only mode if available.

### Phone holder is uncomfortable
What to do:
- adjust the cardboard shape,
- reduce pressure points,
- increase spacing from the face,
- shorten the session until fit improves.

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## 11. Best Practice Reminder

Use MindMachine carefully, start gently, and prioritize comfort and safety over intensity.
