4.1 KiB
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.
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.
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.
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,
- avoid pressure on the eyes,
- 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.
5. Starting a Session
- Open MindMachine.
- Read the safety information.
- Connect stereo headphones.
- Choose a session preset.
- Review the session duration and settings.
- Place the phone into the holder.
- Position the phone in front of your eyes.
- Press Start.
A short countdown may appear before the session begins.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
11. Best Practice Reminder
Use MindMachine carefully, start gently, and prioritize comfort and safety over intensity.