The PROTEUS Mind Machine is the newest and most advanced member of
the Signetics System family, with redesigned circuitry, and processor which
is four times faster than ORION's.
Realtime BiColor light output.
Proteus controls two color output channels in real
time! This means that relaxation frequencies can be set to soothing green,
while energizing frequencies are the appropriate red. We deliver the system
with superbright Ruby/Emerald LiteFrames.
Totally programmable, and software-upgradeable.
A simple yet powerful Windows hosted programming tool is available as a
free download to registered owners.
Proteus uses Flash memory for both session and operating system data.
This means that you can download not only new session groups but that the
operating system can be upgraded.
Wavetable audio.
PROTEUS includes stereo audio digital to analog converters, enabling
production of binaural beats and other waveforms. Enhanced AudioStrobe
We've fine-tuned our AudioStrobe decoder circuitry, providing a much crisper,
more intense experience.
199 program capacity.
Proteus ships with enhanced versions of the original Orion sessions, together
with a "best-of" assortment of programs from our other systems. A total
of fifty programs are preloaded into Proteus when you receive it, and it
can hold up to 199 programs in its two nonvolatile memory banks. Compact,
lightweight, and attractive, if you're looking for an advanced light and
sound system, chances are Proteus will do most everything you want it to.
What happens during a Light/Sound session?
With special LiteFrames over your closed eyes and headphones over your ears,
you are immersed in colorful geometric patterns and entrancing sounds. The
light and sound pulse rate shifts from state to state as the session progresses;
brain wave activity will follow the pulse rate of the machine and fall into
synch with the changes.
Your Proteus ships with the following:
· Proteus Control Console
· Super "Ruby/Emerald" Liteframes
· Deluxe Heaphones
· Stereo Patchcord
· PC-Connect (serial, DB9 to stereo mini) cable
· Software Suite and Session Library (via download from this website)
· Manual
· AudioStrobe sampler CD
What is it a Light/Sound Machine or Mind Machine?
A Light/Sound Machine is a device that synchronizes a set of sequencing
lights and different frequencies of sound. It was developed as an aid
for learning, relaxation, consciousness expansion and entertainment.
Pulsating lights and/or sound patterns have been used for centuries to excite
people, calm people, assist in meditation and sleep, and entertain people.
How Light/Sound Machine or Mind Machine work?
Basically, a Light/Sound machine consists of a control unit, a set of "light"
glasses and a pair of headphones. The user dons the headphones and eyewear,
selects a program and then sits back to watch the show. The control unit
issues a synchronized signal that controls a series of pleasant synthesized
beats and tones to the headphones and the LEDs in the eyewear. With your
eyes closed, this synthesis creates what can only be described as a "vivid
kaleidoscopic show" within your head. It is unlike anything you have
ever experienced and very hard to put into words!!
What sort of Light/Sound Machines does Wellness Tools offer?
We are authorized distributors of the Orion, the Proteus by Synetic Systems
as well as the Muse Sharp, Nova and Nova Pro 100 by Photosonix. Our line
offers a wide array of units with all manner of features. From the more
simplisticly designed Orion to the sophisticated smoothness of the Nova
Pro 100. Wellness Tools also offers a CES tool, the NeuroTrek Digital Pro,
that can synchronize with all of our Light/Sound Machines
to bring you the capability of a truly immersive entrainment and entertainment
experience.
AudioStrobe Encoded CDs
Wellness Tools also offers an introductory 3 CD set that contains encoded
information for control of the light pulses of the Orion unit. Listen to
the sounds of nature, rhythmic and soothing music while the embedded code
drives the lights and produce a wide variety of mental states. The Nova
Pro 100, Proteus and Orion are all AudioStrobe compatible. AudioStrobe is
a similar technology with a large variety of CDs to choose from,
all of which are available through WellnessTools.com
The Literature
Dr. Roger K. Cady, Dr. Norman Shealy in "Neurochemical Responses to Cranial
Electrical Stimulation and Photo-Stimulation via Brain Wave Synchronization."Study
performed by the Shealy Institute of Comprehensive Health Care, Springfield,
Missouri, 1990, 11 pp.:
Eleven patients had peridural and blood analysis performed before and after
the relaxation sessions using flash emitting goggles. An average increase of
beta-endorphin levels of 25% and serotonin levels of 21% were registered.
The beta-endorphin levels are comparative to those obtained by cranial electrical
stimulation (CES). This indicates a potential decrease of depression related
symptoms when using photic stimulation.
Dr. Norman Shealy, Dr. Richard Cox In `Pain Reduction and Relaxation with
Brain Wave Synchronization (Photo-Stimulation). Study performed by the Forest
Institute of Professional Psychology, Springfield, Missouri, 1990, 9pp.
Cerebral synchronization was obtained with photic stimulation devices and tested
on more than 5,000 patients suffering from chronic pain and stress-symptoms during
the `80s. A detailed study on 92 patients indicated that 88 obtained relaxation
results higher than 60% after 30- minute sessions at 10 hz. Thirty patients had
sessions in Theta (5 hz) and experienced relaxation states of 50-100% after five
minutes as well as improved pain relief. Eight patients had blood tests before
and after the sessions and showed improved beta-endorphin levels of 10-50%. All
of these relaxation results are improved when combining the photic stimulation
with relaxation audio tapes.
Dr. Gene W. Brockopp, Review of Research on Multi-Modal Sensory Stimulation
with Clinical Implications and Research Proposals (non-published,1984):
Dr. Brockopp analyzed audio-visual Brain stimulation and in particular hemispheric
synchronization during EEG monitoring. "By inducing hemispheric coherence the machine
can contribute to improved intellectual functioning of the brain. Like children spending
most of their time in Theta, the machine allows a reduction in learning time.
With adults a return into Theta allows them to rediscover childhood experiences.
The machine is like a `lost and found office' for the subconscious."
Dr. Brockopp conclusion is that dissipative structures allow the mind-via audio-visual
stimulation-to abandon certain present neurological structures in order to maintain
a higher, more coherent and flexible state of consciousness, thus allowing for improved
communication of neuro-entities.
Dale S. Foster of Memphis State University, "EEG and Subjective Correlates
of Alpha Frequency Binaural Beats Stimulation Combined with Alpha Biofeedback,"
1988:
Mr. Foster's conclusions indicate that the combination of binaural sounds with
audio-visual stimulation machines allow access into Alpha states of consciousness
much faster than with traditional biofeedback techniques.
Joseph Glickson, Department of Psychology, Tel Aviv University, "Photic
Driving and Altered States of Consciousness: An Exploratory Study," in Imagination,
Cognition and Personality, vol. 6(2), 1986-87, pp 167-182:
Four persons were exposed to photic stimulation in the 18, 10 and 6 hz ranges.
A frequency response was established by two subjects during the initial session
according to EEG measurements. These persons had an altered state of consciousness,
and reported their visual and auditive experiences. The two other subjects had
similar experiences during follow-on sessions. The study concludes that photic
entrainment provokes altered states of consciousness according to the applied frequencies.
Dr. Glen D. Solomon, "Slow Wave Photic Stimulation in the Treatment of
Headache-A Preliminary Report," in Headache, November 1985, pp 444-447:
Dr. Solomon works for the Department of Internal Medicine at the U.S. Air Force Medical
Center in Scott, Illinois, where 24 patients with chronic headaches and migraines were
treated with photic stimulation apparatus at 5-8 hz frequency. Fourteen of 15 patients
with sustained headaches and 5 of 6 patients with chronic headaches noticed complete
relief after the treatment. Four patients treated with the same photo- stimulation
apparatus showed no reaction.
Medical Disclaimer for ALL Light/Sound Machines
Seizure and Medical Device Information
Facts about Photosensitive Epilepsy - Be especially aware of this if you
give demos or run a spa. The information here is mostly from the definitive
book on the subject, "Photosensitive Epilepsy", by Harding and Jeavons.
In addition, some information from web sites about photosensitive epilepsy
is included.
· Photosensitive epilepsy is a relatively rare condition, affecting
about one person in 4000. Persons with photosensitive epilepsy can have
seizures triggered by flashing lights, such as the glasses lights in a light/sound
system. It is important to warn people about this, both for their own safety
and to avoid lawsuits.
· About 5% of persons with epilepsy problems are
photosensitive, or 1 in 4000 from the general population. In the photosensitive
population, about 75% have a first seizure before age 20 (affected persons
are most sensitive in the teenage years). Also, photosen-sitivity goes away
spontaneously in about 25% of the photosensitive population by age 25. So
in the population over 25 who have not had a seizure, we would expect about
1 in 20,000 to be photosensitive and not know it. All light/sound equipment
gives warnings to persons with known epilepsy, which is overkill since 95%
of them can use the equipment with no ill effects. Most light/sound equipment
does not communicate the 1 in 20,000 chance of a person with no previous
seizure experience being photosensitive. This rises to as high as 1 in 4000
for children and teenagers. Be sure your clients understand this and are
willing to take the risk.
· About 50% of first seizures are caused by watching
television. TV manufacturers do not post seizure warnings, but TV is accepted
as a fact of life that people have to learn to live with. Light/Sound systems
have not achieved this lofty status.
· Photosonix products all have seizure
warnings on the manual, and inside the glasses. For people purchasing systems
this should be adequate warning, but in a demonstration situation where
you set the subject up for a session, they will normally not see the manual.
It is important to communicate the warning in this situation, and you are
responsible for doing so. If you run a "spa" type operation, selling sessions
to the public, it is especially important and signed waivers are recommended.
See your attorney for proper wording in your state/country. You may want
to use signed waivers for demo situations as well.
· In some states, including California, doctors treating a patient who has had a seizure are required
to report to the department of motor vehicles, and the patient may lose
driving privileges for a short time.
· To keep from sounding so grim about
all this, keep in mind that a person who is photosensitive will probably
have a seizure sooner or later anyway, and sitting or lying down having
a light/sound session is a pretty safe place to have a first seizure, much
better than while driving a car. Once a person knows they are photosensitive,
it is relatively easy to avoid seizure-inducing situations. Having a first
seizure does not make future seizures any more likely. Medical Applications
of Light/Sound systems
· Light/Sound systems are very good at helping users
to relax, and relaxation has many medical benefits. In addition, light/sound
systems are used by many practitioners as a tool for treating patients.
However, light/sound systems are not approved as medical devices and no
medical claims can be made for them. Photosonix systems come with a statement
in the manual that the system is not to be used for relief of any medical
condition, and that professional help should be obtained for any such condition.
· It is acceptable to tell people that the machines are good for relaxation
and that relaxation has many beneficial side effects. It is also acceptable
to tell people about books or articles where medical benefits of light/sound
are reported, but not to claim any of those benefits for Photosonix machines.
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