Between Paths Journal: User Manual
A Guide to Your Resonant Archive
Welcome to the Between Paths Journal. This is not a standard tracking app; it is a Digital Vault built for high-fidelity self-reflection. We have stripped away the convenience of the cloud to give you something much more valuable: Absolute Privacy.
🛡️ The Trust Card: Security Specifications
This is the “Hardware-Level” promise of Between Paths.
| Security Pillar | Status | Technology |
| Internet Access | 🚫 Hard-Blocked | No Internet Permission in Manifest |
| Encryption | 🔐 Military Grade | SQLCipher (AES-256) |
| AI Processing | 🧠 100% Local | Optional Gemma 4 (Manual Download) |
| Screen Privacy | 🌑 Shielded | FLAG_SECURE (Screenshot Block) |
| Data Key | 👤 Sovereign | Android Keystore (Hardware-Isolated) |
1. The Digital Vault Philosophy
Why there is no login and no internet connection.
Between Paths is built on the principle of Total Isolation.
- Zero Connectivity: The app is physically incapable of opening a network socket. It cannot connect to Wi-Fi or cellular data.
- No “Phone Home”: Your thoughts never leave your hardware.
- The Black Box: Your entries are stored as encrypted noise. Without your PIN or Biometrics, the data is unreadable.
2. Daily Rituals: Capturing the Weft
The journal provides multiple ways to capture your “Internal Terrain”:
- The 60s Reset: For raw, unfiltered emotional unloading.
- The Cognizance Guide: A structured workspace using the Facts, Story, Need, and Shift layers.
- The On-Phone Helper: Upon first download, you are supported by a lightweight, rule-based helper. It assists with basic organization and daily prompts without requiring heavy processing power.
3. The Archive Librarian (Modular AI)
Intelligence on your terms.
To keep the initial app size small and respect your device’s storage, the heavy AI features are modular.
- The Download: To unlock the full Archive Librarian (Gemma 4), navigate to the Settings page. You will see a button at the top: “Download AI Intelligence.”
- The Librarian: Once the 3GB model is downloaded, the Librarian can perform Resonant Scans (2-weekly and monthly round-ups) to find patterns like “Stagnation” or “Protective Strategies.”
- Local-Only: Even after downloading, the AI remains 100% offline.
4. Hardware-Level Privacy
Physical protection for your screen.
- Screenshot Block: The OS prevents any screen-capping or recording while the vault is open.
- Recents Blur: Your journal content is automatically blacked out in the “Recent Apps” switcher.
5. Data Sovereignty: Export Options
Since there is no cloud sync, you must manage your own backups via Settings > Data & Backup:
- Readable Log (.TXT): A narrative for personal reading.
- Structured Backup (.JSON): A full digital snapshot. Keep this on a secure external drive.
- Analytical Data (.CSV): Your metrics in a spreadsheet format.
⚠️ THE CRITICAL WARNING
NO CLOUD = NO PASSWORD RESET.
If you forget your PIN or lose your phone without a manual JSON Export, your data is gone forever. This is a tool for self-reflection, not a clinical medical device.
Document 2: Beta Testing Guide
Beta Testing Guide: Between Paths Journal
Lead QA: Local-First & AI Integrity Track
Welcome to the Beta. You are testing a Digital Vault. We need you to stress-test the transition from the “Helper” to the “Librarian” and verify that the local AI performs across various hardware.
Phase 1: Modular Installation & AI Download
Goal: Verify the manual AI fetch logic.
- The Base App: Install the app. Verify the “On-Phone Helper” is active and the app remains lightweight.
- The Manual Trigger: Go to Settings and tap the “Download AI Intelligence” button at the top.
- Check: Does the download handle interruptions (e.g., Wi-Fi dropping)? Does the UI correctly show the transition from “Helper” to “Librarian Ready”?
Phase 2: Performance Benchmarking
Goal: Measure the impact of the 3GB Gemma 4 model.
- The Resonant Scan: Once the AI is downloaded and you have 5+ entries, trigger a “Trace the Threads” analysis.
- The Heat Check: Does the device become hot? Note if there is “jank” (lag) when scrolling during the generation.
- RAM Reporting: Record your device model and total RAM.
Phase 3: Edge Case Testing (The “Breakers”)
- The Force Kill: Force-close the app while the AI is mid-download. Does it resume correctly?
- The Interruption: Trigger an AI reflection and initiate a phone call. Does it resume?
- Low Battery: Attempt a Monthly Round-up at <5% battery.
Phase 4: Data Sovereignty (The “Migration”)
- Perform a JSON Export.
- Clear app storage/uninstall.
- Reinstall, re-download the AI, and then Import / Restore Data.
- Verification: Are all entries and previous Librarian insights restored perfectly?
Phase 5: The “Paparazzi” Test
- Screenshots: Attempt a screenshot or screen recording.
- Recents: Verify the preview card is blacked out in the task switcher.
- Biometrics: Verify the lock screen cannot be bypassed after a restart.
Bug Reporting Template
Submit reports to su*****@**********hs.com with this format:
- Subject: [BETA] Brief description
- Device & RAM: (e.g., Pixel 9 Pro, 12GB RAM)
- AI Download Status: (Successful / Failed / Interrupted)
- Issue: (What happened vs. what you expected)
- Librarian Speed: (Seconds to generate a 2-week summary)
