And here it is, the last project of the semester. Before saying anything about the project, I just want to express my gratefulness to all the students, instructors, professors and especially Professor Aaron for having an amazing, fun and challenging time during this class.

Concept

The concept of this project is pretty simple. I’m going to make you a captain of a boat for a day. SPOILER ALERT: You don’t need a license! To make this dream come true, I decided to conceptualize for the controls to be very simple, you just click to go left, right and to turn the motor boat on and off. This really takes us into intuitive design, and I believe that users would adapt very simply to this. Other that that I would need to think about the bed of the boat, the DC Motor, the Propeller, the Physics behind it and the whole placement of the Arduino. The rough sketch looked something like this:

 

Production:

For the boat model, I found this boat bed on Thingy Verse and adjusted the dimensions so that it can find the Arduino and the breadboard, as well as the batteries. Here is how the model looked before printing:

After printing it out, I looked into 3d printing a propeller which would actually be strong enough to pull the boat so I found this 3d model:

After that I placed all the parts and coded my logic for the user interaction. The code can be seen below:

#include <Servo.h>

int serialVal0 = 0;
int serialVal1 = 1;
int previousButton2State = LOW;

// Define pins for buttons, servo, and DC motor
const int button1Pin = 2; // Pin for the first button
const int button2Pin = 3; // Pin for the second button
const int button3Pin = 4; // Pin for the third button
const int servoPin = 10;  // Pin for the servo motor
const int motorPin = 11;  // Pin for the DC motor

// Define variables to store the state of buttons and motor
int button1State = 0;
int button2State = 0;
int button3State = 0;
bool motorState = false; // Motor state flag

// Create a servo object
Servo myServo;

void setup() {
  // Initialize serial communication
  Serial.begin(9600);

  // Attach servo to its pin
  myServo.attach(servoPin);

  // Set motor pin as output
  pinMode(motorPin, OUTPUT);

  // Set button pins as inputs
  pinMode(button1Pin, INPUT);
  pinMode(button2Pin, INPUT);
  pinMode(button3Pin, INPUT);

  // Start the handshake
  while (Serial.available() <= 0) {
    Serial.println("0,0"); // Send a starting message
    delay(50);
  }
}

void loop() {
  // Read the state of buttons
  button1State = digitalRead(button1Pin);
  button2State = digitalRead(button2Pin);
  button3State = digitalRead(button3Pin);

  // If button 1 is pressed, turn servo left
  if (button1State == HIGH) {
    myServo.write(120);
    serialVal0 = 80;
    delay(100); // Add a delay to avoid sending data too fast
  }

  // Toggle motor based on button 2 state
  if (button2State == HIGH) {
    if (previousButton2State == LOW) {
      motorState = !motorState; // Toggle motor state only once when the button is released
      digitalWrite(motorPin, motorState); // Set motor state
    }
  } 

  // Update serialVal1 based on motor state
  serialVal1 = motorState ? 1 : 0;

  // Update previous button state
  previousButton2State = button2State;

  // If button 3 is pressed, turn servo right
  if (button3State == HIGH) {
    myServo.write(80);
    serialVal0 = 140;
    delay(100); // Add a delay to avoid sending data too fast
  }

  // Return servo to neutral position if no buttons are pressed
  if (button1State == LOW && button3State == LOW) {
    myServo.write(100); // Neutral position
    serialVal0 = 115;
    delay(100); // Add a delay to avoid sending data too fast
  }

  // Send the values of serialVal0 and serialVal1
  Serial.print(serialVal0);
  Serial.print(',');
  Serial.println(serialVal1);
}

Of course this had to be connected to p5.js so I made a sketch which would provide a nice interface showing the speed and direction of where the boat is headed, it looks like this:

The p5.js code looks like this:

let servoPos; // Variable to store servo position
let motorSpeed; // Variable to store motor speed
let boatImage; // Variable to store boat image
let islandsImage1, islandsImage2, islandsImage3; // Variables to store islands images
let otherBoatsImage; // Variable to store other boats image
let serialSetUp = false; // Variable to track if serial setup is done

// Variables to store positions of objects
let islands1Y, islands2Y, islands3Y, otherBoats1Y, otherBoats2Y;

function preload() {
  // Load boat, islands, and other boats images
  boatImage = loadImage('boat.png');
  islandsImage1 = loadImage('islands.png');
  islandsImage2 = loadImage('islands.png');
  islandsImage3 = loadImage('islands.png');
  otherBoatsImage = loadImage('otherboats.png');
}

function setup() {
  createCanvas(800, 600); // Larger canvas size
  textSize(24); // Bigger font size
  // Display initial message centered on the canvas
  textAlign(CENTER, CENTER);
  setGradient(0, 0, width, height, color(0, 191, 255), color(0, 0, 128)); // Background gradient
  fill(255); // White text color
  text("Press spacebar to turn the boat motor on", width / 2, height / 2);

  // Initialize positions of objects
  islands1Y = height / 2;
  islands2Y = height / 2;
  islands3Y = height / 2;
  otherBoats1Y = height / 2;
  otherBoats2Y = height / 2;
}

function readSerial(data) {
  if (data != null) {
    // Split the incoming data by comma
    let dataArray = split(trim(data), ",");
    // If the right length, then proceed
    if (dataArray.length == 2) {
      // Parse the values as integers and store them in servoPos and motorSpeed
      servoPos = int(dataArray[0]);
      motorSpeed = int(dataArray[1]);
      console.log("Servo position: " + servoPos + ", Motor speed: " + motorSpeed);
    }
  }
  
  //////////////////////////////////
    //SEND TO ARDUINO HERE (handshake)
    //////////////////////////////////
    let sendToArduino = 0 + "\n";
    writeSerial(sendToArduino);
}

function draw() {
  // If serial setup is not done, return
  if (!serialSetUp) return;

  // Background gradient resembling water
  setGradient(0, 0, width, height, color(0, 191, 255), color(0, 0, 128));

  // Display boat heading status centered above boat
 

  // Move and draw islands images
  islands1Y += 1; // Speed of islands movement
  if (islands1Y > height) {
    islands1Y = 0; // Reset when islands moves off the screen
  }
  image(islandsImage1, 140, islands1Y, 100, 100); // Islands image on the left side

  islands2Y += 1.5; // Speed of islands movement
  if (islands2Y > height) {
    islands2Y = 0; // Reset when islands moves off the screen
  }
  image(islandsImage2, 250, islands2Y, 50, 50); // Islands image on the left side

  islands3Y += 2; // Speed of islands movement
  if (islands3Y > height) {
    islands3Y = 0; // Reset when islands moves off the screen
  }
  image(islandsImage3, 0, islands3Y, 150, 150); // Islands image on the left side

  // Move and draw other boats images
  otherBoats1Y += 1.2; // Speed of other boats movement
  if (otherBoats1Y > height) {
    otherBoats1Y = 0; // Reset when other boats moves off the screen
  }
  image(otherBoatsImage, 500, otherBoats1Y, 90, 180); // Other boats image on the right side

  otherBoats2Y += 1.8; // Speed of other boats movement
  if (otherBoats2Y > height) {
    otherBoats2Y = 0; // Reset when other boats moves off the screen
  }
  image(otherBoatsImage, 600, otherBoats2Y, 90, 180); // Other boats image on the right side
  
   fill(255); // White text color
  textAlign(CENTER);
  if (servoPos == 115)
    text("The boat is heading Straight!", width / 2, boatImage.height / 2 - 20); // Adjusted position
  else if (servoPos == 80)
    text("The boat is heading to the Right!", width / 2, boatImage.height / 2 - 20); // Adjusted position
  else if (servoPos == 140)
    text("The boat is heading to the Left!", width / 2, boatImage.height / 2 - 20); // Adjusted position

  // Draw boat image with rotation based on servo position
  push();
  translate(width / 2, height / 2); // Center of the screen
  rotate(radians(-90)); // Rotate to point upwards
  if (servoPos == 80) {
    rotate(radians(20)); // Rotate slightly to the right
  } else if (servoPos == 140) {
    rotate(radians(-20)); // Rotate slightly to the left
  }
  imageMode(CENTER);
  image(boatImage, 0, 0, 250, 150); // Draw boat image
  pop();

  // Display motor speed centered below boat with larger font size
  textSize(24); // Larger font size
  textAlign(CENTER);
  if(motorSpeed ==0)
    text("Motor Speed: HIGH ", width / 2, height - 20);
  else if(motorSpeed == 1)
    text("Motor Speed: LOW ", width / 2, height - 20);
}

// Function to draw a gradient background
function setGradient(x, y, w, h, c1, c2) {
  noFill();
  for (let i = y; i <= y + h; i++) {
    let inter = map(i, y, y + h, 0, 1);
    let c = lerpColor(c1, c2, inter);
    stroke(c);
    line(x, i, x + w, i);
  }
}

function keyPressed() {
  if (key == " ") {
    if (!serialSetUp) {
      setUpSerial();
      serialSetUp = true;
    }
  }
}

I also added some styrofoam padding on the bottom for added support and easier floating.

Here are some pictures from the production process:

And finally, here is the final video Presentation of it working:

Conclusion:

Overall this project was very fun challenging and I really think I learned a lot during the making.

Even though this is the end of the road for this class, this is only the beginning for me in exploring this area and I’m really excited of what happens next!

Darko

Concept: Interactive Musical Garden is an innovative interactive art installation that marries technology with natural aesthetics. It incorporates ultrasonic sensors embedded with 3D-printed transparent roses, allowing each rose to respond to user interaction by lighting up, playing music, and spawning a digital flower on a p5.js canvas. This project aims to create a communal yet personalized musical and visual experience where each interaction contributes to a growing digital garden.

Arduino Code Overview: The Arduino code controls the ultrasonic sensors and LEDs. It reads the distance measurements from the sensors and turns on an LED if an object (e.g., a user’s hand) is detected within a specified range. It also sends a signal to the p5.js application via serial communication when a flower should be spawned.

#include <Arduino.h>

// Define pins for the ultrasonic sensors and LEDs
#define NUM_SENSORS 5
int trigPins[NUM_SENSORS] = {2, 3, 4, 5, 6};
int echoPins[NUM_SENSORS] = {7, 8, 9, 10, 11};
int ledPins[NUM_SENSORS] = {12, 13, A0, A1, A2};

// Function to measure distance
long readDistance(int triggerPin, int echoPin) {
    digitalWrite(triggerPin, LOW);
    delayMicroseconds(2);
    digitalWrite(triggerPin, HIGH);
    delayMicroseconds(10);
    digitalWrite(triggerPin, LOW);
    long duration = pulseIn(echoPin, HIGH);
    return duration * 0.034 / 2; // Convert to distance in cm
}

void setup() {
    Serial.begin(9600);
    for (int i = 0; i < NUM_SENSORS; i++) {
        pinMode(trigPins[i], OUTPUT);
        pinMode(echoPins[i], INPUT);
        pinMode(ledPins[i], OUTPUT);
    }
}

void loop() {
    for (int i = 0; i < NUM_SENSORS; i++) {
        long distance = readDistance(trigPins[i], echoPins[i]);
        if (distance < 20) {
            digitalWrite(ledPins[i], HIGH);
            Serial.print("Bloom ");
            Serial.println(i + 1); // Send sensor number to p5.js
        } else {
            digitalWrite(ledPins[i], LOW);
        }
    }
    delay(100); // Debouncing
}

p5.js Code Overview: The p5.js application runs in a web browser and uses the serial communication data to create flowers on the screen each time a sensor is triggered. It also manages the playback of sound for each interaction.

// Define the Flower class for visual representation
class Flower {
    constructor(x, y) {
        this.x = x;
        this.y = y;
        this.size = 5;
        this.growthRate = random(0.05, 0.2);
        this.fullSize = random(30, 70);
        this.petals = floor(random(4, 9));
        this.petalSize = this.fullSize / 2;
        this.color = [random(100, 255), random(100, 255), random(100, 255)];
    }

    grow() {
        if (this.size < this.fullSize) {
            this.size += this.growthRate;
        }
    }

    show() {
        push();
        translate(this.x, this.y);
        noStroke();
        fill(this.color[0], this.color[1], this.color[2]);
        for (let i = 0; i < this.petals; i++) {
            rotate(TWO_PI / this.petals);
            ellipse(0, this.size / 4, this.petalSize, this.size);
        }
        fill(255, 204, 0);
        ellipse(0, 0, this.size / 4, this.size / 4);
        pop();
    }
}

let flowers = [];
let serial;
let flowerSound;

function preload() {
    flowerSound = loadSound('bells.wav');
}

function setup() {
    let canvas = createCanvas(windowWidth, windowHeight);
    canvas.style('display', 'block');
    background(0);

    serial = new p5.SerialPort();
    serial.open('/dev/tty.usbmodem1101');
    serial.on('data', serialEvent);
}

function draw() {
    background(0);
    flowers.forEach(flower => {
        flower.grow();
        flower.show();
    });
}

function serialEvent() {
    let data = serial.readStringUntil('\n').trim();
    if (data.startsWith("Bloom")) {
        let parts = data.split(" ");
        if (parts.length === 2) {
            let index = parseInt(parts[1]) - 1;
            if (!isNaN(index) && index >= 0 && index < 5) {
                createFlower();
            }
        }
    }
}

function createFlower() {
    let x = random(width);
    let y = random(height);
    let flower = new Flower(x, y);
    flowers.push(flower);
    playSound();
}

function playSound() {
    if (flowerSound.isPlaying()) {
        flowerSound.stop();
    }
    flowerSound.play();
}

function keyPressed() {
    if (key === 'f' || key === 'F') {
        let fs = fullscreen();
        fullscreen(!fs);
    }
}

function windowResized() {
    resizeCanvas(windowWidth, windowHeight);
}

How the Code Works:
Serial Communication: p5.js uses the p5.serialport library to establish a serial connection with the Arduino. This connection allows it to receive data (like sensor triggers) from the Arduino.
Flower Generation: When a “Bloom” command is received via serial (indicating that a sensor was triggered), p5.js generates a digital flower at a random location on the canvas.
Sound Playback: Simultaneously with the flower generation, a sound file is played to provide auditory feedback, making the experience more immersive.

Planning the Interaction Flow:
Detection: A user places their hand over one of the 3D-printed roses.
Sensor Activation: The corresponding ultrasonic sensor detects the presence based on the distance and triggers a response.
LED Feedback: The LED beneath the detected rose lights up, providing immediate visual feedback.
Visual and Auditory Display: The user sees a new flower appearing on the screen and hears a sound, linking their physical interaction with a digital outcome.

Acknowledgements: Special thanks to Stefania for helping me with the idea and the implementation and to my fiancé for helping me setup a beautiful garden using a pizza box 🙂

 

Concept:

As soon as I heard that I would get to pick a topic again, I decided to go back to my old idea that did not cooperate with me during the midterm period: The Dance Dance Revolution arcade machine. I wanted to do this but in my own way. I’ve been really into looking at different aesthetics and, so far, my favorite aesthetic is the CottageCore aesthetic whic his basically the theme of living in the forest, fantasy, fairies, ..etc.

As I mentioned in my midterm, I have been really into this group named NewJeans and one of their music videos was focused mainly on the cottagecore aesthetic which I was really into. The song’s name is ASAP and I would highly recommend everyone to watch if you want your day to instantly be 1000 times better.

This is what a DDR machine looks like:

 

The game goes as follows:

Arrows spawn from the bottom of the screen and move to the top according to the rhythm of the song picked. The player must click/ step on the corresponding arrow button when it reaches a certain point.

NewJeans’ ASAP:

 

Challenges :

This project was a nightmare to make:

1. The Circle Incident:

Writing the p5 code, I wanted to first start with ellipses that would spawn in four different x coordinates and that would disappear when I would click the arrow keys as they reach y 100. However, p5 had other plans. It just would not work no matter what I tried. Turns out, I just forgot to use the term “key ==” .

2. Mapping : (

I have a past with creating beat maps for the VR game Beat Saber and I knew that people got that idea from mapping DDR games. So, I looked up what DDR mapping looks like and I created one for the song ASAP. But after countless hours of trying to add the mapping for ASAP to p5, I realized that mapping was not for p5. Is it possible? Probably. Would I have tried even longer if I just had more time? Probably.

What I did to consider time was try to have the arrows spawn according to the song’s BPM(Beats Per Minute) and I just now realized as I’m writing this that I had the arrows SPAWN with the BPM, not hit the targetZone according to the BPM which makes so much sense now but it still is very fun.

 

3. The Horror of Serial Communication :0

For the weekend, I decided to go home and work on this there and that was one of the biggest mistakes I have ever made because I don’t like the serial communication part. I spent the whole weekend working on something that I don’t fully understand. I spent 5 hours my first night home and made zero progress. The following day, I caved and asked my brother who has a good amount of experience with C++ and even he could not figure out a solution.

Sunday evening I’m back on campus and I see Professor Aya who told me that my p5 sketch is only receiving 2 inputs instead of 4…… She fixed it in less than 2 minutes.

 

4. The Forbidden Restart Button :0

After getting familiar and actually understanding what and how Serial communication work, I wanted to add a simple button. So cute, I know :3.

Little did I know that button was made in the deepest, darkest pits of hell. For some reason, it just would not register the 1. I would check my arduino code and everything would work fine on the serial monitor. I spent hours on that and after asking my very nice classmate Marcus, he looked at my arduino code and figured out I added a teensy tiny “ln” in my println function…..

Not my proudest Rashed moment.

 

Game Design:

my game has four states for the title screen, game, gameOver, and YouWin.

I wanted to make my own backgrounds for these states instead of using pictures from the group. I used procreate  and a bunch of different elements from the theme and I just put them all together and I created these:

 

Title:

Game Over:

You Win:

Game:

 

I also designed the arrows myself 🙂

Code:

p5js Sketch:

This code outlines a rhythm-based game where players must synchronize their inputs with arrows moving on the screen to the beat of a background song. The game functions in various states such as “start,” “game,” “gameOver,” and “win,” each presenting unique visuals and interactions.

The preload function loads all necessary assets, including images and sounds, preparing the game for a smooth launch. Following this, the setup function establishes the gaming environment by creating a canvas and configuring text settings.

During gameplay, the draw function operates as the continuous loop that directs the flow of the game. It adjusts what’s displayed based on the game state and also checks the status of the serial port for hardware connectivity, crucial for linking external controllers like buttons.

Player interaction involves using buttons to accurately match onscreen arrows as they align with a designated hit zone. Successful matches increase the player’s score, whereas missed arrows result in a loss of lives. This mechanic tests both rhythm and timing.

The game mechanics are finely tuned; arrows are generated at intervals determined by the song’s BPM, creating a consistent rhythmic challenge. The game monitors for end conditions, either when the player runs out of lives or when the song concludes, leading to different game states like “win” or “gameOver.”

The integration with the Arduino through serial communication allows for the use of specialized controllers.

 

let arrows = [];
let images = {};
let gameState = "start";
let score = 0;
let lives = 5;
const arrowSpeed = 2;
const hitZoneY = 100;
const tolerance = 30;
let leftButton = 0;
let rightButton = 0;
let upButton = 0;
let downButton = 0;
let restartButton = 0;
let buttonispressed = 0;
// Song and BPM (beats per minute)
let song;
let songBPM = 134; // song's Beats Per Minute
// Images
let titleImage, gameOverImage, youWinImage, gameImage;
// Interval ID for arrow spawns
let arrowInterval;

// Preload function to load assets
function preload() {
  song = loadSound("NewjeansASAP.mp3");
  images.left = loadImage("Left.PNG");
  images.up = loadImage("Up.PNG");
  images.down = loadImage("Down.PNG");
  images.right = loadImage("Right.PNG");
  titleImage = loadImage("TitleBG.PNG");
  gameOverImage = loadImage("GameOverBG.PNG");
  youWinImage = loadImage("YouWinBG.PNG");
  gameImage = loadImage("GameBG.JPG");
}

// Setup function
function setup() {
  // Create canvas
  createCanvas(windowWidth, windowHeight);
  textAlign(CENTER, CENTER);
  textSize(32);
}

function draw() {
  // Display connection status if serial port is not active
  if (!serialActive) {
    text("Press Space Bar to select Serial Port", 20, 30);
  } else {
    text("Connected", 20, 30);
  }
  background(0);

  // Draw different game screens based on game state
  switch (gameState) {
    case "start":
      image(titleImage, 0, 0, width, height);
      drawStartScreen();
      break;
    case "game":
      image(gameImage, 0, 0, width, height);
      playGame();
      break;
    case "gameOver":
      image(gameOverImage, 0, 0, width, height);
      drawGameOver();
      break;
    case "win":
      image(youWinImage, 0, 0, width, height);
      drawWin();
      break;
  }
}

// Function to draw start screen
function drawStartScreen() {
  if (gameState === "start" && restartButton == 1 && buttonispressed == 0) {
    startGame(); // Start the game when restart button is pressed
    buttonispressed = 1;
  } else if (restartButton == 0 && buttonispressed == 1) {
    buttonispressed = 0;
  }
}

// Function to play the game
function playGame() {
  //Read data from input

  if (gameState === "game") {
    // Check if the key pressed matches the arrow type
    for (let i = arrows.length - 1; i >= 0; i--) {
      let arrow = arrows[i];
      if (arrow.y >= hitZoneY - tolerance && arrow.y <= hitZoneY + tolerance) {
        if (
          (leftButton == 1 && arrow.type === "left") ||
          (upButton == 1 && arrow.type === "up") ||
          (downButton == 1 && arrow.type === "down") ||
          (rightButton == 1 && arrow.type === "right")
        ) {
          arrows.splice(i, 1); // Successful hit, remove arrow
          score++; // Increment score
        }
      }
    }
  }

  // Draw hit zones
  fill(255, 255, 255, 100);
  ellipse(width * 0.2, hitZoneY, 70);
  ellipse(width * 0.4, hitZoneY, 70);
  ellipse(width * 0.6, hitZoneY, 70);
  ellipse(width * 0.8, hitZoneY, 70);

  // Display score and lives
  fill(255);
  text(`Score: ${score}`, 70, 30);
  text(`Lives: ${lives}`, width - 70, 30);

  // Move and display arrows
  for (let i = arrows.length - 1; i >= 0; i--) {
    let arrow = arrows[i];
    image(images[arrow.type], arrow.x - 35, arrow.y - 35, 70, 70);
    arrow.y -= arrowSpeed;

    // Remove arrow if it goes out of screen and reduce lives
    if (arrow.y < 0) {
      arrows.splice(i, 1);
      lives--;
    }
  }

  // Check for game over or win conditions
  if (lives < 1) {
    gameState = "gameOver";
    song.stop(); // Stop the song if the player loses
  } else if (song.isPlaying() === false) {
    gameState = "win";
  }
}

// Function to draw game over screen
function drawGameOver() {
   if (restartButton == 1 && buttonispressed == 0){
    gameState = "start"
     buttonispressed = 1;
  } else if (restartButton == 0 && buttonispressed == 1){
    buttonispressed = 0;
  }
}

// Function to draw win screen
function drawWin() {
   if (restartButton == 1 && buttonispressed == 0){
    gameState = "start"
     buttonispressed = 1;
  } else if (restartButton == 0 && buttonispressed == 1){
    buttonispressed = 0;
  }
}

// Function to handle key presses
function keyPressed() {
  if (key == " ") {
    // Start the serial connection
    setUpSerial();
  }
}

// Function to start the game
function startGame() {
  gameState = "game";
  restartButton = 0;
  score = 0;
  lives = 5;
  arrows = [];
  clearInterval(arrowInterval); // Clear any existing interval
  initiateArrowSpawns();
  song.play(); // Start playing the music when the game starts
}

// Function to restart the game
function restartGame() {
  gameState = "start"; // Change gameState to 'start' to return to title screen
  score = 0;
  lives = 5;
  arrows = [];
  clearInterval(arrowInterval); // Clear any existing interval
  initiateArrowSpawns();
  restartButton = 0; // Reset restart button state
}


// Function to initiate arrow spawns
function initiateArrowSpawns() {
  let interval = 60000 / (songBPM / 2 ); // Halve the BPM to spawn arrows at a slower rate
  arrowInterval = setInterval(() => {
    let direction = random(["left", "up", "down", "right"]);
    spawnArrow(direction);
  }, interval);
}

// Function to spawn an arrow
function spawnArrow(direction) {
  let xPosition;
  switch (direction) {
    case "left":
      xPosition = width * 0.2;
      break;
    case "up":
      xPosition = width * 0.4;
      break;
    case "down":
      xPosition = width * 0.6;
      break;
    case "right":
      xPosition = width * 0.8;
      break;
  }
  arrows.push({ x: xPosition, y: height, type: direction });
}

// This function will be called by the web-serial library
// with each new *line* of data. The serial library reads
// the data until the newline and then gives it to us through
// this callback function
function readSerial(data) {
  //////////////////////////////////////////////////
  // READ FROM ARDUINO HERE
  //////////////////////////////////////////////////

  if (data != null) {
    // Make sure there is actually a message
    // Split the message
    let fromArduino = split(trim(data), ",");
    // If the right length, then proceed
    if (fromArduino.length == 5) {
      // Only store values here
      // Do everything with those values in the main draw loop

      // We take the string we get from Arduino and explicitly
      // convert it to a number by using int()
      // e.g. "103" becomes 103
      leftButton = int(fromArduino[0]);
      upButton = int(fromArduino[1]);
      downButton = int(fromArduino[2]);
      rightButton = int(fromArduino[3]);
      restartButton = int(fromArduino[4]);
      //console.log("left button is" + leftButton);
      //console.log("right button is" + rightButton);
      //console.log("up button is" + upButton);
      //console.log("down button is" + downButton);
      //console.log("restart is" + restartButton);
    }

    /////////////////////////////////////////////////
    // SEND TO ARDUINO HERE (handshake)
    /////////////////////////////////////////////////
    let sendToArduino = "\n";
    writeSerial(sendToArduino);
  }
}

 

Arduino Code:

This section of code is designed to interface with hardware buttons, specifically set up for a gaming application. It starts by defining pin numbers connected to various buttons on an Arduino board: left, up, down, right, and a restart button. Each button is associated with a specific pin number ranging from 2 to 6.

The setup() function initializes the serial communication at a baud rate of 9600 to enable data transfer between the Arduino and a computer. It also configures each button pin as an input, preparing the Arduino to read the states of these buttons.

In the `oop() function, the code continuously reads the state of each button using the digitalRead() function. It checks whether each button is pressed or not, producing a digital high or low signal. These states are then formatted into a comma-separated string and sent over the serial connection. This allows another system, such as a computer running a game, to receive real-time input from these hardware buttons, integrating physical interactions into digital applications.

// Define pin numbers for buttons
const int leftButtonPin = 2;
const int upButtonPin = 3;
const int downButtonPin = 4;
const int rightButtonPin = 5;
const int restartButtonPin = 6;


void setup() {
  Serial.begin(9600);
  // Set button pins as inputs
  pinMode(leftButtonPin, INPUT);
  pinMode(upButtonPin, INPUT);
  pinMode(downButtonPin, INPUT);
  pinMode(rightButtonPin, INPUT);
  pinMode(restartButtonPin, INPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Read button states and send data over serial
  int leftButton = digitalRead(leftButtonPin);
  int upButton = digitalRead(upButtonPin);
  int downButton = digitalRead(downButtonPin);
  int rightButton = digitalRead(rightButtonPin);
  int restartButton = digitalRead(restartButtonPin);

  // Send button states to serial
  Serial.print(leftButton);
  Serial.print(",");
  Serial.print(upButton);
  Serial.print(",");
  Serial.print(downButton);
  Serial.print(",");
  Serial.print(rightButton);
  Serial.print(",");
  Serial.println(restartButton);

}

 

The Game:

Here’s a video of my friend playing it:

FullScreen Link

Overall:

I am very proud of myself for pushing myself into an area that I previously left unexplored. Considering how I could not even make the normal game for my midterm, and I was able to do it for my final and even taking it a step further for my final. I am truly happy I was given the freedom to do this. I would like to particularly mention that without the help and support I got from professor Aya, I would have given up a long time ago.

I feel like one thing I wanted to do with this project that I could not was upload my own custom map for the songs and have different difficulties and  songs (just like a normal DDR arcade machine). I think that would be important for me as it allows to input even more of my creativity into this project.

Pi’s moving Castle is a p5js + Arduino interactive game by Pi.

Pi has a moving castle, but it is broken down by the presence of rust gremelins in the machinery. You have to help Pi eliminate these gremelins so that the castle can walk again.

Here’s a more visually appealing version of the story.

Documentation Video

instagrammable goodies

DeMo & Concept

So the project consists of 2 parts.  A p5js computer game, and a castle with walking legs and some user inputs (potentiometer and a switch). You control a cannon on the computer screen, using the potentiometer to rotate the cannon and shoot it with the switch. But there is a catch, Some of the gremelins, you cannot aim at them directly, so you need to make the cannonballs bounce off the walls to deliver justice to these monsters. Finally once you have cleared all the monsters, the castle can start walking and will physically walk. Below is a demo video of me playing the full experience.

Arduino Code

The arduino code is below. It always send back serial data with the potentiometer and switch readings back to the computer, and it will wait for a single serial int. If computer sends a 1, castle walks, and if computer sends a 0, it stops walking. Depending on the game state it changes.

#include   // Include the Servo library

Servo myServo;  // Create a servo object
Servo myServo2; // Create a servo object
float lastVoltage = -1; // Variable to store the last voltage
// Arduino code for button, which detects the counts
const int buttonPin = 2;  // the number of the pushbutton pin
const int ledPin = 3;    // the number of the LED pin

// variables will change:
int buttonState = 0;         // variable for reading the pushbutton status
int lastButtonState = HIGH;  // variable for reading the last pushbutton status
unsigned long lastDebounceTime = 0;  // the last time the output pin was toggled
unsigned long debounceDelay = 50;    // the debounce time; increase if the output flickers
int pressCount = 0;  // count of button presses


//Potentiometer
float floatMap(float x, float in_min, float in_max, float out_min, float out_max) {
  return (x - in_min) * (out_max - out_min) / (in_max - in_min) + out_min;
}


void setup() {
  pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);   // initialize the LED pin as an output
  pinMode(buttonPin, INPUT_PULLUP);  // initialize the pushbutton pin as an input with internal pull-up resistor
  myServo.attach(9);  // Attach the servo signal pin to digital pin 9
  myServo2.attach(10); // Attach the servo signal pin to digital pin 10
  Serial.begin(9600); // Initialize serial communication at 9600 bits per second
  stopRotation(); // Stop servos by default
}

void loop() {
   int reading = digitalRead(buttonPin);

  //Output potentiometer
  // Read the input on analog pin A0:
  int analogValue = analogRead(A0);
  // Rescale to potentiometer's voltage (from 0V to 5V):
  float voltage = floatMap(analogValue, 0, 1023, 0, 5);
 

  // check if the button state has changed from the last reading
  if (reading != lastButtonState) {
    // reset the debouncing timer
    lastDebounceTime = millis();
  }

  if ((millis() - lastDebounceTime) > debounceDelay) {
    // if the button state has changed:
    if (reading != buttonState) {
      buttonState = reading;

      // only toggle the LED if the new button state is LOW
      if (buttonState == LOW) {
        digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
        pressCount++;  // increment the press count
      } else {
        digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
      }
    }
  }

  // save the reading. Next time through the loop, it will be the lastButtonState:
  lastButtonState = reading;
 
  Serial.print(pressCount);  // print the count to the serial monitor
  Serial.print(",");
  Serial.println(voltage);          // Print the distance to the Serial monitor
  delay(100);                        // Short delay before next measurement

 
  if (Serial.available() > 0) { // Check if data has been received
    int state = Serial.read() - '0'; // Read the first byte available and convert from ASCII
    if (state == 1) {
      rotate(); // Rotate servos
    } else if (state == 0) {
      stopRotation(); // Ensure servos are stopped
    }
  }
}

void rotate() {
  myServo.writeMicroseconds(4000); // Example value for rotation
  myServo2.writeMicroseconds(4000); // Adjust if necessary
}

void stopRotation() {
  myServo.writeMicroseconds(1500); // 1500 usually represents a stopped servo
  myServo2.writeMicroseconds(1500); // Adjust if necessary
}

p5js Sketch

In the game, players help Pi clear rust gremlins from a mechanical castle using a turret that shoots cannonballs, controlled by a physical potentiometer and switch. The game mechanics include obstacles where cannonballs need to be bounced off boundaries to hit some gremlins. The game features a visual and auditory loading sequence with gremlin and turret images, background music, and sound effects for actions like shooting and gremlin deaths. The Arduino setup facilitates interaction by receiving turret control signals from the potentiometer and switch, while sending back movement commands to make the castle walk when the game is completed.

The embedding of the p5js sketch is below (Note that you need the castle to play the game).

Communication between Arduino and p5js

As mentioned above, the communication between p5js and Arduino is serial data. Arduino sends 2 values (a float reading for potentiometer, and an int counting the number of times the button has been clicked). This controls the rotation of the cannon and firing of the cannon in the game.

From the computer (p5), Arduino only receives one number all the time that is either 1 or 0. This dictates whether or not to move the castle and make it walk (it walks when the game is complete.)

What I am proud of

I am particularly very proud of the visual design, the storyline and the walking mechanism. This looks almost unreal to me, I was not expecting that sticking the midjourney textures on an Amazon cardboard box would look sooo good.

Future Improvements

For future improvements, I will integrate what the users have told me during the user tests.

P5.js Code:

let fsrVal = 0;  // Force Sensitive Resistor Value
let smoothfsrVal = 0; // Global Variable to not have jitter for image 

let backgroundImage;  // Classroom Image
let teachImageHappy;  // Play state teacher Image
let teachImageMad;    // Win State teacher Image
let teachImageProud // Lose State teacher Image

let gameStarted = false;  // Flag for Game Start 
let gameOver = false;     // Flag for Game Over
let gameWon = false;      // Flag for Game won
let gameStartTime;  // Variable for timer
let dogBarkSound; // Variable for Dog barking 
let barkTimeout; // Variable for when the dog cannot bark 
let lastBarkTime = 0; // Variable to hold when dog stopped barking
let winSound; // Variable to hold the win sound
let gameOverSound; // Variable to hold the game over sound
let winSoundPlayed = false; // Variable to track if win sound has been played
let gameOverSoundPlayed = false; // Variable to track if game over sound has been played
let gameMusic; // Variable to hold the game music sound
let gameMusicPlayed = false; // Variable to track if game music has been played
let showingInstructions = false; // Flag to track if we are currently showing instructions

// It is necessary to preload the images in 
function preload() {
    backgroundImage = loadImage('class.jpeg');  
  
    teachImageHappy = loadImage('teacher_woman_happy.png');  
  
    teachImageMad = loadImage('teacher_woman_mad.png');  
  
    teachImageProud = loadImage("teacher_woman_teaching.png")
    dogBarkSound = loadSound('dog_bark.mp3');  
  
    winSound = loadSound('win.mp3'); 
  
    gameOverSound = loadSound('gameover.mp3');  
  
    gameMusic = loadSound('gameMusic.mp3'); 
}

function setup() {
    createCanvas(window.innerWidth, window.innerHeight);
    textSize(18);

    // Serial Point button logic
    const connectButton = createButton('Connect to Serial');
    connectButton.position(width / 2 - connectButton.width / 2, height / 2 - connectButton.height / 2);
    connectButton.mousePressed(setUpSerial);


    // Play button logic
    const playButton = createButton('Play');
    playButton.position(width / 2 - playButton.width / 2-15, height / 2 - playButton.height / 2);
    playButton.mousePressed(startGame);
    playButton.hide();
    styleButton(playButton);

    // Instruction button logic
    const instructionsButton = createButton('Instructions');
    instructionsButton.position(width / 2 - instructionsButton.width / 2 -20, height / 2 +40);
    instructionsButton.mousePressed(displayInstructions);
    instructionsButton.hide();
    styleButton(instructionsButton);

    // Restart button logic
    const restartButton = createButton('Restart Game');
    restartButton.position(width / 2 - restartButton.width / 2 -25, height / 2 +15);  // Positioned below the "Play" button
    restartButton.mousePressed(restartGame);
    restartButton.hide();
    styleButton(restartButton);
  
    // Main Menu button logic 
    const mainMenuButton = createButton('Main Menu');
    mainMenuButton.position(width / 2 - mainMenuButton.width / 2 -25, height / 2 + 75);
    mainMenuButton.mousePressed(goToMainMenu);
    mainMenuButton.hide();
    styleButton(mainMenuButton);

    // Button branding for further use
    window.connectButton = connectButton;
    window.playButton = playButton;
    window.instructionsButton = instructionsButton;
    window.restartButton = restartButton;
    window.mainMenuButton = mainMenuButton;


    // Background game music was intially too loud
    gameMusic.setVolume(0.035); 

    noLoop();  // Stop drawing until the game starts
}

// Buttons needed to be style 
function styleButton(button) {
    button.style('background-color', '#FFFFFF'); // White background
    button.style('color', '#000000'); // Black text
    button.style('border', '2px solid #000000'); // Black border
    button.style('padding', '10px 20px'); // Larger padding for bigger size
    button.style('font-size', '16px'); // Larger font size
    button.style('cursor', 'pointer'); // Cursor pointer on hover
}

function draw() {
    if (serialActive) {
      // After connection I prefer the button to no longer be present
        window.connectButton.hide(); 

        if (showingInstructions) {
            // Instruction state needed these buttons hidden
            window.playButton.hide();
            window.instructionsButton.hide();
        } else {
            window.playButton.show();    //If not in instruction state the play button can be shown 
            window.instructionsButton.show(); // And the instructions button can be shown
        }
        // button logic/visibility during/post-game
        if (gameStarted && !gameOver && !gameWon) {
            window.playButton.hide();
            window.instructionsButton.hide();
            updateGame();
        } else if (gameOver) {
            displayGameOver();
        } else if (gameWon) {
            displayGameWin();
        }
    } else {
        displayClassCrashOutScreen();
    }
}



function updateGame() {
    // Tracking time logic (CHATGPT USED TO HELP SET THIS UP)
    let elapsedTime = (millis() - gameStartTime) / 1000;  
  
    // Start playing game music when the game starts
    if (!gameMusicPlayed && gameStarted) {
        gameMusic.play();
        gameMusic.loop(); // if game music ends early loop it 
        gameMusicPlayed = true; // Set the flag to true after playing the music
    }

    // Stop game music when the game ends
    if ((gameOver || gameWon) && gameMusic.isPlaying()) {
        gameMusic.stop();
    }
  
    // Check win condition (CHATGPT WAS USED)
    if (fsrVal >= 250 && !gameWon) {
        gameWon = true;
        dogBarkSound.stop(); // Stop the dog bark sound if it's playing
        winTime = elapsedTime; // Record the time taken to win
    }

    // Check game over condition (CHATGPT WAS USED)
    if (elapsedTime >= 45) {
        gameOver = true;
        dogBarkSound.stop(); // Stop the dog bark sound if it's playing
        return;
    }

    background(backgroundImage);  // Set the loaded background image
    displayGameElements(elapsedTime);
}

// Code credit to Professor AARON SHERWOOD (Thank you for your help professor)
function displayGameElements(elapsedTime) {
    scaleFactor = 1;
    smoothfsrVal += (fsrVal - smoothfsrVal) * 0.01;
    push();
    imageMode(CENTER);
    let teachWidth = (teachImageHappy.width / 2) + smoothfsrVal * scaleFactor;
    let teachHeight = (teachImageHappy.height / 2) + smoothfsrVal * scaleFactor;
    image(teachImageHappy, width / 2, height / 2, teachWidth, teachHeight);
    pop();

    fill(255);
    textStyle(BOLD)
    stroke(0)
    strokeWeight(4)
    text("Connected", 90, 30);
    text('Pages = ' + fsrVal, 100, 70 );
    textSize(30);
    text('Time: ' + elapsedTime.toFixed(2) + 's', width - 150, 30);
}

function displayGameOver() {
    stopBarking();
    background(backgroundImage);
    fill(255);
    textSize(27);
    text("Game Over", width / 2, height / 2 - 45);
    textSize(22);
    text("Teacher's Pet :(", width / 2, height / 2 - 5);
    //code to indicate which buttons to hide and show 
    window.restartButton.show();
    window.playButton.hide();
    window.mainMenuButton.show(); 
    window.instructionsButton.hide();

    // Teacher Image scaling and position
    let scaledWidth = teachImageProud.width * 0.5;
    let scaledHeight = teachImageProud.height * 0.5;
    image(teachImageProud, width / 2 + 130, height / 2 - 125, scaledWidth, scaledHeight);


    if (!gameOverSoundPlayed && !gameOverSound.isPlaying()) {
        gameOverSound.play();
        gameOverSoundPlayed = true; 
    }

    if (gameMusic.isPlaying()) {
        gameMusic.stop();
    }
}

function displayGameWin() {
    stopBarking();
    background(backgroundImage);
    fill(255);  
    textSize(27);
    text("You Got Detention!!!", width / 2, height / 2 - 45);
    textSize(22);
    // Display the time taken to win
    text("Time Taken: " + winTime.toFixed(2) + "s", width / 2, height / 2 - 5);
    
    // Teacher Image scaling and position
    let scaledWidth = teachImageMad.width * 0.5;
    let scaledHeight = teachImageMad.height * 0.5;
    image(teachImageMad, width / 2 + 130, height / 2 - 125, scaledWidth, scaledHeight);
  
    //code to indicate which buttons to hide and show 
    window.restartButton.show();
    window.playButton.hide();
    window.mainMenuButton.show(); 
    window.instructionsButton.hide()


    if (!winSoundPlayed && !winSound.isPlaying()) {
        winSound.play();
        winSoundPlayed = true;
      
    }

    if (gameMusic.isPlaying()) {
        gameMusic.stop();
    }
}

function displayClassCrashOutScreen() {
    background(backgroundImage);
    fill(255);
    stroke(0)
    strokeWeight(4)
    textStyle(BOLD)
    textAlign(CENTER);
    textSize(27)
    text("CLASS CRASH OUT", width / 2, height / 2 - 35);
}

// Play Through Logic (CHATGPT WAS USED)
function startGame() {
    gameStarted = true;
    gameOver = false;  
    gameWon = false;   
    gameStartTime = millis();  
    gameMusicPlayed = false; 
    showingInstructions = false; 
    playDogBark(); 
}

function restartGame() {
    gameStarted = true;
    gameOver = false;  
    gameWon = false;   
    fsrVal = 0;        
    smoothfsrVal = 0;  
    gameStartTime = millis();  
    window.restartButton.hide();  
    window.mainMenuButton.hide();
    stopBarking(); 
    gameMusicPlayed = false; 
    winSoundPlayed = false;  
    gameOverSoundPlayed = false;  
  
    playDogBark(); 
    loop();  
}

function goToMainMenu() {
    stopBarking();
    gameStarted = false;
    gameOver = false;
    gameWon = false;
    gameMusic.stop(); 
    gameMusicPlayed = false;
    winSoundPlayed = false;
    gameOverSoundPlayed = false;
    showingInstructions = false; 

    stopBarking(); 
    
    loop(); 
  //code to indicate which buttons to hide and show 
    window.restartButton.hide();
    window.mainMenuButton.hide();
    window.playButton.show();
    window.connectButton.show(); 
   
    background(backgroundImage); 
    fill(255);
    textStyle(BOLD)
    textAlign(CENTER);
    textSize(27)
    text("CLASS CRASH OUT", width / 2, height / 2 - 35); 
}


function displayInstructions() {
    background(backgroundImage);
    fill(255);
    textSize(27);
    textAlign(CENTER, CENTER);
    text("Your objective: Prank your friend", width / 2, height / 2 -75); 
  text("Time Limit: 45 seconds", width/2, height/2 -35)
  text("Feed the dog 250 HW pages", width/2, height/2)

    //code to indicate which buttons to hide and show 
    window.mainMenuButton.show();

    
    window.playButton.hide();
    window.instructionsButton.hide(); 
    window.restartButton.hide();

    showingInstructions = true; 
}

// Dog bark Logic 
function playDogBark() {
    dogBarkSound.play();
    // Dog barks at random intervals
    let nextBarkIn = random(5000, 7500); 
    barkTimeout = setTimeout(playDogBark, nextBarkIn); // Schedule the next bark
}

function stopBarking() {
    clearTimeout(barkTimeout); 
}


// This function will be called by the web-serial library
// with each new *line* of data. The serial library reads
// the data until the newline and then gives it to us through
// this callback function
function readSerial(data) {
  ////////////////////////////////////
  //READ FROM ARDUINO HERE
  ////////////////////////////////////

  if (data != null) {
    // make sure there is actually a message
    // split the message
    let fromArduino = split(trim(data), ",");
    // if the right length, then proceed
    if (fromArduino.length == 1) {
      // only store values here
      // do everything with those values in the main draw loop
      
      // We take the string we get from Arduino and explicitly
      // convert it to a number by using int()
      // e.g. "103" becomes 103
      fsrVal = int(fromArduino[0]);
    
    }

    //////////////////////////////////
    //SEND TO ARDUINO HERE (handshake)
    //////////////////////////////////
    let sendToArduino = 0 + "\n";
    writeSerial(sendToArduino);
  }
}

Concept:

My final project concept initially centered on creating a controller for my midterm video game project. However, after a discussion with my professor, I was inspired to shift towards a design imbued with deeper thematic meaning and enhanced interactivity. This push led me to thoroughly repackage and rework my midterm project. Through multiple iterations, I developed a concept that stands distinctly apart from its predecessor. In this new version, players engage in a real-world task—feeding a dog—which in turn affects the game by enlarging the teacher on screen. This innovative interaction model is something I am proud to call largely original and distinct from my previous work.”

Include some pictures / video of your project interaction

*Disclaimer had trouble uploading images so I compiled images into a youtube video

How does the implementation work?

In implementing my project concept using Arduino and p5.js, I utilized the lab’s resources to construct a Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR). This involved using Velostat, a folded piece of paper, two strips of copper tape, and ordinary tape. Once assembled, I connected the FSR to the Arduino using crocodile clips attached to jumper cables. For the visual component, I crafted the “dog” from the SparkFun kit box, using three cardboard pieces (two triangles and one rectangle) to form its structure, and added a cartoon dog’s face for a playful touch. The ‘HW’ blocks, integral to the game’s interactivity, were made from wooden blocks wrapped in paper and secured with tape.

Description of interaction design

For the interactivity aspect of my project, under Professor Aaron’s guidance, I established a serial connection enabling the Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) to communicate with my p5.js sketch. The interface in p5.js features an image of a cartoon teacher that increases in size as the FSR value rises. To address the issue of the image size increasing too rapidly, I introduced a global variable, smoothFsrVal, and applied the formula smoothFsrVal += (fsrVal - smoothFsrVal) * 0.01 to moderate the growth. To ensure the game remained engaging and not overly prolonged, I set a specific FSR value goal of 250, which, when reached, triggers a win state. Additionally, a timer limits the gameplay to 45 seconds, after which a game over state is activated if the goal isn’t met. The p5.js sketch also includes standard interactive elements such as a ‘Connect to Serial’ button, main menu, play, instructions, and restart buttons—all designed with engaging graphics and set against a classroom-themed background

Arduino Code:

void setup() {
  // Start serial communication so we can send data
  // over the USB connection to our p5js sketch
  Serial.begin(9600); 

  // Blink them so we can check the wiring


  // start the handshake
  while (Serial.available() <= 0) {
    Serial.println("0");

    delay(50);
  }
}

void loop() {
  // wait for data from p5 before doing something
  while (Serial.available()) {

    int handshakeRead = Serial.parseInt();
   
    if (Serial.read() == '\n') {

      int sensor = analogRead(A0);
      delay(5);

      Serial.println(sensor);
    }
  }

}

Description of Arduino code:

In the setup function of the Arduino code, serial communication is initiated at 9600 baud to enable data transfer over the USB connection to the p5.js sketch. This setup includes a procedure introduced in class by Professor Aaron called starting a ‘handshake’—a method used to ensure that the connection is established before proceeding. The Arduino sends a zero (‘0’) repeatedly every 50 milliseconds until it receives a response from the p5.js sketch, indicating that the serial connection is ready. In the main loop, the code continuously checks for incoming data from the p5.js sketch. Once data is received, it reads the data to complete the ‘handshake’, ensuring that each transmission begins only after the previous has been fully processed. It then reads the analog value from pin A0, where the Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) is connected. This sensor value is briefly paused (a delay of 5 milliseconds is introduced for stability), and then sent back over the serial connection to the p5.js sketch, which uses this data to influence the game dynamics, such as adjusting the size of the cartoon teacher’s image based on the FSR readings

Embedded Sketch:

 

Description of p5.js code:

1. Initialization and Preloading: Variables are declared for game state management (like gameStarted, gameOver, gameWon), user interface elements (buttons), sounds, and images. The preload() function loads these resources (images and sounds) to ensure they’re available before the game starts.
2. Setup Configuration: The setup() function creates the game canvas and initializes interface elements such as buttons. Each button is positioned and styled, and their visibility is managed based on game states. Notably, the game music’s volume is adjusted, and the canvas’s draw loop is paused until the game starts.
3. Game State Management: Buttons trigger changes in game states. For example, the ‘Play’ button starts the game and triggers gameplay logic encapsulated within other functions like startGame(). Buttons like ‘Restart’ and ‘Main Menu’ facilitate game flow by resetting states or navigating the user interface.
4. Dynamic Content Rendering: The draw() function acts as the central loop where game logic is continuously checked and updated based on the game’s state. It manages what is displayed on the screen, updates gameplay elements like the timer, and reacts to changes in game state (e.g., transitioning to a win or lose screen).
5. Game Interactivity and Feedback: Interaction with the physical hardware (FSR value) is integrated into the game logic. The value from the sensor influences the gameplay, affecting visual elements like the teacher’s image size based on the smoothed sensor values. Audio cues are played corresponding to game events like winning or losing, and game music loops during gameplay.
6. Auxiliary Functions: Functions like displayGameOver() and displayGameWin() manage the display elements during these states, showing appropriate messages and images, and managing audio playback. Utility functions like styleButton() apply consistent styling to buttons across the game.
7. Serial Communication: The readSerial(data) function handles incoming data from the Arduino. It parses this data to update the force sensor value, which in turn affects the game logic and visuals.

Description of communication between Arduino and p5.js:

If the paragraphs mentioned above do not paint a clear enough picture here is the bullet point representation on how my Final project is communicating between p5.js and Arduino

Part 1:

1. Arduino Setup:
   • The Arduino initiates serial communication at 9600 baud rate using Serial.begin(9600);. This sets up the Arduino to send and receive data over the USB connection to the computer where the p5.js script runs.
   • A handshake mechanism is implemented in the setup() function where the Arduino continually sends a zero (‘0’) until it receives any serial data from p5.js, ensuring that both sides are ready to communicate before proceeding.
2. p5.js Setup:
   • In p5.js, the serial connection setup is implied within functions like setUpSerial(), which would be responsible for establishing this link, although the specific implementation details aren’t provided in the snippet. The script is prepared to handle incoming data through a callback function that processes each line of data received.

Part 2:

1. Data Sending (Arduino to p5.js):
   • Inside the loop() function on the Arduino, there’s a check for any available serial data (Serial.available()). If data is available, it reads the next integer from the serial buffer, which is part of the handshake or command from p5.js.
   • After the handshake is confirmed (a newline character is detected), the Arduino reads an analog value from pin A0 (connected to the Force Sensitive Resistor) and sends this value back to p5.js using Serial.println(sensor);.
2. Data Receiving and Sending (p5.js to Arduino):
   • In p5.js, the received data is handled by the readSerial(data) function. This function parses incoming serial data to update the force sensor value (fsrVal), which is then used within the game logic to modify game elements, such as the size of the teacher image in the interface.
   • The script also sends data back to Arduino, likely as part of a continual handshake or control commands, maintaining synchronization between the hardware inputs and the software responses.

Part 3:

• Game Element Updates: The fsrVal from the Arduino directly impacts game dynamics. For example, an increase in the FSR value causes the teacher image to grow in size, visually representing the game’s progress based on real-world actions (like pressing the FSR).
• Dynamic Adjustments: The smoothfsrVal variable in p5.js smooths out the rapid changes in the sensor value to ensure the game’s visual feedback doesn’t appear jittery or overly responsive to noise in sensor readings.

What are some aspects of the project that you’re particularly proud of?

I’m particularly proud of the DIY Force Sensitive Resistor (FSR) sensor that I constructed for this project. Building the primary component of my project from scratch, using only the resources available in the lab and guidance from various YouTube tutorials, was immensely fulfilling. There was no pre-built FSR sensor available that fit my needs, which presented a significant challenge. Tackling this obstacle head-on, I was able to problem-solve and innovate under pressure. This not only enhanced my technical skills but also boosted my confidence in handling and overcoming complex engineering problems on my own. The successful integration of this self-made sensor into the project stands as a testament to the creative and technical prowess that I developed throughout this endeavor.

What are some areas for future improvement?

One of the primary areas for future improvement in my project is the gameplay loop. While it successfully fulfills its basic purpose, it currently lacks sustained entertainment value. Introducing more sound effects and enhanced user feedback could significantly enrich the gaming experience, making it more engaging and dynamic for players. Additionally, the build quality of the interactive controller needs reinforcement. Given that the gameplay involves objects frequently being thrown at the controller, constructing a sturdier framework is essential—especially since the dog’s face component is particularly vulnerable. Another critical area for improvement is the sensitivity of the FSR value. Currently, balancing the sensor’s responsiveness so that it is neither too sensitive nor too unresponsive is a significant challenge. This aspect of the project requires a deeper understanding and more refined coding skills, but I am confident that with time and continued learning, I can develop a more robust and precise response mechanism for a better gameplay experience.

Strengths of the Project

Users understood the relationship between their actions and the game responses well. This was particularly true for tasks involving direct interactions like pressing buttons.

• Engagement with Tasks: The distance sensing tasks were well-received, as participants found them to be intuitive and fun.
• Sensor Integration: The integration of the potentiometer within the game mechanics worked smoothly, providing a satisfying challenge to the players.

Areas for Improvement

• Animation Speed: There was a noticeable slowdown in animation frames as the game progressed, which affected the overall experience. This issue needs to be addressed to ensure smooth gameplay.
• Keypad Usage: Although the Adafruit Trellis keypad was a central component of the game, many users needed additional instructions to use it effectively.

Enhancements and Future Steps

To make the game more user-friendly and engaging, here are some steps I plan to take based on the feedback:

• Clarify Sensor Usage: Simplify the riddles associated with sensors or provide clearer, step-by-step tutorials that guide the users on how to interact with the game.
• Improve Animations: Optimize the code to ensure that animation frames run smoothly throughout the game, enhancing the visual feedback that is crucial for interactive gameplay.

Video for 1st user test/feedback

Video for 2nd user test/feedback

For my project, I did 9 user test in total, with the people who did not know about my game at all. The procedure is such that I invite them, I start the p5js sketch, set up the camera and let them work out without saying anything.

Gladly, out of 9 subjects, only 2 needed instructions from me, and others at one point were able to figure out the entire experience withotu instruction. The average play time/ or time needed for them to enjoy the experience without needing instructions is 3 minutes. Below are 3 sessions of the user testing.

The only parts where I needed to explain for the 2 users are (1) the user did not read the instructions on the screen and did not know they have to touch the castle and (2) The user did not connect to the right serial port.

In general, this is the feedbacks I get for improvement suggestion.

1. Cover the breadboard of the castle with a ladder texture to make the design more consistent and hide the electronics.
2. I need to be more specific in telling which serial port to choose (now I only say usbmodem).
3. Take out all the debugging functionalities I made for myself in the actual game.
4. Tell the people to stand up and play (It is more comfortable than sitting down).
5. Sometimes the bullet hit the enemy, but the enemy  did not die (I need to adjust the collider radius).
6. Some users did not get the full background story, so probably have a mini comic printed out so that whoever interested can read.

Special Thanks

Special Thanks to Guglielmo Fonda, Aditya Pandhare, Aneeka Paul, Megan Marzolf, Salma Mansour, Sashank Neupane, Lingfen Ren, Lexie and Nastassja for testing my project.

The journey of transforming a concept into a tangible, functional reality is an exhilarating experience, with challenges and discoveries at every turn. The most enjoyable part of this adventure for me was definitely the user-testing phase of my final project. It’s one thing to nurture an idea in your mind or sketch it on paper, but watching real people interact with your creation adds a layer of excitement and invaluable insights.

A significant hurdle I faced was with the servos intended to be a key component of the project. Despite my efforts, I struggled immensely with integrating and programming them. The complexity proved to be beyond the scope of what could be managed within the time and resource constraints of the project I had to make the difficult decision to pivot and remove the servos entirely from the project. This decision, though tough, was necessary to maintain the project’s viability and ensure a smoother user experience.

Pivoting away from using servos forced me to rethink and simplify the design, focusing on what was most essential and functional. This redesign, though less complex, brought its own set of challenges and learning opportunities.

The insights gained from user-testing were invaluable. Observing how users interacted with the revised version of the project without the servos helped me understand the practicality and user-friendliness of my design. The feedback was instrumental in shaping the final tweaks:

Timer needs to be bigger: Users found the timer too small, highlighting the need for a more visible and accessible design. (Alongside that I believe I will increase the size of all text)
Add instructions page: User suggested that there be an instructions page to clarify the objective
Fix dog barking glitch: Dog barking would play over itself causing an awkward sound (potential solution is to increase the delay time between sounds

Through user testing, I improved the look of the device itself by covering the wire with insulated heat-shrinkable tubes so that it doesn’t get caught up by anything over the user’s hand. Also, an issue that was resolved after more testing was that, for some odd reason, the code kept looping over the positioning of the UFO, making it glitch after a while of playing the game.

Video of the problem:

After the improvements:

After playing once or twice, people can understand the concept, which made me realize that I needed to create an info tab to finalize the project.