The Configurable Laser Tag SystemFinal Presentation

Kedar HiremathAndrew Floren

Josh ArmstrongMatt deWet

Overview of Presentation

Introduce the Configurable Laser Tag System

Discuss overall design and implementation

Overview of problems Briefly discuss cost and other

considerations Conclusion and recommendations Questions

Standard Laser TagLaser beams are fired into receivers that

score hits, often in a futuristic arena

Problems:› Limited Strategy› Limited Teamwork› Repetitive› Low Replay Value

Solution: Add Configurability!Ability to customize the game

- Create different gametype objectives- Modify game device parameters

Improvements:-Objective-Based Gameplay-Complex Tactical Strategy-Teamwork Required-High Replay Value

Screenshot from Halo – Capture The Flag

System NeedsBasic laser tag functionalityWireless communication across devicesProgrammable device primitivesGame scripting system

- ability to ‘program’ game- intuitive drag-and-drop GUI- robust compiler- linker to all game devices

System Needs (cont)Ability to play indoors & outdoorsMinimal power usage (max battery life)Low consumer costsLow prototyping costs

What We Learned USB communication and bus-power Send/receive encoded IR signals Send/receive encoded RF packets Design a language, XML parser,

compiler and linker Solder SMT prototypes Efficiently design and layout circuits for

devices (in small spaces) Effective Teamwork

Recommendations1. Don’t tear down and build up – make

continual progress2. If possible, get components that run on

the same voltage3. Don't try to re-invent the wheel4. Compromise between low prototype cost

and low product cost5. Remember: it’s a prototype, not the end

product6. Prioritize the essential parts

› Don't leave the power system until the end

Conclusion

The Configurable Laser Tag System improves on laser tag by introducing customizable objective-based gameplay.

The system is a complex integration of configurable devices, communication protocols and game scripting software

The team ran into problems, and that sucks.