bowlermakes ece3620 project

A group project for Purdue’s Fall 2024 ECE3620 Embedded Systems course. This project implements a bowling game on custom hardware using an STM32F091RCT6 microcontroller.

IMG_6452.mov

Hardware Overview

• MCU: STM32F091RCT6
• Sensor: AK9753 NDIR sensor (gesture input)
• Display: MSP2202 LCD (CR2013-MI2120, ILI9341 controller)
• EEPROM: 24AA32AF (24LC32)
• Buttons: Tactile switches (SW_MEC_5E)
• Power: 3.3V

Refer to the KiCad schematic at KiCadProject-Bowlermakers/KiCadProject-Bowlermakers.kicad_sch for wiring and connections.

Project Structure

/
├── Bowlermakers-Code/
│   ├── src/            # Main application and modules
│   ├── include/        # Header files
│   ├── lib/            # External libraries (Empty)
│   ├── test/           # Test files (Empty)
│   └── platformio.ini  # PlatformIO configuration
├── KiCadProject-Bowlermakers/
│   ├── KiCadProject-Bowlermakers.kicad_sch  # Schematic
│   ├── KiCadProject-Bowlermakers.kicad_pcb  # PCB layout
│   └── ...
└── ...

Gesture Detection

Gesture detection is implemented using the AK9753 NDIR sensor and a custom signal processing algorithm:

1. Sensor Data Acquisition: The AK9753 sensor is read via I2C. Four IR channels (IR1–IR4) provide distance measurements, which are processed in real time.
2. Preprocessing: Each IR value is compared to a threshold (DIST_CUTOFF). If above threshold, it is marked as "active" and stored in a circular history buffer for each channel.
3. Swipe Detection: When the buffer is full, the code checks for swipe gestures using a convolution-based algorithm:
   • The function parse_conv_arr() convolves the history arrays with a kernel [1, -1] to detect transitions.
   • If a transition is detected (output of convolution is 1), it identifies a swipe direction (left or right).
   • The code distinguishes between vertical and horizontal swipes using the vertSwipe flag and different sensor pairs.
4. Debouncing: After a swipe is detected, a cooldown (ir_cooldown_flag) prevents repeated detections until the buffer cycles.
5. Result: The detected swipe direction is stored in current_swipe, which the main application uses to control game navigation and actions.

This approach enables robust, touchless gesture detection using simple signal processing on the IR sensor data.

Gameplay

• Startup Screen: Use gesture controls (swipe up/left/right/down) to navigate, functioning like a D-Pad.
• Game Flow:
  • Swipe left/right to set ball position.
  • Press button to confirm.
  • Swipe left/right to set ball angle.
  • Press button to bowl.
• Pins and scores are displayed on the LCD.

Code Structure

• src/ — Main application and modules:
  • main.c — Entry point and state machine
  • game_logic.* — Bowling game logic
  • graphics.* — LCD graphics
  • physics.* — Ball movement and collision
  • scoring.* — Score calculation
  • pins.* — Pin positions and hit detection
  • device_drivers/ — Sensor, LCD, EEPROM, IR, GPIO, I2C, UART drivers

Building & Flashing

This is a PlatformIO project.
To build and upload the firmware:

platformio run --target upload

Usage

1. Assemble hardware per the KiCad schematic.
2. Flash the firmware using PlatformIO.
3. Power on the board and use gestures/buttons to play.