Project Name: Dodgebot

Project Description:

Project Description: Dodgebot introduces an immersive user interface to the exciting world of dodging punches. Our primary objective is to create a dynamic single-unit target attached to an axle, offering 2 degrees of freedom for seamless dodging maneuvers. Equipped with advanced cameras to track glove motions in real-time, it is designed to predict and skillfully evade incoming punches, delivering an engaging and entertaining experience for kids. We want to craft a sleek and user-friendly robot body capable of movements on the axles using a custom bearing fixture. We also need to implement motors with precision control capabilities to orchestrate the robot's movement along the axle. Integrate an agile axle system enabling dynamic rotations and swift dodges in response to incoming punches. The two motors will provide the required torque to execute these movements. We also need to use a high-resolution camera with an optimal frame rate for real-time punch detection. It also needs to be mounted in a specified position to provide an extensive field of view, enhancing the user's field of play immersion. Implement image processing techniques to identify brightly colored gloves with upmost accuracy. Utilize a microcontroller or single-board computer, with ample processing power and interfaces for seamless integration of motor control, communication interfaces, and signal detection actions. We also need to integrate user-centric interfaces to enhance over all engagement and enjoyment through ease of use. We also need to create an intelligent control algorithm that responds to predicted glove positions. We also have a necessity to implement a dodging strategy that aligns with the realistic boxer head movements, making the interaction more intuitive and enjoyable. We want to generate code that dynamically controls the motors based on the output from the control algorithm to ensure the robot exhibits swift, accurate, and safe dodging movements, elevating the overall gaming experience. We also need to harmonize hardware and software components to create a seamless user interface. We also need to implement safety features, including multiple emergency shut-off mechanisms, to ensure the well-being of users and the robot.

Hardware Components:

Interactive Robot Body:

• Craft a sleek and user-friendly robot body capable of fluid movements on the axle, ensuring an interactive and enjoyable dodging experience.
• Incorporate design elements that facilitate seamless dodging and bunching motions for enhanced user engagement.

Axle and Motor System:

• Select motors with precision control capabilities to orchestrate the robot's movement along the axle.
• Integrate an agile axle system enabling dynamic rotations and swift dodges in response to incoming punches. The two motors will provide

Camera System with User Focus:

• Opt for a high-resolution camera with an optimal frame rate for immersive real-time punch detection.
• Strategically mount the camera to provide an extensive field of view, enhancing the user's visual experience during gameplay.

Color Detection System:

• Implement cutting-edge sensors and image processing techniques to identify brightly colored gloves with upmost accuracy.
• Craft a system that not only distinguishes gloves from the background but also enhances the visual appeal of the game.

User-Centric Microcontroller or Single-Board Computer:

• Choose a microcontroller or single-board computer, such as Raspberry Pi or Arduino, with ample processing power and interfaces for seamless integration of camera input and motor control.
• Prioritize user-centric interfaces to enhance overall engagement and enjoyment.

Software Components:

Enhanced Image Processing Algorithm:

• Develop a sophisticated image processing algorithm for precise analysis of the camera feed.
• Efficiently identify and track the position of the brightly colored gloves in real-time, contributing to a more immersive user experience.

User-Interactive Control Algorithm:

• Create an intelligent control algorithm that not only responds to glove positions but also factors in user engagement.
• Implement a dodging strategy that aligns with the user's movements, making the interaction more intuitive and enjoyable.

Motor Control for Dynamic Movements:

• Craft code that dynamically controls the motors based on the output from the control algorithm.
• Ensure the robot exhibits swift, accurate, and user-friendly dodging movements, elevating the overall gaming experience.

Integration and User-Focused Testing:

• Harmonize hardware and software components to create a seamless user interface.
• Conduct user-focused testing in controlled environments to validate accurate glove detection and optimize dodging effectiveness.

Refinement for Enhanced User Enjoyment:

• Refine algorithms and adjust parameters based on user feedback and testing results.
• Fine-tune the robot's movements to maximize user enjoyment, creating a captivating and memorable experience.

Safety Measures and User Empowerment:

• Implement safety features, including an emergency off button, to ensure the well-being of users and the robot.
• Empower users with control over their interactive experience, prioritizing a secure and enjoyable environment.

Comprehensive Documentation for Future Iterations:

• Document the design, code, and testing procedures, focusing on user-centric aspects for future enhancements or improvements.

Project Specific Design Requirements (PSDRs):

1. [Software] An ability to track a punch and robot in the environment space by implementing computer vision on a camera connected to a Windows laptop. The connection and refresh rate of the script should be continually fast enough to record and process 0.5s of footage at a time with a 50ms delay.
2. [Software] An ability to generate the best possible dodge solution from a given punch. To accomplish this, we must generate a predicted trajectory and then generate instructions for the motors to dodge in the opposite direction. This must be within 5% of the fastest as possible given the circumstance, then return to the center when we detect the punch has been retracted.
3. [Hardware] An ability to generate torque, speed, and position motor commands using analog voltages and square waves from the DAC to output a -12V to 12V range and using line receivers and drivers for square signals.
4. [Hardware] An ability to generate 5V from 14V using a buck controller with supplemental circuitry for the operation of the STM32 microcontroller and the motor controller analog ICs.
5. [Hardware] An ability to communicate motor command data between the laptop and STM32 using UART.

Stretch PSDRs:

1. [Software] An ability to render a visual UI on a computer to get input about the user’s height, playtime timer, and a start button to start the tracking.