Smart Shooting Gallery — Embedded IoT & Telemetry System

Overview & Introduction

The Smart Glove-Based Laser Shooting Game is a cyber-physical system combining advanced sensor technology, haptic interaction, and real-time audio-visual feedback.

A wearable smart glove equipped with a thumb pressure sensor detects when the user presses against their middle finger, firing a focused red laser diode while activating an internal vibration motor for tactile feedback. The target system consists of a single dynamic target divided into three concentric clear acrylic rings, each embedded with BPW34 silicon PIN photodiodes to detect laser impact zones for tiered scoring.

Real-time feedback is provided through an RGB NeoPixel matrix, a 12V high-power LED strip driven by an IRF520 MOSFET, and an integrated sound system powered by a DFPlayer Mini and PAM8403 audio amplifier. Controlled via an ESP32 microcontroller and an Arduino Mega bridged wirelessly through a NodeMCU (ESP8266) module, the game features multiple modes (Time Attack) across Easy, Medium, and Hard difficulty levels.

Problem & Significance of Study

1. The Problem in Brief

In today’s fast-paced environment, individuals and students face elevated stress levels and limited physical engagement. Traditional screen-based mobile and console games contribute to sedentary habits, eye strain, and overstimulation without encouraging physical interactivity.

2. Significance & Benefits

• Active & Screen-Free Gameplay: Encourages physical movement and hand-eye coordination without staring at mobile screens.
• Immediate Stress Relief: Combines physical target shooting precision with tactile haptic and audio-visual rewards.
• Promotes Social Interaction: Supports solo practice and competitive multiplayer leaderboards.

Aim & Core Objectives

Aim

Develop an interactive, smart glove-based laser target system that delivers an immersive physical gaming experience while promoting active engagement.

Key Objectives

• Precision Pressure Trigger: Design a thumb-to-finger pressure trigger on the glove for laser firing paired with instantaneous haptic vibration confirmation.
• Tiered 3-Ring Hit Detection: Construct a 3-zone concentric acrylic target using BPW34 photodiodes and LM358 operational amplifiers to calculate precise scores based on impact location.
• Wireless Inter-Module Bridge: Implement wireless data transmission between the Arduino Mega (sensor & motor control) and ESP32 glove via a NodeMCU (ESP8266) module.
• Scalable Difficulty & Movement: Implement Time Attack game modes with dynamic target trajectories:
  • Easy: Linear X-axis movement along a pre-defined path.
  • Medium: 2D X and Y-axis pre-defined movement.
  • Hard: Randomized 2D X and Y-axis movement.
• Multi-Modal Feedback: Synchronize 14x8 NeoPixel matrix animations, 12V LED flashes, and DFPlayer Mini sound effects upon confirmed laser strikes.

Proposed Solution & Features

1. Pressure-Based Shooting Interaction: Glove-embedded thumb pressure sensor triggers the red laser diode and vibration motor simultaneously.
2. Concentric Ring Target Precision: Three acrylic rings housing BPW34 photodiodes pass signals through LM358 op-amp conditioning to distinguish inner bullseye vs outer ring hits.
3. Linear Actuator Motion System: NEMA17 steppers driven by an A4988/CNC Shield assembly slide the target horizontally and vertically across precision rails.
4. Wireless Telemetry: ESP8266 NodeMCU bridges physical target event data to a Node.js WebSocket gateway and React web scoreboard.

Hardware & System Component Breakdown

🔧 Linear Actuator System (Target Movement)

• Arduino Mega: Processes target positioning logic and limit switch feedback.
• CNC Shield & A4988 Drivers: Interfaces stepping sequences to NEMA17 motors.
• NEMA17 Stepper Motors & Linear Rail: Powers smooth X/Y target translation.
• Limit Switches: Prevents mechanical over-travel damage.

🎯 Target System (Hit Detection & Scoring)

• BPW34 Photodiodes: Detects Visible Red (650nm) laser pulses within microseconds.
• LM358 Operational Amplifier IC: Amplifies photodiode signals for high-precision digital logic conversion.
• Layered Clear Acrylic Rings: 3 distinct physical zones for tiered score calculation.

✋ Smart Glove (Player Interaction Unit)

• ESP32 Microcontroller: Samples pressure sensor inputs and controls laser/haptics via FreeRTOS tasks.
• Red Laser Diode Module: Controlled via 2N2222 NPN transistor switch with 1N4007 reverse-polarity protection.
• 3S Li-ion Battery & BMS 20A: Portable power supply managed by an LM2596 buck converter and BMS protection board.

🔊 Visual & Audio Feedback System

• DFPlayer Mini & PAM8403 Amplifier: Plays real-time sound effects for hits, countdowns, and game over states.
• NeoPixel 14x8 RGB LED Matrix: Displays animated green “HIT” confirmations and score tallies.
• 12V Single-Color LED Strip & IRF520 MOSFET: Delivers high-brightness flash feedback upon successful target impact.

System Architecture

Results & Demonstrated Skills