#17. Applications and Implications
What will it do?
It's an Electronic Bingo for a night with friends and family. The traditional British Bingo has 90 balls that tumble in a basket and get picked once at a time, each person has a card with an assorment of numbers from 1 to 90 and when they get a complete line they'll a prize but when you get the full card (around 15 random numbers each card) you'll have Bingo and win big!
So the idea is to have this game automated by having a matrix of LEDs that represent each number and have a button that will randomize the number each time you press it. I want to elimate the person element in the traditional home game and make eletronic to be more independent.
Who's done what beforehand?
According to a very reliable source (wikipedia) the British version of the Bingo begun in Italy in the 16th century, then it is believed that it migrated to France, Britain and some parts of Europe in the 18th century. Other than this i haven't found any other info on other people remaking the game in their way and the most similar thing i found in the web was an electronic number to have in coffee shops or something like that but it had no information on how to make something like this.
What materials and components will be required?
For this project i envisioned a matrix that would display the numbers that had been selected already and at the same time a couple of segment numbers to better see the last number selected. Adding to this i wanted to use a capacitive button that would sense how much you're pressing in order to randomize for a longer period of time accordingly.
So for the matrix i was thinking of using two LEDs for each number and to control in my research i found the MAX7221 that could control the matrix (only part of it as it can only make 8x8 matrix) and also it has the ability to control segmented numbers. Also it would only use 4 pins from the processor (in this case i though of using the Attiny84) for the first MAX and the following would connect directly to the one before and the next one the same. So i followed this concept and went for it. In addition i'll be using a push button to reset the game and a simple capacitive button from the pcb itself.
For the case first i imagined having it in cork with casted numbers, but in order to have all ready untill the end of the course i decided to simplify and went for a simple layered 3mm mdf case.
Where will they come from?
In our FCT FabLab we had a small budget to spend on parts and components end that did cover for all the parts we didn't have in the lab.
How much will it cost?
In total was around €80,00, the LED controller was the most expensive costing almost €10 each but in the end it was very well spent. The rest was just some electronic part that is similar or the same to what we have in the lab.
What parts and systems will be made?
All the electronics, including the processor and MAXs, though of making small 2 LEDs modules so that it could be easely replacible, the 2 digit segmented numbers, the capacitive button and all the frames that compose the case itself.
What processes will be used?
- Week#02 - Computer-Aided Design
- Week#03 - Computer-Controlled Cutting
- Week#04 - Eletronics Production
- Week#06 - Electronics Design
- Week#08 - Embedded Programming
- Week#10 - Output Devices
- Week#13 - Imput Devices
What tasks need to be completed?
Research, designing, fabricating, assembling, programming, testing and approving
What questions need to be answered?
The hardest for me was what's best way to control the matrix?! Other than this was about to put all together and connect the correct wires.
What is the schedule?
The research part was the longest no doubt, knowing what to use was just a matter of seeing the best to do it. For this first part maybe a month and the rest it may need around a month as well. Maybe less if all workout in the first try (wish is never!).
How will it be evaluated?
Is it all together? Can you look at it and understand what it is? Does is work and light up as it should?