Objective | High Level | Hardware | Software | Results
High-Level Design
An abundant use of interrupt protocol was utilized in the development of this project. The interrupts are most notably implemented through the string plucks from the guitar. As the user plucks a string, it serves as an interrupt that must be handled by the processor. Our knowledge of interfacing with the MPC823 Processor helped facilitate this concept’s implementation and integration into our project. We utilized the idea of timers, which is a large portion of how the game works, as timing is very important in playing any song. Many measurements were necessary to generate the right timing for this project.
The functional components include:
3 condenser microphones
Each microphone corresponded to a string (only 3 were used). Each microphone, independent of one another, communicates to the processor that a string has been plucked through a signal that we managed to generate.
Circuitry for 6 frets on the guitar
Our team was able to use the fact that 3 of the strings and the frets were metal alloy. Thus, voltages are run across each fret and when pressed, a connection between the fret and the strings are made. Each fret has a pull down resistor which gives us a logical 1, thus detecting which fret has been pressed.
NES controller
The controller manages the main menu of the game. Specifically, it is used to adjust the level of difficulty and the type of song that the user would like to play.
LCD Display
The LCD display is our main output device. It displays the entire game’s interface from the menu selection to the game. We implement text graphical design as well as text
MPC823 Processor
The processor takes every signal generated by the user and manipulates it to interact with the game software. It serves as the arbiter between the main user inputs and the LCD outputs.
Member Task Distribution
Kyle Chilcutt:
Developed string pluck detect device and hardware
Assisted in Nintendo Controller Interfacing
Collaborated highly on software, specifically timing, data handling, and menus
Ricky Winowiecki:
Developed fret interfacing hardware and software
Developed artwork for the LCD
Worked with debugging of software and developed data scheme
Chris Jordan:
Developed hardware and software for interfacing to LCD
Developed game play software,
Collaborated highly on software, specifically moving data to LCD display and timing
Ronald Blevins:
Developed NES Controller hardware and software
Assisted in Guitar Fret interfacing
Interfaced with Keypad, developed FSM for entering your name