Project:Laser tag game
Background
This is an attempt to create an open hardware version of the popular 'laser tag' game genre.
The basic premise of the game is to simulate a gun battle, similar to games such as paint-ball. Each player is given a 'pack' which they wear for the duration of the game. This pack typically consists of a body suit containing sensors and lights to cover various areas of the body. A toy gun is attached to the pack, the gun features a laser for special effect and also to assist with target designation. The actual targeting however is carried out using infra-red diodes (similar to the system used for changing channel on a television) as, in practice, using a laser for shot detection requires too much precision.
A typical game of laser tag is played in a custom built room known as an 'arena', generally this is a darkened room, utilising fluorescent paint, ultraviolet lighting and smoke generators. A maze is built inside the arena to provide opportunities for players to engage in tactics during the game. Arenas can be given various designs, including bases and locations where assets such as weapon refills can be gathered.
Smoke generators are often used during the game to enhance the visibility of the lasers (looks very cool.)
Game elements
Game hardware 'The Pack'
The game pack is a physical computing asset that enables the player to join the game, the game pack is made of a body vest, similar to an airsoft vest used in paint ball games.
The vest would be embellished with infra red sensors and LED's, the sensors, to detect 'hits' to various body areas and the LED's to indicate various things such as the player being hit, their team colours or just to generally make them more visible during the game.
At this stage of development, I expect that the pack systems (and possibly) other in game assets will be based on the Atmel Atmega328 microcontroller as there is a lot of 'Arduino' code available for this.
Game server
There will be a central server, for the purpose of entering player data, coordination of the game, display of live game data, communication with the packs and running reports at the end of the game so that the player can review scores etc. This computer does not need to be powerful. I expect that this will be based on the Raspberry Pi.
