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10. Applications and Implications

Now that i refined my ideas and changed mind on 3 different projects i can answer this questions:

note: this answers might and will change a lot through time, based on what i learn and research further in time or if i just change my mind on something along the way. note 2: i’m taking DnD 5E as a reference, but any RPG might work, even wargames

What will it do?

RFID-CS will simplify the role of the Dungeon Master in tabletop RPG games played live (with figures, pen and paper). It will enable DMs to quickly have an offline reference for Non Playing Characters simply putting them on a base (an RFID reader), getting the information he needs on a screen.

Who’s done what beforehand?

There’s an infinite amount of material covering encounters and NPCs on internet and on books:

however i’d like a more interactive and immediate way of getting the information

What will you design?

  1. The box containing the RFID reader and MCU
  2. The circuit board needed to connect the MCU, the RFID and a PC
  3. The software that programs the RFID tags
  4. a GUI for the software
  5. a package to hold and transport everything

What materials and components will be used?

  • a Linux PC, to program the software
  • MCU (TBD but i got some spare ATMega 328P …)
  • RFID reader
  • various resistors and capacitors
  • a USB cable to connect the box to the PC

Where will come from?

  • i got the PC right here
  • MCU and RFID are at my mother’s house
  • electronic components are given by OpenDot lab
  • i have to many USB cables laying around

How much will they cost?

The cost of the components is TBD and will not include the instruments used for the making of parts build in lab

What parts and systems will be made?

  • box containing the MCU and reader
  • RFID programming software
  • GUI for the software
  • board to connect the components
  • packaging
  • I assembled my PC does that count?

What processes will be used?

  • 3D design and printing
  • electronics design and PCB milling
  • soldering
  • software and microcontrollers programming
  • laser cutting

What questions need to be answered?

  • Will it really make playing easier?
  • Will it cost too much compared to other options?
  • Will it be intuitive to use as i’m expecting?

How will it be evaluated?

i think the best way to evaluate this project is to give it to:

  1. a person who has never played a tabletop RPG and just try to use it
  2. an experienced player or DM
  3. an experienced wargame player (like warhammer)

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