18. Applications and Implications, Project Development¶
1. What will it do?¶
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Extended use of the mouse with my right hand caused frequent wrist pain. Therefore, I hope to do some exercises on my hands, So I want to do this project:: when I touch something, it can glow and be accompanied by beautiful music. In fact, this is very much like a music game.
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Idea sketch:
The first version was a simple box. In the second version, I added some fun to it, making it look like a human face. The surface is equipped with buttons and WS2812 RGB lights, and inside the box, there is a microcontroller and a speaker.
2. Who’s done what beforehand?¶
After conducting research, I found that the music boxing mat is very similar to this project and has been sold online. This product can adjust the speed of the lighting and has a mini program that allows users to choose different music and play it through the product.
3. Sources Used in This Project¶
4. The part of this project that I designed¶
- 3D Modeling and 3D Printing (The base of the structure)
- 2D design and laser cutting (top of structure)
- Electronics Design: Design integrated circuits for xiao-esp32-c3, buttons, RGB, MP3
- PCB Fabrication: Milled custom PCBs for ESP32C3 breakout boards.
- Embedded Systems Programming
5. Project Materials List¶
I purchased some materials for the project online, such as XIAO-ESP32-C3, game buttons WS2812 RGB, DuPont line. If I had more time, I would be very interested in designing RGB.
| Component | Qty | Unit Price (USD) | Total (USD) | Source | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| XIAO-ESP32-C3 | 1 | $3.78 | $3.78 | TaoBao | Main microcontroller |
| PCB | 1 | $2.10 | $2.10 | made it myself | Circuit board for component integration |
| Buttons | 3 | $0.18 | $0.54 | TaoBao | User input triggers |
| WS2812 RGB LEDs | 3 | $0.14 | $0.42 | TaoBao | Dynamic lighting feedback |
| DFPlayer Mini Module | 1 | $6.30 | $6.30 | DFRobot | MP3 audio playback |
| 4Ω 3W Speaker | 1 | $0.42 | $0.42 | TaoBao | Audio output |
| Dupont Cables | 15 | $0.07 | $1.05 | TaoBao | Wiring connections |
| 3D-Printed Enclosure | 1 | $2.80 | $2.80 | Self-printed (PLA) | Electronics housing |
| 4mm Plywood Base | 1 | $1.40 | $1.40 | fablab | Structural support |
6. Components and Systems to Be Made¶
Hardware Assembly
- A custom PCB integrating XIAO-ESP32-C3, buttons, and LEDs, MP3
- 3D-printed enclosure to mount all components
Software Systems
- WS2812 LED animations (e.g., Fastled library)
- DFPlayer serial commands (play/pause audio)
Integrated Functions
- The lights randomly turn on → the user presses a button → sound is played
7. Key Questions to Answer¶
Hardware Design
- How to integrate buttons, RGB LEDs, MP3 module, and XIAO-ESP32 on a single PCB?
Solution: Design a custom PCB to consolidate all components. Future optimization required: Reassign button pins from D0/2/4 to D1/2/3
Software Logic
- Where to obtain audio files for DFPlayer module and what naming convention to follow?
Solution: Use01.MP3format
Project Management
- How to make 3D-printed structures and laser-cut wood panels interlock yet remain detachable?
Solution: Design grooves in 3D structure to slot in wood panels
8. Evaluation Plan¶
Functional Testing
- 3 LEDs light up randomly:
- If user presses the correct button: Corresponding LED turns off, MP3 plays a success sound
- If no press/wrong button: All LEDs turn red (game over state)
User Experience
- 5 participants
- LED brightness comfort level (1-5 scale)
- Button ergonomics (reachability/tactile feedback)