CS.63 – Man of the Hang

• Jefrey Bethel
• Neil Jasani
• Michael Mihaylov

Man of the Hang aims to create an immersive and interactive Hangman game using Arduino microcontrollers as the backbone for managing input/output devices. The game consists of three subsystems working in tandem to provide an engaging experience for players. Through the combination of input devices, such as a joystick module and IR receiver, and output devices, including LCDs, LEDs, and a buzzer, this project offers a modern spin on the classic word-guessing game. The Hangman game challenges players to guess a secret word within a limited number of attempts. In our rendition, a joystick module is utilized to select letters from the alphabet displayed on an LCD screen, while an IR receiver allows users to start or reset the game using a remote control. The game’s progress is displayed on two separate LCDs: one for the available letters and another for the Hangman figure and the number of incorrect guesses. The project is structured around three subsystems. Subsystem 1 serves to manage player input via the joystick module and displays the game’s progress on the LCD screen. Upon selecting a letter, this subsystem communicates with the others to determine if the chosen letter is part of the secret word, updating the display accordingly. Subsystem 2 processes the received letters, displays the Hangman’s progress, and interprets input from a remote control via an IR receiver. This input is utilized to reset the current game or start a new one. Subsystem 3 is responsible for managing end-game conditions and notifying the user of the game’s outcome through visual and auditory cues. Utilizing RGB LEDs and a buzzer, this subsystem signals a win with a green LED and three buzzer buzzes, while a loss is indicated by a red LED and randomized, intermittent buzzer sounds. Serial communication is employed as the primary mechanism for enabling the three Arduinos to exchange information. Each subsystem’s Arduino uses hardware serial ports, along with Serial.println() and Serial.read() functions, to send and receive data. This efficient communication method ensures seamless gameplay and a fluid user experience. In summary, this project offers a unique and interactive spin on the traditional Hangman game, utilizing Arduinos to control input/output devices and provide an engaging experience for players. Through the seamless integration of multiple subsystems, our Hangman game demonstrates the potential of Arduino-based projects for creating entertaining and interactive applications.