Embedded Files
What is our Laser Vision Maze?
What is our Laser Vision Maze?
Inspired by the "superpowers" theme, we designed an interactive puzzle game for the Boston Children's Museum. Using laser vision as the concept, the game encourages kids to problem-solve and experiment with controlling light.
How does it work?
Building Blocks: Hardware
Building Blocks: Hardware
Built to survive the toughest critics: kindergarteners!
Laser pointer
Adjustable mirrors with custom 3D-printed stands (designed in SolidWorks, printed in PLA)
Four-photoresistor array for target detection
LED success indicator system
Arduino RedBoard with breadboard for control logic
Laser-cut MDF enclosure (designed in AutoCAD) with matte black finish for optimal light control
How the Magic Happens: Software
How the Magic Happens: Software
The Arduino board continuously monitors four photoresistors, detecting within 100ms when the laser beam hits its target. The threshold system filters out ambient room lighting, ensuring only direct laser hits trigger the LED celebration.
// CORE DETECTION LOGIC
REPEAT FOREVER:
Read all four photoresistor values (A0-A3)
Print values to serial monitor for debugging
IF any photoresistor value > threshold (900):
Turn LED ON (success indicator)
ELSE
Turn LED OFF
Wait 100ms for next reading
END REPEAT
How it all comes together...
System as a Whole
System as a Whole
Players position adjustable mirrors to redirect a fixed laser beam toward a target that can't be reached directly. When the beam successfully hits the photoresistor array, LED lights flash to celebrate. The open-ended design allows children to experiment freely with different mirror arrangements, encouraging creativity and hands-on learning of light reflection principles.
Our 12 week journey
Week 1: Idea
Brainstormed around the "superpowers" theme, settling on laser vision and mirror redirection as our interactive experience.
Weeks 2-3: Planning
Created project specifications and determined that an Arduino-based photoresistor system would best detect successful laser hits.
Week 4-5: Prototype
Built our first circuit demonstrating core functionality with a single photoresistor triggering an LED. Created a full scale model of the enclosure.
Weeks 6-8: Refinement
Expanded to multiple photoresistors for an easier target and tested different mirror configurations for durability and adjustability.
Weeks 9-10: Fabrication
Designed the enclosure in AutoCAD, laser-cut MDF components, 3D-printed mirror stands, and assembled the structure.
Weeks 11-12: Integration
Combined all components, conducted peer testing, and prepared for museum presentation.
Museum performance...
The Numbers
The Numbers
What went well:
High engagement from both kids and parents throughout testing
Optimal mirror quantity, so players had sufficient options for creative solutions
89% completion rate demonstrating appropriate difficulty balance
What could have been better:
Enclosure warping affected laser alignment
Game duration longer than expected, creating wait times for other visitors
Meet the team
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse