Who is OctoPAL?
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Purpose
The goal of this project is to provide a framework for microcontrollers to provide an enjoyable experience for users and observers. Building an electromechanical widget with sensors, actuators, event-driven software, and implementing that software in C on a PIC32 microcontroller. Background Our team has been tasked with designing a Personal Animatronic Lifeform (PAL) to provide therapeutic support to airline fliers who experience sky high levels of stress. |
You should strive to make your PAL calming, interactive, durable, educational, and electromechanical. |
HOW TO PLAY?
Welcome Mode
When OctoPAL is in Mode Select, the user can feel the haptics which simulate a breathing motion, giving the user a calming sense of familiarity. From here they can choose between two interaction modes. The Game Mode which serves as a fun distraction for the user and the Zen Mode which is more of an open experience where the user can relax and enjoy themselves. |
Game Mode
The Game Mode guides the user through a fun and interactive game utilizing the sensors embedded in the four front tentacles of OctoPAL. The goal is to trigger the currently active sensor, indicated by the lit LED on the corresponding tentacle and sensor-unique message on the screen, within 8 seconds. If the user successfully triggers the correct sensor then they earn a point and a new sensor is activated. The game lasts 60 seconds, once the time runs out the user can see how many points they scored. |
Zen Mode
The Zen Mode allows the user to freely play with the sensors responding differently to each sensor. There is unique visual and audio feedback when sensors are played with. For example, if you touch the touch sensor, the screen will read "Boop" and calming ocean noises will play. There is also haptic feedback which the user can control the intensity of by using the knob on OctoPAL's base. This mode also lasts 60 seconds. |