Gameplay

The game we created, “tic-tac-zap” is identical to regular tic-tac-toe as far as the rules are concerned. The differences are in the way that “moves” are input, and the fact that it the game always has one human player and one computer controlled player.

The way one moves is the intriguing aspect of our design of this game. Keep in mind that the game grid is perpendicular to the ground. A laser, placed several inches away from the grid, is used to select the position on the grid. The laser positioning is motor-controlled, and a photoresistor on each grid position will detect the laser beam being shot at it.

A game would progress as follows: The game is turned on when it is powered up, beginning with a clear grid. The micro controller then selects the position of the board to hit. It then points the laser at the desired angle in order to hit this position. The laser is then fired. A photoresistor on the board registers the hit, and sends this information to the micro controller. A red LED then lights up at the position of the shot, indicating that the computer selected that point. After this occurs the human proceeds. He controls the laser by using two knobs on the base of the game board, near the laser. A fire button is pushed in order to the shoot the laser. A green LED then lights up at the position of the shot, indicating that the human selected that point. The computer will then go again, making an “intelligent” decision based on the programmed algorithm it is using. This will continue until either there are three consecutive green spots, red spots, or the board is full. There is a “turn” indicating LED, telling the human player when it is his turn. One can reset the system and play again if desired.

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