ConclusionsBOIDS

Expectation vs. Final Results

The design that we came up with matched very closely with our expectations. Originally, we had planned for 4 games with basic audio design, but after realizing that several of our games were only one player, we wanted to add another game that could be played between two people. Therefore, we decided to spend more time on a multiplayer game and take out audio design for the rest of our games.

Improvement in the Future

If we had more time next time, we would likely come up with a unified group of methods to leverage throughout the code in all of our games. However, since we ended up approaching each game slightly differently, we ended up with a unique implementation and software-hardware interface for each game (and therefore a challenge for us to resolve). Moreover, sound effects will be a cool addition to our game collection. Making the available game more challenging and engaging (such as making the snake go faster as it eats more dots, different topologies for brick breaker, and more complicated ball movements for pong) will also be something that we can do in the future.

Conformity to Standards

We looked at the current designs for existing games that we based ours off of. Based on the capabilities of these games, we determined what parts of the game were essential to keep to make it recognizable. Other than these also added some of our own additions to the games. For example, in etch-a-sketch, we included the ability to draw when moving the potentiometers around. However, we also added the ability to have your drawing wrap around to the other side for a continuous and smoother experience. In addition, we allow the user to erase with a simple press of a button rather than shaking the module.

Intellectual Property Considerations

Game designs were based off of current games. The listed games include Snake, Etch-a-Sketch, Brick-Breaker, Boids, and Pong. Boids was based on the design listed in Cornell’s ECE 4760 course website. Pseudocode for collision checking in our brick-breaker game was inspired from PasteBin. Pseudocode for boids was used from Cornell’s ECE 4760 course website .

We are reverse-engineering the designs for all the games listed. Certain games listed have copyright and trademark protection. These are not infringed upon currently as we are not selling our device as a product. If one does choose to market this as a product, one will likely need to use a different name than the original name. Simple game mechanics can stay the same, since those are difficult to place under copyright protection. For the etch-a-sketch physical control mechanic, we can potentially argue that the setup is different enough to avoid copyright issues.

We did not have to sign non-disclosures for our project. Potentially, there are patent opportunities for our product. We could patent a product that has an Etch-a-Sketch interface and is capable of playing classic games, but the games themselves cannot be patented. It is unlikely that there are publishing opportunities for our project. This project does not contain much that is novel. In a stretch of imagination, we could potentially publish the design as a novel way to use continuous potentiometers in a gaming setting.

Safety Concerns

There are no parts of the design that could cause significant harm. Very minimal harm could be caused by loose wires or pinch points in reproductions of this design.

Ethical Considerations

We believe our project meets the ethics standards outlined by IEEE. For each section within the IEEE Code of Ethics, we list choices we made that were consistent with the standards:

“To uphold the highest standards of integrity, responsible behavior, and ethical conduct in professional activities.”

• In the design for our project, we avoided any factors that could endanger the public or the environment.
• We communicate our design and choices we made in an online format to improve the understanding of society.
• We avoid real and perceived conflicts of interest by listing any legal and intellectual property considerations. We disclose what information we have on our online website.
• We have no unlawful conduct in our project to our knowledge.
• We have reflected on our technical work, acknowledged and attempted to correct errors, and were honest to the extent of our knowledge in communicating the results of our project.
• We undertook tasks that we knew we were qualified to attempt.

“To treat all persons fairly and with respect, to not engage in harassment or discrimination, and to avoid injuring others.”

• All members of our team were treated with respect to the extent of our knowledge.
• No harassment has occurred on our team to the extent of our knowledge.
• No verbal or physical abuse was observed on our team.

“To strive to ensure this code is upheld by colleagues and co-workers.”

• We disclose our consistency with the IEEE Code of Ethics under the ECE 4760 course requirements as well as to support colleagues in following this code.