The Component List

For this project we will need:

4-5 x Remote Control Cars on different frequencies
A colour camera: to track the R/C cars on the play surface
A Projector
A coloured play surface to be projected on, and cars to move on (yet to be decided on shape and colour/material)
Software: Max MSP, Processing, Flash, Java, Shockwaves
Paint: to cover the cars with an individual colour
Boarders: A physical barrier that allows the cars to bounce off of and a projected boarder to warn players
Speakers: To provide Sound FXs and atmospheric music

After doing a little research, R/C cars in the UK only come in two frequencies, 27MHz and 40MHz. This means only two remote controlled cars can play at the same time. In order to increase the number of players to 4 or 5 at a time, removable frequency band crystals may need to be used. This increases the number of channels available to six. But only higher end cars tend to have this ability. This will be researched more.

2-3 Removable frequency band crystals
Servos: To immobilise the cars when player loses

The Play Surface

Just a mock up, but this is how the play surface might look. Still not decided on the shape, (Circular, triangular or a weird new shape) but the idea will remain the same. When a player wins, they enter their name into a laptop, where for the rest of the event the names of winners will be projected onto the surface. The more times the player wins, the larger their name will appear. This will hopefully entice users to play over and over again, to try and get the size of their name increased.



The background colour is also up for debate.

The Presentation

Here are a few slides from the initial presentation to give you more of an idea what the project involves.

The Concept

Inspired by the Nokia mobile phone game Snake, five users control individual remote controlled cars within an enclosed area. Each car trails a snake like tail projected from a projector mounted above. The player must survive as long as possible without colliding with their own, or other players tails. Combining Flash, Processing and Max MSP amoung others, our group plans to design and construct a working exhibit to display at Rave On Air this year. We'll keep you updated on how it develops.