Quantum Quest: Laser Tag

Project Description

We designed and created an at-home game system that allows families to transform their homes into laser tag arenas. With mobile obstacles that add dimensions to each game, every round can customized for new challenges, tactics, and fun! Each player's gloves and vest are adjustable, accommodating a wide variety of ages and activity levels. Whether a group of children are sprinting around an open park or a group of teenagers are utilizing obstacles for a sniper-like experience, this robust game system is ready for any type of fun!

General Project Photos

Mechanical Subsystem

As we designed our laser tag gear, we focused on several core concepts. This gear should be simple enough to use without instructions, withstand rigorous physical activity, fit a wide variety of age ranges (8+), and most importantly, look cool.

Vest Design

The housing is designed to seamlessly integrate the electronic components into the vest, while maintaining its' adaptability to all ages and sizes. The vest straps loop through the rectangular fittings on three sides and the circular hole fits a haptic motor to provide user feedback when shot. The 3-sided rectangular outline provides a framework for the PCB and the large hole on the side accommodates a power switch.

The vest design had to adapt to a wide size range, eight-year-olds to adults. The initial sketches featured an electronics case resting slightly below the collarbone, as this spot would have the least variability in size and shape from person to person. The vest straps are adjustable, and the waist straps include a long elastic band with velcro. The double strap and velcro around the waist ensure that the vest remains in place throughout the game, as laser tag is very physically active. The top straps of the vest can be adjusted to the wearers' comfort level

Glove Design

Laser tag players traditionally use guns to fire at opponents; however, Duke has a no-weapons policy. We settled on a firing glove design, as it gives a new and unique experience to the game.

Our design was based on wrist support braces, which fit a wide range of arm sizes and lengths. The elastic bands (in green) are threaded through rivets, and can be pulled taught to tighten the glove around the user's arm. Velcro (the shaded region) covers almost the entire glove, and ensures maximum adaptability. The thumb strap adds extra stability to the glove, ensuring it doesn't slip along the user's arm during gameplay. Lastly, a velcro pocket (the two rectangles in the middle of the glove) houses a magnetic steel piece that rests on the top of the user's arm.

The glove's electronics casing was modeled after the circuitry was completed. It houses a red 650 nm laser (a visual aid to help the player aim), an IR transmitter, a haptic motor, and a battery. There is also a button that extends out of the case that the user holds in their hand and presses to fire. The case has a magnet attached to its underside, which magnetically connects to the plate in the glove.

Quantum Quest: Laser Tag

Project Description

General Project Photos

Mechanical Subsystem

Vest Design

Glove Design

Electric Subsystem

CAD Files

Game Play Sample

Two Player Demonstration of Bomb-Defusion Mode