3D Tetris on a 3x3x12 LED Matrix

Welcome to the 3D Tetris project! This repository documents the creation of a 3x3x12 LED matrix that enables users to play a fully functional 3D Tetris game. The project leverages an ESP32-based development board (ESPduino) with integrated web server functionality for remote control.

Project Overview

This project was developed as part of the "Applied Microcontroller Technology" module and integrates hardware assembly, software programming, and web-based GUI design. Inspired by the game available at 3DTetris.de, the system enables interactive gameplay through a wireless web interface.

Key features include:

• A custom-built 3x3x12 RGB LED matrix.
• ESP32 microcontroller for controlling LEDs and hosting a local web server.
• A responsive web interface for gameplay and real-time interactions.
• Open-source software written in C, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

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Features

Hardware

• ESPduino Controller: Combines the ESP32 Wi-Fi chip with Arduino-compatible GPIO layout.
• 3x3x12 LED Matrix: Comprised of 108 individually addressable PL9823 RGB LEDs.
• Custom Housing: 3D-printed for modularity and ease of assembly.
• Power Supply: Powered via USB-C with an integrated on/off switch.

Software

• LED Control: Powered by the FastLED library for efficient matrix management.
• Game Logic: Implements Tetris gameplay mechanics including rotation, collision detection, and line clearing.
• Web Interface: HTML/CSS-based GUI hosted via an onboard web server, with multi-language support.

Gameplay

• Control Tetrominoes (Tetris blocks) through the GUI.
• Real-time rendering of blocks on the LED matrix.
• Score tracking and high-score leaderboard.
• Adjustable levels and difficulty scaling.
• High-score table to save and display the top 10 scores.
• Difficulty selection for custom gameplay experiences.

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Getting Started

Prerequisites

Assembly

• Circuit: The LED matrix is powered and controlled through a single GPIO pin of the ESPduino. A 5V USB-C power supply is used for both the matrix and the ESPduino.
• LED Matrix: LEDs are arranged in a 3x3x12 grid and tested individually for functionality. Custom fixtures were used to ensure precision during soldering.
• 3D printed Case: The case, 3D-printed using PLA, features dedicated mounts for the ESPduino, USB ports, and optional counterweights to enhance stability.

Software

• Arduino IDE: Download and install the Arduino IDE.
• ESP32 Board Manager: Add the ESP32 board manager by following this guide.
• Libraries: Install the following libraries:
  • Via Arduino IDE Library Manager:
    • FastLED
    • WiFi
    • Preferences
  • ESPForm Library:
    • Download the library from the ESPForm GitHub repository.
    • Extract the downloaded ZIP file.
    • Copy the extracted folder into the libraries directory of your Arduino IDE sketchbook folder.

Installation

1. Clone the Repository
   Open a terminal and run the following command to clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/18Markus1984/3D-Tetris.git  

2. Open the Project in Arduino IDE
   Navigate to the cloned folder and open the .ino file in the Arduino IDE.

3. Configure the ESP32 Board

   • Go to Tools > Board and select ESP32 Dev Module.
   • Enable PSRAM under Tools > PSRAM.

4. Upload the Sketch

   • Ensure the correct COM port is selected under Tools > Port.
   • Click the Upload button to flash the code onto the ESPduino.

5. Connect to the ESP32's Wi-Fi Network

   • On your computer or mobile device, connect to the Wi-Fi network:
     • SSID: 3D-Tetris
     • Password: 12345678

6. Access the Web Interface

   • Open a web browser and navigate to:
     • http://192.168.4.1

You can now enjoy 3D Tetris using the interactive web interface!

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How It Works

LED Matrix

• Construction: LEDs are arranged in a 3x3x12 format, connected using PL9823-compatible drivers.
• Control: Each LED is addressed individually using a mapped index for 3D coordinates.

Web Interface

• Languages Supported: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian.
• Functions:
  • Rotate blocks around X, Y, Z axes.
  • Shift blocks along the XY-plane.
  • Drop blocks into place.
• Additional Features:
  • Live preview of the next Tetromino.
  • Display of current score and level.
  • High-Score Table: Saves and displays the top 10 scores along with player names. Extra entries are shown but not stored persistently.
  • Difficulty Selection: Choose between multiple difficulty levels to adjust the gameplay experience.

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Results

The project met its primary objectives, showcasing:

1. A functional 3D Tetris game on a custom LED matrix.
2. An intuitive and accessible web-based control interface.
3. High scalability for future enhancements, including battery power and improved stability.

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Future Improvements

• Reduce input latency for smoother gameplay.
• Enhance matrix stability to minimize movement during transport.
• Add battery support for portability.
• Optimize collision detection and rotation algorithms to avoid edge-case errors.

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Acknowledgments

This project was developed by Marvin Heins, Markus Schmidt, and Leonard Holz-Diehl. Special thanks to the open-source community and the developers of the FastLED library.

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License

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0. See the LICENSE file for more details.