# Night Sky Navigator - Circuit Puzzle Game

## Overview

Wall-mounted LED puzzle where players toggle buttons to light up complete constellations. The challenge: each button controls LED segments across MULTIPLE constellations, creating overlapping circuits that must be solved through logic and experimentation.

**Theme:** Magical constellation control panel - like you're commanding which constellations fall from the sky

**Type:** Logic puzzle / Circuit puzzle / Pattern completion

**Duration:** 3-8 minutes per puzzle (depending on difficulty)

**Players:** 1-4 (collaborative or solo, flexible)

**Age Range:** 8+ for easy mode, teens/adults for medium/hard

**Staff Required:** None (self-guided with clear instructions)

## Concept

Imagine a dark panel (4' × 6') with constellation outlines scattered across it like they're falling from the sky. Some constellations overlap, some are isolated, creating an abstract winter scene. Below the panel are 8-10 illuminated toggle buttons.

**The Twist:** Each button doesn't control one constellation - it controls LED segments across MULTIPLE constellations. Button 1 might light up the left half of Constellation A, two arms of Constellation C, and the center of Constellation F.

**The Goal:** Complete specific target constellations by figuring out which combination of buttons to press. Some buttons will light parts you need, but also light parts you DON'T want. You need to find the button combination that completes your targets without lighting extra constellations.

## Physical Setup

### The Panel
- **Size:** 4 feet wide × 6 feet tall (wall-mounted)
- **Material:** Black acrylic or painted wood panel
- **Constellations:** 10-12 constellation outlines positioned at various heights/angles (like falling from sky)
- **LEDs:** Addressable RGB LEDs (WS2812B "NeoPixels") embedded in each constellation segment
- **Mounting:** Wall-mounted at comfortable viewing height (center at ~5 feet)

### The Constellations
- **Size:** Each constellation 8-14 inches diameter (varied sizes for visual interest)
- **Structure:** Each constellation divided into 6-12 segments (arms, center, petals)
- **Total LED Count:** ~150-200 individual addressable LEDs across all constellations
- **Overlapping Positions:** Some constellations positioned close together or slightly overlapping for visual complexity

### Control Interface
- **Toggle Buttons:** 8-10 arcade-style illuminated push buttons
- **Button Position:** Mounted below panel or on side control box
- **Button Labels:** Simple numbering (Button 1, 2, 3, etc.) or abstract icons
- **Difficulty Selector:** 3-position switch (Easy / Medium / Hard)
- **Control Buttons:**
  - "New Puzzle" button - generates new target pattern
  - "Check Answer" button - validates current solution
  - "Reset" button - clears all toggles, keeps same puzzle

### Feedback System
- **Target Display:** Target constellations pulse slowly in gold/white to indicate goals
- **Player LEDs:** Player-controlled LEDs light up in blue when toggled on
- **Success Indicator:**
  - Success: All lit constellations flash green 3x, victory sound/chime
  - Partial: Yellow indicator shows "Close, but not quite"
  - Visual counter showing "X out of Y targets complete"

## Gameplay Mechanics

### Basic Flow
1. Player presses "New Puzzle" button
2. 3-5 target constellations pulse gold to indicate which ones need to be completed
3. Player experiments with toggle buttons to see which LED segments light up
4. Player tries to find button combination that lights up ONLY the target constellations
5. Player presses "Check Answer" to validate
6. System provides feedback (success, partial success, or try again)

### The Circuit Logic
- Each button is wired to control 3-8 LED segments scattered across different constellations
- **Example Button Mapping:**
  - Button 1: Constellation A (left arm), Constellation C (center), Constellation G (top arm)
  - Button 2: Constellation A (right arm), Constellation B (bottom arm), Constellation E (center)
  - Button 3: Constellation C (right arm), Constellation D (entire), Constellation F (left arm)

- Some constellations can ONLY be completed by pressing specific button combinations
- Some buttons might complete a target but also light unwanted constellations (requiring different approach)

### Puzzle Types

**Type 1: Pure Addition**
- Each target constellation requires 1-2 buttons
- No "pollution" - buttons only light target constellations
- **Difficulty:** Easy

**Type 2: Overlap Management**
- Target constellations share some button dependencies
- Must find combination that completes targets without over-lighting
- **Difficulty:** Medium

**Type 3: Exclusion Puzzle**
- Many buttons light both target AND non-target constellations
- Must find the precise combination that isolates only the targets
- Requires deductive reasoning and elimination
- **Difficulty:** Hard

## Difficulty Levels

### Easy Mode (Ages 8-12)
- **Targets:** 2-3 constellations
- **Button Mapping:** Simple, minimal overlap (each button affects 2-4 segments)
- **Pollution:** Low - most buttons only light target constellations
- **Logic Required:** Trial and error works
- **Time:** 3-5 minutes average

### Medium Mode (Teens)
- **Targets:** 3-4 constellations
- **Button Mapping:** Moderate overlap (each button affects 4-6 segments)
- **Pollution:** Medium - some buttons light non-targets
- **Logic Required:** Some deduction needed, tracking which buttons do what
- **Time:** 5-7 minutes average

### Hard Mode (Adults)
- **Targets:** 4-5 constellations
- **Button Mapping:** Heavy overlap (each button affects 5-8 segments)
- **Pollution:** High - many buttons light both targets and non-targets
- **Logic Required:** Must map out button effects, use elimination logic
- **Time:** 7-12 minutes average
- **Optional:** Timed challenge (complete in under 10 minutes)

## Technical Requirements

### Electronics Components
- **Microcontroller:** Arduino Mega 2560 or Raspberry Pi Pico
- **LEDs:** WS2812B addressable LED strips (150-200 LEDs total)
- **Power Supply:** 5V 10-15A power supply (for LEDs)
- **Buttons:** 10× illuminated arcade buttons (with built-in LEDs)
- **Switches:** 1× 3-position difficulty selector switch
- **Audio:** Small speaker for success chimes (optional)
- **Wiring:** 22-gauge wire, connectors, terminal blocks

### Programming Requirements
- **Language:** Arduino C++ or CircuitPython
- **Key Functions:**
  - Button input handling (debouncing)
  - LED pattern control (which buttons light which segments)
  - Puzzle generation (selecting target constellations)
  - Solution validation (checking if correct constellations are lit)
  - Difficulty level switching
  - Reset functionality

### Power Requirements
- **LEDs:** ~3A at 5V (assuming 30% of LEDs on at once)
- **Arduino:** ~500mA at 5V
- **Buttons:** Negligible (LED indicators use minimal power)
- **Total:** 5V 5A minimum, 10A recommended for safety margin
- **Power Source:** Wall outlet via AC-to-DC adapter

## Build Specifications

### Materials List
**Panel Construction:**
- 1× 4'×6' black acrylic sheet (1/4" thick) OR painted plywood
- Wood backing frame (1×2 lumber)
- Wall mounting hardware (French cleat or heavy-duty brackets)

**Electronics:**
- 1× Arduino Mega 2560 ($40)
- 2-3× WS2812B LED strips, 60 LEDs/meter ($30-50)
- 10× Illuminated arcade buttons ($30-40)
- 1× 5V 10A power supply ($25)
- 1× 3-position rotary switch ($5)
- Wire, connectors, breadboard, enclosures ($30)
- **Estimated Electronics Cost:** $160-190

**Fabrication:**
- Constellation routing/cutting (laser cutter or CNC)
- LED channel routing for strip mounting
- Button mounting holes
- Control box enclosure

### Build Complexity
- **Electronics Assembly:** Moderate (requires Arduino experience)
- **Programming:** Moderate (sample code provided)
- **Physical Build:** Moderate (woodworking + electrical)
- **Estimated Build Time:** 15-20 hours
  - Panel fabrication: 4-6 hours
  - LED installation: 4-6 hours
  - Electronics wiring: 3-4 hours
  - Programming/testing: 4-6 hours

### Durability
- **LEDs:** Solid-state, very durable (50,000+ hour lifespan)
- **Buttons:** Arcade-grade, rated for millions of presses
- **Panel:** Acrylic/wood panel highly durable
- **Maintenance:** Minimal - occasional cleaning, check wire connections
- **30-Show Viability:** Excellent - built for heavy use

## Player Instructions (Signage)

### Title
**⭐ NIGHT SKY NAVIGATOR ⭐**

### Instructions
**YOUR MISSION:** Light up the glowing target constellations!

**HOW TO PLAY:**
1. Press "NEW PUZZLE" to begin
2. Watch which constellations glow gold - these are your targets
3. Press the toggle buttons below to turn on different LED segments
4. Each button controls parts of MULTIPLE constellations
5. Find the button combination that lights up ONLY your target constellations
6. Press "CHECK ANSWER" when you think you've solved it!

**TIPS:**
- Write down what each button does
- Some constellations need multiple buttons
- Some buttons might light constellations you DON'T want!
- Working together makes it easier

**DIFFICULTY:**
- **EASY:** 2-3 targets, simple patterns
- **MEDIUM:** 3-4 targets, tricky overlaps
- **HARD:** 4-5 targets, brain-bending logic!

### Reset Instructions
**STUCK?** Press RESET to clear your toggles and try again!
**NEW PUZZLE?** Press NEW PUZZLE for a fresh challenge!

## Staffing & Operations

### Setup
- **One-Time:** Install panel on wall, program Arduino with puzzle library
- **Daily:** Turn on power, verify all LEDs/buttons working
- **Between Shows:** Optional - press reset if puzzle left mid-solve

### During Event
- **Staff Needed:** None (self-guided)
- **Optional:** Roaming staff can offer hints if guests look stuck
- **Supervision:** Not required - safe, no moving parts

### Troubleshooting
- **Button not responding:** Check wire connection at Arduino
- **LED segment not lighting:** Check LED strip connection, power supply
- **Random behavior:** Restart Arduino (power cycle)

## Integration with Event

### Where It Lives
**Option 1:** Santa Tracking Room - fits Mission Control theme (this is a control panel!)
**Option 2:** Standalone station in hallway/breakout area
**Option 3:** Elf Recreation Room (as a 7th station, more tech-focused)

### Guest Flow
- Drop-in optional activity
- No time limit (unless Hard mode timed challenge)
- Guests self-determine when they've finished (or want to skip)

### Accessibility
- **Visual:** High contrast LEDs, clear button labels
- **Physical:** Buttons at comfortable height, can be seated or standing
- **Cognitive:** Easy mode accessible to 8+, Hard mode challenges adults
- **Collaborative:** Multiple people can work together, or solo

## Why This Works

**Unique Mechanic:** Not just pattern matching - it's circuit logic with spatial reasoning

**Scalable Difficulty:** Easy enough for kids (trial and error), hard enough for engineers (requires mapping and deduction)

**Replayable:** Multiple puzzle configurations, different solutions each time

**Visual Appeal:** Dark panel with glowing constellations is striking and atmospheric

**Durable:** Solid-state electronics, no moving parts, built for heavy use

**Self-Guided:** Clear instructions, immediate feedback, no staff needed

**Collaborative:** Natural teamwork - "You press buttons, I'll track what they do"

**Satisfying:** Clear win state, visual/audio feedback, sense of accomplishment

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## Unified Panel Design (Updated December 2025)

### Overview

Each station now has ALL three difficulties available via a selector switch. This means one panel with all 9 constellations, and the difficulty switch determines which subset is active for gameplay.

**Panel Size:** 24" × 36" (portrait orientation)
**Total Constellations:** 9
**Total Stars/LEDs:** 42

### Constellation Allocation

Each constellation appears in exactly 2 difficulty levels, creating variety while allowing shared hardware:

| Constellation | Stars | Appears In | Sharing |
|---------------|-------|------------|---------|
| Cassiopeia | 5 | Easy, Medium | E+M |
| Lyra | 5 | Easy, Medium | E+M |
| Big Dipper | 7 | Medium, Hard | M+H |
| Corvus | 4 | Medium, Hard | M+H |
| Cygnus | 5 | Medium, Hard | M+H |
| Crux | 4 | Medium, Hard | M+H |
| Delphinus | 5 | Easy, Hard | E+H |
| Aries | 4 | Easy, Hard | E+H |
| Triangulum | 3 | Easy, Hard | E+H |

### Per-Difficulty Breakdown

**★ Easy (5 constellations, 24 stars)**
- Cassiopeia (5)
- Lyra (5)
- Delphinus (5)
- Aries (4)
- Triangulum (3)

**★★ Medium (6 constellations, 30 stars)**
- Cassiopeia (5)
- Lyra (5)
- Big Dipper (7)
- Corvus (4)
- Cygnus (5)
- Crux (4)

**★★★ Hard (7 constellations, 33 stars)**
- Big Dipper (7)
- Corvus (4)
- Cygnus (5)
- Crux (4)
- Delphinus (5)
- Aries (4)
- Triangulum (3)

### Design Benefits

1. **No constellation in all three** - Each difficulty feels distinct
2. **Every constellation used twice** - Efficient use of hardware
3. **Progression paths:**
   - Easy→Medium: Keep Cassiopeia & Lyra, learn 4 new ones
   - Easy→Hard: Keep Delphinus, Aries & Triangulum, learn 4 new ones
   - Medium→Hard: Keep Big Dipper, Corvus, Cygnus & Crux, learn 3 new ones

### Tech Build

See `/tech-build/` folder for:
- `drill-guides/unified-panel-drill-guide.html` - Drill template for all 9 constellations
- `arduino/` - Arduino code (to be created for unified design)
- `electronics-guide.html` - Wiring and component reference

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**Created:** November 14, 2025
**Updated:** December 8, 2025
**Status:** COMPLETE - Unified panel design, button mappings, and web demo functional. Arduino code ready for implementation.