Controllers for Pong, Part 2: Three Controllers

Force Sensors

Two force sensors control the movement of the paddle. The force sensor on the right moves the paddle up and while the other is for moving the paddle down. The degree of force is also mapped to the speed at which the paddle moves; more force = faster movement.¹ If there is no force applied, the paddle stops moving. Similarly, when both sensors have the same force applied, the paddle is stationary.²

link to code

Knob

The paddle is in a constant state of motion, the direction of which is controlled by the knob. Turning the knob to the left makes it go up, to the right makes it go down. To some degree, the user can behave more passively. They can observe the motion of both the paddle and ball and then act went wanting to make a change.

link to code

Photoresistor

The paddle is in a constant state of falling and the user needs to “push it up” by adjusting the light level. Reducing the light level detected by the sensor increased the paddles “resistance,” keeping it afloat. The user can find a certain level of light to keep the paddle stationary. This controller is dependent on its environmental context as it is affected by the ambient and direct lighting conditions. With the parameters currently set into code³, can this version only be played away from a window otherwise the full level of control is not available?

link to code