Introduction: Real-Life Dino Jump: Bringing the Chrome Dino Game to Life!

By My profiles
About: Electronics enthusiast | YouTuber | Student

Have you ever played the Chrome Dino game and wished you could control the Dino with your own movements? Well, that's exactly what I've done in this project! By using an ESP32 microcontroller and an MPU6050 accelerometer, I've created a setup where jumping in real life makes the Dino jump in the game. Let's dive into the details of how you can recreate this fun and interactive experience.

Supplies

  • ESP32 Board: This powerful microcontroller will handle the BLE communication and act as a keyboard.
  • MPU6050 Accelerometer: This sensor detects your jumps and sends the data to the ESP32.
  • Jumper Wires: For connecting the components.
  • Custom Esp32 Breakout board (optional): https://www.instructables.com/ESP32-Breakout-Board-1/
  • Battery

Step 1: Setting Up the ESP32 and MPU6050

I have made a breakout board for the esp32 which has a dedicated spot for the mpu6050 for easy connection. Check this out

OR

Wiring the Components:

  • Connect the VCC of the MPU6050 to the 3.3V pin on the ESP32.
  • Connect the GND of the MPU6050 to the GND pin on the ESP32.
  • Connect the SCL of the MPU6050 to the SCL pin on the ESP32.
  • Connect the SDA of the MPU6050 to the SDA pin on the ESP32.


Step 2: Installing the Required Libraries:


Step 3:

Okay, first we need to download this library from GitHub. Next, open the Arduino IDE and navigate to Include library, then click and add zip library. Now go to the desired folder, and select the esp32 ble keyboard. Go to the examples, and scroll down to the examples from Custom Library there you can see it.

Step 4: Coding the ESP32:

The ESP32 will use BLE to act as a keyboard. When the MPU6050 detects a jump, it will send a spacebar keypress to make the Dino jump.

remember to calibrate the jump detection. You can always use your serial monitor for help

Interactive_trex.ino

This file contains bidirectional Unicode text that may be interpreted or compiled differently than what appears below. To review, open the file in an editor that reveals hidden Unicode characters. Learn more about bidirectional Unicode characters
Show hidden characters
#include<BleKeyboard.h>
BleKeyboard blekeyboard("DINO GAME");
#defineUSE_NIMBLE
#include<Adafruit_MPU6050.h>
#include<Adafruit_Sensor.h>
#include<Wire.h>
Adafruit_MPU6050 mpu;
#definespacebar0x20
constint threshold = 16;
voidsetup() {
Serial.begin(115200);
while (!Serial) {
delay(10); // will pause Zero, Leonardo, etc until serial console opens
}
// Try to initialize!
if (!mpu.begin()) {
Serial.println("Failed to find MPU6050 chip");
while (1) {
delay(10);
}
}
mpu.setAccelerometerRange(MPU6050_RANGE_16_G);
mpu.setGyroRange(MPU6050_RANGE_250_DEG);
mpu.setFilterBandwidth(MPU6050_BAND_21_HZ);
Serial.println("");
delay(100);
pinMode(2, OUTPUT);
blekeyboard.begin();// put your setup code here, to run once:
}
voidloop() {
sensors_event_t a, g, temp;
mpu.getEvent(&a, &g, &temp);
int acceleration = abs(a.acceleration.z);
Serial.println(a.acceleration.z);
if (blekeyboard.isConnected()) {
digitalWrite(2, HIGH); // put your main code here, to run repeatedly:
if (acceleration > threshold) {
blekeyboard.write(spacebar);
delay(100);
blekeyboard.releaseAll();
// For demonstration, printing to Serial
Serial.println("Jump detected! Trigger space bar action");
}
delay(50);
}
if (2 != HIGH)
{
digitalWrite(2, LOW);
}
}
view raw Interactive_trex.ino hosted with ❤ by GitHub

Step 5: Testing the Setup

  • Upload the Code: Connect your ESP32 to your computer and upload the code using the Arduino IDE.
  • Pair with Your Computer: Once the code is uploaded, pair the ESP32 with your computer via Bluetooth. It should show up as a keyboard.


Step 6: It's Time to Jump!!

  • Open the Chrome Dino Game: Open Chrome and navigate to the Dino game by typing chrome://dino in the address bar.
  • Jump and Play: Start the game and jump in real life. The MPU6050 will detect your jump and send a spacebar keypress to the game, making the Dino jump.

Step 7: Wrap-Up and Future Ideas

This project is a fun way to blend physical activity with classic gaming. Not only does it make the Chrome Dino game more interactive, but it also introduces you to the basics of working with sensors and BLE communication using the ESP32.

For future improvements, you could:

  • Fine-tune the Jump Detection: Adjust the accelerometer threshold for more accurate jump detection.
  • Add More Movements: Incorporate additional gestures to control other aspects of the game, like ducking.