Nick Carpenter
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IR-Sensor Puzzle Controller

  • Embedded
  • Firmware
  • Sensors
  • MicroPython
Type
Class project, Cornerstone of Engineering 2, Jan to Jun 2026
Role
Sole designer of the electronics and firmware
Tools
Raspberry Pi Pico, MicroPython, I2C LCD, IR break-beam sensors
Status
Completed.
The finished escape-room puzzle controller
The finished escape-room puzzle controller
The Raspberry Pi Pico wired to the IR sensors, LCD, and pushbutton
The Raspberry Pi Pico wired to the IR sensors, LCD, and pushbutton
Testing the IR break-beam sensors
Testing the IR break-beam sensors

The IR-Sensor Puzzle Controller is a full electronics system designed for an interactive escape-room puzzle. I built it as part of the Cornerstone of Engineering 2 course.

I connected a Raspberry Pi Pico to eight IR break-beam sensors, an I2C LCD, and a pushbutton. All components shared power and ground rails, with pull-up resistors on the inputs.

I then wrote MicroPython firmware that handles sensor polling, debounces the hold-to-check button, and manages a state-based LCD interface.

Playtesting several rounds helped me refine the input logic and display loop, removing false triggers and screen flicker.