Project Name

3x3 SLOTS MACHINE

info

Author: Pitic Andrei
GitHub Project Link: https://github.com/UPB-PMRust-Students/project-Pitic888

Description

This project implements a classic 3x3 slot machine game using Rust, designed to run on a Raspberry Pi Pico 2W with a connected ST7789 display. The player presses a button to spin the reels, and the system randomly generates and displays symbols on a 3x3 grid. If the player lands matching combinations, they win points or they can risk them in a double or nothing minigame. The project also includes simple animations and sound effects to enhance the experience.

Motivation

The slot machine is a fun, interactive project that allows me to work with hardware (display, buttons, possibly a buzzer) and learn more about random number generation, graphics rendering, and game design on microcontrollers. It’s also a great opportunity to explore how Rust works in constrained environments.

Architecture

Main Components:

• Game Logic Module
  Handles the core slot machine logic: spinning, random symbol generation, win condition checks, and score tracking.

• Display Module
  Uses the st7789 and embedded-graphics libraries to render the 3x3 grid, symbols, animations, and text.

• Input Module
  Reads button presses from GPIO pins to trigger the spin.

-- Sound Module
Uses the Arduino TPA3118 audio amplifier to play sound effects for spins, wins, losses, and the minigame.

• Memory Module
  Uses the EEPROM AT24C256 to store high scores and possibly settings.

Flow:
Input (button press) → Game Logic → Display Update → (Optional) Sound Output

Log

Week 5 - 11 May

• Set up the Rust development environment for Raspberry Pi Pico 2W
• Created the project repository and initialized dependencies (st7789, embedded-graphics)
• Designed basic slot machine logic (reels, spin, random generation, double or nothing feature )

Week 12 - 18 May

Week 19 - 25 May

Hardware

• Raspberry Pi Pico W as the main controller
• 2.4-inch Arduino LCD for displaying the slot grid and game information
• Arduino Audio Mono Amplifier TPA3118 for sound effects through a speaker
• EEPROM Module AT24C256 for saving high scores or settings
• Breadboard kit for prototyping the circuit
• 10 kΩ resistor for pull-ups or signal conditioning
• Three pushbuttons for user input: spin, reset, and possibly menu navigation

Schematics

Bill of Materials

Device	Usage	Price
Raspberry Pi Pico W	The microcontroller	~40 RON
2.4-inch Arduino LCD	Display for grid and symbols	~40 RON
Arduino Audio Mono Amplifier TPA3118	Drives speaker for sound effects	~20 RON
EEPROM Module AT24C256	Stores high scores or settings	~9 RON
Breadboard Kit	Prototyping platform	~22 RON
10 kΩ Resistor	Pull-ups or signal conditioning	~3 RON
Pushbuttons (x3)	User input for spin, reset, etc.	~— RON

Software

Library	Description	Usage
st7789	Display driver for ST7789 or compatible LCDs	Used to drive the 2.4-inch Arduino LCD display
embedded-graphics	2D graphics library	Draws the slot grid, symbols, text, and minigame UI
rand	Random number generation	Generates random spins and randomizes the correct button in the minigame
rp-pico	Raspberry Pi Pico HAL	Accesses GPIO, SPI, I²C, and other hardware features
at24c256 driver	EEPROM driver	Stores high scores or player settings in the AT24C256 EEPROM
PWM or audio library	Audio output control	Drives the audio amplifier for sound effects

Links

1. ST7789 Rust driver
2. embedded-graphics examples
3. Rust on Raspberry Pi Pico
4. Random Number Generation in Rust
5. AT24C256 EEPROM Rust driver
6. TPA3118 Audio Amplifier datasheet
7. Rust embedded HAL — general hardware abstraction library
8. KiCAD tutorials — for making the schematics