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Project Overview

• Objective: Enhance the fencing experience by integrating LED lights into a fencing mask to display real-time match information, leveraging data from the Virtual Scoring Machine (VSM).
• Technology Used: W5500 Ethernet module for network communication, ESP-NOW for wireless data transmission, and Arduino for data parsing and LED control.

Key Features

• Real-time Information Display: Shows scores, time, and penalties directly on the mask through LED lights, using data decoded from UDP packets sent by the VSM.
• Flexible Design: Can be adapted to work with different scoring machines by modifying the data parsing logic.
• Individually Addressable LEDs: Allows for the display of various colors to represent different match states (e.g., scoring points, penalties).

Use of the W5500 Ethernet Module

• Role: Acts as a bridge between the VSM and the LED display system by reading UDP output from the VSM and facilitating its transmission to the LED controller.
• Benefits: Offers reliable network communication and is compatible with the Arduino environment, making it ideal for real-time data transmission in sports.

Future Directions

• Switch to ESP32: Simplifies the project by integrating Wi-Fi capability, removing the need for a separate Ethernet module.
• Increase Battery Size: Ensures the system can last through longer matches or training sessions.
• Explore Different LED Types: High-density LED strips or matrices could improve visibility and durability.
• Design a Custom PCB: Streamlines assembly, making the system more compact and easier to install.

Conclusion

This project is a pioneering example of how technology can be applied to sports, offering a unique way to enhance the fencing experience. It demonstrates significant potential for adaptation and improvement, indicating exciting possibilities for technology-enhanced sports equipment in the future.