Wearable Device with a Pet Simulation Game

Scope of Work

We developed game logic and graphics based on the client’s idea, and created a 3D enclosure model, cirсuit diagram, and printed cirсuit board (PCB) from scratch. The solution runs on custom firmware built by our team.

Virtual Pet Game

Well-designed graphics was one of the client’s key requirements so we turned to zGames, our in-house game design studio, to accomplish the task. zGames helped develop the game logic, and designed the game backgrounds and a 3D pet model.

The object of the game is to keep a virtual pet happy by scoring as high as possible on the essential pet needs: food, water, exercise, and attention. Here’s how it works:

If one of the parameters drops to a critical level, a status notification appears on the screen. To increase the score, the user has to satisfy one of the pet needs by selecting an appropriate item in the menu section. It could be feeding, providing access to water, playing, petting, putting the pet to sleep, or cleaning up after it.

The device features a built-in accelerometer that automatically improves the user's pet exercise score by initiating 'dog walking mode' when the child is in motion.

Hardware Production

We prepared all necessary documentation for production of the custom PCB, enclosure, and hardware components, and handed it over to the factory. To ensure that the customer would receive the product on time, our engineers visited the factory to assess the quality of the enclosure mold and all the test samples prior to mass production.

Automated Board Self-testing

To make sure the PCB components are placed correctly, we developed a “self-test” firmware solution that uses the device display and battery to automatically run tests in the factory. Here's how it works:

After PCB assembly and firmware flashing, the operator turns on the device, starting the testing firmware. The program runs low-level system tests and checks whether the speaker, vibro, display, and touch panel are functioning properly. In case of an error, the test report will be recorded on the built-in flash drive for repair purposes. Thus, a repair engineer will be able to access the data via USB and see what needs to be fixed. If no errors are detected, the firmware will switch to the ready-for-use mode which means the device is cleared for delivery to the retail network.