The GPS puzzle box was built by Mikal Hart as a wedding gift for a friend. Unlike normal puzzles, this one uses GPS technology, and the box can only be opened in a specific location. This unique and innovative gift adds an element of adventure and challenge, making it a memorable and engaging experience for the recipients.
With all the electronics, there wasn’t much room inside the box for anything too substantial. I put in a few local (US) gift cards to entice them to visit soon, a set of Kazuo Ishiguro audio books (on a USB key), and an overly sentimental card. And of course, as I pointed out in the card, if either of them fancies doing a little Arduino development, there’s a perfectly good Duemilanove to play with, not to mention an LCD, a servo, and a GPS.
How the GPS Puzzle Box Works
The box features an LCD on the lid. When you press a button on the case, it will show you how far you are in kilometers from the specific location required to open the box. This distance-based feedback mechanism is both intriguing and challenging, as it does not provide any specific directions on which way to go. Instead, it simply tells you how far you are from the target location, leaving the rest up to your navigation skills and intuition.
This lack of direct guidance means that solving the puzzle could take a significant amount of time and effort. The recipients must use their problem-solving skills and perhaps even some trial and error to find the correct location. This makes the GPS puzzle box not just a gift, but an experience that can be shared and enjoyed over time.
The Technology Behind the GPS Puzzle Box
The GPS puzzle box is a marvel of modern technology, incorporating several key components to function effectively. At its core, the box uses an Arduino microcontroller, specifically the Duemilanove model, which is known for its versatility and ease of use in DIY electronics projects. The Arduino is connected to a GPS module, which receives signals from satellites to determine the box’s current location.
Additionally, the box includes an LCD screen to display the distance to the target location, a servo motor to unlock the box once the correct location is reached, and various other electronic components to ensure smooth operation. The use of these components not only makes the box functional but also provides an excellent opportunity for the recipients to explore Arduino development if they are interested.
The inclusion of a USB key with Kazuo Ishiguro audiobooks and local gift cards adds a personal touch to the gift, making it even more special. The sentimental card and the invitation to visit soon further enhance the emotional value of the gift.
Real-World Applications and Inspiration
The GPS puzzle box is not just a fascinating wedding gift; it also serves as an inspiration for other creative uses of GPS technology. For instance, similar concepts could be applied to geocaching, where participants use GPS coordinates to find hidden treasures. It could also be used in educational settings to teach students about geography, navigation, and electronics.
Moreover, the idea of a location-based puzzle can be expanded to create interactive and immersive experiences in various fields, such as tourism, where visitors could unlock special experiences or rewards by visiting specific landmarks. The possibilities are endless, and the GPS puzzle box is a testament to the innovative potential of combining technology with creativity.
Arduiniana via Gizmodo
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