One-Handed Controller with IMU and Joystick

This project implements a one-handed controller using an ESP32, a joystick, buttons, and an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). The controller is designed to work as a Bluetooth gamepad, using the ESP32 BLE capabilities.

Components

• ESP32-WROOM-DA Module
• Adafruit BNO055 (IMU sensor)
• Analog Joystick Module
• Tactile Push Buttons
• BLE Gamepad Library

Features

• Analog Joystick: Used for left thumb X and Y axis inputs.
• IMU (BNO055): Provides Yaw, Pitch, and Roll data to simulate joystick inputs.
• Buttons: Four push buttons are used to simulate gamepad button inputs.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: The controller is recognized as a Bluetooth gamepad, which can be used with various devices like PCs, smartphones, etc.

My Wiring

• Joystick:
  • VRX (X-axis) -> GPIO 13
  • VRY (Y-axis) -> GPIO 27
  • SW (Button) -> GPIO 34
• Buttons:
  • Button A -> GPIO 26
  • Button B -> GPIO 25
  • Button X -> GPIO 33
  • Button Y -> GPIO 32
• IMU (BNO055): I2C communication with ESP32
  • SDA -> GPIO 21
  • SCL -> GPIO 22

Installation

1. Install the Arduino IDE.
2. Install the ESP32 core for Arduino from the Boards Manager.
3. Install the required libraries:
   • Adafruit_BNO055
   • Adafruit_Sensor
   • imumaths
   • ESP32-BLE-Gamepad
4. Clone this repository or download the ZIP file and extract it.

git clone https://github.com/Yato-tech/OneHand-Controller.git

5. Open the MyProject.ino file in the Arduino IDE.
6. Select your board as ESP32-WROOM-DA Module in the Arduino IDE.
7. Compile and upload the code to your ESP32.

Usage

Power on the ESP32. The device will start in Bluetooth mode and will be discoverable as a gamepad. Connect to the gamepad from your PC, smartphone, or any compatible device. Use the joystick to control the X and Y axes. The IMU sensor will control additional axes (Yaw, Pitch, and Roll). The buttons can be used to simulate gamepad buttons.

Code Structure

MyProject.ino: The main entry point of the project. Initializes all components and handles the main loop. Joystick.h/cpp: Handles the joystick inputs and converts them into gamepad axis values. IMU.h/cpp: Manages the IMU sensor data (Yaw, Pitch, Roll) and converts it into usable gamepad axis values. Button.h/cpp: Handles button inputs. BLEManager.h/cpp: Manages Bluetooth communication and sets up the BLE Gamepad.

Troubleshooting

IMU Not Detected: Ensure that the BNO055 IMU is connected correctly via I2C. Check the wiring for any loose connections. Bluetooth Connection Issues: Make sure that the ESP32 is properly configured for BLE. If you're having trouble pairing, try resetting the device or clearing the Bluetooth cache on your phone/PC. Joystick/Buttons Not Responding: Verify that all GPIO pins are correctly assigned and wired. Ensure that the ESP32 is receiving analog inputs from the joystick. Contributing Feel free to open an issue or submit a pull request for any improvements or bug fixes.

Future Plans

• [ ] Integrated Battery: incorporating a rechargeable battery, enabling full wireless operation.
• [ ] Develop Custom PCB: to reduce weight and space.
• [ ] Design a housing: protective case.
• [ ] Complementary Controller: Develop an additional counterpart to balance the controller, reducing potential sensory overload from one-handed operation.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for more details.