VHDL Race Game: Ghost Driver

This project implements a simple car racing game using VHDL (VHSIC Hardware Description Language) for FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) implementation. The game features a car that can be moved left and right to avoid obstacles, a scrolling background, and a score display.

Features

• Car Control: Move the car left and right using buttons.
• Obstacle Avoidance: Avoid oncoming obstacles to score points.
• Scrolling Background: The track scrolls vertically to simulate movement.
• Score Display: A seven-segment display shows the player's score.
• Collision Detection: The game detects collisions between the car and obstacles.
• VGA Output: The game is displayed on a VGA monitor.
• Multiple Obstacle Types: Obstacles come in three different car colors (blue, black, brown).

Files

VHDL Files

• car_control.vhd: Handles car movement based on button inputs. The car's position is updated according to the left and right button inputs.
• car_obstacle.vhd: Manages obstacle generation, movement, collision detection, and score updates. Obstacle positions are updated, and collisions with the car are detected.
• debouncer.vhd: Debounces button inputs to prevent glitches. Ensures that button presses are registered correctly without noise.
• hvsync_generator.vhd: Generates horizontal and vertical sync signals for VGA display. Responsible for video signal synchronization.
• led_control.vhd: Controls LEDs based on button inputs. The LED state toggles based on clock and reset signals.
• racegame_top.vhd: Top-level module connecting all components. It integrates all sub-modules and handles the overall game logic.
• rendering_logic.vhd: Renders the game graphics on the VGA display. Manages the pixel data and display output.
• scrolling_logic.vhd: Handles the scrolling of the background. Updates the scroll position to simulate movement.
• seven_segment_display.vhd: Controls the seven-segment display for the score. Converts the score value to the appropriate display format.
• pll.vhd: Phase-locked loop for clock generation.

Image Files

• original/: Contains the original PNG images for the car and track.
• VHDL/: Contains VHDL files generated from the PNG images using a Python script. These files define constants for image data used in the game.

Python Scripts

• convert_images.py: Converts PNG images into VHDL constants.
• run_conversion.py: Runs the conversion process.
• setup.py: Sets up the environment for running the Python scripts.

How to Play

1. Synthesis and Implementation: Synthesize and implement the VHDL code using your preferred FPGA development tools (e.g., Xilinx Vivado, Intel Quartus).
2. Programming: Program the generated bitstream onto your FPGA development board.
3. Connect VGA: Connect a VGA monitor to the FPGA board.
4. Start the Game: The game should start automatically after programming.
5. Control: Use the left and right buttons to move the car and avoid obstacles.
6. Scoring: Your score increases as you successfully avoid obstacles.
7. Game Over: The game ends if you collide with an obstacle.

Customization

• Obstacle Speed: Adjust the SLOW_DOWN_FACTOR in car_obstacle.vhd to control the speed of obstacles.
• Scroll Speed: Modify the SCROLL_SPEED constant in racegame_top.vhd to change the scrolling speed.
• Car/Obstacle Graphics: Replace the car image data in the _car_graphic.vhd files to use different car sprites.
• Track Graphics: Modify the STREET_IMAGE data in rendering_logic.vhd to change the track appearance.

Dependencies

• Python Packages: Pillow, numpy (listed in requirements.txt)
• IEEE Libraries: std_logic_1164, numeric_std, std_logic_unsigned
• Custom Libraries: red_car_graphic, street_graphic, blue_car_graphic, black_car_graphic, brown_car_graphic (these should be included in your project)

Python Script Details

convert_images.py

This script converts PNG images into VHDL constants. The images are processed and the pixel data is extracted and formatted into VHDL syntax to be used in the game.

Usage:

1. Ensure you have Pillow and numpy installed. You can install them using:

   pip install -r requirements.txt

2. Run the script:

   python convert_images.py

run_conversion.py

This script automates the conversion process by calling convert_images.py for all necessary images.

Usage:

1. Run the script:

   python run_conversion.py

setup.py

This script sets up the environment needed to run the image conversion scripts.

Usage:

1. Run the script:

   python setup.py install

Notes

• This project is intended for educational purposes and can be expanded with additional features.
• Ensure that the PLL module (pll.vhd) is correctly configured for your FPGA board if you are using it.
• The Python script in the racegame/assets directory is used to convert PNG images into VHDL files for the car and track graphics.