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The Path (AI-Pi) Project Scope

Overview

The Path (AI-Pi) is a containerized turn-based combat game with configurable AI opponents powered by the Raspberry Pi AI HAT+. The system includes comprehensive game replay capabilities and cloud-based analytics for game data collection and future AI improvement.

Core Features

1. Edge AI Gaming

  • Local AI processing on Raspberry Pi 5
  • AI HAT+ hardware acceleration
  • Adaptive difficulty system (0.2-0.95 range)
  • Real-time performance monitoring

2. Turn-Based Combat

  • Strategic class-based system
  • Complex buff/debuff mechanics
  • Probability-based turn order
  • Comprehensive status effects

3. Replay System

  • Complete game state recording
  • Turn-by-turn playback
  • Performance analytics
  • AI behavior analysis

4. Cloud Integration

  • Secure game data storage
  • Analytics pipeline
  • Performance tracking
  • Community features

Development Timeline

Phase 1: Core Systems (Weeks 1-2)

1.1 Project Setup (Days 1-2):
  - Initialize repository structure
  - Set up development environment
  - Configure build systems
  - Establish CI/CD pipeline

1.2 Core Architecture (Days 3-5):
  - Implement basic server
  - Set up WebSocket communication
  - Create state management system
  - Configure database

1.3 Basic Game Loop (Days 6-8):
  - Implement turn system
  - Add basic combat actions
  - Create character states
  - Set up game flow

1.4 Initial AI Integration (Days 9-10):
  - Configure AI HAT+
  - Implement basic AI decision making
  - Set up model inference
  - Add basic adaptation

Phase 2: Core Systems (Weeks 3-4)

2.1 Combat Mechanics (Days 11-13):
  - Implement full action system
  - Add status effects
  - Create targeting system
  - Add reaction mechanics

2.2 Character System (Days 14-16):
  - Implement character classes
  - Add stat system
  - Create ability system
  - Set up progression

2.3 AI Enhancement (Days 17-19):
  - Implement personality system
  - Add advanced adaptation
  - Create difficulty scaling
  - Optimize performance

2.4 Client Development (Days 20):
  - Create UI components
  - Add animations
  - Implement input handling
  - Set up state sync

Phase 3: Advanced Features (Weeks 5-6)

3.1 Enhanced Combat (Days 21-23):
  - Add combo system
  - Implement chain reactions
  - Create environmental effects
  - Add special abilities

3.2 AI Refinement (Days 24-26):
  - Add pattern recognition
  - Implement strategy adaptation
  - Create personality evolution
  - Optimize resource usage

3.3 Polish & Performance (Days 27-28):
  - Optimize rendering
  - Improve animations
  - Enhance effects
  - Fine-tune AI

3.4 Testing & Launch (Days 29-30):
  - Comprehensive testing
  - Performance validation
  - Documentation update
  - Release preparation

Implementation Priority

1. Core Systems (CRITICAL)

Priority: HIGHEST
Timeline: Weeks 1-2
Components:
  - State management
  - WebSocket communication
  - Basic AI
  - Turn system
Success_Criteria:
  - Functional game loop
  - <100ms AI response
  - Stable communication
  - State consistency

2. Game Mechanics (HIGH)

Priority: HIGH
Timeline: Weeks 3-4
Components:
  - Combat system
  - Character classes
  - Ability system
  - Status effects
Success_Criteria:
  - Smooth gameplay
  - Balanced mechanics
  - Responsive controls
  - Clear feedback

3. AI Systems (HIGH)

Priority: HIGH
Timeline: Weeks 3-4
Components:
  - Advanced decision making
  - Personality system
  - Adaptation mechanics
  - Performance optimization
Success_Criteria:
  - Natural behavior
  - Consistent adaptation
  - Resource efficiency
  - Hardware optimization

4. Polish & Launch (MEDIUM)

Priority: MEDIUM
Timeline: Weeks 5-6
Components:
  - Visual effects
  - Sound system
  - UI polish
  - Performance tuning
Success_Criteria:
  - Professional feel
  - Consistent performance
  - User satisfaction
  - Launch readiness

Technical Requirements

Hardware

Platform:
  device: "Raspberry Pi 5"
  ram: "8GB"
  storage: "32GB+"
  accelerator: "AI HAT+"
  cooling: "Active"

Performance:
  ai_response: "<100ms"
  frame_time: "<16ms"
  memory_usage: "<512MB"
  temperature: "<80°C"

Software

Stack:
  server: "Go 1.21+"
  client: "TypeScript/React"
  ai: "Python 3.11+"
  database: "MongoDB"

Dependencies:
  - WebSocket
  - TensorFlow Lite
  - React/Redux
  - Hardware drivers

Deliverables

1. Core System

  • Game server
  • AI engine
  • Client application
  • Hardware configuration

2. Documentation

  • Technical specifications
  • API documentation
  • Setup guides
  • User manual

3. Development Tools

  • Build scripts
  • Test suites
  • Monitoring tools
  • Deployment configs

Success Metrics

Performance

  • AI response time < 100ms
  • Client frame time < 16ms
  • Server updates < 50ms
  • Memory usage < 512MB

User Experience

  • Intuitive controls
  • Responsive gameplay
  • Natural AI behavior
  • Consistent challenge

Technical

  • Test coverage > 80%
  • Zero critical bugs
  • Hardware optimization
  • Scalable architecture

Maintenance Plan

Regular Updates

  • Weekly performance monitoring
  • Bi-weekly AI model updates
  • Monthly feature additions
  • Quarterly major releases

Support

  • Bug tracking system
  • Performance monitoring
  • User feedback channel
  • Documentation updates