Ramjet,
Thank you SO much for your detailed response. I needed a starting point and it seems you provided me with just that. I'm going to document this as much as I can because I feel others will greatly benefit from this especially if they try to design something to this size. Here are a couple more questions/added information I have for you. Here is the basis behind the hardware/setup in to this game:
The PC system will be running Windows 7 and is an HTPC size box. Here is a screen of the exact system:
http://www.techspot.com/images/products/desktop-pcs/desktop-pcs/org/856277377_1816923304_o.jpgThe system will be mounted to the arm and connected to a ELO 15.6" touch screen monitor which will be flush mounted as well. This system has 6 USB ports, an audio port, DVI, and an HDMI port. No serial port. The entire arm will be about 5ft in length. One end will be the touch screen and the other end will be the acrylic building(s).
Here's the thing... the games will be completed in Flash because that's whats easiest for what we're trying to do. I thought that just by playing .wav files or .mp3 files that are inside the game... I could make the lights pulse or do whatever just based on this sound output. I really never thought of separating the functions (sound & lighting) because I thought the functionality with Flash is limited in that aspect. Is the commands that need to be called using LEDBlinky or similar simple enough to integrate in to Flash? Flash has an "execute command" function which allows you to perform simple 3rd party commands but I'm not entirely sure it's full capabilities.
If this gives you a better idea, here is how I want the game/lighting to work. I may have made it sound too complicated before but here:
-User starts the game by touching the screen
-User moves icon through the game until completed
-Once this screen is completed, User then gets taken to the "Control the Power" screen
-"Control the Power" screen has a slider bar with 0-100% on it.
-User moves the power bar up and down causing the LIGHTING in the building to go up and down or pulse brighter/dimmer. At the same time, the background sound is increasing and decreasing.
-After 30s of no one interacting with the game, it will reset back to the start page along with the sound which will then put the lighting back to idle.
If possible Ramjet... can you give me a list/link of items to get started on some testing? I'll need the RGB LEDs, controller unit (whatever you think is best) and then software to control it all. I'm in a grey area again when it comes to even the power needed for the lights (if any) and if I'm able to run the 5ft of wire from the system. Would I keep the LED controller closer to the system and then run a wire to the building(s) or run a wire from the PC to the controller which will be placed closer to the building(s)?
If this is a success, they want to do 5 more (6 in total) to represent the popular forms of energy used in the USA. All of which will be connected together in a circle with multiple buildings in the center. What an exciting venture huh? haha.
Thank you VERY much for your help. I'm stressing about this project and want to ensure I can get it done in time frame I have. Just so much to learn!
Side question: Would some sort of DMX system work for what I'm trying to accomplish?