Electronic board game and piece recognition method

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application relate to an electronic entity chess and a chess piece recognition method, the electronic entity chess comprises a plurality of chess pieces and a chessboard; the plurality of chess pieces are divided into m classes, m is an integer greater than 1; the resistance values of the chess pieces belonging to the same class are the same, and the resistance values of the chess pieces belonging to different classes are different; the chessboard comprises a plurality of first chess positions and a plurality of first resistance detection circuits; the first resistance detection circuits are arranged one by one corresponding to the first chess positions; when a chess piece is located at the first chess position, the first resistance detection circuit is used for detecting the resistance value of the chess piece placed at the first chess position corresponding thereto, thereby solving the problem that the two types of chesses cannot meet the needs of users.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The embodiment of the present application relates to the technical field of electronic game chess containing entity chessboard and chess pieces, in particular to an electronic entity chess and a chess piece recognition method. BACKGROUND

[0002] Chess is also called game. Chess player is also called art. Game is an important part of the oriental cultural life and even the world cultural life. Different from general recreational games, game can influence and cultivate people's moral concept, behavior criterion, aesthetic taste and thinking mode, and can also enrich people's knowledge.

[0003] At present, chess is mainly divided into two categories. One is entity chess, and the material is usually plastic or wood. The entity chess does not contain electronic equipment in the chessboard and chess pieces, and cannot intelligently perform automatic timing, automatic scoring, scoring, rewarding and punishing, and recording and displaying historical information according to the current chess game. The other is electronic chess, which needs to be installed on a mobile phone, PC or game machine. This kind of chess is not suitable for face-to-face desktop games between people, and also lacks the touch of entity chessboard and chess pieces. Therefore, the above two kinds of chess cannot meet the needs of users. SUMMARY

[0004] At least one embodiment of the present application provides an electronic entity chess and a chess piece recognition method, which solves the problem that the two kinds of chess cannot meet the needs of users.

[0005] In a first aspect, the embodiment of the present application provides an electronic entity chess, which comprises a plurality of chess pieces and a chessboard.

[0006] The plurality of chess pieces are divided into m categories, and m is an integer greater than 1. The resistance values of the chess pieces belonging to the same category are the same, and the resistance values of the chess pieces belonging to different categories are different.

[0007] The chessboard comprises a plurality of first chess positions and a plurality of first resistance detection circuits. The first resistance detection circuits are arranged one by one corresponding to the first chess positions. When a chess piece is located at the first chess position, the first resistance detection circuit is used for detecting the resistance value of the chess piece placed at the first chess position corresponding thereto.

[0008] Further, the first resistance detection circuit comprises a first conductive probe and a second conductive probe. The first conductive probe and the second conductive probe are both connected as resistance access terminals of the first resistance detection circuit.

[0009] The shape of the vertical projection of the chess piece on the chessboard is a square; the chess piece comprises a first resistance and a first conductive contact, a second conductive contact, a third conductive contact and a fourth conductive contact; the first conductive contact is electrically connected with the second conductive contact, the second conductive contact is electrically connected with the first end of the first resistance, the second end of the first resistance is electrically connected with the third conductive contact, and the third conductive contact is electrically connected with the fourth conductive contact;

[0010] The first conductive contact, the second conductive contact, the third conductive contact and the fourth conductive contact are respectively located at the four vertices of the square, and the first conductive contact and the second conductive contact are located in the same row, and the third conductive contact and the fourth conductive contact are located in the same row; the first conductive contact and the third conductive contact are located in the same column; the second conductive contact and the fourth conductive contact are located in the same column;

[0011] When the chess piece is located at the first chess position, the first conductive probe and the second conductive probe are respectively in electrical contact with the two conductive contacts on the same diagonal line of the square.

[0012] Further, the chessboard further comprises a chess piece suction member;

[0013] When the chess piece is located at the first chess position, the chess piece suction member adsorbs the chess piece placed at the first chess position corresponding to the chess piece.

[0014] Further, the chessboard comprises a substrate, a suction layer, a circuit layer and a limiting layer which are sequentially stacked;

[0015] The suction layer is multiplexed as the suction member;

[0016] Each first resistance detection circuit is located in the circuit layer;

[0017] The limiting layer is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves, the limiting grooves correspond one-to-one to the first chess positions, and the limiting grooves are used to accommodate the chess piece when the chess piece is located at the first chess position.

[0018] Further, the first magnetic material is dispersed in the suction layer;

[0019] The second magnetic material is dispersed in the chess piece;

[0020] The magnetic properties of the first magnetic material and the second magnetic material are opposite.

[0021] Further, the chessboard further comprises a plurality of light emitting components; the light emitting components are provided one-to-one corresponding to the first chess positions;

[0022] The material of the chess piece is transparent material.

[0023] Further, the chess piece comprises a containing groove;

[0024] When the chess piece is located at the first chess position, at least part of the light-emitting component is embedded in the containing groove.

[0025] Further, at least one chess piece tray is further included, the chess piece tray is connected with the chessboard, at least one second chess position and at least one second resistance detection circuit are arranged on the chess piece tray; the second resistance detection circuit is arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the second chess position; when the chess piece is located at the second chess position, the second resistance detection circuit is used for detecting the resistance value of the chess piece placed at the second chess position corresponding thereto.

[0026] Further, the chess piece tray further comprises at least one of a loudspeaker, a display and a keyboard.

[0027] In a second aspect, the embodiments of the present application further provide a chess piece recognition method, which is applicable to any electronic entity chess provided by the embodiments of the present application, and the chess piece recognition method comprises:

[0028] An electrical signal output by each first resistance detection circuit is acquired;

[0029] Based on the electrical signal output by each first resistance detection circuit, the placement position of the chess piece and the type of the placed chess piece are determined.

[0030] The electronic entity chess provided in the embodiments of the present application is divided into m types by a plurality of chess pieces, m is an integer greater than 1; the resistance values of the chess pieces belonging to the same type are the same, and the resistance values of the chess pieces belonging to different types are different; the chessboard comprises a plurality of first chess positions and a plurality of first resistance detection circuits; the first resistance detection circuit is arranged in one-to-one correspondence with the first chess position; when the chess piece is located at the first chess position, the first resistance detection circuit is used for detecting the resistance value of the chess piece placed at the first chess position corresponding thereto, which solves the problems that the existing entity chess cannot intelligently automatically time, automatically calculate scores, record scores, reward and punish, and record and display historical information according to the current chess game, and the existing electronic chess is not suitable for face-to-face desktop games between people, and lacks the touch of entity chessboard and chess pieces, achieves not only the purposes of automatically timing, automatically calculating scores, recording scores, rewarding and punishing, and recording and displaying historical information, but also having the touch of entity chessboard and chess pieces, and being suitable for face-to-face desktop games between people, to meet the diversified needs of users. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of an electronic physical chess piece provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an electronic physical chessboard provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 A top view of another chessboard structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figures 4-7 These are four examples of word spelling provided in embodiments of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another chess piece and a first chess position provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 9 To be Figure 8 Diagram showing the positional relationship between the central piece and the first piece after rotation.

[0038] Figure 10 A circuit diagram of a first resistance detection circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 11 A schematic cross-sectional view of another chessboard provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another first chess position provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another chess piece provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 14 For the upcoming Figure 13 The chess pieces provided in the game are placed in Figure 12 The diagram provided shows the structure of the first chess position.

[0043] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of another electronic physical chess piece provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another chess piece tray provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 17 A structural block diagram of an electronic entity chessboard and chess piece tray provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure:

[0046] Figure 18 A flow chart of a chess piece recognition method provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] In order to more clearly understand the above-mentioned purposes, features and advantages of the present application, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It can be understood that the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. The specific embodiments described herein are merely used to explain the present application, but not to limit the present application. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art based on the described embodiments of the present application are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0048] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second", and the like, are used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, without necessarily requiring or implying any such actual relationship or order between such entities or actions.

[0049] As the background, at present, chess is mainly divided into two categories, one is entity chess, which is usually made of plastic or wood, and does not contain electronic devices inside the chessboard and chess pieces, and cannot intelligently perform automatic timing, automatic scoring, scoring, rewards and punishments, and storage and display of historical information according to the current chess game. Another type is electronic chess, which needs to be installed on a mobile phone, PC or game console. This type of chess is not suitable for face-to-face desktop games between people, and also lacks the tactile sensation of physical chessboards and chess pieces. Therefore, the above two types of chess cannot meet the needs of users.

[0050] After the inventor fully researched the existing entity chess, it was found that the root cause why it cannot meet the needs of users, and cannot intelligently perform automatic timing, automatic scoring, scoring, rewards and punishments, and storage and display of historical information according to the current chess game is that it cannot independently recognize the chess pieces in the current chessboard and the position of the chess pieces.

[0051] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides an electronic entity chess. The electronic entity chess provided by the present application can be used for chess, go, military chess, checkers and word chess, etc.

[0052] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a chess piece of an electronic entity chess provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure. Figure 2 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of an electronic entity chessboard provided by an embodiment of the present application is shown in the following figure. The electronic entity chess includes a plurality of chess pieces 1 (exemplarily, Figure 1The diagram shows only one chess piece 1 and a chessboard 2; multiple chess pieces 1 are divided into m classes, where m is an integer greater than 1; chess pieces 1 belonging to the same class have the same resistance value, while chess pieces 1 belonging to different classes have different resistance values; the chessboard 2 includes multiple first chess positions 21 and multiple first resistance detection circuits ( Figure 1 and Figure 2 (Not shown in the image); the first resistance detection circuit is set up one-to-one with the first chess position 21; when a chess piece is located in the first chess position 21, the first resistance detection circuit is used to detect the resistance value of the chess piece 1 placed in the corresponding first chess position 21. In this way, the chess piece 1 currently placed on the chessboard 2 and its position can be identified through the electrical signals fed back by each first resistance detection circuit, so as to facilitate automatic timing, automatic scoring, scoring, rewards and penalties, and storage and display of historical records based on the chess piece 1 and its position. In this way, the electronic physical chessboard can not only automatically time, automatically calculate scores, score, reward and penalty, and store and display historical records, but also has the tactile feel of a physical chessboard and chess pieces, which is suitable for face-to-face tabletop games and can meet the diverse needs of users.

[0053] The following example, a word puzzle game, will further illustrate the beneficial effects of the technical solution presented in this application.

[0054] See Figure 1 The top face of each piece (piece 1) is printed with an English letter and its corresponding score. The number of letters and their scores are determined by the frequency of each letter in all words or in a given dictionary. For example, in the standard English version of Scrabble, there are 9 A's, 2 B's, 2 C's, 4 D's, 12 E's, 2 F's, 3 G's, 2 H's, 9 I's, 1 J's, 1 K's, 4 L's, 2 M's, 6 N's, 8 O's, 2 P's, 1 Q's, 6 R's, 4 S's, 6 T's, 4 U's, 2 V's, 2 W's, 1 X's, 2 Y's, 1 Z's, and 2 blank pieces. Based on this given distribution, the score is determined... The points for each letter are as follows: A = 1 point, B = 3 points, C = 3 points, D = 2 points, E = 1 point, F = 4 points, G = 2 points, H = 4 points, I = 1 point, J = 8 points, K = 5 points, L = 1 point, M = 3 points, N = 1 point, O = 1 point, P = 3 points, Q = 10 points, R = 1 point, S = 1 point, T = 1 point, U = 1 point, V = 4 points, W = 4 points, X = 8 points, Y = 4 points, Z = 10 points, and a blank block is worth 0 points. Any blank block can replace any letter in a game, and the letter it replaces is determined by the player using the blank block. Once a blank block is placed on the board to form a word, the letter it replaces remains unchanged until the end of the game.

[0055] Based on this, all pieces can be divided into 27 categories, each corresponding to an English letter. That is, all pieces marked A belong to category 1, all pieces marked B belong to category 2, and so on.

[0056] In a chessboard, the number and arrangement of first positions can vary. This can be determined according to the game rules. For example, multiple first positions can be arranged in a 15×15 array, or in a 17×17 array, or in a 19×19 array.

[0057] Figure 3 This is a top view schematic diagram of another chessboard structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 3 In this chessboard, multiple first positions are set up in a 15×15 array structure.

[0058] See also Figure 3 In practice, the rules of Spelling Game are usually as follows: the center position of the board is designated as the ☆ position, and one of the letters in the first word spelled must be located in the ☆ position. The first position on the board includes the following: regular position, letter score × 2 position (DL), letter score × 3 position (TL), word score × 2 position (DW), and word score × 3 position (TW).

[0059] The word scoring rules are as follows: each letter is scored based on its value and position. Specifically, a letter in a normal position receives its value. A letter in a position with a score of 2 × 1 receives its value multiplied by 2. A letter in a position with a score of 3 × 1 receives its value multiplied by 3. The sum of all letter scores is the base score for the spelled word. If a letter in the spelled word falls in a position with a score of 2 × 1 or a position with a score of 3 × 1, the word's score is multiplied by 2 or 3 on top of the base score. This multiplication is cumulative; that is, if one letter in the spelled word is in a position with a score of 2 × 1 and another letter is in a position with a score of 3 × 1, then the word's score is multiplied by 2 × 3 = 6 on top of the base score, and so on.

[0060] Spelling games are turn-based. Depending on the rules, each player has a fixed total time limit (usually 25 minutes, but can be set by the player). The time from when the previous player finishes spelling until the current player finishes is recorded as the player's spelling time (usually measured in seconds). This time is deducted from the player's total time. When the total time is used up, extra time is usually gained by deducting points (e.g., deducting 10 points to gain one extra minute, which can be set by the player). Alternatively, a maximum time limit is set for each player in each round (e.g., 3 minutes, which can be set by the player). This is usually achieved by deducting points for exceeding the time limit (the point value is set by the player) or by ending the round when the time limit is exceeded.

[0061] After the game starts, the first player spells out a word on the board. The word must be a word or a variant of a word in the given dictionary, and any letter of the word must be located in the center of the board, marked with a ☆. If the first player cannot spell the word within the given time, they forfeit their turn, and the next player takes over.

[0062] All words spelled by the players have the following requirements: (1) the k letters placed on the board can only be located on a vertical or horizontal straight line, and (2) any one of the k letters is adjacent to any one or two other letters in the k letters, and (3) at least one of the k letters is adjacent to at least one existing piece on the board (i.e., a piece spelled in the previous round).

[0063] Figures 4-7 These are four examples of word spelling provided in embodiments of the present invention. Figures 4-7 In this game, pieces with backgrounds represent letters spelled by the player in the current round, while pieces without backgrounds represent letters spelled in previous rounds that already exist on the board. Each player can spell one or more valid words in each round. Valid words include one or more of the following components: (1) a word consisting of k letters and other letters already existing on the board, located on one of the aforementioned vertical or horizontal lines, such as... Figure 4 LENGTH in Figure 5 DOSES and Figure 6 SOLID in (2) is a word formed by one of the k letters and other letters already present on the chessboard in a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned vertical or horizontal line, such as Figure 5 LESSENS and PARENTS in the middle, and Figure 6 Apples in the middle. Figure 7 In the text, R0ADS and DO are spelled out, but since SC does not form a word, therefore... Figure 7 The word-spelling operation in the code is an illegal operation.

[0064] If a player spells an illegal word, according to the game rules, all the letters spelled must be retrieved, the player loses the chance to spell a word in this round, and will be subject to corresponding penalties according to the rules, or no penalty will be imposed. The penalty is usually a point deduction (the point deduction rules and point values ​​can be set by the player).

[0065] As can be seen from the game rules above, whether judging the legality or illegality of the spelled words, or calculating scores based on the legality of the spelled words, it is necessary to identify the placed pieces and their positions. The electronic physical chess set provided in this application can detect the electrical signals output by each first resistor detection circuit; based on the electrical signals output by each first resistor detection circuit, it can determine the placement position and category of the placed pieces. This is because pieces belonging to different categories have different resistance values. When pieces belonging to different categories are connected to the first resistor detection circuit, the voltage division effect of the pieces is different, thus causing the first resistor detection circuit to output different electrical signals. Furthermore, since the first resistor detection circuit is set up one-to-one with the first chess position, this means that each first resistor detection circuit can uniquely represent a first chess position. Accordingly, the placement position of the pieces can be determined based on the identifier of the first resistor detection circuit in the feedback electrical signal. Therefore, based on this, it can realize functions such as judging the correctness of words, controlling the flow of game rounds, providing word prompts, and realizing timing, scoring, and score reward and punishment functions.

[0066] In the above technical solutions, there are various ways to design the chess piece, the first resistance detection circuit, and the first chess position, and this application does not limit them. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of another chess piece and a first chess position provided in an embodiment of the present invention. (Continue to see...) Figure 8 The shape of the chess piece 1 when projected vertically onto the chessboard is a square; the chess piece 1 includes a first resistor R1 and a first conductive contact 11, a second conductive contact 12, a third conductive contact 13 and a fourth conductive contact 14; the first conductive contact 11 is electrically connected to the second conductive contact 12, the second conductive contact 12 is electrically connected to the first end of the first resistor R1, the second end of the first resistor R1 is electrically connected to the third conductive contact 13, and the third conductive contact 13 is electrically connected to the fourth conductive contact 14.

[0067] The first conductive contact 11, the second conductive contact 12, the third conductive contact 13, and the fourth conductive contact 14 are located at the four vertices of a square, with the first conductive contact 11 and the second conductive contact 12 in the same row, the third conductive contact 13 and the fourth conductive contact 14 in the same row, the first conductive contact 11 and the third conductive contact 13 in the same column, and the second conductive contact 12 and the fourth conductive contact 14 in the same column.

[0068] The first resistance detection circuit includes a first conductive probe 211 and a second conductive probe 212. Both the first conductive probe 211 and the second conductive probe 212 serve as the resistance input terminals of the first resistance detection circuit. When the chess piece 1 is located in the first chess position 21, the first conductive probe 211 and the second conductive probe 212 respectively make electrical contact with two conductive contacts on the same diagonal of the square.

[0069] Figure 9 To be Figure 8 Diagram showing the positional relationship between the central piece and the first piece after rotation. Observe. Figure 9 It can be observed that the above technical solution ensures that when a chess piece is placed in the first position in different directions, both the first and second conductive probes of the first resistance detection circuit can contact the conductive contacts, allowing the first resistance of the chess piece to be connected to the first resistance detection circuit. This enables the electronic detection circuit on the chessboard to measure the resistance value of the chess piece, and based on this resistance value, determine the type of the chess piece. According to the correspondence between the type of the chess piece and the letter and score it represents, the letter and score represented by the chess piece can be obtained.

[0070] Figure 10 A circuit diagram of a first resistance detection circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 10 The first resistance detection circuit further includes a first bias signal input terminal 221, a second bias signal input terminal 222, and a second resistor R2. The first end of the second resistor R2 serves as the first bias signal input terminal 221, and the second end of the second resistor R2 is electrically connected to the first conductive probe 211. The second bias signal input terminal 222 is electrically connected to the second conductive probe 212. In use, a bias signal U0 is input through the first bias signal input terminal 221 and the second bias signal input terminal 222. By detecting the current value at point a, or the current value at point b, or the voltage value between points a and b, the resistance value of the piece located at the first chess position corresponding to the first resistance detection circuit is determined. Based on this resistance value, the type of the piece, as well as the letter and score it represents, are determined.

[0071] Based on the above technical solution, optionally, the chessboard also includes a chess piece adsorption component; when a chess piece is located in the first position, the chess piece adsorption component adsorbs the chess piece placed in the corresponding first position, so that the first conductive probe 211 and the second conductive probe 212 respectively make reliable electrical contact with the two conductive contacts located on the same diagonal of the square. There are various configuration options for the chess piece adsorption component, and this application does not limit this. For example, it can be a vacuum suction cup, or it can be a suction cup made using the principle of magnetic adsorption, etc. Optionally, the chess piece adsorption component can be configured to correspond one-to-one with the first position, or the chess piece adsorption component can be a surface covering the entire chessboard.

[0072] Figure 11 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of another chessboard provided in an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 11 The chessboard includes a substrate 201, an adsorption layer 202, a circuit layer 203, and a limiting layer 204 stacked sequentially; the adsorption layer 202 is reused as an adsorption element; each first resistance detection circuit (exemplarily, Figure 11 The diagram only shows the first conductive probe 211 and the second conductive probe 212 of the first resistance detection circuit located in the circuit layer 203; the limiting layer 204 is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves 2041, each corresponding to a first chess position. The limiting grooves 2041 are used to accommodate the chess piece when it is located in the first chess position 21, so that after the chess piece is placed in the first chess position 21, the position of the chess piece is not moved due to collision during the game, which would prevent the game from continuing.

[0073] Optionally, a first magnetic material is dispersed in the adsorption layer 202; a second magnetic material is dispersed in the chess piece; the first and second magnetic materials have opposite magnetic properties. This setup is inexpensive and easy to implement.

[0074] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of another first chess position provided in an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 12 The chessboard also includes multiple light-emitting components 23; each light-emitting component 23 is set to correspond one-to-one with a first chess position 21; chess pieces ( Figure 12 The material (not shown) is transparent to ensure that the light emitted by the light-emitting component 23 can penetrate the pieces when they are placed on the board. This allows players to observe the color and flashing status of the light emitted by the component 23 through the pieces during gameplay. The color or flashing status of the light emitted by the component 23 can be used to indicate the status of words (e.g., whether a word is misspelled). The color or flashing status of the light emitted by the component 23 can also be used to distinguish the player who spelled the word correctly. In the first position 21 where no piece is placed, the light-emitting component 23 can also display different colors and flash to provide players with useful information during the game or competition, such as special positions on the board or spelling hints. Furthermore, the light-emitting component 23 can also be used to display specific patterns or animations, such as a dot-matrix logo.

[0075] Optionally, the light-emitting component 23 may include full-color LED beads, etc.

[0076] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of another chess piece provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 For the upcoming Figure 13 The chess pieces provided in the game are placed in Figure 12 The diagram shows the structure of the first chess position provided. See also... Figures 13-14The chess piece 1 includes a receiving groove 15; when the chess piece 1 is located in the first position 21, at least a portion of the light-emitting component 23 is embedded in the receiving groove 15. This arrangement essentially thins the portion of the chess piece 1 corresponding to the light-emitting component 23, facilitating the transmission of light emitted by the light-emitting component 23 through the chess piece 1. Furthermore, the receiving groove 15 protects the light-emitting component 23 from damage.

[0077] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of another electronic physical chessboard provided in an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 15 Optionally, in the above technical solution, the electronic physical chess set also includes at least one chess piece tray 3. The chess piece tray 3 is connected to the chessboard 2, and the chess piece tray 3 is provided with at least one second chess position 31 and at least one second resistance detection circuit (not shown in the figure). The second resistance detection circuit is configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the second chess position 31. When a chess piece is located in a second chess position 31, the second resistance detection circuit is used to detect the resistance value of the chess piece placed in its corresponding second chess position 31. This configuration can identify the chess piece placed in the second chess position 31. This type of electronic physical chess set can accommodate higher-level gameplay, making the game more interesting.

[0078] For example, each player participating in the game or competition uses one chess piece tray. Before the game or competition begins, all chess pieces are placed in a chess piece bag 4. During the competition, each player randomly draws n chess pieces from the chess piece bag 4 and places them on the chess piece tray 3, where n is less than or equal to the total number of pieces in the second position 31 on the chess piece tray 3. In each round, after spelling a word on the chessboard 2 using the chess pieces on the chess piece tray 3, the player randomly draws a certain number of chess pieces from the chess piece bag 4, keeping the total number of chess pieces on the chess piece tray 3 at n, until the chess piece bag 4 is empty. In each game, n is a fixed value. The total number of pieces in the second position 31 on the chess piece tray 3 and the value of n can be determined according to the game rules. This application does not impose any restrictions on this. For example, if the total number of pieces in the second position 31 on the chess piece tray 3 is 10 and n = 7, then there are 3 unused positions on the chess piece tray 3.

[0079] Furthermore, there are multiple ways to set the second chess position 31. For example, it can be set with reference to the first chess position mentioned above, which will not be described in detail here.

[0080] Optionally, based on the above technical solution, the chess piece tray may also include at least one of a speaker, a display, and a keyboard. Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of another chess piece tray provided in an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 16 The chess piece tray includes a speaker 32, a display 33, and a keyboard 34. This allows the chess piece tray to also have human-computer interaction functions, improving the user experience.

[0081] The speaker 32 on the chess piece tray is used to emit prompts to the user (time prompts, high score prompts, illegal spelling prompts, etc.) and play word pronunciations. The display 33 on the chess piece tray is used to display operation prompts to the player (1), (2) the words spelled on the chessboard, (3) the correctness of the words, (4) the scores of each player, the time used by each player and the remaining time, (5) player information and other game or competition information, and (6) system and settings information.

[0082] The button 34 on the chess piece tray is used to confirm words, switch the content displayed on the monitor 33, confirm the instructions on the monitor 33, and perform pre-match parameter settings (network settings, data sharing settings, user settings, dictionary selection, rule settings, etc.). The rule settings include: the number and distribution of letters used in the current round, whether there are restrictions on the shortest or longest words and the corresponding specific restrictions, the setting of the match duration, the timing method and rules, whether there are penalties for exceeding the time limit and the corresponding penalty rules, whether illegal spelling is penalized and the corresponding penalty rules, whether the letter substitution function is allowed and the corresponding deduction rules, whether the word hint function is used and the corresponding deduction rules, whether the delay check mode is used and the reward or deduction rules, and whether the order of the rounds is changed after a challenge operation, etc. The timing method and rules refer to whether the timing is based on rounds (each round has a maximum spelling time, such as 3 minutes), or the total time for a single game (such as 25 minutes for each player), or both. The penalty rules for exceeding the time limit are whether points are deducted for each round of timeout, only for the total time limit, or both, or whether points are deducted only when the player chooses to gain extra time.

[0083] Figure 17 This is a structural block diagram of an electronic physical chessboard and chess piece tray provided in an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 17The chessboard incorporates a lithium battery, main processor, memory, and Wi-Fi chip. The lithium battery powers the internal circuitry and the first resistance detection circuit, and supplies power to the piece trays via a wired cable. The main processor detects piece information, controls the light-up component at the first piece position, controls and switches turns, timers, checks word correctness, calculates word scores, applies score rewards or penalties, calculates player scores, and performs other operations. The chessboard connects to the piece trays via a wired I2C interface, allowing the main processor to control the displays on each piece tray. The memory stores the control programs for the main and auxiliary processors, dictionaries in English or other languages, player information, match statistics, and historical match information. The Wi-Fi chip connects to a local area network and the internet, enabling functions including firmware (control program or rules) upgrades, dictionary updates, and data sharing of player or match information. Data sharing allows specific information to be shared to mobile devices, where users can view specific information and adjust chessboard parameters via a mobile app. Data sharing also allows data to be shared to remote web servers, enabling rankings of players around the world.

[0084] Each chess piece tray has a separate auxiliary processor for detecting button operations on the chess piece tray, detecting and reading chess piece information on the chess piece tray, and sending it to the main processor via the I2C interface. This processor controls the light-emitting components in the chess piece recognition device on the chess piece tray, drives the speaker, and simultaneously reads data from the memory via the I2C interface, especially the pronunciation data of words, and drives the speaker on the chess piece tray to play the pronunciation of the words.

[0085] Since the aforementioned technical solution can recognize pieces placed in the second position, it can also provide word suggestions. If a player cannot spell a word within a given time but does not wish to forfeit their turn, or if the player actively chooses the word suggestion function at any time, the main processor on the board provides an optimal or near-optimal spelling scheme based on the letter distribution on the board and the letters on the player's piece tray. The player can choose to adopt this scheme or not. It can be stipulated that using the word suggestion function once will deduct a certain number of points from the player. The deduction principle can be either deducting points for adopting a spelling scheme, or deducting points regardless of whether a spelling scheme is adopted, or deducting points per use (deducting a certain number of points for each word suggestion use) or proportionally (deducting a fixed percentage of the round's score for each word suggestion use).

[0086] The aforementioned electronic chess set can also feature a letter substitution function. When a player cannot spell a word, or when a player actively chooses the letter substitution function at any time, that player can put any letter in their hand back into the chess piece bag, and simultaneously draw the same number of chess pieces from the bag. After the letter substitution is completed, that player's turn ends. Letter substitution can be performed in different ways, such as first putting the chess piece back into the chess piece bag and then drawing it from the bag (in this way, the chess piece put back may be drawn back again), or first placing the chess piece face down in another position, then drawing a chess piece from the bag, and then putting the face down chess piece back into the bag (this method ensures that the drawn chess piece is different from the returned chess piece). The choice of which method to use is determined by the players themselves. Using the letter substitution function once will deduct a certain number of points from the player. The deduction can be based on the number of letters substituted (each time the substitution function is used, a fixed number of points will be deducted for each letter substituted, but substitutions must be completed in one go and cannot be substituted one letter at a time) or deducted per use (each time the substitution function is used, only one fixed number of points will be deducted).

[0087] The aforementioned electronic chess game can also feature a delayed-check mode. In this mode, after a player spells a word, the main processor on the board does not immediately perform an automatic word correctness check. Instead, after a player spells a word, other players confirm its correctness (legality) or challenge it. A default timeout is typically given (e.g., 15 seconds, but can be customized). After this timeout, the spelled word is considered valid (even if the main processor deems it invalid). Delayed-check mode helps improve players' ability to effectively identify the accuracy of word spelling, enhancing their word memorization accuracy and increasing the game's interactivity and entertainment value (e.g., deliberately spelling an ambiguous word to try and gain points is essentially a game of chance, betting on whether other players will dare to challenge it; incorrect challenges may result in point deductions). In delayed-check mode, any player can challenge the correctness of a player's spelling within the default timeout period, rather than only the player immediately following in the next round can challenge it.

[0088] In the delayed check mode, there are various penalty and reward schemes for raising questions. These schemes are set before the game starts, specifying which scheme will be used and the point values ​​for penalties or rewards. These schemes and point values ​​remain unchanged throughout a game. The schemes are divided into three categories: 1. Correct spelling (√), questioned (×); 2. Incorrect spelling (×), questioned (×); 3. Incorrect spelling (×), no questioning (√). In the first case, √ or × indicates the actual correctness of the spelled word, determined by the main processor; the second case indicates the correctness as determined by other players, as detailed below:

[0089] 1. Correct spelling (√), questioned (×). If a player spells a word correctly (after being checked by the main processor) and other players question it, then (1) the player who raised the question will be penalized, or the player who raised the question will have their score deducted by a certain percentage of the word's score, or (2) the player who spelled the word will be rewarded with points, or the player who spelled the word will be rewarded by a certain percentage of the word's score, or (3) both (1) and (2) above will be executed, or (4) no penalty or reward will be executed.

[0090] 2. Spelling error (×), questioning (×). If a player spells a word incorrectly (after being checked by the main processor), the error may be unintentional (inaccurate word memory) or intentional (spelling an ambiguous word; if other players are unsure of the word's correctness and do not question it or are afraid of being penalized for questioning, the player who spelled the word can score points). If a player raises a question within the default time limit, the player who spelled the word incorrectly retrieves all the spelled letters, and the word does not score points. At the same time, (1) the player who raised the question is rewarded with a certain number of points, or a certain percentage of the word's score is rewarded; or (2) the player who spelled the word incorrectly is penalized with a certain number of points, or a certain percentage of the word's score is penalized; or (3) both (1) and (2) above are executed; or (4) no penalty or reward is executed; or (5) the player who spelled the word incorrectly is prohibited from spelling words in the next round. (5) can be used in combination with (1) to (4) above. After a reward or penalty, the word game can be continued by (1) the next player (in clockwise or counterclockwise order, as set in the rules before the game begins), or (2) skip other players and let the player who raised the question start the next round of word game.

[0091] 3. Spelling Error (×), No Questioning (√). If a player spells a word incorrectly (after being checked by the main processor) and no other player questions it within the default time limit, then (1) the player who spelled the word is rewarded with a fixed number of points, or points are awarded according to a certain percentage of the word's score; (2) no penalty or reward is imposed; (3) a certain number of points are deducted from the player who spelled the word, or points are deducted according to a certain percentage of the word's score. In these three scenarios, the reward or deduction of points is not performed immediately after the word is spelled, but after the default time limit.

[0092] In some of the scenarios described above, players are encouraged to spell ambiguous words in a way that misleads other players. For example, if the word is spelled correctly but another player questions it, points will be deducted from the score of the player who raised the question. Therefore, other players may be hesitant to question ambiguous words for fear of losing points if the word is correct. Conversely, if a word is misspelled but no player questions it or is afraid to, the player who misspelled the word is rewarded with points. This essentially encourages players to spell incorrect words indirectly to gain more bonus points, although they also risk being questioned by other players and losing points themselves.

[0093] The aforementioned electronic chess set can also be used for human-computer interaction. Specifically, the main processor on the chessboard acts as an intelligent agent (at this time, another player needs to hold the pieces on behalf of the main processor and, based on the prompts given by the main processor, perform word puzzles on behalf of the processor) to engage in human-computer interaction with the player.

[0094] Based on the same inventive concept, embodiments of the present invention also provide a chess piece recognition method. This chess piece recognition method is applicable to any type of electronic physical chess provided in embodiments of the present invention. Figure 18 A flowchart illustrating a chess piece recognition method provided in an embodiment of the present invention. See also... Figure 18 This chess piece recognition method includes:

[0095] S110. Obtain the electrical signals output by each first resistor detection circuit;

[0096] S120. Based on the electrical signals output by each first resistor detection circuit, determine the placement position of the chess piece and the type of the chess piece.

[0097] Since the chess piece recognition method provided in this embodiment of the invention is applicable to any kind of electronic physical chess provided in this embodiment of the invention, and has the same or corresponding beneficial effects as the electronic physical chess to which it is applicable, it will not be described in detail here.

[0098] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0099] Those skilled in the art will understand that although some embodiments described herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not others, combinations of features from different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention and form different embodiments.

[0100] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electronic physical chess set, characterized in that, The electronic physical chess game is a word-spelling game, which includes multiple chess pieces and a chessboard; The chess pieces are divided into m classes, where m is an integer greater than 1; the chess pieces belonging to the same class have the same resistance value, and the chess pieces belonging to different classes have different resistance values. The chessboard includes multiple first chess positions and multiple first resistance detection circuits; the first resistance detection circuits are configured to correspond one-to-one with the first chess positions; when a chess piece is located in a first chess position, the first resistance detection circuit is used to detect the resistance value of the chess piece placed in the corresponding first chess position. The first resistance detection circuit includes a first conductive probe and a second conductive probe; The chessboard also includes chess piece adsorption components; the chess piece adsorption components are arranged one-to-one with the first chess position; or the chess piece adsorption components are surface-shaped and cover the entire chessboard. The chess piece adsorption component is a vacuum suction cup or a suction cup made using the principle of magnetic adsorption. When the chess piece is located in the first chess position, the chess piece adsorption component adsorbs the chess piece placed in the corresponding first chess position, so that the first conductive probe and the second conductive probe respectively make electrical contact with the conductive contact of the chess piece. Both the first conductive probe and the second conductive probe serve as the resistor input terminals of the first resistance detection circuit. The shape of the chess piece when projected vertically onto the chessboard is a square; the chess piece includes a first resistor and a first conductive contact, a second conductive contact, a third conductive contact and a fourth conductive contact; the first conductive contact is electrically connected to the second conductive contact, the second conductive contact is electrically connected to the first end of the first resistor, the second end of the first resistor is electrically connected to the third conductive contact, and the third conductive contact is electrically connected to the fourth conductive contact; The first conductive contact, the second conductive contact, the third conductive contact, and the fourth conductive contact are respectively located at the four vertices of a square, with the first conductive contact and the second conductive contact in the same row, the third conductive contact and the fourth conductive contact in the same row, the first conductive contact and the third conductive contact in the same column, and the second conductive contact and the fourth conductive contact in the same column. When the chess piece is placed in the first chess position in different directions, the first conductive probe and the second conductive probe respectively make electrical contact with two conductive contacts located on the same diagonal of the square; The chessboard also includes multiple light-emitting components; each light-emitting component is configured to correspond one-to-one with the first chess position. The light-emitting component has a display function; in the first chess position where a chess piece is placed, the color or flashing state of the light displayed by the light-emitting component is used to identify the state of the word and distinguish the player who spelled the word; in the first chess position where no chess piece is placed, the color or flashing state of the light displayed by the light-emitting component is used to represent spelling prompt information; the light-emitting component is also used to display specific patterns or animations; the chess piece is made of transparent material, and when the chess piece is placed on the chessboard, the light emitted by the light-emitting component can penetrate the chess piece to realize the display function of the light-emitting component; The electronic physical chess set also includes at least one chess piece tray; The chess piece tray also includes at least one of a speaker, a display, and a keyboard; The buttons on the chess piece tray are used to confirm words, switch the content displayed on the screen, confirm instructions on the screen, and set parameters before the game; the parameter settings include network settings, data sharing settings, user settings, dictionary selection, and rule settings.

2. The electronic physical chess set according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chessboard comprises a substrate, an adsorption layer, a circuit layer, and a limiting layer stacked in sequence. The adsorption layer is reused as the adsorption element; Each of the first resistance detection circuits is located in the circuit layer; The limiting layer is provided with a plurality of limiting grooves, each of which corresponds to a first chess position. The limiting grooves are used to accommodate the chess piece when it is located in the first chess position.

3. The electronic physical chess set according to claim 2, characterized in that, The adsorption layer contains a first magnetic material; The chess pieces contain a second magnetic material dispersed within them; The first magnetic material and the second magnetic material have opposite magnetic properties.

4. The electronic physical chess set according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chess piece includes a receiving groove; When the chess piece is in the first position, at least a portion of the light-emitting component is embedded in the receiving groove.

5. The electronic physical chess set according to claim 1, characterized in that, The chess piece tray is connected to the chessboard, and the chess piece tray is provided with at least one second chess position and at least one second resistance detection circuit; the second resistance detection circuit is set in a one-to-one correspondence with the second chess position; when a chess piece is located in the second chess position, the second resistance detection circuit is used to detect the resistance value of the chess piece placed in the corresponding second chess position.

6. A chess piece recognition method, applicable to the electronic physical chess set according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, include: Obtain the electrical signals output by each of the first resistor detection circuits; Based on the electrical signals output by each of the first resistor detection circuits, the placement position of the chess piece and the type of the chess piece are determined.

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