An integral chess system and a control method thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a scoring chess system and control method. The system includes chess pieces, a chessboard with sensors, and a scoring and timing tool. The tool has a built-in chess piece logic library, with "idle pieces" having no capture rights and irreversible actions. A re-call window and a winning score threshold can be set before the game. The status is synchronized in real time during the game, and arbitration is performed after each move: if an "idle piece" captures a piece, it is a violation; otherwise, the re-call window is activated. During the window period, the player confirms the piece's status: moving an "idle piece" scores points for the player; moving a regular piece can either add points for the opponent or score points for the player and reclassify the piece as an "idle piece." The tool simultaneously performs checkmate and scoring checks; the game ends when either is achieved. This invention uses a "perception-arbitration-drive" architecture to achieve high-intensity, no-draw games and generates enhanced game records with logical states.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of chess game equipment, e-sports and smart hardware technology, and in particular to an intelligent chess system and its control method that integrates sensor perception, automatic rule arbitration, score-driven decision-making and structured data recording on the basis of traditional physical chess. Background Technology

[0002] Chinese chess, as a classic intellectual sport, allows draws in its standard rules and lacks immediate incentives and constraints for passive and lengthy games. This has led to persistent problems such as convergent strategies, slow pace, and poor entertainment value in high-level competitions. Existing intelligent chess products mostly focus on move suggestions, human-computer interaction, or simple timekeeping, failing to address the fundamental contradiction of "insufficient competitive motivation" at the rule engine level. Some attempts to introduce a scoring system either require embedding high-cost electronic tags into each piece or have overly simplistic and isolated scoring rules that fail to form an organic whole with chess's win / loss determination and deep strategy. Therefore, the industry urgently needs an innovative chess system solution that can both forcibly enhance the intensity and strategic depth of games and be implemented on low-cost, highly reliable hardware. Summary of the Invention

[0003] (a) Technical problems to be solved This invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and solve the problems of diminished competitive motivation and sluggish game progress caused by the rule allowing draws in traditional chess, as well as the high cost of existing intelligent chess solutions due to complex hardware or their inability to support high-intensity, high-strategy competitive rules due to limited functionality.

[0004] (II) Technical Solution To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An integrated chess system, characterized in that it includes: A standard set of Chinese chess pieces; A smart chessboard, wherein each square of the smart chessboard is equipped with a piece status sensor; A dedicated scoring and timing tool is communicatively connected to the intelligent chessboard. The integration timing tool includes a control unit, a storage unit, an input unit, and a display unit. The input unit provides each of the two players with a normal chess confirmation key and a non-chess confirmation key. The control unit is configured to perform the following method: a. State Synchronization and Logic Management: Receive and parse sensor signals from the smart chessboard, synchronously reconstruct the virtual chessboard state on the display unit, and define one and only one "idle piece" for each player in the piece identity logic library maintained by the storage unit. Its core logical characteristics are: it does not have the right to capture pieces; during the game, its "idle piece" status is irreversibly changed to "ordinary piece". b. Arbitration and mandatory correction of chess moves in compliance with regulations: b1. Upon detecting a piece movement event, immediately conduct logical arbitration based on the aforementioned piece identity logic library and basic chess move rules; if the arbitration determines that there is a violation—including: a "non-player piece" moving to the square where the opponent's piece is located, or any piece's basic move rule being violated—the game process is immediately locked, an audible and visual alarm is triggered, and the player making the move is forced to manually correct the violation on the physical chessboard until the physical state is restored to compliance; b2. If the arbitration determines that the move was compliant, the confirmation process will begin; c. Points-based system and identity transformation: In the confirmation process of compliant actions: -If the current logical identity of the moved piece is "idle piece", the player must press the corresponding "idle piece confirmation button"; after pressing, the first preset score is added to the player's score, and the "idle piece" identity of the piece remains unchanged. -If the current logical identity of the moved piece is "ordinary piece", then the player has two choices: *Press the "Confirm Normal Piece" button: This will add a second preset score to the opponent's score, and the piece will remain a "normal piece"; *Press the "Confirm Idle Piece" button: This will accumulate the first preset score for this player, and at the same time, in the piece identity logic library, the "ordinary piece" will be converted and marked as a new "idle piece" for this player, and the identity of the original "idle piece" will be converted to "ordinary piece" simultaneously; d. Victory / Defeat Determination: Checkmate / stalemate determination and score achievement determination will be performed in parallel. If either condition is met, the game will be immediately determined to end, and no draw will occur.

[0005] Furthermore, the first preset score is 1 point.

[0006] (III) Beneficial Effects Compared with the prior art, the point-based chess system and its control method provided by the present invention have the following significant advantages: 1. Fundamentally enhances competitive intensity and strategic depth: Through the point-driven logic of "moving idle pieces scores points for oneself, and moving ordinary pieces adds points for the opponent," and the unique rule setting that "idle pieces have no attack power, unique identity, and are irreversible," it creates continuous pressure for players to make moves and requires multi-dimensional strategic considerations such as "instant scoring," "long-term planning," "risk decision-making," and "resource (idle piece) management." This effectively eradicates the tactical basis of passively seeking a draw in traditional Chinese chess, ensuring that the game process is compact and the outcome is inevitable.

[0007] 2. Achieving a low-cost, high-barrier innovative architecture: This invention adopts a "perception-control" separation architecture. The core rule engine, arbitration logic, and state management are all integrated into the software system of the dedicated scoring and timing tool (which can be dedicated hardware or a mobile APP). The chessboard only needs to realize basic piece presence perception, and the pieces are completely passive standard products. This "software-heavy, hardware-light, core-centralized" design greatly reduces the overall manufacturing cost, complexity, and maintenance difficulty of the system, while concentrating the most valuable innovative intellectual property rights in a controllable dedicated tool, constructing effective commercial and legal protection with "low hardware threshold and high rule barrier".

[0008] 3. It provides a rigorous and unique automated refereeing experience: As a proactive electronic arbitrator, the system implements a "zero-tolerance" detection-lock-force correction process for core violations such as "idle captures," ensuring the absolute authority of rule enforcement and the fairness of the game. Combined with the "two-button confirmation" interactive design, the traditional "undo" operation is transformed into a public, costly, and high-pressure decision verification process, greatly enhancing the dramatic tension and entertainment value of the game.

[0009] 4. Enhanced structured game records rich in logical information were generated: During the game, the system automatically generated enhanced game records in units of "turns". These records not only record the physical movements of the pieces, but more importantly, embed core metadata such as the logical identity of the pieces at each move ("idle piece" / "regular piece"), user decisions (confirmation type), and score changes. This structured data provides unparalleled data dimensions and analytical depth for advanced computer review, AI strategy training, tactical statistical analysis, and visualization of live tournament data compared to traditional game records. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the structural composition of the integrated chess system provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of the control method for the point-based chess system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0012] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0013] Example 1: Basic System Structure and Workflow refer to Figure 1 The scoring chess system provided in this embodiment consists of three physical parts: standard passive chess pieces, intelligent chessboard, and scoring timing tool.

[0014] -Standard Chinese Chess Pieces: 32 Chinese chess pieces conforming to national standards. Their material and appearance are no different from ordinary chess pieces, and they do not contain any electronic markings or physical features that can be automatically identified.

[0015] - Smart Chessboard: Within the traditional chessboard structure, a miniature pressure sensor or contact switch is integrated beneath each square (90 intersections), forming a sensor matrix. Its sole function is to detect and report the binary "piece / no piece" state change of each square. The chessboard has a built-in communication module (such as Bluetooth).

[0016] - Dedicated timing tool: In this embodiment, it is a dedicated handheld device. It integrates a processor (control unit), memory (storage unit), display screen (display unit), separate "playing game confirmation buttons" and "normal game confirmation buttons" (input unit) for both players, a speaker, and a communication module. This tool is the "brain" of the system, and all control logic runs on it.

[0017] refer to Figure 2 The complete game process of the system is as follows: 1. Initialization: The tool connects to the chessboard. When the user starts a new game, the tool internally creates a virtual chessboard and a piece identity logic library, defaulting to initializing the red "General" and black "General" as "idle pieces." The display screen highlights the positions of both players' idle pieces.

[0018] 2. Game Cycle (Taking Red's moves as an example): a. Physical Movement: Red moves one of their own pieces (e.g., a "rook"). b. State Synchronization: The board sensor detects the movement and sends the coordinate change event to the tool. The tool updates the virtual board. c. Active Arbitration: The tool's processor immediately initiates the arbitration procedure. -Query the piece identity logic library to determine the identity of the moved "chariot".

[0019] - Key Judgment: If the "Rook" is an "idle piece" and its target square on the virtual chessboard already contains an opponent's piece, it is immediately judged as an "illegal capture by an idle piece," triggering violation processing. d. Violation Processing: If the arbitration is illegal, then: ① the game is locked and the timer is paused; ② an alarm sound and screen prompt (e.g., "Violation! Idle pieces cannot capture pieces"); ③ the Red player is forced to move the "Rook" back to its original position on the physical chessboard. Once the sensor detects that the status has been restored, the system unlocks the game, and the Red player moves again. e. Compliance Confirmation and Execution: If the arbitration is compliant, the tool enters confirmation mode, the moved piece flashes, and a countdown begins. The Red player needs to press a button to confirm: - If the move is a "non-essential piece": you must press the "Confirm Non-essential Piece" button. Result: Red's score +1, the piece's status remains unchanged.

[0020] - If the move is a "regular piece" (such as the "rook" in this example): You can choose to press the "regular piece confirmation button" (result: Black's score +1, the piece's status remains unchanged) or the "idle piece confirmation button" (result: Red's score +1, and the "rook" becomes Red's new idle piece, the original "general" becomes a regular piece). f. Generate a turn record: After both Red and Black have completed a compliant move and confirmation, the tool generates and saves a complete "turn record". This record is a structured data unit, and its core fields are shown in the following example: Round: 1 Red's piece = Rook, starting point = (1,1), ending point = (1,2), status = [Standard Piece], confirm = Normal key, score = Black +1 Black's pieces: Knight, starting point = (3,1), ending point = (2,3), status = [Standard Piece], confirm = Normal key, score = Red +1 Special Note: The "Identity" field is only prominently marked when the piece is a "non-player" piece at the time of the move (e.g., "[Non-player]"). If it is a "regular" piece, it can be omitted or simply marked. This ensures that no key logical state information is missed while maintaining data simplicity. g. Victory / Defeat Determination: After each move is confirmed, the tool determines in parallel: ① Is the piece checkmated / stalemated? ② Has one player reached a preset threshold (e.g., 100 points)? If either condition is met, the game ends immediately, and the winner is declared. If the game does not end, the move is transferred to the opponent (Black), and step af is repeated.

[0021] 3. Game End and Data Output: After the game ends, the tool generates a complete game record file. This file contains all rounds, the final board state, scores for both players, and win / loss information. Users can export this file through the tool's data interface for in-depth game review, AI analysis, or cloud archiving.

[0022] Example 2: Software Implementation Based on Mobile Applications In another embodiment, the "point timing tool" is an application (APP) installed on a smartphone or tablet. The smart chessboard connects to the mobile device via Bluetooth. The APP implements a virtual "double confirmation button" and display interface on the touchscreen. Its internal control logic, arbitration rules, point calculation, and game record format are exactly the same as in Embodiment 1. Furthermore, the APP can further utilize the computing and graphics capabilities of the mobile device to simultaneously visualize changes in the point curve and the migration path of idle pieces during game review, providing a richer analytical experience.

[0023] It should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An integrated chess system, characterized in that, include: A standard set of Chinese chess pieces; A smart chessboard, wherein each square of the smart chessboard is equipped with a piece status sensor; A dedicated scoring and timing tool is communicatively connected to the intelligent chessboard. The integration timing tool includes a control unit, a timing unit, a storage unit, an input unit, and a display unit. The storage unit is configured to store a chess piece identity logical table, which is used to record the identity of each chess piece in the game as either a "normal chess piece" or a "idle chess piece". In this table, either side's "idle chess piece" is marked as not having the right to capture pieces, and its identity cannot be "normal chess piece" in the game. The input unit provides each of the two players with a regular chess confirmation key and a non-chess confirmation key. The control unit is configured to execute the following control logic: a. Parameter initialization: Before the start of the game, receive and save at least one set of adjustable competition parameters set by the user, including the duration of the undo confirmation window and the winning points threshold; b. State synchronization and time allocation: Receive the signal from the chess piece state sensor, synchronize the virtual chessboard state, and allocate an independent total game time to each of the two players; after either player makes a move, allocate an independent undo confirmation window duration from that player's total game time for the current move. c. Arbitration of Piece Movement Compliance: When a piece movement is detected, a logical judgment is immediately made based on the piece identity logic table; if the moving piece is an "idle piece" and the target square contains an opponent's piece, it is judged as a violation; d. Handling of violations and confirmation of compliance: If step c is determined to be a violation, the game is locked and a prompt is output, forcing the player to correct the move on the physical chessboard. The time consumed in the correction process is deducted from the total game time. After the correction is completed, the game returns to the starting point of step c. If step c is determined to be compliant, the countdown of the undo confirmation window is started. e. Points-based system, identity management, and time consumption: Within the undo confirmation window, receive key signals from the input unit and perform the following operations: - If the moved piece is an "idle piece" and receives an "idle piece confirmation" signal, the first preset score is added to the moving player's score, the piece's status remains unchanged, and the current move timer ends. - If the moved piece is a "normal piece" and receives a "normal piece confirmation" signal, the opponent will be added a second preset score. The piece's status remains unchanged, and the current move timer ends. - If the moved piece is a "normal piece" and receives the "idle piece confirmation key" signal, then the first preset score is added to the moving player, the piece's identity is updated to "idle piece" in the piece identity logic table, the moving player's original "idle piece" identity is updated to "normal piece", and the current move timer ends. - If a retake instruction is received within the retake confirmation window, the virtual board state change corresponding to that move is undone in the storage unit, and the player making the move is allowed to make another move. After the move is made again, a new retake confirmation window duration needs to be allocated and deducted from the total game time; f. Victory / Defeat Determination: Checkmate / stalemate determination and score achievement determination are performed in parallel. If either condition is met, the game is determined to end; The display unit is configured to at least synchronously display the real-time scores of both players, the current player, the current player's remaining total game time, and the remaining duration of the retake confirmation window.

2. The point-based chess system according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step e, if neither a correct confirmation key signal nor a retake instruction is received before the countdown of the retake confirmation window ends, the move is deemed invalid due to timeout, the allocated retake confirmation window duration is deducted from the total game time of the player making the move, and the player making the move must make a new move.

3. The point-based chess system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable competition parameters also include: the first preset score, the second preset score, and the total match time for both sides.

4. The point-based chess system according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, The control unit is also configured to provide at least two preset competition modes, each mode corresponding to a fixed set of adjustable competition parameters, the modes including at least: competitive mode, normal mode, and entertainment mode.

5. The point-based chess system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps performed by the control unit also include enhanced game record recording: after both sides complete a full compliant move and confirmation, a structured round record is generated and stored in the storage unit. The round record includes at least the identifiers of the pieces moved by both sides, the start and end coordinates of the move, the piece identity markers at the time of the move, and the score results triggered.

6. The point-based chess system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dedicated tool for timing integration is an independent handheld hardware device, whose housing integrates the physical buttons of the input unit, the display unit, and the communication interface.

7. The point-based chess system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dedicated tool for timing and integration is an application running on a mobile terminal. The touchscreen of the mobile terminal implements the input unit and the display unit. The functions of the control unit and the timing unit are implemented by the application calling the processor and system clock of the mobile terminal.

8. A special tool for timing and scoring in an integrated chess system according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, It is a standalone hardware device or mobile terminal application, and is configured to perform the following functions: - Adjustable competition parameter management: Provides an interface for users to set and store the adjustable competition parameters; - Composite timing management: Manages independent total game time for both players and manages independent undo confirmation window duration for each move; - Piece Identity and State Logic Management: Establish and maintain a piece identity logic table, and execute non-aggressive constraints and unique identity conversion rules for "idle pieces"; - Proactive rule arbitration and points-driven: After each move, compliance is proactively determined, and points are accumulated and logical status is updated based on the piece's identity and the user's confirmation or undo operation.

9. A control method based on the integral chess system of claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: S1. Parameter settings: Before the game, adjustable competition parameters can be set using a dedicated tool; S2. Opening and Time Initialization: The tool synchronizes the initial state of the chessboard, allocates total game time to both sides, and specifies the initial idle pieces; S3. Game Cycle: a. As one player makes a move, the tool detects and updates the virtual state; b. The tool conducts compliance arbitration. If a violation is found, it will be forcibly corrected and the process will return to step a. The correction process will consume the player's total time. If the move is compliant, a separate undo confirmation window will be started with a countdown. c. In the undo / recall confirmation window: -If a take-back instruction is received, the move is cancelled, the time consumed is added to the player's total time, and the player returns to step a to make the move again; -If the correct confirmation button is received, the score and identity change will be performed according to the piece's identity, and the move timer will end; - If the window times out, the step is invalid, the consumed window time is included in the player's total time, and the player returns to step a to start the move again; d. The tool determines the winner, and if the game is not over, the player exchanges moves and returns to step S3.

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