Electronic board sensing technology

Abstract

A game set includes a plurality of electrically conductive game pieces, a game board having a playing surface, and an electronic system. The electronic game set includes a capacitive sensing system configured to detect contact of a user with any of the plurality of electrically conductive game pieces located on the playing surface, and a resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system configured to scan the playing surface to obtain information about an identity of each of the plurality of electrically conductive game pieces located on the playing surface. The electronic game set includes a processor that uses a combination of information provided by the capacitive sensing system and information provided by the resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system to identify locations of all game pieces left on the playing surface immediately after the user completes a move.

Description

Background of the Invention 1. Technical Field This invention generally relates to electronic game boards. More specifically, at least one embodiment relates to an apparatus, system, and method for electronic chessboard sensing technology. 2. Background Technology Conventional electronic chess systems and other physical electronic game boards are known to employ sensing technology to maintain awareness of the current state of the game. For example, electronic chess systems with capacitive touch sensors on the pieces record and track the game's progress and piece movements. In one approach, capacitive touch sensing circuitry in the playing surface is combined with conductive materials in the pieces. This type of system can detect when a user touches a piece. It can also detect the presence of pieces in the squares of the chessboard.

[0002] While this type of sensing offers benefits, capacitive sensing does have limitations. For example, in some situations, systems using capacitive sensing to track the game can introduce errors in move tracking. These errors often confuse the user. One such problem occurs when a user accidentally and / or inadvertently touches the wrong piece. In a common scenario, a user picks up a piece intending to capture an opponent's piece—the opponent's piece chosen from among several pieces that the user's piece can capture in that move. Systems relying solely on capacitive sensing to track the game determine the captured opponent's piece by detecting the first opponent's piece touched. If the user accidentally touches an opponent's piece that can be captured but wasn't selected by the user, the system misinterprets the move's intention and incorrectly identifies the captureable but unselected piece as captured. In other words, these systems misidentify the position of specific pieces on the board.

[0003] Furthermore, many existing systems (including those using capacitive sensing) cannot distinguish between different piece types. For example, in these systems, a rook and a knight appear identical to each other on a capacitive touch system. A direct problem arises when the user places pieces on the board at the start of the game. In this case, the capacitive sensing system cannot detect incorrect piece placement. These existing systems also cannot detect arbitrary piece layouts. For instance, this occurs when a user wants to practice a series of moves starting from a known endgame position. In existing systems, the user needs to interact with the user interface and manually input the starting piece positions.

[0004] Furthermore, conventional capacitive touch systems require calibration to establish capacitive signal levels related to whether a square is occupied or unoccupied. These calibration values ​​are prone to drift in response to changes in temperature or other environmental conditions. This can introduce errors in piece detection.

[0005] Other existing systems use electromagnetic resonant circuits for piece identification. In these systems, each piece contains a circuit, typically consisting of an inductor and a capacitor (LC circuit), whose inductance and capacitance values ​​are selected to provide a specific resonant frequency. These methods employ vertically wound inductors. However, this construction has limited practicality because it is not suitable for pieces with a large conductive area along the bottom of the piece.

[0006] Furthermore, existing methods employing piece recognition resonance technology exhibit a significant delay between piece placement and the system's recognition of the piece's new position. This delay arises because resonance technology requires a comprehensive scan of all sixty-four squares on the board and the frequency space used by the system before determining the piece's position. Another drawback of electronic chessboards relying on resonance scanning is their inability to distinguish between "the user placing a piece but not releasing it" and "the user placing a piece and releasing it." In other words, these systems may not detect when the player releases a piece. A move is only officially completed when the piece is released. For example, a user might slide a piece across several squares and then release it at the final "move" square. Alternatively, a user might begin a move by placing the piece in a new position, maintaining contact with it, then reconsidering and retrieving it before releasing it. While this doesn't constitute a move, some existing systems may incorrectly identify it as a completed move. In other existing systems, these moves will have a certain delay before they are officially considered as completed piece placement. In short, existing systems using piece recognition resonance technology may be slow in recognizing pieces and prone to errors in piece identification. This may defeat the original purpose of incorporating this technology into chess sets. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an electronic chess set that combines piece selection and piece recognition to improve the speed and accuracy of identifying moves and associated piece positions during a game. According to some embodiments, an electronic chess set includes both a capacitive sensing system and a resonant electromagnetic frequency recognition system, which work together to track the game. The applicant has found that the combination of capacitive touch and resonant frequency scanning is faster and more accurate than using frequency scanning alone, and more accurate than using capacitive scanning alone. This combination of two different sensing technologies addresses the shortcomings of existing purely capacitive sensing systems while retaining the benefits provided by an electronic system capable of detecting user touch. These embodiments can significantly improve the speed at which an electronic system can accurately identify the type of piece present at its current position on the game board after a move has been made.

[0008] According to various embodiments, an electronic chess set combining a capacitive sensing system and a resonant electromagnetic frequency recognition system employs these two different sensing technologies to provide previously unrealized advantages in the accuracy and speed of move recognition. These advantages are achieved regardless of how long the piece has been in contact with the user before being released at a new position on the playing surface.

[0009] The applicant has recognized the synergistic advantages offered when using a combination of capacitive sensing systems and resonant electromagnetic frequency identification systems. That is, the embodiments described herein are advantageous compared to using either the resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system or the capacitive sensing system alone. For example, unlike using a resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system alone, these embodiments do not require a long dwell time (or a "steady state" after the piece is released) to confirm the completion of a move. These embodiments also avoid misjudgments caused by the slow movement of pieces at discrete positions on the playing surface (i.e., on a square), or by hesitation before finally determining the piece's position and then moving the piece off the square—problems present when using a resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system alone. Compared to using a capacitive sensing system alone, the embodiments described herein do not confuse the positions where pieces are moved. In contrast, existing methods using capacitive sensing alone may misplace newly moved pieces when a move involves capturing and / or when the user accidentally causes a positional shift or momentary contact with an unmoved piece while completing their move.

[0010] The embodiments described herein accurately identify the markers of pieces placed in new positions. This process is completed rapidly at the appropriate time, i.e., immediately after the user releases the piece moved to the new position. According to some embodiments, the combination of information provided by the capacitive sensing system and information provided by the resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system can determine the positions of all pieces remaining on the playing surface within 200 milliseconds after the user completes their move. According to another embodiment, the positions of all pieces remaining on the playing surface are determined within 100 milliseconds after the user completes their move. According to various embodiments, since the capacitive sensing system operates faster than the resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system, the piece identification operation performed by the resonant system after a move (e.g., querying (also known as scanning) various positions on the playing surface) is accelerated based on the information provided by the capacitive sensing system. For example, in some embodiments, during the post-move scan of positions on the playing surface performed by the resonant system, the space where capacitive touch events occurred due to the move can be given priority. That is, this space can be included in a first set of positions queried immediately after the move is completed.

[0011] The applicant has recognized that a good user experience in electronic chess and any web-based game requires accurate identification of a move's completion upon the initial attempt to recognize a state change. This is because chess games are timed, and once a move is detected and determined to be complete, the turn for both players switches, and a new timer immediately begins. The embodiments described herein provide substantial improvements over existing systems because they combine the accuracy of piece IDs with the ability to delay determining a move's completion until the player releases the newly moved piece. The applicant has recognized that a system capable of prioritizing piece ID scanning of squares where a touch / release action was detected during a recently completed move has previously unknown advantages. These embodiments provide the fastest identification of a piece's new position on the playing surface upon a move's completion. Furthermore, the embodiments can remain in an intermediate state indefinitely while the player is in contact with a piece, waiting for the move to complete. This is possible even if the player slides the piece across multiple positions on the playing surface and withdraws it without releasing it. These substantial improvements over existing methods are achieved through the combined application of information provided by capacitive sensing systems and resonant electromagnetic frequency identification systems.

[0012] In some embodiments, the electronic chess set employs both capacitive sensing and a resonant electromagnetic frequency recognition system. The electronic chess set includes conductive pieces that incorporate horizontally oriented planar resonant circuits. That is, the circuits are oriented parallel to the playing surface of the game board, with the pieces placed upright at a specific location on the playing surface. In various embodiments, this configuration allows the electronic chess set to effectively utilize both the resonant electromagnetic frequency recognition system and the capacitive touch sensing system.

[0013] According to one aspect, a chess set includes a plurality of conductive chess pieces, a chessboard having a playing surface, and an electronic system. In various embodiments, the electronic system includes a capacitive sensing system configured to detect contact between a user and any of the plurality of conductive chess pieces located on the playing surface. The electronic system also includes a resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system configured to scan the playing surface to obtain information about the identification of each of the plurality of conductive chess pieces located on the playing surface. According to these embodiments, the electronic chess set includes a processor configured to use a combination of information provided by the capacitive sensing system and information provided by the resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system to identify the positions of all pieces remaining on the playing surface within less than 200 milliseconds after the user completes a move. According to these embodiments, completion of a move is indicated by the user removing a piece from a first position and then releasing the piece at a second position, the first position being different from the second position.

[0014] According to another aspect, a method is provided for configuring a chess set including a playing surface to track the positions of a plurality of pieces on the playing surface. According to various embodiments, the method includes: a touch-sensitive capacitive sensing system configured to detect contact between a user and a piece included among the plurality of pieces located on the playing surface; and a resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system configured to identify the piece type of each piece when each of the plurality of pieces is located on the playing surface. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawings, every identical or nearly identical component shown in different figures is indicated by the same reference numerals. For clarity, it is not possible to label every component in every drawing. In the drawings: Figure 1 An electronic chess set according to one embodiment is shown; Figure 2 An exploded view of a chessboard according to one embodiment is shown; Figure 3 An example is shown including, according to one embodiment Figure 2 The circuitry in the chessboard; Figure 4 The elements of a chess piece according to one embodiment are shown; Figure 5 An assembled assembly according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 2 The components of a chess piece; Figure 6 A circuit board included in a chess piece is shown according to one embodiment; Figure 7 A circuit system included in an electronic chess set according to one embodiment is shown; and Figure 8 A waveform graph 276 is shown according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The application of this invention is not limited to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or performed in various ways. Likewise, the phrases and terms used herein are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” and variations thereof herein means to include all items listed herein and their equivalents, as well as additional items.

[0017] Now for reference Figure 1 An electronic chess set 100 according to various embodiments is shown. The chess set 100 includes a chessboard 102, a first plurality of chess pieces 104, and a second plurality of chess pieces 106. The chessboard 102 includes a playing surface 108 and a user interface 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the playing surface 108 includes a plurality of individually identifiable locations, for example, locations 110 including light-colored squares 113 and dark-colored squares 114 arranged in a chessboard pattern. Depending on the embodiment, the playing surface 108 may include printed graphics, illuminated grids, illuminated squares, combinations of any of the foregoing, or combinations of any of the foregoing with other features for defining the plurality of individually identifiable locations in a user-visible manner. In the illustrated embodiment, a subset of the plurality of individually identifiable locations 110 is illuminated squares, for example, illuminated squares 116.

[0018] As described in detail below, embodiments of the chessboard 102 include a multi-layered construction. According to some embodiments, these layers may be assembled together and supported by a rigid or semi-rigid housing or frame. Depending on the embodiment, the housing or frame may be a single piece or may comprise multiple pieces. In alternative embodiments, these layers include one or more flexible substrates held together, allowing the entire chessboard to be folded or rolled into a smaller form factor for storage or transport. In all the foregoing embodiments, the chessboard 102 includes an integrated electronic system as shown and described in detail herein. In various embodiments, this integrated electronic system includes each of a touch-sensitive capacitive sensing system, a resonant electromagnetic frequency recognition system, and a lighting system.

[0019] In various embodiments, the plurality of chess pieces 104, 106 are designed to have features supporting the operation of an integrated electronic system. For example, according to some embodiments, the plurality of chess pieces 104, 106 are conductive and include an integrated coil. In these embodiments, a capacitive sensing system can detect contact between a user and any of the plurality of chess pieces 104, 106 located on the playing surface 108, while a resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system is configured to scan the playing surface to obtain information about the identification of each of the plurality of chess pieces 104, 106 located on the playing surface 108. The integrated electronic system can use a combination of the information provided by the capacitive sensing system and the information provided by the resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system to quickly locate and identify all chess pieces remaining on the playing surface 108 after a move is completed. Additionally, an illumination system can be used to identify, classify, and display available moves by illuminating positions 110 on the chessboard 102.

[0020] Regarding the capacitive touch-sensitive system, embodiments of the electronic chess set 100 operate to detect the capacitive characteristics of a plurality of chess pieces 104, 106 and display information about the game via a playing surface 108. The information displayed via the playing surface 108 may include instructions for moves to be made to the user. In various embodiments, the moves are displayed in response to a human user's selection of any one of the plurality of chess pieces 104, 106. Figure 1The illuminated position 116 shown illustrates an example of selecting the black bishop on the right side of the image. The move displayed to the user can be chosen based on the handicap level desired by the user. That is, the handicap level corresponds to the level of assistance desired by the user. To help the user better understand the possible moves, the chess set 100 uses illustrations to distinguish the superiority or inferiority of various moves. This is described in detail in co-owned U.S. Patent No. 11,893,900, entitled “Apparatus, System and Method for an Electronically Assisted Chessboard,” published February 6, 2024. The disclosure of U.S. Patent No. 11,893,900 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0021] As described in more detail below, the electronic chess set 100 includes elements of a resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system in both the chessboard and the individual chess pieces included in the plurality of pieces 104, 106. These elements include coils associated with each of the individually identifiable positions 110. Each of the respective coils can be used for both the transmission phase and the reception phase of the piece ID operation. Each of the plurality of pieces 104, 106 includes a circuit having a coil and an associated capacitor that resonates at a predefined frequency to provide information for identifying the piece.

[0022] In operation, the resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system alternates between transmitting and receiving. In some embodiments, a total of twelve different frequencies are used to distinguish the twelve types of pieces included in the plurality of pieces 104, 106. That is, the resonant LC circuits used in the plurality of pieces 104, 106 have twelve different values, i.e., one for each of the white and black kings, queens, bishops, knights, rooks, and pawns. When the resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system transmits, it transmits each of the twelve frequencies individually to each of the 64 squares of the chessboard. When the resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system receives, it stops transmitting, and the system detects whether a piece is present on the queried square. A piece is determined to be present when the coil included in the piece at that location resonates in response to a specific transmission frequency. This occurs when the transmission frequency is set to the resonant frequency of the piece's coil. If the coil is resonating, it couples energy back to the transmitting / receiving coil at that location on the playing surface 108. See below for reference. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The operation of the resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system is described in more detail.

[0023] Although this document describes the scanning process by referring to the sequential individual transmission of twelve frequencies to each of the 64 squares of a chessboard, other methods may be employed in other embodiments. This can depend on, for example, the capabilities and operating characteristics of the circuitry used in the transmission and reception of the interrogation and response signals, respectively. That is, the specific methods described herein include multiplexed single-receiver systems. However, in alternative methods, in embodiments including multiple simultaneous reception channels, entire rows and / or columns of squares on the playing surface can be traversed simultaneously and sequentially. That is, for example, interrogation signals are transmitted row by row in turn on the 8 rows, while reception is always performed on the 8 columns. According to another embodiment, the electronic system generates broadband pulses of all frequencies and distinguishes the frequencies of the returned received signals. In yet another method, a linear frequency modulated signal is used for frequency sweeping.

[0024] Now for reference Figure 2 An exploded view of an electronic chessboard 202 according to various embodiments is shown. Generally, the electronic chessboard 202 includes a layered structure to provide sensing and illumination functions. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronic chessboard 202 includes a top graphics layer 220, an upper adhesive layer 222, a PCB layer 224, a lower adhesive layer 226, a top housing 228, a mirror layer 230, and a bottom housing 232. The electronic chessboard 202 also includes a display module 234, an electronic circuit board 236, a battery 238, and a power switch 240.

[0025] The top graphics layer 220 includes a chessboard pattern presented as a playing surface 108. In various embodiments, the top graphics layer 220 includes a substrate comprising one or more ink layers or other dielectric layers printed on the substrate to form the chessboard pattern. In another embodiment, the plurality of ink layers includes a first ink layer printed with white ink in the form of the chessboard pattern and a second ink layer printed with white ink in a pattern that matches the pattern of the solder mask included in the PCB layer 224. In various embodiments, the top graphics layer 220 may include one or more additional printed ink layers comprising dark ink. In one embodiment, the top graphics layer 220 is made of a thermoplastic polymer resin (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET)).

[0026] According to the illustrated embodiment, PCB layer 224 includes a circuit system with individual coils, capacitive touch sensing circuitry, and a plurality of LEDs used in the lighting system, these LEDs being positioned to align with each of a plurality of individually identifiable positions 110 included in the electronic chessboard 102, 202. According to some embodiments, each coil is capable of transmitting and receiving the resonant frequency range of the chess pieces, as described in more detail herein. According to some embodiments, the capacitive touch sensing circuitry includes a mutual capacitance sensing system. According to one of these embodiments, the capacitive sensing system includes eight sensor drive lines and eight sensor receive lines distributed on PCB layer 224, such that the mutual capacitance of the drive lines and receive lines is sensed at each of 64 locations on the playing surface 108. In some embodiments, the resonant coil may also be used as part of the capacitive touch sensing circuitry. The lighting system employs multiple LEDs to illuminate individual positions including these LEDs, thereby providing a visual display to assist the user in identifying and classifying available moves.

[0027] In some embodiments, PCB layer 224 includes a two-layer printed circuit board (PCB). A top pattern layer 220 is adhered to the PCB to form the playing surface 208. Further, in some embodiments, LEDs included in PCB layer 224 are disposed downwards, wherein light emitted by the LEDs is reflected from the mirror layer 230 and passes upwards through a transmission area at an associated location on the playing surface 208, see, for example... Figure 1 The illuminated squares 116. In various embodiments, the areas of PCB layer 224 that do not include circuit traces are not covered by solder mask, and the “white core” glass fiber of the PCB layer is used to allow light to transmit through PCB layer 224 to illuminate the playing surface 208.

[0028] According to the illustrated embodiment, the upper adhesive layer 222 is used to secure the top surface of the PCB layer 224 to the bottom surface of the top pattern layer 220. The top surface of the lower adhesive layer 226 is secured to the bottom surface of the PCB layer 224. According to some embodiments, the top pattern layer 220, upper adhesive layer 222, PCB layer 224, and lower adhesive layer 226 are provided as sub-assemblies for integration with the overall assembly forming the electronic chessboard 202. According to these embodiments, the bottom surface of the lower adhesive layer 226 is used to secure the sub-assembly to the top housing 228 during assembly.

[0029] According to the illustrated embodiment, the top housing 228 includes an outer frame 242 and a grid region 244. The outer frame 242 provides four outer edge regions defining a central region of the frame 242. The grid sub-assembly 244 is located within the central region of the top housing 228. According to an alternative embodiment, the top housing 228 is assembled from two parts, wherein the grid region 244 is provided by a sub-assembly fixed within the central region of the outer frame 242. According to the illustrated embodiment, the grid sub-assembly 244 includes a total of sixty-four positions, each of which corresponds to one of the individually identifiable positions on the playing surface 208. In various embodiments, each of the outer frame 242 and the grid sub-assembly 244 is made of plastic, but other materials may be used according to the embodiment. Further, in the illustrated embodiment, the grid region 244 is painted white to help improve the visibility of the illuminated squares.

[0030] A mirror layer 230 is located on the bottom surface of the top housing 228. In various embodiments, this mirror layer is included to reflect light emitted from downwardly positioned LEDs included in the illumination array to provide backlighting to illuminate the playing surface 208. For example, the illumination array is used to illuminate one or more available moves on the playing surface 208 in a manner that simultaneously conveys the type of move (e.g., the degree of superiority or inferiority of the move). In some embodiments, the backlighting may also be used to assist in the operation of a user interface that defines the playing surface and / or adjacent to the playing surface 208.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom housing 232 forms the bottom surface of the electronic chessboard 202. For example, the electronic chessboard 202 can be assembled by attaching a top housing 228 to the bottom housing 232 to define an internal region. A mirror layer 230 can be located within this internal region along with other components of the chessboard 202, including, for example, a circuit board 236 and a battery 238. According to this embodiment, the chessboard 202 is formed by attaching sub-assemblies, including a top graphics layer 220, an upper adhesive layer 222, a PCB layer 224, and a lower adhesive layer 226, to the top housing 228. The assembly order of the components listed above can vary depending on the embodiment.

[0032] According to various embodiments, the electronic system included in the electronic chessboards 102 and 202 includes circuitry included in the PCB layer, a display module 234, a circuit board 236, a battery 238, and a switch 240. The electronic system will typically include one or more power buses and one or more communication buses. Depending on the embodiment, the communication bus may be used to transmit instructions / commands and data between the various components included in the electronic chessboards 102 and 202. The power bus may be used to distribute operating power at one or more voltage levels to the components included in the electronic chessboards 102 and 202.

[0033] In various embodiments, display module 234 includes a touchscreen display provided as user interface 112. In one embodiment, display module 234 employs LCD technology with in-plane switching (IPS) to provide a clear image viewable from various angles. User interface 112 allows users to select various game modes (including AI assistance with a selected level of assistance), choose their opponents (both AI opponents and human opponents selected via an online chess community), and track each player's game under timed conditions. The display may include digital graphics showing the game surface and the position of each piece among multiple pieces. The display may include an image representation of each piece, including its color (black or white) and specific piece type (e.g., pawn, knight, etc.). This allows users to set up game positions, including endgames for practice. According to one embodiment, display module 234, including user interface 112, is fixed at a location on the upper surface of top housing 228. Figure 2 As shown, the location was chosen so that the user interface can be directly accessed in proximity to the playing surface 208. The power bus and communication bus connecting the display module 234 to the circuit board 236 may be included in a flexible cable that passes through an opening in the top housing 228 to connect to the circuit board 236.

[0034] In various embodiments, circuit board 236 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) with a circuit system including a processor, memory, a wireless communication system, a power supply circuit system, and other components. Depending on the embodiment, the processor may include one or more of a microcontroller, microprocessor, or other processing element. According to one embodiment, the processor includes an integrated Bluetooth Low Energy wireless communication system. According to another embodiment, the wireless communication system includes both a Bluetooth Low Energy wireless communication system and a Wi-Fi communication system. Typically, the processor executes stored instructions to control the overall operation of the chessboard, including the operation of both the capacitive touch-sensitive system and the resonant electromagnetic frequency recognition system, as well as the operation of the illumination array, to provide information to the user in response to receiving touch input or information about the identification of pieces on the chessboard. Depending on the embodiment, the processor operates to perform other functions and operations. For example, the processor may operate to process various types of input, such as commands, instructions, or prompts received via user interface 112 and / or from the user's electronic device.

[0035] According to various embodiments, the circuitry included in the circuit board also includes a memory configured to store software instructions. These software instructions may include one or more algorithms or other programs, such as an algorithm for determining a piece selected by a user, an algorithm for determining each possible move in a given game state, an algorithm for determining the quality of available moves and their associated categories, an algorithm for determining the positions and piece IDs of all pieces on the board after a move is made, and an algorithm for determining a player's selection of game pieces and displaying the available moves for the selected game piece to the player given a game state. In one embodiment, the memory is included within a processor. In another embodiment, the memory includes both internal processor memory and external processor memory.

[0036] Circuit board 236 and PCB layer 224 are electrically connected to each other to provide connectivity between circuit board 236 and capacitive touch-sensitive systems, resonant electromagnetic frequency identification systems, and lighting systems. According to one embodiment, the electrical connection between PCB layer 224 and circuit board 236 is accomplished via a board-to-board connection.

[0037] Depending on the embodiment, battery 238 may include one or more batteries, such as lithium batteries or alkaline batteries. Further, depending on the embodiment, battery 238 may include a replaceable power source or a rechargeable power source. In the case of a rechargeable power source, circuit board 236 may include a recharge circuitry for regulating charging operations. The recharge circuitry may include a wired electrical connection accessible from outside the chessboard 202. According to the illustrated embodiment, battery 238 is secured in an edge region of a cavity formed by assembling a top housing 228 to a bottom housing 232. Battery 238 is directly connected to circuit board 236.

[0038] According to the illustrated embodiment, switch 240 is externally accessible when secured within a housing formed by assembling top housing 228 to bottom housing 232. Switch 240 is connected to circuit board 236. In various embodiments, operation of switch 240 enables the electronic system to be turned on and off. For the user, when the switch is in the ON position, the user interface included in display module 234 is activated, making the operation readily apparent.

[0039] For each of the plurality of individually identifiable positions 110 included in the electronic chessboards 102 and 202, respectively, PCB layer 224 includes circuitry for each of the capacitive touch sensing system, the chess piece ID resonant electromagnetic frequency recognition system, and the lighting system. Reference is now made to... Figure 3The diagram shows a single square 245 in PCB layer 224, located at one of the individually identifiable positions 110 on the playing surfaces 108, 208 of chessboard 102, 202. Square 245 has a circuit system including a transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) coil 246, a capacitive touch circuit system 248, and an illumination circuit system including contact pads 250 for multiple LEDs. Each square 245 in PCB layer 224 also includes blank areas 252A, 252B, 252C, and 252D.

[0040] The functionality required for piece ID sensing, capacitive touch circuitry, and illumination in each square 245 presents competing design considerations regarding the area of ​​each square 245 needed for each function. Furthermore, even if the piece's positioning on the square 245 is misaligned, the sensing circuitry must still be configured and positioned within the square to operate. In other words, the layout of the circuitry in each square 245 must account for placement deviations or inaccuracies of the piece on the square 245. As further described below, the design of the circuitry within each piece and the design of the piece itself can also be important design considerations for providing fast and reliable sensing. The embodiment described herein implements a layout of resonant coils and mutual capacitance touch sensor circuitry that provides robust sensing for piece ID and capacitive touch detection while still reserving a large unoccupied area for light transmission at each location on the playing surfaces 108, 208. The wiring for the LED system is also accommodated within the same playing area on PCB layer 224.

[0041] The coil 246 included in these embodiments is novel compared to existing methods with sensing circuitry systems employing only capacitive touch sensing. In various embodiments, the coil 246 is capable of transmitting and receiving a range of resonant frequencies of multiple chess pieces 104, 106 based on an interrogation signal emitted by a microcontroller located on board 236. As described in more detail below, the coil 246 is connected to the microcontroller and associated circuitry for transmitting waveforms that excite the coil 246. Before the signal transmission ends, the excited coil interrogates a square (one of a plurality of individually identifiable positions 110) at a known frequency. The coil 246 then acts as a receiver, listening for any chess piece—the coil resonates in response to the interrogation. According to the illustrated embodiment, the coil 246 is located at the outer edge of each square 245 on PCB layer 224, corresponding to one of a plurality of individually identifiable positions 110 on the playing surfaces 108, 208.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the capacitive touch circuitry 248 is geometrically configured to distribute the circuitry 248 radially inward from the outer edges towards the central region of each square 245, along the four edges. The portion of the capacitive touch circuitry 248 in the central region of the square 245 includes an inner circular trace surrounded by an outer circular trace. Individual circuit traces are positioned parallel to and along each of the four outer edges. Each of these circuit traces connects to a circuit trace extending radially inward from the circuit trace located on the edge. This circuit layout achieves efficient and complete coverage of touch sensing across the entire area of ​​the square 245 while reducing the percentage of area occupied by the circuit traces.

[0043] The layout of coil 246 and capacitive touch circuitry system 248 divides each of the squares 245 into four quadrants, namely blank areas 252A to 252D. These blank areas 252A to 252D, excluding circuit traces, are not covered by solder mask. This allows light to be transmitted through PCB layer 224 using the “white core” glass fiber, making the light visible at play surfaces 108 and 208.

[0044] Circuit traces for connecting multiple LEDs (see corresponding contact pads 250) are positioned along the edges of the grid 245. These circuit traces are also adjacent to radially inward-extending components in the capacitive touch circuitry system 248. This also helps to leave blank areas 252A to 252D without any circuit traces. Using a multilayer board for PCB layer 224 allows circuit components to be positioned on opposite sides of the PCB. According to the illustrated embodiment, the LEDs are located on the bottom surface of the grid 245 and are positioned downwards. This allows the top surface of the PCB to be dedicated to the circuit traces used in the sensing system. In various embodiments, RGB LEDs are used to provide the ability to illuminate the grid 245 with any of a variety of colors to display information to the user. For example, according to various embodiments, the LED body includes a package containing three LEDs attached to the PCB at contact pad locations 250. In operation, downward-directed light emitted from the multiple LEDs is reflected upwards from the mirror layer 230 through the transmissive area of ​​the grid 245 (i.e., through blank areas 252A to 252D). This provides illumination for the square 245 where multiple LEDs are located, for example, as Figure 1 The illuminated square 116 in the diagram represents this.

[0045] Now for reference Figure 4 This illustrates elements representing multiple pieces 104, 106 according to various embodiments. That is, Figure 4 and Figure 5Both examples demonstrate elements representing individual pieces included in a plurality of pieces 104, 106. These elements include a conductive shell 253 having a body 254, a hollow internal region 255, an outer edge 256, a boss 257, and a circuit board 258. The illustrated embodiments provide conductive pieces that include coils for piece recognition, the design of which also maximizes a conductive area on the bottom surface of the piece, customized for use with a capacitive touch-sensitive system. That is, a conductive area is provided as shown in the example. Figure 4 The conductive area at the bottom of the chess piece, as shown in the reference, is compensated. Figure 3 The limited sensor circuitry is shown and described in square 245 of the diagram on the playing surface. As described herein, these embodiments employ resonant circuits in a manner that allows the resonant circuit to also serve as the path for capacitive sensing signals. This is achieved by making the resonant circuit flat and covering the entire flat area of ​​the circuit with dense conductive traces. These embodiments effectively address the requirements of an electronic system comprising a resonant electromagnetic frequency recognition system, a capacitive touch sensing system, and a combination of an illuminated playing surface on the chessboard.

[0046] Depending on the embodiment, the conductivity of the shell 253 can be achieved in any of a variety of ways. For example, the conductive shell 253 can be made of a conductive material. This can include plastic, wherein the conductive material is integrated with the plastic forming the conductive shell 253. According to another embodiment, the conductive shell is made of a non-conductive material but includes a conductive finish (e.g., a conductive paint, varnish, or other surface coating). In these embodiments, the conductive shell 253 provides conductive surfaces on substantially all surfaces of the conductive shell 253.

[0047] The body 254 is the area visible to the user on the conductive shell 253 when the piece is on the playing surfaces 108, 208. The user holds the body 254 when in contact with the conductive shell 253 (e.g., to select a piece to move or choose possible moves). The conductivity of the body 254 allows a capacitive touch sensing system to detect the user's contact with the body 254 as long as the piece is on the playing surface. A hollow internal region 255 is located within the body 254. This design reduces manufacturing costs by decreasing the amount of material required to manufacture each piece. Furthermore, this design can provide a good tactile feel to the piece, provided the wall thickness of the body 254 is sufficiently large to provide the typical mass and weight distribution of a solid piece.

[0048] The bottom of the conductive shell 253 includes an opening leading to the hollow interior region 255, defined by an outer edge 256 and a boss 257. According to the illustrated embodiment, the outer edge 256 is included in the bottom surface of the fully assembled chess pieces 104, 106. The applicant found that capacitive touch sensing is enhanced when the conductive shell 253 is also located at the bottom of the chessboard, compared to contact provided solely by the circuit board 258, because this places at least a portion of the body on or adjacent to the playing surfaces 108, 208. Because the outer edge 256 forms part of the bottom surface of the chess piece, Figure 4 The illustrated embodiment places this portion of the conductive shell 253 adjacent to the playing surfaces 108, 208.

[0049] A boss 257 is also formed in the bottom surface of the conductive housing 253, immediately adjacent to and radially inward of the outer edge 256. According to the illustrated embodiment, this configuration provides a recessed area therein for receiving the circuit board 258, for example, as... Figure 5 As shown. Figure 6 As described in more detail, the circuit board provides a coil with an integral planar construction. The applicant found it advantageous to use a planar circuit board for the coil (“piece-coil”) included in each piece because it provides a stable bottom surface for the piece, allowing the piece-coil to be positioned closest to PCB layer 224. The conductive properties of the coil also allow the circuit board 258 to provide a conductive surface area used in capacitive touch sensing systems. The recessed position of the boss 257 relative to the outer edge 256 ensures that when the circuit board 258 is placed against the boss 257, the combination of the outer edge and the circuit board 258 provides a flat bottom surface for the piece. According to some embodiments, the fully assembled piece (e.g., multiple pieces 104, 106) includes felt adhered to the bottom to cover at least a portion of the circuit board and the outer edge 256.

[0050] Now for reference Figure 6Further details of circuit board 258 are shown. As described above, the embodiment includes a chess piece characterized by a flat PCB. Circuit board 258 includes coil 259. According to the illustrated embodiment, coil 259 is a spiral copper coil occupying a large portion of circuit board 258. According to one embodiment, coil 259 occupies a region on circuit board 258 from the central axis of the PCB to the outer edge adjacent to the circuit board 258. In some embodiments, coil 259 is located on both sides of circuit board 258. In other embodiments, coil is located on only one side of circuit board 258. Circuit board 258 also includes capacitor circuit 260. In these embodiments, coil 259 and capacitor circuit 260 are combined to form an inductor plus capacitor circuit (referred to as a "resonant circuit" or alternatively as an "LC circuit"). By selecting the capacitance value of capacitor circuit 260 and the inductance value of coil 259, the resonant circuit causes electromagnetic energy to resonate at a desired frequency (referred to as a "tone"). A larger inductance is beneficial to the efficiency of the resonant circuit in harvesting and discharging energy. The embodiments described herein are configured to provide a large inductance value relative to a given surface area (e.g., the bottom surface of a chess piece or the surface area available on a given square). A higher inductance value can be achieved by increasing the number of turns in the coil. Inductance can also be increased by including an inductor over a larger percentage of the surface area of ​​the PCB. Additionally, the applicant has found that providing a relatively large inductor covering a considerable area of ​​the PCB is also beneficial for capacitive touch sensing systems. According to the illustrated embodiment, a large spiral coil is designed as part of the conductive area of ​​each chess piece that interacts with the sensor circuitry of the playing surface. A portion of coil 259 also overlaps with the shell material of the chess piece, thereby further enabling capacitive touch sensing throughout the chess piece body and surface. Compared to alternative methods, the embodiment employing a resonant circuit as part of the capacitive sensing circuitry reduces the number of components and material volume required per chess piece while retaining all the functionality and benefits of the combination of touch sensing and resonant sensing in chess piece recognition.

[0051] In operation, the resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system for piece recognition includes electronic components that transmit interrogation signals to square 245 and receive and process any signals returned as a response. Now refer to... Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a circuit 262 for chess piece recognition according to one embodiment. The circuit 262 includes a microcontroller 264, an amplifier circuit 266, a peak detector circuit 268, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 270, and a transmit / receive coil 272. Figure 7A separate resonant circuit 274 is also shown, comprising one of multiple chess pieces 104, 106, wherein the piece is positioned on the playing surface at a location corresponding to the position of the square 245 where the transmitting / receiving coil 272 is located. In the case where the playing surface comprises sixty-four positions, the microcontroller 264 can couple to the corresponding transmitting / receiving coil at all sixty-four positions on the chessboard, as explained in more detail below.

[0052] In circuit 262, the output of microcontroller 264 is connected to transmit / receive coil 272. Transmit / receive coil 272 is also connected to the input of amplifier circuit 266. The output of amplifier circuit 266 is connected to the input of peak detector circuit 268. The output of peak detector circuit 268 is connected to the input of ADC 270.

[0053] In the illustrated embodiment, microcontroller 264 operates to generate and transmit a signal for querying positions on the playing surfaces 108, 208. As described herein, this signal is transmitted to, for example, a square 245 where one of the plurality of pieces 104, 106 may be located during the game. In various embodiments, if the frequency of the signal is set to the resonant frequency of a resonant circuit 274 included in a piece located at an individually identifiable position on the playing surface, the signal is transmitted at a selected frequency that causes the resonant circuit 274 to resonate. According to some embodiments, the signal transmitted by microcontroller 264 is a square wave. Because the playing surface comprises sixty-four individually identifiable positions, a set of multiplexers is used to select the position to which the signal is transmitted at any given time (and the corresponding transmit / receive coil 272). Further, microcontroller 264 operates the transmission circuitry to traverse each of the different frequencies used to distinguish the plurality of pieces 104, 106 from one another. According to one embodiment, a total of twelve square waves of different frequencies are used to distinguish the twelve types of chess pieces included in the multiple chess pieces 104 and 106.

[0054] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Each square 245 on PCB layer 224 includes a separate transmit / receive coil 272. In receive mode, microcontroller 264 stops transmitting interrogation signals, and the system listens to detect the presence of a piece on the interrogated square. The presence of a piece is determined when the resonant circuit 274 of the piece at that location resonates in response to a specific transmission frequency. If the resonant circuit 274 is resonating, it couples energy back to the transmit / receive coil 272 at that location on the playing surfaces 108, 208.

[0055] The coupled signal has a relatively small amplitude, which is generated when the resonant circuit resonates. However, amplifier circuit 266 is used to amplify the coupled signal. The amplified signal is provided to the input of peak detector circuit 268. Peak detector circuit 268 maintains the voltage at the peak voltage level of the amplified signal. This operation is repeated for each of the received coupled signals when interrogating at each lower interrogation position (square 245) at each individual frequency.

[0056] The peak voltage level is received at the input of ADC 270. ADC 270 measures the voltage level received from the piece in response to each of the individual frequencies used when interrogating a position. The frequency of the interrogation signal that generates the response with the highest peak voltage corresponds to the piece type located at the interrogated square 245. According to one embodiment, ADC 270 is included in a microcontroller. According to one embodiment, ADC 270 is included in microcontroller 264. In another embodiment, ADC 270 is included in a separate microcontroller.

[0057] Now for reference Figure 8 The diagram illustrates waveform graph 276 according to various embodiments. Graph 276 includes a first set of waveforms 278, a second set of waveforms 280, and a third set of waveforms 282. Each of these three sets of waveforms 278, 280, and 282 illustrates an interrogation signal, a response signal (generated by the interrogation signal and received from the coupled energy of a resonant circuit included in a single piece located at a position on the playing surface), and a peak detector output signal. For clarity, Figure 7 Only three sets of waveforms are shown. Each set of waveforms, 278, 280, and 282, represents the interrogation and the response of a selected piece from the twelve piece types to the interrogation at a single frequency. However, in practice, for each of the frequencies used when the transmit / receive coil 272 is interrogated, there is a set of waveforms. For example, using twelve frequencies corresponding to the twelve piece types in the game, a total of twelve sets of waveforms will be generated, each of which includes the interrogation signal at the selected frequency, the corresponding response signal, and the peak detector output signal. That is, interrogation can be performed at every frequency at which the piece type can resonate.

[0058] Each of these waveform sets includes a period during which an interrogation signal is transmitted, located to the left of the vertical line. Each set also includes a period during which transmission is stopped and a response signal is received, located to the right of the vertical line. The waveform, presented as a dashed line, illustrates the peak detector output signal.

[0059] The first set of waveforms, 278, shows a square wave waveform at a first frequency used to query the positions on the playing surfaces 108 and 208. The peak detector signal value of the resonant response signal is 0.865 volts. The second set of waveforms, 280, shows a square wave waveform at a second frequency used to query the positions on the playing surfaces 108 and 208. The peak detector signal value of the resonant response signal at the second frequency is 2.7 volts. The third set of waveforms, 282, shows a square wave waveform at a third frequency used to query the positions on the playing surfaces 108 and 208. The peak detector signal value of the resonant response signal at the third frequency is 0.953 volts.

[0060] Figure 8 The multiple waveforms presented illustrate an example of interrogating three pieces, which are configured to resonate at three different frequencies sufficiently close to each other such that the piece-coil resonates with respect to all three frequencies. In this case, the system selects the piece type associated with the largest peak response. In this example, the peak detector value of the response signal at the second interrogation frequency is almost three times larger than the peak detector value obtained in response to the third interrogation frequency, and more than three times the peak detector value obtained in response to the first interrogation signal. This provides the system with information that allows it to identify the piece type at a location based on the piece type associated with the second frequency.

[0061] In the case of capacitive sensing, when a user makes contact by touching a selected piece among pieces 104 and 106, the touch-sensitive system 234 senses a change in capacitance (e.g., a change in mutual capacitance or its reciprocal). The processor 232 uses the information about the capacitance change to determine the position of the selected piece on the playing surface 109. Using this information, the processor identifies the set of moves currently available for the selected piece.

[0062] The applicant recognizes that the sensing capabilities of a capacitive touch-sensitive system can be combined with the capabilities of a resonant frequency piece ID system to accelerate the scanning operation by reducing the number of individually identifiable locations 110 (squares 245) that must be scanned to maintain current awareness of the piece positions on chessboards 102, 202. According to some embodiments of these examples, the system prioritizes piece ID scanning of those squares where a touch / release action was detected during a move that has just been completed. These embodiments provide the fastest identification of new piece positions on the playing surface upon completion of a move.

[0063] While the embodiments are shown and described with reference to resonant frequency chess piece ID systems and capacitive touch-sensitive systems, these embodiments may include alternatives to resonant frequency chess piece ID systems. These alternatives may also include inductively coupled sensing. For example, according to one embodiment, RFID is used as an alternative to resonant frequency chess piece ID. According to another embodiment, NFC is used as an alternative to resonant frequency chess piece ID. According to each of these embodiments, the multiplexing system can scan the chessboard at a selected frequency by activating coils to provide energy to the chess pieces located at the squares on the playing surface. Any of these embodiments can be used in conjunction with a capacitive touch-sensitive system to provide all or part of the advantages described above for electronic chess sets including resonant frequency chess piece ID systems and capacitive touch-sensitive systems.

[0064] While the embodiments described herein are shown and described with reference to chess pieces, these embodiments can also be used to assist users in improving their skill level and increasing their enjoyment in different games using different game pieces. As some examples, these games may include board games such as Go, checkers, and draughts.

[0065] Having described several aspects of at least one embodiment of the invention, it should be understood that various changes, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such changes, modifications, and improvements are intended to be part of this disclosure and are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the above description and drawings are by way of example only.

Claims

1. A chess set, comprising: Multiple pieces; A chessboard having a playing surface that includes multiple individually identifiable locations on the chessboard that are visible to a user. as well as An electronic system comprising: A capacitive touch-sensitive sensing system configured to detect contact between a user and a piece located at one of a plurality of individually identifiable positions among the plurality of pieces; as well as A resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system is configured to identify the piece type of each piece when each piece in the plurality of pieces is located at one of the plurality of individually identifiable positions.

2. The chess set as described in claim 1, wherein, Each of these pieces is electrically conductive.

3. The chess set as described in claim 1, wherein, Each of the multiple chess pieces includes a resonant circuit.

4. The chess set as described in claim 3, wherein, Each of these corresponding resonant circuits comprises an overall planar structure.

5. The chess set as described in claim 1, wherein, Each of the plurality of chess pieces is a conductive piece, and the conductive piece also includes a planar resonant circuit for coupling the piece to the resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system. The planar resonant circuit also serves as the conductive path in the capacitive touch sensing system.

6. The chess set as described in claim 5, wherein, Each of the plurality of individually identifiable positions includes a coil contained in the resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system, the coil being configured to be inductively coupled to a planar resonant circuit contained in the respective piece when the corresponding piece is located in one of the plurality of individually identifiable positions.

7. The chess set as described in claim 6, wherein, The electronic system includes a lighting system, and Each of the plurality of individually identifiable locations includes at least one LED contained in the lighting system, and the respective at least one LED is configured to illuminate at least one area of ​​the location of the respective at least one LED, which is included in the plurality of individually identifiable locations.

8. The chess set as described in claim 7, wherein, The chessboard further includes a reflective surface located beneath the playing surface, and Each of the plurality of individually identifiable locations includes a blank area for transmitting light after it has been reflected from the reflective surface by light generated by the corresponding at least one LED at the corresponding location.

9. The chess set as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The electronic system includes a lighting system. Each of the plurality of individually identifiable locations includes at least one LED contained in the lighting system, and the respective at least one LED is configured to illuminate at least one area at the location of the respective at least one LED among the plurality of individually identifiable locations. The chessboard further includes a reflective surface located beneath the playing surface, and Each of the plurality of individually identifiable locations includes a blank area for transmitting light after it has been reflected from the reflective surface by light generated by the corresponding at least one LED at the corresponding location.

10. A method for configuring a chess set including a playing surface to track the positions of a plurality of pieces on the playing surface, the method comprising: The chess set includes a capacitive touch-sensitive sensing system configured to detect contact between a user and a piece included among the plurality of pieces located on the playing surface. as well as A resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system is configured to identify the piece type of each piece when each of the plurality of pieces is located on the playing surface.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising employing the capacitive touch-sensitive sensing system to determine that a user removes a piece from the plurality of pieces from a first position on the playing surface and that the user places it at a second position on the playing surface, the placement being confirmed by the capacitive touch-sensitive sensing system detecting that the user releases the piece at the second position.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising confirming the release within less than 200 milliseconds after the user releases the piece at the second position.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising employing a combination of the capacitive touch-sensitive sensing system and a scan performed by the resonant electromagnetic frequency recognition system to maintain identification of the current positions of all pieces remaining on the playing surface for less than 200 milliseconds after the user has completed a move, as indicated by the release.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The game surface includes sixty-four individually identifiable positions, where pieces among the plurality of pieces can be positioned.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The combination of the capacitive touch-sensitive sensing system and the scanning performed by the resonant electromagnetic frequency recognition system is used to maintain the current position of all pieces remaining on the playing surface after the user releases the piece. as well as Using information provided by the touch-sensitive capacitive sensing system, after the user releases the piece, the resonant electromagnetic frequency recognition system prioritizes scanning at least one of the first position and the second position on the playing surface.

16. A chess set, comprising: Multiple conductive chess pieces; A chessboard, which has a surface for playing games; as well as An electronic system comprising: A capacitive sensing system configured to detect contact between a user and any of the plurality of conductive chess pieces located on the playing surface; A resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system configured to scan the playing surface to obtain information about the identification of each of the plurality of conductive pieces located on the playing surface; and The processor is configured to use a combination of information provided by the capacitive sensing system and information provided by the resonant electromagnetic frequency identification system to identify the positions of all pieces remaining on the playing surface after the user releases a piece upon completing a move, the completion of the move being indicated by removing the piece from a first position and then releasing it at a second position, the first position being different from the second position.

17. The chess set as claimed in claim 16, wherein, The electronic system is configured to identify the positions of all pieces remaining on the playing surface within less than 200 milliseconds after the user makes their move.

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