Chess set

Abstract

A chess device, comprising: a chessboard capable of forming a plurality of chess squares, which are divided into enabled chess squares and non-enabled chess squares according to a state, the enabled chess squares including first-party enabled chess squares and second-party enabled chess squares; a conversion module including a user input unit and configured to convert one of the non-enabled chess squares into a current-party enabled chess square in a corresponding game step of a game session, the current-party enabled chess square being one of the first-party enabled chess squares and the second-party enabled chess squares, the user input unit being operable by a user; the chess device being configured to convert an associated opposite-party enabled chess square into the current-party enabled chess square when a selected chess square is converted into the current-party enabled chess square, the opposite-party enabled chess square being the other of the first-party enabled chess squares and the second-party enabled chess squares; the chess device further comprising a strength and weakness indication module configured to provide strength and weakness information indicating a strength and weakness between a number of the current first-party enabled chess squares and a number of the second-party enabled chess squares.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of puzzle game devices, and more specifically to a board game device. Background Technology

[0002] Existing board game devices involving two players lack the ability to indicate the strengths and weaknesses of each player. Players must rely entirely on their own observation and judgment of the current game situation, which consumes a lot of their energy and can lead to frustration due to misjudgments. Furthermore, the lack of clear advantages and disadvantages may result in players remaining in a less excited and focused state throughout the game, failing to maintain their interest, engage them, or encourage active thinking, thus hindering the optimal learning experience.

[0003] Therefore, a new chess device is still needed that can overcome the problems of existing technology and bring other advantages. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, this disclosure proposes a chess-playing device. According to one embodiment, the chess-playing device includes:

[0005] A chessboard can form multiple squares, which are divided into active squares and inactive squares according to their state. The active squares include the first active square and the second active square, which are in an active state.

[0006] The conversion module includes a user input unit and is configured to convert one of the non-enabled squares into the currently enabled square in a corresponding game step of the game process. The currently enabled square is one of the first enabled square and the second enabled square. One of the non-enabled squares that is converted is called the selected square. The user input unit can be operated by the user.

[0007] The chess-playing device is configured such that when the selected chess square is converted into the current player's enabled chess square, at least one associated opponent's enabled chess square related to the selected chess square is converted into the current player's enabled chess square, wherein the opponent's enabled chess square is another one of the first player's enabled chess square and the second player's enabled chess square;

[0008] The chess-playing device further includes an advantage / disadvantage indication module, which is configured to provide advantage / disadvantage information indicating the advantage / disadvantage between the number of currently activated squares of the first player and the number of currently activated squares of the second player.

[0009] According to various embodiments, the chess-playing device proposed in this disclosure may also include one or more of the following further developments.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the advantage / disadvantage indication module includes an indicator light assembly, which includes multiple indicator light units, each of which is called an LED bead.

[0011] According to some embodiments, during the game of the chess device, the multiple LED beads of the indicator light assembly include first-state LED beads in a first state and second-state LED beads in a second state, the second state being different from the first state;

[0012] The indicator light assembly is configured to provide the advantage / disadvantage information via at least one of the following:

[0013] The number of LEDs in the first state and the number of LEDs in the second state;

[0014] The percentage of the number of LEDs in the first state among the plurality of LEDs, and / or the percentage of the number of LEDs in the second state among the plurality of LEDs;

[0015] The ratio of the area occupied by the first state LED to the total area of ​​the indicator light assembly, and / or the ratio of the area occupied by the second state LED to the total area of ​​the indicator light assembly.

[0016] According to some embodiments, each of the first state and the second state is manifested as at least one of the following: the LED being on or off; the color of the LED when it is on; the brightness of the LED when it is on; and the flashing pattern of the LED when it is on.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the first state is an on state, and the second state is an off state.

[0018] According to some embodiments, the light strip is configured to alternately illuminate corresponding first-state LEDs in a first-light state and a second-light state between various game steps, wherein the first-light state and the second-light state are different from each other.

[0019] in:

[0020] The percentage of the number of first-state LED beads lit in the first lighting state among the plurality of LED beads, or the ratio of the area occupied by the first-state LED beads lit in the first lighting state to the total area of ​​the indicator light assembly, represents the percentage of the number of the first-activated checkerboard in the activated checkerboard.

[0021] The percentage of the number of first-state LEDs lit in the second illumination state among the plurality of LEDs, or the ratio of the area occupied by the first-state LEDs lit in the second illumination state to the total area of ​​the indicator light assembly, represents the percentage of the number of second-activated checkerboards among the activated checkerboards.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the chess device is configured to indicate the player's move in a corresponding game step through the first and second illumination states of the first state LED.

[0023] According to some embodiments, when the first state LED is lit in the first lighting state, it indicates that the current player is the first player and that the currently activated chess square is the first player's activated chess square; when the first state LED is lit in the second lighting state, it indicates that the current player is the second player and that the currently activated chess square is the second player's activated chess square.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the first lighting state is represented by a first lighting color, and the second lighting state is represented by a second lighting color that is different from the first lighting color.

[0025] According to some embodiments, the first state is represented by a first illuminated state, and the second state is represented by a second illuminated state.

[0026] According to some embodiments: the proportion of the first state LED beads in the plurality of LED beads or the ratio of the area occupied by the first state LED beads to the total area of ​​the indicator light assembly represents the proportion of the first activated grid in the activated grid; the proportion of the second state LED beads in the plurality of LED beads or the ratio of the area occupied by the second state LED beads to the total area of ​​the indicator light assembly represents the proportion of the second activated grid in the activated grid.

[0027] According to some embodiments, the first lighting state is represented by a first lighting color, and the second lighting state is represented by a second lighting color that is different from the first lighting color.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the chess device is configured to indicate the player's move in a corresponding game step by highlighting one of the first and second illuminated colors.

[0029] According to some embodiments, the chess device is configured to highlight one of the first and second illuminated colors by adjusting the brightness and / or illumination frequency of the first and second illuminated colors.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the indicator light assembly is arranged in a closed shape around the chessboard.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the indicator light assembly is configured as a light strip surrounding the chessboard.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs are evenly distributed around the chessboard.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the light strip is arranged in a closed shape of one of the following: circular; rectangular; elliptical; equilateral polygon; wherein "polygon" has an even number of sides.

[0034] According to some embodiments, the chess device includes a circular cover plate, the chessboard forming at least a portion of the circular cover plate, and the light strip surrounding the circular cover plate.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the chess-playing device has an overall cylindrical shape or is at least partially cylindrical.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the chessboard includes a grid area, which is an area of ​​the chessboard capable of forming the plurality of grids, the grid area having a center point; wherein the indicator light assembly is configured as a closed light strip and at least partially surrounds the grid area; wherein the grid area has a first axis passing through the center point, a first endpoint of the first axis intersecting the periphery of the grid area defining a first occupancy point, the first occupancy point being for one of the players in the chess device; a second endpoint of the first axis intersecting the periphery of the grid area defining a second occupancy point, the second occupancy point being for the other player in the chess device.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the first state LEDs alternately correspond to the distribution of the first and second capture points between various game steps to indicate the corresponding player in the current game step.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the chess device includes a single-player game mode and a multiplayer game mode; in the single-player game mode, the first occupant point is used for a human user; wherein, the user input unit includes at least a first user input unit located outside the chess grid area and close to the first occupant point.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the chessboard area has a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and passing through the center point, a first endpoint of the second axis intersecting the periphery of the chessboard area defining a third occupant point, and a second endpoint of the second axis intersecting the periphery of the chessboard area defining a fourth occupant point; wherein, in the two-player game mode of the chess device, the third occupant point is used for the first player of the two players, and the fourth occupant point is used for the second player of the two players.

[0040] According to some embodiments, in the two-player game mode of the chess device, the first status LEDs alternately correspond to the distribution of the third and fourth capture points between various game steps to indicate the corresponding player in the current game step.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the light strip is a circular light strip surrounding the checkerboard area.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the chessboard includes a grid area, which is an area of ​​the chessboard capable of forming the plurality of grids, the grid area having a center point; wherein the indicator light assembly is configured as a closed light strip and at least partially surrounds the grid area; wherein the grid area has a first axis passing through the center point, a first endpoint of the first axis intersecting the periphery of the grid area defining a first occupancy point, the first occupancy point being for one of the players in the chess device; a second endpoint of the first axis intersecting the periphery of the grid area defining a second occupancy point, the second occupancy point being for the other player in the chess device.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the first state LED corresponds to the first occupancy site distribution, and the second state LED corresponds to the second occupancy site distribution.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the chess device includes a single-player game mode and a multiplayer game mode; in the single-player game mode, the first occupant point is used for a human user; wherein, the user input unit includes at least a first user input unit located outside the chess grid area and close to the first occupant point.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the chessboard area has a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and passing through the center point, a first endpoint of the second axis intersecting the periphery of the chessboard area defining a third occupant point, and a second endpoint of the second axis intersecting the periphery of the chessboard area defining a fourth occupant point; wherein, in the two-player game mode of the chess device, the third occupant point is used for the first player of the two players, and the fourth occupant point is used for the second player of the two players.

[0046] According to some embodiments, in the two-player game mode of the chess device, the first state LED corresponds to the third position distribution, and the second state LED corresponds to the fourth position distribution.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the advantage / disadvantage indication module is configured to update the advantage / disadvantage information after the selected square and the at least one associated opponent-enabled square are converted to the current-enabled square.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the advantage / disadvantage indication module is configured to continuously provide the advantage / disadvantage information during each game phase.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the indicator light assembly is configured as a circular light strip, the chess device includes a circular cover plate, the chessboard forms at least a portion of the circular cover plate, the circular cover plate is an end plate of the chess device, the circular light strip is arranged around the circular cover plate, and the ratio of the width of the light strip to the maximum radius of the cover plate is 1 to 10%.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the first user input unit includes a move position confirmation unit, which is configured to be operable to perform the conversion operation.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the chess placement confirmation unit is configured to include a button or touch control.

[0052] According to some embodiments, the first user input unit includes a move position selection unit, which is configured to be operable to perform a selection operation, the selection operation including selecting one of the disabled squares, the selected one of the disabled squares being referred to as the selected square.

[0053] According to some embodiments, the chess device is configured to lock the selected square as the selected square and convert the selected square and the at least one associated opponent-enabled square to the current-enabled square when the selection operation meets the conversion conditions.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the conversion condition includes that the move selection unit does not perform any further selection operations within a given time threshold.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the chess placement selection unit is configured as a knob, button, or touch control.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the user input unit further includes a second user input unit, which includes a move position selection unit configured to be operable to perform a selection operation, the selection operation including selecting one of the disabled squares, the selected one of the disabled squares being referred to as the selected square.

[0057] According to some embodiments, the ratio of the width of the light strip to the maximum radius of the cover plate is 2 to 6%.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the chess device further includes a display module, which includes a chess square display unit corresponding to each chess square, each chess square display unit being configured to have an on state and an off state and to provide indication information about the state of the corresponding chess square.

[0059] According to some embodiments, the checkerboard display unit is configured to provide, in a lit state, a first activation indication information indicating that the first party activates the checkerboard and a second activation indication information indicating that the second party activates the checkerboard, wherein the second activation indication information is different from the first activation indication information.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the first activation indication information is represented by the first illumination state, and the second activation indication information is represented by the second illumination state.

[0061] According to some embodiments, the chess device includes a mode switching component configured to switch between a single-player game mode and a two-player game mode.

[0062] According to some embodiments, the user input unit includes a move position selection unit, which is configured to perform a selection operation, the selection operation including selecting one of the inactive squares, the inactive square being referred to as the selected square.

[0063] According to some embodiments, the move position selection unit includes a rotating ring and a fixed part, the rotating ring being configured to rotate relative to the fixed part to select one of a plurality of rotation positions, thereby correspondingly selecting one of the inactive squares.

[0064] According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the rotating ring is arranged around the chessboard.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the indicator light assembly is configured as a light strip and is radially located between at least a portion of the rotating ring and the chessboard.

[0066] According to some embodiments, the chessboard constitutes at least a portion of the cover plate of the chess device, the cover plate being an end plate of the chess device, and the light strip is radially located between at least a portion of the rotating ring and the cover plate.

[0067] According to some embodiments, the rotating ring, the light strip, and the cover plate all have a circular shape, and at least a portion of the cover plate, the light strip, and the rotating ring are arranged one after another in the radial direction, with the at least a portion of the rotating ring located on the outermost radial side.

[0068] According to some embodiments, the light strip is disposed axially inside at least a portion of the rotating ring, and the at least a portion of the rotating ring is light-transmitting.

[0069] According to some embodiments, the chess-playing device is a flip chess set.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the chessboard includes a grid area, which is an area capable of forming the plurality of grids, and the grid area formed in the middle of the chessboard has a raised platform-like structure. Attached Figure Description

[0071] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this disclosure and should not be considered as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0072] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a chess-playing device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0073] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a chess-playing device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0074] Figure 3 This is a partially exploded perspective view of a chess-playing device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0075] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a chess-playing device according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0076] Figure 5-7 A schematic plan view of a chess device according to a first variant is shown, illustrating the chess squares and the first move position confirmation unit, and an exemplary flipping process is also shown.

[0077] Figure 8 A three-dimensional schematic diagram shows the main body of the chess equipment, the mode switching component, the control module, the chess grid display unit, and the indicator light assembly.

[0078] Figure 9-13 The illustration schematically shows the flipping process of a game step, in which... Figure 9-10 This shows the state before the flipping process begins. Figure 11-12 The state during the flip is shown. Figure 13 The state after the flip is completed is shown;

[0079] Figure 14 It shows from Figure 13 The next game step is generated automatically;

[0080] Figure 15-18 The power-on states of different embodiments are shown;

[0081] Figures 19-20 An exemplary structure of the move selection unit is shown;

[0082] Figure 21-22 Another exemplary structure of the move selection unit is shown;

[0083] Figure 23 This illustrates yet another exemplary structure of the move selection unit;

[0084] Figure 24-26 An exemplary structure of the sensing component of the chess move selection unit is shown;

[0085] Figure 27-28 Another exemplary structure of the sensing component of the chess move selection unit is shown;

[0086] Figures 29-30 A cross-sectional view of a chess device according to various exemplary embodiments is shown.

[0087] List of reference numerals

[0088] 10 chess and card games equipment

[0089] 11 First Occupation Site

[0090] 12 Second Occupation Site

[0091] 13 Third Occupation Site

[0092] 14 Fourth Occupation Site

[0093] 20 main bodies

[0094] 21 bottom wall

[0095] 22nd week wall

[0096] 23 Receiving Cavity

[0097] 30 cover plate

[0098] 40 mode switching components

[0099] 100 chessboard

[0100] 100a checkerboard area

[0101] 110 chessboard

[0102] 110a enables checkerboard pattern

[0103] 110a1 First Party Enables Chess Grid

[0104] 110a2 Second Party Enables Chess Grid

[0105] 110b Non-enabled checkerboard

[0106] 110b1 Selectable squares 110b2 Unselectable squares

[0107] The chessboard selected by 110c

[0108] 300 display module

[0109] 310 checkerboard display unit

[0110] 400 control module

[0111] 410 circuit board

[0112] 500 First move position confirmation unit

[0113] 600 move selection units

[0114] 610 Fixing Part

[0115] 611 leaf spring

[0116] 6111 Positioning Department

[0117] 61110 base

[0118] 61111 First Leg

[0119] 61112 Second Leg

[0120] 6112 Connecting part

[0121] 61121 First connecting leg

[0122] 61122 Second connecting leg

[0123] 612 elastic element

[0124] 6121 concave part

[0125] 613 positioning component

[0126] 620 rotating ring

[0127] 621 First Rotating Ring Section

[0128] 622 First Rotating Ring Section

[0129] 623 First mating surface

[0130] 624 First mating part, groove

[0131] 625 teeth

[0132] 626 external surface

[0133] 6261 First surface, outer axial surface

[0134] 6262 Second page

[0135] 6263 Roughness-enhancing structure

[0136] 627 Outer Axial End Plate

[0137] 6311 magnet

[0138] 6312 First Light Sensor

[0139] 6313 Second Light Sensor

[0140] 6321 Hall Sensor

[0141] 6322 photoelectric encoder

[0142] 700 Second move position confirmation unit

[0143] 800 indicator light assembly, light strip

[0144] 810 indicator light unit, LED beads

[0145] 811 first state LED

[0146] 812 second-state LED

[0147] 820 indicator light assembly cover

[0148] 821 LED light transmission section

[0149] 822 LED light-blocking section

[0150] 900 battery module

[0151] X1 First Axis

[0152] X2 Second Axis Detailed Implementation

[0153] The chess-playing device according to embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0154] Therefore, the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present disclosure without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

[0155] Unless the context otherwise defines, the singular form includes the plural form. Throughout this specification, the terms “comprising,” “having,” etc., are used herein to specify the presence of the stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0156] Furthermore, even though ordinal terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms, and these terms are only used to distinguish one component from other components. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component.

[0157] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the disclosed product is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only used to facilitate the description of this disclosure and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this disclosure.

[0158] This disclosure proposes a chess-playing device 10. According to one embodiment, such as Figure 1-4 Figures 25, 29-30 schematically illustrate that the chess-playing device 10 includes a chessboard 100 capable of forming a plurality of squares 110. According to some embodiments, the chessboard 100 has square-dividing structures on or within the chessboard 100, such as grooves, ridges, flat lines, or lines engraved inside the chessboard 100 by laser to form the square-dividing structures, thereby dividing the chessboard 100 into a plurality of squares 110. Alternatively or additionally, the chessboard 100 can form the plurality of squares 110 by projection or illumination from other components. According to an exemplary embodiment, the chess-playing device 10 also includes a body 20, on which the chessboard 100 is supported or mounted. More specifically, the body 20 may be provided with a receiving cavity 23, which may accommodate other components of the chess-playing device 10, such as a battery module 900. According to an exemplary embodiment, the chessboard 100 constitutes at least a portion of a cover 30 that closes the opening of the receiving cavity 23.

[0159] According to some embodiments, the plurality of chess squares 110 of the chess-playing device 10 are divided into enabled chess squares 110a and disabled chess squares 110b according to their state, such as Figure 5-7As shown in 9, 11-17. More specifically, in the corresponding game phase, the activation of chess square 110a includes the first-party activation chess square 110a1 and the second-party activation chess square 110a2, both in an activated state. More specifically, the first-party activation chess square 110a1 belongs to the first party (first mover) in the game phase of the chess device 10, and the second-party activation chess square 110a2 belongs to the second party (second mover) in the game phase of the chess device 10. More specifically, "activated state" is "occupied state," and a chess square 110 in an activated state has been occupied by one party. More generally, "occupied chess square 110" means a chess square 110 that has been placed by one party.

[0160] According to some embodiments, the game modes of the chess device 10 include at least one of a single-player game mode and a two-player game mode. The single-player game mode is also referred to as a human-computer game mode, and the two-player game mode is also referred to as a human-to-human game mode. In the context of this document, in the single-player game mode, the "first player" or "first mover" is one of the human and the computer (i.e., the chess device 10 itself), and the "second player" or "second mover" is the other of the human and the computer; in the two-player game mode, the "first player" or "first mover" is one of the two players, and the "second player" or "second mover" is the other of the two players. In the context of this document, "current player" refers to the player whose turn it is to move, place a piece, or perform a related operation in the corresponding game step. In the context of this document, a "game segment" refers to a "round," "set," or "one" of games, which can correspond to multiple rounds of alternating operations by the two players from the start to the end of the game, and a "game step" includes one player making a move, placing a piece, or performing a related operation.

[0161] According to some embodiments, the chess-playing device 10 may further include a conversion module configured to convert one of the inactive squares 110b into an active square for the current player in a corresponding game step during the game. The active square for the current player is one of a first-player active square 110a1 and a second-player active square 110a2, more specifically, an active square 110a belonging to the current player. One of the inactive squares 110b that is converted is called a selected square. More specifically, in the current game step, the conversion module can be operated by the "current player" of either the first or second player to "place a piece" in an inactive square, that is, to convert that inactive square 110b into an active square 110a for the current player. This square 110b used for conversion can be called a "selected square," that is, an inactive square 110b selected by the user of the chess-playing device 10 to be "placed" or "converted" into an active square for the current player. According to some embodiments, the conversion module may include a user input unit that can be operated by a user.

[0162] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 9-14 As shown, the chess-playing device 10 is configured such that, when the conversion module operates to convert a selected square into a currently enabled square, at least one associated enabled square 110a associated with the selected square is also converted into a currently enabled square. Enabled square 110a, in contrast to "currently enabled square," is another of the first enabled square 110a1 and the second enabled square 110a2. More specifically, in the current game step, when the conversion module is operated by the current player, on the one hand, one of the non-enabled squares 110b, i.e., the selected square, can be converted into a currently enabled square; on the other hand, at least one associated enabled square 110a associated with the selected square is also converted or "flipped" into a currently enabled square. This process of converting the selected square and the at least one associated enabled square 110a into a currently enabled square can be called a conversion process or a flipping process.

[0163] According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 also includes an advantage / disadvantage indication module, which is configured to provide advantage / disadvantage information indicating the advantage / disadvantage between the number of chess squares 110a1 currently activated by the first player and the number of chess squares 110a2 currently activated by the second player, thereby indicating the advantage / disadvantage of the first player and the second player in the game, providing the user with the current advantage / disadvantage indication, reminding the user whether they are in an advantageous or disadvantageous position, and thus increasing the user's excitement and tension, and enhancing the fun.

[0164] According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 is configured to automatically switch game steps during the game. More specifically, the chess device 10 is configured to operate the conversion module in the current game step to convert the selected chess square and the associated enabled chess square 110a into the currently enabled chess square, and then immediately or after a period of time, the chess device 10 proceeds to the next game step.

[0165] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 15-17As shown, the chess device 10 is configured such that at the start of a game, the chess square 110 includes a certain number of first-player enabled chess squares 110a1 and second-player enabled chess squares 110a2. According to one embodiment, the chess device 10 is configured such that the number of first-player enabled chess squares 110a1 and the number of second-player enabled chess squares 110a2 included at the start of a game are equal. Alternatively, the chess device 10 may be configured such that the number of first-player enabled chess squares 110a1 and the number of second-player enabled chess squares 110a2 included at the start of a game are not equal. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 is configured such that at the start of a game, the chess square 110 includes two first-player enabled chess squares 110a1 and two second-player enabled chess squares 110a2. Exemplarily, the two first-player enabled chess squares 110a1 and the two second-player enabled chess squares 110a2 are adjacent to each other. For example, two first-party enabled squares 110a1 and two second-party enabled squares 110a2 are located in the central area of ​​the chessboard 100. According to one embodiment, the two first-party enabled squares 110a1 and two second-party enabled squares 110a2 are arranged in a rectangular array, with the two first-party enabled squares 110a1 forming the first diagonal of the rectangular array and the two second-party enabled squares 110a2 forming the second diagonal of the rectangular array.

[0166] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2-7 As shown in Figures 9 and 11-17, the plurality of squares 110 on the chessboard 100 are arranged in an array. In one embodiment, the plurality of squares 110 on the chessboard 100 are arranged in a rectangular array, more specifically in multiple rows and / or multiple columns. According to an exemplary embodiment, the chessboard 100 is an 8×8 rectangular array. In one embodiment, the plurality of squares 110 on the chessboard 100 are arranged in a square array; more specifically, the plurality of squares 110 are arranged in multiple rows and multiple columns. According to some embodiments, the chessboard 100 has a regular overall shape. According to some embodiments, the chessboard 100 has a circular, elliptical, rectangular, or oblong shape. According to some embodiments, the entire chess-playing device 10 may be cylindrical, such as cylindrical or prismatic.

[0167] The first variant of the conversion module

[0168] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 5-7As shown, the user input unit of the conversion module may include a first move position confirmation unit 500, which is configured to convert a selected square into a currently active square. More specifically, the first move position confirmation unit 500 is operable to convert a selected square into a currently active square. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 is configured to convert at least one associated active square 110a into a currently active square when the first move position confirmation unit 500 is operated. For example, in the sense of this document (not limited to the embodiments herein), if the current game step is the first player's turn, where the action is equivalent to "making a move" in the traditional sense, then the first player is the current player, the first player's active square 110a1 is the currently active square, and the second player's active square 110a2 is the active square 110a. In this example, when the current player, i.e. the first player, operates the first move position confirmation unit 500, one of the non-enabled squares 110b, i.e. the selected square, will be converted into the current player's enabled square, i.e. the first player's enabled square 110a1, and at least one associated enabled square 110a (i.e. the second player's enabled square 110a2) associated with the selected square will also be converted into the first player's enabled square 110a1; and vice versa.

[0169] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 5-7 As shown, the conversion module may include a first move position confirmation unit 500 corresponding to each chess square 110. According to some embodiments, the first move position confirmation unit 500 may include a touch control or a button, etc. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 also includes a control module 400, which is communicatively connected to the conversion module.

[0170] The second variant of the conversion module

[0171] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1-4Figures 10-30 schematically illustrate that the user input unit of the conversion module can be configured to include a move position selection unit 600, which is configured to operate to select one of the inactive squares 110b. This operation of the move position selection unit 600 can be referred to as a "selection operation". According to some embodiments, an inactive square 110b selected by the move position selection unit 600 is collectively referred to as "selected square 110c" in this second embodiment. More specifically, the inactive square 110b corresponding to each selection operation of the move position selection unit 600 is referred to as the selected square 110c. According to some embodiments, in game steps of the game phase, the move position selection unit 600 is configured to only "access" or select inactive squares 110b when performing a selection operation, and cannot "access" or select active squares 110a that are in an active state. More specifically, the selected square 110a is not an option for the placement selection unit 600. Therefore, the operation of the placement selection unit 600 will avoid all selected squares 110a and only select one square 110 from the range of non-selected squares 110b. This allows the user to make more targeted selections through the placement selection unit 600, eliminating unnecessary steps, speeding up the game, and preventing users from becoming annoyed by cumbersome selection operations.

[0172] According to some embodiments, the conversion module is configured to, when the selection operation of the move position selection unit 600 satisfies the conversion condition, lock the selected square 110c corresponding to the selection operation that satisfies the conversion condition as a selected square, and convert the selected square and the at least one associated enabled square 110a into the currently enabled square. According to some embodiments, the conversion condition may be a time threshold condition, such as the move position selection unit 600 not performing any further selection operation within a given time threshold. According to some embodiments, the conversion module further includes an input detection unit (not shown), configured to detect the selection operation of the move position selection unit 600 and determine whether the selection operation satisfies the conversion condition, and, when the conversion condition is met, lock the selected square 110c as a selected square and convert the selected square and the at least one associated enabled square 110a into the currently enabled square. According to some embodiments, the conversion condition may include the input detection unit not detecting any further operation by the move position selection unit 600 within a given time threshold. That is, if the move position selection unit 600 performs a selection operation to select one of the non-enabled squares 110b (i.e., the selected square 110c), and the move position selection unit 600 does not perform another selection operation within a given time threshold (e.g., 5-15 seconds), then the conversion condition is met. According to some embodiments, the input detection unit is communicatively connected to the move position selection unit 600. According to some embodiments, the input detection unit is communicatively connected to the control module 400. According to some embodiments, the operation of the move position selection unit 600 generates a selection sensing signal, and the input detection unit can determine whether the move position selection unit 600 has performed a selection operation based on the generation or receipt of the selection sensing signal. According to some embodiments, the input detection unit may include a timer configured to start timing after the input detection unit detects the selection operation of the move position selection unit 600, and generate a confirmation conversion signal when the timing reaches a given time threshold. The input detection unit can convert the selected square and the at least one associated enabled square 110a into the currently enabled square based on the generation or receipt of the confirmation conversion signal. According to some embodiments, the input detection unit may be an integrated part of the control module 400 of the chess device 10.

[0173] According to some embodiments, the move selection unit 600 may be in the form of a knob, button, or touch control. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 may include a single move selection unit 600, operable by each of the two players. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 may include two move selection units 600, each operable by one of the two players.

[0174] The third variant of the conversion module

[0175] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1-4 Figures 8-18 and 29 schematically illustrate that the user input unit of the conversion module may include a second move position confirmation unit 700, which is configured to convert a selected square into a currently active square. More specifically, the second move position confirmation unit 700 is configured to be operable to convert a selected square into a currently active square. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 is configured to convert the at least one associated active square 110a into a currently active square when the second move position confirmation unit 700 is operated.

[0176] According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 may include a single second move position confirmation unit 700 for user operation. According to some embodiments, the single second move position confirmation unit 700 is configured for operation by either of the two players. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 may include two second move position confirmation units 700 for operation by a corresponding player in each game. According to some embodiments, the second move position confirmation unit 700 may include a touch control or a button, etc.

[0177] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1-4 Figures 10-30 schematically illustrate that the conversion module can also be configured to include a move position selection unit 600, which is configured to operate to select one of the inactive squares 110b. This operation of the move position selection unit 600 can be referred to as a "selection operation". According to some embodiments, an inactive square 110b selected by the move position selection unit 600 is collectively referred to as "selected square 110c" in this third embodiment. More specifically, the inactive square 110b corresponding to each selection operation of the move position selection unit 600 is referred to as the selected square 110c. More specifically, the selected square 110c that is converted into a currently active square by the second move position confirmation unit 700 is the aforementioned selected square. According to some embodiments, in the game steps of the game phase, the move position selection unit 600 is configured to only "access" or select inactive squares 110b when performing a selection operation, and cannot "access" or select active squares 110a that are in an active state. More specifically, the selected square 110a is not an option for the placement selection unit 600. Therefore, the operation of the placement selection unit 600 will avoid all selected squares 110a and only select one square 110 from the range of non-selected squares 110b. This allows the user to make more targeted selections through the placement selection unit 600, eliminating unnecessary steps, speeding up the game, and preventing users from becoming annoyed by cumbersome selection operations.

[0178] According to some embodiments, the move selection unit 600 and the move confirmation unit 700 are configured as an integrated unit. Exemplarily, the integrated unit may integrate a unit that can be both rotated and pressed, more specifically, it may integrate a knob and a button. The knob, for example, corresponds to the move selection unit 600 and is configured to perform a selection operation when rotated, while the button, for example, corresponds to the second move confirmation unit 700 and is configured to perform a conversion from the selected square to the currently enabled square and / or at least one associated enabled square 110a to the currently enabled square when pressed. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 may include a single integrated unit operated by both players. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 may include two integrated units, each operated by one of the players.

[0179] It should be noted that the main difference between this third variant and the second variant is that, in this third variant, the conversion module does not perform the conversion of the selected square and the at least one associated enabled square 110a to the currently enabled square based on the selection operation of the move position selection unit 600 satisfying the conversion conditions as described in the second variant. Instead, this conversion is achieved through the operation of the second move position confirmation unit 700.

[0180] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 9 , 14-17 schematically illustrates that an inactive square 110b may include an optional square 110b1. More specifically, in the current game step of a game phase, an inactive square 110b may include optional squares 110b1 and unselectable squares 110b2. Optional squares 110b1 are inactive squares 110b that can be converted into current-player enabled squares in the current game step. More specifically, unselectable squares 110b2 are squares 110 that are not selectable in the current game step. More specifically, the selected squares mentioned above are one of the optional squares 110b1. According to some embodiments, each optional square 110b1 is determined by the layout or distribution of the associated first-player enabled squares 110a1 and associated second-player enabled squares 110a2 on the board 100 in the current game step. More specifically, for each optional square 110b1, there exists at least one associated first-party enabled square 110a1 and at least one associated second-party enabled square 110a2 associated with that optional square 110b1. According to some embodiments, the optional square 110b1 varies in different game steps within a game phase. According to some embodiments, in game steps of a game phase, the first move position confirmation unit 500, as described in the first variant, is configured to be effective only when operating in relation to the optional square 110b1; more specifically, only the first move position confirmation unit 500 corresponding to the optional square 110b1 is operable. According to some embodiments, in the game steps of the game phase, the move selection unit 600, as described in the second and third variations, is configured to only "access" the selectable squares 110b1 in the inactive squares 110b, and cannot "access" the inactive squares 110a and the non-selectable squares 110b2 in the inactive squares 110b. More specifically, the active squares 110a and the non-selectable squares 110b2 are not the selection objects of the move selection unit 600. Therefore, the operation of the move selection unit 600 will avoid all active squares 110a and all non-selectable squares 110b2, and only traverse at least one of the selectable squares 110b1 within the range of selectable squares 110b1 to select the desired square. This further facilitates the user's selection operation, eliminates invalid operations, enhances the user's focus and interest, and helps to speed up the game progress.

[0181] Display module 300

[0182] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 4 , 8As shown in pictures 10, 18, 24, 25, and 29-30, the chess-playing device 10 also includes a display module 300. The display module 300 may include a chess square display unit 310 corresponding to each chess square 110. Each chess square display unit 310 may be configured to have an on / off state and provide indication information about the state of the corresponding chess square 110. More specifically, the material forming at least each chess square 110 of the chessboard 100 is formed of a light-transmitting material to display the indication information shown by the chess square display unit 310. The arrangement of the display module 300 allows for enhanced human-computer interaction and enjoyment, and provides clear and intuitive indications of the current game state to increase user interest.

[0183] According to some embodiments, the checkerboard display unit 310 is configured to have different illumination states to indicate the corresponding state of the corresponding checkerboard 110. Exemplarily, and not exclusively, the checkerboard display unit 310 is configured to display the various states of the corresponding checkerboard 110 in the illumination state by displaying at least one of brightness, color, pattern, text, letters, numbers, and flashing patterns. More specifically, the checkerboard display units 310 can be controlled independently of each other, for example, by a control module 400. According to one exemplary embodiment, the checkerboard display unit 310 includes LED lights. According to some embodiments, the checkerboard display unit 310 is configured to provide, in the illumination state, a first activation indication message indicating that a first party activates checkerboard 110a1 and a second activation indication message indicating that a second party activates checkerboard 110a2, the second activation indication message being different from the first activation indication message. Figure 5-7 As shown in Figures 9-18, the first activation indication is marked with a purple symbol (①), and the second activation indication is marked with a yellow symbol (②). The display module 300's design enhances human-computer interaction and eliminates the need for physical chess pieces, allowing users to conveniently use the chess device 10 in any location.

[0184] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 5-7As shown in Figures 9-13, the display module 300 of the chess-playing device 10 can be configured such that when the conversion module operates to convert a selected square into a currently active square, the square display unit 310 corresponding to the selected square switches to displaying one of the first and second activation indication information to indicate the conversion from the selected square to the currently active square. According to a further embodiment, the display module 300 of the chess-playing device 10 can also be configured such that the square display unit 310 corresponding to at least one associated active square 110a switches from displaying one of the first and second activation indication information to displaying one of the first and second activation indication information to indicate the conversion from the at least one associated active square 110a to the currently active square. This further ensures human-computer interaction and game enjoyment, and realizes the "flipping" action of the opponent's pieces after the current player "places a piece," enhancing the game experience. For example, if it is the first player's turn to act in the current game, then the first player is the current player, and the first player activates the chess piece 110a1 as the current player's activated chess piece, while the second player activates the chess piece 110a2 as the activated chess piece 110a. In this example, when the first-party operation conversion module performs a conversion operation, the selected square is converted into the current-party enabled square, i.e., the first-party enabled square 110a1. The square display unit 310 corresponding to the selected square then switches to displaying first activation information to indicate the conversion of the selected optional square 110b1 to the first-party enabled square 110a1. At least one associated enabled square 110a (i.e., the second-party enabled square 110a2) associated with the selected square is also converted into the first-party enabled square 110a1. The square display unit 310 corresponding to the at least one associated second-party enabled square 110a2 switches from displaying second activation indication information to displaying first activation indication information to indicate the conversion of the at least one associated second-party enabled square 110a2 to the first-party enabled square 110a1; and vice versa.

[0185] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 9-18 As schematically shown, the checkerboard display unit 310 can be configured to provide selection indication information (e.g., using...) indicating the selected checkerboard 110c when it is lit up. Figure 9 , 14-17 is marked with a dark blue ④, allowing the user to easily observe which square 110 is currently selected. The selection indication information is different from both the first and second activation indication information. According to some embodiments, "selected square 110c" is defined as the square 110 that the move position selection unit 600 currently "accesses," "traverses," or "locates." According to some embodiments, the display module 300 is configured to display the selection indication information in the square display unit 310 corresponding to the selected square 110c when the move position selection unit 600 is operating. Exemplarily, the square display unit 310 corresponding to the selected square 110c can be configured to switch from an off state to displaying the selection indication information. According to a further embodiment, the display module 300 is configured such that when the conversion module operates to convert a selected square into a currently enabled square, the square display unit 310 corresponding to the selected square switches from displaying selection indication information to displaying one of a first enable indication information and a second enable information to indicate the conversion from the selected square to the currently enabled square. This configuration enables the display module 300 to present the dynamic process of the conversion from the selected square to the currently enabled square, allowing the user to easily confirm which square 110 has been converted, enhancing human-computer interaction, and more specifically, enhancing the user-friendliness and interactivity of the chess device 10, attracting user attention and increasing user interest.

[0186] According to some embodiments, the control module 400 can be communicatively connected to the move selection unit 600. More specifically, the move selection unit 600 generates a selection sensing signal during operation, which is communicated to the control module 400, so that the control module 400 can determine which square 110 the move selection unit 600 is currently operating on, that is, determine the currently selected square 110c.

[0187] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 9-10 As illustrated in 14-18, the checkerboard display unit 310 is also configured to provide optional indicator information (such as...) in the illuminated state. Figure 9 , 14 (In section -18, marked with ③ in light blue) to indicate the corresponding square 110. More specifically, the corresponding inactive square 110b is an optional square 110b1. The optional indication information is different from the first and second enabled indication information. The optional indication information allows users to quickly identify the squares 110 in the current game step that can be placed or transformed, assisting the player in quickly locking in possible placement positions, reducing the game difficulty and entry barrier, accelerating the game process, and enhancing human-computer interaction and game fun.

[0188] According to some embodiments, the display module 300 can be configured such that when the conversion module operates to convert a selected square into a currently enabled square, the square display unit 310 corresponding to the selected square switches from displaying optional indication information to displaying one of a first enable indication information and a second enable indication information to indicate the conversion from the selected square to the currently enabled square. This configuration allows the display module 300 to present the dynamic process of the conversion from the selected square to the currently enabled square, thereby making it easy for the user to confirm which square 110 has been converted, enhancing human-computer interaction, and more specifically enhancing the user-friendliness and interactivity of the chess device 10, attracting user attention and increasing user interest. According to some embodiments, the display module 300 can also be configured such that when the conversion module operates to convert a selected square into a currently enabled square, the square display unit 310 corresponding to the other optional squares 110b1 besides the selected square switches switches from displaying optional indication information to an off state or a reduced brightness state. This configuration prevents irrelevant optional squares 110b1 from causing any visual interference to the transformation process of the selected square and the flipping process of the at least one associated enabled square 110a, thereby allowing the user's line of sight and attention to be locked on the relevant transformation and flipping squares, quickly judge the current changes in the game, and also allows for reduced power consumption.

[0189] According to some embodiments, the optional squares 110b1 include the selected square 110c and the remaining optional squares 110b1 other than the selected square 110c. According to some embodiments, the optional indication information includes first optional indication information that differs from each other (e.g., ...). Figure 9-10 (marked with ④ in dark blue in sections 14-18) and second optional information (such as...) Figure 9-10 (Identified in light blue with ③ in sections 14-18). Optional indication information is used to indicate the selected square 110c, and second optional indication information is used to indicate the remaining optional squares 110b1. This configuration allows users to easily and intuitively distinguish which optional square 110b1 has been selected by the move selection unit 600 and the positions of the remaining optional squares 110b1 on the chessboard 100, thereby quickly making a decision on whether to place a move, further enhancing human-computer interaction and attracting user attention. According to some embodiments, the control module 400 can be configured to communicate with the move selection unit 600. These embodiments are particularly applicable to the second and third variations of the conversion module.

[0190] According to some embodiments, the display module 300 is configured such that when the move position selection unit 600 performs a selection operation, the grid display unit 310 corresponding to the selected grid 110c switches from displaying second optional indication information to displaying first optional indication information, thereby intuitively indicating that the selectable grid 110b1 currently located by the move position selection unit 600 is the currently selected grid 110c. According to some embodiments, the display module 300 can also be configured such that when the move position selection unit 600 performs a selection operation, the grid display unit 310 corresponding to the previously selected grid 110c switches from displaying first optional indication information to displaying second optional indication information, indicating that the previously selected grid 110c is no longer the selected grid 110c after further operation by the move position selection unit 600, but belongs to one of the other optional grids 110b1. According to some embodiments, in one game step, the move position selection unit 600 can be configured to locate one of the optional grids 110b1 as the currently selected grid 110c for each selection operation. Alternatively, the move selection unit 600 can be configured to lock one of the selectable squares 110b1 as the currently selected square after multiple operations. Alternatively, the move selection unit 600 can be configured to lock the selectable square 110b1 associated with the operation as the currently selected square only after a given time period has elapsed following the operation. This predetermined time period is, for example, 2-8 seconds.

[0191] According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 can be configured such that, in a game step, there are multiple optional squares 110b1, which may have a first order, and the placement position selection unit 600 can be operated to perform a selection operation according to the first order. According to a further embodiment, the chess device 10 can also be configured such that, in a game step, the placement position selection unit 600 can also be operated to perform a selection operation according to a second order, which is the inversion of the first order. More specifically, the placement position selection unit 600 is configured to be operable to perform both forward and reverse selection operations, and this forward and reverse selection operation can be switched at any time. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 is configured to sort all existing optional squares 110b1 at the beginning of each game step and associate the operation of the placement position selection unit 600 with this sorting, such that the operation of the placement position selection unit 600 follows this sorting or a reverse sorting of this sorting.

[0192] According to some embodiments, the display module 300 can be configured such that when the conversion module operates to convert a selected square into a currently enabled square, the square display unit 310 corresponding to the selected square switches from displaying a first optional indication information to displaying one of a first enable indication information and a second enable indication information to indicate the conversion from the selected square to the currently enabled square. This configuration allows the display module 300 to present the dynamic process of the conversion from the selected square to the currently enabled square, thereby making it easy for the user to confirm which square 110 has been converted, enhancing human-computer interaction, and more specifically enhancing the user-friendliness and interactivity of the chess device 10, attracting user attention and increasing user interest. According to some embodiments, the display module 300 can also be configured such that when the conversion module operates to convert a selected square into a currently enabled square, the square display unit 310 corresponding to the other optional squares 110b1 switches from displaying a second optional indication information to an off state or a reduced brightness state. This configuration prevents irrelevant optional squares 110b1 from causing any visual interference to the transformation process of the selected square and the flipping process of the at least one associated enabled square 110a, thereby allowing the user's line of sight and attention to be locked on the relevant transformation and flipping squares, quickly judge the current changes in the game, and also allows for reduced power consumption.

[0193] According to some embodiments, the display module 300 is configured to keep the display units 310 corresponding to the non-selectable squares 110b2 (excluding the selectable squares 110b1) in the non-enabled squares 110b in a turned-off state during game steps. This avoids any visual interference from the non-selectable squares 110b2 to other squares 110, and also helps to save power.

[0194] Occupation points of chess-playing device 10

[0195] According to some embodiments, exemplarily, such as Figure 1 , 3 As shown in Figures -4, 25, 29-30, the chess-playing device 10 may include a cover plate 30, and a chessboard 100 may be disposed on the cover plate 30 or constitute at least a part of the cover plate 30. More specifically, the second move position confirmation unit 700 or the integrated unit according to the third variant, or the move position selection unit 600 according to the second variant, may be disposed on the cover plate 30 and positioned close to the chessboard 100. Exemplarily, the second move position confirmation unit 700 is configured as a button or touch control. Exemplarily, the integrated unit is configured to integrate a knob portion and a button portion. Exemplarily, the move position selection unit 600 is configured as a button or touch control.

[0196] According to some embodiments, the chess-playing device 10 is configured to include a single-player game mode and a two-player game mode. More specifically, such as Figure 1-3As schematically shown, the chess-playing device 10 may include a mode switching component 40 configured to switch between a single-player game mode and a two-player game mode. Exemplarily, the mode switching component 40 may be in the form of a slider that can slide between different positions, or a lever or knob that can rotate between different angle positions; exemplarily, the mode switching component 40 may be in the form of a button or key; exemplarily, the mode switching component 40 may be in the form of a touchscreen.

[0197] According to some embodiments, the first party uses a chessboard 110a1 to represent the first player or the first side in the game of the chess device 10, and the second party uses a chessboard 110a2 to represent the second player or the second side in the game of the chess device 10.

[0198] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 9 , 11 -17 schematically shows that the chess device 10 may define a first occupying point 11 and a second occupying point 12 opposite to each other. The first occupying point 11 is for one of the two players in the chess device 10, and more specifically, the player may be located on the side of the first occupying point 11 of the chess device 10. The second occupying point 12 is for the other player in the chess device 10, and more specifically, the other player may be located on the side of the second occupying point 12 of the chess device 10.

[0199] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 9 , 11 -17 schematically illustrates that the chessboard 100 may include a grid area 100a, which is an area of ​​the chessboard 100 capable of forming the plurality of grids 110. The grid area 100a may have a center point. According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, the height of the checkerboard area 110a is higher than the rest of the chessboard 100; that is, the checkerboard area 110a formed in the center of the chessboard 100 has a raised platform-like structure. This arrangement makes it easier for players to focus their attention on the chessboard 100, thereby improving their concentration on the game. More specifically, when the chessboard 100 forms part of the cover plate 30, the height of the checkerboard area 110a is higher than the rest of the cover plate 30.

[0200] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 9 , 11-17 schematically shows that the chessboard area 100a has a first axis X1 passing through its center point, a first endpoint of the first axis X1 intersecting the periphery of the chessboard area 100a defining a first occupant point 11, and a second endpoint of the first axis X1 intersecting the periphery of the chessboard area 100a defining a second occupant point 12. According to some embodiments, in the single-player game mode of the chessboard device 10, the first occupant point 11 can be used for the first player, and the second occupant point 12 can be used for the second player. According to some embodiments, the first player is a user (in the sense of this document, a user refers to an actual entity 20, which can be a human or a robot) among the two players in the human-computer mode, and the chessboard device 10 itself, as the second player, can be considered to be "virtually" located on the side of the second occupant point 12; and vice versa. According to some embodiments, the first player can be the first user among the two players in the two-player game mode, and the second player can be the other user among the two players in the two-player game mode.

[0201] According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 may include two first move position confirmation units 500 according to a first variation, the two first move position confirmation units 500 being positioned near the first occupying point 11 and the second occupying point 12, respectively, for use by corresponding parties of the two players, especially in a two-player game mode. According to some embodiments (not shown), the chess device 10 may include two move position selection units 600 according to a second variation, the two move position selection units 600 being positioned near the first occupying point 11 and the second occupying point 12, respectively, for use by corresponding parties of the two players, especially in a two-player game mode. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 may include two second move position confirmation units 700 or integrated units according to a third variation, the two second move position confirmation units 700 or the two integrated units being positioned near the first occupying point 11 and the second occupying point 12, respectively, for use by corresponding parties of the two players, especially in a two-player game mode.

[0202] According to an alternative embodiment, the chess device 10 includes a single second move position confirmation unit 700 according to a third variant, an integrated unit according to a third variant, or a single move position selection unit 600 according to a second variant, positioned near the first occupant point 11, more specifically the occupant point for the user. Exemplarily, the single second move position confirmation unit 700, the single integrated unit, or the single move position selection unit 600 is positioned outside the chess square area 100a and near the first occupant point 11, for example, in an area of ​​the chessboard 100 other than the chess square area 100a, or on a cover plate 30, the chessboard 100 forming at least a portion of the cover plate 30, which may be an endplate of the chess device 10. This arrangement facilitates user operation of the second move position confirmation unit 700, the integrated unit, or the move position selection unit 600, and is ergonomically sound. By way of example and not exclusively, if the checkerboard region 100a is a square, the first occupant 11 and the second occupant 12 may optionally be defined on two opposite sides of the checkerboard region 100a; if the checkerboard region 100a is circular, the first occupant 11 and the second occupant 12 may be radially opposite each other.

[0203] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 , 11-17 schematically illustrates that the chess-playing device 10 may also be configured to include a third occupant point 13 and a fourth occupant point 14 disposed opposite to each other, each of the third occupant point 13 and the fourth occupant point 14 being different from the first occupant point 11 and the second occupant point 12. In some embodiments, the third occupant point 13 may be circumferentially displaced relative to the first occupant point 11 by an offset angle of +90° or -90°, and the fourth occupant point 14 may correspondingly be circumferentially displaced relative to the second occupant point 12 by an offset angle of +90° or -90°. In some embodiments, the chessboard area 100a has a second axis X2 perpendicular to the first axis X1 and passing through its center point, the first endpoint of the second axis X2 intersecting the periphery of the chessboard area 100a defining the third occupant point 13, and the second endpoint of the second axis X2 intersecting the periphery of the chessboard area 100a defining the fourth occupant point 14. By way of example, and not exclusively, if the chessboard area 110a is a square, then the third occupant point 13 and the fourth occupant point 14 can be defined on two opposite sides of the chessboard area 100a; if the chessboard area 100a is circular, then the third occupant point 13 and the fourth occupant point 14 can be radially opposite each other. More specifically, in the two-player game mode of the chessboard device 10, the first user, as the first player in the game, can be located on the side of the third occupant point 13, while the second user, as the second player in the game, can be located on the side of the fourth occupant point 14. This is particularly advantageous in embodiments where the chess device 10 includes only a single second move position confirmation unit 700, a single integrated unit, or a single move position selection unit 600 located near the first occupancy point 11. This ensures that in a two-player game mode, both the first and second players can easily access and operate the single second move position confirmation unit 700, the single integrated unit, or the single move position selection unit 600, and that the operation of either player does not obstruct the other player's view of the chess square area 100a. This also helps to reduce the number of components in the chess device 10, which is beneficial for overall structural compactness and cost-effectiveness.

[0204] According to some embodiments, the checkerboard area 100a is one of the following shapes: circular; rectangular; elliptical; equilateral polygon, where "polygon" means an even number of sides. According to some examples, the checkerboard 100 or the cover plate 30 is one of the following shapes: circular; rectangular; elliptical; equilateral polygon; more specifically, where "polygon" means an even number of sides.

[0205] According to one embodiment, the chess-playing device 10 includes a circular cover plate 30, and the chess square area 100a is rectangular, more specifically square, and the plurality of chess squares 110 are exemplarily distributed in a rectangular array; optionally, the four corners of the chess square area 100a lie on the circular outer contour of the circular cover plate 30. Optionally, the chessboard 100 forms at least a portion of the circular cover plate 30.

[0206] In some embodiments, such as Figure 15 and 16 As shown, where Figure 15 The diagram illustrates the power-on state in the human-computer chess game mode. Figure 16 The diagram schematically illustrates the power-on state in a two-player game mode. The chess device 10 is further configured such that its power-on state, i.e., the state at the start of the game, shifts angularly in accordance with the angle shift of the players' positions as the game mode changes. This ensures that regardless of the game mode, it meets the user's ergonomic requirements and facilitates observation of the game board and operation. Furthermore, it allows players to intuitively perceive the game mode of the chess device 10 without needing to observe the position of the mode-switching component 40 to determine the current game mode. In some embodiments, the state at the start of the game may include the layout or positioning of the first player's activated square 110a1 and the second player's activated square 110a2 on the chessboard 100.

[0207] Advantages and disadvantages indicator module

[0208] According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 further includes an advantage / disadvantage indication module configured to provide advantage / disadvantage information indicating the relative strengths and weaknesses between the number of currently active squares 110a1 for the first player and the number of active squares 110a2 for the second player. This allows users to intuitively understand the relative strengths and weaknesses between the two players in the current game and enhances the tension and excitement of the game, thus improving the gaming experience. In some embodiments, the advantage / disadvantage is expressed as a quantitative relationship. Exemplarily, and not exclusively, the quantitative relationship may be: the ratio of the number of active squares 110a1 for the first player to the number of active squares 110a2 for the second player; and / or the percentage of active squares 110a1 for the first player among all active squares 110a, where all active squares 110a are the sum of the number of active squares 110a1 for the first player and the number of active squares 110a2 for the second player; and / or the percentage of active squares 110a2 for the second player among all active squares 110a. In some embodiments, the advantage / disadvantage indication module is configured to provide advantage / disadvantage information in real time. It should be noted that, in the context of this article, "real-time" means that during the game, after each game step, i.e., after one player completes their move (i.e., the flip process initiated by that player is completed), the advantage / disadvantage indication module provides current advantage / disadvantage indication information based on the number of first-player activated squares 110a1 and second-player activated squares 110a2 on the current board 100. This information can be set to remain until the other player completes their move, i.e., a flip process is completed. According to some embodiments, the advantage / disadvantage indication module is configured to update the advantage / disadvantage information after the conversion module operates to complete the flip process. According to further embodiments of the first and third variations described above, the advantage / disadvantage indication module can be configured to update the advantage / disadvantage information after each operation of the placement confirmation units 500 and 700. According to a further embodiment of the second variation described above, the advantage / disadvantage indication module can be configured to update the advantage / disadvantage information when the selection operation of the placement selection unit 600 satisfies the conversion conditions. According to some embodiments, the advantage / disadvantage indication module is configured to continuously provide advantage / disadvantage information throughout each game phase. According to an alternative embodiment, the strengths and weaknesses indication module can be configured to provide strengths and weaknesses information in a non-continuous manner.

[0209] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1-4 As shown in Figures 10, 9-18, 24-25, 27, and 30, the advantage / disadvantage indication module includes an indicator light assembly 800, which includes multiple indicator light units 810. These indicator light units 810 can be referred to herein as "LED beads 810". The indicator light units 810 exemplarily include LEDs. According to some embodiments, the LED beads 810 can be configured to change at least one of their on / off state, brightness, color, flashing mode, etc. According to some embodiments, the multiple LED beads 810 can be independently controlled.

[0210] According to some embodiments, during the game process of the chess device 10, such as Figure 9-18 As shown, the indicator light assembly 800 includes a plurality of LEDs 810 in a first state (LED 811) and a second state (LED 812) in a second state, the second state being different from the first state. The indicator light assembly 800 can be configured to provide advantage / disadvantage information through at least one of the following: the number of LEDs 811 in the first state and the number of LEDs 812 in the second state; the proportion of LEDs 811 in the plurality of LEDs, and / or the proportion of LEDs 812 in the plurality of LEDs; the ratio of the area occupied by LEDs 811 in the first state to the total area of ​​the indicator light assembly 800, and / or the ratio of the area occupied by LEDs 812 in the second state to the total area of ​​the indicator light assembly 800; and so on. More specifically, when using the indicator light assembly 800 to provide advantage / disadvantage information, the plurality of LEDs in the indicator light assembly 800 are divided into first state LEDs 811 and second state LEDs 812. According to some embodiments, each of the first state and the second state represents at least one of the following: the on or off state of the LED 810; the illumination color of the LED 810 when it is on; the illumination brightness of the LED 810 when it is on; and the illumination flashing pattern of the LED 810 when it is on. According to some embodiments, the plurality of LEDs 810 in the indicator light assembly 800 can be divided into first-state LEDs 811 and second-state LEDs 812 that are not mixed with each other, i.e., the first-state LEDs 811 are continuously distributed, and the second-state LEDs 812 are continuously distributed. More specifically, the indicator light assembly 800 is divided into a first segment and a second segment, where the first segment can be a segment where the first-state LEDs 811 are distributed, and the second segment can be a segment where the second-state LEDs 812 are distributed. This allows the human eye to more intuitively and clearly determine the current advantage or disadvantage of both sides in the game.

[0211] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 9-16 As shown, the first state is the lit state, and the second state is the off state. This allows for the indication of advantages and disadvantages in a power-saving manner. According to some embodiments, during the game process, such as Figure 9-14As shown, the indicator light assembly 800 can be configured to alternately illuminate corresponding first-state LED beads 811 in a first illumination state and a second illumination state between various game steps. The first illumination state and the second illumination state are different from each other. The proportion of first-state LED beads 811 illuminated in the first illumination state among the plurality of LED beads represents the proportion of the first-party activated grid 110a1 among all activated grids 110a, and the proportion of first-state LED beads 811 illuminated in the second illumination state among the plurality of LED beads represents the proportion of the second-party activated grid 110a2 among all activated grids 110a. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the area occupied by the first-state LED beads 811 illuminated in the first illumination state to the total area of ​​the indicator light assembly 800 can represent the proportion of the first-party activated grid 110a1 among all activated grids 110a, and the ratio of the area occupied by the first-state LED beads 811 illuminated in the second illumination state to the total area of ​​the indicator light assembly 800 can represent the proportion of the second-party activated grid 110a2 among all activated grids 110a. According to some embodiments, the chess-playing device 10 is configured to indicate the player's move in a corresponding game step through a first and second illumination state of a first state LED 811. More specifically, if the first state LED 811 is currently illuminated in the first illumination state, it indicates that the player in the current game step is the first player; conversely, if the first state LED 811 is currently illuminated in the second illumination state, it indicates that the player in the current game step is the second player. According to some embodiments, when the first state LED 811 is illuminated in the first illumination state, it indicates that the currently activated square is the first player's activated square 110a1; when the first state LED 811 is illuminated in the second illumination state, it indicates that the currently activated square is the second player's activated square 110a2. These embodiments allow the indicator light assembly 800 to have the dual function of indicating the advantages and disadvantages of both players and the corresponding player's move, improving user interactivity and user-friendliness. Figure 9-13 This shows the status of indicator light component 800 during a game step. Figure 14 The status of indicator light assembly 800 in the next game step is shown. It can be seen that in these two game steps, the first state LED 811 is lit in purple and yellow respectively. Figure 9-13 The purple LED 811 in the first state can be used to indicate the proportion of the purple side's (first side's) activated squares in all activated squares 110a, that is, to indicate the purple side's advantages and disadvantages. On the other hand, it can be used to indicate that the player who plays in the current game step is the purple side. Figure 14 The yellow LED 812 in the first state can be used to indicate the proportion of the yellow (second) player's (second) activated squares in all activated squares 110a, that is, to indicate the yellow player's advantage or disadvantage. On the other hand, it can be used to indicate that the player who plays in the current game step is the yellow player.

[0212] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 9-14As shown, the first lighting state is the first color, and the second lighting state is the second color, which is different from the first color.

[0213] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 9-13 As shown (representing a complete game step), each game step can include two phases, namely the first phase before the flipping process begins. Figure 9-10 The first stage (11-13) begins after the flipping process. In the first stage, the chess device 10 is configured to indicate the player's move in the corresponding game step via the first illumination state, more specifically, the first color, and the second illumination state, more specifically, the second color of the first state LED 811. For example, if the current first state LED 811 is illuminated in the first color, it indicates that the player in the current game step is the first player; conversely, if the current first state LED 811 is illuminated in the second color, it indicates that the player in the current game step is the second player. Simultaneously, the proportion of the current first state LED 811 in terms of quantity or area among all LEDs is used to represent the current advantage / disadvantage information. Figure 13 In the second phase, the advantage / disadvantage indicator module, more specifically the indicator light assembly 800, updates the advantage / disadvantage information. More specifically, after the flipping process is complete, as described above, the selected square and its associated enabled square 110a are converted to the currently enabled square. Therefore, the number of first-side enabled squares 110a1 and second-side enabled squares 110a2 on the chessboard 100 will change. The advantage / disadvantage indicator module is then configured to update the advantage / disadvantage information based on this change and display the updated advantage / disadvantage information. Figure 13 According to one embodiment, the updated advantage / disadvantage information is presented in the same way as the previous advantage / disadvantage information. For example, if the player in the current game move is the first player, then in the first stage, the advantage / disadvantage information can be represented by the proportion of the first-state LED beads 811 lit with the first color among all LED beads 810; in the second stage, the updated advantage / disadvantage information is still represented by the proportion of the first-state LED beads 811 lit with the first color among the LED beads 810; and vice versa.

[0214] It should be noted that, according to some embodiments, the game steps may not have a phase for updating and displaying advantage and disadvantage information. Instead, the advantage and disadvantage information updated compared to the previous game step may be displayed directly at the beginning of each game step.

[0215] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 13-14 As shown, the chess device 10 is configured to automatically switch to the next game step after the second stage is completed, and therefore can automatically switch the display of advantage and disadvantage information. Figure 13 This marks the end of a game step. Figure 14(This is the start of the next game step). For example, if the player in the current game step is the first player, the advantage / disadvantage indicator module indicates the percentage of the number of the first player's activated square 110a1 among all activated squares 110a by the proportion of the first-state LEDs 811 lit in the first illuminated state (more specifically, the first color) among all LEDs 810 or by the proportion of the area relative to the entire indicator light assembly 800. In the next game step, the player becomes the second player, and the advantage / disadvantage indicator module switches to indicating the percentage of the number of the second player's activated square 110a2 among all activated squares 110a by the proportion of the number of the second-state LEDs 812 lit in the second illuminated state (more specifically, the second color) among all LEDs 810 or by the proportion of the area relative to the entire indicator light assembly 800.

[0216] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 9-18 As shown, the first state of the LED is represented by the first illuminated state, and the second state of the LED 812 is represented by the second illuminated state, which is different from the first illuminated state. That is, the first-state LED 811 is the LED lit in the first illuminated state, and the second-state LED 812 is the LED 810 lit in the second illuminated state. The first illuminated state can be the first illuminated color, and the second illuminated state can be a second illuminated color different from the first illuminated color. Further, the proportion of the first-state LED 811 among the plurality of LEDs 810 represents the proportion of the first activated grid 110a1 among the activated grid 110a; the proportion of the second-state LED 812 among the plurality of LEDs 810 represents the proportion of the second activated grid 110a2 among the activated grid 110a. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the area occupied by the first-state LED 811 to the total area of ​​the indicator light assembly 800 can represent the proportion of the number of first-state activated grids 110a1 in activated grids 110a, and the ratio of the area occupied by the second-state LED 812 to the total area of ​​the indicator light assembly 800 can represent the proportion of the number of second-state activated grids 110a2 in activated grids 110a. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 is configured to indicate the player in a corresponding game step by highlighting one of a first illumination color and a second illumination color. Exemplarily, and not exclusively, the chess device 10 is configured to highlight one of the first illumination color and the second illumination color by adjusting the brightness and / or illumination frequency of the first illumination color and the second illumination color. For example, if, in the current game step, the brightness of the LED 810 illuminated by the first illumination color gradually becomes higher than that of the LED 810 illuminated by the second illumination color, it indicates that the current player is the first player. This configuration allows the indicator light assembly 800 to function as both an indicator of the strengths and weaknesses of both players and a corresponding indicator of the player's position, thus enhancing user interactivity and user-friendliness.

[0217] According to some embodiments, the indicator light assembly 800 is also configured to provide a winning indication message at the end of the game. According to some embodiments, at the end of the game, all LEDs 810 are illuminated, optionally accompanied by flashing. According to some embodiments, at the end of the game, the entire indicator light assembly 800 is illuminated in a first illuminated state or a second illuminated state, optionally accompanied by flashing, to indicate whether the winning side is the first or second side.

[0218] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1-4 As shown in 10, 9-18, 24-25, 27, and 30, the indicator light assembly 800 is configured to surround the chessboard 100. More specifically, the plurality of LEDs 810 are evenly distributed around the chessboard 100. According to some embodiments, the indicator light assembly 800 is configured as a light strip 800 having a closed shape. Exemplarily, and not exclusively, the light strip 800 is configured to have one of the following shapes: circular; rectangular; elliptical; equilateral polygon; more specifically, "polygon" means an even number of sides. According to some embodiments, the light strip 800 is configured as a circular or elliptical light strip 800, and the chessboard 100 is at least partially inscribed within the light strip 800. According to some embodiments, the chessboard 100 may be configured as a circular chessboard 100. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 has a cylindrical overall shape or is at least partially cylindrical. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 includes a control module 400 configured to communicatively connect with the indicator light assembly 800 to control the operation of the indicator light assembly 800. According to some embodiments, the plurality of LED beads 810 are disposed on the circuit board 410 of the control module 400, located in the peripheral area of ​​the circuit board 410. According to one embodiment, the circuit board 410 is configured to have one of the following shapes: circular; rectangular; elliptical; equilateral polygon; more specifically, "polygon" means an even number of sides.

[0219] In some embodiments, as described above, the chess device 10 may have a first occupying point 11 and a second occupying point 12. Exemplarily, the chess device 10 may use the aforementioned first occupying point 11 and second occupying point 12 in a single-player game mode. In some embodiments, as described above, the chess device 10 may have a third occupying point 13 and a fourth occupying point 14. Exemplarily, the chess device 10 may use the aforementioned third occupying point 13 and fourth occupying point 14 in a two-player game mode. According to some embodiments, as described above, during the game, the first state LED 811 is an LED 810 in an illuminated state, and the second state LED 812 is an LED 810 in an off state. In some embodiments, the light strip 800 is configured such that, during the game, the first state LED 811 alternately corresponds to the first occupying point 11 and the second occupying point 12 or alternately corresponds to the third occupying point 13 and the fourth occupying point 14 between various game steps, to indicate the corresponding player in the current game step. For example, in a game scenario, if the first-state LED bead 811 corresponds to the first or third position 13 in the current game step, it indicates that the current player is the first player; if the first-state LED bead 811 corresponds to the second or fourth position 14, it indicates that the current player is the second player. Therefore, in these embodiments, the LED strip 800 can very intuitively indicate the current player, especially by combining the first-state LED beads 811 in different lighting states as described above. More specifically, the current player and their advantage / disadvantage information can be clearly and intuitively indicated by the following combination: the position of the first-state LED bead 811; and the lighting state of the first-state LED bead 811 (e.g., first color or second color).

[0220] It should be noted that, in the context of this article, such as Figure 9-18 As shown, "corresponding to a certain occupancy point distribution" can be understood as the corresponding LED beads 810 being distributed along two opposite circumferential directions with the intersection of the corresponding axis passing through the occupancy point and the center line of the checkerboard area 100a with the LED strip 800 as the midpoint.

[0221] According to alternative embodiments, as described above and as follows Figure 17-18 As shown, during the game, the first state LED 811 is the LED 810 in the first illuminated state, and the second state LED 812 is the LED 810 in the second illuminated state, which is different from the first illuminated state. For example, the first illuminated state is a first color, and the second illuminated state is a second color. In such an embodiment, the first state LED 811 can be further configured to always correspond to the distribution of the first or third occupant point 13, and the second state LED 812 can always correspond to the distribution of the second or fourth occupant point 14.

[0222] According to some embodiments, as described above, such as Figure 9-14As shown, the advantage / disadvantage module may include an indicator light assembly 800, and the multiple LED beads 810 of the indicator light assembly 800 may include first-state LED beads 811 and second-state LED beads 812. According to some embodiments, as described above, the illumination states of the LED beads 810 include a first illumination state and a second illumination state. According to some embodiments, as described above, the first illumination state can be represented by a first color, and the second illumination state can be represented by a second color. According to a further embodiment, the first activation indication information for indicating that the first party activates the checkerboard 110a1 is also represented by the first illumination state, for example, the first color, and the second activation indication information for indicating that the second party activates the checkerboard 110a2 is also represented by the second illumination state, for example, the second color. That is, the illumination state of the advantage / disadvantage LED beads 810 used to indicate the proportion of the corresponding side's enabled square 110a among all enabled squares 110a is consistent with the activation indication information used to indicate the corresponding side's enabled square 110a. This allows for a very intuitive indication of the proportion of the LED beads 810 illuminated in the corresponding illumination state among all LED beads 810 or the proportion in the total area of ​​the indicator assembly 800, representing the proportion of the corresponding side's enabled square 110a among all enabled squares 110a. More specifically, the current player and advantage / disadvantage information can be clearly and intuitively indicated by the following combination: the position of the first-state LED beads 811 and / or the second-state LED beads 812; the illumination state of the first-state LED beads 811 and / or the second-state LED beads 812 (e.g., first color or second color); optionally, the representation of the first activation indication information and the representation of the second activation indication information, i.e., the illumination state of the first side's enabled square 110a1 and the second side's enabled square 110a2.

[0223] According to some embodiments, the indicator light assembly 800 is configured as a circular light strip 800, more specifically, it is arranged around the periphery of the circular cover plate 30 of the chess device 10, with the chessboard 100 forming at least a portion of the cover plate 30. According to some embodiments, the ratio of the radial width of the light strip 800 to the maximum radius of the cover plate 30 is 1 to 10%, preferably 2 to 6%, thereby ensuring that the light strip 800 clearly displays the advantage and disadvantage indication information, while not interfering with the display of the first active chess square 110a1 and the second active chess square 110a2 on the chessboard 100, and without causing visual fatigue to the user.

[0224] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1-4As shown in Figures 25 and 29-30, the chess-playing device 10 also includes an indicator light assembly cover 820, which covers the indicator light assembly 800, and more specifically, covers a plurality of LED beads 810. More specifically, the indicator light assembly cover 820 includes a plurality of LED light-transmitting portions 821 and LED light-blocking portions 822. In other words, the indicator light assembly cover 820 is divided into a plurality of LED light-transmitting portions 821 by the LED light-blocking portions 822, and each LED light-transmitting portion 821 corresponds to one LED bead 810, so that the indicator information provided by the LED bead 810 can be displayed through the LED light-transmitting portions 821. According to some embodiments, the indicator light assembly cover 820 has a plurality of cavities, the sides surrounding each cavity are formed by LED light-blocking portions 822, and one end of each cavity is formed by a corresponding LED light-transmitting portion 821, which may exemplary be a material gap. When the indicator light assembly cover 820 covers the light strip 800, each LED 810 is located in a corresponding cavity, and the LED 810 is surrounded by an LED light-blocking portion 822, while the side of the LED 810 opposite to the first axial side of the holder faces the LED light-transmitting portion 821. According to some embodiments, the indicator light assembly cover 820 is configured as a single piece.

[0225] According to some embodiments, when the indicator light assembly 800 is a light strip 800, the ratio of the radial width of the indicator light assembly cover 820 to the maximum radius of the cover plate 30 is 1 to 10%, preferably 2 to 6%. This ensures that the light strip 800 clearly displays the advantage and disadvantage indication information, while not interfering with the display of the first active square 110a1 and the second active square 110a2 on the chessboard 100, and also does not cause visual fatigue to the user.

[0226] According to some embodiments, the main body 20 of the chess device 10 is a housing component, which includes a bottom wall 21 and a peripheral wall 22. The end opposite to the peripheral wall 22 may be an open end, and the cover plate 30 and / or the chessboard 100 may be configured to cover the open end.

[0227] Unit 600 for selecting the placement of pieces

[0228] According to some embodiments, the chess-playing device 10 can be configured to include a first player enabling a chess square 110a1 and a second player enabling a chess square 110a2 at the start of a game, the number of which may be equal or unequal. More specifically, such as Figure 15-17As shown, the chess-playing device 10 can be configured such that, at the start of the game, a first-player enabled square 110a1 and a second-player enabled square 110a2 are located in the central area of ​​the chessboard 100, which can be referred to as the "enabled central area." Within this enabled central area, there are no empty squares 110 between the enabled squares 110a, or more specifically, no non-enabled squares 110b. In this case, the non-enabled squares 110b, or more specifically, the optional squares 110b1, are located on the periphery of the enabled central area. According to some embodiments, the chess-playing device 10 is configured such that, as the game progresses, the enabled squares 110a expand from the enabled central area outwards to the outer squares 110 of the chessboard 100. According to some embodiments, such as... Figure 15-17 As shown, the chess-playing device 10 is configured to automatically display all available chess squares 110b1 at the start of each game step, and automatically select one of the available chess squares 110b1 as the currently selected chess square 110c. Starting from the currently selected chess square 110c, one of the players can operate the move position selection unit 600 to select, for example, the desired available chess square 110b1 in sequence, until the desired chess square 110b1 is selected, i.e., the "selected chess square" mentioned above. Of course, one of the players can also choose not to operate the move position selection unit 600 based on the confirmation that the automatically displayed available chess square 110b1 is the desired available chess square 110b1. According to a more specific embodiment, considering ergonomics, and in order to conform to the human eye's observation habits, especially the habit of scanning the target area from left to right and from top to bottom, so as to facilitate one of the players to easily and intuitively lock their gaze on the automatically selected "currently selected square 110c", the chess device 10 is configured such that, at the beginning of each game step, the automatically selected "currently selected square 110c" is set to the corresponding position relative to the corresponding player. The "currently selected square 110c" is one of the selectable squares 110b1 that is far away from the corresponding position and is located in the upper left area of ​​the chessboard 100. According to one specific implementation, the "currently selected square 110c" can be the topmost optional square 110b1 located in the upper left region of the chessboard 100 relative to the corresponding position. If there is no optional square 110b1 in the upper left region of the chessboard 100 relative to the corresponding position, then the square 110 at the top relative to the corresponding position is taken as the "currently selected square 110c". In particular, if all the optional squares 110b1 are arranged in a row, then the leftmost optional square 110b1 relative to the corresponding position is taken as the "currently selected square 110c".

[0229] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 19-22As shown, the move position selection unit 600 may be configured to include a fixed part 610 and a movable part, the movable part being configured to move relative to the fixed part 610 between at least two occupiable positions to select one of the inactive squares 110b, more specifically from all optional squares 110b1, for placing a piece. According to some embodiments, the move position selection unit 600 further includes a sensing component configured to generate a sensing signal, more specifically a selection sensing signal as described above, when the movable part moves between the at least two occupiable positions. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 is configured to determine the selection of the corresponding inactive square 110b, more specifically an optional square 110b1, based on the generation or receipt of the selection sensing signal, i.e., to determine the selected square 110c. According to one embodiment, the display module 300 is configured to cause the square display unit 310 corresponding to the associated inactive square 110b, such as an optional square 110b1, to switch states based on the generation of the selection sensing signal. By way of example, but not exclusively, when the movable part moves from the currently occupies a position to the next occupies a position, the selected square 110c changes from the currently selected square 110c to the next selected square 110c. Simultaneously, the sensing component generates a selection sensing signal. Based on this sensing signal, the display module 300 causes the square display unit 310 corresponding to the currently selected square 110c to switch from displaying selection indication information to, for example, an off state or from displaying first optional indication information to displaying second optional indication information. Similarly, the square display unit 310 corresponding to the next selected square 110c switches from, for example, an off state to displaying selection indication information or from displaying second optional indication information to displaying first optional indication information. According to some embodiments, the sensing component may include at least one fixed second sensor and at least one first sensor configured to move with the movable part. The first sensor can sense each other with the corresponding second sensor to generate a selection sensing signal. According to some embodiments, the sensing component is configured to sense the direction of movement of the movable part relative to the fixed part 610. According to some embodiments, the sensing component may include an electrical and / or magnetic sensing component, a light and / or color sensing component, etc.

[0230] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1-4Figures 19-30 schematically show that the movable part is in the form of a rotating ring 620, which is configured to rotate relative to the fixed part 610 between at least two rotational positions to perform a selection operation, i.e., selecting one of the checkerboard 110, such as a non-activated checkerboard 110 or an optional checkerboard 110b1. According to some embodiments, the rotating ring 620 is configured to rotate relative to the fixed part 610 about a rotation axis to select one of a plurality of rotational positions, so as to correspondingly select one of the non-activated checkerboard 110b, more specifically, one of the optional checkerboard 110b1. More specifically, the rotating ring 620 may have multiple positions, which can be rotated to switch between. More specifically, the rotating ring 620 may be configured to select one of the plurality of non-activated checkerboard 110b, more specifically, one of the optional checkerboard 110b1, corresponding to each switch between two adjacent positions. According to one embodiment, the rotating ring 620 is configured to rotate clockwise and / or counterclockwise to perform a selection operation of the chess square 110. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 is configured such that, in a game step, when the rotating ring 620 rotates clockwise to pass through at least one of a plurality of rotating positions and selects one of the plurality of rotating positions, one of the plurality of optional chess squares 110b1 is traversed according to the aforementioned first order of the plurality of optional chess squares 110b1 and the corresponding optional chess square 110b1 is selected; when the rotating ring 620 rotates counterclockwise to pass through at least one of the plurality of rotating positions and selects one of the plurality of rotating positions, one of the plurality of optional chess squares 110b1 is traversed according to the aforementioned second order of the plurality of optional chess squares 110b1 and the corresponding optional chess square 110b1 is selected. Exemplarily, the rotating ring 620 may occupy 15-35 rotating positions, for example, 28 rotating positions. It is understood that the number of rotating positions of the rotating ring 620 may be adaptively increased or decreased depending on the diameter of the rotating ring 620.

[0231] In some embodiments, such as Figure 9 and 14As illustrated, the chess device 10 is configured such that, as the game progresses, the active squares 110a expand from the active area, such as the central active area, outwards towards the periphery of the active area, until reaching the outer squares 110 of the chessboard 100. In this case, each optional square 110b1 is located on the periphery of at least one active square 110a. Therefore, all optional squares 110b1 are positioned around at least a portion of the active squares 110a. Thus, setting the movable part in the form of a rotating ring 620 conforms to the overall layout of the optional squares 110b1 on the chessboard 100 and is therefore ergonomic, as this allows the optional squares 110b1 to be selected sequentially along a generally circumferential direction. This allows the player's operation of selecting squares 110 by "rotating" and the optional squares 110b1 on the chessboard 100 to be selected sequentially and cyclically along a virtual closed trajectory, achieving a match between the operation and visual observation. It should be noted that the circumferential direction here refers to the direction along the periphery of the active squares 110a, rather than a strictly circular direction.

[0232] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1-2 As shown in Figures 25, 29-30, the rotating ring 620 is at least partially disposed around the chessboard 100. According to some embodiments, the chessboard 100 may be a circular chessboard 100, with the rotating ring 620 disposed around it. According to some embodiments, the chessboard 100 forms part of a circular cover plate 30 of the chess-playing device 10, with the rotating ring 620 disposed around the cover plate 30. Exemplarily, and not exclusively, the chessboard 100 may be internally contained within the rotating ring 620. These embodiments have numerous advantages, including: ergonomic design as described above, facilitating selection operations; enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the chess-playing device 10; not occupying additional space, contributing to the overall compactness of the chess-playing device 10, etc. According to some embodiments, the chess-playing device 10 includes a body 20, with at least a portion of the rotating ring 620 disposed around or at an end of the body 20. According to one embodiment, the chess-playing device 10 may include a cylindrical body portion, with the rotating ring 620 mounted on the cylindrical body portion. According to some embodiments, at least a portion of the rotating ring 620 is mounted within a receiving cavity 23 defined by the cylindrical body portion. According to one specific embodiment, the rotating ring 620 is mounted at least partially around the cylindrical body 20. According to an alternative embodiment, the rotating ring 620 is at least partially mounted on and at least partially covers the axial end of the cylindrical body 20, more specifically, the checkerboard 100 or cover plate 30 is disposed at that axial end.

[0233] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 4 , 19As shown in Figure -24, the rotating ring 620 may include a first mating surface 623 and a plurality of first mating portions 624 disposed on the first mating surface 623, each first mating portion 624 corresponding to one of the plurality of rotational positions. Correspondingly, the fixing portion 610 is provided with a second mating portion 611, which is configured to engage with the plurality of first mating portions 624 to position the rotating ring 620 at each rotational position. More specifically, the first mating portions 624 and the second mating portions 611 are configured to allow the rotating ring 620 to be positioned at each rotational position (in other words, the aforementioned stop), and to allow the rotating ring 620 to rotate relative to the mating portions to select a desired rotational position. According to some embodiments, the plurality of first mating portions 624 are arranged in a ring, more specifically, arranged in a ring around a rotation axis. According to some embodiments, the plurality of first mating portions 624 are evenly distributed.

[0234] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 4 , 19 -24 schematically illustrates that the first mating portion 624 is configured as a groove 624, which is constructed to receive at least a portion of the second mating portion 611 to position the rotating ring 620 in a corresponding rotational position. Exemplarily, the first mating surface 623 may also be provided with teeth 625, with the teeth 625 and grooves 624 alternately disposed on the first mating surface 623 such that each groove 624 is disposed circumferentially between two adjacent teeth 625. According to some embodiments, the second mating portion 611 is configured such that when at least a portion of the second mating portion 611 enters the groove 624 from outside the groove 624 as the rotating ring 620 rotates relative to the fixed portion 610, this at least portion of the second mating portion 611 contacts and impacts the bottom and / or sidewall of the groove 624 to provide an audible cue and / or vibratory tactile feedback, such as a clicking sound. This configuration allows for enhanced human-machine interaction while allowing the user better control over the rotation of the rotating ring 620. According to some embodiments, the groove 624 is configured as a trapezoidal groove with an opening cross-section larger than its bottom cross-section. More specifically, the two circumferential end faces of the groove 624 are configured as inclined surfaces converging towards each other from the opening side to the bottom side of the groove 624. This configuration is advantageous in two ways: firstly, it allows at least a portion of the second mating part 611 (such as the positioning part 6111 of the spring or the positioning member 613 connected to the elastic member 612, as described below) to glide more easily along the two circumferential end faces of the groove 624 and thus avoid jamming when the rotating ring 620 rotates; secondly, it allows at least a portion of the second mating part 611 to more easily impact the circumferential end faces of the groove 624 when entering the groove 624, providing an audible cue and / or a tactile vibration.

[0235] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 19-24As shown, the second mating portion 611 includes an elastic member 612 connected to the fixing portion 610. According to some embodiments, the elastic member 612 of the second mating portion 611 is configured such that, when facing other portions of the first mating surface 623 besides the first mating portion 624 (such as the groove 624 described above) (such as the toothed portion 625 described above), at least a portion of the elastic member 612 abuts against the first mating surface 623 to compress the elastic member 612, more specifically, between the first mating surface 623 and the fixing portion 610; while when facing the groove 624, at least a portion of the elastic member 612 extends to release elastic stress and enters the groove 624, thereby positioning the rotating ring 620 at the corresponding rotational position. According to some embodiments, such as... Figures 19-20 As shown, the elastic element 612 includes a leaf spring 611, which includes a positioning portion 6111 and a connecting portion 6112. The connecting portion 6112 is connected to the fixing portion 610, and the positioning portion 6111 is abutting against a first mating surface 623 (more specifically against a toothed portion 625) and entering a groove 624. According to some embodiments, the leaf spring 611 is configured as a single piece. Exemplarily, the positioning portion 6111 is configured to have a U-shaped structure, which includes a base 61110 and a first leg 61111 and a second leg 61112 extending from the base 61110. When the positioning portion 6111 is located in the groove 624, its base 61110 faces the bottom of the groove 624. Exemplarily, the connecting portion 6112 includes two connecting legs connected to the fixing portion 610, namely a first connecting leg 61121 and a second connecting leg 61122. The first connecting leg 61121 is connected to a first support leg 61111, and the second connecting leg 61122 is connected to a second support leg 61112. Exemplarily, the first connecting leg 61121 and the second connecting leg 61122 extend away from each other from the connecting portion 6112, which is respectively connected to the first support leg 61111 and the second support leg 61112, for example, in a V-shape.

[0236] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 21-23 As shown, the second mating part 611 may include an elastic member 612 connected to the fixing part 610 and a positioning member 613 mating with the elastic member 612. According to some embodiments, a first end of the elastic member 612 is connected to the fixing part 610, and the positioning member 613 is integrally formed with, connected to, or abuts against, or forms a shape with, the elastic member 612 at a second end opposite to the first end of the elastic member 612. According to some embodiments, the elastic member 612 includes a helical spring or a leaf spring. According to some embodiments, the positioning member 613 is in the form of a bead, more specifically, a round bead. According to some embodiments, the round bead-shaped positioning member 613 is configured to rollably fit into the elastic member 612. According to some embodiments, such as... Figure 21-22As shown, the positioning element 613 is a ball, and the elastic element 612 is a spring. The positioning element 613 and the elastic element 612 are separately disposed. The spring has a recess 6121 for limiting the ball. The maximum cross-section of the recess 6121 is smaller than the maximum cross-section of the ball. Optionally, the recess 6121 is a circular recess 6121 and its diameter is smaller than the diameter of the ball, so that a part of the ball, more specifically, a part smaller than a hemisphere, can sit in the recess 6121. This structure allows the positioning element 613 to roll and sit in the recess 6121 when subjected to external force (such as the frictional force applied by the first mating surface 623 of the rotating ring 620). This reduces the friction between the positioning element 613 and the first mating surface 623 of the rotating ring 620, so that the rotating ring 620 will not jam when rotating, and the user's feel is better. According to some embodiments, the second mating portion 611 is configured such that, when it is opposite to other parts of the first mating surface 623 except for the first mating portion 624 (more specifically, the groove 624) (such as the toothed portion 625 described above), the positioning member 613 abuts against the first mating surface 623 to compress the elastic member 612, more specifically, to be compressed between the first mating surface 623 and the fixing portion 610; while when the second mating portion 611 is opposite to the groove 624, the elastic member 612 extends to release elastic stress and biases the positioning member 613 into the groove 624, thereby positioning the rotating ring 620 in the corresponding rotational position.

[0237] According to an alternative embodiment, contrary to the above embodiment, the second mating part 611 can be configured as a groove 624 on the fixing part 610, and the first mating part 624 is configured to include an elastic member 612 connected to the rotating ring 620 and an optional positioning member 613 connected to the elastic member 612. More specific embodiments can be found in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0238] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 19-23 As shown, the second mating part 611 is located radially inside the first mating surface 623 of the rotating ring 620. More specifically, at least a portion of the fixing part 610 is located radially inside the first mating surface 623 of the rotating ring 620. More specifically, the first mating surface 623 is radially opposite to the second mating part 611, that is, the first mating surface 623 is the radially inward surface of the rotating ring 620.

[0239] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and 24 As shown, the first mating surface 623 of the rotating ring 620 can be configured to be axially opposite to the second mating part 611, that is, the first mating surface 623 is an axially facing surface of the rotating ring 620.

[0240] According to some embodiments, the rotating ring 620 includes a first rotating ring portion 621 and a second rotating ring portion 622, which are connected to each other for co-rotation. According to one embodiment, the first rotating ring portion 621 and the second rotating ring portion 622 are snap-fitted together. Exemplarily, the second rotating ring portion 622 is connected to the body 20 of the chess-playing device 10.

[0241] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 4 , 19 As shown in Figure -24, the aforementioned first mating surface 623 is disposed on the second rotating ring portion 622, and therefore the aforementioned plurality of first mating portions 624 (e.g., grooves 624) and teeth 625 are alternately disposed on the second rotating ring portion 622. According to some embodiments, the fixing portion 610 is at least partially located axially between the first rotating ring portion 621 and the second rotating ring portion 622. According to some embodiments, such as Figure 4 and 24 As shown, the first mating surface 623 is configured as at least a portion of an axial end face of the second rotating ring portion 622. According to an alternative embodiment, such as... Figure 19-23 As shown, the first mating surface 623 is set as the radially inward surface of the second rotating ring portion 622, and the second mating part 611 is set on the radially inner side of the first mating surface 623.

[0242] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1-4 As shown, the outer surface 626 of the rotating ring 620 is disposed on the first rotating ring portion 621. More specifically, the outer surface 626 of the rotating ring 620 is the touch surface used by the user to operate the rotating ring 620. According to some embodiments, the first rotating ring portion 621 is at least partially located outside the body 20 of the chess device 10, and the second rotating ring portion 622 is at least partially located inside the body 20 of the chess device 10. According to some embodiments, the second rotating ring portion 622 is configured to be invisible from the outside of the chess device 10.

[0243] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1-4As shown, the outer surface 626 of the rotating ring 620, which is used by the user to touch and operate the rotating ring 620, is provided with a roughness-enhancing structure 6263 to facilitate the user's rotation of the rotating ring 620 and to allow the player to visually perceive that the rotating ring 620 is a rotatable component, making it easier for the player to get started with the game. According to one embodiment, the outer surface 626 of the rotating ring 620 is provided with grooves or other uneven structures. According to some embodiments, the outer surface 626 of the rotating ring 620 includes a first surface 6261 and a second surface 6262 extending laterally (intersecting or perpendicularly) relative to each other, and grooves are provided on the first surface 6261 and / or the second surface 6262. According to some embodiments, the first surface 6261 and the second surface 6262 are at least a portion of the peripheral side surface and at least a portion of the end side surface on the outer side of the rotating ring 620, respectively. Optionally, the first surface 6261 and the second surface 6262 are adjacent to or intersect each other. For example, the first surface 6261 may be the outer axial surface 6261 of the first rotating ring portion 621, and the second surface 6262 may be the outer radial surface of the first rotating ring portion 621.

[0244] According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 may include a sensing component configured to generate a rotation position sensing signal, i.e., the aforementioned selection sensing signal, when the rotating ring 620 switches between the plurality of rotation positions. According to some embodiments, the chess device 10 is configured to determine the selection of a corresponding chess square 110 based on the generation of the rotation position sensing signal. According to one embodiment, the display module 300 is configured to cause the chess square display unit 310 corresponding to the selected chess square 110c to switch states based on the rotation position sensing signal generated by the sensing component. By way of example, and not exclusively, when the rotating ring 620 rotates from the current rotation position to the next rotation position, the selected square 110c changes from the currently selected square 110c to the next selected square 110c. Simultaneously, the sensing component generates a rotation position sensing signal. The display module 300 is configured to, based on the generation of the rotation position sensing signal, cause the square display unit 310 corresponding to the currently selected square 110c to switch from displaying selection indication information to, for example, an off state, or from displaying first optional indication information to displaying second optional indication information. Similarly, the square display unit 310 corresponding to the next selected square 110c switches from, for example, an off state, to display selection indication information or from displaying second optional indication information to displaying first optional indication information. According to some embodiments, the sensing component may include at least one fixedly disposed second sensor and at least one first sensor configured to rotate integrally with the rotating ring 620, for example, disposed on the rotating ring 620. The first sensor can sense each other with the corresponding second sensor to generate a rotation position sensing signal. According to some embodiments, the second sensor may be disposed on the circuit board 410 of the control module 400. According to some embodiments, the number of first or second sensors may be the same as the number of rotational positions; alternatively, the number of first or second sensors may be different from the number of rotational positions. According to some embodiments, the sensing components are configured to sense the rotational direction of the rotating ring 620 relative to the fixed portion 610.

[0245] According to some embodiments, the sensing component may include an electrical and / or magnetic sensing component, a light and / or color sensing component, etc.

[0246] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 4 , 24As shown in Figure 26, the first sensing element includes either a Hall sensor 6321 or a magnet 6311, and the second sensing element includes either a Hall sensor 6321 or a magnet 6311. More specifically, the first sensing element includes multiple magnets 6311, and the second sensing element includes a Hall sensor 6321. Exemplarily, the number of magnets 6311 is the same as the number of rotation positions. Thus, each time the rotating ring 620 rotates to change its rotation position, the magnets 6311 that rotate integrally with the rotating ring 620 will rotate past the Hall sensor 6321, and the Hall sensor 6321 can correspondingly generate a rotation position sensing signal. In some embodiments, multiple magnets 6311 and multiple grooves 624 are alternately arranged on the rotating ring 620. More specifically, a magnet 6311 receiving portion for accommodating the magnets 6311 is provided at the first mating surface 623 of the rotating ring 620, and the magnet 6311 receiving portion and the grooves 624 are alternately arranged. In some embodiments, each tooth 625 is provided with one magnet 6311 receiving portion.

[0247] In an alternative embodiment, the first sensing element includes a Hall sensor 6321, and the second sensing element includes a plurality of magnets 6311, wherein, exemplary, the number of magnets 6311 is the same as the number of rotational positions.

[0248] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 21-22As shown in Figures 27-28, the second sensing element includes a photoelectric encoder 6322, and the first sensing element includes a plurality of first light sensors 6312 and a plurality of second light sensors 6313 that can be sensed or detected by the photoelectric encoder 6322. The plurality of first light sensors 6312 and the plurality of second light sensors 6313 are alternately arranged. Exemplarily, the number of first light sensors 6312 and second light sensors 6313 is the same as the number of rotation positions. Thus, each time the rotating ring 620 rotates to change its rotation position, the first light sensors 6312 and the plurality of second light sensors 6313 that rotate with the rotating ring 620 pass through the photoelectric encoder 6322, and the photoelectric encoder 6322 can generate a rotation position sensing signal accordingly. In some embodiments, one of the first light sensors 6312 and the second light sensors 6313 is a white light sensor and the other is a black light sensor. In some embodiments, a plurality of first light-sensing portions 6312 and a plurality of second light-sensing portions 6313 are disposed on the axially facing surface of the rotating ring 620, more specifically the second rotating ring portion 622, which is radially and / or axially offset from the first mating surface 623; according to some embodiments, a plurality of first light-sensing portions 6312 and a plurality of second light-sensing portions 6313 are disposed on the first axially facing surface of the rotating ring 620, more specifically the second rotating ring portion 622, and the first mating surface 623 is disposed on the second axially opposite surface of the rotating ring 620, more specifically the second rotating ring portion 622; according to some embodiments, the first mating surface 623 is disposed on one of the radially facing surface and the axially facing surface of the rotating ring 620, more specifically the second rotating ring portion 622, and the plurality of first light-sensing portions 6312 and a plurality of second light-sensing portions 6313 are disposed on the other of the radially facing surface and the axially facing surface of the rotating ring 620, more specifically the second rotating ring portion 622.

[0249] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 1-2 As shown in Figure 29, the indicator light assembly 800 is configured as a light strip 800 and may be radially positioned between at least a portion of the rotating ring 620 and the chessboard 100. According to some embodiments, the chessboard 100 constitutes at least a portion of the cover plate 30 of the chess device 10, and the light strip 800 may be radially positioned between at least a portion of the rotating ring 620 and the cover plate 30; optionally, the rotating ring 620, the light strip 800, and the cover plate 30 all have a circular shape; optionally, the cover plate 30, the light strip 800, and at least a portion of the rotating ring 620 are arranged one after another in the radial direction, with at least a portion of the rotating ring 620 positioned on the outermost radial direction.

[0250] According to some embodiments, such as Figure 30As shown, at least a portion of the rotating ring 620 axially covers the light strip 800. For example, the light strip 800 is disposed axially inside the at least portion of the rotating ring 620, and the at least portion of the rotating ring 620 is light-transmitting. According to some embodiments, the light strip 800 may be axially located between the first rotating ring portion 621 and the second rotating ring portion 622 mentioned above. More specifically, the light strip 800 has a retainer by which the plurality of LED beads 810 are held. The retainer is axially located between the first rotating ring portion 621 and the second rotating ring portion 622. More specifically, the retainer may have a first axial side and a second axial side opposite to each other, the first axial side facing the first rotating ring portion 621 and the second axial side facing the second rotating ring portion 622, the plurality of LED beads 810 being disposed on the first axial side. According to some embodiments, the retainer is an integral part of the circuit board 410 of the control module 400. According to some embodiments, the first rotating ring portion 621 includes an axial end plate, and the outer surface 626 mentioned above for user touch to operate the rotating ring 620 includes the outer axial surface 6261 of the axial end plate, i.e., the first surface 6261 mentioned above. According to some embodiments, the outer axial end plate 627 of the first rotating ring portion 621 is made transparent or translucent and covers the plurality of LED beads 810 axially, so that the lit LED beads 810 can be displayed through the axial end plate. According to some embodiments, the fixing part 610 and the retaining member mentioned above can be a single piece. This allows for a very compact overall structure of the chess device 10. According to some embodiments, the second mating part 611, more specifically the elastic member 612 and the positioning member 613 mentioned above can be disposed on the second axial side of the retaining member. According to some embodiments, the second sensing member mentioned above can be disposed on the second axial side of the retaining member.

[0251] As described above, the display module 300 can be configured to change the display state of the corresponding chess square display unit 310 when the chess placement selection unit 600 is operated.

[0252] According to some embodiments, when the movable part moves from the current occupiable position to the next occupiable position, the selected square 110c changes from the currently selected square 110c to the next selected square 110c, and at the same time, the corresponding square display unit 310 of the display module 300 changes its display state. More specifically, when the movable part moves from the current occupiable position to the next occupiable position, the sensing component generates a selection sensing signal, and the display module 300, based on the generation of the selection sensing signal, causes the square display unit 310 corresponding to the currently selected square 110c to change its state or provide indication information to indicate the currently selected square 110c. More specifically, as described above, it displays selection indication information, or switches from another state to display selection indication information, or changes from displaying second optional indication information to displaying first optional indication information, thereby realizing the linkage between the move position selection unit 600 and the display module 300, enhancing human-computer interaction and fun. More specifically, when the movable part moves from the current occupiable position to the next occupiable position, the selected square 110c changes from the currently selected square 110c to the next selected square 110c. At the same time, the sensing component generates a selection sensing signal. Based on the generation of the selection sensing signal, the display module 300 causes the square display unit 310 corresponding to the currently selected square 110c to switch from displaying the first optional indication information to displaying the second optional indication information or from displaying the selection indication information to the off state. Meanwhile, the square display unit 310 corresponding to the next selected square 110c switches from displaying the second optional indication information to displaying the first optional indication information or from the off state to displaying the selection indication information.

[0253] According to some embodiments, when the movable part includes the aforementioned rotating ring 620, the display module 300 is configured to switch the state of the checkerboard display unit 310 corresponding to the associated selectable checkerboard 110b1 based on the rotation position sensing signal generated by the sensing component. Exemplarily, but not exclusively, when the rotating ring 620 moves from the current rotation position to the next rotation position, the selected checkerboard 110c changes from the currently selected checkerboard 110c to the next selected checkerboard 110c. Simultaneously, the sensing component generates a rotation position sensing signal, and the display module 300, based on the generation of this rotation position sensing signal, switches the checkerboard display unit 310 corresponding to the currently selected checkerboard 110c from displaying first selectable indication information to displaying second selectable indication information or from displaying selection indication information to an off state. Meanwhile, the checkerboard display unit 310 corresponding to the next selected checkerboard 110c switches from displaying second selectable indication information to displaying first selectable indication information or from an off state to displaying selection indication information.

[0254] According to some embodiments, the chess-playing device 10 also includes a switching mechanism. According to some embodiments, the switching mechanism is integrated with the move position confirmation units 500 and 700. According to an alternative embodiment, the switching mechanism may be integrated with the mode switching member 40.

[0255] According to some embodiments, the chess-playing device 10 includes a sound module. According to some embodiments, a control module 400 is configured to communicate with the sound module to control its operation. According to some embodiments, the sound module is configured to provide a selection sound prompt in response to the selection operation of the move selection unit 600. According to some embodiments, the selection sound prompt appears synchronously with the aforementioned selection indication information or first optional indication information. According to some embodiments, the sound module is configured to provide a flip sound prompt during a flip. According to some embodiments, the flip sound prompt is synchronized with the selection of a square and the transition of at least one associated enabled square 110a to the currently enabled square. According to some embodiments, the sound module is configured to provide an update sound prompt when advantage / disadvantage information is updated. According to some embodiments, the update sound prompt is synchronized with the change of the LEDs 810 of the indicator light assembly 800. According to some embodiments, the sound module can provide a victory prompt to cheer on one of the players when they win.

[0256] According to some embodiments, such as Figures 29-30 As shown, the chess-playing device 10 includes a battery module 900, which is configured to power the control module 400, display module 300, input detection module, advantage / disadvantage indicator module, sound module, etc. The battery module 900 may include a rechargeable battery; alternatively or incidentally, the battery module 900 may include a disposable battery.

[0257] The exemplary embodiments of the chess-playing device proposed by this utility model have been described in detail above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and alterations can be made to the above specific embodiments without departing from the concept of this utility model, and various combinations can be made to the various technical features and structures proposed by this utility model without exceeding the protection scope of this utility model.

[0258] The scope of this disclosure is not limited by the embodiments described above, but by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A board game apparatus, characterized by The chess-playing device includes: A chessboard can form multiple squares, which are divided into active squares and inactive squares according to their state. The active squares include the first active square and the second active square, which are in an active state. The conversion module includes a user input unit and is configured to convert one of the non-enabled squares into the currently enabled square in a corresponding game step of the game process. The currently enabled square is one of the first enabled square and the second enabled square. One of the non-enabled squares that is converted is called the selected square. The user input unit can be operated by the user. The chess-playing device is configured such that when the selected chess square is converted into the current player's enabled chess square, at least one associated opponent's enabled chess square related to the selected chess square is converted into the current player's enabled chess square, wherein the opponent's enabled chess square is another one of the first player's enabled chess square and the second player's enabled chess square; The chess-playing device further includes an advantage / disadvantage indication module, which is configured to provide advantage / disadvantage information indicating the advantage / disadvantage between the number of currently activated squares of the first player and the number of currently activated squares of the second player.

2. The chess apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The advantage / disadvantage indicator module includes an indicator light assembly, which includes multiple indicator light units, each of which is called an LED bead.

3. The board game apparatus of claim 2, wherein, During the game of the chess device, the multiple LED beads of the indicator light assembly include first-state LED beads in a first state and second-state LED beads in a second state, the second state being different from the first state; The indicator light assembly is configured to provide the advantage / disadvantage information via at least one of the following: The number of LEDs in the first state and the number of LEDs in the second state; The percentage of the number of LEDs in the first state among the plurality of LEDs, and / or the percentage of the number of LEDs in the second state among the plurality of LEDs; The ratio of the area occupied by the first state LED to the total area of ​​the indicator light assembly, and / or the ratio of the area occupied by the second state LED to the total area of ​​the indicator light assembly.

4. The board game apparatus of claim 3, wherein, Each of the first state and the second state is manifested as at least one of the following: the LED being on or off; the color of the LED when it is on; the brightness of the LED when it is on; and the flashing pattern of the LED when it is on.

5. The board game apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The first state is the lit state, and the second state is the off state.

6. The chess set apparatus of claim 5, wherein, The indicator light assembly is configured to alternately illuminate corresponding first-state LEDs in a first-light state and a second-light state between each game step, wherein the first-light state and the second-light state are different from each other. in: The percentage of the number of first-state LED beads lit in the first lighting state among the plurality of LED beads, or the ratio of the area occupied by the first-state LED beads lit in the first lighting state to the total area of ​​the indicator light assembly, represents the percentage of the number of the first-activated checkerboard in the activated checkerboard. The ratio of the number of first state light beads in the second lighting state in the plurality of light beads or the ratio of the area occupied by the first state light beads in the second lighting state to the total area of the indicator light assembly represents the ratio of the number of the second side enabled chess grids in the enabled chess grids.

7. The board game apparatus of claim 6, wherein, The chess equipment is configured to indicate the side that moves in the corresponding game step through the first lighting state and the second lighting state of the first state light beads.

8. The board game apparatus of claim 7, wherein, When the first state light beads are lit in the first lighting state, it indicates that the current moving side is the first moving side and the current side enabled chess grid is the first side enabled chess grid. When the first state light beads are lit in the second lighting state, it indicates that the current moving side is the second moving side and the current side enabled chess grid is the second side enabled chess grid.

9. The chess set apparatus of claim 8, wherein, The first lighting state is represented by a first lighting color, and the second lighting state is represented by a second lighting color different from the first lighting color.

10. The chess set apparatus of claim 4, wherein, The first state is represented by a first lighting state, and the second state is represented by a second lighting state.

11. The chess equipment according to claim 10, wherein: The ratio of the number of first state light beads in the plurality of light beads or the ratio of the area occupied by the first state light beads to the total area of the indicator light assembly represents the ratio of the number of the first side enabled chess grids in the enabled chess grids. The ratio of the number of second state light beads in the plurality of light beads or the ratio of the area occupied by the second state light beads to the total area of the indicator light assembly represents the ratio of the number of the second side enabled chess grids in the enabled chess grids.

12. The chess set apparatus of claim 11, wherein, The first lighting state is represented by a first lighting color, and the second lighting state is represented by a second lighting color different from the first lighting color.

13. The chess apparatus of claim 12, wherein, The chess equipment is configured to indicate the side that moves in the corresponding game step by highlighting one of the first lighting color and the second lighting color.

14. The chess set apparatus of claim 13, wherein, The chess equipment is configured to highlight one of the first lighting color and the second lighting color by adjusting the brightness and / or lighting frequency of the first lighting color and the second lighting color.

15. The chess-like apparatus of any one of claims 3 to 14, wherein, The indicator light assembly is arranged in a closed shape around the chessboard.

16. The chess set apparatus of claim 15, wherein, The indicator light assembly is arranged as a light belt around the chessboard.

17. The chess set apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The plurality of light beads are uniformly distributed around the chessboard.

18. The chess set apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The light belt is arranged in one of the following closed shapes: a circle; a rectangle; an ellipse; an equilateral polygon; wherein "polygon" is an even number of sides.

19. The chess set apparatus of claim 16, wherein, The chess equipment includes a circular cover plate, the chessboard forms at least a part of the circular cover plate, and the light belt is arranged around the circular cover plate.

20. The chess set apparatus of claim 19, wherein, The chess equipment has a cylindrical overall shape or is at least partially cylindrical.

21. The chess-like apparatus of any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein, The chessboard includes a chess grid area, which is a region of the chessboard capable of forming the plurality of chess grids, and the chess grid area has a center point; The indicator light assembly is arranged as a closed light strip and at least partially surrounds the chess grid area; the chess grid area has a first axis passing through the center point, a first end point of the first axis intersecting the periphery of the chess grid area defines a first occupation point for one of the two parties playing the chess game; a second end point of the first axis intersecting the periphery of the chess grid area defines a second occupation point for the other of the two parties playing the chess game.

22. The board game apparatus of claim 21, wherein, The first state lamp beads are alternately distributed corresponding to the first occupation point and the second occupation point between each game step, to indicate the corresponding chess playing party of the current game step.

23. The chess set apparatus of claim 22, wherein, The chess game device includes a single-player game mode and a multi-player game mode; in the single-player game mode, the first occupation point is used for a human user; wherein the user input unit at least includes a first user input unit positioned outside the chess grid area and close to the first occupation point.

24. The chess set apparatus of claim 23, wherein, The chess grid area has a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and passing through the center point, a first end point of the second axis intersecting the periphery of the chess grid area defines a third occupation point, and a second end point of the second axis intersecting the periphery of the chess grid area defines a fourth occupation point. In the two-player game mode of the chess game device, the third occupation point is used for a first party of the two parties playing the chess game, and the fourth occupation point is used for a second party of the two parties playing the chess game.

25. The chess set apparatus of claim 24, wherein, In the two-player game mode of the chess game device, the first state lamp beads are alternately distributed corresponding to the third occupation point and the fourth occupation point between each game step, to indicate the corresponding chess playing party of the current game step.

26. The board game apparatus of claim 25, wherein, The light strip is a circular light strip surrounding the chess grid area.

27. The chess-like apparatus of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein, The chessboard includes a chess grid area, which is a region of the chessboard capable of forming the plurality of chess grids, and has a center point; The indicator light assembly is arranged as a closed light strip and at least partially surrounds the chess grid area; the chess grid area has a first axis passing through the center point, a first end point of the first axis intersecting the periphery of the chess grid area defines a first occupation point for one of the two parties playing the chess game; a second end point of the first axis intersecting the periphery of the chess grid area defines a second occupation point for the other of the two parties playing the chess game.

28. The board game apparatus of claim 27, wherein, The first state lamp beads are alternately distributed corresponding to the first occupation point and the second occupation point between each game step, to indicate the corresponding chess playing party of the current game step.

29. The board game apparatus of claim 28, wherein, The chess game device includes a single-player game mode and a multi-player game mode; In the single-player game mode, the first occupation point is used for a human user; The user input unit at least includes a first user input unit positioned outside the chess grid area and close to the first occupation point.

30. The board game apparatus of claim 29, wherein, The chess grid area has a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and passing through the center point, a first end point of the second axis intersecting the periphery of the chess grid area defines a third occupation point, and a second end point of the second axis intersecting the periphery of the chess grid area defines a fourth occupation point. In the two-player game mode of the chess equipment, the third occupation point is used for a first party of the two players, and the fourth occupation point is used for a second party of the two players.

31. The board game apparatus of claim 30, wherein, In the two-player game mode of the chess equipment, the first state lamp bead corresponds to the third occupation point distribution, and the second state lamp bead corresponds to the fourth occupation point distribution.

32. The chess-like device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The advantage and disadvantage indication module is configured to update the advantage and disadvantage information after the selected chess grid and the at least one associated opponent-enabled chess grid are converted into current-party-enabled chess grids.

33. The chess-like device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The advantage and disadvantage indication module is configured to continuously provide the advantage and disadvantage information during each game session.

34. The chess-like device of any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein, The indicator light assembly is in the form of a circular light strip, the chess equipment includes a circular cover plate, the chessboard forms at least a part of the circular cover plate, the circular cover plate is an end plate of the chess equipment, and the circular light strip is arranged around the circular cover plate, and the ratio of the width of the light strip to the maximum radius of the cover plate is 1-10%.

35. The board game apparatus of claim 23, wherein, The first user input unit includes a chess position confirmation unit configured to be operable to perform the conversion operation.

36. The board game apparatus of claim 35, wherein, The chess position confirmation unit is in the form of a button or a touch control.

37. The board game apparatus of claim 35, wherein, The first user input unit includes a chess position selection unit configured to be operable to perform a selection operation, and the selection operation includes selecting one of the non-enabled chess grids, and the selected one of the non-enabled chess grids is referred to as a selected chess grid.

38. The board game apparatus of claim 37, wherein, The chess equipment is configured to lock the selected chess grid as the selected chess grid and convert the selected chess grid and the at least one associated opponent-enabled chess grid into current-party-enabled chess grids when the selection operation meets a conversion condition.

39. The board game apparatus of claim 38, wherein, The conversion condition includes that the chess position selection unit does not perform another selection operation within a given time threshold.

40. The board game apparatus of claim 37, wherein, The chess position selection unit is in the form of a knob, a button, or a touch control.

41. The board game apparatus of claim 35, wherein, The user input unit further includes a second user input unit including a chess position selection unit configured to be operable to perform a selection operation, and the selection operation includes selecting one of the non-enabled chess grids, and the selected one of the non-enabled chess grids is referred to as a selected chess grid.

42. The chess-like device of claim 34, wherein, The ratio of the width of the light strip to the maximum radius of the cover plate is 2-6%.

43. The chess-like device of any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein, The chess equipment further includes a display module including a chess grid display unit corresponding to each chess grid, and each chess grid display unit is configured to have a lighting state and an extinguishing state and to be able to provide indication information about the state of the corresponding chess grid.

44. The board game apparatus of claim 43, wherein, The chessboard display unit is configured to provide first enabling indication information indicating that the first party enables the chessboard and second enabling indication information indicating that the second party enables the chessboard in the lighting state, and the second enabling indication information is different from the first enabling indication information.

45. The chess set apparatus of claim 44, wherein, The first enabling indication information is represented in the first lighting state, and the second enabling indication information is represented in the second lighting state.

46. The chess-like device of claim 24, wherein, The chess set includes mode switching members configured to switch between a single-player game mode and a double-player game mode.

47. The chess-like device of any one of claims 2 to 14, wherein, The user input unit includes a chess position selection unit configured to be capable of selection operation, and the selection operation includes selecting one of the non-enabled chessboards, which is referred to as a selected chessboard.

48. The board game apparatus of claim 47, wherein, The chess position selection unit includes a rotating ring and a fixed part, and the rotating ring is arranged to be capable of rotating relative to the fixed part to select one of a plurality of rotating positions, thereby corresponding to select one of the non-enabled chessboards.

49. The chess set apparatus of claim 48, wherein, At least a part of the rotating ring is arranged around the chessboard.

50. The board game apparatus of claim 49, wherein, The indicator light assembly is arranged as a light strip and radially located between at least a part of the rotating ring and the chessboard.

51. The chess apparatus of claim 50, wherein, The chessboard constitutes at least a part of a cover plate of the chess set, the cover plate is an end plate of the chess set, and the light strip is radially located between at least a part of the rotating ring and the cover plate.

52. The board game apparatus of claim 51, wherein, The rotating ring, the light strip, and the cover plate all have a circular shape, the cover plate, the light strip, and at least a part of the rotating ring are arranged one after another in the radial direction, and the at least a part of the rotating ring is arranged at the radially outermost side.

53. The chess-like device of claim 49, wherein, The indicator light assembly is arranged as a light strip, the light strip is arranged axially inside at least a part of the rotating ring, and the at least a part of the rotating ring is light-transmissive.

54. The chess-like device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, The chess set is a reversi chess.

55. The chess-like device of claim 34, wherein, The chessboard includes a chessboard area, the chessboard area is an area capable of forming the plurality of chessboards, and the chessboard area formed in the middle of the chessboard has a convex table-like structure.

Images