Multi-layered module with electronically active intermediate layer for placing chess pieces on digital chessboards
A vertically layered module addresses false detections by integrating with chessboard sensors and ensuring easy piece placement/removal, protecting the board surface, and maintaining compatibility with DGT systems.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025001794
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-01
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-04
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-07-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing digital chessboards face issues with false move detections due to chess pieces being outside the original layout or lacking recognizable markers, and current solutions fail to integrate as both a carrier and an electronically active component.
A vertically layered module comprising a protective layer, aluminum layer, adhesive layer, and chess piece, designed to interact with sensor fields without magnetic interference, ensuring electronic interaction and easy, non-destructive placement.
Enables electronic integration with chessboard sensors, allows easy piece placement/removal, and protects the board surface while maintaining compatibility with DGT chess systems.
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical field:
[0001] The invention relates to a combined adhesive and positioning module for attaching chess pieces to sensor-based chess computers, in particular to devices of the "DGT Centaur" and "DGT Pegasus" types. In addition to mechanical fixation, the structure also enables electronic interaction with the playing field. State of the art:
[0002] Digital chessboards detect moves using capacitive, magnetic, or optical sensors. Pieces outside the original layout or without a recognizable marker can cause false detections. Furthermore, solutions are currently lacking where the module functions not only as a carrier but also as an electronically active component. Disclosure of the invention:
[0003] The invention describes a vertically layered module with the following components arranged from bottom to top: 1. Protective layer (4): A transparent or colored carrier layer made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) or a similar plastic mixture, polyethylene (PET) or polycarbonate (PC), which protects the surface of the chess computer from mechanical stress and protects the underlying aluminium layer. 2. Aluminum layer (3): A structured or solid layer of aluminum foil or mesh that can interact with the sensor fields of the chessboards. The design is chosen to provide capacitive or inductive feedback without causing magnetic interference. 3. Adhesive layer (2): An adhesive intermediate layer with spot or area-based bonding strength that ensures a permanent hold on the base of a chess piece. The adhesive is selected so that it does not migrate into the piece material and the separation behavior remains reversible. 4. Chess piece (1): A standardized or simplified figure, preferably made of wood, metal or lightweight, non-conductive plastic such as ABS or PLA, which is firmly attached to the adhesive module. Advantages of the invention: - Electronically active: Integration into the sensor logic of the DGT chessboards via a conductive intermediate layer - Modular: Easy, non-destructive placement and removal of individual figures - Gentle: No residue or damage to the board surface - Compatible: Adapted to the dimensions and sensors of the DGT Centaur and DGT Pegasus systems
Claims
[1] Mounting unit for a chess piece (1) for temporary attachment to digital chessboards with sensors, comprising: a) a lower protective layer (4) made of polymeric material to protect the surface; b) an aluminium layer (3) arranged on the protective layer, configured to interact with the sensors of the chessboard; c) an adhesive layer (2) arranged above it, suitable for fixing the chess piece to the base; d) a chess piece (1) arranged on top, permanently or releasably connected to the adhesive layer. [2] Fastening unit according to claim 1, characterized by , that the aluminium layer (3) is designed as a structured or segmented surface to selectively control the electronic or capacitive response with the chessboard. [3] Fastening unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the adhesive layer (2) has a removability so that the chess piece (1) can be used or exchanged multiple times. [4] Fastening unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the chess piece (1) has the shape of a standardized chess piece (e.g. knight, rook, queen). [5] Fastening unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that all layers (2, 3 and 4) are designed as a pre-assembled module and can be positioned as a unit on the chessboard. [6] Fastening unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the overall thickness of the module is chosen so that the figure (1, 2, 3 and 4) maintains the standard height on the chessboard.