Wireless Chess Clock Using NFC for Rapid Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital chess clocks are notoriously difficult to set and program, leading to delayed tournament start times due to complexity in design and varying settings for different time controls, necessitating a need for an easy-to-use and wireless setting solution.
Innovation Solution
A wireless programmable digital chess clock equipped with a near-field communication module that allows settings to be programmed and set using a mobile device, simplifying the process by eliminating the need for complex button sequences and providing intuitive time control adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional button sequences are used to program digital chess clocks, then the clock can be set, but the process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing system with a wireless communication system using NFC (Near Field Communication). Instead of requiring users to press multiple buttons in specific sequences, the mobile device wirelessly transmits programming data directly to the chess clock, eliminating the complex mechanical interaction and significantly reducing setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the chess clock. The mobile device serves as a mediator that handles the complex programming interface, allowing users to set clock parameters through a simplified app interface while the device manages the actual communication and data transmission to the clock.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple settings options are provided for different time controls, then the clock is versatile, but the programming complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the mobile device's existing NFC communication capability and interface as a template for the chess clock programming system. By copying the familiar mobile device interaction model (touchscreen interface, wireless communication), the system provides multiple time control settings without requiring users to learn new complex programming procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the mobile device serve multiple functions: it acts as a remote control, a programming interface, and a data transmission device. This universal approach allows the same device users already possess to handle all programming needs across different time control settings, eliminating the need for device-specific complex programming for each setting type.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables quick and easy setup of digital chess clocks, reducing setup time and minimizing errors, allowing for faster tournament preparations and improved user experience by leveraging wireless communication for programming.
Implementation Method 1
a near field communication module, in communication with the microcontroller, and operatively arranged to receive signals from an external transmitting device
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless programmable digital chess clock having to a housing, a display mounted in the housing and operatively arranged to display time associated with a first player's clock and operatively arranged to display time associated with a second player's clock, a first switch mounted in the housing and operatively arranged to stop the first player's clock and start the second player's clock when activated; a second switch mounted in the housing and operatively arranged to stop the second player's clock and start the first player's clock when activated, a microcontroller operatively arranged to set and control the first and second players' clocks, and, a near field communication module, in communication with microcontroller, and operatively arranged to receive signals from an external transmitting device, where the signals are used to set the time on the first and second players' clocks.