DIY Internet Chess Table

The Internet Chess Table is a project for playing internet chess on a 3d board with real pieces.

For the display, a small DIY 20W-LED low-resolution (64x64px) LCD projector was developed. It is used for displaying the move of my opponent as well as to show me information about the game (e.g. time). Moreover, there is a move recognition system which gives me feedback of the recognized move on the display.

Move recognition works with an ultra cheap webcam (320x240px) which is also mounted inside the box.

Basically, this table could be interpretated as multi-touch surface. In the contrary to other systems which uses FTIR (frustrated total internal reflection) or DI (direct illumination), it depends on ambient light and the pieces are causing shadows on the surface which can be captured by the webcam. This further reduces the total costs, because no lightning is needed.

Display and Webcam are connected to the PC via USB and a self developed interface software is used for connecting everything together and for communication with freechess.org.

The video shows me playing a live 5min game on FICS ...

Unfortunately, Playing live blitz games on this Internet chess table gives me a disadvantage, because I have to play the moves of my opponent while my clock is ticking. That means, I have time disadvantage which could be severe in fast blitz games.

This Internet Chess Table playes on freechess.org with the nickname ictdev.

A picture of the ICT can be found here: http://www.pcb-dev.com/ict.jpg

Project website can be found here:
http://www.pcb-dev.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=35&a...

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• internet
• chess
• table
• diy
• 20w
• led
• projector
• webcam
• move
• recognition
• software
• lcd
• freechess.org
• pcb-dev
• ictdev
• pcbdev
• freechess
• FICS
• qt
• network
• interface
• usb
• arm7
• multi
• touch
• multitouch

[calitastictia]

Are you using fiducial markers to note the kind of piece or just tracking the changes to the board and using the intrinsic rules of chess to your advantage here?

[pcbdev]

@calitastictia Yes, I'm just tracking the changes to the board with rules checking

[david99lee]

Your demo is very impressive but where did you get the board and how does it connect to the computer?

[pcbdev]

@david99lee The board is all self-built. LCD projector and webcam are

connected to the PC via USB.

[gaaraofthefunk12345]

its real pieces on a computer chess board

[TheBraveGunner]

This is kinda like the chess board in Cowboy Bebop

[mssurface]

This would be very cool on Surface.

[MythOfEchelon]

@AcidRephlex Wouldnt work for certain pieces mind due to locations

[fusetube]

Now build a lego robotic arm to do the moving and I'll be impressed.

[sharpnova2]

how does the webcam interpret the moves?

[tylerphillipfraser]

Ridiculously cool. Turn off 'where I moved' reminders and use it as a recorder of games...or play alone =)

The computer seems slow.

Where can I get one of these!?

[AcidRephlex]

@0rhy No, it needs to slide the pieces using magnets from below. That would be impressive. This is neat.