KarpaC - Prototype1

This is a smart chessboard project that takes chess to the next level by integrating a physical board with a digital interface.

Features

• Real-time Game Tracking: Automatically detects and records moves made on the physical board.
• Digital Interface: Provides a user-friendly interface to view and analyze games.
• Move Validation: Ensures that all moves made are legal according to chess rules.
• Against Computer: Play against a computer opponent with adjustable difficulty levels.
• Game Analysis[TODO]: Offers insights and suggestions based on the game state.
• Multiplayer Support[TODO]: Allows multiple players to join and play together online.

Implementation

Hardware

1. Hall Effect Sensors: Used to detect the position of chess pieces on the board.
2. Ws2812B LEDs: RGB LEDs for visual feedback and effects.
3. Raspberry Pi 4b: Acts as the main controller for processing inputs and managing the game state.
4. Chess Pieces: 3d printed pieces with embedded neodymium magnets for reliable detection.
5. Chessboard: A simple but elegant design with acrylic surfaces.
6. Power Supply: A 5V 3A power supply to power the Raspberry Pi and LEDs.

Software

1. Python: Main programming language for the project.
   • RPi.GPIO, chess, neopixel
2. Flask: Web framework for creating the digital interface.
3. Stockfish: Chess engine for game analysis and computer opponent.

Logic

1. Current State: Used boundary condition + pick/place data to determine the current state of the board.
2. Move Detection: Compares the previous and current state to detect moves.
3. Move Validation: Uses the chess library to validate moves.

Issues and Fixes

• Hall Sensor - H[1][5] was not working in the pcb, and since no spare were available, it is set to always on in the code.
• Temperature - The board tends to heat up after prolonged use(40-50 mins). Since no ventilation was designed on the prototype.