Kansas Patent of the Month – July 2024

Imagine a chessboard that merges traditional gameplay with cutting-edge technology. Bryght Labs, Inc. has innovated an electronic chess set that brings the classic game into the digital age. This advanced chessboard, featuring a capacitive sensing system, can detect and interact with conductive chess pieces, enhancing the gaming experience significantly.

The heart of this invention lies in its sophisticated capacitive sensing system, which integrates seamlessly with the chessboard’s playing surface. Each location on the board can sense when a piece is placed, moved, or touched by the user. This is achieved through a processor that interprets the changes in capacitance at various points, distinguishing between the presence of a piece and direct human contact.

The chess pieces themselves are marvels of design, crafted from non-conductive plastic infused with conductive materials like metal or carbon fiber. This ensures that they are not only durable but also capable of interacting perfectly with the capacitive sensing system.

What sets this chessboard apart is its ability to illuminate specific squares, guided by the processor. When a piece is moved or touched, the corresponding squares light up, adding a visual dimension to the game. This feature can indicate legal moves, suggest strategies, or even highlight the piece’s movement history, making it a powerful tool for both beginners and seasoned players.

The chessboard is composed of multiple layers, with the capacitive sensing circuitry embedded between the illumination system and the playing surface. This layered design ensures that the board remains sleek and functional, without compromising on the aesthetic appeal of traditional chess sets.

Bryght Labs’ electronic chess set redefines how we interact with chess, combining tactile and visual feedback to create an immersive and educational experience. This innovation not only preserves the essence of the game but also propels it into the future with technological elegance.

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