Author: Robert Hyatt
Date: 15:22:31 10/28/98
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On October 28, 1998 at 16:41:05, Steven Schwartz wrote: >Bob, >I have been told that the DGT board incorporates >piece recognition. I was wondering: > 1)whether it does > 2)whether the technology used is similar to that >used by TASC in its Smartboard because TASC lost a >$581,000 patent infringement lawsuit over that technology. > >We were dragged into that lawsuit, and I do not want to >make the same mistake again. > >Thanks. >- Steve (ICD/Your Move) answers: 1. yes it does piece recognition. 2. I have not yet found mention of the "technology" involved. But based on the physical dimensions of the board (about normal USCF standard size) and about 1/2" thick I would initially venture a guess that they are using RF techniques, just like the smartboard did. Hopefully if there is a problem, they can fight the "Bogner suit" this time by calling in some experts that can testify about "prior art". I'd certainly be willing to describe what I saw running in 1978 in Washington, DC. But I am only speculating at present, and have not yet started on the interface code. But nothing says "how" it is done, only how this thing is accessed. They talk of a 250ms "cycle" to scan the board, which sure "smells" like RF. As I had said before, I tried hall effect transistors with poor results in the late 70's... I don't know of any other piece recognition technology other that to put active devices in the pieces, requiring batteries or inductive power transfer which sounds gross. IE who would want to have their rook repaired? :) more as I play with it. It does use a serial connection, and has a digital clock that goes with it (computer can read both clocks, determine who is on move, how much time is left, etc.) Bob
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