Requirements Specification

Background

The use of magnetic motion in the world of three dimensional board games is a virtually untapped resource. Many current games incorporate blinking electronic lights and sound effects. Lights and sounds are impressive features but the automated motion of physical pieces in a board game scenario is a visually appealing and satisfying encounter for people. Using this concept we intend to design a chess board which allows the user to enter a move into a keypad and then the board proceeds to carry out the move autonomously. This device will also serve as a training tool for beginners to the game by making sure that non valid moves can not be executed. In order for it to be a successful marketing prospect the design must be visually appealing and user friendly.

Deliverables

1. Working prototype of design
2. Included with prototype
   • Parts list
   • Bill of materials
   • Formal design drawings
   • User manual
3. Block diagram detailing design process
4. Circuit design schematics

Special Restrictions

1. Once the game board is setup users are not allowed to touch the pieces except to fix errors or to reset the game board.
2. The game board must remain powered during the entire duration of the current game.

Principle of Operation

The players will be required to place the pieces in the correct starting locations prior to start of game. Players will take turns entering in Short Algebraic Notation (SAN) using their individual keypads to control chess piece movements; player with white pieces should go first. Color lights will be used to indicate Check, Checkmate, Stalemate and Invalid Move (see User manual for color key).

User Interface

Color lights on the keypad will be used to indicate status of game and validity of moves. Keypad will be used to enter in the SAN coordinates to control movement of individual pieces.

Input

Takes in SAN coordinates to control movement of the pieces.

Output

Lights to display status of game and validity of movements of the pieces. Actual movement of pieces to the desired locations, if the moves a valid.

User Manual

Used to play game of chess with automated chess piece movement upon input of SAN coordinates by players.

1. Plug in the board
2. Turn on the power switch
3. Set up the pieces into the correct locations on the board
4. White player inputs first SAN coordinates into keypad
5. Alternate with black player until game ends indicated by lights on the keypad

LED (light emitting diode) Meaning

Checkmate	GREEN
Check	YELLOW
Stalemate	BLUE
Invalid Move	RED

Acceptance Tests

Debugging

1. Test margin of error for actual piece placement on the starting positions by players
2. Test maximum speed of piece movements that still maintain stability
3. Test status lights for accuracy

Market Test

1. Users test out the actual game play

Product Cost

To reach proper marketing value, the prototype cost should be under 100$ so that the end product cost may be within the range of $120 to $150.

Dispute Resolution

Any disputes regarding defects of the actual game construction will be handled by the engineering design team and their respective legal council's. All parts defects are the responsibility of the manufacturer of the parts in question. Damages result from misuse are the sole consequence of the consumer and will not be the responsibility of the engineers to fix.

Last Updated: 10/06/05