My initial concept for this project was to create a chessboard that
recorded its players moves automatically. I scaled this concept back to
the first step, creating a chessboard that detected when a piece was
moved to a certain square, to make a proof-of-concept.
First part of my sketching. I took notes on the standard dimensions
of a chess board and pieces. My board will only have 4 squares
because I don't need a whole board to demonstrate my concept.
Second part of my sketching. I drew out a 4-square chessboard with
standard dimensions and realized it would be way bigger than I
needed.
Third part of my sketching. I sketched a much smaller 4-square board
and was happy with the size. There are holes to let in light for
light sensors.
Fourth part of my sketching. I drew a small pawn and wrote down some
other notes and ideas.
My 3D model for the chessboard. I kept this basic design, but I went
through a few different versions adjusting the walls on the side of
the board and the overall thickness after some feedback from
Anghelos. The walls are there to hold the board over the arduino,
and block some ambient light. Two squares are separated so that they
can be printed in another color.
My initial bishop model, which was split in half and laid on its
side to 3D print better. Anghelos told me the result might look
weird, and instead we could print an upright bishop with supports.
I reverted back to a previous model to print. However, this meant
the bishop was missing its slot and was very small. Luckily Anghelos
was able to help me scale up the model and add the slot in Prusa
Slicer before printing.
Chessboard being printed.
My printed 4-square chessboard with white squares and bishop.
I would not consider my chessboard project complete. If I were to
continue I would re-print the board so it fits better over the arduino
boards we have in class, and leave more room for the white squares so
that they fit in better. However I am very happy with how the bishop
came out :)
