Title of Invention	" apparatus and system for real-time secure recording of electronic chess moves and storing and viewing of chess games"
Abstract	A hand-held, portable apparatus for recording chess moves operable betwen a recording mode and at least one other mode is discribed. The apperatus is adapted to uniquely identifying a user and includes an interface for electronically entering into a memory a chess move made by the user. A mechanism is provided for the apperatus to switch between the at least one other mode and the recording mode upon a player making a first move in new game. The recording mode further includes a security module so that only authorized features are accessible when the apparatus is in the recording mode. The apperratus includes a power module and communication module for securely communicating chess moved to a central location. The moves are recorded in a universal language. The invention also concerns a chess game tournament management system, as well as a system for recording and publishing chess moves.

Title of Invention

" apparatus and system for real-time secure recording of electronic chess moves and storing and viewing of chess games"

Abstract

A hand-held, portable apparatus for recording chess moves operable betwen a recording mode and at least one other mode is discribed. The apperatus is adapted to uniquely identifying a user and includes an interface for electronically entering into a memory a chess move made by the user. A mechanism is provided for the apperatus to switch between the at least one other mode and the recording mode upon a player making a first move in new game. The recording mode further includes a security module so that only authorized features are accessible when the apparatus is in the recording mode. The apperratus includes a power module and communication module for securely communicating chess moved to a central location. The moves are recorded in a universal language. The invention also concerns a chess game tournament management system, as well as a system for recording and publishing chess moves.

Full Text	WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067 SYSTEM AND DEVICES FOR REAL-TIME ELECTRONIC CHESS MOVE RECORDING. VIEWING AND STORAGE Field of the invention The present invention concerns a system and devices for reai-time electronic chess move recording, viewing and storage. It represents hardware andsoftware system, designed specifically for chess. Description of the prior art Chess is the most popular board game in the world. The game of chess is played between two opponents who move their pieces alternately on a square board called a 'chessboard1. In the course of play each player is required to record his own moves and those of his opponent in the correct manner, move after move, as clearly and legibly as possible, in the algebraic notation, on the 'Score sheet' prescribed for the competition. The score sheets are the property of the organizers of the event. At the conclusion of the game both players sign both score sheets, indicating the result of the game. Chess players keep a (paper) copy of their game. There are a number of chess tournaments around the world where the above system is used: The Chess Olympiad; Continental Team Championship; World Team Championship; National Tournaments; Regional Tournaments; Chess Club Tournaments; School Tournaments; and other tournaments. WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067 2 Chess is promoted by an international organization called FIDE (Federation Internationale des Echecs) founded in 1924, recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and having more than 160 member countries. Global and continental chess tournaments are organized by FIDE, while national chess federations organize tournaments in their respective countries. Local and Regional tournaments are organized by chess clubs, regional chess federations, chess schools or others. Traditional chess tools are the chess set (pieces and table), chess clock and paper score sheets. Despite the advent of modern technologies, score sheets (mandatory in tournaments) are still paper-based, which cause many issues for tournament chess players and chess tournament organizers. Chess moves have to be in most cases manually entered into electronic form, in order to be published, electronically analyzed, and shared with others. At the conclusion of a typical tournament, the score sheets are gathered by the organizer and kept in a paper collection as a record of the tournament. Individuals may keep copies for their own use. There exists no efficient modern database storage of all worldwide games, and only timely, error-prone, manual entry methods to translate the games into some other form of media. Issues related to paper score sheets are the following: Different languages. Easily lost score sheets. Inaccurate or unreadable entries. Manual entering chess moves into electronic form. Tournaments cannot be followed in real time. There is no daily updated database of all games played worldwide. Exchange of information in chess is difficult, time consuming and costly. WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067 3 There presently exist a number of technologies and inventions designed for chess fans and players: Tele-chess (on-line and/or Internet chess game between two or more players); Pocketsize or commercially available devices which have the capability to play chess; Electronic chessboards connected via a wire to a computer for playing chess with a computer; and New games or rules on how to play chess. There are number of patents, which cover computer devices with a capability to play chess, and on-line or remote game playing methods. For example, see US Patent No. 6,196,920, US Patent No. 5,738,583, US Patent No. 5,738,583, and Canadian application no. CA 2372694). Commercially available "PocketPC" devices cannot be used for chess tournaments because of the following reasons: The PocketPC can be manipulated for advantageous help during the chess tournament, and would be considered as a major threat: memory access, chess engine, receiving helpful information wirelessly. Master level chess engine can operate on a small PocketPC device, which could be used in a dishonest manner. Wireless enabled PocketPCs have too high a cost (min US $ 500). PocketPCs battery can "die" in 3 to 4 hours when wireless connection is on (where a chess game can last for 8 hours). Electronic scoring devices, which exist today, do not resolve chess tournament management issues. Chess has its rules, which have existed for many years. A new device needs to be created with chess rules logic, universal chess language, wireless capabilities, extended power (for example battery) life, miniaturized electronics, proprietary operating system, worldwide applicability, which is portable, easy to use and is tamper-free. 4 There have been attempts to resolve chess tournament management issues with an electronic chessboard. The electronic chessboard records chess game automatically. It is heavy (made of wood for example) and has to be physically wired to the remote computer (over serial or the USB port). It requires to be plugged into an AC power. Drawbacks of such system are the following: Complex to manage due to a large number of cables (remote computers, power plugs), Can manage only limited number of games via central computer, Relatively expensive, Not mobile, not easily portable, Not secure information. There is no commercially available solution, which would effectively resolve electronic chess move recording, viewing and storage allowing for seamless creation of a worldwide databank of chess updated in real-time. Summary of the invention It is an object of this invention to provide a system and devices for real-time electronic chess move recording, viewing and storage. In accordance with this invention, this object is achieved with a hand-held, portable apparatus for recording chess moves operable between a recording mode and at least one other mode, comprising: means for uniquely identifying a user; means for electronically entering into a memory a chess move made by said user; AMENDED SHEET 5 means for switching between said at least one other mode and said recording mode upon said player making a first move in a new game; power means; and communication means for securely communicating chess moves to a central location; and wherein moves are recorded in a universal language; characterized in that said recording mode further including a security module so that only authorized features are accessible when said apparatus is in said recording mode, said security module disallowing access to the memory storage of games, any program that could help a chess player in making his decision on a next move, or receiving advantageous information due to its networking capability; and further characterized in that said communication means are wireless. In accordance with this invention, this object is also achieved with a portable electronic chess manager device for electronic chess move recording and publishing comprising: a plurality of pairs of apparatuses as described above, each of said pairs comprising a master and a slave; a central location being in communication with each of said masters of each of said pairs, said central location receiving all moves made by players, saving all of said moves in a database, and publishing said moves* This object is further achieved with an automatic chess tournament management system, comprising: at least one central tournament manager, for secure central chess game . collection, for real-time chess game transmission, storage and broadcast and for automatic chess tournament management; and a network for real-time tournament transmission; characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of hand-held portable apparatuses as above; and AMENDED SHEET 5a at least one worldwide databank of chess games. In broad terms, the present invention, is an improved system for automated real- time electronic chess move recording, viewing and storage. The electronic chess manager of the present invention is a hand-held device capable of recording chess moves automatically (built into an electronic board) or by intervention of a chess AMENDED SHEET WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067 6 player. Electronic chess managers are connected to a remote worldwide databank of chess, which allows Internet users to follow worldwide tournaments in real-time. Of course, TV stations connected to the worldwide databank of chess and broadcast real-time chess tournaments. Description of the figures The present invention will be better understood after reading a description of a preferred embodiment thereof, made in reference to the following drawings in which: FIG 1. is a schematic representation of the electronic chess manager device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG 2. is a schematic representation of the automated chess tournament management system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG 3. is a schematic representation of the worldwide databank of chess according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG 4. is a schematic representation of the automated chess tournament management application logic according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG 5. is a schematic representation of the electronic chess manager built into an electronic board for automatic chess move recording according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067 7 Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention As mentioned above, chess tournament games are currently recorded with pen and paper. More effective chess game management must provide electronic chess move recording and storage to simplify chess tournaments and preserve chess knowledge. The present invention improves the way that chess tournaments are handled, recorded and communicated worldwide. According to the invention, the hand-held, portable apparatus for recording chess moves, otherwise referred to in the present description as "the electronic chess manager", resolves the issues of paper score sheets, which are used in chess tournaments and enables chess players to electronically record, store their games thus allowing tournaments to be followed real-time on-line. Some of the electronic chess manager benefits are as follows: it is an easy to use recording device; portable; loaded with the universal chess language. It advantageously provides for electronic storage of chess games; lifetime archiving of games. In a preferred embodiment, no AC power cable is required for operation. The manager is provided with a secure, wireless data transmission module. The manager is adapted to have special chess keys (such as time constrain button); and automatic detection of special conditions (i.e. tie reporting, illegal move). The .apparatus has a time recording module (spent on each move); and can download games to a PC though a cable (or wirelessly). Thus, the electronic chess manager is a hand-held device, which removes the initial paper and pen-score sheet storage step, and removes the secondary step of manually re-entering the game into a secondary score sheet. The electronic chess manager offers the immediate benefit of simplifying data entry, allowing the user to remain focused and concentrate on his/her game, and not on decoding the move WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067 S and transcribing it onto paper. This action of manual entry requires a shift from the analytical and logical faculties of the individual, which impedes the focus on the game. Also disclosed is a chess tournament management system using electronic chess managers. The benefits of the chess management system include the fact that it is an automatic tournament organizer; that it can proceed with the real-time collection of chess game data; tournaments can be broadcast on Internet in real time; and it is equipped to automatically calculate ratings. The computer-based nature of the system provides for quick exchange of chess information, and a large number of games can be monitored by a single computer. The chess tournament management system offers benefits for tournament organizers, in collecting and archiving the data and most importantly, dramatically saving time and effort in transcribing the chess games onto a database archive. The value in gathering this information for the first time into a standardized electronic format on a central database in an efficient manner and data-archiving this for later review, analysis, printing, is significant. Without the facility of the electronic chess managers, this would be very difficult. Data correction of any recording of an illegal move will be performed, as well as immediate flagging of three cycles of repeated moves, which results in an immediate tie. With this system professional chess players will be able to analyze their opponent's recent matches, when preparing for tournaments. Chess fans will be able to follow worldwide tournaments in real-time. The present invention allows for more efficient archive management, a dramatic decrease in magazine editing, and a speedier posting of games on the Internet. The system represents an automated system where thousands of chess games and tournaments around the world can be viewed in real-time on the internet or TV. WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067 9 The components of the present invention will now be described in detail, according to a preferred embodiment thereof. Electronic Chess Manager (ECM)-1 The ECM is a portable device capable of recording chess moves automatically or by intervention of a chess player. ECM has embedded therein, or is programmed with, chess tournament rules. The ECM consists of a display 2, which can display characters, numbers chess pieces and chess board; a processor 3, for data processing; special chess characters 4, such as time constrain button; a wireless communication interface 5, for real-time wireless chess game communication; preferably a stylus 6, for touch screen display usage; a mechanical casing 7; a power module 8, which can be battery, solar power, wirelessly powered, setf-powered among other power modules; and a PC interface port 9, which is used for connection to a PC, via cable. Optionally, the ECM may have an external and internal keyboards and a camera. One of the important characteristics of the ECM is that it is operable between a recording mode and at least one other mode, so that only authorized features are accessible when the ECM is in the recording mode, as will be further detailed herein. This feature is important in that it is a major distinction between the present invention and prior art devices, besides the fact that the ECM of the present invention incorporates chess rules, and interfaces in real-time with a worldwide database of chess. Since the ECM is provided with a wireless communication interface, it has the capability to communicate with a central tournament manager 10 and with neighboring ECMs. WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA20O4/000067 10 In use, the user enters his/her name and rating via the touch screen display 2 using stylus 6 or any other data entry means. The ECM device automatically associates a user's personal data with a device serial number, so that the system could recognize a stolen unit. The display 2 has a text display section (alphanumeric characters), special chess characters (time constraint button, draw offer, among others), and chess pieces, score sheet-like display, chessboard-like display and a table-like display. The ECM has the capability to transmit chess moves in real-time via wireless communication interface 5 to a remote computer and download a recorded chess game to a computer via PC interface port 9. Tournament data are entered into the ECM manually or automatically sent to the ECM by a central chess tournament manager 10 at the beginning of the chess game: Chess Tournament Name, Players Names, Date, Rating ranking, timing rules and other data. The Electronic Chess Manager has a capability of recording time spent on each move. Chess moves are recorded in a universal language. This is accomplished by using universal, pictorial chess symbols annotation. The ECM is adapted to report impossible moves, ties after three times repetitive position, time out, calculate new rating automatically after the game. The ECM allows a chess player, who comes in a time constraint to press a time constraint button. Once the game is initiated (by entering the first move) the unit goes into a game recording mode. In this mode memory and some functions of ECM are disabled, for security reasons. The ECM cannot be tampered with to give an unfair advantage to a chess player. In the recording mode, the unit can only record the WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067 11 chess moves. ECM, while in recording mode, cannot access the memory storage of games, any program that could help a chess player in making his decision on a next move, nor to receive advantageous information due to its networking capability. Once the game is over (accomplished by entering results 1:0, 0:1, or 1/2), the player can initiate game view mode, and the game can be shown and viewed on the chessboard-like screen. This feature can be used in schools for training, tournament preparation by browsing through the chess games and theory. It can be used by tournament viewers, who wish to follow tournaments in real-time in a room adjacent to the one where the game is being played. While in game view mode, ECMs can receive a text message wirelessly, which may be a commentary from a chess grandmaster, marketing messages or others. The ECM can further be provided with a built-in chess clock 220 can be integrated in or connected to an electronic chessboard 200, which automatically sends information on chess moves to the attached ECM, and chess specific buttons 230. This represents an all-in-one automatic chess game system. Chess Tournament Management System The chess tournament management system consists of; A Central tournament manager 10, for central chess game collection which may be connected to the Internet 30; A Wireless Network 20 of electronic chess managers; A Plurality of Master 40 and Slave 50 ECMs, which transmit chess game information or are in a standby mode; A Central computer local to a tournament 60; At least one remote computer 70 for real-time tournament viewing; WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067 12 A network 80 such as the internet for real-time tournament transmission; and At least one central remote worldwide databank of chess 90. As mentioned previously, ECMs are in wireless communication with each other. Since both players are obligated to enter the moves, there is a Master and Slave ECMs. Master / Slave Mode is negotiated between two ECMs at the beginning of the game. Master is the one transmitting the moves, and slave is in a stand-by mode in order to avoid duplication of data transmission. Should Master stop operating, the Slave takes over the game transmission. Of course, the ECMs can be paired up by entering the opponent's name, or any other means, so that the ECMs are correctly paired up, \n off-line game mode (when central chess tournament manager is not available), units can store chess game data and transfer it to a PC via cable. Upon completion of a tournament, the chess tournament manager 10 can produce chess pairing automatically and transmit it to ECMs, so chess players would know whom they are playing with. Chess players and their trainers could download their opponent's games for analysis and match preparation. Transmission from ECM to a database is encrypted in game recording mode. Communication is secure and encrypted with handshake protocols between ECMs and chess tournament managers and worldwide databank of chess, following known techniques. The chess tournament manager 10 has a capability of automatic tournament organization, automatic pairing, chess magazine and bulletin editing, and automatic rating calculation. WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA20O4/000O67 13 Client - Server logic is implemented between ECMs and chess tournament managers with a shared chess rules library 161. ECMs application logic consists of Device Application User Interface 150, Device Application Logic 155 and Client Service Interface 160, which further communicates with the Server Service Interface 170. Chess tournament manager is acting as a server and its application logic consists of Device Application Logic 175, Server Application Logic 190 and Tournament Management 185 communicating with the Data Access Logic 180. The worldwide databank of chess consists of: Main worldwide storage of chess games 100, for global collection of chess games; Backup worldwide storage of chess games 101, which backups the main worldwide databank; Network 102 such as the internet, for transmission and viewing of chess games, which receives information from tournaments 104 connected to the Internet via 103. Interface for live chess game TV broadcasts 105. Once accessing the worldwide databank, user may be authenticated with a strong authentication (for example, needs to have a password and a dynamic key, which is changing often). Wireless networks of Electronic Chess Managers communicate securely chess game information to a central storage server. Using this system, chess tournaments can be followed worldwide on TV and / or over the Internet. The system has information security protection, which consists of chess player authentication and network security. Although the present invention has been explained hereinabove by the way of a preferred embodiment thereof, ft should be pointed out that any modifications to WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067 14 this preferred embodiment within the scope of the appended claims is not deemed to alter or change the nature and scope of the present invention. 15 Claims 1. A hand-held, portable apparatus for recording chess moves operable between a recording mode and at least one other mode, comprising: means for uniquely identifying a user; means for electronically entering into a memory a chess move made by said user, means for switching between said at least one other mode and said recording mode upon said player making a first move in a new game,; power means; and communication means for securely communicating chess moves to a central location; and wherein moves are recorded in a universal language; characterized in that said recording mode further including a security module so that only authorized features are accessible when said apparatus is in said recording mode, said security module disallowing access to the memory storage of games, any program that could help a chess player in making his decision on a next move, or receiving advantageous information due to its networking capability; and further characterized in that said communication means are wireless. 2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein means for uniquely identifying a user include said user entering personal information including name and rating. 3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is operatively connected to an electronic chess board, so that when said user moves, a signal is sent from said chess board to said apparatus in order to electronically enter into said memory said move and transmit the same wirelessly. AMENDED SHEET 16 4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for electronically entering into a memory a move includes a graphical user interface, wherein said user manually enters said move on said interface. 5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes a validation module for indicating to said user an invalid move. 6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes means for communicating with another apparatus, said means further including handshaking means for placing one of said apparatuses in a master mode and the other in a slave mode. 7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes . clock means for calculating the time associated with each move. 8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said validation module is further adapted to detect special conditions. 9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said power means manages at least one power supply including solar, self-generated power, power sent wirelessly to the unit, batteries, wireline or a combination thereof. 10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said wireless further records, and stores chess game information in a pictorial chess symbol annotation. 11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when said apparatus is in said other mode, said security module permits viewing of chess games and receiving wirelessly text messages. 12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is programmed with chess tournament logic and rules. AMENDED SHEET 17 13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus has built in algorithms for automatic chess tournament management. 14. A system for recording and publishing chess moves comprising: a plurality of pairs of apparatuses as claimed in claim 1, each of said pairs comprising a master and a slave; a central location being in communication with each of said masters of each of said pairs, said central location receiving all moves made by players, saving all of said moves in a database, and publishing said moves. 15. A system according to claim 14, wherein said central location publishes said moves on a website in real-time. 16. A system according to claim 14, wherein when said apparatuses are in recording mode, communication between said masters and said central location is unidirectional from said masters to said central location. 17. An automatic chess tournament management system, comprising: at least one central tournament manager, for secure central chess game collection, for real-time chess game transmission, storage and broadcast and for automatic chess tournament management; and a network for real-time tournament transmission; characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of hand-held portable apparatuses according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and at least one worldwide databank of chess games. 18. An automatic chess tournament management system according to claim 17, wherein encrypted information is transmitted over a secured transmission link. 19. An automatic chess tournament management system according to claim 17, wherein said central tournament manager collects chess game information. AMENDED SHEET 18 20. An automatic chess tournament management system according to claim 17, wherein said electronic chess managers transmit and receive chess game data in real-time wirelessty. 21. An automatic chess tournament management system according to claim 17, wherein said central tournament managers collects chess game data in real-time wirelessly and transmits them to a remote computer storage. 22. An automatic chess tournament management system according to claim 17, wherein said central tournament managers automatically initiate tournament pairing. 23. An automatic chess tournament management system according to claim 17, wherein said central tournament manager has a wire connection to a local computer, connection to the Internet and acts as an access point for wireless data coming from said electronic chess managers. 24. An automatic chess tournament management system according to claim 17, wherein said central tournament managers have chess arbiter tools for tournament administration. 25. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus, when in said recording mode, is adapted to transmit chess game information wirelessly. AMENDED SHEET A hand-held, portable apparatus for recording chess moves operable betwen a recording mode and at least one other mode is discribed. The apperatus is adapted to uniquely identifying a user and includes an interface for electronically entering into a memory a chess move made by the user. A mechanism is provided for the apperatus to switch between the at least one other mode and the recording mode upon a player making a first move in new game. The recording mode further includes a security module so that only authorized features are accessible when the apparatus is in the recording mode. The apperratus includes a power module and communication module for securely communicating chess moved to a central location. The moves are recorded in a universal language. The invention also concerns a chess game tournament management system, as well as a system for recording and publishing chess moves.

Full Text

WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067
SYSTEM AND DEVICES FOR REAL-TIME ELECTRONIC CHESS MOVE
RECORDING. VIEWING AND STORAGE
Field of the invention
The present invention concerns a system and devices for reai-time electronic
chess move recording, viewing and storage. It represents hardware andsoftware
system, designed specifically for chess.
Description of the prior art
Chess is the most popular board game in the world. The game of chess is played
between two opponents who move their pieces alternately on a square board
called a 'chessboard1. In the course of play each player is required to record his
own moves and those of his opponent in the correct manner, move after move, as
clearly and legibly as possible, in the algebraic notation, on the 'Score sheet'
prescribed for the competition. The score sheets are the property of the organizers
of the event. At the conclusion of the game both players sign both score sheets,
indicating the result of the game. Chess players keep a (paper) copy of their
game.
There are a number of chess tournaments around the world where the above
system is used: The Chess Olympiad; Continental Team Championship; World
Team Championship; National Tournaments; Regional Tournaments; Chess Club
Tournaments; School Tournaments; and other tournaments.

WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067
2
Chess is promoted by an international organization called FIDE (Federation
Internationale des Echecs) founded in 1924, recognized by the International
Olympic Committee, and having more than 160 member countries.
Global and continental chess tournaments are organized by FIDE, while national
chess federations organize tournaments in their respective countries. Local and
Regional tournaments are organized by chess clubs, regional chess federations,
chess schools or others.
Traditional chess tools are the chess set (pieces and table), chess clock and paper
score sheets. Despite the advent of modern technologies, score sheets
(mandatory in tournaments) are still paper-based, which cause many issues for
tournament chess players and chess tournament organizers.
Chess moves have to be in most cases manually entered into electronic form, in
order to be published, electronically analyzed, and shared with others. At the
conclusion of a typical tournament, the score sheets are gathered by the organizer
and kept in a paper collection as a record of the tournament. Individuals may keep
copies for their own use. There exists no efficient modern database storage of all
worldwide games, and only timely, error-prone, manual entry methods to translate
the games into some other form of media.
Issues related to paper score sheets are the following:
Different languages.
Easily lost score sheets.
Inaccurate or unreadable entries.
Manual entering chess moves into electronic form.
Tournaments cannot be followed in real time.
There is no daily updated database of all games played worldwide.
Exchange of information in chess is difficult, time consuming and costly.

WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067
3
There presently exist a number of technologies and inventions designed for chess
fans and players:
Tele-chess (on-line and/or Internet chess game between two or more
players);
Pocketsize or commercially available devices which have the capability to
play chess;
Electronic chessboards connected via a wire to a computer for playing
chess with a computer; and
New games or rules on how to play chess.
There are number of patents, which cover computer devices with a capability to
play chess, and on-line or remote game playing methods. For example, see US
Patent No. 6,196,920, US Patent No. 5,738,583, US Patent No. 5,738,583, and
Canadian application no. CA 2372694).
Commercially available "PocketPC" devices cannot be used for chess
tournaments because of the following reasons:
The PocketPC can be manipulated for advantageous help during the chess
tournament, and would be considered as a major threat: memory access, chess
engine, receiving helpful information wirelessly. Master level chess engine can
operate on a small PocketPC device, which could be used in a dishonest manner.
Wireless enabled PocketPCs have too high a cost (min US $ 500).
PocketPCs battery can "die" in 3 to 4 hours when wireless connection is on
(where a chess game can last for 8 hours).
Electronic scoring devices, which exist today, do not resolve chess tournament
management issues. Chess has its rules, which have existed for many years. A
new device needs to be created with chess rules logic, universal chess language,
wireless capabilities, extended power (for example battery) life, miniaturized
electronics, proprietary operating system, worldwide applicability, which is
portable, easy to use and is tamper-free.

4
There have been attempts to resolve chess tournament management issues with
an electronic chessboard. The electronic chessboard records chess game
automatically. It is heavy (made of wood for example) and has to be physically
wired to the remote computer (over serial or the USB port). It requires to be
plugged into an AC power.
Drawbacks of such system are the following:
Complex to manage due to a large number of cables (remote computers,
power plugs),
Can manage only limited number of games via central computer,
Relatively expensive,
Not mobile, not easily portable,
Not secure information.
There is no commercially available solution, which would effectively resolve
electronic chess move recording, viewing and storage allowing for seamless
creation of a worldwide databank of chess updated in real-time.
Summary of the invention
It is an object of this invention to provide a system and devices for real-time
electronic chess move recording, viewing and storage.
In accordance with this invention, this object is achieved with a hand-held, portable
apparatus for recording chess moves operable between a recording mode and at
least one other mode, comprising:
means for uniquely identifying a user;
means for electronically entering into a memory a chess move made by
said user;
AMENDED SHEET

5
means for switching between said at least one other mode and said
recording mode upon said player making a first move in a new game;
power means; and
communication means for securely communicating chess moves to a
central location; and
wherein moves are recorded in a universal language;
characterized in that said recording mode further including a security module so
that only authorized features are accessible when said apparatus is in said
recording mode, said security module disallowing access to the memory storage of
games, any program that could help a chess player in making his decision on a
next move, or receiving advantageous information due to its networking capability;
and
further characterized in that said communication means are wireless.
In accordance with this invention, this object is also achieved with a portable
electronic chess manager device for electronic chess move recording and
publishing comprising:
a plurality of pairs of apparatuses as described above, each of said pairs
comprising a master and a slave;
a central location being in communication with each of said masters of each
of said pairs, said central location receiving all moves made by players, saving all
of said moves in a database, and publishing said moves*
This object is further achieved with an automatic chess tournament management
system, comprising:
at least one central tournament manager, for secure central chess game
. collection, for real-time chess game transmission, storage and broadcast and for
automatic chess tournament management; and
a network for real-time tournament transmission;
characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of hand-held portable
apparatuses as above; and
AMENDED SHEET

5a
at least one worldwide databank of chess games.
In broad terms, the present invention, is an improved system for automated real-
time electronic chess move recording, viewing and storage. The electronic chess
manager of the present invention is a hand-held device capable of recording chess
moves automatically (built into an electronic board) or by intervention of a chess
AMENDED SHEET

WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067
6
player. Electronic chess managers are connected to a remote worldwide databank
of chess, which allows Internet users to follow worldwide tournaments in real-time.
Of course, TV stations connected to the worldwide databank of chess and
broadcast real-time chess tournaments.
Description of the figures
The present invention will be better understood after reading a description of a
preferred embodiment thereof, made in reference to the following drawings in
which:
FIG 1. is a schematic representation of the electronic chess manager device
according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG 2. is a schematic representation of the automated chess tournament
management system according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG 3. is a schematic representation of the worldwide databank of chess according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG 4. is a schematic representation of the automated chess tournament
management application logic according to a preferred embodiment of the present
invention.
FIG 5. is a schematic representation of the electronic chess manager built into an
electronic board for automatic chess move recording according to a preferred
embodiment of the present invention.

WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067
7
Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention
As mentioned above, chess tournament games are currently recorded with pen
and paper. More effective chess game management must provide electronic chess
move recording and storage to simplify chess tournaments and preserve chess
knowledge.
The present invention improves the way that chess tournaments are handled,
recorded and communicated worldwide.
According to the invention, the hand-held, portable apparatus for recording chess
moves, otherwise referred to in the present description as "the electronic chess
manager", resolves the issues of paper score sheets, which are used in chess
tournaments and enables chess players to electronically record, store their games
thus allowing tournaments to be followed real-time on-line.
Some of the electronic chess manager benefits are as follows: it is an easy to use
recording device; portable; loaded with the universal chess language. It
advantageously provides for electronic storage of chess games; lifetime archiving
of games. In a preferred embodiment, no AC power cable is required for operation.
The manager is provided with a secure, wireless data transmission module. The
manager is adapted to have special chess keys (such as time constrain button);
and automatic detection of special conditions (i.e. tie reporting, illegal move). The
.apparatus has a time recording module (spent on each move); and can download
games to a PC though a cable (or wirelessly).
Thus, the electronic chess manager is a hand-held device, which removes the
initial paper and pen-score sheet storage step, and removes the secondary step of
manually re-entering the game into a secondary score sheet. The electronic chess
manager offers the immediate benefit of simplifying data entry, allowing the user to
remain focused and concentrate on his/her game, and not on decoding the move

WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067
S
and transcribing it onto paper. This action of manual entry requires a shift from the
analytical and logical faculties of the individual, which impedes the focus on the
game.
Also disclosed is a chess tournament management system using electronic chess
managers. The benefits of the chess management system include the fact that it is
an automatic tournament organizer; that it can proceed with the real-time
collection of chess game data; tournaments can be broadcast on Internet in real
time; and it is equipped to automatically calculate ratings. The computer-based
nature of the system provides for quick exchange of chess information, and a large
number of games can be monitored by a single computer.
The chess tournament management system offers benefits for tournament
organizers, in collecting and archiving the data and most importantly, dramatically
saving time and effort in transcribing the chess games onto a database archive.
The value in gathering this information for the first time into a standardized
electronic format on a central database in an efficient manner and data-archiving
this for later review, analysis, printing, is significant. Without the facility of the
electronic chess managers, this would be very difficult. Data correction of any
recording of an illegal move will be performed, as well as immediate flagging of
three cycles of repeated moves, which results in an immediate tie.
With this system professional chess players will be able to analyze their
opponent's recent matches, when preparing for tournaments. Chess fans will be
able to follow worldwide tournaments in real-time.
The present invention allows for more efficient archive management, a dramatic
decrease in magazine editing, and a speedier posting of games on the Internet.
The system represents an automated system where thousands of chess games
and tournaments around the world can be viewed in real-time on the internet or
TV.

WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067
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The components of the present invention will now be described in detail, according
to a preferred embodiment thereof.
Electronic Chess Manager (ECM)-1
The ECM is a portable device capable of recording chess moves automatically or
by intervention of a chess player. ECM has embedded therein, or is programmed
with, chess tournament rules.
The ECM consists of a display 2, which can display characters, numbers chess
pieces and chess board; a processor 3, for data processing; special chess
characters 4, such as time constrain button; a wireless communication interface 5,
for real-time wireless chess game communication; preferably a stylus 6, for touch
screen display usage; a mechanical casing 7; a power module 8, which can be
battery, solar power, wirelessly powered, setf-powered among other power
modules; and a PC interface port 9, which is used for connection to a PC, via
cable. Optionally, the ECM may have an external and internal keyboards and a
camera. One of the important characteristics of the ECM is that it is operable
between a recording mode and at least one other mode, so that only authorized
features are accessible when the ECM is in the recording mode, as will be further
detailed herein. This feature is important in that it is a major distinction between
the present invention and prior art devices, besides the fact that the ECM of the
present invention incorporates chess rules, and interfaces in real-time with a
worldwide database of chess.
Since the ECM is provided with a wireless communication interface, it has the
capability to communicate with a central tournament manager 10 and with
neighboring ECMs.

WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA20O4/000067
10
In use, the user enters his/her name and rating via the touch screen display 2
using stylus 6 or any other data entry means. The ECM device automatically
associates a user's personal data with a device serial number, so that the system
could recognize a stolen unit.
The display 2 has a text display section (alphanumeric characters), special chess
characters (time constraint button, draw offer, among others), and chess pieces,
score sheet-like display, chessboard-like display and a table-like display.
The ECM has the capability to transmit chess moves in real-time via wireless
communication interface 5 to a remote computer and download a recorded chess
game to a computer via PC interface port 9.
Tournament data are entered into the ECM manually or automatically sent to the
ECM by a central chess tournament manager 10 at the beginning of the chess
game: Chess Tournament Name, Players Names, Date, Rating ranking, timing
rules and other data.
The Electronic Chess Manager has a capability of recording time spent on each
move. Chess moves are recorded in a universal language. This is accomplished
by using universal, pictorial chess symbols annotation.
The ECM is adapted to report impossible moves, ties after three times repetitive
position, time out, calculate new rating automatically after the game. The ECM
allows a chess player, who comes in a time constraint to press a time constraint
button.
Once the game is initiated (by entering the first move) the unit goes into a game
recording mode. In this mode memory and some functions of ECM are disabled,
for security reasons. The ECM cannot be tampered with to give an unfair
advantage to a chess player. In the recording mode, the unit can only record the

WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067
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chess moves. ECM, while in recording mode, cannot access the memory storage
of games, any program that could help a chess player in making his decision on a
next move, nor to receive advantageous information due to its networking
capability.
Once the game is over (accomplished by entering results 1:0, 0:1, or 1/2), the
player can initiate game view mode, and the game can be shown and viewed on
the chessboard-like screen. This feature can be used in schools for training,
tournament preparation by browsing through the chess games and theory. It can
be used by tournament viewers, who wish to follow tournaments in real-time in a
room adjacent to the one where the game is being played.
While in game view mode, ECMs can receive a text message wirelessly, which
may be a commentary from a chess grandmaster, marketing messages or others.
The ECM can further be provided with a built-in chess clock 220 can be integrated
in or connected to an electronic chessboard 200, which automatically sends
information on chess moves to the attached ECM, and chess specific buttons 230.
This represents an all-in-one automatic chess game system.
Chess Tournament Management System
The chess tournament management system consists of;
A Central tournament manager 10, for central chess game collection which
may be connected to the Internet 30;
A Wireless Network 20 of electronic chess managers;
A Plurality of Master 40 and Slave 50 ECMs, which transmit chess game
information or are in a standby mode;
A Central computer local to a tournament 60;
At least one remote computer 70 for real-time tournament viewing;

WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067
12
A network 80 such as the internet for real-time tournament transmission;
and
At least one central remote worldwide databank of chess 90.
As mentioned previously, ECMs are in wireless communication with each other.
Since both players are obligated to enter the moves, there is a Master and Slave
ECMs. Master / Slave Mode is negotiated between two ECMs at the beginning of
the game. Master is the one transmitting the moves, and slave is in a stand-by
mode in order to avoid duplication of data transmission. Should Master stop
operating, the Slave takes over the game transmission. Of course, the ECMs can
be paired up by entering the opponent's name, or any other means, so that the
ECMs are correctly paired up,
\n off-line game mode (when central chess tournament manager is not available),
units can store chess game data and transfer it to a PC via cable.
Upon completion of a tournament, the chess tournament manager 10 can produce
chess pairing automatically and transmit it to ECMs, so chess players would know
whom they are playing with. Chess players and their trainers could download their
opponent's games for analysis and match preparation.
Transmission from ECM to a database is encrypted in game recording mode.
Communication is secure and encrypted with handshake protocols between ECMs
and chess tournament managers and worldwide databank of chess, following
known techniques.
The chess tournament manager 10 has a capability of automatic tournament
organization, automatic pairing, chess magazine and bulletin editing, and
automatic rating calculation.

WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA20O4/000O67
13
Client - Server logic is implemented between ECMs and chess tournament
managers with a shared chess rules library 161. ECMs application logic consists
of Device Application User Interface 150, Device Application Logic 155 and Client
Service Interface 160, which further communicates with the Server Service
Interface 170. Chess tournament manager is acting as a server and its application
logic consists of Device Application Logic 175, Server Application Logic 190 and
Tournament Management 185 communicating with the Data Access Logic 180.
The worldwide databank of chess consists of:
Main worldwide storage of chess games 100, for global collection of chess
games;
Backup worldwide storage of chess games 101, which backups the main
worldwide databank;
Network 102 such as the internet, for transmission and viewing of chess
games, which receives information from tournaments 104 connected to the
Internet via 103.
Interface for live chess game TV broadcasts 105.
Once accessing the worldwide databank, user may be authenticated with a strong
authentication (for example, needs to have a password and a dynamic key, which
is changing often).
Wireless networks of Electronic Chess Managers communicate securely chess
game information to a central storage server. Using this system, chess
tournaments can be followed worldwide on TV and / or over the Internet. The
system has information security protection, which consists of chess player
authentication and network security.
Although the present invention has been explained hereinabove by the way of a
preferred embodiment thereof, ft should be pointed out that any modifications to

WO 2004/064957 PCT/CA2004/000067
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this preferred embodiment within the scope of the appended claims is not deemed
to alter or change the nature and scope of the present invention.

15
Claims
1. A hand-held, portable apparatus for recording chess moves operable
between a recording mode and at least one other mode, comprising:
means for uniquely identifying a user;
means for electronically entering into a memory a chess move made by
said user,
means for switching between said at least one other mode and said
recording mode upon said player making a first move in a new game,;
power means; and
communication means for securely communicating chess moves to a
central location; and
wherein moves are recorded in a universal language;
characterized in that said recording mode further including a security module so
that only authorized features are accessible when said apparatus is in said
recording mode, said security module disallowing access to the memory storage of
games, any program that could help a chess player in making his decision on a
next move, or receiving advantageous information due to its networking capability;
and
further characterized in that said communication means are wireless.
2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein means for uniquely identifying a
user include said user entering personal information including name and rating.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is operatively
connected to an electronic chess board, so that when said user moves, a signal is
sent from said chess board to said apparatus in order to electronically enter into
said memory said move and transmit the same wirelessly.
AMENDED SHEET

16
4. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said means for electronically
entering into a memory a move includes a graphical user interface, wherein said
user manually enters said move on said interface.
5. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes
a validation module for indicating to said user an invalid move.
6. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes
means for communicating with another apparatus, said means further including
handshaking means for placing one of said apparatuses in a master mode and the
other in a slave mode.

7. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus further includes .
clock means for calculating the time associated with each move.
8. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said validation module is further
adapted to detect special conditions.
9. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said power means manages at
least one power supply including solar, self-generated power, power sent
wirelessly to the unit, batteries, wireline or a combination thereof.

10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said wireless further records,
and stores chess game information in a pictorial chess symbol annotation.
11. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when said apparatus is in said
other mode, said security module permits viewing of chess games and receiving
wirelessly text messages.
12. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is programmed
with chess tournament logic and rules.
AMENDED SHEET

17
13. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus has built in
algorithms for automatic chess tournament management.
14. A system for recording and publishing chess moves comprising:
a plurality of pairs of apparatuses as claimed in claim 1, each of said pairs
comprising a master and a slave;
a central location being in communication with each of said masters of each
of said pairs, said central location receiving all moves made by players, saving all
of said moves in a database, and publishing said moves.
15. A system according to claim 14, wherein said central location publishes said
moves on a website in real-time.
16. A system according to claim 14, wherein when said apparatuses are in
recording mode, communication between said masters and said central location is
unidirectional from said masters to said central location.
17. An automatic chess tournament management system, comprising:
at least one central tournament manager, for secure central chess game
collection, for real-time chess game transmission, storage and broadcast and for
automatic chess tournament management; and
a network for real-time tournament transmission;
characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of hand-held portable
apparatuses according to any one of claims 1 to 13; and
at least one worldwide databank of chess games.
18. An automatic chess tournament management system according to claim 17,
wherein encrypted information is transmitted over a secured transmission link.
19. An automatic chess tournament management system according to claim 17,
wherein said central tournament manager collects chess game information.
AMENDED SHEET

18
20. An automatic chess tournament management system according to claim 17,
wherein said electronic chess managers transmit and receive chess game data in
real-time wirelessty.
21. An automatic chess tournament management system according to claim 17,
wherein said central tournament managers collects chess game data in real-time
wirelessly and transmits them to a remote computer storage.

22. An automatic chess tournament management system according to claim 17,
wherein said central tournament managers automatically initiate tournament
pairing.
23. An automatic chess tournament management system according to claim 17,
wherein said central tournament manager has a wire connection to a local
computer, connection to the Internet and acts as an access point for wireless data
coming from said electronic chess managers.

24. An automatic chess tournament management system according to claim 17,
wherein said central tournament managers have chess arbiter tools for tournament
administration.
25. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus, when in said
recording mode, is adapted to transmit chess game information wirelessly.
AMENDED SHEET
A hand-held, portable apparatus for recording chess moves operable betwen a recording mode and at least one other mode is discribed. The apperatus is adapted to uniquely identifying a user and includes an interface for electronically entering into a memory a chess move made by the user. A mechanism is provided for the apperatus to switch between the at least one other mode and the recording mode upon a player making a first move in new game. The recording mode further includes a security module so that only authorized features are accessible when the apparatus is in the recording mode. The apperratus includes a power module and communication module for securely communicating chess moved to a central location. The moves are recorded in a universal language. The invention also concerns a chess game tournament management system, as well as a system for recording and publishing chess moves.

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Patent Number

218991

Indian Patent Application Number

01664/KOLNP/2005

PG Journal Number

16/2008

Publication Date

18-Apr-2008

Grant Date

16-Apr-2008

Date of Filing

19-Aug-2005

Name of Patentee

INNDE INC.

Applicant Address

100 ALEXIS-NIHON, SUITE 120, VILLE ST-LAURENT (QUEBEC) H4M 2N6, CANADA.

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	MALOBABIC BRANA	2424 DE L'ACAJOU, ST-LAURENT, (QUEBEC) H4R 2R9, CANADA.

PCT International Classification Number

A63F 3/02

PCT International Application Number

PCT/CA2004/000067

PCT International Filing date

2004-01-15

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	60/442,173	2003-01-24	U.S.A.