John Tilley wrote:
The Chinese boards that use built in LED to show the intersection to play on are safe but expensive. I think you need to look at using these around the board.
John Tilley
Even this idea is hardly new. I had a Reversi/Othello set in 1990 that used LEDs to indicate the chip's moves. Buddy of mine had a chess game with green LEDs in each square that was clumsy but playable. And there's an automated chess thingy with an x-y magnetic arm under the table:
https://squareoffnow.comThe two different AI go boards' integration technology and manufacturing processes have become economically viable in just the past few years. I believe at least one of these Chinese devices hit the market in 2018 so it is already ancient history, tech-wise.
Anyway ... Looking at the evolution of physical go equipment that is supported by an integrated engine, anyone wish to speculate where this could lead in a few more years? What is the best way to play against an engine or a remote opponent if you are using a real board and stones? Probably practical to assume at least one person is reaching into bowls and placing stones on the board.
I can see:
1. 360 unique RFI chips molded into heavy plastic stones.
2. Overhead projection with machine vision that detects invisible markings on the stones. Requires a stand and boom.
3. A robotic arm is a cool manifestation but remains impractical and the thing would be in the way.
4. Additional refinement of the current technologies to reduce costs and increase elegance.
5. Economic full-size, full-color iPad-like touch screen that is robust enough to both use and sense real glass or shell stones.
6. What else you got?