Josh Hunsberger
Abstract
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What is "Hackers of Catron"?
o Electronic Settlers of Catan® board. Settlers of Catan is a
resource gathering and trading board game in which
players compete to build the largest economy.
What we will improve upon?
o The game is really fun, but it takes too long to set up. We
will shorten the setup process.
o Make resource gathering and spending automatic.
o This project intends to simplify the execution of Catan
without adding more complexity.
Block Diagram
Addr - 3
Hall
Single Hall
Effect Sensor
8:1 MUX
Hall
18
Web Server
Raspberry Pi
Economy
Control Logic
USB
Wifi
Access
Point
I2C
AVR32 UC3 B
Microcontroller
(8) Hall Effect
Sensors
18 Sets
TWI
2
2
ll
RGB LED
Driver
RGB 3
(3) RGB
LEDs
7 sets (daisy-chained)
Game
Control Code
SPI
3
Load Enable
7 Segment Dig 8
LED
Seg 8
(8) 7 Segs
Display
Driver
5 sets (daisy-chained)
Patent 1: Digitizing apparatus having
array of hall effect sensors
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US 5734130
Filed: Aug 4, 1995
Proposes a system for using an array of hall effect sensors to
detect the position of an "actuator" (magnet tipped pen)
Possible Infringement
o Function: Essentially the same
o Method: Slightly Different (Multiplexed digital sensors vs
matrix of analog signals connected to opamps that operate
switches.
Infringement solution: Wait 2 years for patent expiration
Patent 1: Digitizing apparatus having
array of hall effect sensors
Array of Hall Effect Sensors
Individual Sensor Unit
Patent 2: Computerized game board
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US 5853327
Filed: Feb 21, 1996
Proposes an electronic board game that can sense pieces and
respond with visual/audio.
No Infringement:
o Function: Similar, but what is claimed is to detect piece
position, movement, direction, and to store that
movement. We only detect position.
o Method: Fundamentally different. What is claimed is a
query signal which triggers an appropriate response
signal from each piece.
Patent 2: Computerized game board
Example of Claimed Function
Detection Circuit
Patent 3: Multi-player, multi-screens,
electronic gaming platform and system
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US 8226476 B2
Filed: Nov 4, 2009
Proposes a gaming platform for multiple players using shared
and private board space
No Infringement:
o Function: Not the same function, ours is only made for a
single game which is not touch-sensitive and we do not allow
for connecting additional boards.
o Method: We do not use an operating system on our game
board.