Austin Brougher Edward A. Meier

Scott Neuenschwander Johnny Varga

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Estell

Problem StatementThe major downfall of the classic Reversi game is the flipping of so many chips per turn. It can become

redundant and cumbersome. The goal of this project was to develop a game system that would flip chips automatically and allow the users to focus on strategy and game play, thus improving the enjoyability of the

classic Reversi game.

Problems•Mesh solenoid layout led to improper solenoid firings

•Board spacing led to magnets interacting with each other

•Differences while programming with embedded microcontroller

•Painting on permanent magnetic surface of the chips, as well as preventing chipping or peeling

•Fragile magnetic sensors needed to be wired and positioned near the board surface

•Board surface needed to sustain many flips without wear

PurposeThe purpose of this project was to create a

Reversi game system that would flip chips automatically. Any human error would be removed because all movement is controlled by the system. Players would be able to focus on strategy and game play because all computations and movements would be completed by the system. The system could be compared to online versions in that the players simply place their chips during their turn and the system takes care of the rest.

Specifications•The game system is a stand-alone product only requiring power from a standard 120V outlet

•The system uses a grid of 64 solenoids under the board to magnetically flip chips

•An ATmega169V Microcontroller controls the solenoids

•The microcontroller also contains all of the logic and rules needed for game play

•The game and system logic was created using less than 16kB of data, the maximum the microcontroller could store

•The system automatically checks if a move is valid before chips are flipped

•The system complies with Underwriters Laboratories© (UL) standards for electrical safety

•The system and its pieces comply with toy safety standards offered in ASTM F 963-03, Standard Consumer Safety Specification for Toy Safety

Conclusion& Future Work

Ollehto successfully demonstrates the ability of a game system to automatically flip chips during game play. Complete Reversi games can be played with the system with no errors. The players can focus simply on their next moves and not flipping chips.

Future work that could be completed on the system includes various levels of artificial intelligence, or a computer player to play against. The system could also include the ability for a visual display of the score, and could include a timing system.

References1.Rose, Brian. Othello: A Minute to Learn... A

Lifetime to Master. Anjar Co: 20052.Stupak, Joseph J. Methods of Magnetizing

Permanent Magnets. Cincinnati, Oersted Technology: 2000.

3.Atmel Corporation. [online webpage]. AVR Butterfly. Accessed 7 October 2007. Available from: http://www.atmel.com/dyn/products/tools_card.asp?tool_id=3146. Internet.

Solutions• H-bridges and multiplexers prevent unwanted

currents in the system• Increased spacing to accommodate for

interactions• Removed all two-dimensional arrays, used

included pin locations• Stained wood was placed on each side,

eliminates chipping and peeling• Sensors were encased in a non-conductive

epoxy and mounted near the surface• Hardwood board surface was created that is

resistance to wear from use