Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an apparatus and method for playing modified chess game. The apparatus includes an expandable game to operate between a conventional mode and a powered mode. The apparatus further includes two sets of playing pieces, visually distinguished from each other are configured to operate in the conventional mode. The at least two bishops, the at least two knights, the at least two rooks, and the at least eight pawns of at least one set of the two sets of playing pieces are provided with a toggle switch. The toggle switch is adapted to form corresponding powered playing pieces during the modified chess game. The powered playing pieces are operated based on a set of powered rules. The apparatus further includes a power zone provided on a portion of the expandable game board to regulate movement of the powered playing pieces in the powered mode.

A game board device is provided for carrying and identifying game pieces that are divided into different piece types. The game board device includes a board, a plurality of optically identifying modules, and a processing module electrically coupled to the optically identifying modules. The optically identifying modules respectively correspond in position to detection regions of the board. Each of the optically identifying modules includes a light emitter that can emit light toward the corresponding detection region and a light receiver that can receive light reflected by the corresponding detection region. When any one of the detection regions is in an unoccupied mode, the corresponding optically identifying module can emit an unoccupied signal. When any one of the detection regions is in an occupied mode, the corresponding optically identifying module enables an identification signal that corresponds to the piece type of the corresponding game piece to be emitted therefrom.

A game board device is provided for carrying and identifying game pieces that are divided into different piece types. The game board device includes a board, a plurality of optically identifying modules, and a processing module electrically coupled to the optically identifying modules. The optically identifying modules respectively correspond in position to detection regions of the board. Each of the optically identifying modules includes a light emitter that can emit light toward the corresponding detection region and a light receiver that can receive light reflected by the corresponding detection region. When any one of the detection regions is in an unoccupied mode, the corresponding optically identifying module can emit an unoccupied signal. When any one of the detection regions is in an occupied mode, the corresponding optically identifying module enables an identification signal that corresponds to the piece type of the corresponding game piece to be emitted therefrom.

A battle game having four game piece types assigned to each of two players, each game piece having distinct movement abilities and opponent game piece capturing abilities on a game board comprised of a plurality of tiles within two starting areas, a neutral area and two goal tiles.

A battle game having four game piece types assigned to each of two players, each game piece having distinct movement abilities and opponent game piece capturing abilities on a game board comprised of a plurality of tiles within two starting areas, a neutral area and two goal tiles.

An integrated apparatus for storage of consumer articles using a stackable and interlocking mechanism is disclosed herein. Specifically, in some embodiments, multi-layered stacking and control of consumer articles is achieved by forming couplings (e.g., male-female couplings) among the consumer articles such that they are subsequently placed in a stacking fashion. Such stacking can be employed in a symmetric, asymmetric and/or combination manner in order to form an interlocking mechanism between two or more of the stackable consumer articles, thus ensuring that the storage apparatus is stable and the consumer articles protected. In some embodiments, the consumer articles can be related to household articles, commercial articles, board games or any other suitable article.

An integrated apparatus for storage of consumer articles using a stackable and interlocking mechanism is disclosed herein. Specifically, in some embodiments, multi-layered stacking and control of consumer articles is achieved by forming couplings (e.g., male-female couplings) among the consumer articles such that they are subsequently placed in a stacking fashion. Such stacking can be employed in a symmetric, asymmetric and/or combination manner in order to form an interlocking mechanism between two or more of the stackable consumer articles, thus ensuring that the storage apparatus is stable and the consumer articles protected. In some embodiments, the consumer articles can be related to household articles, commercial articles, board games or any other suitable article.

A system and method for providing a topographical chess system that can enhance the variety, strategic thinking, and enjoyment of strategic board games. A set of regular, non-topographical, movable chess pieces, a chess board, and at least one topographical chess piece are provided. The at least one topographical chess piece provides a symbolic representation of a topographical feature and acts to provide a barrier or semi-barrier to the movement of at, least one regular non-topographical movable piece, thereby increasing both realism and the number of possible strategic scenarios. The topographical chess piece can represent a tree, mountain, body of water, hill, city or other suitable natural or man-made feature.

A system and method for providing a topographical chess system that can enhance the variety, strategic thinking, and enjoyment of strategic board games. A set of regular, non-topographical, movable chess pieces, a chess board, and at least one topographical chess piece are provided. The at least one topographical chess piece provides a symbolic representation of a topographical feature and acts to provide a barrier or semi-barrier to the movement of at, least one regular non-topographical movable piece, thereby increasing both realism and the number of possible strategic scenarios. The topographical chess piece can represent a tree, mountain, body of water, hill, city or other suitable natural or man-made feature.

A method includes identifying a string and parameters. The parameters include a coding frame, elements, and a travel path. The method includes traversing the travel path to yield an output artefact. Responsive to no active element at a next position, the method includes filling the next position from the front of the string and advancing one character and one position. Responsive to an element at the next position, the method includes filling the next position from the end of the string, decrementing one character, and determining an attack position. Responsive to the attack position existing, the method includes setting the next position to the attack position. Responsive to no attack position existing, the method includes advancing the next position according to the travel path. The method results in the output artefact encoding the string. A corresponding method decodes the output artefact. Corresponding computer program products and computer systems are disclosed.