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.

A chess-like board game with a commercial name of Starship Chess provides a one-on-one or multiplayer (up to six player) tactical space combat game, like the game of chess between two versatile playing pieces or two teams of versatile playing pieces. The game is played by two-to-six players and each player has a fully maneuverable starship, complete with manageable resources, engines, weapons, and shields. Each player must navigate his starship in order to gain an advantage over the player's opponent with respect to direction and position. A starship can engage, withdraw, replenish, and reposition to plan out attacks. Players must learn to think ahead, predict opposing player's tactics, and outwit the opponent to win.

A chess-like board game with a commercial name of Starship Chess provides a one-on-one or multiplayer (up to six player) tactical space combat game, like the game of chess between two versatile playing pieces or two teams of versatile playing pieces. The game is played by two-to-six players and each player has a fully maneuverable starship, complete with manageable resources, engines, weapons, and shields. Each player must navigate his starship in order to gain an advantage over the player's opponent with respect to direction and position. A starship can engage, withdraw, replenish, and reposition to plan out attacks. Players must learn to think ahead, predict opposing player's tactics, and outwit the opponent to win.

Systems and methods for generating an augmented reality interface for generics activities are disclosed. The systems and methods may be directed to creating an augmented reality display for an activity performed on a surface. Given an image of the activity, an activity solver library and associated configuration information for the activity may be selected. The surface of the activity from the image may be rectified, forming a rectified image, from which activity state information may be extracted using the configuration information. The activity state information may be provided to the activity solver library to generate solution information, and elements indicating the solution information may be rendered in a perspective of the original image. By providing the configuration information associated with an activity solver library, an augmented reality interface can be generated for an activity by capturing an image of the activity.

Methods, systems, and computer programs are provided for generating an interactive space. One method includes identifying a reference point in a three-dimensional (3D) space using a portable device. The reference point is calibrated to an origin point of the portable device. The method includes determining by the device a position and an orientation of the portable device at the origin point. The position and orientation is determined using data from an inertial sensor of the portable device and data from the camera. The method includes generating by the portable device an augmented reality (AR) space using the reference point. The AR space includes virtual objects imposed over or in the 3D space.

Methods, systems, and computer programs are provided for generating an interactive space. One method includes identifying a reference point in a three-dimensional (3D) space using a portable device. The reference point is calibrated to an origin point of the portable device. The method includes determining by the device a position and an orientation of the portable device at the origin point. The position and orientation is determined using data from an inertial sensor of the portable device and data from the camera. The method includes generating by the portable device an augmented reality (AR) space using the reference point. The AR space includes virtual objects imposed over or in the 3D space.

A fantasy-based variant of chess that can be played by two to six players on one of several distinct game boards. Game boards are two-dimensional, and comprise a plurality of square or hexagonal play spaces arranged into a variety of polygonal shapes. Square play spaces alternate in color (e.g., light, dark), while hexagonal play spaces may be arranged in concentric rings or “circuits” of alternating color (e.g., light, dark). New types of pieces are introduced, including Dragons, Giants, Beasts, Wizards, and Mercenaries. The number and arrangement of game pieces per player varies depending on the game board.

A fantasy-based variant of chess that can be played by two to six players on one of several distinct game boards. Game boards are two-dimensional, and comprise a plurality of square or hexagonal play spaces arranged into a variety of polygonal shapes. Square play spaces alternate in color (e.g., light, dark), while hexagonal play spaces may be arranged in concentric rings or “circuits” of alternating color (e.g., light, dark). New types of pieces are introduced, including Dragons, Giants, Beasts, Wizards, and Mercenaries. The number and arrangement of game pieces per player varies depending on the game board.

Structures made from boxes, items made from boxes, play systems using such structures and/or items, play methods employing such structures and systems and/or items; and designs for such structures and items, methods for game playing, and to designs for such boxes. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Disclosed is a board game capable of being played by two or more players and method of playing the board game. The board game comprises a board member having plurality of boxes configured thereon. Each box of the plurality of boxes includes at least two triangles which form at least one diagonal path thereon. Further, each box of the plurality of boxes placed in proximity with other box and/or on the sides of the board member (10) to form vertical and horizontal paths there between. Further, the board game includes a plurality of playing pieces divided into at least two sets. Each set includes at least two playing pieces, wherein each player of the two or more players is assigned one set of the playing pieces for playing the game. Furthermore, the board game includes a plurality of first blockers, at least one second blocker and at least one master blocker, wherein each player of the two or more players is assigned at least one blocker of the plurality of first, second and master blocker. Furthermore, the board game includes at least one joker and at least one flipper.