🧠♟️ ChessTrace: Low-Cost Smart Chessboard with Cloud-Based Algebraic Notation Recording

📌 Overview

ChessTrace is a low-cost smart chessboard designed to bring intelligent digital features—such as automatic move detection and cloud-based recording—to traditional physical chess. Built using ESP32 and reed switch technology, this solution enables players to record and analyze games with ease and affordability.

🎯 Key Features

• 🧲 Magnetic Piece Detection: 98%+ accuracy
• 🌐 Real-time Cloud Sync: Via Firebase
• 📜 Automatic Notation: Algebraic & PGN generation
• 💻 Web Dashboard: For live game viewing & analysis
• 🔋 Rechargeable Battery: 8+ hours of portable use
• 📱 Cross-Platform Access: PC, Mobile, Tablet

🖼️ Preview

✅ Final Product

✅ Detection Technology

💡 System Architecture

🔎 Web Interface

🛠️ Tech Stack

Layer	Technologies
Hardware	ESP32, Reed Switches, Magnets, MUX
Firmware	C++ (Arduino)
Cloud	Firebase Realtime Database
Frontend	HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Stockfish.js

🧱 Architecture

[Chessboard (64 reed switches)]
        ↓
[ESP32 Microcontroller]
        ↓
[Firebase Realtime Database]
        ↓
[Web UI with Stockfish.js for Analysis]

🚀 Getting Started

🔧 Hardware Assembly

1. Solder 64 reed switches to a multiplexer matrix.
2. Insert magnets into the base of chess pieces.
3. Connect multiplexers to ESP32.
4. Enclose board and connect 18650 battery.

💻 Firmware Setup

• Install Arduino IDE.
• Add ESP32 board manager.
• Upload firmware with Wi-Fi and Firebase credentials.

☁️ Firebase Configuration

• Enable Realtime Database and Authentication.
• Set up data structure (/users, /games, /moves).
• Configure rules and paste API key in firmware.

🌐 Web App Setup

• Open index.html in your browser.
• Authenticate and link your board.
• View and replay games in real time.

⚙️ Hardware BOM (Total Cost ≈ ₹1,850)

Component	Qty	Price (₹)
ESP32 WROOM	1	450
Reed Switches	64	640
CD74HC4067 MUX	4	200
Neodymium Magnets	32	320
Battery + Charger	1	200
Enclosure (MDF)	1	200
Total		1,850

📊 Performance

Metric	Result
Move Detection Accuracy	98.2%
Cloud Sync Latency	< 500ms
Battery Backup	8+ hours
Setup Time	< 5 minutes

🎓 Use Cases

• 🏫 Schools: For chess-integrated CBSE classrooms.
• 🏆 Clubs/Academies: Easy move tracking for coaches.
• ♟️ Casual Players: Review games with friends or analyze with Stockfish.

🔮 Future Roadmap

• 📌 Piece Identification via RFID
• 📱 Companion Mobile App
• 🤖 AI-powered Coaching Suggestions
• 🏟️ Tournament Mode with Arbiter View

👨‍💻 Authors

• Anuj Jain - 0108IO221009
• Akshat Jain - 0108IO221003
• Sanidhya Sahu - 0108IO221053

Under guidance of Prof. Abhishek Mathur
Samrat Ashok Technological Institute, Vidisha (M.P.)

📝 License

This repository is open-source for educational and research purposes only. For commercial use, please contact the authors.

“Bringing smart play to every player—affordable, accurate, and accessible.” 🧠♟️