Light Checkers

Ian Luchars

The Light checkers are an engaging way for Lee, a person with cerebral palsy, to play physical checkers without having to move pieces. The pieces are represented by lights, that are moved using his pre-existing computer interface.

Playing checkers was something that Lee wanted to play in person. This design needed a piece that could move without physical touch. The board utilizes a system of moving lights, that simulate checkers' pieces being moved across the board. The board is plugged into the computer and the lights are set to the starting position for checkers. If Lee wants to move a piece he can choose where he wants to move it on the computer and the Arduino controlling the lights will move it. If a piece is taken, the program will turn it off. Though this is designed for Lee, it gives everyone the experience of checkers in an authentic way.