Patent ID: 6102397
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: A63F

Abstract:
A data input interface device for a personal computer that can run software for a plurality of games that utilizes different game boards, said data input interface comprising:a plurality of sets of game pieces, wherein each set of same pieces contains game pieces of different types that are used in the play of one of the plurality of games;a physical rendition of each of the same boards for which a set of game pieces is provided, wherein each said rendition of a game board contains a unique plurality of positions on which game pieces are placed during play;a base structure that receives said rendition of each game board;a plurality of identification units disposed within said base structure for identifying each of the game pieces placed on a rendition of a game board during play, identifying in which of said plurality of positions said game pieces are located, and providing output signals for each of said game pieces that identifies its position and identity, wherein said output signals are readable by the personal computer and used in the running of the software of the game.