An application for the game of Go: Automatic live Go recording and searchable Go database

Abstract

The key to become a skillful Go player is to learn from experience, analyzing and reflecting on previously played games. Rich in strategy, the game of Go requires a player to recognize winning or losing configurations of game pieces on the board. Knowing how to respond is essential, and training to do so requires an extensive study of various different tactics used by a diverse group of players, especially professionals. The benefit of recording Go games has undeniably been realized. Hand-recording has been attempted but it is neither efficient nor practical. Described in this work is an automatic Computer Vision system to record Go games - AutoGoRecorder. Incorporating advanced technologies, AutoGoRecorder automatically records a live Go game in real time. Additionally, it maintains a dynamic database of Go games that is easily accessible and searchable. It is an invaluable tool for any Go organization to record a tournament. Individuals can use it to review certain games or to familiarize themselves with strategies to respond to particular configurations of Go stones. Coaches and tutors can use it as an teaching aid to give suggestions or comments, reading the game to amateur players. © 2012 IEEE.