Real-Time Chessboard State Recognition Using YOLOv8: A Comprehensive Approach to Chess Pieces Detection and Analysis

Authors

  • Saurav Naik
  • Bhushan Taru

Keywords:

Augmented Reality, Automated Chess Analysis, Chessboard Recognition, Computer Vision, Kaggle Dataset, Machine Learning, Real-Time Object Detection, YOLOv8

Abstract

This research presents a cutting-edge approach to real-time chessboard state recognition using the YOLOv8 object detection framework. Chess, known for its strategic depth, requires precise analysis of board states for gameplay enhancement and AI-driven insights. Leveraging a carefully curated Kaggle dataset comprising diverse chess board configurations and lighting conditions, this study develops a robust system capable of accurately detecting and classifying chess pieces in real-time scenarios. The model's architecture integrates an anchor-free mechanism, multi-scale detection capabilities, and advanced training strategies like mosaic augmentation and adaptive learning rates, ensuring optimal performance.

The detection system achieves an impressive mAP@50 IoU of 98.7%, with frame rates surpassing 30 FPS on Tesla T4 GPUs, making it ideal for seamless real-time applications. Evaluation metrics, including precision, recall, and qualitative analyses, confirm the system's reliability under diverse conditions, such as occlusions and varying perspectives. Potential applications span automated gameplay analysis, augmented reality learning tools, and portable edge-device deployments.

The study also outlines future directions, including expanding the dataset, integrating detection with chess engines, and optimizing for mobile platforms. By bridging traditional chess gameplay and AI, this research highlights the transformative potential of YOLOv8 in enhancing the chess-playing experience and contributing to technological advancements in the domain.

References

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Published

2025-01-18

How to Cite

Saurav Naik, & Taru, B. . (2025). Real-Time Chessboard State Recognition Using YOLOv8: A Comprehensive Approach to Chess Pieces Detection and Analysis. Journal of Image Processing and Artificial Intelligence, 11(1), 1–14. Retrieved from https://matjournals.net/engineering/index.php/JOIPAI/article/view/1317

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Section

Articles