U.S. patent application number 11/172115 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-04 for picture maze and method of generating the picture maze.
Invention is credited to Elaine Salmento.
Application Number | 20070004492 11/172115 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37590319 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070004492 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Salmento; Elaine |
January 4, 2007 |
Picture maze and method of generating the picture maze
Abstract
A picture maze and a method of producing the picture maze are
described. The picture maze comprises a maze wherein a significant
portion of the image data for a desired picture is contained within
the lines of the maze such that one or both the color and intensity
of the lines vary over their lengths relative to the picture
content. Methodologies for producing a picture maze are also
described wherein a digital image of a maze and a digital image of
a picture are combined and the opacity of the maze's digital image
is adjusted as necessary to permit the picture's digital image to
be viewed.
Inventors: |
Salmento; Elaine; (Parker,
CO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
LEYENDECKER LEMIRE & DALEY, LLC
C/O PORTFOLIO IP
P.O. BOX 52050
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Family ID: |
37590319 |
Appl. No.: |
11/172115 |
Filed: |
June 30, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/15 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 2009/246 20130101;
A63F 2250/285 20130101; A63F 9/0078 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/015 |
International
Class: |
A63F 9/24 20060101
A63F009/24 |
Claims
1. An amusement puzzle comprising: a substrate having a top
surface; a plurality of lines marked on the top surface, the lines
forming, a labyrinth of pathways extending between adjacent borders
of the plurality of lines, wherein a limited number of passageways
are defined by the plurality of lines and the labyrinth of pathways
with a limited number of passageways extending between one or more
entry locations into the passageways; and wherein one or both the
color and intensity of the plurality of lines (i) differ from one
or both the color and intensity of the adjacent pathways, and (ii)
vary along the lengths of the lines to form a predetermined
image.
2. The amusement puzzle of claim 1, wherein the predetermined image
is a photograph.
3. The amusement puzzle of claim 1, wherein plurality of lines
comprises at least about 25% of a total area of the top
surface.
4. The amusement puzzle of claim 1, wherein the limited number of
passageways comprise one or more lines extending between one or
more entry locations.
5. The amusement puzzle of claim 1, wherein one or both the color
and intensity of the labyrinth of pathways varies along lengths of
the pathways to form a predetermined image.
6. The amusement puzzle of claim 1, wherein the substantial
majority of the plurality of lines do not form any readily
discernable patterns other than those resulting from the variations
in one or both of the color and intensity of the lines.
7. The amusement puzzle of claim 1, wherein the lines are rendered
in grayscale and the intensity of the plurality of lines vary.
8. The amusement puzzle of claim 1, wherein the lines are rendered
in color and both the intensity and colors of the plurality of
lines vary.
9. The amusement puzzle of claim 1, wherein the labyrinth of
pathways are of a generally uniform color and intensity.
10. A picture maze comprising a plurality of lines that define a
least one passageway between at least one start location and at
least one finish location wherein one or both the color and
intensity of the plurality of lines vary over their lengths, the
varying color and intensity of the lines forming a predetermined
image.
11. The picture maze of claim 10, wherein the maze is printed on a
substrate.
12. The picture maze of claim 10, wherein the maze is etched on a
substrate.
13. The picture maze of claim 10, wherein the maze is woven on a
substrate.
14. The picture maze of claim 10, wherein the maze is
electronically displayed.
15. The picture maze of claim 10, wherein the picture maze is
computer generated by combining a digital image with a digitized
maze to create a picture maze file and producing the picture maze
file on a substrate.
16. A method of generating a picture maze having a plurality of
lines that define a plurality of pathways with at least one
passageway between at least one start location and at least one
finish location, wherein one or both the color and intensity of the
plurality of lines vary to form a predetermined image, the method
comprising: displaying image files for a maze and a picture in an
image editing program; overlaying the maze image and the picture
image one on top of the other; and merging the picture image and
the maze image.
17. The method of claim 16 further comprising: reducing the opacity
of the picture maze image.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the image editing program is
one of JASC Paint shop.TM. and Adobe Photoshop.TM..
19. The method of claim 16 further comprising: producing the
picture maze.
20. The method of claim 16 further comprising: digitizing one or
both the maze and the picture to create picture maze image files.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to amusement puzzles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Mazes are well known on printed thin substrate such as paper
and as three dimensional constructions such as corn mazes and hedge
mazes. Typical printed mazes comprise of a plurality of paths
bounded by pairs of adjacent lines printed on the substrate. The
pathways typically include many dead ends but at least one pathway
extends from a starting location to a finish location. By
traversing the pathways from start to finish a user effectively
solves the maze.
[0003] A substantial portion of printed mazes comprise of lines and
pathways that fill a whole or portion of a piece of paper such as
shown in prior art FIG. 1. However, printed mazes are also well
known wherein the lines and paths and the arrangement thereof form
a picture. In some variations, the lines and pathways are contained
within the outline of an object as shown in prior art FIG. 2. In
other variations, the spatial organization of the lines and
pathways themselves provide the picture as shown in prior art FIG.
3. In yet other variations, a scene or picture will be provided and
a section of the picture will include a maze rendered or drawn over
the particular section such as in prior art FIG. 4.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one embodiment of the present invention, an amusement
puzzle is described. The puzzle includes a substrate having a top
surface with a plurality of lines marked thereon. The lines form a
labyrinth of pathways extending between adjacent borders of the
plurality of lines. The puzzle further includes a limited number of
passageways that are defined by the plurality of lines and the
labyrinth of pathways. The limited number of passageways extend
between one or more entry locations. One or both the color and
intensity of the plurality of lines both (i) differ from one or
both the color and intensity of the adjacent pathways, and (ii)
vary along the lengths of the lines to form a predetermined
image.
[0005] In another embodiment, a picture maze is described. The
picture maze comprises a plurality of lines that define a least one
path between at least one start location and at least one finish
location. One or both the color and intensity of the plurality of
lines vary over their lengths. The varying color and intensity of
the lines form a predetermined image.
[0006] In yet another embodiment, a method of generating a picture
maze is described. The picture maze has a plurality of lines that
define a plurality of pathways with at least one passageway
extending between at least one start location and at least one
finish location. One or both the color and intensity of the
plurality of lines vary to form a predetermined image. The method
of generating the picture maze includes: (i) displaying image files
for a maze and a picture in an image editing program; (ii)
overlaying the maze image and the picture image one on top of the
other; and (iii) merging the picture image and the maze image.
DRAWINGS--FIGURES
[0007] FIG. 1 is a typical prior art maze.
[0008] FIG. 2 is another prior art maze wherein the outline of the
maze is an object or other recognizable character.
[0009] FIG. 3 is yet another prior art maze wherein the lines and
their spatial organization form an image such as the illustrated
lamb.
[0010] FIG. 4 is prior art maze wherein a picture is first provided
and a maze is drawn or rendered on portions of the picture such as
those areas that are white or light in color.
[0011] FIG. 5 is one type of maze utilized to create a picture maze
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 is another maze utilized to create a picture maze
according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 7 is an amalgamation of eight types of mazes that can
be utilized to create picture mazes according to other embodiments
of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a photograph that can be utilized to create a
picture maze according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIG. 9 is another photograph that can be utilized to create
a picture maze according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0016] FIG. 10 is yet another photograph that can be utilized to
create a picture maze according to other embodiments of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 11 is a picture maze according to one embodiment
incorporating the photograph of FIG. 8 and the maze of FIG. 5.
[0018] FIGS. 12-14 are picture mazes according to other embodiments
incorporating the photograph of FIG. 9 and the maze of FIG. 6
wherein the opacity of the maze pathways vary and the image of FIG.
14 is inverted.
[0019] FIG. 15 is picture maze according to yet another embodiment
incorporating the photograph of FIG. 10 and the maze of FIG. 7.
[0020] FIG. 16 is a flow chart indicating the creation of a picture
maze according to one embodiment of the present invention.
DRAWINGS--REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0021] 5 A maze demonstrating closely packed, curvaceous lines as
pathways [0022] 10 Start entry location [0023] 15 End entry
location [0024] 20 Closely packed lines [0025] 25 Closely packed
network of pathways [0026] 30 Small line V-shape pattern [0027] 35
Small line circular pattern [0028] 40 Small line star-shaped
pattern [0029] 45 A maze demonstrating closely packed, curvaceous
lines as pathway borders [0030] 50 Lines in the form of plus-sign
shapes [0031] 55 Lines in the form of square and rectangular shapes
[0032] 60 Lines in the form of angular shapes [0033] 65 Lines in
the form of horizontally parallel lines [0034] 70 Lines in the form
of curvaceous, non-linear, small lines [0035] 75 Lines in the form
of long curvaceous, wave-like shapes [0036] 80 Lines in the form of
curvaceous, irregular blob shapes [0037] 85 Lines in the form of
curvaceous, circular blob shapes [0038] 90 A maze demonstrating
eight types of maze lines as pathway borders [0039] 95 Photograph
of a flower [0040] 100 Photograph of flags [0041] 105 Photograph of
an elephant [0042] 110 Picture maze combination of maze 5 of FIG. 5
and photograph 95 of FIG. 8 [0043] 115 Picture maze combination of
maze 45 of FIG. 6 and photograph 100 of FIG. 9 using 100% opacity
[0044] 120 Picture maze combination of maze 45 of FIG. 6 and
photograph 100 of FIG. 9 using 70% opacity [0045] 125 Inverted
version of picture maze 120 of FIG. 13 [0046] 130 Picture maze
combination of maze 90 of FIG. 7 and photograph 105 of FIG. 10
[0047] 135 Window [0048] 140 United States flag [0049] 145
Lighthouse light
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050] Amusement puzzles, particularly picture mazes and a method
of creating picture mazes, are described. According to one
embodiment, a picture maze comprises a plurality of lines rendered
on a thin substrate that form pathways of which only a small number
extend continuously from a start to a finish. One or both the color
and intensity of the lines vary as appropriate over their lengths
such that an image is formed. In contrast, the images associated
with prior art mazes are either formed by the spatial orientation
of the lines (see prior art FIGS. 2 & 3), or the images
underlie the maze's lines which are drawn rendered on top of the
image (see FIG. 4).
[0051] To form a picture maze according to embodiments of the
present invention, digitized images of both a picture and a maze
are typically combined on a computer using image editing software,
such as but not limited to Adobe Photoshop.TM.. Once the maze and
picture images are cropped and/or resized to complementary
dimensions, the typically black or darkly colored lines of the maze
image are removed leaving only the white or light complected
pathways of the maze image remaining. The altered maze image is
then placed over the picture image such that portions of the image
can be viewed through the areas where the lines were removed from
the maze image. Effectively, the image below forms the maze lines
causing the lines to vary in color and intensity over their
lengths. The opacity of the white or light complected paths can be
reduced to allow the image to partially show through the pathways
while retaining a contrast difference with the lines bordering the
pathway. Once the contrast and opacity of the respective images are
optimized, the two images are merged creating a picture maze image
that can be printed or rendered in any suitable manner.
Terminology
[0052] The term "or" as used in this specification and the appended
claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive
meaning "either or both".
[0053] References in the specification to "one embodiment", "an
embodiment", "a preferred embodiment", "an alternative embodiment"
and similar phrases means that a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is
included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The
appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in
the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same
embodiment.
[0054] Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not
limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical,
horizontal, back, front and lateral are relative to each other and
are dependent on the specific orientation of an applicable element
or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of
the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be
construed as limiting.
[0055] As applicable, the terms "about" or "generally" as used
herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +-20%. Also as
applicable, the term substantially as used herein unless otherwise
indicated means a margin of +-10%. It is to be appreciated that not
all uses of the above terms are quantifiable such that the
referenced ranges can be applied.
[0056] The term, "picture" as used herein refers to any suitable
image and is not limited to photographs. For example, a picture can
comprise paintings, prints, lithographs and drawings in addition to
photographs.
[0057] The terms "line" and "lines" as used herein refer to
sections of a maze bordering the pathways. For example, the dark
areas for each of the sections 50-85 of the maze illustrated in
FIG. 7 are considered to be "lines". In certain embodiments, the
lines can also comprise the path or passageway of the maze as shown
in FIG. 5 and the resulting picture maze of FIG. 11.
[0058] The term "pathway" as well as the plural form of the term
are used herein interchangeably to refer to portion of a maze that
is bounded by lines and along which a user of the maze typically
follows in attempting to solve the maze. It is appreciated that
where the lines themselves form the path or passageway (as in FIG.
5) a user follows to solve the maze, the area bounded by the lines
is not technically considered a "pathway". Nonetheless, for
understanding this disclosure, the lighter regions between the
lines of such mazes as illustrated in FIG. 5 should be considered
"pathways" in so much as they represent the portion of the maze
that is bounded by lines. Any path or pathway may terminate in a
dead end.
[0059] The term "intensity" as used herein is generally synonymous
with "contrast". In reference to the picture maze lines,
"intensity" refers to variance in contrast of the line along its
length. For example in a black and white photograph, the grayscale
color of a line can vary from a light gray to a dark gray along its
length when the underlying associated image transitions from a
lighter section to a darker section.
[0060] The phrase "substrate" as used herein is not limited to
paper but includes any substrate that has a surface or surfaces on
which the maze can be imprinted. Substrates can, for example,
include: woven or nonwoven fabric, sheets of plastic material,
glass, metal sheet and thin sheets of wood, such as plywood. A
substrate as used herein can also refer to an electronic display,
such as a computer monitor.
[0061] As used herein unless clearly indicated otherwise, any
references to differences in color between elements of the picture
maze is intended to also apply to grayscale differences in black
and white images as well. Further, although the examples provided
and described herein are rendered in grayscale, picture mazes can
also be created and rendered in color.
The Mazes
[0062] FIGS. 5-7 are illustrations of mazes 5, 45 & 90 that can
be utilized to produce a picture maze. In general, any type of maze
is suitable depending on how the opacity and saturation of the maze
image and the picture image respectively are adjusted. Preferably,
each maze includes one or more entry locations into the network of
pathways. The entry locations such as the start(s) 10 and end 15
shown in FIGS. 5 & 6 can be located at the edge of the maze or
specific locations can be provided within the maze image (not
shown). While not an absolute requirement of all embodiments, it is
preferable that at least one continuous pathway is provided between
two entry locations such as the start(s) 10 and the end (15).
Specifically concerning FIG. 5, the lines themselves form the
pathway(s) and the lighter areas between the lines serves are the
borders thereto.
[0063] The mazes 5 & 45 of FIGS. 5 and 6 are generally similar
except in the maze 5 of FIG. 5 the lines form the pathway(s)
whereas the maze 45 of FIG. 6 is more traditional with the
pathway(s) extending between the lines. They comprise a plurality
of closely packed lines 20 that are substantially non-linear.
Further, the lines are generally not parallel with an adjacent line
for more than a short distance. The lines are further characterized
by many radiused turns. When viewed from a distance (such as about
12'' or more from the paper in the case of FIGS. 5 & 6), a
person can typically see no readably discernable regular pattern to
the lines. Put another way, the lines when viewed from a distance
form a random noise pattern. Accordingly, the lines do not
appreciably distract from the picture when viewed from a
distance.
[0064] As seen specifically in FIG. 5, several small line patterns
30, 35 & 40 can be introduced into the maze to add variety and
interest to the maze. The first pattern 30 illustrates several
nested linear line portions that intersect in points. The second
pattern 35 comprises several nested circular line portions. The
third pattern 40 comprises a star shaped line. However, it is
preferable that the size of the patterns should typically be
relatively small in area compared to the overall area of the maze,
so that they do not substantially distract from the picture when
the picture is merged therewith.
[0065] Since a substantial portion if not all the picture image
data concerning the resulting picture maze resides on the maze
lines, the percent of the maze's total area covered by the lines
must be sufficient to permit the underlying image to be discernable
from a distance. Preferably, although not absolutely, this
percentage is 25% or more of the total surface area; more
preferably 35% or more; and most preferably 45% or more. However,
the actual area required to provide an adequate rendition of the
underlying picture will vary based on several factors including (i)
the amount of detail in the picture, (ii) the opacity of the
pathways, and (iii) the distance from which the picture maze
embodiment will be typically viewed.
[0066] The maze 90 in FIG. 7 is divided into eight sections with
each section illustrating a different type of maze that can be used
in the generation of a picture maze. In the first section 50, the
lines of the maze resemble plus signs of varying size with the
pathways extending between the plus signs. The plus signs are
somewhat randomly positioned on the maze such that the maze
configuration does not substantially detract from the picture when
a resulting picture maze is viewed from a distance.
[0067] In the second section 55 of the FIG. 7 maze, the lines of
maze comprise square and/or rectangular elements that are
distributed over the maze and vary in size. Some of the elements
stand alone while others intersect or merge with neighboring
elements. Like the plus sign lines in the first section, the
rectangles and squares are generally randomly distributed over the
surface of the maze to minimize the distractiveness of the maze
when viewing a picture of an associated picture maze.
[0068] In the third section 60 of the FIG. 7 maze, the lines form
angular intersecting pieces comprising substantially linear sides
that terminate in acutely-angled intersections. The organization of
the angular pieces is also generally random to minimize the
distractiveness of the maze when viewing a picture of an associated
picture maze.
[0069] The forth section 65 of the FIG. 7 maze comprises a series
of horizontally parallel lines of varying thicknesses and start and
end points. The start and end points are randomly distributed as is
the thickness of the lines in each row; however, the horizontal
parallel lines by their nature form a readily discernable pattern.
The regularity of the pattern minimizes the distractiveness of the
maze when viewing a picture of an associated picture maze from a
distance.
[0070] The fifth section of the maze is substantially similar to
the lines discussed above with reference to FIGS. 5 & 6.
[0071] The sixth, seventh and eighth sections 75, 80 & 85 of
the FIG. 7 maze contrast with the first three sections in that the
sides of the lines are substantially non-linear and curvaceous. The
sixth section comprises generally horizontally flowing lines with a
measurable width that tend to terminate in a spiral. Because of the
generally horizontal and spiraling nature of the lines, the maze
pattern does not appear particularly random. However, the lines are
typically significantly thicker than the pathways and represent a
greater area percentage of the maze than other types of mazes such
as the mazes of FIGS. 5 & 6 as well as the fifth section 70.
Accordingly, since a significant amount of picture imaging
information is provided in the resulting picture maze, the
distractive nature of the lines patterns is visually minimized to
an acceptable level.
[0072] The lines of the seventh and eighth sections 80 & 85 can
best be described as comprising curvaceous and arcuate blobs that
are generally randomly distributed over the surface of the maze.
The lines in both of these sections have a relatively large surface
area that when combined with their general randomness is minimally
distractive when viewing a picture of an associated picture maze
from a suitable distance.
[0073] To summarize, many different types of mazes can be combined
with a picture to form a picture maze according to an embodiment of
the present invention; however, several characteristics make some
types of mazes preferable to others when the picture maze creator
desires to maximize the viewability of the associated picture.
Preferably as discussed above, the percentage of line surface area
relative to the total area will be significant. Further, the
locations, orientation and directionality of the lines will be
generally random, or if a pattern exists in the lines, the pattern
will be such that its repetitive nature minimizes its
distractiveness by blending into the picture maze when the maze is
viewed from a distance. As can be ascertained from FIG. 15 which
merges FIG. 7 and FIG. 10 into a picture maze, it becomes readily
apparent that the distractive nature of patterns in the lines can
be negated somewhat be having the lines cover a greater percentage
of the maze's surface area as indicated, for example, by the sixth
section 75.
[0074] As will become apparent from the description below, the
opacity of the pathways (or lighter border areas as in the case of
the maze 5 of FIG. 5) also affects the suitability of a particular
maze in a picture maze. Effectively, by lowering the opacity of the
pathways, a creator can cause a portion of a picture's image data
to be transmitted through the pathways. Ideally, a level of opacity
is chosen that maintains adequate contrast between each pathway and
it adjacent lines.
[0075] All the mazes provided as examples herein are hand-drawn and
subsequently scanned into a computer to create a digital image
file. However, the mazes can be created by any suitable means. For
instance, mazes can be created directly in the computer using
appropriate software such as but not limited to a paint program.
Also a Wacom.TM. tablet or similar can be used to draw the mazes
directly to a computer file.
The Pictures
[0076] FIGS. 8-10 are illustrations of photographs 95, 100 &
105 that can be utilized as pictures in a picture maze according to
one embodiment of the present invention. Any picture can be
utilized to produce a picture maze; however, because some of the
picture's image data will be lost in the regions of the maze
comprising the pathways, pictures that do not substantially lose
their visual appeal when significant amounts of image data is
missing are preferred. Specifically, images that are not highly
detailed are preferred to highly detailed images. For example, the
flower 95 of FIG. 8 is ideal given its general simplicity.
Likewise, pictures having intricate patterns that can be broken up
by a pathway traversing the intricate section of the picture should
generally be avoided. As described in greater detail below,
however, some of the issues relating to highly detailed images can
be ameliorated by adjusting the opacity of the pathways to provide
more of the picture's image data in the resulting picture maze.
[0077] Pictures should also be avoided wherein a portion of the
picture is the same color as the pathways, which could cause the
pathway to become imperceptible in the resulting picture maze. It
is to be appreciated, however, that a creator can change the
background color of the pathways to be different from a particular
problematic color in the chosen picture.
[0078] While only photographs are provided as examples, the
pictures used to create picture mazes can comprise of any digital
image whether it is created, edited or produced by image-editing
software, scanned or otherwise captured, such as with a digital
camera or Wacom tablet, to create a digital image file. For
instance, images of paintings, animations and clip-art can be used
to create picture mazes.
Picture Mazes
[0079] FIGS. 11-15 illustrate five picture mazes according to
embodiments of the present invention. The picture maze 1 10 of FIG.
111 comprises the maze 5 of FIG. 5 and the photograph 95 of FIG. 8.
The picture maze retains all of the features of the associated maze
including two or more entry locations 10 & 15 and a network of
pathways 25 bordered by a corresponding network of lines 20.
Further, the picture can be easily viewed, and from a distance of
several feet or more the picture image becomes the viewer's primary
focus with the maze itself becoming less noticeable. As mentioned
above concerning maze 5 of FIG. 5, the lines serve as the
passageways between the entry locations of this maze, accordingly
as used in reference to FIG. 11, the term "pathways" refers only to
the space between adjacent lines.
[0080] At least one passageway along the lines is provided between
two different entry locations, although a number of passageways
from a start entry location to an end entry location can be
provided. The grayscale color as well as the contrast (or
intensity) of the maze lines vary over the surface of the picture
maze from a very light gray in the pedal region of the flower to
nearly black in portions of the photo's background.
[0081] Over the entire surface of the FIG. 11 picture maze, each
pathway is lighter in grayscale color and intensity than its
neighboring and bordering lines. However, the pathways also vary in
grayscale color and intensity such that the pathways are darker in
the background section of the photo when compared to the pedal
sections of the photo. As described in more detail below, this was
accomplished by reducing the opacity of the pathways a certain
amount but not enough so that the pathways blend with the
lines.
[0082] The picture maze 130 of FIG. 15 comprises the maze 90 of
FIG. 7 and the photograph 105 of FIG. 10. Because of the various
maze sections 50-85 illustrated in this picture maze, it is more
difficult for a viewer to focus on the photo of the elephant.
Rather the viewer tends to focus on the changes between the maze
patterns of the various sections. It is appreciated that this
picture maze is merely an example to illustrate how a picture will
be rendered for each of the maze types and that it is unlikely that
such a picture maze would be created other than for demonstrative
purposes. Of particular interest is how the portion of the photo in
each section is rendered. The amount of picture image detail varies
according to the respective ratio of line area to pathway area for
each type of maze. For instance, where the ratio is highest, such
as in the sixth section 75, more picture image detail is rendered
than in the fifth section 70 where the ratio is considerably lower.
Of particular note for each of the sections in this picture maze,
the pathways are fully opaque.
[0083] The picture mazes 115-125 of FIGS. 12-14 are each comprised
of the maze 45 of FIG. 6 and the photograph 100 of FIG. 9. They
differ in the adjustments made to the picture maze and collectively
demonstrate how a picture maze using the same combination of a
picture and a maze can vary by changing various parameters. In FIG.
12, the pathways are completely opaque and as such much of the
detail of the United States flag 140 cannot be discerned. Further,
it is difficult to tell that the window 135 on the pictured tower
is a window even when looking at the picture maze from several feet
away. Generally, for pictures having areas of fine detail, the
opacity of the pathways will be reduced especially when the ratio
of line area to pathway area in the maze is relatively low.
[0084] In the picture maze 120 of FIG. 13, the opacity of the
pathways are reduced to 70% meaning that the pathways are about 30%
transparent to the photograph layered below. The window 135 and
United States flag 140 can be more clearly made out by a viewer and
their still is sufficient contrast between the pathways and the
lines so that the usability of the maze is not lost. But even with
the opacity adjustment, the very fine details in the picture can
not be solved such as the star field in the United States Flag and
the lattice work over the glass shell 145 around the lighthouse
light located on the tower. The loss of picture detail may or may
not be important to the resulting picture and accordingly, the
maze's creator will choose the type of maze and the type of picture
to complement his/her desired end result.
[0085] The picture maze 125 of FIG. 14 is simply an inverted
version of the picture maze 120 of FIG. 13. As the picture maze has
been primarily described herein, the pathways are lighter in color
and intensity than the lines of the maze that comprise all or a
substantial portion of the picture image detail. In variations, as
indicated in FIG. 14, the pathways can be the darker portion of the
picture maze with the lines being the lighter portion.
Method of Creating a Picture Maze
[0086] A block diagram 200 is provided in FIG. 16 outlining the
typical operations involved in creating a picture maze according to
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0087] Initially, the creator identifies a suitable photograph and
maze that he/she desires to combine as indicated in block 205. If
the images are not digitized already, the creator scans them to
create a suitable computer image file as indicated in block 210.
Suitable image file formats include but are not limited to JPEG,
TIFF and GIF. Of course, if the images are already in digital
format, the scanning operation can be bypassed.
[0088] Referring to block 215, the creator opens the image files
for both the maze and the picture in an image editing program, such
as but not limited Adobe Photoshop.TM. or JASC Paint Shop Pro.TM..
As necessary, the picture and/or maze images are cropped and
resized so that they have similar if not identical pixel
dimensions. Typically, only the white space around the maze image
is cropped away as cropping any of the maze would be detrimental to
the maze's functionality. Preferably, the picture image is cropped
so that its aspect ratio is generally the same as that of the
maze.
[0089] Referring to block 220, the creator removes the lines from
the maze image file leaving only the opaque pathways, which are
typically white or lightly colored. Effectively, the portion of the
maze image that comprised the lines is effectively transparent to
anything below it. In Photoshop 5.5, this operation is accomplished
by selecting the "Color Range" menu option in the Select menu. In
the "Color Range" box that opens, select the check boxes for
"Highlights" and "Images, None" and click the "OK" button. This is
not a required operation but is preferred. In another variation of
the methodology, the lines are not removed from the maze, but
rather the opacity of the maze is adjusted as a whole (see the
description concerning block 240 below).
[0090] Next, as indicated in block 225, the creator then adjusts
the saturation of the image to maximize its visibility when
combined with the maze but not too much such that the image in the
resulting picture maze appears overly saturated. In Photoshop 5.5
this is accomplished by selecting the "Adjust"/"Hue Saturation"
menu options under the "Image" menu, and moving the provided
saturation sliders until the desired levels are achieved.
[0091] Referring to block 230, the maze image is then moved on top
of the picture image and the two are aligned relative to each
other. In Photoshop 5.5 this is accomplished by clicking and
dragging the maze image over the picture image using the "Move
Tool". The picture image may also be moved on top of the maze
image. If the creator chooses this alternative, before moving the
picture over the maze, the creator may want to reduce the opacity
of the picture temporarily so that the creator can see the maze
image located below it while aligning the two images. After the
creator is done aligning the two images, the opacity of the picture
image should be set back to 100%.
[0092] If the creator chooses to move the picture image on top of
the maze image, then at this point, the work in the image editing
program comprises two layers: a first layer comprising the lineless
maze image; and a second layer overlaying the first layer
comprising the picture image. In block 235, the creator switches
the relative positions of the layers so that the second layer is
underneath the first layer. Once this is done, image information
from the underlying picture will show through the maze layer in the
portions wherein the lines were previously removed, but the
pathways remain opaque. In Photoshop 5.5, the layers are switched
by simply indicating the desired order of the layers in the "Layer"
dialog box. If the creator chooses to move the maze image on top of
the picture image, then this step is not necessary.
[0093] Next, the creator as desired adjusts the opacity of the maze
layer and specifically the pathways in the maze layer as indicated
in block 240 thereby allowing some of the image data of the picture
layer to show through the pathway portions. It is appreciated that
the opacity should not be reduced so much that the line and pathway
portions of the resulting picture maze blur. In other words,
contrast between any particular pathway and its adjacent lines
should be maintained. To change the opacity of the maze layer in
Photoshop 5.5, the creator chooses the layer in the "Layer" dialog
box and adjusts the opacity using the slider provided in the dialog
box or by entering the desired numerical percentage of opacity in
the provided data entry box.
[0094] As indicated in block 245, the creator makes any desired
final adjustments to the picture maze including but not limited to
the brightness, sharpness and contrast of one or both layers and
when satisfied with the result, he/she merges or flattens the
layers to create a single layerless picture maze image as indicated
in block 250. The image is then saved in any desired format
including JPEG, TIFF and GIFF as indicated in block 255. Finally
with reference to block 260, a copy can then be printed on paper or
any other suitable substrate as desired.
[0095] The methodology recited above is exemplary; however, some of
the operations may be omitted or accomplished in a different manner
depending on the particular image editing program utilized.
Further, one of ordinary skill in the art of using any suitable
image editing program may utilize a methodology that varies from
the specific methodology described herein.
Alternative Embodiments and Other Variations
[0096] The embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the
accompanying figures and described above are merely exemplary and
are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be
appreciated that numerous variations to the invention have been
contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the
art with the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the
invention that read upon the appended claims are intended and
contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.
[0097] Although the picture mazes described herein are described as
being printed on a paper or other thin substrate, alternative
embodiment picture mazes can be formed by any suitable means on any
suitable substrate. For instance, a picture maze image can be
formed on a cloth substrate using embroidery digital image files
created for automated computer control embroidery apparatus. The
images can be burned, engraved or printed on wood substrates.
Further, the picture maze can be etched on glass or engraved on
plastic. Additionally, the digital image file of the picture maze
can be displayed electronically on a monitor or other suitable
display means. Any number of other substrates and imprinting
processes can also be utilized as would be obvious to one of
ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.
* * * * *