U.S. patent application number 11/783915 was filed with the patent office on 2008-07-24 for sudoku playing board, system and method.
Invention is credited to Denis Ouellet.
Application Number | 20080174069 11/783915 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38582173 |
Filed Date | 2008-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080174069 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ouellet; Denis |
July 24, 2008 |
Sudoku playing board, system and method
Abstract
The present invention is concerned with a game board and system
for playing multiple Sudoku type problem-solving games. The system
comprises a three-dimensional board having a first array of n.sup.2
identical cavities arranged in a square matrix and at least one
second array totaling at least n.sup.2 identical cavities arranged
in at least n series of n cavities, at least n identical series of
n pegs adapted to fit in said cavities in a plurality of definite
angular positions, each peg defining a body having opposite first
and second end faces, each peg in a series having its first face
bearing one of a series of n different indicia. The body preferably
has a polygonal cross-section and the system may further comprise a
plurality of rings adapted to slide about the perimeter of said
body. A method of playing Sudoku type problem-solving games using
the system is further provided.
Inventors: |
Ouellet; Denis;
(Montreal-Nord, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Denis OUELLET
Appt. 310, 4455, D'Amines st.
Montreal-Nord
QC
H1H 2H1
omitted
|
Family ID: |
38582173 |
Appl. No.: |
11/783915 |
Filed: |
April 13, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/272 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63F 3/0415 20130101;
A63F 2003/0418 20130101; A63F 2003/00608 20130101; A63F 2003/00854
20130101; A63F 3/00574 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/272 |
International
Class: |
A63F 3/00 20060101
A63F003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 13, 2006 |
CA |
2,542,943 |
Claims
1. A game board system for playing multiple Sudoku type
problem-solving games, said system comprising i) a
three-dimensional board having a first array of n.sup.2 identical
cavities arranged in a square matrix and at least one second array
totaling at least n.sup.2 identical cavities arranged in at least n
series of n cavities, ii) at least n identical series of n pegs
adapted to fit in said cavities in a plurality of definite angular
positions, each peg defining a body having opposite first and
second end faces, each peg in a series having its first face
bearing one of a series of n different indicia.
2. A system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
rings adapted to slide about a periphery of said body of said
pegs.
3. A system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one second
array comprises a total n.sup.2+n cavities arranged in n+1 series
of n cavities.
4. A system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one second
array comprises two arrays of at least n.sup.2/2 cavities.
5. A system according to claim 1, wherein said at least one second
array comprises two arrays of 45 cavities arranged in 5 series of 9
cavities
6. A system according to claim 1, wherein said body and said
cavities have mating polygonal cross-sections.
7. A system according to claim 1, wherein said at least n series of
n pegs comprise n+1 identical series of n pegs.
8. A system according to claim 1, wherein said at least n series of
n pegs comprise n identical series of n pegs and one series of n
pegs bearing numerals 1 to n.
9. A system according to claim 6, wherein said body and said
cavities have mating hexagonal cross-sections
10. A system according to claim 2, wherein said rings define a
hexagonal center opening mating with the periphery of said
body.
11. A system according to claim 1, wherein each peg in a series has
its second end face bearing one of a second series of n different
indicia.
12. A system according to claim 1, wherein said board further
comprises a posting area adapted for attaching at least one problem
chart or a writing pad.
13. A board game system according to claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of caps, each cap being adapted to removably attach to an
end portion of said body.
14. A board game system according to claim 13, wherein said caps
are color coded.
15. A board game system according to claim 1, wherein said caps are
adapted to receive a replaceable indicia.
16. A board game system according to claim 1, further comprising a
secondary board provided with at least three feet adapted to fit in
cavities of said first array, said secondary board comprising a
third array of cavities adapted to receive said pegs and wherein
cavities having a different arrangement of cavities than said first
array.
17. A method for playing a problem-solving game comprising: i)
providing a game board having a first array of n.sup.2 identical
cavities arranged as a square matrix and at least one second array
totaling at least n.sup.2 identical cavities arranged in at least n
series of n cavities, at least n identical series of n pegs adapted
to fit in said cavities in a plurality of definite angular
positions, each peg defining a body having opposite first and
second end faces, each peg in a series having its first face
bearing one of a series of n different indicia, and a plurality of
peg identifiers; ii) filling the cavities of the at least second
array with pegs to form at least n identical series of n different
visible indicia; iii) moving a number of pegs bearing specific
indicia from the at least one second array into specific cavities
of the first array to match given data (position-indicia
coordinates) of a problem to be solved, and associating one of said
peg identifiers to each of said moved pegs to indicate that said
pegs represent given data; iv) moving pegs from the at least one
second array into cavities of the first array or from a cavity of
the first array to another so to gradually fill said first array of
cavities and thereby form the solution of the problem, said pegs
being placed into a first angular position to indicate a sure play,
or into a second angular position to indicate a trial play.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to puzzle games for
self-amusement and more specifically, the present invention is
concerned with a game board, system and method for playing multiple
Sudoku type problem-solving games.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] A rapidly growing problem solving self-amusement game
involves filling a square matrix (grid) of n by n cells (squares or
spaces) with n symbols, the matrix being divided into n independent
groups of n by n cells. Each symbol must be placed only once in a
given row, a given column and a given group. A problem is submitted
by providing a partly filled grid to be completed by a player. Such
a game often called SUDOKU, is most of the time played in a matrix
of nine by nine cells with nine different symbols, such as numerals
1 to 9 or letters or any other symbols. For example it could also
be played using nine different color dots or any series of nine
different indicia. Larger or smaller problems may be provided using
a different number n of cells per row and column, such as 4.times.4
or 16.times.16.
[0003] Until now, the game has been played by printing partly
filled grids on paper or cardboard support and using writing tools
(pencils or pens) to fill the blank spaces (cells) as in
crosswords, and take notes therein or on another portion of the
writing support. This traditional playing means requires many
cycles of writing and erasing throughout the successive iterations
and does not provide the user with a clear representation and view
of the current status of the game. More recently, electronic
devices have been introduced, generating and displaying problem
grids on a display screen and enabling the player to use a set of
keys to move across the grid and set values in cells. However, due
to the small display size, a player does not have a good view of
the game status and has no means to code symbols in cells according
to their status, such as "given", "sure" or "trial".
[0004] It would therefore be a significant advance in the art of
Sudoku type problem solving game playing devices to provide a
reusable playing board and system providing clear representation of
game status at a given time, and enabling a player to play
different variations of the game and to code played symbols
according to their current status.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0005] An object of the present invention is therefore to provide a
Sudoku type problem-solving game playing board, system and method
obviating the limitations and drawbacks of the prior art devices
and methods and providing other advantageous features.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] More specifically, in accordance with the present invention,
as broadly claimed, there is provided a game board and system for
playing multiple Sudoku type problem-solving games. The system
comprises a three-dimensional board having a first array of n.sup.2
identical cavities arranged in a square matrix and at least one
second array totaling at least n.sup.2 identical cavities arranged
in at least n series of n cavities, at least n identical series of
n pegs adapted to fit in said cavities in a plurality of definite
angular positions, each peg defining a body having opposite first
and second end faces, each peg in a series having its first face
bearing one of a series of n different indicia.
[0007] There is further provided a game system further comprising a
plurality of rings adapted to slide about a periphery of said body
of said pegs.
[0008] There is further provided a game system wherein said at
least one second array comprises a total n.sup.2+n cavities
arranged in n+1 series of n cavities.
[0009] There is further provided a game system wherein said at
least one second array comprises two arrays of at least n.sup.2/2
cavities.
[0010] There is further provided a game system wherein said at
least one second array comprises two arrays of 45 cavities arranged
in 5 series of 9 cavities
[0011] There is further provided a game system, wherein said body
and said cavities have mating polygonal cross-sections.
[0012] There is further provided a game system, wherein said at
least n series of n pegs comprises n+1 identical series of n
pegs.
[0013] There is further provided a game system, wherein said at
least n series of n pegs comprises n identical series of n pegs and
one series of n pegs bearing numerals 1 to n.
[0014] There is further provided a game system, wherein said body
and said cavities have mating hexagonal cross-sections
[0015] There is further provided a game system, wherein said rings
define a hexagonal center opening mating with the periphery of said
body.
[0016] There is further provided a game system, wherein each peg in
a series has its second end face bearing one of a second series of
n different indicia.
[0017] There is further provided a game system, wherein said board
further comprises a posting area adapted for attaching at least one
problem chart and/or a writing pad.
[0018] There is further provided a game system further comprising a
plurality of caps, each cap being adapted to removably attach to an
end portion of said body. Said caps may be color coded or adapted
to receive a replaceable indicia.
[0019] There is further provided a game system further comprising a
secondary board provided with at least three feet adapted to fit in
cavities of said first array, said secondary board comprising a
third array of cavities adapted to receive said pegs and having a
different arrangement of cavities than said first array.
[0020] There is further provided a method for playing a
problem-solving game comprising: [0021] i) providing a game board
having a first array of n.sup.2 identical cavities arranged as a
square matrix and at least one second array totaling at least
n.sup.2 identical cavities arranged in at least n series of n
cavities, at least n identical series of n pegs adapted to fit in
said cavities in a plurality of definite angular positions, each
peg defining a body having opposite first and second end faces,
each peg in a series having its first face bearing one of a series
of n different indicia, and a plurality of peg identifiers; [0022]
ii) filling the cavities of the at least second array with pegs to
form at least n identical series of n different visible indicia;
[0023] iii) moving a number of pegs bearing specific indicia from
the at least one second array into specific cavities of the first
array to match given data (position-indicia coordinates) of a
problem to be solved, and attaching one of said peg identifiers to
each of said moved pegs to indicate that said pegs represent given
data; [0024] iv) moving pegs from the at least one second array
into cavities of the first array or from a cavities of the first
array to another so to gradually fill said first array of cavities
and thereby form the solution of the problem, said pegs being
placed into a first angular position to indicate a sure play, or
into a second angular position to indicate a trial play.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] In the appended drawings:
[0026] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a Sudoku playing system
according to a first embodiment of the present invention, whereby
game is played using numeral coded pegs;
[0027] FIG. 2 is plan view of the system of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a Sudoku playing system
according to a second embodiment of the present invention, whereby
game is played using letter coding instead of numerals;
[0029] FIG. 4 is plan view of the system of FIG. 3;
[0030] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a Sudoku playing system
according to a further embodiment of the present invention, whereby
a game can be played using color coded pegs;
[0031] FIG. 6a is a plan view of a Sudoku playing board according
to the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 6b is a cross sectional view of the board of FIG. 5a,
as viewed from line B-B;
[0033] FIG. 7a is an isometric view of a series of indicia bearing
pegs of a Sudoku playing system according to the present invention,
showing a first indicia bearing end thereof;
[0034] FIG. 7b is an isometric view of a series of indicia bearing
pegs of a Sudoku playing system according the present invention,
showing a second indicia bearing end thereof;
[0035] FIG. 8 shows a peg identifying ring according to an aspect
of the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 9a shows a top isometric view of a cap adapted to
snugly fit and attach at an end portion of a peg, and adapted to
receive a replaceable indicia bearing material;
[0037] FIG. 9b is a bottom isometric view of the cap of FIG.
9a.
[0038] Identical numerals throughout the figures represent similar
parts of the Sudoku playing board and system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a general representation of a system 1
according to the present invention for playing Sudoku type of
problem-solving games. The system 1 comprises a preferably square
game board 2 provided with a first array 3 of cavities 4 arranged
as a square matrix of n by n cavities, n being equal to 9 in the
illustrated embodiment. The array 3 is divided into n adjacent
groups of n by n cavities and constitutes the playing zone. As best
seen from FIGS. 6a and 6b, the cavities have a polygonal,
preferably hexagonal, cross-section. Board 2 can be made from
injection molded or thermoformed thermoplastic material, such as
ABS, polyethylene, acrylic, polycarbonate, etc.
[0040] The board 2 further comprises a second array 5 of cavities 4
split into two separate zones 5' and 5'' totaling n.sup.2 (81)
cavities, arranged into n (9) rows of n (9) cavities. Zone 5'
comprises 45 cavities and zone 5'' comprises 36 cavities. An
additional reference row 6 of n (9) cavities is preferably provided
adjacent to zone 5''. A posting area 7 is further provided on board
2 to enable posting of a grid 15 of a problem to be solved or a
note pad, which can be in the form of blank grid sheets on which a
user may take written notes while solving the problem. A fastening
device, such as a spring clip, can be provided to secure the game
grid 15 or writing pad on the board 2. An identification line 8
comprising numerals 1 to n (9) 9 is printed next and parallel to
reference row 6.
[0041] The system 1 further comprises at least n series of n
elongated pegs 10 having a polygonal cross-section matching that of
cavities 4, so that pegs 10 can be easily inserted therein and
removed therefrom with close mating. As best seen from FIGS. 7a and
7b, pegs 10 comprise a hexagonal body portion 11 and two opposite
end faces 12' and 12''. It should be noted that faces 12' and 12''
are provided with a beveled periphery 17 to facilitate insertion
into closely mating cavities 4.
[0042] In one embodiment of the invention, only face 12' bears an
indicia 13' and FIGS. 7a and 7b respectively represent two possible
series of 9 different indicia bearing pegs: numerals and letters.
In an alternate embodiment, FIGS. 6a and 6b respectively represent
end faces 12' of pegs 10, bearing a first series of indicia 13',
and second end faces 13'' of the same pegs bearing a second series
of indicia 13''. Thereby, the embodiment featuring marking at both
ends of the pegs enables playing a game with a first set of symbols
such as numerals or with a second set of symbols such as letters,
or a combination thereof. Pegs 10 can be made from thermoplastic
material and be injection molded with integral indicia or cut from
an extruded hexagonal bar and thereafter have indicia hot stamped
or otherwise printed at one or both ends thereof.
[0043] Further, indicia holding caps (not shown) adapted for
insertion at an extremity of pegs 10 can be provided to enable the
player to change the indicia in the caps on top of the pegs 10 to
create different series of playing symbols. For example, sheets of
printed indicia showing series of flags, animals, geometric shapes,
color dot, or any symbols can be provided to enable a player to
change the symbols by replacing those previously mounted in the
caps to play the game (solve the problem) using a wide range of
possible series of n symbols. Resilient color caps 18 insertable
onto pegs 10 can also be provided as shown in FIG. 5 to play games
with colors instead of symbols. Alternatively, molded caps 18', as
shown in FIGS. 9a and 9b, may be adapted to attach at an end
portion of a peg 10 (using mating hexagonal cavity 19), and adapted
to receive a replaceable indicia bearing material, such as a
sticker or a piece of paper or cardboard, in a recessed top portion
20.
[0044] The system finally comprises a number of peg identifying
rings 14 as represented in FIG. 8. Rings 14 preferably have a
polygonal shape, here hexagonal, enabling them to be easily
sledding about the body of pegs 10, as represented in FIGS. 1 to 5.
Alternatively, circular resilient rings ("O" rings) can be used.
The purpose of these rings 14 is to identify pegs representing the
given data of a problem to be solved.
[0045] In use, the system 1 is set-up by parking the n.sup.2 (81)
pegs 10 to form n (9) series of n (9) identical pegs or n (9)
identical series of n (9) different pegs into cavities 4 of zones
5' and 5'' of array 5. An additional series of the n (9) different
pegs is placed into cavities 4 of reference row 6 to serve as a
reference of the n (9) symbols or colors to be placed in each row,
each column and each group of play array 3. The parallel
identification line 8 comprising numerals 1 to n (9) 9 next to each
peg 10 of reference line 6 is used to convert numerals to
equivalent symbol or color or vice versa. Thereby, a problem given
with numerals can be transposed on the play array 3 to be played
with colors or any symbol by associating a different playing peg in
row 6 to each numeral of line 8. Reciprocally, the final layout of
pegs in array 3 can be checked with a solution given with numerals
by converting each symbol to its equivalent number using the
associated reference row 6 and identification line 8. This
provision enables the player to easily play the game using
different symbols, such as letters for example as shown in FIGS. 3
and 4, by associating a letter, a color (FIG. 5) or another symbol,
to each numeral of the adjacent identification line 8.
[0046] A reference problem chart can be posted in area 7 and pegs
10 are moved into cavities 4 of play array 3 according to the given
data (cell position--symbol coordinates) of the problem grid. Each
peg 10 is so positioned in the appropriate polygonal cavity 4 to
display the symbol or peg (providing color indicia bearing pegs are
orientation coded) with a normal (first) viewing orientation. Rings
14 are sled about the body 11 of those pegs to indicate that they
have a "given" data status, meaning that they represent reference
data to solve the problem. After that problem transposition is
completed, the posted problem grid in posting area 7 can be
replaced by a note pad, such as a blank grid pad, on which the
player can take notes during the game.
[0047] The game can then be played by finding by logical deductions
the symbols or colors that should be placed into the remaining
cavities (cells) to solve the problem. While playing the game
according to an inventive method of the present invention using the
above described system, the player is able to define a "sure" or
trial" status for any of the played pegs 10. Indeed, given the
hexagonal shape of the pegs 10 and mating cavities 4, played pegs
that are to be identified with a "trial" status can be positioned
with a different (second) definite angular orientation (ex 45
degrees sidewise orientation) while those with a "sure" status are
positioned with a normal (first) definite angular orientation.
Using a hexagonal shape, up to six different status can be defined,
if found helpful by the player, in addition to the "given" status
defined by association of identifying rings 14. Thereby, the player
is able to easily identify cells with an "uncertain" status and
track or revert a sequence of trials.
[0048] Different games, especially those requiring a smaller number
or different arrangement of cavities than provided in first array
3, can be played by providing a second board (not illustrated)
provided with at least three feet adapted to fit in cavities 4 of
array 3, to form a piggy-back assembly, hiding array 3 and
presenting a different set of cavities still complying with pegs
10.
[0049] To conveniently store the board while preventing
displacement of the pegs 10, a cover can be provided. For example,
a groove can be provided on opposite side walls of the board 2 and
a cover (not shown) provided with rails on two opposite sides can
be inserted thereon.
[0050] One can thus easily appreciate that the above described
embodiment of the Sudoku playing board and system according to the
present invention obviates the limitations and drawbacks of the
prior art devices, namely by providing versatile infinitely
reusable material enabling multiple Sudoku type problem-solving
game playing, and providing convenient improved visualization of
the game status through angular orientation coding of the pegs
positioning into the cavities.
[0051] Although the present invention has been described
hereinabove by way of preferred embodiments thereof, it can be
modified, without departing from the spirit and nature of the
subject invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *