Abstract
A method is disclosed that provides a solution to any two-dimensional jigsaw puzzle, through the preferred embodiment of the Puzzle Map/key, a separate document from the puzzle that can be referenced to find the exact location of any puzzle piece by matching the number or symbol on the backside piece of the puzzle, to its same identified piece on the Puzzle Map/key, which depicts a frontside view of all the numbered pieces in the puzzle. The back-of-the-puzzle grid is a key component of the Map/key, enabling the identification of every puzzle piece to be inscribed with a unique number or symbol. The Map/key places the energy and time spent on puzzle completion into the hands of the consumer by providing the option of using this piece by piece, frontside method for jigsaw puzzle completion.
Claims
1-3. (canceled)
4- Claiming a method of jigsaw puzzle resolution that is accomplished by the apparatus of a puzzle map/key conceived for the purpose of providing a solution for the completion of jigsaw puzzles
5- Claiming a method to produce Puzzle Map Keys to be utilized in the manufacturing process to produce puzzles
6- Claiming the apparatus of a back-of the-puzzle grid of symbols or numbers in its use as a key component of the Puzzle Map Key
Description
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0064] Puzzle #1—100-piece puzzle, 7″×9″, Source: Ceaco, 70 Bridge Rd, Newton, Mass. 02457, c 2015 Ceaco, Americana, Picture 9
[0065] FIG. 1A—Shown is the frontside view of a hand-numbered, 2-dimensional puzzle 4 comprised of 100 puzzle pieces with each piece 3 having a front or top side 1 and back or bottom side 2. The total number of front side pieces joined together comprise the front-of-the-puzzle plane 4, referred to as the front-side plane or planar surface; the working side plane or planar surface; or the picture-side plane or planar surface. The backsides of the puzzle pieces 2 when joined together to complete the backside of the puzzle 9, comprise the bottom-side plane or planar surface or the backside plane or planar surface; or the back-of-the-puzzle plane or planar surface.
[0066] FIG. 1-B— Shown is the backside plane 9 of the puzzle 4 comprising a grid of back-of-the-puzzle numbered pieces. Each piece 8 has a front-side or picture-side of the puzzle on its rear 7 and a back side of the puzzle 6, being the face-side in this depiction of the back side of the puzzle. With all 100 individual pieces 8 joined together, the backside plane of the puzzle 9 is depicted. The puzzle pieces are identified with numbers from 1-100, each piece identified by its own unique number 10. The puzzle is shown in its most basic form, being numbered by hand.
[0067] FIG. 1C—Shown is a Puzzle map/key 14 which is a separate and accompanying document for the puzzle #1 (4). The puzzle map/key is comprised of the total number of joined pieces 12, which are in the same position and forming the same piece configuration, as the front-side puzzle plane 4, with numbers identifying each puzzle piece 13. For example, on the map/key 14 the #4 piece 13 has the same shape as the same number #4 piece 5 on the back of the puzzle plane 9; however, its location and direction of the shape is different. Notice that the same #4 piece 13 on the puzzle map/key 14 has exactly the same shape and location as the #4 piece 3 pictured on the actual puzzle front plane 4. The placement of the numbered pieces on the Puzzle Map/key 14 is different than the placement of those same numbered pieces on the back of the puzzle; they are placed in an opposing order from the numbers on the backside plane 9. Viewing the numbers on the back of the puzzle 9, one can notice that the top row is numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, from left to right. The numbers on the Puzzle Map/key 14 from left to right on the top row are in opposite sequence being 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and this sequence for both puzzles is repeated for all the rows. The placement of the numbers on the Puzzle Map/key 14 differs from that of the back-of-the-puzzle plane 9. Likewise the shape structure for the corresponding numbers also differs in its location on the Map/key compared to its location on the back of the Puzzle because each piece with the same corresponding number, represents a puzzle piece with the same shape but in a different location and facing in an opposite direction, e.g., the #18 piece 15 is located on the top far left, second row of the puzzle map/key 14 and its corresponding #18 piece 10 is located on the top far right of the back-of-the puzzle plane 9. Because of this difference in placement of the pieces 12 on the Puzzle Map/key 14 as compared to the back-of-the-Puzzle pieces 8, it cannot be said that the Puzzle Map/key numbers grid 14 are the same as the back-of-the-puzzle numbers grid 9. Although the numbers in both grids are the same numbers in value, the pieces compiling the two grids differ from each other in location, direction, medium, and utility of function. The difference is significant, in that this difference in sequence between the Map plane 14 and the back of the puzzle plane 9, enables the Puzzle Map 14 to represent an exact likeness in piece shape and location, as the front of the puzzle picture plane 4. This can be shown by viewing the piece #18 piece in its location in the Puzzle 4 (15), in the same exact shape and location as on the Puzzle Map/key 14 i.e., at the top far left, second row 15. This exact likeness in location and shape representation makes the Puzzle Map/key an ideal embodiment for providing a frontside key and reference that assists in locating every piece 3 or pieces in the puzzle 4 as needed to complete the puzzle.
[0068] FIG. 1D—Shown is a depiction of the back-of-the-puzzle plane, with shapes and no numbers 17 for puzzle #1 (4). This is the back-of-the-puzzle planar surface 17 that is created when one completes a puzzle by connecting each puzzle piece 19 to its adjacent match 16 on the front or pictures side 18 of the puzzle. The puzzle pieces with no numbers 16 together with all pieces 19 completely assembled, is a depiction of the back of the puzzle shapes prior to numbers being embedded on each of the pieces 17. This illustrates one stage of the production of puzzle map/keys, as the numbers being placed on the back of the puzzle pieces must occur for identification of each puzzle piece.
[0069] FIG. 1E—Shown is a grid of numbers 20 representing the puzzle pieces on the backside plane 17 and produced by the computer by measuring the sizes of the puzzle pieces 19 and using those measurements to produce a grid of numbers in block form 20 conforming to the back-of-the-puzzle shape grid sizes 17. Most jigsaw puzzle are comprised of shapes that are in rows 21 and columns 22 of the same size in height and width, that can be represented in a block pattern 20 consisting of cells 25 whose sizes are measured or calculated. (as shown in FIG. 3B). Numbers to be inscribed on the back of the puzzle pieces can be entered on the computer by filling in those same cells 25 with numbers 23 in the center of the cell area. Minor differences in placement can be adjusted by lowering the numbers 24a or raising them 24b to ensure all numbers can be fit on the back-of-the-puzzle shapes plane 17. This grid of back-of-the-puzzle numbers 20 is the pattern (without grid lines) that is sealed over the back of the puzzle when the puzzle is one piece, with a picture on the front-side of the puzzle and the back-of-the-puzzle grid 20 on the bottom side of the puzzle before being pressed into pieces.
[0070] FIG. 1F—Shown is the completed back-of-the-puzzle grid 26 onto which the numbers 23 comprising the numbers grid 20 have been placed onto the back-of-the-puzzle shapes grid plane 17. The front side of these grid numbers 29 represent the back-of-the-puzzle numbered pieces. On the reverse side of these grid pieces 27 are the front of the puzzle or picture side of those pieces 28. In the process of producing puzzles, this numbers grid 26 is a representation of the back of the puzzle appearance after it is cut into the exact shapes pictured in this grid, and before the pieces are begun to be separated for inclusion into packaging for consumption. Each cut piece will have the inscribed number on its backside and a part of the picture of the puzzle on its frontside.
[0071] FIG. 1G—Shown is the front of the puzzle shapes grid without numbers 30, which will be the base for the puzzle map/key to be produced with computer generated numbers representing the frontside exact location of the puzzle pieces as depicted on the Puzzle Map/key 14. The shapes on this shapes grid 30 are an exact match to the shape and location of each of the shapes 3 contained on the front of the puzzle 4 which is being resolved.
[0072] FIG. 1H—Shown is the front of the puzzle grid of numbered cells 31 consisting of numbers 32 in cells 33 matching the area of the size of the puzzle pieces, that will be copied onto the shapes grid of the front of the puzzle 30 and which will comprise the document being the Puzzle Map/key 34. In this example, the sizes of the cells 33 of the grid 31 for the front of the puzzle depiction or puzzle map/key are identical to the sizes of cells within the grid of numbers for the back of the puzzle 20; however, the numbers 32 in the grid of cells 31, are different in location from the numbers 25 on the back-of-the-puzzle grid 20. The numbers in the front-of-the-puzzle cell grid 31 are in descending order starting from the left top corner 9.8.7.6.5.4.3.2.1. as opposed to the back of the puzzle cells grid numbers 20 which have the numbers from the left top corner as being 1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.
[0073] FIG. 1(I)—Shown is the Puzzle Map/key 34, which is the result of having the grid of front-of-the-puzzle numbers 31 placed upon the front of the puzzle shapes grid 30 for a depiction of shapes and numbers on a document, the Puzzle Map/key, that presents the solution for the resolution of the puzzle #1 (4). In viewing the Puzzle Map/key document 34 it is pointed out that the number #4 puzzle piece 36 of the Map/key 34, is the same shape but in a different location as its corresponding #4 piece 28 on the back-of-the-puzzle grid 26; and that same piece #4 on the Puzzle/key 36 corresponds exactly to its shape and location 3 on the front plane of the puzzle #1 (4) being resolved. For example, to place the puzzle piece which has the #6 on its backside, one could easily find its puzzle piece location on the Map/key 34 by locating the number #6 (35), the location being fourth from the top left corner, and then proceeding to place this puzzle piece #6 (35) in its corresponding location on the front of the puzzle puzzle 4 for which the Map is devised, being fourth from the top left corner 2. This holds true for every other puzzle piece needing to be placed in its proper location, which can be determined by looking at the number on the back of the piece needing to be placed and then finding its match on the Puzzle Map/key, which will determine the exact location of its placement on the puzzle to be resolved. This is the mechanism that enables the consumer to determine the location of any puzzle piece in hand to be placed into a puzzle in its exactly correct location with the assistance of the puzzle map/key.
[0074] Puzzle #2, 100 pieces, from die pattern taken from the backside of a puzzle die stencil. Source: Poorman, J Kevin, “Start Your Own Puzzle Business,” Copyright ISBN-13:978-1541033580, 2017, p. 20.
[0075] FIG. 2A—Shown is a depiction of a back-of-the-puzzle numbered grid 38 representing the shapes of the 100 pieces 41 comprising Puzzle #2, sourced from the backside of a die stencil 39 used to cut the puzzle into its 100 pieces. Once the stencil grid pattern is copied and drawn, an identifying number 40 is inscribed in the center of each puzzle piece 41. This number represents the number to be inscribed on the back surface of each puzzle piece 41, and in this case all piece numbers are organized in a serial pattern so that every puzzle piece has a different number in a recognized order. The numbered pieces 41, when combined to represent the total puzzle, form a grid of back-of-the-puzzle numbers 38. The backside of each puzzle piece 42 on this grid 38 is a depiction of the front side or picture plane of the puzzle #2. A copy of the grid of numbers fitted to the exact size of the puzzle is placed onto a document which is then sealed over the uncut puzzle on the bottom side of the puzzle plane. The topside plane of that uncut puzzle will be sealed with the picture of the puzzle, in preparation for the cutting of the puzzle into 100 pieces. When cut into pieces, each piece will have a portion of the puzzle picture on its topside and an identifying number on its backside. The diagram of the back-of-the-puzzle numbered pieces 38, represents the view of the puzzle on its bottom side, in the short time after it is pressed into pieces by the die press and before it is separated into puzzle pieces and packaged for inclusion in the puzzle box.
[0076] FIG. 2B—Shown is a depiction of a Puzzle Map/key 46 drawn from a die pattern of the die 38 on its frontside, used for cutting puzzle pieces with a slightly different grid pattern from Puzzle #1 (4). Each puzzle piece 47 represents a frontside portion of the puzzle and when connected together comprises a front-of-the-puzzle depiction of the puzzle pieces, on a document that serves as a Puzzle Map/key. The map/key 46 is a separate document, which in this example is an image of all of the pieces of the complete puzzle on its front picture side, an exact likeness of the shapes and location of pieces on the front of the puzzle. Each piece on the map/key 46 is identified by the number 45 inscribed on the back of the puzzle piece, which on the puzzle map/key, will show its exact location on the puzzle to be resolved. For example if one is looking for the match to a piece with the #4 on its back, then one need only look for #4 (45) on the puzzle map/key and immediately see the same and correct location of that piece on the puzzle, since the puzzle and the puzzle map/key both display a front-of-the puzzle view of each puzzle piece.
[0077] FIG. 2C—Shown is the back-of-the-puzzle grid 48 displaying a partially-random numbered block representation of the puzzle shapes pattern 38 for Puzzle #2. Each block 50a is the back-side of the puzzle piece with an identifying number inscribed in the center 49; the reverse side of each puzzle piece is the picture side or front of the #74 piece plane 50b, and all 100 blocks are joined to represent a grid 48 that corresponds to the sizes of the pieces included in the back-of-the-puzzle grid 38. The numbers are ordered in a partially random sequence, because the numbers in the first row 51 starting with the #71 and ending with #80 (51) are ordered from left to right in an ascending serial arrangement; and the numbers in the column 52 starting with the #71 at the top to the bottom, ending with #61 (52) are randomly presented, with the starting numbers of each row randomly ordered. This arrangement provides some ease to the puzzler in finding the matching number for any puzzle by recognizing the row sequence; however, because the starting column is numbered randomly, it is more difficult to predict the exact location of a puzzle piece without referencing the puzzle map/key. These variations enable the puzzle map/keys to have a variety of schemes that can be applied to challenge the consumer, more or less. While the blocks clarify the actual block measurements that determine the computer sizes into which the numbers 49 will be centered, the actual pattern of the grid 48 as it is sealed onto the back of the puzzle before cutting, is applied without the grid lines onto the corresponding back plane of the puzzle.
[0078] 2D—Shown is the Puzzle Map/key grid 53 that is in block form, corresponding to the partial random back-of-the-puzzle scheme 48. Each puzzle piece 54 representation connected to its matching pieces on the front side 55, comprises the frontside or picture side plane 53 of the 100-piece Puzzle #2 and is shown as it would appear on a separate puzzle map/key document. Each number 56 on the Map/key (53) depicts the number on the backside of the puzzle piece which will fit into its exact same location on the puzzle to be solved. For example, when viewed on the back-of-the-puzzle grid 48, #79 (57) is located on the top row on the right side of the puzzle just left of the right corner piece #80 (59). When viewed on the Puzzle Map/key grid 53, the piece #79 (56) is located on the top row on the left side of the puzzle map/key, just right of the top left corner piece #80 (58). The dichotomy of the positioning of the piece on the two grids is easily understood, when considering that a front side view of the puzzle pieces can be accomplished by arranging the back-of-the-puzzle numbers in an opposing or mirror image order and placing that mirror image order of numbers on the front of the puzzle map/key. The result is that when solving the puzzle for the puzzle piece in hand, numbered #79 (56) on its backside, the piece will be found exactly in the top left side of the puzzle, just right of the top corner piece #80 (58), in exactly the same location as pictured on the Puzzle Map/key 53. In the puzzle map grid with shapes 46, its exact location 56 would be where the #9 is located in another numbers scheme. Therefore, the Puzzle Map is truly a key to finding the exact location of any piece in hand by matching the number on the back of the puzzle piece to the number on the Puzzle Map, thereby showing one the exact position of the piece on the puzzle to be completed.
[0079] FIG. 2E—Shown is the back-of-the-puzzle block grid 59 inscribed with fully random numbers on the back of each puzzle piece 65 with the opposite side of each piece as in #56 (66) comprising a part of the front plane of the puzzle. The numbers have no sequential order and their positioning within each block can differ e.g., right side up 60, facing down 61, tilted right 62, facing up 63, tilting left 64, upside down, etc., The numbers are in random order and in no predictable position, so that the back-of-the-puzzle numbers provide no hints or assistance in placement of the puzzle pieces; some may choose to have assistance from map/key only when it is referenced to resolve difficult connections. The numbers or symbols on the back are a source of puzzle search assistance. Looking at the back of the puzzle numbers, with numbers placed right side up on all pieces, one can detect the top and bottom direction of the puzzle piece, as well as their location in noticing their number in an ordered serial scheme. A fully random number scheme for the back of the puzzle will provide the least assistance in the puzzle completion process; it will provide no position or serial sequence assistance unless one refers to the map/key. Looking at the number placement on the back of the puzzle piece, is an optional consideration for search assistance because the usual puzzle completion procedure starts with placing all pieces on their picture-side and making the connection of each piece from there. Even without the assistance of the back-of-the-puzzle numbers, the map/key with random numbers and/or random positions, will still provide the exact location of any puzzle piece if referenced to the map/key, which can verify correct placement of any piece if needed. Understanding the random or ordered nature of the numbers that can be inscribed on the back of the puzzle is a means to control the amount of assistance to be provided in the puzzle completion process and the puzzle map/key can have varied number orders and positions accordingly.
[0080] FIG. 2F—Shown corresponding to the grid 59 in FIG. 2E, is the front-of-the-puzzle depiction of the fully random grid of numbers that comprises the scheme of the Puzzle Map/key document 67. As illustrated, the numbers are in upright positions and centered 68, as they are in all the piece representations 69. The purpose of the puzzle map/key, for all map/keys, is to enable one to find for any puzzle piece in hand, its exact location on the puzzle to be solved, by means of the Puzzle Map/key; therefore, the depiction of the puzzle numbers 68 as they appear in the puzzle piece or block 69, needs no shape or positioning schemes, to achieve that purpose. The intent of the random positioning on the backsides of the puzzle pieces is to give the least assistance through the arrangement of numbers on the pieces in hand which are evident and otherwise provided by the ordered positioning and serial arrangements on the puzzle piece backs. The map/key with all its numbers in the upright position is sufficient in providing one with the assistance in finding the location of each puzzle piece.
[0081] Puzzle #3, 12″×18″ Size, 200-Piece Puzzle. Source of Puzzle Shapes and Pattern from Mudpuppy, ISBN: 978-0-7353-3937-8.
[0082] FIG. 3A—Shown is the back-of-the-puzzle numbers grid 73 for the 200-piece Puzzle #3. This grid can be manufactured to be applied to puzzles in various manners; however, in this presentment it is conceived of as a document. In document form, the use of the grid is shown to be amenable to the production of puzzles in the same manner as pictures are applied to every puzzle in the production process. Each number on this grid 74 is placed in the center of the space of the corresponding puzzle piece which it represents. Depiction of the grid 73 is with no grid lines and represents its appearance as it is sealed onto the bottom planar puzzle surface prior to the puzzle being cut into 200 pieces. The picture of the puzzle will be sealed on the top planar surface of the cardboard or other material comprising the puzzle. The back of the puzzle grid document will be sealed on the bottomside of that same material on which the picture is applied.
[0083] FIG. 3B—Shown is a portion of an actual size grid block 75 of a 12″ by 18″ 200-piece puzzle #3, comprised of thirty of the back-of-the-puzzle numbers 76 in blocks 77 representing puzzle pieces at the top left corner of the back-of-the-puzzle numbers grid 73 beginning with the piece #1. The pictured numbered blocks 77 are the actual size of the puzzle pieces. The measurement of the puzzle pieces is shown as being 0.90″ ( 9/10″) in width and 1.2″ in height.
[0084] Multiplying each measurement by the number of pieces 0.90″×(20 pieces across)=18″ and 1.2″×(10 pieces down)=12″. All 200 blocks in this grid would display the actual size of the 18″×12″ puzzle. One can divide the length across the puzzle (18″) by the number of puzzle pieces (20) and obtain the same result, 0.90″; then divide the height of the puzzle (12″) by the number of puzzle pieces contained in the vertical height (10) to obtain again the same result, 1.2″. This is another method of obtaining and/or verifying actual puzzle piece sizes that form the basis of the back-of-the puzzle measurements to produce the back-of-the-puzzle grids.
[0085] The methods explained to determine cell size are necessary in providing a grid of back-of the puzzle #s representing all the cells. The shape of every cell is different with the shapes protruding outward or inward on all sides of the puzzle piece; therefore measuring one puzzle piece will not necessarily coincide with the measurements of the other cells, some seeming larger, smaller, shorter or taller. So the measurement of any cell should be based on a group of cells calculating their size from the average of the group. This is taken into consideration in measuring cell sizes in the two examples given, i.e., (1) being patterned from the actual die pattern or (2) calculating the sizes by the number of pieces.
[0086] FIG. 3C—Shown is a front-of-the-puzzle grid of the piece representations 80 when joined together, forming a Puzzle Map/key 78 for the 200-piece puzzle #3. The number #15 block 79 on the puzzle map/key 78 is located on the top row, 6th from the upper left corner of the Map/key 78 and also indicates the exact location of the piece in its exact location on the puzzle being completed 81. One can see the opposite location of this number t #15 piece 79 on the back-of-the-puzzle grid 73, being sixth from the left on the upper right corner on the top row. This dichotomy is due to the fact that the back of the puzzle 73 on its flip side 72, is the front of the puzzle and the location of the #15 piece (79) on the Puzzle Map/key 78 is shown as it appears on the flipped side, or frontside of the puzzle plane 72. On the Map/key 78, the block #17 (80) is positioned in the top row fourth from the left corner on the Puzzle Map/key 78, which is a front side view of the puzzle. Again, the #17 location 80 on the back-of-the-puzzle grid 73 is in an opposite location in the same row being 4th from the top right corner of the back-of-the-puzzle grid 73. This block presentation 78 is a scheme sufficient to target the exact locations of the pieces of the puzzle being completed and to serve as a puzzle map/key. The puzzle map/key presented is a document in itself and does not have to be of the exact size of the puzzle and only large enough to easily distinguish the identifying symbols and/or shapes on its front. While this is simpler to produce than a map/key with shapes, it provides sufficient, but not maximum search assistance in the corresponding shape structures because it is in block form.
[0087] FIG. 3D—Shown is a computer numbered Puzzle Map/key 81 composed of all piece representations 80 of the 200 piece puzzle #3 in the same location and shapes as the pieces on the frontside plane of the puzzle. Each puzzle piece representation 82 has a number 83 identifying its unique location in the puzzle, and also in the Map/key on which it is located. Every puzzle piece 80 on the Puzzle Map/key 81 is uniquely identified by a number 83, which corresponds exactly to the number inscribed on the back of the puzzle piece. There is no backside since this puzzle map/key is on a single sheet of paper; its use provides the key to the exact location of the puzzle and the connecting pieces e.g., piece #8 (83) being the #9 piece 82 on its left side, or the #28 piece 86 on its bottom side, or the #7 piece 85 on its right side. The same dichotomy of the puzzle map/key grid 81 in relation to the arrangement of numbers on the back-of-the-puzzle grid 73 is viewed in noticing the location of the number #1 piece 84 on the Puzzle Map key 81 located on the far right corner on the map/key and in its location on the back-of-the-puzzle grid 73, where the #1 piece 84 is in the far left corner of the grid 73. This dichotomy enables the placement of the numbers on the back of the puzzle piece, as placed on the map/key, to match its exact location on the front of the puzzle being resolved. This is true for all the pieces of the puzzle as can be observed in the opposing locations of puzzle pieces #17 (80) and #15 (79) which are located on the left top section of the map/key 81 as opposed to their locations on the back of the puzzle grid 73 where they are on the rightside of the top row. This Puzzle Map/key 81 is presented with a serial number arrangement within the corresponding shapes of the puzzle; therefore, it provides search assistance in the numbers/symbols match on the back of the puzzle, the front side up location of the puzzle piece in hand, the serial location of the numbered pieces, and the matching shapes of the puzzle at hand as well as of its connecting pieces.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0088] The Puzzle map solution conceives a method to achieve the completion or solution of any two dimensional jigsaw through the preferred embodiment of the Puzzle Map/key. The map/key is a separate document accompanying the puzzle being resolved, and provides the puzzler with the information needed to determine the exact location of any piece within the puzzle. The map/key document consists of a frontside representation of all the puzzle pieces in their respective places in a completed puzzle, identifying each puzzle piece representation by its backside number. By viewing the location of the number on the map/key which corresponds to its exact location on the puzzle being resolved, one can easily find the exact location of any piece in the puzzle at hand.
[0089] The puzzle map/keys shown in the drawings have been created as follows: [0090] 1. By hand: [0091] a. The first step is to have in hand a complete puzzle with all pieces in place as in FIG. 1A, which is the “front of the puzzle”. The picture-side is the front of the puzzle, as stated throughout this application. Placing the numbers on the back of each piece must be completed first, so the puzzle must be placed on its backside for numbering, and numbers entered on each piece as in FIG. 1B. [0092] b. To create the puzzle map/key, which is a picture of the front of the puzzle, not the back, the numbers on the puzzle map/key must identify the location of each piece. The identification of each piece is contained in the number on the back of each puzzle piece; therefore, that identifying number on the back of each puzzle piece is displayed on the front of the puzzle piece for all pieces contained in the puzzle map/key. To enable a frontside view of the puzzle on the puzzle map/key, with the corresponding back-of-the-puzzle numbers shown correctly to reflect their position on the frontside map plane, the numbers to be entered on the puzzle map/key depicting the numbers on the backside of the puzzle pieces shown in FIG. 1B, must be ordered on each line, in reverse direction or in a mirror image arrangement for placement on the Puzzle Map/key shown on FIG. 1C. [0093] 2. By computer: Computerized numbering of puzzle pieces is more legible, easier and faster, so there is a progression in the drawings (for puzzles #1-3) that are illustrated with computerized grids of #s both for the back-of-the-puzzle and puzzle map/keys. [0094] a. The computerized numbers for the back of the puzzle plane must comprise a grid which fits the exact size and location of the pieces on the back of the puzzle. This is necessary because the computerized grid, in document form, must be applied to the back of the puzzle and sealed so that all puzzle pieces that are produced when puzzles are cut and pressed, have the number on the back of each puzzle piece. FIGS. 1E, 1F,2A, 2C,2E, and 3A show back-of-the-puzzle number grids generated by the computer. [0095] b. The puzzle map/keys or front-of-the-puzzle grids that are numbered by computer are shown in FIGS. 1H, 1(i), 2B, 2D, 2F,3C, and 3D. The map/keys are a depiction of the front of the puzzle picture, and can be followed to assist the puzzler in placing puzzle pieces in the correct location by looking on the back of the puzzle piece to find the corresponding matching number on the map/key. Each number on the back of the puzzle piece can be paired to its same number on the puzzle map/key which is a depiction of the back-of-the-puzzle numbers in their proper and exact location on both the puzzle map/key and on the front of the puzzle. The puzzle map/key is a separate document that can now be used as needed and wanted, to assist any puzzler in the process of placing difficult pieces, thus serving as a major or minor factor in the completion of a puzzle, depending on how often the map is referenced by the puzzler. [0096] c. Having consecutive or randomly placed numbers on the backsides of the puzzle pieces is the next consideration. There are several levels of puzzle map/key assistance that differ according to the placement and order of the numbers on the grid for the back of the puzzle, which determines the grid for the Puzzle Map. There are levels of assistance that can be provided by the maps, changing the construction of the order and placement of the numbers depending on the following variations: [0097] (1.) Variable 1: Numbers are ordered consecutively as in Puzzles #1, #2, and #3 (FIGS. 1(i), 2B, 3C, and 3D) This simplifies searching for puzzle pieces on the map. The piece placement would be able to be determined by deciphering the order of the numbers on the map and determining the location of the piece. Ordered numbers may be easier to manufacture as the pieces would be predictably in order and easier to number in placing the numbers on the back-side in reverse order of the puzzle map/keys, for production of the maps and puzzle grids. The general region in which the puzzle piece can be located on the puzzle would be easier to find, e.g., smaller numbers on the top and larger numbers on the bottom. [0098] (2.) Variable 2: Numbering the backside pieces randomly would serve the purpose of not providing the solution so simply, but still containing the correct answer as to whether any piece to be matched is in its correct placement. Levels of random numbering are shown in the back-of-the-puzzle grids in FIGS. 2C and 2E and the puzzle map/keys in FIGS. 2D and 2F. Partially random: FIGS. 2C and 2D contain random numbers but each row has consecutive numbers. The advantage to this partial random configuration is that it is random, but will provide some assistance in locating the correct piece on the puzzle map through a partial serial sequence and upright positioning of the number. Fully random: FIGS. 2E and 2F illustrate a puzzle map/key which contains fully random numbers and provides no assistance in puzzle position, numbering order, or shapes. Master puzzlers may prefer this option because the numbers on the back will provide no assistance in puzzle placement. The solution will be provided, but need not be used, so the puzzler is in full control. The numbers on the backsides would be useful only when the map/key is called into service. [0099] (3.) Variable 3: Placing all the numbers in a straight vertical position is a beneficial factor. The numbers on the back of the puzzle can then be used to determine the proper direction of the piece, i.e., one would know which part of the piece is the topside and which is the bottom, therefore knowing the left side and the right side of the piece in the scheme of the puzzle. It is a major assistance to know in which direction (upside or downside) each puzzle piece should lie. Random placement of the numbers (i.e., left-side on top, upside down, right-side on top, leaning right or left, etc) of each piece, is also possible and would eliminate the assistance to be provided by placing the numbers upright. FIG. 2E clearly illustrates this fully random positioning; notice that the corresponding puzzle map/key (FIG. 2F), needs only the upright numbers to be complete. [0100] (4.) Variable 4: Having the shapes of the map pieces to conform to the pieces on the puzzle front, is also another consideration. Seeing the like shapes on the map, with the piece one is placing on the puzzle is a major assistance. A simple grid comprised of numbered blocks is also a possibility for a puzzle map/key with the map assisting in placement without the assistance of congruent shapes. (See Maps 2D, 2F and 3C). [0101] c. (continued). The Puzzle Map benefits are most accomplished, by having pieces consecutively numbered, numbered in an upright position, and having the same shapes as the puzzle pieces being located. Recognizing the different levels of assistance that can be derived from puzzle map/keys is useful for the production of maps/keys. The variables give the manufacturer of the puzzles, control over the level of assistance to be provided and therefore, some advantage in catering to a select population of puzzlers, who have different expectations and desires in being assisted.
[0102] The Puzzle Map/Key Conforms to the Manufacturing of Puzzles in Two Stages in this Example Referring to Standard Picture Puzzle Production as Follows:
[0103] Stage 1—Producing a back-of-the-puzzle grid of numbers: This grid is an apparatus depicting the entire surface of the back of a puzzle, which is composed of cells representing all the pieces in that puzzle, inscribed with numbers enabling each puzzle piece to be identified with a unique number. The grid is conceived in this presentment as being in document form to comply with major methods of puzzle production in which the grid document is sealed onto the puzzle plane before cutting. The grid document is prepared for computer numbering by determining the grid pattern based on the size and location of each puzzle piece on the back of the puzzle. Each grid cell space represents one puzzle piece and must conform exactly to the size and positioning of every puzzle piece represented. The whole grid must be constructed to be the same size as the puzzle, with the numbers to be filled in by computer in the cell space of every piece, preferably in the center.
[0104] One way to produce this grid is to copy the die pattern and use that pattern to compile the numbers grid document as is shown in FIG. 2A. The resulting back-of-the-puzzle grid document is sealed onto the back-of-the-puzzle that is in one piece before being prepared for cutting. The grid with the numbers only, as in FIG. 3A, is the appearance of the back-of-the-puzzle grid document that is to be sealed onto the backside of the puzzle board before it is cut and pressed into puzzle pieces, with the picture sealed on the frontside of that same puzzle board.
[0105] Many, if not most, of the puzzles produced have puzzle pieces that are in a symmetrical and predictable pattern, and they are in rows and columns of the same size, although they differ in shapes. This symmetry is the basis for another way to create back-of-the puzzle grids—by the process of calculation. First, determine the exact size for one cell of the grid, as in shown in FIG. 3B. FIG. 3B is an actual size grid which is a partial picture of the total back-of-the-puzzle grid for the 200-piece puzzle #3 represented in FIG. 3A. If printed as a whole with all 200 pieces, it would measure 12″×18″. Each cell or puzzle piece measures 1.2 inches in height and 0.90 inches in width. Devise a computer grid of cells of that determined size by placing the same number of cells in the grid, as are on the puzzle. Numbering the back of the puzzle is as simple as filling the cells with numbers in the center of each cell. Each cell corresponds to the puzzle piece it represents, in size and its location in the puzzle. Determining the measurements of one of the pieces enables the configuration of the total back-of-the-puzzle grid since the cells or puzzle pieces are basically the same size and in a symmetrical pattern. Progression of the process to finished numbered back-of-the-puzzle grid is shown by FIGS. 1D,1E, and 1F.
[0106] FIGS. 1E,1F,2A,2C, 2E and 3A show the back-of-the-puzzle grids for puzzle with numbers located at the center of the cell space for each puzzle piece. Placing the grid of numbers on the back of the puzzle is the next step, to be accomplished in the manufacturing process that produces puzzles. Starting with a plain puzzle board, one regular process involves a sealer (which seals the picture onto the board material), a sharp die (which is the stencil and cutter for the pieces) and a die press (that produces the pressure for the die to cut the puzzle pieces in the shape of the die. The back-of-the-puzzle grid document, which contains the backside numbers of all the pieces, is sealed onto the puzzle on its bottom-side in the same stage as the picture is applied to the topside of the puzzle. This additional action enables a mass production of puzzles with numbers on their back sides. The result is the production of puzzles with each piece having a picture on the front and also an identifying number on the back of the puzzle. The connection to the puzzle map/key is complete. Considering that the dies that determine the shape, size and placement of the puzzle pieces are used to produce thousands of different puzzles, the back-of-the puzzle grid can be utilized for as many puzzles as can be produced by one die pattern.
[0107] Stage 2—Producing the Map/Key:
[0108] The puzzle map/key, a separate document from the puzzle and the preferred embodiment of the method presented herein for the resolution of jigsaw puzzles, is a reproduction of the puzzle pieces or piece representations on its front or picture side with or without the front-of-the-puzzle picture as a background. This map/key can be accomplished by copying the shape of the die on the reverse side of the back-of-the-puzzle die pattern, and then producing the map/key by inserting on each piece the same numbers that are on the back of the puzzle as shown in FIG. 2B. However, these map/key numbers must be in reverse order of numbers on the back, because when looking at the numbers on the back of the puzzle, they are in reverse order of the puzzle map pieces, when one views the front of the puzzle or front of the map/key. (see FIG. 2B, the number arrangement of the Map Key as compared to the opposing numbers on the back-of-the-puzzle grid on FIG. 2A) One can picture a mirror image of the back-of-the-puzzle grid. If the numbers from left to right on the back of the puzzle are ascending, then the mirror image of the map/key numbers would have those same numbers in descending order. The same grids which are produced for the back of the puzzle are used for the map/key grid; but the numbers and shapes for the map/key must be in reverse order or mirror image order, from the back-of-the-puzzle grid. The progression from back-of-the-puzzle shapes grid to front-of-the-puzzle map/key is illustrated by FIGS. 1D,1E,1F,1G,1H, and 1(i).
[0109] The puzzle map/key is easier to produce than the back-of-the-puzzle grid, because it does not have to conform to the exact size of the actual puzzle pieces, as the back-of-the-puzzle grid does. The map/key can be presented in block form as in FIG. 3C or can be presented in the puzzle shapes as in FIGS. 1C,1(i), 2B, and 3D. The map/key requires only legible numbers and clear shape representations for the puzzle pieces and can be any size that is convenient to use on the part of the consumer. Having the map/key conform exactly to the size of the finished puzzle is not necessary and in many cases would make the map/key too large. The map/key can be subject to artistic color and designs on the border or can have the actual puzzle picture as a background and is open to creative touches that make the map/key an attractive addition.
[0110] Accessibility—The map/keys can be made available by including them in the puzzle box which contains the puzzle pieces. They can be offered as an extra bonus to puzzlers and pose a unique opportunity to sell more puzzles, with the idea that the maps can make puzzles more attractive, easier to finish, and more fun to enjoy with friends and family. The map/key can be made available through other mediums, including mail, phone, or computer; however, the inclusion in the same container as the puzzle is the most convenient mode of transmission and can respond to the marketing on the puzzle box immediately.
[0111] The puzzle map/key can be transmitted through the computer by including a code which uniquely connects the consumer to the puzzle map on a puzzle web site. Advantages of this code transmission include more use by consumers of the websites that promote puzzle sales, security of ownership for buyers and sellers of puzzle map/keys, and more exposure of consumers to the benefits of marketing efforts and information on the array and availability of puzzles.
