Puzzle teaching system

Abstract

A map system is provided whereby a plurality of individual puzzle pieces have a first upper planar surface and a second lower planar surface and are arranged in either a first unassembled configuration or a second assembled configuration to form a complete map, whereby at least one of complementary magnet pairs, complementary electronic sensors, complementary printed indicia, or combinations thereof are positioned on said lower planar surface for assembling into the assembled configuration.

Claims

1. A map system, said system comprising: a plurality of individual puzzle pieces having a first upper planar surface and a second lower planar surface; transparent overlays complimentary shaped to individual puzzle pieces to cover said individual puzzle pieces and configured to be removably positioned on top of said upper planer surface of said puzzle pieces; a first unassembled configuration of said map system whereby said puzzle pieces are not positioned to form a complete map; a second assembled configuration of said map system whereby said puzzle pieces are positioned to form a complete map, said complete map presenting an image from assembled pieces having printed indicia on said upper planar surface; complementary electronic sensors, or complementary electronic sensors provided with complementary magnet pairs, positioned on said puzzle pieces, said electronic sensors configured for transmitting correct pairing of pieces transmits information to a computer-controlled system marking progress of assembly whereby said second assembled configuration is configured for teaching and learning.

2. The map system of claim 1, wherein said electronic sensors include transmission and receiving means configured for transmitting information about the relative state of assembly of said system or information about a completed map system to a proctor operating a computer system configured for communicating with said map system.

3. The map system of claim 1 wherein said first upper planar surface, said overlay, or both include three-dimensional indicia.

4. The map system of claim 1 wherein said first upper planar, said overlay, or both surface include three-dimensional Braille indicia.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

(1) FIG. 1 is a plan view of an entire map according to one embodiment of the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is an enlarged view from the region indicated in FIG. 1.

(3) FIG. 3 is a reverse/bottom view from FIG. 2.

(4) FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of one embodiment of the present invention demonstrating magnetic adhering method.

(5) FIG. 5 is demonstrative of pieces used according to the present invention demonstrating placements of magnets.

(6) FIG. 6 demonstrates a transparent overlay on a single piece according to one embodiment of the present invention.

(7) FIG. 7 demonstrates the transparent overlay placed in position on a single piece according to the present invention.

(8) FIG. 8 is demonstrative of a Braille embodiment according to the present invention.

(9) FIG. 9 demonstrates the system structure of an electronic interface according to one embodiment of the present invention.

(10) FIG. 10 is a schematic flow chart demonstrating one embodiment of use according to a manual embodiment.

(11) FIG. 11 is a flow chart demonstrating an electronic puzzle embodiment according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(12) The present invention relates to a new map/puzzle system particularly useful for teaching. Map system 10 is assembled using either interlocking puzzle pieces 12 or magnetic adhering pieces 13. As demonstrated in FIG. 2, puzzle pieces 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e and 12f are representative of individual puzzle pieces that are assembled to form a complete map. In one embodiment of the present invention, puzzle pieces 13, as demonstrated in FIG. 4, include complimentary positioned magnets, such as first magnet 15 and second magnet 17. As generally understood, each of first magnet 15 and second magnet 17 are selected such that there is a magnetic attraction. For example, magnet 15 would be a magnet with a positive pole, and magnet 17 would be a magnet with a negative pole. This example is not meant to be limiting and any configuration in which attraction occurs is contemplated using the present invention. Discrete fit puzzle pieces 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d, 13e and 13f represent individual puzzle pieces that are joined using complimentary first magnet 15 and second magnet 17.

(13) Map 10 has an edge portion 14 as is generally understood in the assembling of puzzles from discrete pieces. In one embodiment, puzzle piece 16 has identification indicia 18 disposed thereon, whereby puzzle can be assembled based on the indicia. As demonstrated in FIG. 3, indicia 18 is represented by the numerals 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and individual pieces 18 are assembled according to ordering the pieces in numerical order.

(14) In one embodiment, as demonstrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, an individual piece 12 is coupled with a transparent overlay 20. Transparent overlay 20 covers at least a part of an individual piece. Although the figure demonstrates this using individual piece 12, the present invention contemplates using the transparent overlay 20 with any individualized piece. Transparent overlay 20, in one embodiment, has graphic indicia 22 disposed thereon. Transparent overlay 20, in one embodiment, could have any one of graphics 22, overlay graphic 24, color coded indicia 28, for a resultant combination of any one of these 26.

(15) In another embodiment of the present invention, puzzle piece 12 includes raised indicia 30. Raised indicia can include Braille or any other raised indicia that is constructed and arranged and contemplated to be used with persons having sight impairments.

(16) As demonstrated in FIG. 9, in one embodiment of the present invention, a computer system 32 running application software 34 is operatively associated with map 10. System 32 performs data input and output in either a hard-wired configuration demonstrative of Fig. element 40, or a wireless communication demonstrative in Fig. element 42. Proctor monitor 36 will be manned by a teacher or other proctor to supervise use of the system. At least one student monitor 38 is operative associated with map 10. As demonstrated in the figure, each student monitor 38a, 38b, 38c, 38d, is constructed and arranged as being formatted for use in the system. In this embodiment, more than one student monitor is used. Fig. element 44 demonstrates student/proctor progress exchange during use of the present invention. Fig. element 46, according to one embodiment of the present invention, represents exchange of information between individual students.

(17) In use, a student will be provided with a map system 10, typically in individual pieces. The individual pieces are then assembled into a map. In one embodiment, assembly is through a conventional jigsaw-type configuration. In another embodiment, the magnets as described herein. In yet another embodiment, pieces are assembled whereby each correct pairing of pieces transmits information to the computer-controlled system marking progress of assembly.

(18) The system, as described herein is configured in one embodiment to have a component whereby information is electronically transmitted to a proctor computer in order to monitor and further facilitate learning.

(19) The present invention further includes a teaching method comprising the steps of providing a system as described herein and interacting with a proctor based on electronic communication.

(20) While the invention has been described in its preferred form or embodiment with some degree of particularity, it is understood that this description has been given only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction, fabrication, and use, including the combination and arrangement of parts, may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.