Jigsaw puzzle game system

Abstract

A jigsaw puzzle game system has a number of inter-fitting pieces which combine to create a finished visual effect. None of the puzzle pieces are interchangeable. All pieces have identical top and bottom surfaces and thus could be used on either side. The pieces do not carry a visual marker or design to assist in determining where the individual pieces fit in the overall puzzle scheme. Each puzzle is a unique design with a combination of pieces that will fit no other puzzle with similar visual appearance. Each puzzle is assigned a serial number and individual part numbers are assigned to each puzzle piece. A puzzle solution map is included with each puzzle. This map includes the unique serial number of the corresponding puzzle along with a completed visual scheme with each puzzle piece indicated with a part number that corresponds with the assigned number for each puzzle piece. A method is provided for computer-generated replacement of the puzzle solution map or individual puzzle pieces through an Internet website.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to jigsaw puzzle games which involve arranging multiple puzzle pieces to reach a solution and a system and method to provide a solution map and replacements pieces to the user. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Puzzles or games of various shapes and sizes that involve a user arranging and rearranging puzzle pieces to achieve a specified solution are well known in the art. In particular most people are familiar with “jigsaw” puzzles, in which a large number of interlocking pieces can be fitted together to make a recognizable two-dimensional picture or pattern. Such puzzles include, for example, the widely recognized Chinese puzzle known as the tangram that involves combining interlocking and non-interlocking geometric puzzle pieces into a larger shaped puzzle solution either contained within an external frame or tray, or within an edge formation that is composed of individual puzzle pieces commonly called border or edge pieces. [0...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0005] One advantage of the inventive jigsaw puzzle game system is that none of the puzzle pieces are interchangeable. The upper and lower surfaces of all puzzle pieces are finished identically in all respects, including but not limited to smoothness and color, and thus could be used on either side. In addition, the upper and lower surfaces of the pieces carry no visual marker or design to assist in determining where the individual pieces fit in the overall puzzle scheme—all to increase the level of difficulty.

[0011] It is a further object of this invention to provide a jigsaw puzzle game system comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces wherein each puzzle piece has identical upper and lower surfaces allowing the puzzle piece to be used on either side and where none of the puzzle pieces are interchangeable nor carry any visual marker, all to enhance the difficulty of the puzzle game.

[0016] It is a further object of this invention that any embodiment of the inventive puzzle game system may be produced and offered to users as one-of-a-kind without duplication.

[0017] It is a further object of this invention that the plurality of puzzle pieces and frame tray for any embodiment of the inventive puzzle game system may be fabricated from a variety of materials including but not limited to stainless steel, aluminum, titanium or any metal, metal alloy or non-metallic material and that said pieces and frame tray may be fabricated by a variety of precision cutting and machining techniques including but not limited to lasers with cutting tolerances within one 10,000th of an inch to enhance difficulty of assembly.

Problems solved by technology

In addition, the upper and lower surfaces of the pieces carry no visual marker or design to assist in determining where the individual pieces fit in the overall puzzle scheme—all to increase the level of difficulty.

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