Sudoku game equipment and prompting method applied to sudoku game equipment

Abstract

The invention relates to sudoku game equipment and a prompting method applied to the sudoku game equipment. According to the sudoku game equipment, in the answering stage, a control module prompts a player of a chess piece type allowed to be input and / or a chess piece type not allowed to be input at a selected empty chess position through a prompting module; or after the control module receives the known chess piece types on the current chessboard through the positioning module or the chess piece type input module, the distribution condition of the selected known chess piece types in the chessboard in the current chess state is prompted through the prompting module; or, the control module receives an instruction input by the player through the auxiliary answer triggering module, at least one indirect answer prompt is provided for one empty chess position in the chess playing area through the prompt module, and the indirect answer prompt refers to the prompt except the direct prompt of the correct answer of the empty chess position. By providing the answer prompts, the difficulty threshold of the game is reduced, and the confidence of the player and the enthusiasm of the sudoku game are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of electronic equipment, and in particular to a Sudoku game device and a prompting method applied to the Sudoku game device. Background Art

[0002] Sudoku game equipment is an electronic device specially used for playing Sudoku games. For example, Sudoku game machines on the market usually have a compact appearance and a simple operation interface. They can provide Sudoku games of various difficulty levels, allowing players to enjoy the fun of Sudoku at any time and any place. The playing process of existing Sudoku game machines usually includes a question-posing mode and a question-answering mode. In the question-posing mode, the chess pieces of the question can be placed according to the prompts on the screen. After all the questions are placed, the answering mode will be entered. Players can infer what chess pieces should be placed in different chess positions according to the rule that the numbers in each row, each column, and each palace cannot be repeated.

[0003] However, in the actual answering process, players often encounter the dilemma of being unable to infer the type of chess pieces, that is, players cannot infer the type of chess pieces that should be placed in the unplaced chess positions based on the types of chess pieces that have already been placed. This will undoubtedly greatly undermine the players' self-confidence and enthusiasm for Sudoku games, and there is room for improvement. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to overcome at least one of the defects of the prior art described above, according to one aspect of the present invention, a Sudoku game device is provided, comprising:

[0005] A chessboard is provided with a chess playing area, wherein the chess playing area includes a plurality of chess positions;

[0006] A positioning module, used to locate chess positions;

[0007] The chess piece type input module allows players to input chess piece types;

[0008] A prompt module, connected to the positioning module for communication;

[0009] Auxiliary answering trigger module, for players to input instructions to trigger auxiliary answering;

[0010] A control module, which is in communication with the positioning module, the chess piece type input module, the prompt module and the auxiliary answering trigger module;

[0011] In the question answering stage, the control module prompts the player through the prompt module the chess piece types allowed to be input at the empty chess position selected by the player; or the chess piece types not allowed to be input; or the chess piece types allowed to be input and the chess piece types not allowed to be input, and the prompting methods of the two are different;

[0012] Alternatively, after receiving the known chess piece types on the current chessboard through the positioning module or the chess piece type input module, the control module prompts the distribution of the selected known chess piece types on the chessboard under the current chess game state through the prompt module;

[0013] Alternatively, the control module receives instructions input by the player through the auxiliary answer trigger module, and provides at least one indirect answer prompt for an empty chess position in the chess playing area through the prompt module, wherein the indirect answer prompt refers to a prompt other than the direct prompt of the correct answer to the empty chess position.

[0014] In some embodiments, when the control module prompts the player through the prompt module the chess piece types allowed to be input and / or the chess piece types not allowed to be input at the empty chess position selected by the player, wherein: the chess piece types allowed to be input prompted by the prompt module constitute a first chess piece type set, and / or, the chess piece types not allowed to be input prompted by the prompt module constitute a second chess piece type set; the control module receives the prompt instructions input by the player through the auxiliary question-answering trigger module to update the first chess piece type set and / or the second chess piece type set, and as the number of prompt instructions input increases, the controller deletes the chess piece types allowed to be input and / or adds the chess piece types not allowed to be input, so that the first chess piece type set is reduced and / or the second chess piece type set is expanded.

[0015] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a display unit;

[0016] If the chess position selected by the player is an empty chess position, the display unit only displays the chess piece types that are allowed to be input or only displays the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input; or, the display unit displays both the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input, and the two are distinguished by different display states.

[0017] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a sound generating unit;

[0018] If the chess position selected by the player is an empty chess position, the sound unit only prompts the player through voice the chess piece types allowed to be input or the chess piece types not allowed to be input at the chess position selected by the player; or, the sound unit prompts through voice both the chess piece types allowed to be input and the chess piece types not allowed to be input, and the two are distinguished by different voice prompt states.

[0019] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a display unit, and the display unit includes a plurality of chess piece type indicator lights.

[0020] In some embodiments, the display unit includes an information display screen, and the information display screen is used to prompt game-related information;

[0021] The information display screen and the chess piece type indicator light both include a light emitting unit, a light shielding member and a light transmitting member. The light transmitting member of the information display screen and the light transmitting member of the chess piece type indicator light are fixed or integrally arranged.

[0022] In some embodiments, the display unit is arranged on the surface of the chessboard and forms a screen display area, and the information display screen and chess piece type indicator light are arranged in the screen display area;

[0023] The screen display area is located on one of the upper side, lower side, left side or right side of the chess playing area of ​​the chessboard; or, the screen display area is embedded in the chess playing area.

[0024] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a display unit and a position indication unit. When the display unit displays the chess piece types allowed to be input and / or displays the chess piece types not allowed to be input, the position of the empty chess position in the chess playing area is prompted through the position indication unit.

[0025] In some embodiments, the auxiliary answering trigger module is a button or touch screen module independent of the chess piece type input module or the positioning module;

[0026] Alternatively, the auxiliary answering trigger module is integrated into the chess piece type input module or the positioning module; the triggering method of the auxiliary answering trigger module for the auxiliary answering trigger signal is different from the triggering method of the chess piece type input module or the positioning module.

[0027] In some embodiments, during the question answering stage, the control module receives known chess piece types on the current chessboard through the positioning module or the chess piece type input module and receives instructions input by the player through the auxiliary question answering trigger module. The controller prompts the distribution of the selected chess piece type on the chessboard through the prompt module based on the instructions.

[0028] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a position indication unit, which prompts the distribution of the positions of known chess piece types in the chess playing area during the question answering stage.

[0029] In some embodiments, during the question answering stage, the control module receives known chess piece types on the current chessboard through the positioning module or the chess piece type input module and receives instructions input by the player through the auxiliary question answering trigger module. The controller prompts the distribution of the selected chess piece type on the chessboard through the prompt module based on the instructions.

[0030] In some embodiments, the position indication unit includes a combination of one or more of a display screen, a light, and a sound prompter.

[0031] In some embodiments, the position indication unit includes a combination of one or more of a display screen, a light, and a sound prompter.

[0032] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a position indication unit, which includes at least one pair of intersecting indicator light groups, the indicator light groups including a horizontal light group and a vertical light group, the horizontal light group corresponds to the horizontal chess position setting on the chessboard, and the vertical light group corresponds to the vertical chess position setting on the chessboard.

[0033] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a position indication unit, which includes at least one pair of intersecting indicator light groups, the indicator light groups including a horizontal light group and a vertical light group, the horizontal light group corresponds to the horizontal chess position setting on the chessboard, and the vertical light group corresponds to the vertical chess position setting on the chessboard.

[0034] In some embodiments, the horizontal light group includes a first row indicator light group, the vertical light group includes a first column indicator light group, the first column indicator light group is located on the left or right side of the chess playing area of ​​the chessboard, and the first row indicator lights are arranged on the upper or lower side of the chess playing area.

[0035] In some embodiments, the horizontal light group includes a first row of indicator light groups, the vertical light group includes a first column of indicator light groups, and the first row of indicator light groups and the first column of indicator light groups are intersectingly arranged in the chess playing area.

[0036] In some embodiments, the transverse light group includes a first row of indicator light groups, the longitudinal light group includes a first column of indicator light groups, and the number of indicator light groups in the first row is greater than or less than the number of indicator light groups in the first column.

[0037] In some embodiments, the horizontal light group includes a first row indicator light group, the longitudinal light group includes a first column indicator light group and a second column indicator light group, the first column indicator light group and the second column indicator light group are respectively located on the left and right sides of the chess playing area of ​​the chessboard in a one-to-one correspondence, and the first row indicator light group is arranged on the upper or lower side of the chess playing area.

[0038] In some embodiments, the horizontal light group also includes a second row indicator light group, and the first row indicator light group, the second row indicator light group, the first column indicator light group and the second column indicator light group are respectively located on the upper side, lower side, left side and right side of the chess area of ​​the chessboard.

[0039] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a position indicating unit, and the position indicating unit includes a palace display screen or an indicator light array; the palace display screen displays a plurality of icons or the indicator light array includes a plurality of palace indicator lights, the number of the icons or palace indicator lights is consistent with the number of palaces on the chessboard, and the distribution of the icons or palace indicator lights is consistent with the distribution of the palaces; the icons or the palace indicator lights have at least two display states;

[0040] When the control module receives the prompt instruction and the known chess piece type data that needs to be prompted on the current chessboard, it controls the palace display screen to display an icon or controls the indicator light array to display a palace indicator light, and uses the display status of the icon or palace indicator light to prompt whether each palace on the chessboard has the known chess piece type.

[0041] In some embodiments, the position indicating unit further comprises at least one pair of indicator light groups arranged in an intersecting manner, the indicator light groups comprising a transverse light group and a longitudinal light group, the transverse light group comprising a plurality of column indicator lights, the longitudinal light group comprising a plurality of row indicator lights, each of the column indicator lights corresponding to a column of chess positions arranged longitudinally on the chessboard, and each of the row indicator lights corresponding to a row of chess positions arranged transversely on the chessboard;

[0042] When the display screen or the indicator light array is enabled to indicate a known chess piece type that needs to be prompted on the chessboard, the row indicator lights and column indicator lights corresponding to the known chess piece type are enabled simultaneously to prompt the position.

[0043] In some embodiments, the icon displayed on the palace display screen is composed of a single dot or multiple dots.

[0044] In some embodiments, the different display states of the icons or indicator lights include: differences in any one or more of display brightness, shape, color, and flashing frequency.

[0045] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a display unit, and the display unit includes an information display screen for prompting game information;

[0046] The palace display screen is a screen independent of the information display screen; or, the palace display screen and the information display screen are integrated into the same screen.

[0047] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a sound generating unit;

[0048] If the chess position selected by the player is a known chess position, the sound unit prompts the player through voice the type of chess piece at the chess position selected or prompts the position of all chess pieces of the same type as the selected chess position in the current chess game state in the chess playing area.

[0049] In some embodiments, the control module receives instructions input by the player through the auxiliary answer trigger module, and provides at least one indirect answer prompt for an empty chess position in the chess playing area through the prompt module, wherein the selection of the empty chess position is specified by the controller; or, is selected by the player.

[0050] In some embodiments, when the empty chess position is selected by the player, the control module locates the empty chess position selected by the player through the positioning module, then receives the instruction input by the player through the auxiliary answering trigger module, and finally gives an indirect prompt through the prompt module;

[0051] Alternatively, the control module first receives the instructions input by the player through the auxiliary answer trigger module, then locates the empty chess position selected by the player through the positioning module, and finally gives an indirect prompt through the prompt module.

[0052] In some embodiments, when the empty chess position is designated by the controller, the control module first receives the instructions input by the player through the auxiliary question-answering trigger module, then designates an empty chess position through the controller, and finally gives an indirect prompt through the prompt module.

[0053] In some embodiments, when the empty chess position is designated by the controller, the control module first receives the instruction input by the player through the auxiliary answer trigger module, then designates an empty chess position through the controller, and finally gives an indirect prompt through the prompt module, which is prompt mode 1;

[0054] When the empty chess position is selected by the player, the control module first receives the instruction input by the player through the auxiliary answer trigger module, then locates the empty chess position selected by the player through the positioning module, and finally gives an indirect prompt through the prompt module, which is the prompt mode 2;

[0055] The empty chess position is selected by prompt mode 1 and prompt mode 2 through different instructions input by the player or different auxiliary answering trigger modules.

[0056] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a position indication unit and a display unit; in the answering stage, the indirect answer prompt is to prompt the position of one of the empty chess positions in the chess playing area through the position indication unit; or, to display at least one problem-solving idea icon of the empty chess position through the display unit.

[0057] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a position indication unit and a display unit; in the answering stage, the indirect answer prompt is to prompt the position of one of the empty chess positions in the chess playing area through the position indication unit; or, to display at least one problem-solving idea icon of the empty chess position through the display unit.

[0058] In some embodiments, the control module receives at least two instructions input by the player through the auxiliary answer trigger module, and the controller responds to one of the at least two instructions by giving an indirect answer prompt through the prompt module for one of the empty chess positions in the chess playing area; and the controller responds to the last instruction of the at least two instructions by giving a prompt of the type of chess piece to be placed at the empty chess position through the prompt module.

[0059] In some embodiments, during the question answering stage, the prompt module includes a position indication unit and a display unit, and the indirect question answering prompt is to display at least one problem-solving idea icon of the empty chess position through the display unit.

[0060] In some embodiments, during the question answering stage, the prompt module includes a position indication unit and a display unit, and the indirect question answering prompt is to display at least one problem-solving idea icon of the empty chess position through the display unit.

[0061] In some embodiments, during the question answering stage, the prompt module includes a position indication unit and a display unit, and the indirect question answering prompt is to display at least one problem-solving idea icon of the empty chess position through the display unit.

[0062] In some embodiments, the problem-solving idea icon includes at least one of the following icons: palace exclusion icon; row exclusion icon; column exclusion icon; remainder method icon; block method icon.

[0063] In some embodiments, during the question answering stage, the prompt module includes a position indicating unit and a display unit;

[0064] When the controller responds to the last instruction of at least two instructions and gives a prompt of the type of chess piece to be placed at the empty chess position through the prompt module, the derivation basis of the correct answer is prompted through the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the position indication unit.

[0065] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a position indication unit for indicating the question position during the question setting stage.

[0066] In some embodiments, the position indication unit includes a combination of one or more of a display screen, a light, and a sound prompter.

[0067] In some embodiments, the position indication unit includes an indicator light, and the indicator light uses different colors to provide corresponding prompts for the chess piece type of the question, and the color of the indicator light is the same as the color of the chess piece type of the question.

[0068] In some embodiments, the position indication unit includes a palace display screen or an indicator light array; the palace display screen displays a number of icons or the indicator light array includes multiple palace indicator lights, the number of the icons or palace indicator lights is consistent with the number of palaces on the chessboard, and the distribution of the icons or palace indicator lights is consistent with the distribution of the palaces; the icons or the palace indicator lights have at least two display states.

[0069] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a type display screen, and the prompt content of the type display screen provides corresponding prompts for the chess piece type in the question through a combination of one or more of different shapes, numbers, patterns, colors, and brightness.

[0070] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a position indicating unit, the position indicating unit includes an indicator light group, the indicator light group includes an indicator light bead and a shading plate, and the shading plate is arranged on a side of the indicator light bead from which light is emitted.

[0071] In some embodiments, the indicator light group includes a light-transmitting plate, which is disposed on a side of the indicator light bead from which light is emitted and is located outside the light-shielding plate.

[0072] In some embodiments, the light-transmitting plate is a one-way light-transmitting plate, allowing the indicator light bead to emit light from one side to the other side in one direction.

[0073] In some embodiments, the light-transmitting plate is a low-light-transmittance plate having a one-way light transmittance of less than 20%.

[0074] In some embodiments, the indicator light beads are arranged on a chessboard, and the light emission direction of the indicator light beads is arranged perpendicular to the surface of the chessboard and outward.

[0075] In some embodiments, the chess playing area is lower than the chessboard surface to form an inner side surface surrounding the chess playing area;

[0076] The indicator light bead is arranged on the inner side surface, and the light emitting direction of the indicator light bead is perpendicular to the inner side surface or is arranged at an angle to the inner side surface.

[0077] In some embodiments, the chess piece type input module includes a plurality of chess piece type input keys; or a touch input area;

[0078] The chess piece type input button or touch input area is arranged on at least one of the upper side, lower side, left side or right side of the display unit; or, the chess piece type input button or touch input area is arranged around the inner periphery or outer periphery of the display unit.

[0079] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a display unit, which is a touch screen and includes a chess piece type display area and a touch input area;

[0080] The chess piece type display area includes a type display sub-area corresponding to each chess piece type, and the touch input area includes a touch input sub-area set corresponding to each chess piece type.

[0081] In some embodiments, the chess piece type display area and the touch input area are arranged in layers from the inside to the outside, and the touch input area is located in the outer layer of the chess piece type display area;

[0082] Alternatively, the chess piece type display area and the touch input area are in the same plane, and the touch input area and the chess piece type display area are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0083] In some embodiments, a plurality of display sub-areas of the type are arranged in an arc shape or in a straight line at intervals.

[0084] In some embodiments, the plurality of touch input sub-areas are arranged in an arc shape or a straight line at intervals, and correspond one-to-one to the positions of the plurality of type display sub-areas respectively.

[0085] In some embodiments, the chess playing area includes a plurality of palaces, and a first gap is provided between two adjacent palaces;

[0086] Each palace is divided into a plurality of chess positions, and a second gap exists between two adjacent chess positions in the same palace, and the first gap is larger than the second gap.

[0087] In some embodiments, the value of the first gap is a, and the value of the second gap is b, wherein a≥1.5b.

[0088] In some embodiments, the value of the first gap is a, and the value of the second gap is b, wherein 1 mm≤a≤5 mm, and 0≤b≤2 mm.

[0089] In some embodiments, the prompt module includes a display unit, and the display unit and the chessboard are movably arranged. The display unit can be adjusted and is arranged at a fixed angle with the chessboard.

[0090] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a prompting method applied to the above-mentioned Sudoku game device, comprising a question-posing stage and a question-answering stage;

[0091] In the question answering stage, after determining the empty chess position selected by the player, prompt the chess piece types that are allowed to be input at the selected empty chess position; or, the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input; or, the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input, and the prompting methods for the two are different;

[0092] Alternatively, after determining the chess piece type selected by the player, the distribution of the selected chess piece type on the chessboard in the current chess game state is prompted;

[0093] Alternatively, after determining that the player has triggered the auxiliary answer, at least one indirect answer prompt is provided for an empty chess position in the chess playing area, wherein the indirect answer prompt refers to a prompt other than the direct prompt of the correct answer to the empty chess position.

[0094] In some embodiments, during the question answering stage, after determining the empty chess position selected by the player, the player is prompted with the chess piece types allowed to be input and / or the chess piece types not allowed to be input at the empty chess position selected by the player, wherein: the prompted chess piece types allowed to be input constitute a first chess piece type set, and / or the prompted chess piece types not allowed to be input constitute a second chess piece type set; in response to the input of an instruction to assist in answering the question to update the first chess piece type set and / or the second chess piece type set, and as the number of prompt instruction inputs increases, the chess piece types allowed to be input are deleted and / or the chess piece types not allowed to be input are added, so that the first chess piece type set is reduced and / or the second chess piece type set is expanded.

[0095] In some embodiments, after determining that the player has triggered at least two auxiliary answering instructions, the controller responds to one of the at least two instructions and gives an indirect answering prompt through a prompt module for one of the empty chess positions in the chess playing area; and the controller responds to the last instruction of the at least two instructions and gives a prompt of the type of chess piece to be placed at the empty chess position through the prompt module.

[0096] In some embodiments, if the chess position selected by the player is an empty chess position, only the chess piece types that are allowed to be input or only the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input are displayed at the selected chess position;

[0097] Alternatively, the selected chess position simultaneously displays the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input, but the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input are distinguished by different display states.

[0098] In some embodiments, after determining the empty chess position or chess piece type selected by the player and confirming the auxiliary question answering trigger information input by the player, the question answering prompt is provided.

[0099] In some embodiments, during the question-setting stage, prompts are given regarding the chess piece type and question-setting location, and the player completes the question according to the prompts.

[0100] In some embodiments, during the question-posing stage, an emphasis prompt signal is used to prompt the switching of the questions of two adjacent different chess piece types;

[0101] The over-emphasis prompt signal includes flashing of the prompt light, and / or change in color of the prompt light, and / or increase in the prompt sound, and / or corresponding switching of the chess piece type displayed on the display screen.

[0102] In some embodiments, during the question-posing stage, the question to be posed is presented at the chess position to complete the question-posing.

[0103] In summary, the Sudoku game device and prompt method provided by the present invention have the following technical effects:

[0104] This application can provide three different answer hints. By providing these answer hints, the difficulty threshold of the game is lowered, and the player's self-confidence and enthusiasm for Sudoku games are improved. In addition, players can flexibly choose according to their actual situation, meeting the diverse needs of players of different levels. At the same time, it can also allow more people to easily participate in the game, expand the audience of the game, and help promote this Sudoku game device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0105] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a Sudoku game device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0106] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a question answering prompt of a Sudoku game device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0107] Figure 3 Another schematic diagram of an answer prompt of the Sudoku game device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0108] Figure 4 Another schematic diagram of an answer prompt of the Sudoku game device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0109] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another answer prompt of the Sudoku game device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0110] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another answer prompt of the Sudoku game device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0111] Figure 7 Another schematic diagram of another answer prompt of the Sudoku game device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0112] Figure 8 Another schematic diagram of another answer prompt of the Sudoku game device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0113] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of three-step prompts in another answer prompt of the Sudoku game device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0114] Fig.10 Another icon of a solution idea in a question answering prompt of a Sudoku game device according to an embodiment of the present invention

[0115] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of a display unit in a Sudoku game device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0116] Fig.12 Another schematic diagram of a display unit in a Sudoku game device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0117] Attached photos:

[0118] 1- Chessboard

[0119] 2- Positioning module

[0120] 31- chess piece type input button

[0121] 32-Touch input area

[0122] 321-Touch input sub-area

[0123] 4-Auxiliary answer trigger module

[0124] 5-Display unit

[0125] 51- Chess piece type indicator

[0126] 52-Chess piece type display area

[0127] 521-Type Display Sub-area

[0128] 53-light emitting unit

[0129] 6-Position indication unit

[0130] 61-Horizontal light group

[0131] 62-Longitudinal light group

[0132] 63-Palace display

[0133] 64, 65, 66, 67 - indicator lights

[0134] 71-Palace exclusion icon

[0135] 72-Line Exclusion Icon

[0136] 73-Column Exclusion Icon

[0137] 74-Only remaining method icon

[0138] 75-Block Method Icon

[0139] 8-Fingers DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0140] For better understanding and implementation, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0141] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside" and "outside" etc. indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0142] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The terms used in the specification of the present invention herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0143] Embodiment 1

[0144] Although the Sudoku game machines known in the prior art include a question-posing mode and a question-answering mode, and players can play Sudoku games on the existing Sudoku game machines, the existing Sudoku game machines do not have any auxiliary answering functions in the actual answering process. Once the player falls into the dilemma of being unable to infer the type of chess pieces, that is, the player cannot infer the type of chess pieces that should be placed in the unplaced chess positions based on the type of chess pieces that have been placed, this will undoubtedly greatly undermine the player's self-confidence and enthusiasm for Sudoku games.

[0145] It can be seen that since the existing Sudoku game machines cannot help players infer the types of chess pieces well, the applicant is clearly aware of the existence of this problem. Therefore, designing a Sudoku game machine with an auxiliary answering function will bring many benefits. For this reason, the applicant has developed a new Sudoku game device based on the invention concept.

[0146] The embodiment of the present application discloses a Sudoku game device, which is used to provide players with prompts for answering questions during the question answering stage, so as to better help players infer the type of chess pieces. Figure 1-Figure 12 The Sudoku game device of the embodiment of the present application is specifically described. It should be noted that the Sudoku game device can be specifically a six-grid Sudoku game device or a nine-grid Sudoku game device, or other grid-type Sudoku game devices.

[0147] The Sudoku game device comprises a chessboard 1, in which a chess playing area is arranged, and the chess playing area comprises a plurality of chess positions.

[0148] It should be noted that according to the rules of the Sudoku game, the chessboard area is divided into the concept of palaces and the concept of chess positions in the palaces. For example, six-square Sudoku means having six palaces, each with six chess positions; nine-square Sudoku means having nine palaces, each with nine chess positions.

[0149] The Sudoku game device also includes a positioning module 2, which is used to locate chess positions. It should be noted that the positioning module 2 is used to locate chess positions, which means to locate or determine the chess positions that the player needs to play chess. For example, the Sudoku game device may also include chess pieces that are detachable from the chess positions, and the player can place the chess pieces on the chess positions to achieve the positioning or determination of the chess positions. Of course, in other embodiments, the player can also specifically replace the chess pieces with his own fingers 8 or other operable objects to achieve the positioning or determination of the chess positions.

[0150] For example, a sensing device may be provided at the chess position to receive the player's input command and determine the chess position where the player needs to play chess.

[0151] The Sudoku game device also includes a chess piece type input module, which allows players to input chess piece types. It should be noted that chess piece types refer to the characteristics that distinguish different chess pieces, for example, they can be specifically distinguished by one or more combinations of numbers, symbols, colors, patterns, etc. For better understanding, numbers are used as an example. For example, taking the six-grid Sudoku as an example, the chess pieces contain numbers 1 to 6, so the chess piece types that can be input correspond to numbers 1 to 6.

[0152] The Sudoku game device further comprises a prompt module, which is communicatively connected with the positioning module 2;

[0153] The Sudoku game device further comprises an auxiliary answering trigger module 4, and the auxiliary answering trigger module 4 is used by the player to input auxiliary answering trigger instructions.

[0154] The Sudoku game device further comprises a control module, which is communicatively connected with the positioning module 2, the chess piece type input module, the prompt module and the auxiliary answer trigger module 4.

[0155] See also Figure 1-Figure 4 , since the Sudoku game device can provide players with hints for answering questions, the hints for answering questions provided include:

[0156] During the question answering stage, the prompt module prompts the chess piece types that are allowed to be input at the empty chess position selected by the player; or, the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input; or, the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input, and the prompting methods for the two are different.

[0157] This is the first type of answer prompt, which is for answering empty chess positions in the chess playing area. It should be noted that the method for determining the content of the answer prompt for the empty chess position is to calculate the chess piece types that are currently allowed to be input and / or not allowed to be input based on the known chess piece types in the rows, columns and squares in the chess playing area. In addition, an empty chess position refers to a chess position that has not been answered in the current chess game or a chess position that is not a question position.

[0158] For example, taking the six-grid Sudoku puzzle as an example, the player selects an empty chess position in one of the rows (with the row as the X coordinate and the column as the Y coordinate, which is Figure 2 The chess position where the ? symbol is located is (3,2). The row where the empty chess position is located has known chess piece types with the numbers 5 (5,2) and 6 (1,2). The column where the empty chess position is located has known chess piece types with the numbers 4 (3,3) and 5 (3,1). The square where the empty chess position is located has known chess piece types with the numbers 5 and 6. Figure 2 .

[0159] When the player selects the above empty chess position, the prompt module will prompt the player with the chess piece types currently allowed to be input, namely the chess piece types of number 1, number 2, and number 3. Figure 3 The prompt status of a in .

[0160] Alternatively, the prompt module will prompt the player with the chess piece types that are not currently allowed to be input, i.e., the chess piece types of number 4, number 5, and number 6. Figure 3 It should be noted that the display status of the chess piece types that are not currently allowed to be input may be different from the above-mentioned chess piece types that are currently allowed to be input, such as adding marks such as a strikethrough or an underline.

[0161] Alternatively, the prompt module will simultaneously prompt the player the currently allowed chess piece types and the non-allowed chess piece types, and the prompting methods of the two are different, so that the player can distinguish them. Figure 3 The c in the middle shows the prompt status. In response to this, the player can think about the next solution and continue playing the Sudoku game.

[0162] Furthermore, when the control module prompts the player through the prompt module the chess piece types that are allowed to be input at the empty chess position selected by the player and / or the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input, wherein:

[0163] The chess piece types allowed to be input prompted by the prompt module constitute a first chess piece type set;

[0164] and / or, the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input prompted by the prompt module constitute a second chess piece type set;

[0165] The control module receives the prompt instructions input by the player through the auxiliary answering trigger module 4 to update the first chess piece type set and / or the second chess piece type set, and as the number of prompt instructions input increases, the controller deletes the chess piece types allowed to be input and / or adds the chess piece types not allowed to be input, so that the first chess piece type set is reduced and / or the second chess piece type set is expanded, thereby reducing the difficulty of the game and improving the player's confidence.

[0166] For example, taking the chess piece types that can be input as an example, since there are currently multiple chess piece types that can be input, such as the chess piece types of number 1, number 2, and number 3 mentioned above, the prompt function can be set to have multiple times. When the prompt function is used multiple times, for example, by inputting multiple instructions to the auxiliary answer trigger module 4, the prompt range of the correct answer can be further narrowed. For example, the chess piece types of number 1, number 2, and number 3 mentioned above can be narrowed down to chess piece types of number 1 and number 2 (including the correct answer number 1) after being prompted again, further reducing the difficulty of the game and improving the player's confidence. For more information, please refer to Figure 4 .

[0167] For example, in the first prompt, the chess piece types currently allowed to be input may include numbers 1, 2, and 3. Figure 4 In the next prompt, the set of chess piece types currently allowed to be entered will be narrowed down to include numbers 1 and 2. Figure 4 In the prompt state of f in the next prompt, the set of chess piece types currently allowed to be input will be further narrowed down. Since only numbers 1 and 2 are left, the final correct answer, number 1, will be left in the third prompt. Figure 4 The prompt status of g in the middle.

[0168] It should be noted that the number of numbers deleted from the set of chess piece types currently allowed to be input can be designed according to the specific situation. For example, the number 1, number 2 and number 3 can be narrowed down to number 1 and number 2, and only one number is deleted; for another example, the number 1, number 2 and number 3 can be narrowed down to number 1, and two numbers can be deleted.

[0169] For another example, taking the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input as an example, there are multiple chess piece types that are currently allowed to be input, such as the chess piece types of number 4, number 5, and number 6 mentioned above.

[0170] Therefore, when the prompt function is used multiple times, for example, in the first prompt, the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input may include numbers 4, 5, and 6. Figure 4 In the next prompt, the set of chess piece types that are not allowed to be input will be expanded to include data 3, number 4, number 5, and number 6. Figure 4 In the prompt state of m in the next third prompt, the set of chess piece types that are not allowed to be input will be further expanded, including number 2, data 3, number 4, number 5, number 6, see Figure 4It should be noted that the number of numbers added to the set of chess piece types that are not allowed to be input can be designed according to specific circumstances, and the number of numbers deleted from the set of chess piece types currently allowed to be input is not repeated here.

[0171] It should also be noted that the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input can be prompted at the same time. The specific prompting conditions can refer to the first chess piece type set prompting condition and the second chess piece type set mentioned above. Prompting both at the same time means prompting the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input at the same time.

[0172] The prompt mode may provide answer prompts in different ways. For example, the prompt mode may include a display unit 5 or a sound unit, and may provide answer prompts through vision or hearing.

[0173] In a specific solution, the prompt module includes a display unit 5, which enables the player to obtain the information of the answer prompt more intuitively.

[0174] Therefore, if the chess position selected by the player is an empty chess position, the display unit 5 only displays the chess piece types that are allowed to be input or only displays the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input; or, the display unit 5 displays both the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input, and the two are distinguished by different display states.

[0175] For example, see Figure 2 , taking the above-mentioned six-grid Sudoku as an example, when the player selects the above-mentioned empty chess position, that is, the "?" chess position, the display unit 5 will prompt the player the chess piece types currently allowed to be input, that is, only the chess piece types of numbers 1, 2, and 3 are displayed; or, the display unit 5 will prompt the player the chess piece types currently not allowed to be input, that is, only the chess piece types of numbers 4, 5, and 6 are displayed; or, the display unit 5 will simultaneously prompt the player the chess piece types currently allowed to be input and the chess piece types not allowed to be input, and the two are distinguished by different display states on the display unit 5, so that the player can distinguish them, which can be referred to. Figure 3 .

[0176] The different display states include: different display brightness; and / or whether it is a flashing display; and / or whether there are additional marks, such as adding superscripts, subscripts, inner circles, outer circles, underlines or deletion lines, etc., to distinguish between chess piece types that are allowed to be input and chess piece types that are not allowed to be input.

[0177] It should be noted that, since the display unit 5 can refer to the chess piece type in any one or more different forms such as patterns, colors, numbers, text or symbols, for example, when the chess piece type of the number 1 is represented by a number or text, it can be referred to by the number 1, or the text one, or the symbol ① on the display unit 5. Therefore, the different display states can also be different font forms; or, different font sizes, etc.

[0178] Furthermore, the numbers 1 to 6 can also be replaced or combined by any six of the colors red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, and blue-violet.

[0179] In another specific solution, the prompt module includes a sound unit, which can provide players with different answer prompts to meet the different needs of different players.

[0180] Therefore, if the chess position selected by the player is an empty chess position, the sound unit prompts the player through voice the chess piece types allowed to be input or the chess piece types not allowed to be input at the chess position selected; or, the sound unit prompts through voice both the chess piece types allowed to be input and the chess piece types not allowed to be input, and the two are distinguished by different voice prompt states.

[0181] The different voice prompt states include: the volume of the voice; or the difference in the timbre of the voice, for example, male voice or female voice; or different voice types, for example, human voice or synthetic mechanical sound.

[0182] In a specific embodiment, the display unit 5 includes a plurality of chess piece type indicator lights 51 for displaying corresponding chess piece types. Therefore, since the display unit 5 needs to display chess piece types that are allowed to be input and / or chess piece types that are not allowed to be input, corresponding display can be performed through a plurality of chess piece type indicator lights 51. For example, the above-mentioned six-grid Sudoku puzzle is used as an example for explanation. In the six-grid Sudoku puzzle device, the display unit 5 specifically includes six chess piece type indicator lights 51, and the lights are used as numbers for explanation. For this example, the six chess piece type indicator lights 51 will correspond to chess piece types of numbers 1 to 6.

[0183] Further, the multiple chess piece type indicator lights 51 can be arranged in a row and arranged in a straight line for easy viewing by the user. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the multiple chess piece type indicator lights 51 can be arranged in two or more rows to meet the different needs of different users.

[0184] Furthermore, the display unit 5 may also include an information display screen. It should be noted that the information display screen is used to prompt the game-related information, such as at least one of the level of the game, the answer result, the answer time, the pass status, and the game mode, so that the player can better play the Sudoku game.

[0185] Specifically, the information display screen and the chess piece type indicator light 51 both include a light-emitting unit 53, a light-shielding member, and a light-transmitting member. The light-transmitting member of the information display screen and the light-transmitting member of the chess piece type indicator light 51 are fixed or integrated. This integrated or fixed setting can better optimize the spatial layout, make the device structure more compact, and facilitate installation and carrying. In addition, by fixing or integrating the light-transmitting member, the unity and coordination of the visual effect of the entire display unit 5 can be better ensured, providing players with a more comfortable and clear visual experience.

[0186] Furthermore, the display unit 5 is arranged on the surface of the chessboard 1 and forms a screen display area, and the information display screen and the chess piece type indicator light 51 are arranged in the screen display area.

[0187] The positions of the screen display area and the chess playing area can be adjusted according to actual conditions. In a specific solution, the screen display area is located on one of the upper side, lower side, left side or right side of the chess playing area of ​​the chessboard 1. This makes the chess playing area and the screen display area clearly divided, so that the player can operate the chess pieces more smoothly, and the chess playing action will not be affected by the obstruction or interference of the display unit 5, thereby improving the comfort and accuracy of the operation.

[0188] Alternatively, in another specific solution, the screen display area is embedded in the chess playing area. Embedding the screen display area in the chess playing area can maximize the use of limited space, so that the device can meet functional requirements while maintaining a small volume and size, which is easy to carry and use.

[0189] In a specific embodiment, the prompt module includes a display unit 5 and a position indicating unit 6. When the display unit 5 displays the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and / or the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input, the position indicating unit 6 prompts the position of the empty chess position in the chess playing area. Figure 2 The display state is changed by the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the position indicating unit 6, that is, Figure 2 The indicator lights 66 and 67 can attract the player's attention in a more intuitive and eye-catching way, help the player quickly locate the empty chess position being operated, and clarify the relevant information of the empty chess position.

[0190] More specifically, the position indicating unit 6 may include a display screen, a light, a sound prompter, or a combination of one or more thereof.

[0191] For example, specifically, the position indicating unit 6 includes at least one pair of indicator light groups arranged in an intersecting manner, the indicator light groups include a horizontal light group 61 and a vertical light group 62, the horizontal light group 61 corresponds to the horizontal chess position setting on the chessboard, and the vertical light group 62 corresponds to the vertical chess position setting on the chessboard 1. In this way, the player's attention is attracted in a more intuitive and eye-catching way, helping the player to quickly locate the empty chess position being operated and clarify the relevant information of the empty chess position.

[0192] Specifically, the display unit 5 includes a plurality of chess piece type indicator lights 51, and the position indication unit 6 includes at least one pair of indicator light groups arranged in an intersecting manner, wherein the indicator light groups include a horizontal light group 61 and a vertical light group 62, wherein the horizontal light group 61 corresponds to the horizontal chess position setting on the chessboard 1, and the vertical light group 62 corresponds to the vertical chess position setting on the chessboard 1. With such an arrangement, when the empty chess position selected by the player is used for the first type of question answering prompt of the present application, not only can the chess piece type allowed to be input and / or the chess piece type not allowed to be input be prompted by the change in the display state of the chess piece type indicator light 51 of the display unit 5, but also the horizontal and vertical indicator lights of the position indication unit 6 corresponding to the empty chess position will also change their display states. Through this light cross indication method, the player can quickly lock the chess piece position and can more intuitively and clearly know the relevant information of the selected empty chess position.

[0193] Regarding the structure of the auxiliary answering trigger module 4 , in a specific solution, the auxiliary answering trigger module 4 is a button or touch screen module independent of the chess piece type input module or the positioning module 2 .

[0194] For example, when the player needs a hint for answering a question, he can directly press the button of the auxiliary question-answering trigger module 4, or touch the touch screen module of the auxiliary question-answering trigger module 4. In this way, the player can find the auxiliary question-answering trigger module 4 more quickly and accurately, and can operate in time when a hint is needed, without having to search for the corresponding function in a complex multi-functional module. This greatly improves operating efficiency, saves game time, and allows players to get help more smoothly during the game.

[0195] Alternatively, in another specific solution, the auxiliary answering trigger module 4 is integrated into the chess piece type input module or the positioning module 2, and the auxiliary answering trigger module 4 triggers the auxiliary answering trigger signal in a manner different from the triggering manner of the chess piece type input module or the positioning module 2. In this way, integrating the auxiliary answering trigger module 4 into the chess piece type input module or the positioning module 2 can effectively save space, avoid the increase in device size or the cluttered layout caused by setting too many independent modules, and make the device as a whole more concise and beautiful, easy to carry and operate. Moreover, from the perspective of manufacturing, the integrated module reduces the number of hardware components, reduces manufacturing costs and the complexity of the production process.

[0196] The different modes of triggering signals include, but are not limited to: different operation durations, such as long press and short press; or different operation strengths, such as light touch and heavy pressure; different operation times, such as single click, double click, combo, etc., to meet the personalized operation needs of different players, so that each player can interact with the game device in the most comfortable way for themselves. For example, a long press can be set as the trigger information of the chess piece type input module or the positioning module 2, and a short press can be set as the trigger information of the auxiliary answering trigger module 4, or vice versa. It should be noted that the difference between a long press and a short press is distinguished by the setting of the signal acquisition program. For example, if the pressing action at the same position is continuously monitored for more than 2S, it is judged as a long press, and if it is within 1S, it is judged as a short press.

[0197] Furthermore, the chess playing area includes multiple palaces, and there is a first gap between two adjacent palaces; each palace is divided into multiple chess positions, and there is a second gap between two adjacent chess positions in the same palace, and the first gap is larger than the second gap. By setting gaps of different widths, the first gap is larger than the second gap, forming a sharp contrast, improving the visual recognition of palaces and chess positions, allowing players to quickly distinguish different areas and improve observation efficiency; and also strengthening the concept of palaces, allowing players to better use strategies related to palaces, and more keenly discover the distribution pattern and logical relationship of numbers in palaces, so as to more accurately formulate problem-solving strategies and improve the success rate of problem-solving.

[0198] For further information, see Figure 1 , the value of the first gap is a, and the value of the second gap is b, where a≥1.5b. When a≥1.5b, the obvious gap formed can effectively solve the problem of insufficient differentiation, allowing players to clearly distinguish the boundaries between palaces and chess positions at a glance; and the clear gap distinction helps players to use various Sudoku problem-solving techniques more accurately. For example, when using the palace elimination method, the palace range can be more clearly defined and impossible numbers can be quickly eliminated; when using the only remaining method, a clear understanding of the palace to which a specific chess position belongs can also help players more accurately determine the only number that can be filled in, thereby improving problem-solving efficiency and increasing players' sense of accomplishment.

[0199] Furthermore, the value of the first gap is a, and the value of the second gap is b, wherein 1mm≤a≤5mm, and 0≤b≤2mm.

[0200] In this way, the range of 1mm≤a≤5mm ensures the applicability of the chessboard 1 in different usage scenarios. For example, for portable Sudoku devices, a smaller a value can ensure that the device is small and easy to carry; while on a larger-sized desktop chessboard 1, a slightly larger a value can better highlight the palace boundary and enhance the visual effect. Moreover, within the range of 0≤b≤2mm, it can ensure that the chess positions in the same palace are closely connected, which is convenient for players to perform continuous operations, and the chess positions can be clearly distinguished by the difference from a. Therefore, a reasonable gap range makes the layout of the chessboard 1 more regular and beautiful, and the gap ratio between the palace and the chess position is coordinated. It will not appear empty and messy due to too large a gap, nor will it appear crowded and blurred due to too small a gap. This beautiful chessboard 1 design can enhance the player's favorability towards the game and make the player more willing to invest time to enjoy the fun of Sudoku games.

[0201] As for the structure of the display unit 5, in a specific embodiment, the display unit 5 and the chessboard 1 are movably arranged, and the display unit 5 can be adjusted and arranged at a fixed angle with the chessboard 1. In this way, players can find the most comfortable viewing angle according to their own situation, reduce neck and eye fatigue caused by watching the screen at an unnatural angle for a long time, make players more comfortable during the game, and focus on the Sudoku game for a longer time, thereby improving the gaming experience. In addition, since each player has different preferences, the adjustable angle setting meets the personalized needs of the players. Whether the display unit 5 is adjusted to an upright state or a tilted state, it can meet the needs of the players, making the Sudoku chessboard 1 more in line with personal usage habits and increasing the players' favorability towards the product.

[0202] As for the specific structure of the positioning module 2, specifically, the positioning module 2 includes a sensing element arranged corresponding to each chess position, and the sensing element can be at least one of a sensing button, a magnetic sensing element and a photoelectric sensing element.

[0203] In a specific solution, the sensing element may be a sensing button, which can sense the chess position specifically through the principle of pressure sensing. Of course, it can also be a plurality of micro switches arranged on a circuit board, and the corresponding sensing circuit is turned on or off by pressing the micro switch to input the sensing signal. For example, a pressure sensing button is installed under each chess position. When a chess piece is placed on the chess position, the pressure on the button is generated by pressing the chess piece, so that the elastic structure inside the button is deformed. This deformation will change the circuit state inside the button, usually closing the originally disconnected circuit, thereby generating an electrical signal. This electrical signal will be captured by the circuit system in the positioning module 2, and the signal will be converted into the corresponding chess position information through the pre-set coding rules, thereby realizing the sensing of the chess position.

[0204] In another specific solution, the sensing element may be a magnetic sensing element, and the Hall induction principle may be specifically used to sense the chess position. For example, a Hall element is arranged below the chess position, and when a magnetic chess piece approaches the Hall element, the Hall element will generate a Hall voltage under the action of the magnetic field; since the magnitude of the Hall voltage is related to factors such as the strength of the magnetic field and the distance between the chess piece and the Hall element, the circuit in the positioning module 2 will collect and process the Hall voltage, and by analyzing the value and change of the Hall voltage, it is determined whether the chess piece is on the chess position, thereby achieving accurate sensing of the chess position.

[0205] In another specific solution, the sensing element can be a photoelectric sensing element, and a reflective photoelectric sensor can be specifically used to sense the chess position. For example, a reflective photoelectric sensor is installed on each chess position, which includes a light emitting diode and a photodetector; the light emitted by the light emitting diode is directed to the surface of the chess position. When there is no chess piece on the chess position, the light will be reflected back at a certain angle and received by the photodetector, and the photodetector outputs a specific electrical signal. When the chess piece is placed on the chess position, since the material, color and other characteristics of the chess piece are different from those of the chessboard 1, the reflection of the light will change, resulting in changes in the intensity and characteristics of the light signal received by the photodetector, thereby causing the output electrical signal to change. Therefore, the positioning module 2 determines whether there is a chess piece on the chess position based on the change in the electrical signal.

[0206] Embodiment 2

[0207] In addition to the answer prompt for the empty chess position in the above-mentioned embodiment 1, the present application also has another different way of answer prompt. Players can choose the answer prompt they want according to their actual situation, or choose the appropriate answer prompt according to the actual problems encountered.

[0208] The difference from the first embodiment is that the method and content of the answer prompt are different, that is, please refer to Figure 5 In the question answering stage, after the control module receives the known chess piece types on the current chessboard 1 through the positioning module 2 or the chess piece type input module, the prompt module prompts the distribution of the selected known chess piece types in the chessboard 1 under the current chess game state.

[0209] It should be noted that the known chess piece types refer to the chess piece types that appear in the question-asking stage and the chess piece types that are confirmed to be correct in the question-answering stage.

[0210] This is the second type of answer prompt in the present application. This type of answer prompt is for the known chess piece types on the current chessboard 1. The prompt module prompts the distribution of the selected known chess piece types in the chessboard 1 under the current chess game state.

[0211] It should be noted that, since the present application has a separately set chess piece type input module, the player can directly input the known chess piece type through the chess piece type input module; and / or, the chess playing area has a positioning module 2, and the player can directly trigger the positioning module 2 of the chess position of the known chess piece type on the chess playing area. Therefore, after the control module receives the known chess piece type on the current chessboard 1 through the positioning module 2 or the chess piece type input module, the prompt module can prompt the distribution of the selected known chess piece type in the chessboard 1 under the current chess game state.

[0212] For example, taking the six-grid Sudoku puzzle as an example, when the player chooses the second answer prompt, the player can input the known chess piece type through the known chess positions in the chess area; and / or, the player directly inputs the known chess piece type through the chess piece type input module. For example, the chess piece type input module in the six-grid Sudoku puzzle specifically inputs the chess piece types of the numbers 1 to 6.

[0213] When the player selects the chess piece type of number 5, the prompt module prompts the distribution of the selected chess piece type of number 5 in the chessboard 1 in the current chess game state, that is, prompts the positions of all known chess pieces of the selected chess piece type of number 5 in the chess playing area in the current chess game state. Therefore, the player can judge the distribution of chess pieces of known chess piece types according to the prompt, and the player can think about the next solution and continue to play the Sudoku game accordingly. Figure 5 .

[0214] The structure of the prompt module may include a position indicating unit 6, which indicates the distribution of known chess piece types in the chess playing area during the question answering stage. It should be noted that when the position indicating unit 6 indicates the distribution of known chess piece types in the chess playing area, the chess piece type indicator light 51 corresponding to the known chess piece type in the display unit 5 may also light up at the same time to facilitate player observation.

[0215] The position indicating unit 6 may include a combination of one or more of a display screen, a light, and a sound prompter to meet different needs of different players.

[0216] In a specific solution, the position indicating unit 6 can be specifically indicated by a light. Specifically, the position indicating unit 6 includes at least one pair of indicator light groups arranged in an intersecting manner, and the indicator light groups include a horizontal light group 61 and a vertical light group 62. The horizontal light group 61 corresponds to the horizontal chess position setting on the chessboard 1, and the vertical light group 62 corresponds to the vertical chess position setting on the chessboard 1. In this way, through the cross-indication method of lights, the player can quickly lock the chess piece position, and can more intuitively and clearly know the distribution of the positions of known chess piece types in the chess playing area.

[0217] Furthermore, since the horizontal light group 61 and the vertical light group 62 need to correspond to the horizontal and vertical chess positions respectively, the positions of the horizontal light group 61 and the vertical light group 62 in the chessboard 1 can be adjusted according to the specific situation to meet the different needs of different players, for example, they can be set around the chess playing area or directly inside the chess playing area.

[0218] In a specific solution, the horizontal light group 61 includes a first row of indicator light groups, and the vertical light group 62 includes a first column of indicator light groups. The first column of indicator light groups is located on the left or right side of the chess playing area of ​​the chessboard 1, and the first row of indicator lights is set on the upper side or lower side of the chess playing area. This can make it clear that the first row of indicator light groups is set on the upper side or lower side of the chess playing area, and the first column of indicator light groups is located on the left or right side of the chess playing area, avoiding the chaotic layout caused by the random distribution of indicator light groups, making the layout of the entire chessboard 1 more regular, and facilitating users to quickly locate the corresponding relationship between the indicator lights and the chess positions. In addition, the unified and regular layout of indicator lights makes the chessboard 1 more visually coordinated and beautiful, and can give people a good visual experience whether in daily use or display scenes, and enhance the overall image of the product.

[0219] Alternatively, in another specific solution, the horizontal light group 61 includes a first row of indicator light groups, and the vertical light group 62 includes a first column of indicator light groups, and the first row of indicator light groups and the first column of indicator light groups are intersectingly arranged in the chess playing area. This can effectively save the space around the chessboard 1 by intersecting these two groups of indicator lights in the chess playing area, making the layout of the entire chessboard 1 more compact and reasonable. In addition, when the player is playing chess, because the eyes are usually focused on the chess playing area, the position of the chess piece can be quickly and accurately determined directly through the intersecting indicator lights.

[0220] The number of the horizontal light groups 61 and the longitudinal light groups 62 can be as in the above-mentioned scheme, including the same number of first row indicator light groups and first column indicator light groups, for example, one first row indicator light group and one first column indicator light group, which can reduce the manufacturing cost while maintaining the position prompt function.

[0221] Alternatively, in another specific solution, the number of indicator light groups in the first row is greater than or less than the number of indicator light groups in the first column. It can be seen that the number of indicator light groups in the first row and the number of indicator light groups in the first column are not equal. This can adjust the number of indicator light groups according to the characteristics of different chessboards 1 and the needs of playing chess, so that the position indication is more in line with the actual situation, so that players can more accurately understand the meaning of each position on the chessboard 1, so as to more quickly and accurately determine the position of the chess piece. For example, since the sizes of the game devices for six-square Sudoku and nine-square Sudoku are different, the number of indicator light groups in different directions can be adjusted according to the specific chessboard 1 to meet the best user gaming experience.

[0222] Furthermore, the horizontal light group 61 includes a first row of indicator light groups, and the vertical light group 62 includes a first column of indicator light groups and a second column of indicator light groups. The first column of indicator light groups and the second column of indicator light groups are respectively located on the left and right sides of the chess playing area of ​​the chessboard 1 in a one-to-one correspondence, and the first row of indicator light groups are arranged on the upper or lower side of the chess playing area. In this arrangement, the vertical indicator light groups on both sides cooperate with the first row of indicator light groups on the upper or lower side to form a clearer coordinate indication system, so that players can determine the position of chess pieces more quickly and accurately, greatly improving the efficiency of position judgment.

[0223] Alternatively, in other specific schemes, the first row indicator light group, the first column indicator light group and the second column indicator light group can also be set in the chess playing area. For example, the first row indicator light group, the first column indicator light group and the second column indicator light group are set in the chess playing area, the first column indicator light group and the second column indicator light group are arranged opposite to each other, and the first row indicator light group is arranged to intersect with the first column indicator light group and the second column indicator light group.

[0224] Furthermore, the horizontal light group 61 also includes a second row of indicator light groups, and the first row of indicator light groups, the second row of indicator light groups, the first column of indicator light groups, and the second column of indicator light groups are respectively located at the upper side, the lower side, the left side, and the right side of the chessboard 1. In this way, indicator light groups are set in four directions on the chessboard 1, forming a more complete coordinate indication system, and the player can more clearly see the indicator light corresponding to the chess piece position, which greatly improves the clarity and recognition of the position indication, and the player can more quickly determine the chess piece position.

[0225] Alternatively, in other specific schemes, the first row indicator light group, the second row indicator light group, the first column indicator light group and the second column indicator light group can also be set in the chess playing area, and the first row indicator light group and the second row indicator light group are arranged opposite to each other, and the first column indicator light group and the second column indicator light group are arranged opposite to each other.

[0226] The position indicating unit 6 in the Sudoku game device of the present application can use the palace display screen 63 or indicator light array to provide answering prompts in addition to using indicator lights to indicate the distribution of known chess piece types in the chess playing area during the question answering stage.

[0227] In a specific solution, the position indicating unit 6 includes a palace display screen 63 or an indicator light array; the palace display screen 63 displays a number of icons or an indicator light array including a plurality of palace indicator lights, the number of icons or palace indicator lights is consistent with the number of palaces on the chessboard, and the distribution of icons or palace indicator lights is consistent with the distribution of palaces; the icons or palace indicator lights have at least two display states;

[0228] After the control module receives the prompt instruction and the known chess piece type data required to be prompted on the current chessboard 1, it controls the palace display screen 63 to display an icon or controls the indicator array to display a palace indicator light, and prompts whether each palace of the chessboard 1 has the known chess piece type through the display state of the icon or palace indicator light. Figure 5 .

[0229] It can be seen that the player can quickly understand the distribution of the known chess piece types selected in each palace, that is, in which palaces the selected chess piece type appears and in which palaces it does not appear, so as to accurately determine the position of the selected chess piece type. In addition, the palace display screen 63 prompts through the icon state change, so that the player can have a general overview at a glance and quickly know which palaces have the selected known chess piece type, avoiding the tedious process of checking one by one and saving a lot of time.

[0230] Further, the icon displayed on the palace display screen 63 is composed of a single point or multiple points, such as a dot matrix screen, wherein the dot matrix screen may be an OLED screen or an LCD screen. It should be noted that a single point or multiple points refers to a light-emitting point (pixel point). For example, when the icon displayed on the palace display screen 63 is composed of a single point, the icon displayed by the single point corresponds to a palace in the chess playing area; or, the icon displayed on the palace display screen 63 is composed of multiple points, wherein the icon displayed by the multiple points together corresponds to a palace in the chess playing area.

[0231] Furthermore, the different display states of icons or palace indicator lights include: any one or more of the displayed brightness, shape, color, and flashing frequency. Due to different preferences of different players for obtaining information, some players are sensitive to colors, while others are better at recognizing shapes. The multi-dimensional display mode of icons or palace indicator lights can meet the personalized needs of different players, allowing each player to obtain Sudoku board 1 information in the most comfortable way for themselves, thereby improving the adaptability of players to the game.

[0232] For example, taking the palace display screen 63 as an example, the brightness of the icons corresponding to different palaces on the palace display screen 63 is different, such as low brightness, medium brightness or high brightness, etc.; or, the shapes of the icons corresponding to different palaces on the palace display screen 63 are different, such as circle, triangle or square, etc.; or, the colors of the icons corresponding to different palaces on the palace display screen 63 are different, such as red, orange or yellow, etc.; or, the flashing frequencies of the icons corresponding to different palaces on the palace display screen 63 are different, such as low flashing frequency, medium flashing frequency or high flashing frequency, etc.

[0233] As for the structure of the display unit 5, in a specific solution, the display unit 5 may include an information display screen. It should be noted that the information display screen is used to prompt the game-related information, such as at least one of the level of the game, the answer result, the answer time, the pass status, and the game mode, so that the player can better play the Sudoku game.

[0234] Therefore, the Sudoku game device of the present application has an information display screen and a palace display screen 63, and the structures of the two can be adjusted according to actual conditions.

[0235] Specifically, the palace display screen 63 is a screen independent of the information display screen. In this way, the independent palace display screen 63 can focus on its chess piece distribution prompt function without being disturbed by other functions of the information display screen, so as to improve the user experience.

[0236] Alternatively, the palace display screen 63 and the information display screen are integrated into the same screen to reduce the number of hardware components, and there is no need to purchase and produce two independent display screens separately, thereby reducing the raw material cost and manufacturing cost of the device. In addition, the space occupied inside the device is effectively reduced, making the overall size of the device smaller, thinner, and more convenient for players to carry and use. At the same time, it can also make the appearance design of the device more concise and beautiful, improving the user experience.

[0237] Since the position indication unit 6 in the Sudoku game device of the present application can specifically use indicator lights and display screens to prompt the distribution of known chess piece types in the chess playing area during the question answering stage, in a specific solution, the indicator lights and display screen 63 or indicator light array can be combined to provide question answering prompts.

[0238] Specifically, the position indicating unit 6 includes at least one pair of indicator light groups arranged in an intersecting manner, the indicator light groups include a horizontal light group 61 and a vertical light group 62, the horizontal light group 61 includes a plurality of column indicator lights, the vertical light group 62 includes a plurality of row indicator lights, each column indicator light corresponds to a column of chess positions arranged vertically on the chessboard 1, and each row indicator light corresponds to a row of chess positions arranged horizontally on the chessboard 1;

[0239] When the display screen or indicator array is enabled to indicate the known chess piece type that needs to be prompted on the chessboard 1, the row indicator light and column indicator light corresponding to the known chess piece type are enabled at the same time to prompt the position. This allows the player to quickly obtain the chess piece position information through the dual prompts of the light group and the palace display screen 63 or indicator light array, reducing the thinking and positioning time, greatly improving the speed of solving problems, and giving the player a greater sense of achievement in the game.

[0240] Furthermore, in the second type of answer prompt, that is, after the control module receives the known chess piece types on the current chessboard 1 through the positioning module 2 or the chess piece type input module, the prompt module prompts the distribution of the selected known chess piece types in the chessboard 1 under the current chess game state.

[0241] The response to the prompt module can be adjusted according to the actual situation. For example, it can be divided into direct response or indirect response. This can provide players with a variety of operating methods to meet the needs of players in different scenarios.

[0242] Therefore, in a specific scheme, after the control module receives the known chess piece types on the current chessboard 1 through the positioning module 2 or the chess piece type input module, the control module can directly prompt the distribution of the selected known chess piece types in the chessboard 1 under the current chess game state through the prompt module. This is a direct response scheme of the prompt module.

[0243] For example, taking the press trigger as an example, the player can directly press the known chess piece on the chess position in the chess area, and the present application will directly give the distribution of the selected known chess piece type in the chessboard 1 under the current chess game state through the prompt module; or, the player can also directly press the chess piece type input module, and the present application will also directly give the distribution of the selected known chess piece type in the chessboard 1 under the current chess game state through the prompt module.

[0244] In this way, the prompt module's direct response scheme can help players quickly understand the distribution of the selected chess pieces and reduce the players' burden on spatial analysis.

[0245] Alternatively, in another specific scheme, the control module receives known chess piece types on the current chessboard 1 through the positioning module 2 or the chess piece type input module and receives instructions input by the player through the auxiliary question-answering trigger module 4. The controller prompts the distribution of the selected chess piece type in the chessboard 1 through the prompt module according to the instruction. This is an indirect response scheme of the prompt module.

[0246] For example, taking the press trigger as an example, the player first presses the known chess piece on the chess position in the chess area, or presses the chess piece type input module, and then presses the auxiliary answer trigger module 4, and the application will give the distribution of the selected known chess piece type in the chessboard 1 in the current chess game state through the prompt module. In this way, the indirect response scheme gives the player the right to choose to obtain information independently, allowing the player to decide when to obtain chess piece distribution information according to his own rhythm and thinking method.

[0247] Regarding the specific structure of the prompt module, in addition to the above-mentioned solution of using an indicator light or a display screen, a sound unit can also be used for prompting.

[0248] Specifically, the prompt module includes a sound unit; if the chess position selected by the player is a known chess position, the sound unit prompts the player through voice the type of chess piece at the chess position selected or prompts the position of all chess pieces of the same type as the selected chess position in the current chess game state in the chess playing area.

[0249] The voice prompt function provides players with a multi-sensory interactive experience, making the game process richer and more interesting. Players can more easily obtain information during the game without having to focus on visual viewing all the time, which enhances the immersion and fun of the game and increases players' love for the game. In addition, the voice prompt function is particularly friendly to players with poor eyesight or visual impairments, expanding the audience range of Sudoku games, allowing more people to participate in Sudoku games, and enhancing the versatility and inclusiveness of the game.

[0250] Embodiment 3

[0251] In addition to the answer prompts for empty chess positions in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 and the answer prompts for known chess piece types in the above-mentioned embodiment 2, the present application also has another different way of answer prompts. Players can choose the answer prompts they want according to their actual situation, or choose appropriate answer prompts according to the actual problems encountered.

[0252] The difference from the first or second embodiment is that the method and content of the answer prompt are different, that is, please refer to Figure 6-Figure 10 In the answering stage, the control module receives the instructions input by the player through the auxiliary answering trigger module 4, and provides at least one indirect answering prompt for an empty chess position in the chess playing area through the prompt module. The indirect answering prompt refers to a prompt other than the direct prompt of the correct answer to the empty chess position.

[0253] This is the third type of answer prompt in the present application. This type of answer prompt directly utilizes the answer prompt provided by the auxiliary answer trigger module 4, and provides at least one indirect answer prompt for an empty chess position in the chess playing area through the prompt module.

[0254] For example, taking Sudoku as an example, when the player selects the third answer prompt, the auxiliary answer trigger module 4 can be directly triggered, and the control module can receive the instruction input by the player through the auxiliary answer trigger module 4. At this time, the prompt module will provide at least one indirect answer prompt for an empty chess position in the chess playing area. It should be noted that the selection of the empty chess position can be specified by the controller or selected by the player.

[0255] It should also be noted that indirect answer hints refer to hints other than direct hints of the correct answer to the empty chess position, for example, hinting an empty chess position, or further displaying a problem-solving idea icon for the empty chess position through a hint module, including but not limited to palace exclusion icon 71, row exclusion icon 72, column exclusion icon 73, remainder method icon 74 or block method icon 75; therefore, players can complete the answer according to the successive guidance of the hints and improve their problem-solving skills.

[0256] The selection of the empty chess position may be specified by the controller, which may be defined as prompt mode one; or may be selected by the player, which may be defined as prompt mode two.

[0257] Therefore, in a specific scheme, when the player selects an empty chess position, the player can first select one of the empty chess positions in the chess playing area, then input an auxiliary answer signal, and finally give an indirect prompt through the prompt module, that is, the control module first locates the empty chess position selected by the player through the positioning module 2, then receives the instruction input by the player through the auxiliary answer trigger module 4, and finally gives an indirect prompt through the prompt module, which can be defined as the first prompt scheme in prompt mode two.

[0258] Alternatively, when the player selects an empty chess position, the player may first input an auxiliary answer signal, then select one of the empty chess positions in the chess playing area, and finally give an indirect prompt through the prompt module, that is, the control module first receives the instruction input by the player through the auxiliary answer trigger module 4, then locates the empty chess position selected by the player through the positioning module 2, and finally gives an indirect prompt through the prompt module, which can be defined as the second prompt scheme in prompt mode two.

[0259] In another specific solution, the controller may designate an empty chess position to give an indirect prompt, which is prompt mode one.

[0260] For example, when the player inputs an auxiliary answer signal, the control module first receives the player's input command through the auxiliary answer trigger module 4, then specifies an empty chess position through the controller, and finally gives an indirect prompt through the prompt module. This is the controller solution.

[0261] It should be noted that the use of prompt mode 1 and prompt mode 2 can be selected by the player inputting different instructions. For example, when the auxiliary answering trigger module 4 is specifically a physical button, it can be set to press once to enter one of the prompt modes, such as prompt mode 1; set to long press to enter another prompt mode such as prompt mode 2.

[0262] Alternatively, different auxiliary answering trigger modules 4 can be set to distinguish different schemes. For example, the auxiliary answering trigger module 4 can be specifically a physical button, a virtual button or a lever. It can be set to press the physical button to enter one of the prompt modes, such as prompt mode one; press the virtual button to enter another prompt mode such as prompt mode two; or vice versa; or one of the prompt modes can be replaced by a lever trigger.

[0263] In summary, the present application can provide three different answer prompts, and players can choose appropriate answer prompts according to their actual situation. The first is to select an empty chess position, and provide the player with chess piece types that are allowed to be input and / or chess piece types that are not allowed to be input through the prompt module; the second is to select a known chess piece type, and prompt the distribution of the selected known chess piece type in the chessboard 1 in the current chess game state through the prompt module; the third is to select the auxiliary answer trigger module 4, and provide at least one indirect answer prompt for an empty chess position in the chess playing area through the prompt module.

[0264] It can be seen that this application provides different answering prompts for players, and players can flexibly choose according to their actual situation, meeting the diverse needs of players of different levels. For example, novice players can quickly get started with the game by selecting empty chess position prompts; experienced players can use known chess piece type prompts to better grasp the distribution of the chess game, formulate strategies, and make the game experience more targeted and personalized. At the same time, selecting the auxiliary answering trigger module 4 can provide indirect answering prompts for empty chess positions, which not only avoids the boredom of directly telling the answer, but also provides players with thinking clues, increases the interactivity and fun of the game, and allows players to participate more deeply in the chess game. Therefore, by providing these prompts, the difficulty threshold of the game is lowered, the player's self-confidence and enthusiasm for Sudoku games are improved; at the same time, more people can easily participate in the game, expanding the audience of the game, which is conducive to the promotion of this Sudoku game device.

[0265] Furthermore, the control module receives at least two instructions input by the player through the auxiliary answering trigger module 4, and the controller responds to one of the at least two instructions and gives an indirect answer prompt for one of the empty chess positions in the chess playing area through the prompt module; and the controller responds to the last instruction of the at least two instructions and gives a prompt of the type of chess piece to be placed at the empty chess position through the prompt module.

[0266] For example, when a player is playing, the player selects the third answer prompt. The setting of the Sudoku game device of the present application is that the correct answer to the empty chess position can only be obtained after at least two instructions are input to the auxiliary answer trigger module 4.

[0267] More specifically, only two prompts of different degrees may be set. In response to the player's first prompt request, the controller gives a prompt of an empty chess position; when the player further needs a prompt and inputs a second prompt request, the controller prompts the empty chess position that has been prompted with the type of chess piece to be entered.

[0268] In some embodiments, see Fig. 9 , three different levels of prompts can be set. The first prompt is: in response to the player's first prompt request, the controller gives a prompt of an empty chess position, such as Fig. 9 The display status of S1 in;

[0269] The second prompt is: in response to the player's first prompt request, the controller prompts the solution idea at the empty chess position, such as Fig. 9 The display status of S2 in;

[0270] The third prompt is: in response to the player's second prompt request, the controller prompts the type of chess piece to be input at the empty chess position, such as Fig. 9 Display status of S3 in.

[0271] The purpose of this setting is to balance the difficulty and fun of the game, providing necessary help to players to avoid frustration due to excessive difficulty, and ensuring the challenge of the game by limiting the number and method of prompts, so that players can get greater satisfaction after overcoming difficulties, thereby enhancing the overall fun of the game. In addition, the process of obtaining prompts through multiple instructions prompts players to constantly think and analyze the chess game, gradually changing from relying on prompts to independent thinking, which helps to cultivate players' logical reasoning, spatial imagination and problem-solving abilities, and improve players' thinking level.

[0272] Since in the question answering stage, the prompt module includes a position indication unit 6 and a display unit 5, the indirect question answering prompts therein may include two different indirect prompting methods.

[0273] In a specific scenario, see Figure 6 The indirect answer prompt is to indicate the position of one of the empty chess positions in the chess playing area through the position indication unit 6. Through the clear position prompt of the empty chess position, the player's thinking is guided to focus on a specific area. The player can think around this prompt position, combine the game rules and existing information, gradually build a solution idea, and continue to play the Sudoku game. Figure 6 In the embodiment of the present invention, the position of one of the empty chess positions in the chess playing area can be specifically indicated by the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the position indicating unit 6, that is, Figure 6 Indicator lights 66 and 67 in the display.

[0274] Alternatively, in another specific embodiment, see Figure 7, the indirect answer prompt is to display at least one problem-solving idea icon of one of the empty chess positions through the display unit 5. Different problem-solving idea icons inspire players to think about problems from multiple angles. In the process of trying different ideas, players can broaden their thinking boundaries and improve the flexibility and agility of logical thinking. In addition, when players successfully solve the chess game by referring to the problem-solving idea icons, they will get a great sense of accomplishment. This sense of accomplishment can enhance the player's love for the game, make the player more deeply immersed in the fun of the game, and enhance the overall experience of the game.

[0275] The problem-solving idea icons include at least one of the following icons: palace elimination icon 71; row elimination icon 72; column elimination icon 73; remainder method icon 74; block method icon 75. The problem-solving idea icons mentioned can be specifically referred to in Fig.10 .

[0276] It should be noted that the palace exclusion icon 71 is displayed in a regularly arranged dot matrix, and the solution of the palace exclusion icon 71 is: consider the distribution of known chess piece types in the palace. Six dot matrices correspond to six-square Sudoku, and six dot matrices correspond to nine-square Sudoku.

[0277] The row exclusion icons 72 are displayed in a horizontal row, and the solution to the row exclusion icons 72 is: consider the distribution of known chess piece types in the horizontal direction of the chess playing area.

[0278] The column exclusion icon 73 is displayed in a column, and the solution to the column exclusion icon 73 is: consider the distribution of known chess piece types in the vertical direction of the chess playing area.

[0279] The remaining method icon 74 is displayed in a cross shape, and the solution to the remaining method icon 74 is: consider the distribution of known chess piece types in the horizontal and vertical directions that intersect in the chess playing area.

[0280] The block method icon 75 is displayed as two squares, and the idea of ​​solving the block method icon 75 is: consider the distribution of known chess piece types in the grid and in the horizontal and vertical directions intersecting the grid.

[0281] It should be noted that the display of the problem-solving idea icon can be integrated into the palace display screen 63 in the above embodiment for display; or, another display area can be set separately for display.

[0282] Further, in a specific embodiment, the first prompt may be to firstly prompt the position of one of the empty chess positions in the chess playing area through the position indicating unit 6; then, the second prompt may be to display the problem-solving idea icon of the empty chess position through the display unit 5; finally, the third prompt may be to give a prompt of the type of chess piece to be placed at the empty chess position through the prompt module, which can be referred to in Figure 8 as well as Fig. 9 .

[0283] Furthermore, when the controller responds to the last instruction of at least two instructions and gives a prompt of the type of chess piece to be placed at the empty chess position through the prompt module, the horizontal and / or vertical coordinates of the position indication unit 6 are changed to change the display state to prompt the basis for the derivation of the correct answer.

[0284] When displaying the derivation basis, the display state of the horizontal and vertical coordinate indicator lights (64, 65) of the derivation basis is different from the display state of the horizontal and vertical coordinate indicator lights (66, 67) indicating the empty chess position. For example, when displaying the derivation basis, the horizontal / vertical indicator lights are displayed in red, while the indicator lights indicating the known chess piece types are displayed in yellow. The bright red color can directly indicate that the row and / or column already has a known chess piece type, so that according to the Sudoku rules, the reason why the chess piece type can be filled in the empty chess position is fed back.

[0285] For example, see Figure 8 , the chess piece type that should be filled in the empty chess position is number 1, because there are chess pieces of number 1 in the palace to the right of the empty chess position and in the palace below (in Figure 8 The mark in the middle corresponds to the chess piece h and the chess piece j), so the number 1 cannot be filled in the middle column and the upper row of the empty chess position. Since the number 1 of the chess piece h and the chess piece j is the key basis for solving the problem, the horizontal and vertical position indication units 6 corresponding to the chess piece h and the chess piece j will change the display state to prompt the derivation basis of the correct answer this time. Figure 8 Specifically, they are horizontal and vertical coordinate indicator lights 64 and 65.

[0286] Therefore, by indicating the derivation basis through the horizontal and vertical coordinates of the position indicating unit 6, the player can clearly understand the source of the answer, avoid blindly accepting the answer, and enhance the understanding of the problem-solving process. In addition, when the player understands the answer derivation process and successfully solves the problem, he will get a stronger sense of accomplishment, which further enhances the fun and attractiveness of the game, allowing the player to enjoy the fun brought by the Sudoku game.

[0287] Furthermore, the display states of the position indicating unit 6 indicating the derivation basis of the correct answer and the position indicating unit 6 indicating the position of the empty chess position in the chess playing area are different, so that the player can distinguish them easily.

[0288] The different display states include: differences in any one or more of display brightness, shape, color, and flickering frequency.

[0289] Embodiment 4

[0290] In the above-mentioned second embodiment, the position indication unit 6 in the Sudoku game device of the present application can not only prompt the distribution of the positions of known chess piece types in the chess playing area during the question answering stage, but also has another function, namely, to prompt the question position during the question setting stage.

[0291] Based on the above embodiment, the position indicating unit 6 may include a combination of one or more of a display screen, a light, and a sound prompter.

[0292] In a specific solution, the position indicating unit 6 includes an indicator light, which can indicate the type of chess piece in the question through different colors, and the color of the indicator light is the same as the color of the chess piece in the question. It should be noted that the indicator light in this embodiment and the indicator light in the indicator light group in the second embodiment can be the same component, that is, the same indicator light can be used to indicate the distribution of the positions of the known chess piece types in the chess playing area during the question answering stage and to indicate the question position during the question setting stage.

[0293] For example, color rules can be set. Taking the Sudoku puzzle as an example, it can be stipulated that each type of digital chess piece from 1 to 9 corresponds to a unique color, such as number 1 corresponds to red, number 2 corresponds to orange, number 3 corresponds to yellow, number 4 corresponds to green, number 5 corresponds to cyan, number 6 corresponds to blue, number 7 corresponds to purple, number 8 corresponds to pink, and number 9 corresponds to brown.

[0294] Therefore, at the question-setting stage, when the question gives a number 1, the indicator light at the corresponding chess position on the Sudoku board 1 will light up red, and the player can know at a glance that the number to be filled in here is 1 through the red light; or, when the question gives a number 5, the indicator light at the corresponding chess position on the Sudoku board 1 will light up cyan, and the player can know at a glance that the number to be filled in here is 5 through the cyan light, so that the player can find the question-setting position more accurately.

[0295] In another specific solution, the position indicating unit 6 includes a display screen, which is a palace display screen 63; the palace display screen 63 displays a number of icons, the number of which is consistent with the number of palaces on the chessboard 1, and the distribution of the icons is consistent with the distribution of the palaces, and the display of the icon status is changed by the palace display screen 63 to prompt whether each palace of the chessboard 1 has the type of chess piece for the question. In this way, the palace display screen 63 displays icons, allowing the player to quickly understand the distribution of chess piece types in each palace, so as to quickly determine which palaces have the type of chess piece for the question, so as to increase the speed at which the player places the pieces according to the question prompt, that is, to improve the question efficiency.

[0296] The display of the palace display screen 63 changing the icon state may include: any one or more of the displayed brightness, shape, color, and flickering frequency. For example, the brightness of the icons corresponding to different palaces on the palace display screen 63 is different, such as low brightness, medium brightness, or high brightness; or the shapes of the icons corresponding to different palaces on the palace display screen 63 are different, such as circle, triangle, or square; or the colors of the icons corresponding to different palaces on the palace display screen 63 are different, such as red, orange, or yellow; or the flickering frequency of the icons corresponding to different palaces on the palace display screen 63 is different, such as low flickering frequency, medium flickering frequency, or high flickering frequency.

[0297] In the question-setting stage, in addition to using the position indicating unit 6 of the prompt module to prompt the question-setting position, the prompt module can also provide corresponding prompts for the chess piece type of the question.

[0298] Specifically, the prompt module includes a type display screen, and the prompt content of the type display screen provides corresponding prompts for the type of chess pieces in the question through a combination of one or more of different shapes, numbers, patterns, colors, and brightness. Since different players have different preferences for information acquisition, it can meet the personalized needs of different players, allowing each player to obtain Sudoku board 1 information in the most comfortable way for themselves, thereby improving the player's adaptability to the game.

[0299] For example, different shapes are used on the type display screen to correspond to different types of chess pieces for questions, such as chess piece type 1 corresponds to a circle, chess piece type 2 corresponds to a triangle, chess piece type 3 corresponds to a square, etc.; or, different numbers are used on the type display screen to correspond to different types of chess pieces for questions, such as chess piece type 1 corresponds to number 1, chess piece type 2 corresponds to number 2, chess piece type 3 corresponds to number 3, etc.; or, different patterns are used on the type display screen to correspond to different types of chess pieces for questions, such as chess piece type 1 corresponds to a sun pattern, chess piece type 2 corresponds to a moon pattern, chess piece type 3 corresponds to a star pattern, etc.; or, different brightness blocks are used on the type display screen to correspond to different types of chess pieces for questions, and the larger the chess piece type for the question, the higher the brightness of the corresponding position on the display screen, such as chess piece type 1 is displayed as the lowest brightness, chess piece type 9 is displayed as the highest brightness, and the chess piece types between chess piece type 1 and chess piece type 9 are displayed with increasing brightness.

[0300] Embodiment 5

[0301] In the above-mentioned embodiments, the Sudoku game device of the present application uses the position indication unit 6 to indicate the position, for example, to indicate the question position during the question-posing stage; or to indicate the distribution of the positions of known chess piece types in the chess-playing area during the question-answering stage.

[0302] On the basis of the above embodiment, the specific structure of the position indicating unit 6 is as follows: specifically, the position indicating unit 6 includes an indicator light group, the indicator light group includes an indicator light bead and a shading plate, and the shading plate is arranged on the side where the indicator light bead emits light. The shading plate can form a barrier on the side where the indicator light bead emits light, preventing external light from penetrating, ensuring that in the off state, the indicator light bead will not produce any light transmission or ambient light reflection due to the influence of external light, so that the indicator light presents a pure off state when it is not lit, clearly indicating that it is not working, maintaining its proper off state, and avoiding misleading the user.

[0303] Furthermore, the indicator light group includes a light-transmitting plate, which is arranged on the side of the indicator light bead and located outside the light shielding plate. By uniformizing the light, the light emitted by the indicator light has a uniform brightness in the entire indication area, without obvious bright spots or dark areas, making the indication information clearer and more accurate, and improving the player's experience.

[0304] Furthermore, the light-transmitting plate is a one-way light-transmitting plate, which allows the indicator bead to emit light from one side to the other side. This can effectively block the light from the non-indicator bead side, making the background environment purer when the indicator light is on, without other stray light mixing in, thus highlighting the display effect of the indicator light, allowing the user's visual focus to be more focused on the indicator light, thereby improving the player's overall user experience.

[0305] Furthermore, the light-transmitting plate is a low-transmittance plate with a one-way light transmittance of less than 20%. The one-way light-transmitting plate with low light transmittance can significantly reduce the penetration of external strong light, effectively solve the problem of interference of external ambient light on the indicator light, make the indication information more prominent, and the user can more accurately read the status or instructions conveyed by the indicator light.

[0306] Regarding the position of the indicator light bead on the chessboard 1, in a specific solution, the indicator light bead is arranged on the chessboard 1, and the light emitting direction of the indicator light bead is arranged outward in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the chessboard 1. Therefore, in this solution, the light emitting direction of the indicator light bead is vertically outward, and the vertical outward light emitting direction can make the light concentrated and propagate outward, reducing the scattering inside and around the chessboard 1. The vertical light emission can ensure that the player can see the status of the indicator light relatively easily to a large extent, thereby improving the efficiency of the indication.

[0307] Alternatively, in another specific solution, the chess playing area is lower than the surface of the chessboard 1 to form an inner side surface surrounding the chess playing area; an indicator light bead is arranged on the inner side surface, and the light emitting direction of the indicator light bead is perpendicular to the inner side surface or is arranged at an angle to the inner side surface. Therefore, in this solution, the chess playing area is recessed in the surface of the chessboard 1, so the position of the indicator light bead can also be set at the inner side surface of the chess playing area, providing another different prompt position for the player; and in this prompt position, when the player operates the chess piece, there will be no light directly shining on the eyes or hands from directly above or in other directions, which reduces the visual discomfort and operation interference caused by light, allowing the player to maintain a more comfortable state throughout the chess playing process, and improves the experience of playing chess for a long time.

[0308] Embodiment 6

[0309] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the Sudoku game device of the present application utilizes the chess piece type input module to input the chess piece type during the question answering stage, that is, inputs the correct answer at the empty chess position.

[0310] Based on the above embodiment, for the structure of the chess piece type input module, in a specific solution, the chess piece type input module includes a plurality of chess piece type input keys 31, which can be referred to in Figure 1 Or, touch input area 32, see Fig.11 The chess piece type input button 31 or the touch input area 32 is arranged on at least one of the upper side, the lower side, the left side or the right side of the display unit 5.

[0311] In this way, the chess piece type input module (whether it is the chess piece type input button 31 or the touch input area 32) is set on at least one side of the prompt module, so that the player can quickly input the chess piece type after obtaining the prompt information; and the chess piece type input module is set on one side of the prompt module, which can make full use of the space of the device and avoid mutual squeezing or chaotic layout between modules. At the same time, this layout method conforms to the operating habits and visual cognition rules of most players, making the overall layout of the device more reasonable and convenient for players to use.

[0312] Alternatively, in another specific solution, the chess piece type input button 31 or the touch input area 32 is arranged around the inner or outer periphery of the prompt module. In the case of limited space in the Sudoku device, the surrounding arrangement can effectively utilize the space around the prompt module to achieve a compact layout; and the surrounding layout avoids space waste, making the overall structure of the device more compact, and also facilitates players to complete multiple operations in a limited operating area, thereby improving the space utilization rate of the device.

[0313] Regarding the specific structure of the display unit 5, in a specific solution, the display unit 5 is a touch screen and includes a chess piece type display area 52 and a touch input area 32; the chess piece type display area 52 includes a type display sub-area 521 corresponding to each chess piece type, and the touch input area 32 includes a touch input sub-area 321 set corresponding to each chess piece type.

[0314] In this case, the display unit 5 is set as a touch screen, and is divided into a corresponding chess piece type display area 52 and a touch input area 32, and a touch input sub-area 321 is set for each chess piece type in the touch input area 32, so that the player does not need to search for the required chess piece type in different physical buttons or complex menus, and can directly touch the corresponding area on the screen to complete the selection and input, which greatly improves the convenience of operation. In addition, the use of this touch screen design can effectively save space, and the touch input sub-area 321 of the touch screen can achieve the same function within a limited screen space, making the layout of the device more concise and compact, while also reducing the problem of increased device volume and cost due to too many physical buttons.

[0315] Further, for the relative structures of the chess piece type display area 52 and the touch input area 32, in a specific solution, please refer to Fig.12 , the chess piece type display area 52 and the touch input area 32 are arranged in layers from the inside to the outside, and the touch input area 32 is located on the outer layer of the chess piece type display area 52. In this way, the chess piece type display area 52 and the touch input area 32 are arranged in layers from the inside to the outside, and the touch input area 32 is located on the outer layer of the chess piece type display area 52, which can efficiently integrate the two functions in a limited screen space. This layered layout avoids extra space waste, so that the device can accommodate necessary functions while maintaining a small size, meeting the requirements of a compact device structure. It should be noted that in Fig.12 In the figure, the light emitting unit 53 of the display unit 5 is located at the bottom and is used for illuminating the display.

[0316] Alternatively, in another specific solution, the chess piece type display area 52 and the touch input area 32 are in the same plane, and the touch input area 32 and the chess piece type display area 52 are adjacently arranged. Fig.11 When the player is operating, after checking the information in the chess piece type display area 52, the player can quickly move the hand to the adjacent touch input area 32 to operate, without having to search for the operation area in different planes or a larger range, thus reducing the operation time and movement range and improving the operation efficiency. In addition, the layout in the same plane and adjacent to each other makes it easier for the player to visually associate the chess piece display with the touch input function, forming a unified operation area. This layout avoids the visual confusion caused by layered or dispersed layout, making the interface clearer and simpler.

[0317] Furthermore, the multiple types of display sub-areas 521 are arranged in arcs or straight lines at intervals, which makes the interface layout more regular and beautiful, and brings a more comfortable visual experience to the players.

[0318] Furthermore, the touch input sub-areas 321 are arranged in arc or straight line intervals, corresponding one-to-one to the positions of multiple type display sub-areas 521 respectively, which allows players to clearly know the type of chess piece corresponding to each touch area, greatly reducing the possibility of misoperation and improving the accuracy of operation.

[0319] Embodiment 7

[0320] The present application also discloses a prompting method applied to the Sudoku game device in the above embodiment, including a question-posing stage and a question-answering stage;

[0321] During the question-answering phase, after the empty chess position selected by the player is determined, the chess piece types allowed to be input at the selected empty chess position are prompted; or, the chess piece types not allowed to be input; or, the chess piece types allowed to be input and the chess piece types not allowed to be input, and the prompting methods for the two are different;

[0322] Alternatively, after determining the chess piece type selected by the player, the distribution of the selected chess piece type within the chessboard 1 in the current chess game state is prompted;

[0323] Alternatively, after determining that the player has triggered the auxiliary answer, at least one indirect answer prompt is provided for an empty chess position in the chess playing area, and the indirect answer prompt refers to a prompt other than the direct prompt of the correct answer to the empty chess position.

[0324] The prompt method of this application includes three different ways of answering prompts.

[0325] The first type of answer hint is that, during the answering stage, after determining the empty chess position selected by the player, a hint is given of the chess piece types that are allowed to be input at the selected empty chess position; or, the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input; or, the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input, and the two hints are different.

[0326] This type of answer prompt is an answer prompt for an empty chess position in the chess playing area. It should be noted that the method for determining the content of the answer prompt for the empty chess position is to calculate the chess piece types that are currently allowed to be input and / or not allowed to be input based on the known chess piece types in the rows, columns and squares in the chess playing area. In addition, an empty chess position refers to a chess position that has not been answered in the current chess game or a chess position that is not a question position.

[0327] For example, taking the six-grid Sudoku puzzle as an example, the player selects an empty chess position in one of the rows (with the row as the X coordinate and the column as the Y coordinate, which is Figure 2The chess position where the ? symbol is located is (3,2). The row where the empty chess position is located has known chess piece types with the numbers 5 (5,2) and 6 (1,2). The column where the empty chess position is located has known chess piece types with the numbers 4 (3,3) and 5 (3,1). The square where the empty chess position is located has known chess piece types with the numbers 5 and 6. Figure 2 .

[0328] When the player selects the above empty chess position, the prompt module will prompt the player with the chess piece types currently allowed to be input, namely the chess piece types of number 1, number 2, and number 3. Figure 3 The prompt status of a in .

[0329] Alternatively, the prompt module will prompt the player with the chess piece types that are not currently allowed to be input, i.e., the chess piece types of number 4, number 5, and number 6. Figure 3 It should be noted that the display status of the chess piece types that are not currently allowed to be input may be different from the above-mentioned chess piece types that are currently allowed to be input, such as adding marks such as a strikethrough or an underline.

[0330] Alternatively, the prompt module will simultaneously prompt the player the currently allowed chess piece types and the non-allowed chess piece types, and the prompting methods of the two are different, so that the player can distinguish them. Figure 3 The c in the middle shows the prompt status. In response to this, the player can think about the next solution and continue playing the Sudoku game.

[0331] The second answer prompt is that, during the answering stage, after determining the chess piece type selected by the player, the player is prompted with the distribution of the selected chess piece type within the chessboard 1 in the current chess game state.

[0332] This kind of answer prompt is for the answer prompt of the known chess piece types on the current chessboard 1, and the prompt module prompts the distribution of the selected known chess piece types in the chessboard 1 under the current chess game state. It should be noted that since there is a separately set chess piece type input module in the present application, the player can directly input the known chess piece types through the chess piece type input module; or, since there is a positioning module 2 on the chess playing area, the positioning module 2 of the chess position of the known chess piece type on the chess playing area is directly triggered. Therefore, after the control module receives the known chess piece types on the current chessboard 1 through the positioning module 2 or the chess piece type input module, the distribution of the selected known chess piece types in the chessboard 1 under the current chess game state can be prompted through the prompt module.

[0333] For example, taking the six-grid Sudoku puzzle as an example, when the player chooses the second answer prompt, the player can input the known chess piece type through the known chess positions in the chess area; and / or, the player directly inputs the known chess piece type through the chess piece type input module. For example, the chess piece type input module in the six-grid Sudoku puzzle specifically inputs the chess piece types of the numbers 1 to 6.

[0334] When the player selects the chess piece type of number 5, the prompt module prompts the distribution of the selected chess piece type of number 5 in the chessboard 1 in the current chess game state, that is, prompts the positions of all known chess pieces of the selected chess piece type of number 5 in the chess playing area in the current chess game state. Therefore, the player can judge the distribution of chess pieces of known chess piece types according to the prompt, and the player can think about the next solution and continue to play the Sudoku game accordingly. Figure 5 .

[0335] The third type of answer hint is that, during the answering stage, after determining that the player has triggered the auxiliary answer, at least one indirect answer hint is provided for an empty chess position in the chess playing area. The indirect answer hint refers to a hint other than the direct hint of the correct answer to the empty chess position.

[0336] This type of answer prompt directly utilizes the answer prompt provided by the auxiliary answer trigger module 4, and provides at least one indirect answer prompt for an empty chess position in the chess playing area through the prompt module.

[0337] For example, taking Sudoku as an example, when the player selects the third answer prompt, the auxiliary answer trigger module 4 can be directly triggered, and the control module can receive the instruction input by the player through the auxiliary answer trigger module 4. At this time, the prompt module will provide at least one indirect answer prompt for an empty chess position in the chess playing area. It should be noted that the selection of the empty chess position can be specified by the controller or selected by the player.

[0338] It should also be noted that indirect answer hints refer to hints other than direct hints of the correct answer to the empty chess position, for example, hinting an empty chess position, or further displaying a problem-solving idea icon for the empty chess position through a hint module, including but not limited to palace exclusion icon 71, row exclusion icon 72, column exclusion icon 73, remainder method icon 74 or block method icon 75; therefore, players can complete the answer according to the successive guidance of the hints and improve their problem-solving skills.

[0339] In summary, the present application can provide three different answer prompts, and players can choose appropriate answer prompts according to their actual situation. The first is to select an empty chess position, and provide the player with chess piece types that are allowed to be input and / or chess piece types that are not allowed to be input through the prompt module; the second is to select a known chess piece type, and prompt the distribution of the selected known chess piece type in the chessboard 1 in the current chess game state through the prompt module; the third is to select the auxiliary answer trigger module 4, and provide at least one indirect answer prompt for an empty chess position in the chess playing area through the prompt module.

[0340] It can be seen that this application provides different answering prompts for players, and players can flexibly choose according to their actual situation, meeting the diverse needs of players of different levels. For example, novice players can quickly get started with the game by selecting empty chess position prompts; experienced players can use known chess piece type prompts to better grasp the distribution of the chess game, formulate strategies, and make the game experience more targeted and personalized. At the same time, selecting the auxiliary answering trigger module 4 can provide indirect answering prompts for empty chess positions, which not only avoids the boredom of directly telling the answer, but also provides players with thinking clues, increases the interactivity and fun of the game, and allows players to participate more deeply in the chess game. Therefore, by providing these prompts, the difficulty threshold of the game is lowered, the player's self-confidence and enthusiasm for Sudoku games are improved; at the same time, more people can easily participate in the game, expanding the audience of the game, which is conducive to the promotion of this Sudoku game device.

[0341] Furthermore, in the question answering stage, after determining the empty chess position selected by the player, the player is prompted with the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and / or the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input at the empty chess position selected by the player, wherein:

[0342] The prompted chess piece types that are allowed to be input constitute a first chess piece type set, and / or the prompted chess piece types that are not allowed to be input constitute a second chess piece type set;

[0343] In response to the input of the auxiliary answering instruction, the first chess piece type set and / or the second chess piece type set are updated, and as the number of prompt instruction inputs increases, the chess piece types allowed to be input are deleted and / or the chess piece types not allowed to be input are added, so that the first chess piece type set is reduced and / or the second chess piece type set is expanded. In this way, the game difficulty is reduced and the player's confidence is improved.

[0344] For example, taking the chess piece types that can be input as an example, since there are currently multiple chess piece types that can be input, such as the chess piece types of number 1, number 2, and number 3 mentioned above, the prompt function can be set to have multiple times. When the prompt function is used multiple times, for example, by inputting multiple instructions to the auxiliary answer trigger module 4, the prompt range of the correct answer can be further narrowed. For example, the chess piece types of number 1, number 2, and number 3 mentioned above can be narrowed down to chess piece types of number 1 and number 2 (including the correct answer number 1) after being prompted again, further reducing the difficulty of the game and improving the player's confidence. For more information, please refer to Figure 4 .

[0345] For example, in the first prompt, the chess piece types currently allowed to be input may include numbers 1, 2, and 3. Figure 4 In the next prompt, the set of chess piece types currently allowed to be entered will be narrowed down to include numbers 1 and 2. Figure 4 In the prompt state of f in the next prompt, the set of chess piece types currently allowed to be input will be further narrowed down. Since only numbers 1 and 2 are left, the final correct answer, number 1, will be left in the third prompt. Figure 4 The prompt status of g in the middle.

[0346] It should be noted that the number of numbers deleted from the set of chess piece types currently allowed to be input can be designed according to the specific situation. For example, the number 1, number 2 and number 3 can be narrowed down to number 1 and number 2, and only one number is deleted; for another example, the number 1, number 2 and number 3 can be narrowed down to number 1, and two numbers can be deleted.

[0347] For another example, taking the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input as an example, there are multiple chess piece types that are currently allowed to be input, such as the chess piece types of number 4, number 5, and number 6 mentioned above.

[0348] Therefore, when the prompt function is used multiple times, for example, in the first prompt, the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input may include numbers 4, 5, and 6. Figure 4 In the next prompt, the set of chess piece types that are not allowed to be input will be expanded to include data 3, number 4, number 5, and number 6. Figure 4 In the prompt state of m in the next third prompt, the set of chess piece types that are not allowed to be input will be further expanded, including number 2, data 3, number 4, number 5, number 6, see Figure 4It should be noted that the number of numbers added to the set of chess piece types that are not allowed to be input can be designed according to specific circumstances, and the number of numbers deleted from the set of chess piece types currently allowed to be input is not repeated here.

[0349] It should also be noted that the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input can be prompted at the same time. The specific prompting conditions can refer to the first chess piece type set prompting condition and the second chess piece type set mentioned above. Prompting both at the same time means prompting the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input at the same time.

[0350] Furthermore, in the third method of answering questions, after determining that the player has triggered at least two auxiliary answering instructions, the controller responds to one of the at least two instructions and gives an indirect answering prompt for an empty chess position in the chess playing area; and the controller responds to the last instruction of the at least two instructions and gives a prompt on the type of chess piece to be placed at the empty chess position.

[0351] This can balance the difficulty and fun of the game, providing necessary help to players to avoid frustration due to excessive difficulty, and ensuring the challenge of the game by limiting the number and method of prompts, so that players can get greater satisfaction after overcoming difficulties, thereby enhancing the overall fun of the game. In addition, the process of obtaining prompts through multiple instructions prompts players to constantly think and analyze the chess game, gradually changing from relying on prompts to independent thinking, which helps to cultivate players' logical reasoning, spatial imagination and problem-solving abilities, and improve players' thinking level.

[0352] Furthermore, in the first method of answering questions, if the chess position selected by the player is an empty chess position, only the chess piece types that are allowed to be input or only the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input are displayed at the selected chess position; or, both the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input are displayed at the selected chess position, but the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input are distinguished by different display states.

[0353] For example, see Figure 2 , taking the above-mentioned six-grid Sudoku as an example, when the player selects the above-mentioned empty chess position, that is, the "?" chess position, the display unit 5 will prompt the player the chess piece types currently allowed to be input, that is, only the chess piece types of numbers 1, 2, and 3 are displayed; or, the display unit 5 will prompt the player the chess piece types currently not allowed to be input, that is, only the chess piece types of numbers 4, 5, and 6 are displayed; or, the display unit 5 will simultaneously prompt the player the chess piece types currently allowed to be input and the chess piece types not allowed to be input, and the two are distinguished by different display states on the display unit 5, so that the player can distinguish them, which can be referred to. Figure 3.

[0354] The different display states include: different display brightness; and / or whether it is a flashing display; and / or whether there are additional marks, such as adding superscripts, subscripts, inner circles, outer circles, underlines or deletion lines, etc., to distinguish between chess piece types that are allowed to be input and chess piece types that are not allowed to be input.

[0355] It should be noted that, since the display unit 5 can refer to the chess piece type in any one or more different forms such as patterns, colors, numbers, text or symbols, for example, when the chess piece type of the number 1 is represented by a number or text, it can be referred to by the number 1, or the text one, or the symbol ① on the display unit 5. Therefore, the different display states can also be different font forms; or, different font sizes, etc.

[0356] Furthermore, the numbers 1 to 6 can also be replaced or combined by any six of the colors red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, and blue-violet.

[0357] Furthermore, after determining the empty chess position or chess piece type selected by the player and confirming the auxiliary answer trigger information entered by the player, the answer prompt is provided. This gives the player the right to choose to obtain information independently, allowing the player to decide when to obtain chess piece distribution information according to his own rhythm and way of thinking.

[0358] Since the Sudoku game device of the present application specifically includes a question-posing stage and a question-answering stage, further, in the question-posing stage, a prompt of the chess piece type and the question-setting position is given, and the player completes the question-posing according to the prompt of the question-setting. It should be noted that the Sudoku game device may include chess pieces that are detachable from the chess positions, and the detachable chess pieces may be used to set the questions and complete the question-posing. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the player may also specifically replace the chess pieces with his own fingers 8 or other operable objects to complete the question-posing.

[0359] Furthermore, during the question-setting phase, an emphasis prompt signal is used to prompt the switching of questions between two different types of adjacent chess pieces. The emphasis prompt signal can quickly attract the player's attention through visual, auditory and other multi-faceted stimulations to ensure that the player is aware of the question change in a timely manner.

[0360] The over-emphasis prompt signal includes flashing of the prompt light; and / or change of the prompt light color; and / or increase of the prompt sound; and / or corresponding switching of the chess piece type displayed on the display screen. This can effectively attract the player's attention, allowing the player to focus more on the question-setting process and improve the player's experience.

[0361] In the question-setting stage of the Sudoku game device of the present application, in addition to the above-mentioned use of chess pieces to complete the question setting, the question can also be directly displayed at the chess position to complete the question setting, and the player does not need to use external objects such as chess pieces to set the question.

[0362] Specifically, in the question-setting stage, the question is presented at the chess position to complete the question setting. In this way, the player does not need to set the question in the question-setting stage, and does not need to perform tedious question-setting operations, and directly enters the question-answering stage, which can greatly save the time spent by the player in the game preparation stage.

[0363] The questions may be presented in different forms including: different colors, different numbers, different patterns, different marks, different brightness, etc.

[0364] For example, taking different colors as an example, when different chess piece types are displayed in different colors, taking the six-square Sudoku puzzle as an example, the chess piece types 1 to 6 correspond to red, orange, yellow, green, cyan, and blue respectively. There will be specific lights set at the chess positions, and the questions can be asked by simply lighting up the lights of the corresponding colors at the corresponding chess positions.

[0365] The technical means disclosed in the scheme of the present invention are not limited to the technical means disclosed in the above-mentioned implementation mode, but also include technical schemes composed of any combination of the above-mentioned technical features. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications are also regarded as the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A Sudoku game device, characterized in that: include: A chessboard is provided with a chess playing area, wherein the chess playing area includes a plurality of chess positions; A positioning module, used to locate chess positions; The chess piece type input module allows players to input chess piece types; A prompt module, connected to the positioning module for communication; Auxiliary answering trigger module, for players to input instructions to trigger auxiliary answering; A control module, which is in communication with the positioning module, the chess piece type input module, the prompt module and the auxiliary answering trigger module; In the question answering stage, the control module prompts the player through the prompt module the chess piece types allowed to be input at the empty chess position selected by the player; or the chess piece types not allowed to be input; or the chess piece types allowed to be input and the chess piece types not allowed to be input, and the prompting methods of the two are different; Alternatively, after receiving the known chess piece types on the current chessboard through the positioning module or the chess piece type input module, the control module prompts the distribution of the selected known chess piece types on the chessboard under the current chess game state through the prompt module; Alternatively, the control module receives instructions input by the player through the auxiliary answer trigger module, and provides at least one indirect answer prompt for an empty chess position in the chess playing area through the prompt module, wherein the indirect answer prompt refers to a prompt other than the direct prompt of the correct answer to the empty chess position.

2. A Sudoku game device according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the control module prompts the player through the prompt module the chess piece types allowed to be input and / or the chess piece types not allowed to be input at the empty chess position selected by the player, wherein: the chess piece types allowed to be input prompted by the prompt module constitute a first chess piece type set, and / or, the chess piece types not allowed to be input prompted by the prompt module constitute a second chess piece type set; the control module receives the prompt instructions input by the player through the auxiliary question answering trigger module to update the first chess piece type set and / or the second chess piece type set, and as the number of prompt instructions input increases, the controller deletes the chess piece types allowed to be input and / or adds the chess piece types not allowed to be input, so that the first chess piece type set is reduced and / or the second chess piece type set is expanded.

3. A Sudoku game device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The prompt module includes a display unit; If the chess position selected by the player is an empty chess position, the display unit only displays the chess piece types that are allowed to be input or only displays the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input; or, the display unit displays both the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input, and the two are distinguished by different display states.

4. A Sudoku game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The prompt module includes a sound-generating unit; If the chess position selected by the player is an empty chess position, the sound unit only prompts the player through voice the chess piece types allowed to be input or the chess piece types not allowed to be input at the chess position selected by the player; or, the sound unit prompts through voice both the chess piece types allowed to be input and the chess piece types not allowed to be input, and the two are distinguished by different voice prompt states.

5. A Sudoku game device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The prompt module includes a display unit, and the display unit includes a plurality of chess piece type indicator lights.

6. A Sudoku game device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The display unit includes an information display screen, and the information display screen is used to prompt game-related information; The information display screen and the chess piece type indicator light both include a light emitting unit, a light shielding member and a light transmitting member. The light transmitting member of the information display screen and the light transmitting member of the chess piece type indicator light are fixed or integrally arranged.

7. A Sudoku game device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The display unit is arranged on the surface of the chessboard and forms a screen display area, and the information display screen and chess piece type indicator light are arranged in the screen display area; The screen display area is located on one of the upper side, lower side, left side or right side of the chess playing area of ​​the chessboard; or, the screen display area is embedded in the chess playing area.

8. A Sudoku game device according to any one of claims 1-3, 6, and 7, characterized in that: The prompt module includes a display unit and a position indication unit. When the display unit displays the chess piece types that are allowed to be input and / or displays the chess piece types that are not allowed to be input, the position of the empty chess position in the chess playing area is prompted through the position indication unit.

9. A Sudoku game device according to any one of claims 1-3, 6, and 7, characterized in that: The auxiliary answering trigger module is a button or touch screen module independent of the chess piece type input module or the positioning module; Alternatively, the auxiliary answering trigger module is integrated into the chess piece type input module or the positioning module; the triggering method of the auxiliary answering trigger module for the auxiliary answering trigger signal is different from the triggering method of the chess piece type input module or the positioning module.

10. A prompting method applied to a Sudoku game device, characterized in that: It includes the question-setting stage and the question-answering stage; In the question answering stage, after determining the empty chess position selected by the player, prompt the chess piece types allowed to be input at the selected empty chess position; Or, the chess piece type that is not allowed to be input; or, the chess piece type that is allowed to be input and the chess piece type that is not allowed to be input, and the prompting methods of the two are different; Alternatively, after determining the chess piece type selected by the player, the distribution of the selected chess piece type on the chessboard in the current chess game state is prompted; Alternatively, after determining that the player has triggered the auxiliary answer, at least one indirect answer prompt is provided for an empty chess position in the chess playing area, wherein the indirect answer prompt refers to a prompt other than the direct prompt of the correct answer to the empty chess position.

Images