Connective Cells and Large Numerical Clues in Puzzle Games

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional puzzle games, such as picture crossword puzzles, become monotonous due to uniform cell sizes and lack of variation in numerical clues, leading to player boredom over time.

Innovation Solution

A puzzle game apparatus and program that introduces connective cells and varying numerical clues, including large numerical clues spanning multiple rows or columns, to enhance gameplay engagement by creating a more dynamic and challenging experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If all cells are of uniform size and each numerical clue corresponds to only one row or column, then the game rules are simple and easy to understand, but the game becomes monotonous and players get bored after playing for a long time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegame engagementVSAvoidcell and clue structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the grid into different cell types: normal cells and connective cells. Connective cells are further segmented into first connective cells (spanning multiple rows) and second connective cells (spanning multiple columns). This segmentation creates variety in cell structures while maintaining clear rules for each type, preventing monotony without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces numerical clues that span multiple rows or columns, adding a dimensional aspect to the traditional single-row/single-column clues. This creates large numerical clues that range over multiple rows or columns, increasing game engagement by adding spatial complexity to the clue structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Illumination intensity

If numerical clues are enlarged and displayed to be viewed easily, then player visibility is improved, but the game becomes monotonous due to lack of variation in clue presentation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclue visibilityVSAvoidclue variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different display characteristics to different numerical clues based on their location and scope. Normal numerical clues are displayed in standard size, while large numerical clues spanning multiple rows or columns are displayed in enlarged size. This local differentiation ensures visibility where needed while creating visual variety throughout the game interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8167714B2Puzzle game apparatus and computer readable storage medium having puzzle game program stored thereon

Publication Date: 2012.05.01 NINTENDO CO LTD

AI summary

In a solution area which has a plurality of cells arranged in a matrix thereof, a connective cell, which is obtained by interrelating a predetermined plurality of cells with one another, is displayed. Further, a normal numerical clue, which is caused to correspond to a row and a column in the matrix and represents the number of cells to be marked in the corresponding row and column, is displayed. Still further, a large numerical clue, which represents the number of cells to be marked in a contiguous form over a plurality of adjoining rows or a plurality of adjoining columns, is displayed so as to range over the plurality of rows or the plurality of columns. In accordance with an operation performed by a player, specific cells are marked, and then whether or not a set of the marked cells presents a figure which is a solution of a puzzle having been previously set.