Knight-Walk Puzzle Game Using Non-Contiguous Grid Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of puzzle games that involve filling a grid with numerals following a predetermined path and step pattern, where the relationship between positions is non-horizontal and non-vertical, and the existing puzzles do not offer a unique solution that can be solved through logical reasoning without trial-and-error.
Innovation Solution
A method for creating a puzzle game where numerals are placed along a predetermined path in a grid following a specific step pattern, allowing for non-contiguous relationships between positions, with pre-placed indicators guiding the player to fill all empty squares in a logical sequence, similar to chess piece movements, and a computer program to generate and solve the puzzle with varying difficulty levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional grid puzzles (Sudoku, Latin Squares) are used, then the puzzle can be solved with logical reasoning, but the positions are limited to horizontal and vertical relationships only
Solution Approach 1:
The puzzle is segmented into a sequence of discrete steps along a path, where each step follows a predetermined pattern. This allows the puzzle to incorporate non-horizontal and non-vertical relationships by breaking down the path into manageable segments that can follow complex routes through the grid.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a temporal dimension to the traditional grid puzzle by introducing a sequence of steps that progress through time. The path dimension allows positions to be related not just spatially (horizontal/vertical) but also temporally (step sequence), enabling non-horizontal and non-vertical relationships while maintaining logical solvability.
2Reliability
If a predetermined path with predetermined step pattern is introduced, then a unique solution with non-horizontal and non-vertical relationships is achieved, but the puzzle structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The path and step patterns are predetermined and established before the puzzle-solving process begins. This preliminary configuration ensures that the solution path is unique and reliable, as the constraints are set in advance rather than emerging during solving. The pre-defined nature of the path guarantees solution uniqueness while the systematic structure manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key parameters of traditional grid puzzles by introducing a predetermined step pattern with specific movement rules (similar to chess pieces). This parameter change enables non-horizontal and non-vertical relationships while the systematic nature of the parameter changes maintains puzzle manageability and logical solvability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the step pattern follows chess piece movements, then the puzzle offers varied and interesting position relationships, but the rules become more complex to understand
Solution Approach 1:
The invention leverages the universal understanding of chess piece movements among puzzle enthusiasts. By using well-known chess movement patterns (knight, king, queen, rook, bishop moves), the puzzle incorporates varied and interesting position relationships while relying on players' existing knowledge of chess rules to maintain ease of operation. The multi-functionality of chess pieces provides diverse movement options without requiring new rule sets.
Data Source
AI summary
A puzzle game of the present invention consists of a field of play having associated positions upon which place-indicators are placed during game play along a predetermined game path. Placement of the place-indicators represents a sequential series of steps from a starting point along a game path in the field of play to an end point. Each of the steps is dependent on a predetermined step pattern and the place-indicator is placed on the position upon which the end of the step pattern falls. The solution to the puzzle is achieved by the placement of all place-indicators between the starting point and the end point. In order to indicate a particular game path, at least two place-indicators are pre-placed as givens in the solution. The place-indicators may be, by non-limiting example, numerals, letters or a group of shapes with a predetermined series displayed on the game play interface, but outside of the field of play.