BOARD GAME AND METHOD OF PLAY

Abstract

A game apparatus for one or more players having at least a first game member that includes a puzzle or a game area having indicia forming a grid having a plurality of cells, the first game member displaying the solution indicia for some of the cells and the remaining cells are divided into a number of sub-cells bearing the possible solution indicia for the corresponding cell such that each sub-cell includes a distinct indicia. A player speculates which sub-cell bears the correct solution indicia for the respective cell using a process of elimination and the rules of play. Selection tools may be used to puncture the first playing member to reveal the third playing member, which bears indicia of correctness for each sub-cell.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to games that involve logic-based puzzles and, more specifically, to a board game and method of play in which a solitaire numeric puzzle game is converted to a multiplayer game of completing number patterns initiated by a given set of numbers.

2. Description of the Related Art

A variety of games and puzzles have been introduced that involve numbers and their logical arrangement in specific patterns based on a set of rules. Typically these puzzles have a solution pattern that a player develops based on the relationship of the numbers in certain locations on a grid. Generally, these puzzles are solitaire games, allowing only one player to enjoy completing the logic-based pattern of numbers. Typically, number puzzles are evolved variations of ancient games based on certain mathematical rules. A particular game, Su Doku (also referred to as Sudoku, Soduku, Suduku, and Su Duku) is a solitaire puzzle involving ordered rows and columns of numbers. Both puzzle aficionados and those generally interested in logic have exhibited increasing interest in playing Su Doku.

Rules of play for numeric games such as Su Doku are generally rooted in the rules for Latin Squares, a game dated as far back as the thirteenth century. Latin Squares puzzles are solitaire puzzles that include a grid of cells formed by columns and rows and a set of numbers or symbols, each appearing once in each row and column of the solution pattern. Su Doku is an evolved version of Latin Squares having nine columns and nine rows forming a grid of eighty-one cells. Each cell in the solution pattern is assigned a number from 1 to 9 and each number appears only once in any given row or column. The cells are further divided into groups of nine cells, each group forming sub-grids having three columns and three rows. In the solution pattern, each cell in the respective sub-grids is assigned a distinct number from one to nine, each number appearing only once in any given sub-grid. Typically, the puzzles provide the solution numbers for some of the cells and the player must develop the full solution based on the numbers provided. The number of cells in the puzzle and the amount of solution numbers initially provided determine the difficulty of a given Su Doku Puzzle.

A common strategy for developing the numbers is to write all the numbers, one to nine, in each cell of the Su Doku puzzle and determine the solution numbers in each cell by a process of elimination. Using this strategy, a player denotes unselected numbers in each cell by crossing them out. Although this strategy is an effective method of determining the solution numbers, it can result in a cluttered playing area. For example, a number may have to be written in a cell next to where a previous number was crossed out. A number may be crossed out in error when that number was selected as a solution number in error in the corresponding row, column or sub-grid. Additionally when the puzzle is partially developed and there are numerous crossed-out numbers on the playing area, it becomes difficult to distinguish which cells remain to be filled with a number and which numbers remain available as solution numbers.

Furthermore, similar to their predecessors, recent games such as Su Doku are generally solitaire games, allowing only one person to play the game. Typically these puzzles remain on paper and the player must use a writing instrument to solve the puzzles. Certain variations of Su Doku accommodate more than one player and provide other means of playing the game, such as a single board and numbered game pieces, or felt pens and an erasable playing area. However, such variations are typically limited to either two or four players and do not provide for a more cohesive method of executing the process of elimination strategy described above. Therefore, these variations simply provide an enlarged version of the original game.

Although number puzzles such as Su Doku can be entertaining and intellectually challenging, they remain substantially unchanged from their primitive origins and are limited in the number of players that can simultaneously play against each other in one game. Furthermore, existing tools for playing such games impose obstacles that inhibit execution of strategies to solve the puzzles expediently. Therefore, there is a need for a number puzzle and/or game that allows an unlimited number of players to play against one another and that is configured to accommodate effective execution of strategies.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present disclosure provides an apparatus for playing a board game including a playing plane and a solution plane. The playing plane includes a master grid with a plurality of cells formed by columns and rows, and the master grid is subdivided into sub-grids, each sub-grid having a number of cells equal to the number of columns in the master grid, each cell being divided into a number of sub-cells equal to the number of columns in the master grid, and each sub-cell assigned a distinct indicia, the total number of distinct indicia being equal to the number of columns in the master grid. The solution plane includes a plurality of cells corresponding to respective cells of the playing plane and configured to provide an indication of correctness of a user-proposed solution.

In accordance with another aspect of the foregoing embodiment, the solution plane may further be divided into a plurality of sub-cells corresponding to respective sub-cells of the playing plane, each sub-cell associated with a circuit to generate a selection signal that includes one of a first and a second signal, the first signal indicating a correct selection and the second signal indicating an incorrect selection.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the foregoing embodiment, the apparatus may include at least one plate having a plurality of apertures, respectively corresponding to the sub-cells of the playing plane and the solution plane, a plurality of selection pieces insertable in the apertures of the at least one plate, and mounting members for stackably mounting the at least one plate, the playing plane, and the solution plane, wherein a surface of the playing plane is contiguous to a surface of the at least one plate, and the solution plane is revealably concealed by at least the playing plane.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of game play is provided for one or more players using a game apparatus having predetermined solution indicia corresponding to a cell on a playing plane having a master grid with a plurality of cells formed by an equal number of columns and rows, wherein the master grid is subdivided into sub-grids, each sub-grid having a number of cells equal to the number of columns in the master grid, each cell divided into a number of sub-cells equal to the number of columns in the master grid, and each sub-cell assigned a distinct indicia, the total number of distinct indicia equal to the number of columns in the master grid, wherein one sub-cell per cell is assigned the indicia that is the assigned solution indicia for the corresponding cell and each solution indicia occurs once in each sub-grid, row and column of the master grid. The method includes selecting a sub-cell on the playing plane, revealing a signal on a solution plane having a plurality of sub-cells, respectively corresponding to the selected sub-cell of the playing plane and placing a game piece on the cell of the playing plane corresponding to the selected sub-cell when the corresponding sub-cell on the solution plane exhibits a positive indication and the game piece exhibits the indicia assigned to the selected sub-cell. The method further includes selecting subsequent sub-cells on the playing plane until a negative indication is revealed, triggering a subsequent player to select a sub-cell on the playing plane, and tallying points received during play for each player as selection of sub-cells associated with the solution indicia assigned to the corresponding cell, wherein the player with the highest points is the winner.

According to yet another embodiment, a game apparatus is provided including first, second, and third game members. The first game member includes indicia formed on a surface thereof, the indicia forming a master grid having rows and columns that form a plurality of cells, each cell having at least one numeric indicia formed thereon. The second game member includes a first plate adapted to support the first game member on a first surface of the second game member, the first plate having a plurality of openings formed therein, each opening formed in alignment with a respective cell on the first game member. The third game member includes a first surface positioned against a second surface of the second game member and comprising a plurality of first indicia indicating an incorrect selection and second indicia indicating a correct selection, each of the first and second indicia positioned in alignment with a respective cell of the first game member.

According to a further embodiment, a method of playing a game for one or more players is provided, the game having a game apparatus that includes a first game member having indicia formed on a surface thereof, the indicia forming a master grid having rows and columns that form a plurality of cells, each cell having at least one numeric indicia formed thereon, a second game member comprising a first plate adapted to support the first game member on a first surface of the second game member, the first plate having a plurality of openings formed therein, each opening formed in alignment with a respective cell on the first game member, and a third game member positioned against a second surface of the second game member and including a plurality of pairs of first indicia indicating an incorrect selection and second indicia indicating a correct selection, each pair of the first and second indicia positioned in alignment with a respective cell of the first game member, the method including selecting a cell on the first game member and determining a correctness of the selected cell from observation of the first and second indicia.

In accordance with another embodiment, a game is provided that includes a first display that displays a grid divided into rows and columns, the grid divided into sub-units and each sub-unit containing a plurality of cells that each display a unique indicia; and a second display having a plurality of indicators arranged thereon that are associated with the first display so that selection of one of the unique indicia from the first display will generate a display of one of the plurality of indicators on the second display.

In accordance with another embodiment, wherein the first and second displays of the foregoing embodiment each are configured as planar display members with the first display positioned in spaced parallel relationship with the second display so that the unique indicia on the first display are positioned over a respective indicator on the second display.

In accordance with another embodiment, the foregoing includes one or more of a frame for holding the display members and configured to enable removal and replacement of the first and second display members, a plurality of dice, a tool for creating an opening in the first display, and a timer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of a game apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure including a first game member, a second game member, and a third game member;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the first game member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a solution pattern for a puzzle of the first game member of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the third game member of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a game apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a plurality of optional game pieces.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a plurality of game sheets and writing tools;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a game apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure including a playing plane and a solution plane;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the playing plane of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the solution plane of FIG. 8 including a plurality of cells and sub-cells;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a circuit of the respective sub-cells of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12A is a block diagram of a circuit of the respective sub-cells of FIG. 10 including an audible device;

FIG. 12B is a block diagram of a circuit of the respective sub-cells of FIG. 10 including an illumination device;

FIG. 12C is a block diagram of a circuit of the respective sub-cells of FIG. 10 including two illumination devices; and

FIG. 13 is a partial isometric view of a game apparatus according still another embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosed embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with controllers, illumination devices, audible devices, fiber optics, data storage devices and display devices, including but not limited to voltage and/or current regulators, light emitting diodes (LED), piezo speakers, fiber optic pins, integrated and/or removable memory media, and liquid crystal displays (LCD) have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the embodiments.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and claims which follow, the word “comprise” and variations thereof, such as, “comprises” and “comprising” are to be construed in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as “including, but not limited to.”

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure as illustrated in FIG. 1, a game apparatus 10 is provided including a first game member 12, a second game member 14, and a third game member 16. The first game member 12 includes a first surface 18 having indicia thereon forming a first master grid 20. The indicia is formed or provided in a manner known in the art and will not be described in detail herein. Briefly, the indicia can be formed using ink, pre-printed adhesive labels, etching, screen printing, and other known visible indicators. The first master grid 20 includes an equal number N of rows and columns forming a plurality of cells 22. The second game member 14 includes a first plate 24 that can support the first game member 12 on a first surface 26 thereof. The plate 24 also includes a plurality of openings 28 described in more detail below.

The third game member 16 includes a first surface 29 having indicia forming a second master grid 30. The master grid 30 includes an equal number N of rows and columns forming a plurality of cells 32. The first surface 29 of the third game member 16 can be positioned against a second surface 31 of the second game member 14, for example when the second game member 14 rests on the third game member 16.

The game apparatus 10 may include an optional substrate member 34 supporting a second surface 36 of the third game member 16 on a first surface 38 of the substrate member 34, for example when the third game member 16 rests on the substrate member 34. Additionally, or alternatively, the game apparatus 10 may include at least one optional fastening member 40, for example a threaded screw 42 and a wing nut 44 as shown in FIG. 1. The threaded screws 42 may extend through corner apertures 46 and threadedly fasten to the wing nuts 44, securing the game members 12, 14, 16 into a single game unit.

The game members 12, 14, 16 can also be secured using other methods such as, but not limited to, adhesives between the mating surfaces, at least one clamp, joint welds in embodiments in which the members 12, 14,16 are weldable, hook and loop fasteners mounted on the mating surfaces, or any other fastening or securing mechanism, device, or method capable of securing the game members 12, 14, 16 in a manner that preferably allows disassembly.

Additionally, or alternatively, the game apparatus 10 may include an optional cover member 35 having a plurality of openings 37 alignable with the plurality of openings 28 in the plate 24, and at least one corner aperture 46 through which the threaded screw 42 may extend to fasten to the wing nut 44. A first surface 39 of the cover member 35 may rest on the first surface 18 of the first game member 12, for example when the game apparatus 10 is assembled.

Referring to FIG. 2, the cells 22 of the first game member 12 include at least one, and in this case a plurality of, indicia 48 that can be a symbol, a letter, a number, or any other indicia that is distinctly identifiable. Here, the indicia are single digit integers or whole numbers ranging from 1 through 9. The cells 22 are grouped by grid lines 50 into sub-grids 52 of cells 22, such that each sub-grid 52 includes an equal number M of rows and columns, respectively, equal to a square-root of the number N of columns or rows of the master grid 20. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, groups of nine cells 22 form sub-grids 52 of three rows and three columns. The first surface 18 of the first game member 12 having master grid 20 forms a playing area such as a puzzle surface for players to manipulate and solve the puzzle.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 a solution of the puzzle can be a solution pattern 54 of solution indicia 56, such as, but not limited to numbers, with a solution indicia 56 assigned to each respective cell 22. Rules of play include a provision that the quantity of distinct solution indicia 56 is equal to the number N of rows or columns of the master grid 20. The rules further include that each distinct solution indicia 56 may appear only once in each sub-grid 52 and in each row and column of the master grid 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the numeric indicia 48 in at least one of the cells 22 may display the corresponding solution indicia 56 that is assigned to that cell 22 in the solution pattern 54 (FIG. 3). The displayed solution indicia 56 in the master grid 20 of the first game member 12 provide clues to at least one player to use and develop the remaining solution indicia 56 in the remaining cells 22. The remaining cells 22 that do not display the corresponding solution indicia 56 are further divided into a number N of cells or sub-cells 58 equal to the number N of rows or columns in the master grid 20. These remaining cells 22 display all the possible solution indicia 56 in sub-cells 58, respectively, such that each sub-cell 58 includes a distinct indicia 60.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, there are nine rows and nine columns in the master grid 20 and the solution indicia 56 are whole numbers. Therefore, the solution indicia 56 range from a first number, 1, to a second number, 9, preferably displayed in Arabic numerals. Each cell 22 that does not display the corresponding solution indicia 56 from the solution pattern 54 (FIG. 3), is divided into nine sub-cells 58, each including a distinct indicia 60 from the group of solution indicia 56, which range from the number, 1, to the number, 9, as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The indicia 60 in the sub-cells 58 allow a player to visually compare the displayed solution indicia 56 provided as clues and eliminate these indicia or numbers from the list of available solution indicia 60 included in the sub-cells 58. Therefore, the player can develop the solution indicia 56 for each cell 22 by a process of elimination.

For example in FIG. 2, a second row 62 displays numbers 6, 5 and 7 as given solution indicia 56 in respective cells 22. Further, a first column 64 displays numbers 1 and 6 as the solution indicia 56 in respective cells 22. Therefore, if a player is trying to determine the solution indicia 56 corresponding to a cell 66 formed by the intersection of the second row 62 and the first column 64, that player can eliminate the numbers 1, 5, 6, and 7 from the potential solution numbers 60 in the corresponding sub-grids 58 of the cell 66.

Furthermore, a sub-grid 68 to which the cell 66 belongs displays the numbers 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 as the given solution indicia 56 in the respective cells 22. Therefore, the player can also eliminate an additional number, 4, from the potential solution numbers 60 in the cell 66 because the rules of play include that each distinct solution indicia 56 may appear only once in a sub-grid 52, 68. Therefore, the player can narrow his choice for the solution indicia 56 assigned to the cell 66, from nine possible numbers 60 to four possible numbers 60, namely, the numbers 2, 3, 8, and 9.

In FIG. 4, the third game member 16 includes a master grid 30 having cells 32 defined by grid lines 71 that are grouped into larger sub-grids 72 by grid lines 70. Each cell 32 is divided by vertical grid lines 73 and horizontal grid lines 75 into sub-cells 78. Each sub-grid 72 includes an equal number M of columns and rows, respectively, equal to a square root of the number N of the columns or rows of the master grid 30. In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4, the cells 32 are grouped by grid lines 70 into groups of nine cells 32, forming the sub-grids 72 of three rows and three columns. Each sub cell 78 includes either first indicia 80 or second indicia 82. The first indicia 80 indicates a correct selection while the second indicia 82 indicates an incorrect selection.

Referring back to FIG. 1, the game apparatus 10 may further include at least one tool 74 for selecting the sub-cells 58 of the first game member 12 corresponding to an indicia 60 such as, but not limited to, a numeric indicia, which the current player selects as the solution indicia 56 assigned to the corresponding cell 22 in the solution pattern 54 (FIG. 3). The first game member 12 can be fabricated from a penetrable or puncturable material such as paper, cardboard, plastic, composites, any combination thereof, or any of these materials or any combination thereof that is perforated, or any other material or configuration that allows a player to puncture or penetrate the first game member 12 through the sub-cells 58. Puncturing can be accomplished with an appropriate tool, such as a pencil, pen, paper clip, stylus, or other sharp object.

Furthermore, the cover member 35 and the second game member 14 can be fabricated from transparent or translucent material such as glass, plastic, crystal, acrylic, silicone, or any other transparent or translucent material. Therefore, the cover member 35 does not conceal the first game member 12. Similarly, the second game member 14 does not conceal the third game member 16. Upon assembly of the game apparatus 10, the plurality of openings in the cover member 35 are substantially aligned with the sub-cells 58 of the first game member 12, the plurality of openings 28 in the plate 24 of the second game member 14, and the sub-cells 78 of the third game member 16.

The tool 74 can be configured to project through the cover member 35 and puncture the first game member 12, and to extend at least partially through the second game member 14. Therefore, the current player selects a sub-cell 58 of the first game member 12 by inserting the tool 74 through an opening 37 aligned with an indicia 60 in a sub-cell 58 of the first game member 12, the player selecting the indicia 60 to be the solution indicia 56 for the corresponding cell 22. Upon inserting the tool 74 through the opening 37 of the cover member 35, the tool 74 punctures the corresponding sub-cell 58 of the first game member 12 and proceeds through the corresponding opening 28 of the second game member 14. Upon removing the tool 74, the underlying indicia 80, 82 of the corresponding sub-cell 78 of the third game member 16 can be viewed through the punctured opening.

Revealing of the first indicia 80 of the third game member 16 indicates that the current player has made a correct selection and that player receives points and repeats the above process to speculate the solution indicia 56 of the solution pattern 54 illustrated in FIG. 3 for another cell 22 of the first playing member 12. Revealing of the second indicia 82 of the third game member 16 indicates that the current player has made an incorrect selection and another player takes a turn at speculating the solution indicia 56 of the solution pattern 54 illustrated in FIG. 3 for any cell 22 of the first game member 12. In the case of a solitaire game, the player continues speculating about which indicia 60 is the solution indicia 56 for the respective cells 22 to solve the rest of the puzzle.

Therefore, the game apparatus 10 eliminates clutter on the playing area that is common when playing existing number puzzles and/or games. The apparatus 10 further provides clear visual indications, showing which cells 22 remain to be solved and which sub-cell indicia 60 remain as choices for the solution indicia 56 for the respective cells 22. Additionally, the apparatus 10 does not limit the number of players while still accommodating a player to play a solitaire game.

Upon developing the solution pattern 54 of the puzzle of the first game member 12, a new puzzle or game may be played by removing the first and the third game members 12, 16 and replacing them with new game members 12, 16 that include a new puzzle and a new pattern of correctness indicia, respectively.

It will be understood that other embodiments of the present invention may or may not include all of the above components, or may include additional components. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, a game apparatus 90 can preclude the fastening member 40, the substrate member 34, and the cover member 35. Here, the game apparatus 90 includes a housing 92 having a first surface 94 defining a hollow interior. At least the first surface 94 of the housing 92 includes a plurality of openings 96 that open into the hollow interior, and the housing is fabricated from a transparent material such as glass, plastic, crystal, acrylic, silicone, or any other transparent or translucent material. The housing 92 has a plurality of slots 98 on a side of the housing 92 that also communicate with the hollow interior. The slots 98 are adapted to slidably receive the first, second, and third game members 12, 14, 16 into the interior of the housing 92.

In such an embodiment, players may use the tool 74 and rules of play as described above to develop the solution pattern 54 (FIG. 3). Upon completing the solution pattern 54, a new game may commence after slidably removing the first and third game members 12, 16 and replacing them with new game members 12, 16 bearing new numeric or symbolic indicia 48 of the first game member 12 and correctness indicia 80, 82 of the third game member 16, respectively.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the game apparatus 10, 90 may further include optional game pieces such as cubes 100 having indicia 102 substantially identical to the numbers or symbols included in the solution pattern 54 (FIG. 3). After a player makes a correct selection, the game piece 100 bearing indicia 102 corresponding to the solution indicia 56 for the respective cell 22 is positioned on that cell 22 with indicia 102 facing up. The game pieces 100 make it easier for players to identify the cells 22 for which the correct solution indicia 56 has been selected and to use these numbers as additional clues to develop the solution indicia 56 for the remaining cells 22.

As shown in FIG. 7, the game apparatus 10, 90 may also include a plurality of optional writing tools 106 and game sheets 104 having indicia substantially similar to the indicia on the first surface 18 of the first game member 12, including the master grid 20, indicia 48, given solution indicia or symbols 56, and potential solution indicia or symbols 60. The game sheets 104 are generally smaller than the first game member 12 and at least one game sheet 104 is provided for each player to monitor the progress of a game and plan future selections.

In an electronic embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in FIG. 8, a game apparatus 200 is provided that includes a playing plane 202 and a solution plane 204. The playing plane 202 includes a master grid 206. As illustrated in FIG. 9, the master grid 206 includes an equal number N of rows and columns and is divided by grid lines 208 into sub-grids 210 of an equal number M of rows and columns equal to a square-root of the number N of rows or columns of the master grid 206. The rows and columns of the master grid 206 form cells 212. Some of the cells 212 include indicia 214, such as but not limited to numeric indicia, indicating the solution indicia 56 of the solution pattern 54 corresponding to the respective cells 212. Similar to the embodiments above, the given solution indicia 214 provide clues for players to develop the rest of the cells 212.

The cells 212 that do not include a solution indicia 214 in the playing plane 202 are further divided into a number N of cells or sub-cells 216 equal to the number of rows or columns of the master grid 206. The sub-cells 216, each include a distinct indicia 218, such as, but not limited to, a numeric indicia, such that as a group, the indicia 218 represent all the possible choices for the solution indicia 56 assigned to the corresponding cell 212 in the solution pattern 54 (FIG. 3).

As illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the playing plane 202 further includes a display device 220 such as, but not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD). The display device 220 can display the numeric indicia 214 and the possible solution numbers 218. This information may be obtained from pre-programmed puzzle templates in a storage device 222 housed in a substrate member 224. In other embodiments, the storage device 222 may be externally located with respect to the game apparatus 200 (not shown).

Additionally, or alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 8 the game apparatus 200 may include at least one port 226 for receiving at least one data storage medium 228 such as, but not limited to, compact disks, floppy disks, flash memory devices, DVDs, or any other removable memory device capable of storing data. The port 226 electrically couples the data storage medium 228 to the game apparatus 200. Upon completing a game, players may load a new game from the storage device 222 or the storage medium 228, displaying a new pattern of given solution indicia 214 and possible solution indicia 218 in the respective cells 212.

Similar to the mechanical embodiments of the present disclosure, the players take turns speculating about the correct solution indicia 56 of the solution pattern 54 corresponding to the respective cells 212. As illustrated in FIG. 10, in the underlying solution plane 204, each sub-cell 216 can be electrically coupled to a circuit 230 (FIG. 11) to generate a first signal 232 or a second signal 234 in response to a selection by a player, the first signal 232 indicating a correct selection and the second signal 234 indicating an incorrect selection. As shown in FIG. 11, the circuit 230 includes a power-producing device 236 and a signal-producing device 238. The power-producing device 236 can be portable such as replaceable or rechargeable batteries, including lithium polymer batteries, solar energy panels, fuel cell modules, or any other source of energy that is portable. Examples of stationary power-producing devices 236 or energy sources include power outlets, stationary batteries, generators, or any other source of energy that is not portable.

The signal-producing device 238 can include an audible device 240 such as a piezo speaker as illustrated in FIG. 12A. A solution program retrieved from at least one of the storage devices 222, 228 of the substrate member 224 can configure the circuit 230 such that the voltage supplied to the audible device 240 depends on whether a player has made a correct or an incorrect selection with respect to the solution indicia 56 of the solution pattern 54 assigned to the respective dells 212. Therefore, the audible device 240 can produce a distinct sound corresponding to the first signal 232, different from a sound that the audible device 240 can produce corresponding to the second signal 234 of the solution plane 204.

Additionally or alternatively, the signal-producing device 238 of the circuit 230 may include an illumination device 242 such as at least one light emitting diode (LED) as illustrated in FIG. 12B. A solution program retrieved from at least one of the storage devices and/or media 222, 228 of the substrate member 224 can configure the circuit 230 such that the voltage supplied to the illumination device 242 depends on whether a player has made a correct or an incorrect selection with respect to the solution indicia 56 of the solution pattern 54 assigned to the respective cells 212. Therefore, the illumination device 242 can produce an illumination of a first intensity corresponding to the first signal 232, different from an illumination of a second intensity corresponding to the second signal 234 of the solution plane 204.

In another embodiment, the signal-producing device 238 of the circuit 230 may include a first illumination device 242 and a second illumination device 244 as illustrated in FIG. 12C. A solution program retrieved from at least one of the storage devices 222, 228 of the substrate member 224 can configure the circuit 230 to alternatively illuminate one of the illumination devices 242, 244 depending on whether a player has made a correct or an incorrect selection with respect to the solution indicia 56 assigned to the respective cells 212 in the solution pattern 54. The illumination devices 242, 244 may exhibit distinct colors such as green and red, corresponding to the first signal 232 and the second signal 234, respectively. Therefore, when a player correctly selects a sub-cell 216 of the playing plane 202, the first illumination device 242 illuminates, exhibiting the first signal 232 such as the color green, and alerting the players that a correct selection has been made.

Upon making a correct selection, the game piece 100 illustrated in FIG. 6 and bearing indicia 102 corresponding to the solution indicia 56 for the respective cell 212, may be placed on that cell 212. The game pieces 100 make it easier for players to identify the cells 212 for which the correct solution indicia 56 has been selected and to use these numbers as additional clues to develop the solution indicia 56 for the remaining cells 212.

Additionally or alternatively, the circuit 230 depicted in FIG. 12C may be configured to maintain the illumination device 242, 244 in a luminous state when a correct selection has been made. Therefore, the corresponding sub-cell 216 of the playing plane 202 exhibiting the correct solution indicia 56 will remain in a luminous state to make it easier for players to identify the cells 212 for which the correct solution indicia 56 has been selected and to use these indicia or numbers as additional clues to develop the solution indicia 56 for the remaining cells 212.

In yet another embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 13, the sub-cells 216 of the playing plane 202 may include apertures 246, adapted to receive a tool 248 that is capable of communicating the first signal 232 or the second signal 234 of the solution plane 204 corresponding to a correct or an incorrect selection, respectively. In one embodiment, the tool 248 can be a fiber optic pin configured to reflect an illumination from an external surface 250 of the tool 248. In another embodiment, the tool 248 can include a magnifying device such as a magnifying glass at the external surface 250 of the tool 248, visually communicating a signal substantially the same as the signal on the underlying solution layer 204, which is produced as described above.

Additionally, or alternatively, the tool 248 may be fabricated from an electrically conductive material such that it closes the circuit 230 of FIG. 12 to produce the first signal 232 when a correct selection is made or the second signal 234 when an incorrect selection is made. As described above, a solution program stored in at least one of the data storage devices 222, 228 configures the circuit 230 to produce the appropriate signal 232, 234 depending on whether the selected solution indicia 218 included in the corresponding sub-cell 216 is the solution indicia 56 corresponding to the respective cell 212. One example of the details of how a tool similar to the tool 248 may operate in its different embodiments is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,121,926.

Additionally, or alternatively, well-known auto-sensory mechanism may be incorporated in electronic embodiments of the present invention so that a player can play the puzzle against a computer or with the aid of a computer giving the player hints by narrowing the possible solution numbers 218 to less than nine numbers per each cell 212.

In yet another embodiment an electrically conductive stylus can be used to insert in the opening to complete a circuit upon selection of the correct indicia, which will cause a noticeable indication to the user, such as visible, aural, or tactile indication. This version may be battery powered or use conventional house current through a transformer.

In accordance with another embodiment, a game is provided that includes a first display that displays a grid divided into rows and columns, the grid divided into sub-units and each sub-unit containing a plurality of cells that each display a unique indicia; and a second display having a plurality of indicators arranged thereon that are associated with the first display so that selection of one of the unique indicia from the first display will generate a display of one of the plurality of indicators on the second display.

The first and second displays can each be configured as planar display members with the first display positioned in spaced parallel relationship with the second display so that the unique indicia on the first display are positioned over a respective indicator on the second display

The foregoing embodiments can include one or more of a frame for holding the display members and configured to enable removal and replacement of the first and second display members; a plurality of dice; a tool for creating an opening in the first display; and a timer.

All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims and the equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An apparatus for playing a board game, comprising: a playing plane having a master grid with a plurality of cells formed in columns and rows, the master grid subdivided into sub-grids, each sub-grid having a number of cells equal to the number of columns in the master grid, each cell divided into a number of sub-cells equal to the number of columns in the master grid, and each sub-cell assigned a distinct indicia, the total number of distinct indicia equal to the number of columns in the master grid; anda solution plane having a plurality of cells corresponding to respective cells of the playing plane and positioned adjacent the playing plane with the cells in the playing plane aligned with the cells in the solution plane, the solution plane configured to provide an indication of correctness of a user-proposed solution.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a number of columns of the master grid is equal to a number of rows of the master grid.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: each cell of the solution plane is divided into a plurality of sub-cells corresponding to respective sub-cells of the playing plane, each sub-cell associated with a circuit to generate a selection signal comprising one of a first and a second signal, the first signal indicating a correct selection and the second signal indicating an incorrect selection.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein each cell of the solution plane comprises one sub-cell associated with a circuit to generate the first signal, the sub-cell corresponding to a playing plane sub-cell indicia that is a solution indicia for the corresponding cell, each solution indicia occurring once in each sub-grid, row and column of the master grid.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: at least one plate having a plurality of apertures, respectively corresponding to the sub-cells of the playing plane and the solution plane;a plurality of selection pieces insertable in the apertures of the at least one plate; andmounting means for stackably mounting the at least one plate, the playing plane, and the solution plane, wherein a surface of the playing plane is contiguous to a surface of the at least one plate, and the solution plane is revealably concealed by at least the playing plane.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of game pieces positionable on the respective cells of the playing plane, wherein the game pieces are respectively marked with distinct indicia substantially similar to the indicia of the solution plane and indicate the corresponding revealed cell solution indicia.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the selection pieces include means for relaying the first and second signals.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the selection pieces include at least one fiber optic device.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the selection pieces include at least one magnifying device.

10. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising an audible device and wherein the first and second signals are audible sounds produced by the audible device in response to one or both of the first and second signals.

11. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising at least one illumination device and wherein the first and second signals generate illuminations of a first and a second color, respectively, on the illumination device.

12. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising at least one illumination device and wherein the first and second signals generate illuminations of a first and a second intensity, respectively, on the illumination device.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distinct indicia comprise numeric indicia.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a data storage device.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one removable memory media and at least one port operable to electrically couple the removable memory media to the apparatus for playing a board game.

16. A method of game play for one or more players, that is played with a game apparatus having predetermined solution indicia corresponding to a cell on a playing plane having a master grid with a plurality of cells formed by an equal number of columns and rows, wherein the master grid is subdivided into sub-grids, each sub-grid having a number of cells equal to the number of columns in the master grid, each cell divided into a number of sub-cells equal to the number of columns in the master grid, and each sub-cell assigned a distinct indicia, the total number of distinct indicia equal to the number of columns in the master grid, wherein one sub-cell per cell is assigned the indicia that is the assigned solution indicia for the corresponding cell and each solution indicia occurs once in each sub-grid, row and column of the master grid, the method comprising: selecting a sub-cell on the playing plane;revealing an indicia on a solution plane having a plurality of sub-cells, respectively corresponding to the selected sub-cell of the playing plane;placing a game piece on the cell of the playing plane corresponding to the selected sub-cell, wherein the corresponding sub-cell on the solution plane exhibits a positive indication and the game piece exhibits the indicia assigned to the selected sub-cell;selecting subsequent sub-cells on the playing plane until a negative indication is revealed, triggering a subsequent player to select a sub-cell on the playing plane; andtallying points received during play for each player as selection of sub-cells associated with the solution indicia assigned to the corresponding cell takes place, wherein the player with the highest points is the winner.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the distinct indicia include distinct numeric indicia.

18. A game apparatus, comprising: a first game member having indicia formed on a surface thereof, the indicia forming a master grid having rows and columns that form a plurality of cells, each cell having at least one numeric indicia formed thereon;a second game member comprising a first plate adapted to support the first game member on a first surface of the second game member, the first plate having a plurality of openings formed therein, each opening formed in alignment with a respective cell on the first game member; anda third game member having a first surface positioned against a second surface of the second game member and comprising first indicia indicating an incorrect selection and second indicia indicating a correct selection, each of the first and second indicia positioned in alignment with a respective cell of the first game member.

19. The game apparatus of claim 18, wherein the plurality of cells of the first game member are arranged in groups.

20. The game apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a tool for selecting a cell, the tool having a size and shape to be received in the plurality of openings in the second game member, revealing one of the first and the second indicia of the third game member.

21. The game apparatus of claim 18, further comprising a substrate member positioned against a second surface of the third game member and fabricated from a transparent material.

22. The game apparatus of claim 21, further comprising fastening means for securing the first, second and third game members to the substrate member.

23. The game apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a cover member having a surface at least partially contiguous to a surface of the first game member and fabricated from a transparent material.

24. The game apparatus of claim 18, wherein the first game member is fabricated from a puncturable material.

25. A method of playing a game for one or more players, the game having a game apparatus that includes a first game member having indicia formed on a surface thereof, the indicia forming a master grid having rows and columns that form a plurality of cells, each cell having at least one numeric indicia formed thereon, a second game member comprising a first plate adapted to support the first game member on a first surface of the second game member, the first plate having a plurality of openings formed therein, each opening formed in alignment with a respective cell on the first game member, and a third game member positioned against a second surface of the second game member and comprising first indicia indicating an incorrect selection and second indicia indicating a correct selection, each of the first and second indicia positioned in alignment with a respective cell of the first game member, the method comprising: selecting a cell on the first game member and determining a correctness of the selected cell.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising selecting a cell by inserting a tool through the first game member and into an opening in the second game member corresponding to the selected cell to reveal to the player the corresponding indicia of correctness on the third game member.

27. A game, comprising: a first display that displays a grid divided into rows and columns, the grid divided into sub-units and each sub-unit containing a plurality of cells that each display a unique indicia; anda second display having a plurality of indicators arranged thereon that are associated with the first display so that selection of one of the unique indicia from the first display will generate a display of one of the plurality of indicators on the second display.

28. The game of claim 27, wherein the first and second displays each comprise planar display members with the first display positioned in spaced parallel relationship with the second display so that the unique indicia on the first display are positioned over a respective indicator on the second display.

29. The game of claim 28, comprising a frame for holding the display members and configured to enable removal and replacement of the first and second display members.

30. The game of claim 29, comprising a plurality of die having indicia thereon.

31. The game of claim 29, comprising at least one tool, and wherein the first display is adapted to allow the at least one tool to create an opening there-through to enable viewing of the respective indicator on the second display.

32. The game of claim 31 comprising one of a visible and audible indication of correctness of a selection made by the tool creating the opening in the first display.

33. The game of claim 31, comprising a timer adapted to provide an alarm after a period of time.