BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to puzzles and more particularly to three dimensional puzzles.
2. Description of the Related Art
Puzzle and puzzle games have, throughout history, long entertained children and adults, challenging players to solve puzzles in one dimension or with one set of problem solving skills. Puzzles challenge the player's ingenuity in order to complete the puzzle. Three dimensional puzzles allow players to learn about a location portrayed in the puzzle by exploring the depth and dimension of the three dimensional pieces. Three dimensional puzzles also allow players to interact with the scene portrayed by the puzzle. For example, when a three dimensional puzzle portrays a real world location, a player may learn where various landmarks and points of interest are located by assembling the three dimensional puzzle.
However, conventional three dimensional puzzles do not allow a player to further interact with them after the puzzle has been built. Conventional three dimensional puzzles do not include moving objects or pieces, interactive features and/or sensors. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,485,496, 4,937,181, 6,761,354, and 7,441,776, U.S. Patent Pub. Nos. 2002/0140168, 2005/0253336, 2008/0303212, 2009/0026701, 2010/0320686, 2011/0127718, as well as European Patent Nos. EP726798 and EP760705, all disclose three dimensional puzzles, but they do not show that these puzzles have moving features. U.S. Pat. No. 3,558,136 discloses “representations of oil tanks” that are cardboard stationary pieces that may be placed on a two dimensional puzzle, but does not disclose that these pieces can move on their own.
There is a need for three dimensional puzzles that allow a player to interact with moving pieces after the three dimensional puzzle has been assembled. Additionally, there is a need for a three dimensional puzzle that allows a player to play additional games within the puzzle after the puzzle has been assembled. There also is a need for a three dimensional puzzle that allows a player to connect with other devices, such as a smartphone, television, and/or computer.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the above discussion and the shortcomings in the prior art, various embodiments of the invention seek to overcome such shortcomings of the prior art by providing a three dimensional puzzle with interactive feature.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a novel puzzle-kit for assembling into a three-dimensional puzzle representing a geographic region, location, or locale is disclosed. The three-dimensional puzzle of the puzzle kit includes a plurality of pieces that may each represent a section of a geographic region. The puzzle kit may include at least one movable element. One or more of the puzzle pieces may have a specialized region that is adapted for the movement of the at least one movable element.
In some embodiments, the puzzle pieces may include lenticular images and/or three dimensional images. In some embodiments the puzzle kit may include a fit-in board with a plurality of slots for fitting in the plurality of puzzle pieces. In some embodiments, the puzzle pieces may have at least one male or female tab, wherein the female slots of the puzzle pieces are inter-lockable with the male tabs of the puzzle pieces. In some embodiments, one or more of the puzzle pieces may include sections of a maze. In some embodiments, one or more of the puzzle pieces may include sections of a labyrinth. In some embodiments, one or more of the puzzle pieces may include sections of a tangram. In some embodiments, one or more of the puzzle pieces may include sections of a transport puzzle that includes a plurality of tracks adapted for allowing the movement of the at least one movable element.
In some embodiments, the movable elements may be movable by battery operation or winding up action. In some embodiments, the movable elements may be remote-controlled. In some embodiments, the movable elements may have regions capable of magnetic attraction and the puzzle pieces may also have regions including magnetic tracks for placing the movable elements thereon. In some embodiments the movable elements may be a vehicle, vessel, human, animal, insect, airplane, helicopter, flying balloon, or imaginary creature. In some embodiments the movable elements and/or the puzzle pieces may be partially opened.
In some embodiments, the puzzle kit may further include a sensor capable of sensing contact to a portion of a puzzle piece and capable of activating at least one of a light, sound, or vibration upon sensing the contact. The sensor may be a standalone module or part of the puzzle pieces. In some embodiments, the puzzle kit may further include a sub puzzle game located within, on, or part of at least one of the puzzle pieces.
In some embodiments, the puzzle kit may include at least one puzzle piece that has an encoded image. The encoded image provides information regarding the geographic region of the three dimensional puzzle via a display device when the encoded imaged is scanned by a scanning device electrically connected to the display device.
The present invention allows players to construct a three dimensional puzzle and then continue playing with the three dimensional puzzle's interactive features (e.g., moving objects or pieces, sensors, three dimensional printed images) or sub-puzzles (e.g., mazes, labyrinths, sokoban, Paganitzu, transport). By multiplying the challenges a player may face within a puzzle, the player's problem solving abilities and skills may be increased. The present invention may allow players to develop geographic, geometric and mathematic knowledge, cognitive skills, motor skills and problem solving skills.
It should be noted that although the description herein describes a three dimensional puzzle as portraying a real world geographical location, it can be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that certain aspects of the present invention can be used for any type of three dimensional puzzles, including three dimensional puzzles that portray real-world or imaginary objects and three dimensional puzzles that portray geographic locations or non-geographic locations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Certain embodiments of the present invention will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings wherein like reference numerals refer to like components. For the purposes of illustrating the present application, there is shown in the drawings preferred embodiments. It should be understood and appreciated, however, that the application is not limited to the precise arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, aspects, and devices shown, and the arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, aspects and devices shown and may be used singularly or in combination with other arrangements, structures, features, embodiments, aspects and devices.
The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale and are not in any way intended to limit the scope of this invention, but merely to clarify a single illustrated embodiment of the invention. In the drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a three dimensional puzzle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the three dimensional puzzle shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of part of the three dimensional puzzle shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the three dimensional puzzle shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a puzzle piece of the three dimensional puzzle shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of the puzzle piece shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another puzzle piece of the three dimensional puzzle shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the puzzle piece shown in FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a close up perspective view of a moving object of the three dimensional puzzle shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 10 is an exploded top view of a three dimensional puzzle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a top view of the three dimensional puzzle shown in FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is an exploded bottom view of the three dimensional puzzle shown in FIG. 10;
FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the three dimensional puzzle shown in FIG. 10
FIG. 14 is a close up view of the puzzle pieces and moving objects of the three dimensional puzzle shown in FIG. 10;
FIG. 15 is a top view of a three dimensional puzzle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 16 is an exploded top view of the three dimensional puzzle shown in FIG. 15;
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a three dimensional puzzle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a three dimensional puzzle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 19 is a close up view of the three dimensional puzzle shown in FIG. 18;
FIG. 20A is a perspective view of a three dimensional puzzle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 20B is a top view of the three dimensional puzzle shown in FIG. 20A;
FIG. 21 is a top view of a three dimensional puzzle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 22 is a top view of a three dimensional puzzle according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 23 is a top view of a three dimensional puzzle according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a three dimensional puzzle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a puzzle piece according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Certain exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the aforementioned figures. In general, such embodiments relate to a three dimensional puzzle, although as one of ordinary skill in the art can appreciate, certain embodiments of the present invention can be utilized in connection with various other puzzles, games or the like. Embodiments of a three dimensional puzzle according to the present invention are described below. These embodiments are provided for the purpose only of illustrating principles of the present invention, and should not be interpreted as limiting the invention in any way beyond the scope of the claims and their equivalents.
An embodiment of a three dimensional puzzle 1 is illustrated in FIGS. 1-9. The three dimensional puzzle 1 preferably includes a plurality of puzzle pieces that are interconnected to form the three dimensional puzzle 1, at least one moving object 2, at least one path 3, at least one sensor 4, and at least one sensor reacting element or piece 5. The three dimensional puzzle 1 preferably portrays a real geographic location, allowing users to learn more about the location while constructing the puzzle. The puzzle pieces may be comprised of any type of material. For example, the puzzle pieces may comprise of plastic, wood, paper, metal, and/or other material that one of ordinary skill in the art would use to construct a puzzle. The puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 1 preferably represent geographic regions, neighborhoods, and/or landmarks of a real geographic location. The three dimensional puzzle 1 may be part of a puzzle kit that includes the individual puzzle pieces, moving objects, fit-in boards, and other parts of the three dimensional puzzle 1 that may be required for assembling the three dimensional puzzle 1.
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the three dimensional puzzle 1 may be constructed by inserting the plurality of puzzle pieces into a fit-in board 7. The fit-in board 7 preferably includes a plurality of unique slots for inserting puzzle pieces to form the three dimensional puzzle 1. For example, puzzle piece 10 may be insertable in one unique slot of the fit-in board 7, while puzzle piece 20 may be insertable in another unique slot of the fit-in board 7. A player may place the puzzle pieces 10 and 20 as shown in FIG. 3 in order to create the three dimensional puzzle 1. Alternatively, the slots in the fit-in board 7 may be non-unique, such that multiple puzzle pieces may fit-in one of the slots of the fit-in board 7. With reference to FIGS. 2-8, the puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 1 may represent geographical regions or neighborhoods, e.g., puzzle pieces 10, 20, and 30, or may represent buildings, e.g., puzzle piece 40. The puzzle pieces 10, 20, 30, and 40 represent small scale real geographic locations, allowing a player to learn about the geographical location. The puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 1 may include movable and/or removable pieces. For example, the puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 1 may include drawers, doors, or windows that may be opened. In some embodiments, these features may be “secret” such that a user has to discover where and how to open these features. The puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 1 may also include in part or in whole lenticular printing that creates the perception of depth when a viewer views the lenticular printed objects. The puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 1 may also include in part or in whole three dimensional printing that allow a user wearing three dimensional glasses to view a two dimensionally printed figure on the puzzle.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the three dimensional puzzle 1 also preferably includes at least one moving object 2 that may be disposed to move along the three dimensional puzzle 1 on the path 3. For example, the moving object 2 may be a car. Alternatively, the moving object 2 may be a vehicle, vessel, human, animal, insect, airplane, helicopter, flying balloon, mythological creatures, robotic creatures, or imaginary creatures. The moving object 2 may be battery operated or may be wound up by a user to initiate its movement. Alternatively, or in addition to, the moving object 2 may also be controlled by a remote control. The moving object 2 may include movable and/or removable pieces. For example, the moving object 2 may include drawers, doors, or windows that may be opened. In some embodiments, these features may be “secret” such that a user has to discover where and how to open these features. The moving object 2 may be capable of a variety of movement, including driving, jumping, vibrating, driving, dancing, flying, running, playing, and/or climbing. The moving object 2 may also include in part or in whole lenticular printing that creates the perception of depth when a viewer views the lenticular printed objects. The moving object 2 may also include in part or in whole three dimensional printing that allow a user wearing three dimensional glasses to view a two dimensionally printed figure on the moving object 2.
With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the moving object 2 may be capable of moving about the puzzle on the path 3 that borders the perimeter of the puzzle. Alternatively, or in addition to, with reference to FIG. 9, the moving object 2 may be capable of moving about a path that is located in between the pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 1. The path 3 and other paths in the three dimensional puzzle 1 may be sized for accommodating the moving object 2. The path 3 and other paths in the three dimensional puzzle 1 may also be outfitted for accommodating the moving object 2. For example, the path 3 and other paths in the three dimensional puzzle 1 may be recessed to particularly accommodate the wheels and/or shape of the moving object 2. Alternatively, or in addition to, the path 3 and other paths in the three dimensional puzzle 1 may be magnetic as to attract the moving object 2. The moving objects may follow any path in the three dimensional puzzle 1. For example, the moving objects may follow a path that is designed between the puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 1. Alternatively, the moving objects may follow a path that traverses upwards on a puzzle pieces following the y axis shown in FIG. 1
With reference to FIG. 1, the sensor 4 may be activated by touch or motion and, upon activation, may trigger the sensor reacting element 5. The sensor 4 may be placed in any location of the three dimensional puzzle 1, such as the top of a puzzle piece, or along a travel path of the moving object 2. The sensor reacting element 5 may react with sound, light, and/or vibration when the sensor 4 is activated.
An embodiment of a three dimensional puzzle 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 10-14. The three dimensional puzzle 100 preferably includes a plurality of puzzle pieces that are interconnected to form the three dimensional puzzle 100. The three dimensional puzzle 100 preferably includes a plurality of puzzle pieces, e.g., puzzle pieces 101, 102, and 103. The three dimensional puzzle 100 preferably portrays a real geographic location, allowing users to learn more about the location while constructing the puzzle. The puzzle pieces may be comprised of any type of material. For example, the puzzle pieces may comprise of plastic, wood, paper, metal, and/or other material that one of ordinary skill in the art would use to construct a puzzle. The puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 100 preferably represent geographic regions, neighborhoods, and/or landmarks of a real geographic location. The three dimensional puzzle also preferably includes at least one moving object 120, at least one path, at least one sensor, and at least one sensor reacting element.
As shown in FIGS. 10-13, the puzzle pieces 101, 102, and 103 each have a male and female element that are preferably uniquely shaped such that each male element may fit in only one of the female elements of the other puzzle pieces. For example, the puzzle piece 101 has two male elements that are uniquely shaped to fit in the female elements of the puzzle pieces 102 and 103. The puzzle pieces 101, 102, and 103 represent small scale real geographic locations, allowing a player to learn about the geographical location. The puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 100 may include movable and/or removable pieces. For example, the puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 100 may include drawers, doors, or windows that may be opened. In some embodiments, these features may be “secret” such that a user has to discover where and how to open these features. The puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 100 may also include in part or in whole lenticular printing that creates the perception of depth when a viewer views the lenticular printed objects. The puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 100 may also include in part or in whole three dimensional printing that allow a user wearing three dimensional glasses to view a two dimensionally printed figure on the puzzle.
With reference to FIG. 14, the three dimensional puzzle 100 also preferably includes moving objects 120 and 121 and paths 130 and 131. The moving objects may be a variety of objects as described above with reference to the three dimensional puzzle 1 disposed to move along the puzzle in a variety of paths as described above with reference to the three dimensional puzzle 1.
With reference to FIG. 14, the paths 130 and 131 and other paths in the three dimensional puzzle 100 may be sized for accommodating the moving objects 120 and 121 as described above with reference to the three dimensional puzzle 1. The three dimensional puzzle 100 may also include a sensor as described above with reference to the three dimensional puzzle 1.
FIGS. 15-16 show an embodiment of a three dimensional puzzle 200 that preferably includes a plurality of tangram shaped puzzle pieces a-g that are interconnected to form the three dimensional puzzle 200. The three dimensional puzzle 200 may also include moving objects 220 and 221, paths 230 and 231, at least one sensor 240, and at least one sensor reacting element 241. The three dimensional puzzle 200 preferably portrays a real geographic location, allowing users to learn more about the location while constructing the puzzle. The puzzle pieces may be comprised of any type of material. For example, the puzzle pieces may comprise of plastic, wood, paper, metal, and/or other material that one of ordinary skill in the art would use to construct a puzzle.
As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the three dimensional puzzle 200 may be constructed by a plurality of tangram puzzle pieces, e.g., puzzle pieces a-g. The tangram pieces may be connected in a fit-in arrangement. The tangram puzzle pieces may include pieces that are dual sided, that is pieces may include one side of the puzzle with a three dimensional projection and an opposing side with a flat surface that includes printed three dimensional images which may be viewed using three dimensional glasses. Thus, a player may be able to play the tangram puzzle on either side, depending on which side the pieces are placed. The tangram puzzle may consist of one or more puzzle pieces that are fitted in together to form geometric shapes, allowing a player to learn geography or geometry. For example, the puzzle pieces a-g may be uniquely shaped such that they only fit in a certain configuration to complete the three dimensional puzzle 200. The puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 200 may represent geographical regions or neighborhoods, or small scale real geographic locations, allowing a player to learn about the geographical location. The puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 200 may include movable and/or removable pieces. For example, the puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 200 may include drawers, doors, or windows that may be opened. In some embodiments, these features may be “secret” such that a user has to discover where and how to open these features. The puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 200 may also include in part or in whole lenticular printing that creates the perception of depth when a viewer views the lenticular printed objects. The puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 200 may also include in part or in whole three dimensional printing that allow a user wearing three dimensional glasses to view a two dimensionally printed figure on the puzzle.
With reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the three dimensional puzzle 200 also preferably includes moving objects 220 and 221 that may be disposed to move along the three dimensional puzzle 200 on the paths 230 and 231, respectively. The moving objects may be a variety of objects as described above with reference to the three dimensional puzzle 1 disposed to move along the puzzle in a variety of paths as described above with reference to the three dimensional puzzle 1.
The sensor 240 may be activated by touch or motion and, upon activation, may trigger the sensor reacting element 241, as described above with reference to the three dimensional puzzle 1.
The three dimensional puzzle 200 may further include a maze 250 that may be traversed by the moving objects 220 and 221. The route of maze 250 may be formed by lenticular, three dimensional images, or physical forms. The maze 250 allows players to develop navigation, cognitive, and motor skills. The maze 250 may allow players to construct the maze 250 with three dimensional puzzle pieces, and to navigate the constructed maze with or without three dimensional glasses.
FIG. 17 shows a three dimensional puzzle 300 that preferably includes a plurality of puzzle pieces that are interconnected to form the three dimensional puzzle 300. and a sub puzzle Sokoban game 360 that may be played with crates 362 and balls 361. The Sokoban game 360 may be situated as part of at least one puzzle piece of the three dimensional puzzle 300. The Sokoban game 360 allows a player to further interact and play with the three dimensional puzzle 300 after the three dimensional puzzle 300 has been constructed. The Sokoban game 360 may allow players to develop navigation, cognitive and motor skills. The Sokoban game 360 may be part of a three dimensional piece or may be constructed as a hidden compartment that may be revealed when a player opens a portion of the three dimensional puzzle piece.
FIGS. 18-19 show a three dimensional puzzle 400 that preferably includes a plurality of puzzle pieces that are interconnected to form the three dimensional puzzle 400, and a sub logic game 460 that may be played with a plurality of numbered pieces 461. Alternatively, the pieces 461 may have characters other than numbers, such as letters, pictures, etc. The logic game 460 may be situated as part of at least one puzzle piece of the three dimensional puzzle 400. The logic game 460 allows a player to further interact and play with the three dimensional puzzle 400 after the three dimensional puzzle 400 has been constructed. The logic game 460 may be a variety of logic games, such as, for example, a Gem Puzzle, a Mystic Square puzzle, or other logic puzzle that are known to one skilled in the art. The logic game puzzle 460 may include a plurality of tiles that slide next to one another. The tiles may initially be in a random pattern. Each tile may be slid around in order to organize the characters of the tiles into a predetermined pattern. The tiles may be three dimensional and/or may include three dimensional or lenticular images.
FIGS. 20A and 20B show an embodiment of a three dimensional puzzle 500 that preferably includes a plurality of puzzle pieces that are interconnected to form the three dimensional puzzle 500, and a sub puzzle Paganitzu game 560. The three dimensional puzzle 500 may include moving object 520, which may be a vehicle. The Paganitzu game 560 may be situated as part of at least one puzzle piece of the three dimensional puzzle 500. The Paganitzu game 560 may include moving objects 522 and 521, which may be moved about the Paganitzu game 560 to play the Paganitzu game. The Paganitzu game 560 allows a player to further interact and play with the three dimensional puzzle 500 after the three dimensional puzzle 500 has been constructed. The Paganitzu game 560 may allow players to develop navigation, cognitive and motor skills. The Paganitzu game 560 may be part of a three dimensional piece or may be constructed as a hidden compartment that may be revealed when a player opens a portion of the three dimensional puzzle piece.
FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of a three dimensional puzzle 600 that preferably includes a plurality of puzzle pieces that are interconnected to form the three dimensional puzzle 600, and further includes sub maze games 660, 661, 662 and 663. The three dimensional puzzle 600 may be constructed such that a player may only traverse a maze once a moving object has been placed along the path of that maze. The mazes 660-63 allow a player to further interact and play with the three dimensional puzzle 600 after the three dimensional puzzle 600 has been constructed. The sub maze games 660, 661, 662 and 663 may be constructed within the puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 600. The sub maze games 660, 661, 662 and 663 may include a start and end identifier, allowing a player to know where to begin and end navigation of the maze. The sub maze games 660, 661, 662 and 663 may allow players to develop navigation, cognitive, and motor skills. The sub maze games 660, 661, 662 and 663 may allow players to construct the sub maze games 660, 661, 662 and 663 with three dimensional puzzle pieces, and to navigate the constructed maze with or without three dimensional glasses.
FIG. 22 shows a three dimensional puzzle 700 that preferably includes a plurality of puzzle pieces that are interconnected to form the three dimensional puzzle 700, and further includes a sub maze game 770. The maze game 770 may be situated as part of at least one puzzle piece of the three dimensional puzzle 700. The maze game 770 allows a player to further interact and play with the three dimensional puzzle 700 after the three dimensional puzzle 700 has been constructed. The sub maze game 770 may be constructed within the puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 700. The sub maze game 770 may include a start and end identifier, allowing a player to know where to begin and end navigation of the sub maze game 770. The sub maze game 770 may allow players to develop navigation, cognitive, and motor skills. The sub maze game 770 may allow players the ability to construct the sub maze game 770 with three dimensional puzzle pieces, and to navigate the constructed maze with or without three dimensional glasses.
FIG. 23 shows an embodiment of a three dimensional puzzle 800 that preferably includes a plurality of puzzle pieces that are interconnected to form the three dimensional puzzle 800, and a sub maze game 860 shaped like a labyrinth. The maze game 860 may be situated as part of at least one puzzle piece of the three dimensional puzzle 800. The maze game 860 allows a player to further interact and play with the three dimensional puzzle 800 after the three dimensional puzzle 800 has been constructed. The sub maze game 860 may be constructed within the puzzle pieces of the three dimensional puzzle 860. The sub maze game 860 may include a start and end identifier, allowing a player to know where to begin and end navigation of the sub maze game 860. The sub maze game 860 may allow players to develop navigation, cognitive, and motor skills. The sub maze game 860 may allow players the ability to construct the sub maze game 860 with three dimensional puzzle pieces, and to navigate the constructed maze with or without three dimensional glasses.
FIG. 24 shows an embodiment of a three dimensional puzzle that preferably includes a plurality of puzzle pieces that are interconnected to form the three dimensional puzzle 900, and a sub puzzle transport game 960. The transport game 960 may be situated as part of at least one puzzle piece of the three dimensional puzzle 900. The transport game 960 allows a player to further interact and play with the three dimensional puzzle 900 after the three dimensional puzzle 900 has been constructed. The transport game 960 may allow the movement of moving pieces and/or objects throughout certain routes or paths of the transport game 960. The transport game 960 may allow players to develop navigation, cognitive, and motor skills.
FIG. 25 shows an embodiment of a puzzle piece 2501 of a puzzle kit according to the present invention, a smartphone 2503, television 2504, and a laptop computer 2505 displaying an image generated using augmented reality technology. The puzzle piece represents a section of a geographic region of a three-dimensional puzzle. The puzzle piece 2501 has an encoded image, such as a barcode. The smartphone 2503, television 504, and the laptop computer 2505 are electrically connected to a scanning device, such as a camera. The barcode when scanned by the scanning device, accesses information regarding the geographic region via the internet and/or a database stored on a computer, server, etc. The information is displayed using augumented reality on a display device such as smartphone 2503, television 2504, computer 2505 or tablet computer.
The information displayed on the display device is augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. The information may include information about the geographic location as well as additional puzzle games, video games, or educational information about subjects such as astronomy, geology, history, government, civics, anthropology, mathematics, science, biology, zoology, marine biology and physics.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is to be limited only by the scope of the claims and their equivalents.
Any number of the features of the different embodiments described herein may be combined into one single embodiment, the locations of particular elements can be altered and alternate embodiments having fewer than or more than all of the features herein described are possible. Functionality may also be, in whole or in part, distributed among multiple components, in manners now known or to become known.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention. While there had been shown and described fundamental features of the invention as applied to being exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood that omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the disclosed invention may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Moreover, the scope of the present invention covers conventionally known, future developed variations and modifications to the components described herein as would be understood by those skilled in the art.
Patent Application
20130300061
