JP7730545B2 - Slide puzzle equipment - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a slide puzzle tool used for slide puzzles that allows the direction of the designs on the puzzle pieces to be changed.

It is said that brain training improves learning ability. Specific benefits include improving children's abilities, preventing brain aging, and preventing dementia. According to a survey conducted by a research institute, people who regularly engage in puzzles that train the brain, such as slide puzzles, have better attention, reasoning, and memory.

Patent Document 1 proposes a sliding block puzzle consisting of a hexagonal board with edges to prevent the pieces from falling off, and triangular or hexagonal pieces whose corners can be moved within the board. This is a sliding block puzzle that adds a piece rotation function.

Patent Document 2 proposes a puzzle game in which the pieces are regular hexahedrons, allowing six different pictures or letters to be printed on each piece, and by providing a waiting area for one piece on each of the opposite sides of a pair of box frames, it is possible to form a completed design in the shape of a square.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-275514 Utility Model Registration No. 3070718

However, in the puzzle proposed in Patent Document 1, to arrange triangular pieces on the board, the triangular pieces must be arranged in a predetermined pattern. Furthermore, to arrange hexagonal pieces on the board, all six sides must be in contact with other pieces. In other words, the process of arranging the pieces is more complicated than the procedure for arranging square pieces on a square board. Furthermore, to rotate a piece, the piece must be rotated while pressing the rounded corners against other pieces, making the operation complicated. As such, if the operation is too complicated and the difficulty is too high, there is the problem that players will become reluctant to play the puzzle at all.

The puzzle proposed in Patent Document 2 requires players to align the orientation of the designs on the pieces before starting. If players are unable to easily arrange the pieces before starting the puzzle, they may be hesitant to play the puzzle at all.

The present invention was developed to address these issues, providing a sliding puzzle tool that allows puzzle pieces to be easily positioned before starting and allows the level of difficulty to be adjusted.

The invention to solve the above problem is a sliding puzzle tool that includes a puzzle area with multiple small sections defined by rows and columns, the same number of puzzle pieces as the small sections that can accommodate each, and a direction change area connected to the puzzle area that can accommodate the puzzle pieces and change the orientation of the designs on the puzzle pieces. The direction change area aligns the orientation of the designs that are arranged in irregular directions, and by repeating the process of moving the puzzle pieces using the empty spaces in the small sections created by the puzzle pieces being accommodated in the direction change area, the designs can work together to recreate the intended pattern.

This configuration provides a direction change area that can be connected to the puzzle area to accommodate puzzle pieces and change the direction of the designs on the puzzle pieces, eliminating the need to align the design and place the puzzle pieces in the puzzle area as preparation before starting. In other words, after changing the direction of the puzzle pieces in the direction change area and aligning the design, a conventional slide puzzle can be played. Because the puzzle piece placement process is simple, players can easily start preparing for the slide puzzle without hesitation.

Preferably, the design comprises a first design drawn on a first face of the puzzle piece, and the direction change area comprises a passageway connected to the small compartment through which the puzzle piece can move, and a retreat section and a rotation section connected to the passageway, the retreat section being capable of accommodating the puzzle piece, and the rotation section being capable of rotating the first design.

With this configuration, the orientation of the first symbol can be aligned by storing the puzzle piece in the shelter and repeating the procedure of rotating the other puzzle pieces.

Preferably, the rotating part has an axis located at the center of rotation, and the puzzle pieces are provided with a passage recess that allows them to pass through the axis without contacting the second surface opposite the first surface, and a rotation recess that is supported by the axis.

With this configuration, the rotating part has an axis located at the center of rotation, and the puzzle pieces have a passage recess that allows them to pass through the axis without coming into contact with the second surface opposite the first surface, and a rotation recess that is supported by the axis. Therefore, the puzzle pieces can rotate smoothly around the rotation center while housed in the rotating part.

Preferably, the puzzle pieces can move along the passageway with part or all of each of the opposing sides of the puzzle pieces in contact with the passageway.

With this configuration, the puzzle pieces can move along the passageway with part or all of each of their opposing edges in contact with the passageway, so the free rotation of the puzzle pieces is restricted as they move along the passageway. In other words, the puzzle pieces pass through the passageway in a unique position.

Preferably, the design includes a first design drawn on a first face of the puzzle piece and a second design drawn on a second face opposite the first face and which is a 90° rotated version of the first design; the direction change area includes a passageway through which the puzzle piece can move and a reversal section connected to the passageway; one end of the passageway connects to a small compartment and the other end connects to a small compartment different from the small compartment connected to the one end; when the puzzle piece moves from one end to the other or from the other end to the one end, the design rotates 180°; and when the puzzle piece is placed in the reversal section, the puzzle piece is induced to reverse and can be turned over.

With this configuration, the design can be rotated 180 degrees by moving the puzzle piece from one end of the passage to the other. Furthermore, the design can be rotated either clockwise or counterclockwise by moving the puzzle piece from one end to the inversion section, inverting it, and then moving it to one end or the other. By repeating this operation as needed, the orientation of the design can be aligned. In other words, even if the puzzle piece is placed in the puzzle area with either the first or second design facing up, the orientation of the design can be aligned by repeating the above operation as needed.

Preferably, the passage is defined by an outer boundary and an inner boundary, and the puzzle pieces can move along the passage while in contact with the outer boundary and the inner boundary.

With this configuration, the passage is defined by an outer boundary and an inner boundary, and the puzzle pieces can move through the passage while in contact with the outer boundary and the inner boundary. As a result, the free rotation of the puzzle pieces is restricted as they move through the passage. When a puzzle piece passes through the passage, its rotation at the passing position is restricted.

Preferably, the flipping section is characterized by having a flipping slope to guide the flipping of the puzzle pieces.

With this configuration, the flipping section is provided with a flipping slope to guide the flipping of the puzzle pieces, making it easy to flip the puzzle pieces.

Preferably, the design can be recognized by the indentations carved into the puzzle pieces.

With this configuration, the designs can be recognized by the indentations engraved on the puzzle pieces, so even visually impaired people can enjoy the slide puzzle by touching and checking the designs with their fingertips.

1A is a plan view of a sliding puzzle tool according to embodiment 1. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 1A. 1A is a perspective view of a first face of a puzzle piece according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a second face of the puzzle piece according to the first embodiment. 10A to 10C are partial plan views illustrating the steps of rotating the puzzle pieces in the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view of a sliding puzzle tool according to a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating the posture of the puzzle pieces as they move through the passageway. FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the inverted portion and the passage portion of the first embodiment. 10A is a plan view of a first surface in the second embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a plan view of a second surface in the second embodiment. 10 is a plan view illustrating the procedure for aligning 180° rotated symbols in the desired direction in embodiment 2. However, the puzzle pieces arranged in the small sections are omitted. 10A to 10D are plan views illustrating the procedure for aligning symbols rotated by 90 degrees in the desired direction in embodiment 2. However, the puzzle pieces arranged in the small sections are omitted. 10A is a plan view showing a modified example of the inverting portion in the second embodiment, and FIGS. 10B to 10D are cross-sectional views taken along the line BB in FIG.

Embodiment 1 of the sliding puzzle tool 1 will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 1 to 3.

As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the sliding puzzle tool 1 (hereinafter referred to as sliding puzzle 1) comprises a frame 10 that defines a puzzle area R1 and a direction change area R2, and nine puzzle pieces 30. The puzzle area R1 and the direction change area R2 are located on the same plane, lower than the outer area R3. That is, each area is defined by being recessed from the outer area R3. The puzzle area R1 has nine small square sections R11, which are arranged in three rows and three columns. Furthermore, nine puzzle pieces 30 are arranged in each of the small sections R11. In this embodiment 1, the small sections R11 are arranged in three rows and three columns, but the number of rows and columns may be plural. That is, they may be two rows and two columns, or three rows and three columns or more. Furthermore, the number of rows and columns does not have to be the same.

The direction change area R2 has a passageway R21, a rotational section R22, and a waiting section R23. The passageway R21 is a passageway for moving puzzle pieces 30 out of the puzzle area R1 and returning the moved puzzle pieces 30 to the puzzle area R1, and is connected to the small section R11 located in the first row and second column. Note that the connection position is not limited to the small section R11 located in the first row and second column. The width of the passageway R21 is set to be the same as the length of one side of the small section R11. As a result, the puzzle pieces 30 move through the passageway R21 with the opposing sides in contact with the boundary of the passageway R21.

The rotation section R22 is an area for rotating the puzzle piece 30, and is defined by an arc shape that connects to the end of the passage section R21. The axis 15 is attached at the position that becomes the rotation center O1. The diameter of the circle is set to be the same as or slightly longer than the diagonal length of the puzzle piece 30. The rotation center O1 is located at the center of the arc circle that defines the rotation section R22.

The waiting area R23 is an area where puzzle pieces 30 are temporarily stored, and is connected to the middle of the passageway R21. It is preferable that the shape of the waiting area R23 allows puzzle pieces 30 to be placed without shifting, and that other puzzle pieces 30 can pass through the passageway R21 while they are placed.

Puzzle pieces 30 are square flat plates in a plan view, with nine puzzle pieces 30 arranged in puzzle area R1, which has nine small sections R11. One of the numbers 1 to 9 is engraved on first surface S1 as patterns 31 to 39 (see Figure 2(a)). That is, in patterns 31 to 39, the number portion is recessed from the surrounding area. Since patterns 31 to 39 can be recognized by touching the unevenness with one's fingers, even visually impaired people can enjoy this slide puzzle 1.

As shown in FIG. 2(b), the second surface S2 has a passage recess 41 and a rotation recess 42. The passage recess 41 is a cross-shaped groove in a plan view that connects the centers of opposing sides of the puzzle piece 30. The depth of the groove is set deeper than the height of the axis 15. The rotation recess 42 is a groove provided at a position where the cross-shaped grooves intersect. The depth of the rotation recess 42 matches the height of the axis 15. As a result, when the puzzle piece 30 passes through the passage portion R21 and reaches the rotation portion R22, the axis 15 passes through the rotation recess 42 and moves along the passage, and the rotation recess 42 is supported by the axis 15. Applying a rotation force to the puzzle piece 30 in this state causes the puzzle piece 30 to rotate around the axis 15.

When puzzle pieces 30 are randomly placed in small section R11 without aligning the orientation of the patterns 31-39, we will explain the procedure for rearranging puzzle pieces 30 to recreate the intended pattern.

In the first step, the randomly oriented patterns 31 to 39 are aligned in the same direction. As an example, we will explain the procedure for aligning pattern 35, which is drawn on the panel piece located in row 1, column 3 as shown in Figure 3(a), in the same direction as pattern 31, which is drawn on the panel piece located in row 1, column 1. Pattern 35 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise relative to pattern 31.

The puzzle pieces 30 arranged in one row and two columns are moved to the waiting area R23 via the passage R21 and are then retracted. As a result, the small section R11 located in the first row and second column becomes a so-called empty space EP, where no puzzle pieces 30 are placed. The puzzle pieces 30 bearing the design 35 are then moved to the rotating section R22 via the empty space EP and the passage R21. At this time, the passing recess 41 passes through the axis 15. Because the groove depth of the passing recess 41 is set deeper than the height of the axis 15, the puzzle pieces 30 can move along the rotating section R22 without coming into contact with the axis 15. When the puzzle pieces 30 contact the edge of the rotating section R22, the rotating recess 42 is supported by the axis 15. As shown in Figure 3(b), the puzzle pieces 30 are rotated 90° clockwise around the axis 15. As a result, the design 35 is aligned with the design 31. Then, as shown in Figure 3(c), the puzzle piece 30 is placed in the empty space EP located in row 1, column 2 via the passage R21. At this time, the small section R11 in row 1, column 3 is in the empty space EP state.

By using the empty spaces EP to move puzzle pieces 30 placed in puzzle area R1, puzzle pieces 30 with different pattern directions can be moved to the small section R11 with one row and two columns. Puzzle pieces 30 with different pattern directions can be moved by using the empty spaces EP to sequentially move the puzzle pieces 30 placed in puzzle area R1. The directions of puzzle pieces 30 with different pattern directions can be aligned using the same procedure as described above.

After aligning the direction of the patterns on all puzzle pieces 30, the puzzle pieces 30 arranged in one row and two columns in the expected pattern are stored in the storage area R23. In this embodiment 1, these are the puzzle pieces 30 that display the pattern 32. Using the empty spaces EP created by the movement of the puzzle pieces 30, the puzzle pieces 30 are moved sequentially and other puzzle pieces 30 are placed in their designated positions. The puzzle pieces 30 stored in the storage area R23 are then moved to the small section R11 located in one row and two columns. This allows the patterns to work together to recreate the expected pattern.

In this first embodiment, one evacuation section R23 is provided, but two or more may be provided. The passage section R21 may also be extended to be used as the second evacuation section R23. Increasing the number of puzzle pieces 30 that can be evacuated simplifies the game. The expected pattern to be reproduced is exemplified as one in which the numbers 1 to 9 are arranged in order row-wise, as shown in Figure 1, but it may also be one in which the sum of each row and column is the same. These can be decided appropriately before the puzzle begins.

The designs are numbers 1 to 9, but are not limited to this. For example, they could be part of a landscape, a person's face, fruit, or part of a tool.

Embodiment 2 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 4 to 9. Since embodiments 1 and 2 share some common configurations, differences will be mainly described. Furthermore, the same components as those in embodiment 1 are designated by the same reference numerals, and different components are designated by reference numerals in the 200s.

As shown in Figure 4, the sliding puzzle tool 201 comprises a frame 210 that defines a puzzle area R1 and a direction change area R202, and nine puzzle pieces 230.

The direction change area R202 has a passage R221 and a reversal area R222. The passage R221 is a passage for moving the puzzle pieces 230 out of the puzzle area R1 and for evacuating the puzzle pieces 230. One end of the passage R221 is connected to the small section R11 located in the first row and first column, and the other end is connected to the small section R11 located in the first row and third column.

Passage section R221 is an annular passage defined by an outer peripheral boundary 225 and an inner peripheral boundary 226.

The outer boundary 225 is a boundary that coincides with part of a circle that is centered at point P and passes through connection points C1 and C2. Point P is located at a position shifted from the center of small section R11, located in row 1, column 2, by the length of the side of small section R11, toward the inverted section R222. The inner boundary 226 is composed of a lower boundary 226a and an upper boundary 226b, and the upper boundary 226b is part of a circle that is centered at point P and has a diameter equal to the length of one side of small section R11. The lower boundary 226a is a straight line that extends from the opposing side of small section R11, located in row 1, column 2, and is tangent to the circle. This allows the puzzle piece 230 to move along the passage section R221 while maintaining a unique orientation (see Figure 5).

A reversing section R222 is provided near the apex of the passage section R221. The reversing section R222 is shaped so that it can accommodate a puzzle piece 230 and allow other puzzle pieces 230 to pass through the passage section R221 while the puzzle piece 230 is accommodated. A reversing slope S222 is also provided at the top end to guide the reversal of the puzzle piece 230 accommodated therein. As shown in FIG. 6 , the reversing slope S222 is an inclined path that slopes upward as it moves away from the passage section R221. By moving the puzzle piece 230 in the upward direction, a gap is created between part of the puzzle piece 230 and the frame 210. By using this gap as a clue to grasp the puzzle piece 230, the first side S1 and second side S2 of the puzzle piece 230 can be easily reversed.

As shown in Figure 7(a), puzzle piece 230 is a square flat plate in a plan view, and each puzzle piece has a first pattern 231a-239a engraved on its first surface S1. First patterns 231a-239a are numbers from 1 to 9. The last digit of the first pattern corresponds to the engraved number.

As shown in Figure 7(b), second symbols 231b-239b are engraved on the second surface S2, which faces the first surface S1. The second symbols 231b-239b have the same numbers as the first symbols 231a-239a, rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise.

The procedure for rearranging the puzzle pieces 230 to recreate the expected pattern is explained below.

Puzzle pieces 230 are randomly placed in puzzle area R1. At this time, it is not necessary to align the direction of the patterns. The first side S1 or the second side S2 may be the front side. When the first side S1 is the front side, the pattern on the second side S2 located on the back side is the pattern on the first side S1 rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise. When the second side S2 is the front side, the pattern on the first side S1 located on the back side is the pattern on the second side S2 rotated 90 degrees clockwise.

When puzzle pieces 230 are arranged randomly, the patterns that appear on the surface will be in four directions: the normal orientation, a direction rotated 180 degrees, a direction rotated 90 degrees clockwise, and a direction rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise. In the first stage, the patterns that have been arranged in random directions in puzzle area R1 are aligned to the normal orientation.

The first pattern 235a, which is rotated 180 degrees, can be brought to the correct orientation by moving it from one end of the passage section R221 to the other, as shown in Figure 8.

The procedure for aligning the orientation of symbols rotated 90 degrees clockwise and counterclockwise will be explained using Figures 9(a) to (d) as examples. Puzzle pieces 230 are arranged in one row and three columns so that the first symbol 231a displayed on the first side S1 is visible. As shown in Figure 9(a), the first symbol 231a is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise relative to the alignment direction, and the second symbol 231b displayed on the second side S2 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise from the first symbol 231a. As shown in Figure 9(b), when the puzzle piece 230 is moved counterclockwise along the passage R221, the first symbol 231a is rotated 180 degrees relative to the alignment direction at a position adjacent to the inverted portion R222. As shown in Figure 9(c), if the puzzle piece 230 is flipped over using the reversal slope S222 in this state, the second side S2 becomes the front, and the clockwise rotated second symbol 231b becomes visible. As shown in Figure 9(d), by moving the puzzle piece counterclockwise along the passage, the second symbol 231b is aligned in the desired direction. As explained above, to align the symbols rotated 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise, the puzzle piece 230 moves through the passage R221 to the reversal section R222, where the puzzle piece 230 is flipped over at the reversal section R222. The puzzle piece 230 can then be returned to its original position or moved toward the end opposite its original position to return it to the correct orientation.

A modified example of the above-mentioned reversal portion R222 will be described with reference to Figures 10(a) to (d). This modified example is composed of a reversal slope S222-1, a continuous surface S222-2 that is continuous with it, a slope R227 that is continuous with the continuous surface S222-2, and a reversal recess R228 that is continuous with it. This takes into account the possibility that the puzzle piece 230 may get caught on the frame 210 in embodiment 2. When the puzzle piece 230 is pushed into the reversal recess R228, the puzzle piece 230 tilts and moves away from the reversal slope S222-1. This makes it easy to flip the puzzle piece 230 over.

By increasing the number of puzzle pieces to 12, the range of uses can be expanded. For example, it can be used as a slide puzzle in which participants arrange the zodiac or calendar pieces (Japanese-style month names, birthstones, birth flowers, birth birds, birth constellations, etc.) in a predetermined order. It can also be used as a slide puzzle for completing haiku. Specifically, the first five characters of the verse are displayed, and the player must complete the middle seven characters and the last five characters. This makes it more accessible to seniors and expands its application to the educational field. Furthermore, the game can begin with a 12-word chain game, for example, and the 12 pieces can be created using the words from that chain. This allows for interaction with young children. For example, players can select 12 distinctive words that reveal the story of a folk tale or monster tale. When the puzzle is completed, the story is displayed, providing a sense of accomplishment. This can also be applied to events such as festivals, exhibitions, and weddings.

At least one puzzle piece 230 is evacuated to the passage section R221, creating a void space EP in the puzzle area R1. The evacuated puzzle pieces 230 are arranged in a one-row, one-column or one-row, three-column pattern.

The empty spaces EP are used to move the puzzle pieces 230 placed in the puzzle area R1 to recreate the expected predetermined pattern. The parked puzzle pieces 230 are then moved back into the puzzle area R1.

By increasing the number of puzzle pieces 230 that are retracted, the difficulty level of the slide puzzle can be lowered. In this embodiment 2, it is possible to contrast a total of three puzzle pieces 230, two in the passage section R221 and one in the reversal section R222.

The slide puzzle tool of the present invention allows users to start the slide puzzle easily and without resistance, and the difficulty level of the puzzle can be adjusted. Furthermore, since the puzzle can be played by people who are visually impaired, it has great industrial applicability.

1, 201: Slide puzzle tool 10, 210: Frame 15: Axis 30: Puzzle pieces 31-39: Design 41: Passage recess 42: Rotation recess 225: Outer boundary 226: Inner boundary 231a-239a: First design 231b-239b: Second design EP: Void O1: Rotation center R21, R221: Passage section R22: Rotation section R23: Waiting section R222: Reversal section S222: Reversal slope

Claims (5)

a puzzle area having a plurality of subdivisions defined by a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns;
The number of puzzle pieces is equal to the number of the subdivisions that can be accommodated in each of the subdivisions;
A direction change area is provided, which is connected to the puzzle area and can accommodate the puzzle pieces and change the direction of the patterns drawn on the puzzle pieces;
By repeating the procedure of aligning the directions of the symbols arranged in irregular directions in the direction change area and moving the puzzle pieces by utilizing the empty spaces of the small sections created by storing the puzzle pieces in the direction change area, the symbols can cooperate to reproduce the intended pattern ,
The design includes a first design drawn on a first face of the puzzle piece,
The direction change area has a passage portion connected to the small section and through which the puzzle pieces can move, and a retreat portion and a rotation portion connected to the passage portion,
The shelter can accommodate the puzzle pieces,
The rotating unit can rotate the first symbol,
the rotating portion has an axis provided at the center of rotation,
A sliding puzzle tool characterized in that the puzzle pieces are provided with a passing recess that allows them to pass through the axis without contacting the second surface opposite the first surface, and a rotating recess that is supported by the axis . 2. The sliding puzzle tool according to claim 1 , wherein the puzzle pieces can move along the passage with a part or all of each of the opposing sides of the puzzle pieces in contact with the passage. a puzzle area having a plurality of subdivisions defined by a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns;
The number of puzzle pieces is equal to the number of the subdivisions that can be accommodated in each of the subdivisions;
A direction change area is provided, which is connected to the puzzle area and can accommodate the puzzle pieces and change the direction of the patterns drawn on the puzzle pieces;
By repeating the procedure of aligning the directions of the symbols arranged in irregular directions in the direction change area and moving the puzzle pieces by utilizing the empty spaces of the small sections created by storing the puzzle pieces in the direction change area, the symbols can cooperate to reproduce the intended pattern ,
The design includes a first design drawn on a first face of the puzzle piece, and a second design which is a design obtained by rotating the first design by 90° and drawn on a second face opposite the first face,
The direction change area has a passage portion through which the puzzle pieces can move and a reversal portion connected to the passage portion,
One end of the passage portion is connected to the small compartment, and the other end is connected to a small compartment different from the small compartment connected to the one end,
When the puzzle piece moves from one end to the other end, or from the other end to the one end, the symbol rotates 180°;
When the puzzle piece is accommodated in the reversing section, the puzzle piece is induced to be reversed so that the front and back sides of the puzzle piece can be reversed. the passage portion is defined by an outer circumferential boundary and an inner circumferential boundary;
The sliding puzzle tool according to claim 3 , wherein the puzzle pieces can move along the passage while being in contact with the outer boundary and the inner boundary. 5. The sliding puzzle tool according to claim 3 , wherein the flipping section is provided with a flipping slope for guiding the flipping of the puzzle pieces.