NUMERICAL GAME DEVICE AND METHOD

Abstract

A method of playing a game to complete and/or solve a Sudoku puzzle is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an electronic game board is displayed on a display. The electronic game board is a 9×9 matrix. A plurality of elements or marks may be displayed in each of cells making up the 9×9 matrix. The marks may be variety elements for indicating a filled-in cell. The mark may include a picture, a figure, a shape, a color, a number, a letter, or any combinations thereof. Another embodiment is an article of manufacture comprising a computer program readable by a computer system and embodying one or more instructions executable by the computer system to perform a method for performing a Sudoku game on the computer system.

Description

PRIORITY INFORMATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/369,267 filed on Jul. 30, 2010 and entitled “NUMERICAL GAME DEVICE AND METHOD,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

This description relates generally to educational and recreational device and method for effecting solutions to a puzzle. Sudoku is a known number-based puzzle.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a numerical game device and method for solving and/or completing a Sudoku puzzle. Devices and method for effecting solutions to Sudoku puzzle for education and/or recreation are desirable.

In one embodiment, an electronic game board is displayed on a display. The electronic game board is a N×N matrix of cells. In an embodiment, the N×N matrix is a 9×9 matrix. A plurality of elements or marks may be displayed in each of cells making up the N×N matrix. The marks may be an element that indicates a filled-in cell. The mark includes a picture, a figure, a shape, a color, a number, a letter, or any combinations thereof.

An embodiment for a method of playing a game to complete and/or solve a Sudoku puzzle is disclosed herein.

Another embodiment is an article of manufacture comprising a computer program readable by a computer system and embodying one or more instructions executable by the computer system to perform a method for performing a Sudoku game on the computer system. A computer system has a display device, an input device, and a data storage device. Examples of a computer system include a mobile device such as a mobile phone, a smart phone such as the iPhone, a personal digital assistant, a tablet computer device such as the iPad, a mobile gaming device, and/or a personal computer. A computer system would perform a method for playing a Sudoku game by displaying on the display device, a grid defining a matrix of individual cells on the display device, displaying on the display device, at least one indicator, and wherein a player using the input interface to select an empty cell, then using the input interface to enter a mark in the empty cell, and continuing in using the input interface to select empty cells and to enter marks in empty cells until the Sudoku square is solved and/or completed. The computer program would determine whether the Sudoku is solved and/or completed and a signal indicating that the Sudoku game is solved and/or completed would be displayed on the display device.

Another embodiment is a small handheld device comprising a non-transitory memory including a logic for playing a game according to one or more methods described herein. The small handheld device may have a hinge for opening and closing, e.g. a watch case.

Another embodiment includes a built-in timer in the device. The timer allows competitive solving of Sudoku. The device could provide for competitor to be given the same Sudoku to solve or if there is an inequality between competitors, the same Sudoku could be provided on different difficulty levels.

In an embodiment, a method for determining a solution to a Sudoku puzzle includes storing a solution to the Sudoku puzzle in a non-transitory computer readable memory, wherein the Sudoku puzzle includes a plurality of rows having a first row, a second row, a third row, a fourth row, a fifth row, a sixth row, a seventh row, an eighth row, and a ninth row, wherein each of the rows includes a plurality of cells having a first cell, a second cell, a third cell, a fourth cell, a fifth cell, a sixth cell, a seventh cell, an eighth cell, and a ninth cell, and storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory a first indicator for each of the first cell of the first row, the fourth cell of the second row, the seventh cell of the third row, the second cell of the fourth row, the fifth cell of the fifth row, the eighth cell of the sixth row, the third cell of the seventh row, the sixth cell of the eighth row, and the ninth cell of the ninth row.

In an embodiment, the method includes storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory a second indicator for each of the second cell of the first row, the fifth cell of the second row, the eighth cell of the third row, the third cell of the fourth row, the sixth cell of the fifth row, the ninth cell of the sixth row, the first cell of the seventh row, the fourth cell of the eighth row, and the seventh cell of the ninth row.

In an embodiment, the method includes storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory a third indicator for each of the third cell of the first row, the sixth cell of the second row, the ninth cell of the third row, the first cell of the fourth row, the fourth cell of the fifth row, the seventh cell of the sixth row, in the second cell of the seventh row, in the fifth cell of the eighth row, and the eighth cell of the ninth row.

In an embodiment, the method includes storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory a fourth indicator for each of the fourth cell of the first row, the seventh cell of the second row, the first cell of the third row, the fifth cell of the fourth row, the eighth cell of the fifth row, the second cell of the sixth row, the sixth cell of the seventh row, the ninth cell of the eighth row, and the third cell of the ninth row.

In an embodiment, the method includes storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory a fifth indicator for each of the fifth cell of the first row, the eighth cell of the second row, the second cell of the third row, the sixth cell of the fourth row, the ninth cell of the fifth row, the third cell of the sixth row, the fourth cell of the seventh row, the seventh cell of the eighth row, and the first cell of the ninth row.

In an embodiment, the method includes storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory a sixth indicator for each of the sixth cell of the first row, the ninth cell of the second row, the third cell of the third row, the fourth cell of the fourth row, the seventh cell of the fifth row, the first cell of the sixth row, the fifth cell of the seventh row, the eighth cell of the eighth row, and the second cell of the ninth row.

In an embodiment, the method includes storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory a seventh indicator for each of the seventh cell of the first row, the first cell of the second row, the fourth cell of the third row, the eighth cell of the fourth row, the second cell of the fifth row, the fifth cell of the sixth row, the ninth cell of the seventh row, the third cell of the eighth row, and the sixth cell of the ninth row.

In an embodiment, the method includes storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory an eighth indicator for each of the eighth cell of the first row, the second cell of the second row, the fifth cell of the third row, the ninth cell of the fourth row, the third cell of the fifth row, the sixth cell of the sixth row, the seventh cell of the seventh row, the first cell of the eighth row, and the third cell of the ninth row.

In an embodiment, the method includes storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory a ninth indicator for each of the ninth cell of the first row, the third cell of the second row, the sixth cell of the third row, the seventh cell of the fourth row, the first cell of the fifth row, the fourth cell of the sixth row, the eighth cell of the seventh row, the second cell of the eighth row, and the fifth cell of the ninth row. Any one of, any combination of, or all of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and/or ninth indicators may be selected from a group consisting of a number, a letter, a picture, a color and a combination thereof. Any one of, any combination of, or all of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and/or ninth indicators may be a number. Any one of, any combination of, or all of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and/or ninth indicators may be a letter. Any one of, any combination of, or all of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and/or ninth indicators may be a picture. Any one of, any combination of, or all of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and/or ninth indicators consists of a color. Any combination of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and/or ninth indicators may be a combination of numbers and colors. Any combination of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and/or ninth indicators may be a combination of numbers and letters. Any combination of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and/or ninth indicators may be a combination of letters and colors. Any combination of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and/or ninth indicators may be a combination of numbers and pictures. Any combination of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and/or ninth indicators may be a combination of letters and pictures. Any combination of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and/or ninth indicators may be a combination of pictures and colors. An embodiment includes the first and the second indicators being different from each other. An embodiment includes the first, second, and third indicators being different from each other. An embodiment includes the first, second, third, and fourth indicators being different from each other. An embodiment includes the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth indicators being different from each other. An embodiment includes the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth indicators being different from each other. An embodiment includes the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh indicators being different from each other. An embodiment includes the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth indicators being different from each other. An embodiment includes the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth indicators being different from each other.

A display device displays the indicators being filled in the cells or cells being filled-in by an indicator. In a memory and/or in a processor, the indicators are logically associated with cells according the particular sets of rules of associations disclosed herein.

An embodied device includes a computer having a display device and a non-transitory computer readable memory, the non-transitory computer readable memory storing computer instructions for a solution to a Sudoku puzzle, comprising a solution to the Sudoku puzzle stored in the non-transitory computer readable memory, wherein the Sudoku puzzle includes a plurality of rows having a first row, a second row, a third row, a fourth row, a fifth row, a sixth row, a seventh row, an eighth row, and a ninth row, each of the rows includes a plurality of cells having a first cell, a second cell, a third cell, a fourth cell, a fifth cell, a sixth cell, a seventh cell, an eighth cell, and a ninth cell, and for each of the first cell of the first row, the fourth cell of the second row, the seventh cell of the third row, the second cell of the fourth row, the fifth cell of the fifth row, the eighth cell of the sixth row, the third cell of the seventh row, the sixth cell of the eighth row, and the ninth cell of the ninth row.

Another embodiment of a computer further includes the Sudoku puzzle further includes, in addition to the first indicator as described above, one or more of the following additional indicators. A second indicator for each of the second cell of the first row, the fifth cell of the second row, the eighth cell of the third row, the third cell of the fourth row, the sixth cell of the fifth row, the ninth cell of the sixth row, the first cell of the seventh row, the fourth cell of the eighth row, and the seventh cell of the ninth row. A third indicator for each of the third cell of the first row, the sixth cell of the second row, the ninth cell of the third row, the first cell of the fourth row, the fourth cell of the fifth row, the seventh cell of the sixth row, in the second cell of the seventh row, in the fifth cell of the eighth row, and the eighth cell of the ninth row. A fourth indicator for each of the fourth cell of the first row, the seventh cell of the second row, the first cell of the third row, the fifth cell of the fourth row, the eighth cell of the fifth row, the second cell of the sixth row, the sixth cell of the seventh row, the ninth cell of the eighth row, and the third cell of the ninth row. A fifth indicator for each of the fifth cell of the first row, the eighth cell of the second row, the second cell of the third row, the sixth cell of the fourth row, the ninth cell of the fifth row, the third cell of the sixth row, the fourth cell of the seventh row, the seventh cell of the eighth row, and the first cell of the ninth row. A sixth indicator for each of the sixth cell of the first row, the ninth cell of the second row, the third cell of the third row, the fourth cell of the fourth row, the seventh cell of the fifth row, the first cell of the sixth row, the fifth cell of the seventh row, the eighth cell of the eighth row, and the second cell of the ninth row. A seventh indicator for each of the seventh cell of the first row, the first cell of the second row, the fourth cell of the third row, the eighth cell of the fourth row, the second cell of the fifth row, the fifth cell of the sixth row, the ninth cell of the seventh row, the third cell of the eighth row, and the sixth cell of the ninth row. An eighth indicator for each of the eighth cell of the first row, the second cell of the second row, the fifth cell of the third row, the ninth cell of the fourth row, the third cell of the fifth row, the sixth cell of the sixth row, the seventh cell of the seventh row, the first cell of the eighth row, and the third cell of the ninth row. A ninth indicator for each of the ninth cell of the first row, the third cell of the second row, the sixth cell of the third row, the seventh cell of the fourth row, the first cell of the fifth row, the fourth cell of the sixth row, the eighth cell of the seventh row, the second cell of the eighth row, and the fifth cell of the ninth row.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a display according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a display according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 3A-3G show an example method being displayed according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 4A-4F show displays according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 5A-5D show displays according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 6A-6D show displays according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7A shows an example display according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7B shows an example display according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7C shows an example display according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7D shows an example display according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 8A-8D show displays according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 9A-9F show displays according to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of a computer.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a mobile device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1-9 show drawings of display images displayed on a display according to various embodiments. The displays shown in the drawings are displayed on a display device of a computer or that is in communication with a computer. The display device may be connected to a computer device. The display device may be included in a mobile device. The display device may be included in a handheld device. In an embodiment, a handheld mobile device includes a display screen that displays a display image for a game according to a method described herein.

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of an electronic game board 100 being displayed on a display. FIG. 1 shows a 9×9 matrix electronic game board 100. A plurality of elements or marks displayed in FIG. 1 are nine letters, A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I.

The device is configured to enforce the rules of the method for the puzzle. In an embodiment, the rules of the puzzle allow only one of the nine letters to occupy a cell for each row. Accordingly, for each row, only one cell may be occupied by the letter A. For each row, only one cell may be occupied by the letter B. For each row, only one cell may be occupied by the letter C. For each row, only one cell may be occupied by the letter D. For each row, only one cell may be occupied by the letter E. For each row, only one cell may be occupied by the letter F. For each row, only one cell may be occupied by the letter G. For each row, only one cell may be occupied by the letter H. For each row, only one cell may be occupied by the letter I.

Another rule is that only one of the nine letters is allowed to occupy a cell for each column. Accordingly, for each column, only one cell may be occupied by the letter A. For each column, only one cell may be occupied by the letter B. For each column, only one cell may be occupied by the letter C. For each column, only one cell may be occupied by the letter D. For each column, only one cell may be occupied by the letter E. For each column, only one cell may be occupied by the letter F. For each column, only one cell may be occupied by the letter G. For each column, only one cell may be occupied by the letter H. For each column, only one cell may be occupied by the letter I.

FIG. 1 shows the 9×9 matrix 100 being made up of nine blocks, wherein each block is a 3×3 matrix. Another rule is that only one of the nine letters is allowed to occupy a cell within each block. Accordingly, for each block, only one cell may be occupied by the letter A. For each block, only one cell may be occupied by the letter B. For each block, only one cell may be occupied by the letter C. For each block, only one cell may be occupied by the letter D. For each block, only one cell may be occupied by the letter E. For each block, only one cell may be occupied by the letter F. For each block, only one cell may be occupied by the letter G. For each block, only one cell may be occupied by the letter H. For each block, only one cell may be occupied by the letter I.

FIG. 1 shows a completed 9×9 matrix 100 according to the rules of the puzzle.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a completed 9×9 matrix 200, wherein numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 are used in place of the letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I following similar rules of the puzzle as stated referring to FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A to 3G show one embodiment of the method for solving a Sudoku puzzle. The puzzle may start with a 9×9 matrix having one or more empty cells. The puzzle may start with a 9×9 matrix having one or more filled-in cells. FIG. 3A shows one example of the 9×9 matrix 300 having three filled-in cells. The puzzle may start with any number of cells filled-in.

FIG. 3A shows the 9×9 matrix 300 having three cells filled-in with numbers 7, 4, and 9. The number 7 is in the third cell in the first row. The number 4 is in the sixth cell in the first row. The number 9 is in the seventh cell in the first row.

From the starting 9×9 matrix 300 shown in FIG. 3A, the user is prompted to begin solving a Sudoku puzzle according to a set of rules which include the rules stated above in regard to FIGS. 1 and/or 2.

Accordingly, the rules of the puzzle allow only one of the nine numbers to occupy a cell for each row. Accordingly, for each row, only one cell may be occupied by the number 1. For each row, only one cell may be occupied by the number 2. For each row, only one cell may be occupied by the number 3. For each row, only one cell may be occupied by the number 4. For each row, only one cell may be occupied by the number 5. For each row, only one cell may be occupied by the number 6. For each row, only one cell may be occupied by the number 7. For each row, only one cell may be occupied by the number 8. For each row, only one cell may be occupied by the number 9.

Another rule is that only one of the nine numbers is allowed to occupy a cell for each column. Accordingly, for each column, only one cell may be occupied by the number 1. For each column, only one cell may be occupied by the number 2. For each column, only one cell may be occupied by the number 3. For each column, only one cell may be occupied by the number 4. For each column, only one cell may be occupied by the number 5. For each column, only one cell may be occupied by the number 6. For each column, only one cell may be occupied by the number 7. For each column, only one cell may be occupied by the number 8. For each column, only one cell may be occupied by the number 9.

Another rule is that only one of the nine numbers is allowed to occupy a cell within each block. Accordingly, for each block, only one cell may be occupied by the number 1. For each block, only one cell may be occupied by the number 2. For each block, only one cell may be occupied by the number 3. For each block, only one cell may be occupied by the number 4. For each block, only one cell may be occupied by the number 5. For each block, only one cell may be occupied by the number 6. For each block, only one cell may be occupied by the number 7. For each block, only one cell may be occupied by the number 8. For each block, only one cell may be occupied by the number 9.

Applying the above stated rules, a user may fill-in all of the cells in the first row of the matrix 302, as shown, for example, in FIG. 3B. The matrix 302 in FIG. 3B shows that the cells in the first row of the matrix 302 are filled-in as follows.

3-2-7-5-1-4-9-8-6

The cells may be filled-in differently, as long as the rules are followed. Once the first row of the matrix 302 is filled-in, under the rules in the method disclosed herein, a particular solution to the Sudoku puzzle can be determined. An embodiment of the device is configured to determine the particular solution to the Sudoku puzzle from a single row being filled-in by following the instructions in a logic of a method disclosed herein. Once the particular solution is determined, multiple other solutions may further derived thus providing further challenges to the user, if such further challenge is desired.

Upon entry of a number into a cell, the device checks the entered number and the cell to determine whether the rules are being obeyed. If an entry of the number into a cell breaks one or more of the rules, the device alerts the user. The alert may be a visual signal and/or audio signal.

FIG. 3C shows a methodology for completing the Sudoku puzzle from FIG. 3B. For easier understanding, FIG. 3C only shows the first three cells of the first row of the matrix 304 filled-in by the numbers 3-2-7.

Once the first three cells in the first row of the matrix 304 are filled-in, the device determines that the fourth, fifth, and sixth cells of the second row must be filled-in accordingly, and the seventh, eighth, and ninth cells of the third row must be filled-in accordingly, as shown by the matrix 304 in FIG. 3C, wherein 3-2-7 are the first three cells in the first row, the fourth to sixth cells in the second row, and seventh to ninth cells in the third row.

Once the fourth, fifth, and sixth cells of the first row are filled-in, the device determines that the seventh, eighth, and ninth cells of the second row must be filled-in accordingly, and the first, second, and third cells of the third row must be filled-in accordingly, as shown by the matrix 306 in FIG. 3D.

Once the seventh, eighth, and ninth cells of the first row are filled-in, the device determines that the first, second, and third cells of the second row must be filled-in accordingly, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth cells of the third row must be filled-in accordingly, as shown by the matrix 306 in FIG. 3D.

Further, from the first three cells down the first column being 3-9-5 as shown by the matrix 306, the device determines that 3-9-5 are repeated in the fourth, fifth, and sixth cells down the second column, and repeated in the seventh, eighth, and ninth cells down the third column, as shown by the matrix 308 in FIG. 3E.

From the first three cells down the second column being 2-8-1, the device determines that 2-8-1, are repeated in the fourth, fifth, and sixth cells down the third column, and repeated in the seventh, eighth, and ninth cells down the first column, as shown by the matrix 308 in FIG. 3E.

From the first three cells down the third column being 7-6-4, the device determines that 7-6-4, are repeated in the fourth, fifth, and sixth cells down the first column, and repeated in the seventh, eighth, and ninth cells down the second column, as shown by the matrix 308 in FIG. 3E.

Further, from the first three cells down the fourth column being 5-3-9, the device determines that 5-3-9 are repeated in the fourth, fifth, and sixth cells down the fifth column, and repeated in the seventh, eighth, and ninth cells down the sixth column, as shown by the matrix 310 in FIG. 3F.

From the first three cells down the fifth column being 1-2-8, the device determines that 1-2-8, are repeated in the fourth, fifth, and sixth cells down the sixth column, and repeated in the seventh, eighth, and ninth cells down the fourth column, as shown by the matrix 310 in FIG. 3F.

From the first three cells down the sixth column being 4-7-6, the device determines that 4-7-6, are repeated in the fourth, fifth, and sixth cells down the fourth column, and repeated in the seventh, eighth, and ninth cells down the fifth column, as shown by the matrix 310 in FIG. 3F.

Further, from the first three cells down the seventh column being 9-5-3, the device determines that 9-5-3 are repeated in the fourth, fifth, and sixth cells down the eighth column, and repeated in the seventh, eighth, and ninth cells down the ninth column, as shown by the matrix 312 in FIG. 3G.

From the first three cells down the eighth column being 8-1-2, the device determines that 8-1-2, are repeated in the fourth, fifth, and sixth cells down the ninth column, and repeated in the seventh, eighth, and ninth cells down the seventh column, as shown by the matrix 312 in FIG. 3G.

From the first three cells down the ninth column being 6-4-7, the device determines that 6-4-7, are repeated in the fourth, fifth, and sixth cells down the seventh column, and repeated in the seventh, eighth, and ninth cells down the eighth column, as shown by the matrix 312 in FIG. 3G.

Each of FIGS. 4A-4F shows an example of a completed Sudoku puzzle. Matrix 400 in FIG. 4A is the same completed Sudoku puzzle as shown by the matrix 312 in FIG. 3G. FIGS. 4B-4F show matrices 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, each having been converted or transformed from the matrix 400 in FIG. 4A, utilizing various rules of shifting and/or switching described herein. Thus, a solution to a Sudoku puzzle may be achieved from a starting point wherein the starting puzzle itself is a completed Sudoku puzzle. Accordingly, multiple different solutions to a Sudoku puzzle may be achieved from a completed Sudoku puzzle, according to the methods described herein.

FIG. 4B shows matrix 402 that is converted from the matrix 400 in FIG. 4A by applying a rule of 1-2-3 number switch. The rule of 1-2-3 number switch is a method of replacing number 2 with number 1, replacing number 3 with a 2, and replacing number 1 with number 3 from the starting matrix, for example matrix 400, to convert to another matrix, for example matrix 402.

Matrix 404 in FIG. 4C is converted from the matrix 400 in FIG. 4A by shifting of the middle three horizontal rows. The fourth row of matrix 400 in FIG. 4A has been shifted to the sixth row as shown by the matrix 404 in FIG. 4C, the fifth row of matrix 400 has been shifted to the fourth row as shown by the matrix 404 in FIG. 4C, and the sixth row of matrix 400 has been shifted to the fifth row as shown by the matrix 404 in FIG. 4C.

Matrix 406 in FIG. 4D is transformed from the matrix 400 in FIG. 4A by transforming the three left-side blocks downward.

Matrix 408 in FIG. 4E is transformed from the matrix 400 in FIG. 4A by switching the first vertical row of blocks with the middle vertical row of blocks.

Matrix 410 in FIG. 4F is transformed from the matrix 400 in FIG. 4A by switching the top three horizontal rows with the bottom three horizontal rows.

Although only one type of conversion or transformation are shown in each FIGS. 4B-4F, multiple conversions and/or transformations may be applied to a Sudoku puzzle to achieve another Sudoku puzzle.

FIGS. 5A-5D show matrices 500, 504, 506, 508, wherein numbers and colors, or just colors are displayed. Example of colors that are displayed in the matrices 500, 504, 506, 508 are described in the color legend 502 in FIGS. 5A-5D. Where a color is indicated in a cell, the color occupies at least a portion of a cell, and/or borders the cell. Matrix 500 shown in FIG. 5A includes a coordination of number and colors for the puzzle, wherein 1 is associated with color white; 2 is light yellow; 3 is blue; 4 is dark yellow; 5 is purple; 6 is red; 7 is grey; 8 is green; and 9 is pink.

In an embodiment, a Sudocolor puzzle may be played and completed without using numbers. In an embodiment, a Sudocolor puzzle may be played and completed with using combination of numbers and colors.

Matrix 504 shown in FIG. 5B is an example of an incomplete Sudocolor puzzle using numbers and colors. Matrix 504 shows numbers 1 and 6 in the middle block which makes the matrix 504 to have a determinable solution thereto. Matrix 506 shown in FIG. 5C is a conversion of matrix 504 in FIG. 5B, without showing any numbers. Matrix 504 shown in FIG. 5B did not show any number 5 in the matrix 504. Nevertheless the relationship between the number 5 and the color purple has been pre-determined by the computer and stored in the memory, as evidenced by and according to their mutual absence in being displayed on the matrix 504. As such, matrix 508 in FIG. 5D, the number 5 locations have been colored purple. FIG. 5D shows the matrix 508 of a finished Sudocolor puzzle.

FIGS. 6A-6D show example Sudocolor puzzle matrices 600, 604, 608, 610, wherein numbers and colors are used and displayed on a display device. Matrix 600 in FIG. 6A shows a completed Sudoku puzzle using a combination of numbers and colors. Example of colors that are displayed in the matrix 600 are described in the color legend 602.

Matrix 604 in FIG. 6B shows a puzzle that is similar to matrix 600 in FIG. 6A but with various colors and numbers removed from the matrix 600, making the matrix 604 an incomplete Sudoku puzzle. Specifically, FIG. 6B does not show any numbers 1 and 4. Example of colors that are displayed in the matrix 604 are described in the color legend 606.

Matrix 608 in FIG. 6C shows an incomplete Sudocolor puzzle showing a plurality of cells being occupied by numbers and at least one cell having a color. The matrix 608 in FIG. 6C is an example of a Sudocolor puzzle that may be displayed on a display device according to an embodiment. Example of colors that are displayed in the matrix 608 are described in the color legend 606.

Matrix 610 in FIG. 6D shows a completed Sudocolor puzzle answer key or as solved from the matrix 608 shown in FIG. 6C according to the rules provided herein. Example of colors that are displayed in the matrix 610 are described in the color legend 606.

Matrix 700 in FIG. 7A shows a puzzle which may be provided as a starting point provided to solve a Sudoku puzzle based on colors as cell indicators according to the rules provided herein. Example of colors that are displayed in the matrix 700 are described in the color legend 702.

Matrix 704 in FIG. 7B shows a puzzle which may be provided as a starting point provided to solve a Sudoku puzzle based only on numbers as cell indicators according to the rules provided herein.

Matrix 706 in FIG. 7C shows a completed solution to the matrix 700 in FIG. 7A. Example of colors that are displayed in the matrix 706 are described in the color legend 702.

Matrix 708 in FIG. 7D shows a completed solution to the matrix 704 in FIG. 7B.

Sudocolor matrices 706, 708 in FIG. 7C and FIG. 7D are related by a number to color relationship or association, that is 1 is red; 2 is dark blue; 3 is light yellow; 4 is green; 5 is purple; 6 is dark yellow; 7 is light blue; 8 is plum; and 9 is grey.

Accordingly, matrix 706 in FIG. 7C shows a Sudocolor puzzle which may be considered to be already completed, but the matrix 708 shown in FIG. 7C may be provided as a starting point provided to solve a Sudoku puzzle based on numbers according to the rules provided herein, wherein the answer to the puzzle is shown by the matrix 708 in FIG. 7D.

FIGS. 8A-D show four Sudocolor matrices 800, 804, 806, 808 demonstrating examples of shifting and/or switching using numbers and colors. Example of colors that are displayed in the matrices 800, 804, 806, 808 are described in the color legend 802.

Matrix 804 in FIG. 8B is a transformed Sudocolor puzzle from the matrix 800 shown in FIG. 8A, wherein the fourth column of matrix 800 has been shifted to the fifth column, as shown in matrix 804, the fifth column of matrix 800 has been shifted to the sixth column, as shown in matrix 804, and the sixth column of matrix 800 has been shifted to the fourth column, as shown in matrix 804.

Matrix 806 in FIG. 8C is a transformed Sudocolor puzzle from the matrix 800 shown in FIG. 8A, wherein the fourth row of matrix 800 has been shifted to the fifth row, the fifth row of matrix 800 has been shifted to the sixth row, and the sixth row of matrix 800 has been shifted to the fourth row, as shown in matrix 806 in FIG. 8C.

Matrix 808 in FIG. 8D is a transformed Sudocolor puzzle from the matrix 806 shown in FIG. 8C, wherein the left-most three blocks have been shifted to the middle of the grid, the middle three blocks have been shifted to the right-most side of the grid, and the right-most three blocks have been shifted to the left-most position of the grid.

Matrices 900, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912 in FIGS. 9A-9F show examples of Sudocolor puzzles demonstrating examples of shifting and/or switching using numbers and colors. Example of colors that are displayed in the matrices 900, 904, 906, 908, 910, 912 are described in the color legend 902.

From a completed Sudocolor puzzle matrix, up to 609.5 billion other Sudocolor puzzle matrices can be made via the method of switching, shifting, and/or transforming disclosed herein. For example, there are 9! possible number switches, 6×6×6 possible horizontal row switches, 6×6×6 possible vertical column switches, 6 possible horizontal block switches, and 6 possible vertical block switches. Accordingly, there are up to 9!×6⁸=609.5 billion possible Sudocolor puzzle matrices that can be made from a completed Sudocolor puzzle matrix. Further, other Sudocolor puzzle matrices can be made via the method of switching, shifting, and/or transforming disclosed herein from a partially completed Sudocolor puzzle matrix.

In an embodiment, an article of manufacture comprises a computer program having instructions according to the methods described herein. Article of manufacture include any medium for storing digital information, such as digital memory device, CD-ROM, flash memory device, SSD, magnetic media, memory stick, digital cards, ROM, and any combinations thereof. Article of manufacture comprises or stores a computer program readable by a computer system. Generally, a computer system has a display device, an input device, and a data storage device. Embodied computer systems include desktop personal computers, servers, terminals, laptops, personal digital assistants, mobile phones, mobile gaming systems, mobile entertainment devices, and/or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, an article of manufacture exists on a server which is connected via the internet to a computer system wherein a method for performing a game according to one or more of the methods described herein. A display device may be a projector, a CRT monitor, a flat-screen monitor (plasma, LCD, LED, etc.), electronic paper, a touch screen, or other display devices designed for visual signals to be observable by an eye. An input device includes a keyboard, a mouse, an alphanumeric pad, a game controller, a stylus, or a touch-sensitive layer, or any combinations thereof. A touch-sensitive layer may be layered with a display unit in a juxtaposed manner. The input device may be utilized to mark cells. The input devices may be utilized to select virtual plurality of elements and place them into a grid being displayed on the display device.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a computer system 1500, wherein the computer system 1500 includes a computer 1501 including a non-transitory computer readable memory, and a processor. The computer 1501 is connected to and/or in communication with a display device 1502 and one or more input devices 1503, 1504, wherein the input devices 1503, 1504 include a keyboard 1503 and/or a mouse 1504. When using the mouse 1504, the display screen 1502 displays six user interface buttons. When using the keyboard 1503, an embodiment uses six physical buttons provided separately from the display screen 1502 that are used in the method described herein to play Sudoku. Another embodiment uses more than six buttons of the keyboard 1503 in the method described herein to play Sudoku. Another embodiment uses nine physical buttons on the keyboard 1503 in the method described herein to play Sudoku.

Accordingly, embodiments of the computer system 1500 may have a plurality of buttons for a user to interface with the computer system 1500 either displayed on the display screen 1502 and/or as physical buttons provided separately from the display device 1502, such as on an input devices 1503 and/or 1504.

In an embodiment, a device does not require the use of physical buttons for operating a computer program executing computer readable instructions for allowing a user to play the game according to one or more methods described herein.

In another embodiment, the device includes no physical buttons. In one embodiment, the device includes a touch-sensitive display device that displays a user interface.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a computer, wherein the computer is a mobile device 1530. The mobile device has a touch activated display component 1531 for displaying a Sudoku matrix 1532 according to one or more of the methods described herein.

An embodiment of a device for playing Sudoku according to one or more methods described herein includes displaying on the display six buttons. In one embodiment, the device includes a touch-sensitive display device that displays a user interface. In another embodiment, the device may include displayed buttons in a user interface and physical buttons. In one embodiment, the device includes more than 9 displayed and/or physical buttons.

In an embodiment of the device having physical buttons, the physical buttons may be on a side of the device. For example, the device may have physical buttons on a right hand side from a user's perspective. For example, the device may have physical buttons on a left hand side from a user's perspective. The physical buttons may be arranged in two rows of three buttons or three rows of two buttons. In one embodiment of the device, the physical buttons are numbered 1-2-3-4-5-0 with 5 and 0 on the end or bottom or the row or column. In one embodiment, the buttons are configured on the device such that fingers and the thumb may be used to operate the buttons.

In one embodiment, one or more of the physical buttons may operate to turn on and/or off the device. For example, the button numbered 0 may be operable to turn off the device. For example, the button numbered 5 may be operable to turn on the device.

In an embodiment, the physical buttons may operate to select a difficulty level setting. For example, operating a button numbered 1 may set the game difficulty level to one setting. For example, operating a button numbered 4 may set the game difficulty level to another setting. The user may be prompted by a visual display displayed on the display device to select the difficulty setting.

In an embodiment, the user punches in a number by operating the buttons. For example, in one embodiment, the user enter a number into a cell of a matrix by punching a 0 number button and then one of 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 number button. The device processes the operation of the two buttons, the first button being 0 and then a second button being 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, and stores into a memory that the data value entered is the value of the second button (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5). The user may punch a 5 number button and then one of 1, 2, 3, or 4. The device processes the operation of the two buttons, the first button being 5 and then a second button being 1, 2, 3, or 4, and stores into the non-transitory computer readable memory that the data value entered is the value of 6, 7, 8, or 9. Each of the value stored into the non-transitory computer readable memory being a sum of 5 and the value of the second button entered. By this method, a data value of 1 to 9 may be entered into the device for storing the data value into the non-transitory computer readable memory of the device.

The device may store the last verified Sudoku puzzle in memory until a new puzzle is called for by the user.

The user may specify different types of Sudoku and/or Sudoku-like puzzles. For example, but not limited to, a game having one or more parameter and/or constraint of how many and what kind of switches are allowed, number changes, vertical blocks, horizontal blocks, vertical rows, horizontal rows, and/or color substitutions.

For example, if the user wants number changes he can specify which numbers and in which order he wants the numbers switched or input into the device how many numbers to switch. If he wishes to have some color substitutions the device can be inputted with how this can be done and still provide a single-solution Sudoku puzzle.

An embodiment that includes color is defined as a Sudocolor puzzle, or simply, Sudocolor.

The device is able to verify at any time if an error has been made by the user.

The user can request ahead of time that the device alert him as soon as an error occurs. When the Sudoku is completed, the device can indicate to the user whether the user's completed attempt is correct.

The device could be compatible with computers so that it can be hooked up to a computer and Sudoku prints out.

A preferred embodiment has been described for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope of the invention, including the full scope of equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A method for determining a solution to a Sudoku puzzle, comprising:

storing a solution to the Sudoku puzzle in a non-transitory computer readable memory,

wherein the Sudoku puzzle includes a plurality of rows having a first row, a second row, a third row, a fourth row, a fifth row, a sixth row, a seventh row, an eighth row, and a ninth row,

wherein each of the rows includes a plurality of cells having a first cell, a second cell, a third cell, a fourth cell, a fifth cell, a sixth cell, a seventh cell, an eighth cell, and a ninth cell; and

storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory a first indicator for each of the first cell of the first row, the fourth cell of the second row, the seventh cell of the third row, the second cell of the fourth row, the fifth cell of the fifth row, the eighth cell of the sixth row, the third cell of the seventh row, the sixth cell of the eighth row, and the ninth cell of the ninth row.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

displaying on a display device of a computer the Sudoku puzzle and at least one of the first indicators,

wherein the first indicator is selected from a group consisting of a number, a letter, a picture, a color and a combination thereof.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory a second indicator for each of the second cell of the first row, the fifth cell of the second row, the eighth cell of the third row, the third cell of the fourth row, the sixth cell of the fifth row, the ninth cell of the sixth row, the first cell of the seventh row, the fourth cell of the eighth row, and the seventh cell of the ninth row.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising:

displaying on a display device of a computer the Sudoku puzzle and at least one of the first indicators, and at least one of the second indicators,

wherein the second indicator is different from the first indicator,

the second indicator is selected from a group consisting of a number, a letter, a picture, a color and a combination thereof.

5. The method according to claim 3, further comprising:

storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory a third indicator for each of the third cell of the first row, the sixth cell of the second row, the ninth cell of the third row, the first cell of the fourth row, the fourth cell of the fifth row, the seventh cell of the sixth row, in the second cell of the seventh row, in the fifth cell of the eighth row, and the eighth cell of the ninth row.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the third indicator is selected from a group consisting of a number, a letter, a picture, a color and a combination thereof.

7. The method according to claim 5, further comprising:

storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory a fourth indicator for each of the fourth cell of the first row, the seventh cell of the second row, the first cell of the third row, the fifth cell of the fourth row, the eighth cell of the fifth row, the second cell of the sixth row, the sixth cell of the seventh row, the ninth cell of the eighth row, and the third cell of the ninth row.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the fourth indicator is selected from a group consisting of a number, a letter, a picture, a color and a combination thereof.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising:

storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory a fifth indicator for each of the fifth cell of the first row, the eighth cell of the second row, the second cell of the third row, the sixth cell of the fourth row, the ninth cell of the fifth row, the third cell of the sixth row, the fourth cell of the seventh row, the seventh cell of the eighth row, and the first cell of the ninth row.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the fifth indicator is selected from a group consisting of a number, a letter, a picture, a color and a combination thereof.

11. The method according to claim 9, further comprising:

storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory a sixth indicator for each of the sixth cell of the first row, the ninth cell of the second row, the third cell of the third row, the fourth cell of the fourth row, the seventh cell of the fifth row, the first cell of the sixth row, the fifth cell of the seventh row, the eighth cell of the eighth row, and the second cell of the ninth row.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the sixth indicator is selected from a group consisting of a number, a letter, a picture, a color and a combination thereof.

13. The method according to claim 11, further comprising:

storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory a seventh indicator for each of the seventh cell of the first row, the first cell of the second row, the fourth cell of the third row, the eighth cell of the fourth row, the second cell of the fifth row, the fifth cell of the sixth row, the ninth cell of the seventh row, the third cell of the eighth row, and the sixth cell of the ninth row.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the seventh indicator is selected from a group consisting of a number, a letter, a picture, a color and a combination thereof.

15. The method according to claim 13, further comprising:

storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory an eighth indicator for each of the eighth cell of the first row, the second cell of the second row, the fifth cell of the third row, the ninth cell of the fourth row, the third cell of the fifth row, the sixth cell of the sixth row, the seventh cell of the seventh row, the first cell of the eighth row, and the third cell of the ninth row.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the eighth indicator is selected from a group consisting of a number, a letter, a picture, a color and a combination thereof.

17. The method according to claim 15, further comprising:

storing to the non-transitory computer readable memory a ninth indicator for each of the ninth cell of the first row, the third cell of the second row, the sixth cell of the third row, the seventh cell of the fourth row, the first cell of the fifth row, the fourth cell of the sixth row, the eighth cell of the seventh row, the second cell of the eighth row, and the fifth cell of the ninth row.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the ninth indicator is selected from a group consisting of a number, a letter, a picture, a color and a combination thereof.

19. A computer having a display device and a non-transitory computer readable memory, the non-transitory computer readable memory storing computer instructions for a solution to a Sudoku puzzle, comprising:

a solution to the Sudoku puzzle stored in the non-transitory computer readable memory,

wherein the Sudoku puzzle includes a plurality of rows having a first row, a second row, a third row, a fourth row, a fifth row, a sixth row, a seventh row, an eighth row, and a ninth row,

each of the rows includes a plurality of cells having a first cell, a second cell, a third cell, a fourth cell, a fifth cell, a sixth cell, a seventh cell, an eighth cell, and a ninth cell, and

for each of the first cell of the first row, the fourth cell of the second row, the seventh cell of the third row, the second cell of the fourth row, the fifth cell of the fifth row, the eighth cell of the sixth row, the third cell of the seventh row, the sixth cell of the eighth row, and the ninth cell of the ninth row.

20. The computer according to claim 19, wherein the Sudoku puzzle further includes:

a second indicator for each of the second cell of the first row, the fifth cell of the second row, the eighth cell of the third row, the third cell of the fourth row, the sixth cell of the fifth row, the ninth cell of the sixth row, the first cell of the seventh row, the fourth cell of the eighth row, and the seventh cell of the ninth row,

a third indicator for each of the third cell of the first row, the sixth cell of the second row, the ninth cell of the third row, the first cell of the fourth row, the fourth cell of the fifth row, the seventh cell of the sixth row, in the second cell of the seventh row, in the fifth cell of the eighth row, and the eighth cell of the ninth row,

a fourth indicator for each of the fourth cell of the first row, the seventh cell of the second row, the first cell of the third row, the fifth cell of the fourth row, the eighth cell of the fifth row, the second cell of the sixth row, the sixth cell of the seventh row, the ninth cell of the eighth row, and the third cell of the ninth row,

a fifth indicator for each of the fifth cell of the first row, the eighth cell of the second row, the second cell of the third row, the sixth cell of the fourth row, the ninth cell of the fifth row, the third cell of the sixth row, the fourth cell of the seventh row, the seventh cell of the eighth row, and the first cell of the ninth row,

a sixth indicator for each of the sixth cell of the first row, the ninth cell of the second row, the third cell of the third row, the fourth cell of the fourth row, the seventh cell of the fifth row, the first cell of the sixth row, the fifth cell of the seventh row, the eighth cell of the eighth row, and the second cell of the ninth row,

a seventh indicator for each of the seventh cell of the first row, the first cell of the second row, the fourth cell of the third row, the eighth cell of the fourth row, the second cell of the fifth row, the fifth cell of the sixth row, the ninth cell of the seventh row, the third cell of the eighth row, and the sixth cell of the ninth row,

an eighth indicator for each of the eighth cell of the first row, the second cell of the second row, the fifth cell of the third row, the ninth cell of the fourth row, the third cell of the fifth row, the sixth cell of the sixth row, the seventh cell of the seventh row, the first cell of the eighth row, and the third cell of the ninth row, and

a ninth indicator for each of the ninth cell of the first row, the third cell of the second row, the sixth cell of the third row, the seventh cell of the fourth row, the first cell of the fifth row, the fourth cell of the sixth row, the eighth cell of the seventh row, the second cell of the eighth row, and the fifth cell of the ninth row.