Puzzle with conductive path

• US 8,951,088 B2
• Filed: 11/05/2012
• Issued: 02/10/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 08/06/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sphero Inc.
• Original Assignee: May Patents Ltd.
• Inventors: Binder, Yehuda
• Primary Examiner(s): Pandya, Sunit
• Application Number:
  US13/668,693
• Publication Number:
  US 20130079080A1
• Time in Patent Office: 827 Days
• US Class Current: 446/124
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/1016 the pieces having additional connections, i.e. in addition to the connection by the jig-saw shapes
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 2009/1066 completing a circuit if solved correctly
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/10 Two-dimensional jig-saw puzzles
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/1011 Composition of faces, i.e. visages, using individual pieces representing parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/1044 Display boards therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63F 9/24 Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for video games A63F13/00; computerized gaming systems G07F17/32

Abstract

System and method for additional amusement, entertaining and surprising visual or audible reward provided upon completing the reconstructing of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional jigsaw puzzle. The puzzle pieces include conductive pads connected by a conductor such as a wire, a metallic strip or a conductive paint, so that upon assembling the puzzle, the pads are in contact to form a continuous conductive path. The frame or the puzzle pieces include a battery (or an AC adapter) and a visual or audible signaling device operating upon sensing the continuity of the conductive path. Each of the puzzle pieces may include three or more conductive pads, allowing for the forming two or more isolated or connected distinct conductive paths. The conductive path can further affect a time measurement and its related display for timing the puzzle solving.

Claims

1. A game set for electrically and mechanically connecting game pieces, the game set comprising:

first, second and third game pieces, each of said game pieces being mechanically attachable and electrically connectable via electrically conducting components to at least one other game piece;

said first game piece being connectable to a power source;

said second game piece comprising an electrical switch; and

said third game piece comprising an electrically powered first annunciator for announcing using visual or audible signaling;

wherein the mechanical attachment of two of said game pieces affects an electrical connection between said two mechanically attached game pieces, and wherein, upon mechanically attaching said first, second and third game pieces to one another, an electrical circuit is formed via said electrically conducting components such that upon activating said switch, a current is passed from the power source to said first annunciator.

2. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the power source is a battery and said first game piece comprises a battery connector for connecting to the battery.

3. The game set according to claim 2, wherein the battery is a primary type or a rechargeable type.

4. The game set according to claim 3, wherein said first game piece comprises the battery.

5. The game set according to claim 4, wherein said first game piece further comprises a battery compartment for housing said battery.

6. The game set according to claim 3, wherein the battery is a coin-type battery.

7. The game set according to claim 1, wherein said switch is a single pole single throw switch.

8. The game set according to claim 1, wherein said switch is a pushbutton switch.

9. The game set according to claim 1, wherein said first annunciator comprises a visual signaling device.

10. The game set according to claim 9, wherein said visual signaling device is a visible light emitter.

11. The game set according to claim 10, wherein said visible light emitter is a semiconductor device, an incandescent lamp, or fluorescent lamp.

12. The game set according to claim 10, wherein said visible light emitter is adapted for a steady illumination and for blinking.

13. The game set according to claim 10, wherein said visible light emitter is mounted for illuminating a part or all of an image.

14. The game set according to claim 10, wherein said game set is further associated with a theme or shape, and wherein the illumination produced by said visible light emitter is associated with the theme or shape.

15. The game set according to claim 14, wherein said visible light emitter has a location, type, color or steadiness that is associated with the theme or shape.

16. The game set according to claim 1, wherein said first annunciator comprises an audible signaling device for emitting a sound.

17. The game set according to claim 16, wherein said audible signaling device comprises an electromechanical or piezoelectric sounder.

18. The game set according to claim 17, wherein said audible signaling device comprises a buzzer, a chime, or a ringer.

19. The game set according to claim 16, wherein said audible signaling device comprises a loudspeaker and a digital to analog converter coupled to said loudspeaker.

20. The game set according to claim 16, wherein said audible signaling device is operative to generate a single tone or multiple tones.

21. The game set according to claim 16, wherein said game set is further associated with a theme or shape, and wherein the sound emitted from said audible signaling device is associated with the theme or shape.

22. The game set according to claim 21, wherein the volume, type, steadiness, pitch, rhythm, dynamics, timbre, or texture of the sound emitted from said audible signaling device is associated with the theme or shape.

23. The game set according to claim 21, wherein the sound emitted from said audible signaling device is a characteristic sound of one of:

a household appliance;

a vehicle;

an emergency vehicle;

an animal;

or a musical instrument.

24. The game set according to claim 16, wherein the sound emitted from said audible signaling device is a song or a melody.

25. The game set according to claim 24, wherein said game set is further associated with a theme or shape, wherein the song or melody name or content relates to the theme or shape.

26. The game set according to claim 16, wherein the sound emitted from said audible signaling device simulates a talking human voice.

27. The game set according to claim 26, wherein the sound is a syllable, a word, a phrase, a sentence, a short story, or a long story.

28. The game set according to claim 26, wherein the sound is based on speech synthesis or is pre-recorded.

29. The game set according to claim 1, wherein said first annunciator comprises a smoke generator.

30. The game set according to claim 1, wherein said first annunciator comprises an electric motor for moving movable parts.

31. The game set according to claim 1, wherein said first annunciator comprises a time metering device.

32. The game set according to claim 31, wherein said time metering device is connected for start or for stop counting upon activation of said switch.

33. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising firmware and a processor for executing instructions embedded in said firmware, said processor being coupled to control said first annunciator.

34. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a second annunciator.

35. The game set according to claim 34, wherein one of said annunciators includes a visual indicator and the other of said annunciators includes an audible indicator.

36. The game set according to claim 34, further comprising a fourth game piece mechanically attachable and electrically connectable to at least one other game piece, said fourth game piece including said second annunciator.

37. The game set according to claim 34, wherein the mechanical attachments of said game pieces define distinct and isolated first and second conductive paths, and wherein said first conductive path is operative for activating said first annunciator and said second conductive path is operative for activating said second annunciator.

38. The game set according to claim 34, wherein said first and second annunciators are connected in series in said electrical circuit.

39. The game set according to claim 34, wherein said first and second annunciators are connected in parallel in said electrical circuit.

40. The game set according to claim 1, wherein said game set is a jigsaw puzzle and said game pieces are puzzle pieces, and wherein each of said puzzle pieces has a front surface containing a part of an image such that a whole image will appear on the puzzle when all of said puzzle pieces have been correctly assembled.

41. The game set according to claim 1, wherein each of said game pieces comprises two or more conductive pads.

42. The game set according to claim 41, wherein, when said game pieces are mechanically attached to one another, said pads of said game pieces are connected to form one or more conductive paths.

43. The game set according to claim 41, wherein each of said game pieces comprises three or more conductive pads.

44. The game set according to claim 43, wherein, when said are mechanically attached to one another, said pads of said game pieces are connected to form two or more distinct conductive paths.

45. The game set according to claim 41, wherein at least two of said pads are electrically connected using a conductor.

46. The game set according to claim 45, wherein at least two of said pads are electrically connected using a wire or a conductive paint.

47. The game set according to claim 1, wherein one or more of said game pieces have front and rear substantially planar surfaces and a side surface.

48. The game set according to claim 47, wherein one or more of said game pieces comprising conductive pads on said side surface.

49. The game set according to claim 47, wherein said game pieces are horizontally attached to form a planar construction.

50. The game set according to claim 1, wherein at least two of said game pieces have a similar shape or structure.

51. The game set according to claim 50, wherein at least two of said game pieces have the same shape or structure.

52. The game set according to claim 50, wherein said at least two of said game pieces are substantially cube shaped.

53. The game set according to claim 1, wherein each of at least two of said game pieces comprises a magnet.

54. The game set according to claim 53, wherein said at least two of said game pieces are mechanically attached using said magnets.

55. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor having an electrical output for sensing a physical phenomenon.

56. The game set according to claim 55, further comprising a fourth game piece that is mechanically attachable and electrically connectable to at least one other game piece, said fourth game piece comprising said sensor.

57. The game set according to claim 55, wherein said second game piece comprises said sensor.

58. The game set according to claim 57, wherein said switch is activated in response to a signal at said sensor output.

59. The game set according to claim 55, wherein said output of said sensor is an electrical output.

60. The game set according to claim 55, wherein said annunciator is activated in response to a signal at said sensor output in said electrical circuit.

61. The game set according to claim 55, wherein said sensor is a light sensor.

62. The game set according to claim 55, wherein said sensor is a voltage or current sensor.

63. The game set according to claim 55, wherein said sensor is a motion or pressure sensor.

64. The game set according to claim 1, wherein the power source is powered from a domestic AC power outlet, and said game set further comprises a power cord for connecting to the AC power outlet.

65. The game set according to claim 64, further comprising an AC/DC adapter to be powered from the AC power outlet, said AC/DC adapter comprising a step-down transformer and an AC/DC converter for DC powering said annunciator.

66. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a relay coupled to be activated by the power source.

67. The game set according to claim 66, wherein said switch is part of said relay.

68. The game set according to claim 66, wherein said relay is a mechanical relay or a solid-state relay.

69. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising an optocoupler.

70. The game set according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said game pieces has a square or rectangular shape.

71. The game set according to claim 70, wherein all of said game pieces have a square or rectangular shape.

72. The game set according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said game pieces has a circular or elliptical shape.

73. The game set according to claim 72, wherein all of said game pieces have a circular or elliptical shape.

74. The game set according to claim 1 further comprising a display.

75. The game set according to claim 74, wherein said display is operative to display a quantity or a number.

76. The game set according to claim 75, wherein said display is an alphanumeric display for displaying digits.

77. The game set according to claim 74, wherein said display is a liquid crystal based display.

78. The game set according to claim 1, wherein said game pieces have a shape based on an equilateral polygon.

79. The game set according to claim 1, wherein said game pieces are interengagable, wherein each of said game pieces has one or more indentations and one or more protrusions, and wherein said game pieces are mechanically attachable to one another by attaching said mating indentations and protrusions.

80. The game set according to claim 79, wherein said game pieces can be assembled into a single pre-defined structure.

81. The game set according to claim 80, wherein said single pre-defined structure is a substantially planar structure.

82. The game set according to claim 80, wherein said single pre-defined structure is a substantially three-dimensional structure.

83. The game set according to claim 1, wherein each of said game pieces has multiple sides, and wherein each of said sides of one of said game pieces is mechanically attachable to one of said multiple sides of another one of said game pieces.

84. The game set according to claim 1, further comprising a timer for measuring time.

85. The game set according to claim 84, further comprising a display for displaying time.

86. The game set according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said game pieces has a spherical shape.

87. The game set according to claim 1, wherein said game pieces are mechanically attachable to one another using friction fit or interlocking.

88. The game set according to claim 1, wherein said game pieces are distinctly visually identifiable.

89. The game set according to claim 88, wherein said game pieces are substantially distinctly colored.

90. The game set according to claim 88, wherein said game pieces are substantially distinct, each having a different part of a picture.

91. A kit of electrically and mechanically connectable game pieces, said kit comprising:

at least first, second and third game pieces, each of said game pieces being mechanically attachable and electrically connectable to all other game pieces in said kit, wherein;

said first game piece is connectable to a power source for powering at least part of said kit from the power source;

said second game piece comprises a sensor for sensing a physical phenomenon;

said third game piece comprises a first electrical component electrically that can be powered from the power source;

the mechanical attachment of any two of said game pieces affects an electrical connection between said two mechanically attached game pieces; and

upon mechanically attaching said first, second, and third game pieces to one another, an electrical circuit is formed such that said first electrical component is activated in response to a physical phenomenon sensed by said sensor.

92. The kit according to claim 91, wherein the power source is a battery.

93. The kit according to claim 92, wherein the battery is a primary type or a rechargeable type.

94. The kit according to claim 93, wherein said first game piece comprises the battery and is connected to said battery.

95. The kit according to claim 94, wherein said first game piece comprises a battery compartment for housing said battery.

96. The kit according to claim 93, wherein the battery is a coin-type battery.

97. The kit according to claim 91, further comprising a switch coupled to connect the power source to said first electrical component.

98. The kit according to claim 97, wherein said switch is a pushbutton switch.

99. The kit according to claim 91, wherein said first electrical component comprises a visual signaling device.

100. The kit according to claim 99, wherein said visual signaling device is a visible light emitter.

101. The kit according to claim 100, wherein said visible light emitter is a semiconductor device, an incandescent lamp, or a fluorescent lamp.

102. The kit according to claim 100, wherein said visible light emitter is adapted to produce a steady illumination and a blinking illumination.

103. The kit according to claim 100, wherein said visible light emitter is mounted for illuminating a part or all of an image.

104. The kit according to claim 100, wherein said kit is associated with a theme or shape, and wherein the illumination by aid visible light emitter is associated with the theme or shape.

105. The kit according to claim 104, wherein said visible light emitter has a location, type, color, or steadiness that is associated with the theme or said shape.

106. The kit according to claim 91, wherein said first electrical component comprises an audible signaling device for emitting a sound.

107. The kit according to claim 106, wherein said audible signaling device comprises an electromechanical or piezoelectric sounder.

108. The kit according to claim 107, wherein said audible signaling device comprises a buzzer, a chime, or a ringer.

109. The kit according to claim 106, wherein said audible signaling device comprises a loudspeaker and a digital to analog converter coupled to said loudspeaker.

110. The kit according to claim 106, wherein said audible signaling device is operative to generate a single tone or multiple tones.

111. The kit according to claim 106, wherein said kit is associated with a theme or shape, and the sound emitted from said audible signaling device is associated with the theme or shape.

112. The kit according to claim 111, wherein the volume, type, steadiness, pitch, rhythm, dynamics, timbre or texture of the sound emitted from said audible signaling device is associated with the theme or shape.

113. The kit according to claim 111, wherein the sound emitted from said audible signaling device is a characteristic sound of one of:

a household appliance;

a vehicle;

an emergency vehicle;

an animal;

or a musical instrument.

114. The kit according to claim 106, wherein the sound emitted from said audible signaling device is a song or a melody.

115. The kit according to claim 114, wherein said kit is associated with a theme or shape, and the song or melody name or content relates to the theme or shape.

116. The kit according to claim 106, wherein the sound emitted from said audible signaling device simulates a talking human voice.

117. The kit according to claim 116, wherein the sound is a syllable, a word, a phrase, a sentence, a short story, or a long story.

118. The kit according to claim 116, wherein the sound is based on speech synthesis or is pre-recorded.

119. The kit according to claim 91, wherein said first electrical component comprises a smoke generator.

120. The kit according to claim 91, wherein said first electrical component comprises an electric motor for moving movable parts.

121. The kit according to claim 91, wherein said first electrical component comprises a time metering device.

122. The kit according to claim 121, wherein said time metering device is connected for start or for stop counting upon activation of a switch.

123. The kit according to claim 91, further comprising firmware and a processor for executing instructions embedded in said firmware, said processor being coupled to control said first electrical component.

124. The kit according to claim 91, further comprising a second electrical component that can be powered from the power source.

125. The kit according to claim 124, wherein said electrical components are of the same type.

126. The kit according to claim 124, wherein said first and second electrical components are of different types.

127. The kit according to claim 126, wherein one of said electrical components includes a visual indicator and the other of said electrical components includes an audible indicator.

128. The kit according to claim 124, further comprising a fourth game piece mechanically attachable and electrically connectable to at least one other game piece, said fourth game piece including said second electrical component.

129. The kit according to claim 124, further wherein the mechanical attachment of said game pieces defines distinct and isolated first and second conductive paths, and wherein said first conductive path is associated for activating said first electrical component and wherein said second conductive path is associated for activating said second electrical component.

130. The kit according to claim 124, wherein said first and second electrical components are connected in series in said electrical circuit.

131. The kit according to claim 124, wherein said first and second electrical components are connected in parallel in said electrical circuit.

132. The kit according to claim 91, wherein said kit is a jigsaw puzzle and said game pieces are puzzle pieces, and wherein each of said puzzle pieces has a front surface containing a part of an image such that a whole image will appear on the puzzle when all of said puzzle pieces have been correctly assembled.

133. The kit according to claim 91, wherein each of said game pieces comprises two or more conductive pads.

134. The kit according to claim 133, wherein when said game pieces are mechanically attached, said pads of to one another, said pads of said game pieces are connected to form one or more conductive paths.

135. The kit according to claim 133, wherein each of said game pieces comprises three or more conductive pads.

136. The kit according to claim 135, wherein when said game pieces are mechanically attached, said pads of to one another, said pads of said game pieces are connected to form two or more distinct conductive paths.

137. The kit according to claim 133, wherein at least two of said pads are electrically connected by a conductor.

138. The kit according to claim 137, wherein at least two of said pads are electrically connected using a wire or a conductive paint.

139. The kit according to claim 91, wherein one or more of said game pieces are having front and rear substantially planar surfaces and a side surface.

140. The kit according to claim 91, wherein at least two of said game pieces have similar shape or structure.

141. The kit according to claim 140, wherein at least two of said game pieces have the same shape or structure.

142. The kit according to claim 141, wherein all of said game pieces have the same shape or structure.

143. The kit according to claim 140, wherein said at least two of said game pieces are substantially cube shaped.

144. The kit according to claim 91, wherein each of at least two of said game pieces comprises a magnet.

145. The kit according to claim 144, wherein said at least two of said game pieces are mechanically attached using said magnets.

146. The kit according to claim 91, wherein said sensor is a light sensor producing an electrical output signal in response to the sensed physical phenomenon.

147. The kit according to claim 91, wherein said sensor is a voltage or current sensor producing an electrical output signal in response to the sensed voltage or current.

148. The kit according to claim 91, wherein said sensor is a motion or pressure sensor.

149. The kit according to claim 91, wherein the power source is a domestic AC power outlet, and wherein said kit further comprising a power cord for connecting to the AC power outlet.

150. The kit according to claim 149, further comprising an AC/DC adapter powered from the AC power outlet, said AC/DC adapter comprising a step-down transformer and an AC/DC converter for DC powering said electrical component.

151. The kit according to claim 91, further comprising a relay coupled to be activated by the power source.

152. The kit according to claim 151, wherein said relay is a mechanical relay or a solid-state relay.

153. The kit according to claim 91, further comprising an optocoupler.

154. The kit according to claim 91, wherein at least one of said game pieces has a square or rectangular shape.

155. The kit according to claim 154, wherein all of said game pieces have a square or rectangular shape.

156. The kit according to claim 91, wherein at least one of said game pieces has a circular or elliptical shape.

157. The kit according to claim 156, wherein all of said game pieces have a circular or elliptical shape.

158. The kit according to claim 91, further comprising a display.

159. The kit according to claim 158, wherein said display is an alphanumeric display for displaying digits.

160. The kit according to claim 158, wherein said display is a liquid crystal based display.

161. The kit according to claim 91, further comprising a timer for measuring time.

162. The kit according to claim 91, further comprising a display for displaying time.

163. The kit according to claim 91, wherein said game pieces are interengagable, wherein each of said game pieces has one or more indentations and one or more protrusions, and wherein said game pieces are mechanically attachable to one another by attaching mating indentations and protrusions.

164. The kit according to claim 163, wherein said game pieces can be assembled into a single pre-defined structure.

165. The kit according to claim 164, wherein said single pre-defined structure is a substantially planar structure.

166. The kit according to claim 164, wherein said single pre-defined structure is a substantially three-dimensional structure.

167. The kit according to claim 163, wherein said game pieces can be assembled into a plurality of pre-defined structures.

168. The kit according to claim 91, wherein said first game piece further comprises a switch coupled to the power source.

169. The kit according to claim 91, wherein each of said game pieces has multiple attachable sides, and wherein each of said attachable sides of one of said game pieces is mechanically attachable to one of said attachable multiple sides of another one of said game pieces.

170. A toy construction kit comprising:

first, second, and third functionally distinct interengagable construction elements, each of said construction elements having one or more indentations and one or more protrusions, and wherein said construction elements are mechanically attachable by engaging mating indentations and protrusions,

wherein;

said first construction element includes a battery for powering at least part of said kit from a power source;

said second construction element comprises a sensor for sensing a physical phenomenon; and

said third construction element comprises an electrical component that can be electrically powered from said battery;

the mechanical attachment of any two of said construction elements affects electrical connection between said two mechanically attached construction elements; and

upon mechanically attaching said first, second, and third construction elements to one another, an electrical circuit is formed such that said electrical component is activated in response to a physical phenomenon sensed by said sensor.