Knight-Walk Puzzle Game

Abstract

A puzzle game of the present invention consists of a field of play having associated positions upon which place-indicators are placed during game play along a predetermined game path. Placement of the place-indicators represents a sequential series of steps from a starting point along a game path in the field of play to an end point. Each of the steps is dependent on a predetermined step pattern and the place-indicator is placed on the position upon which the end of the step pattern falls. The solution to the puzzle is achieved by the placement of all place-indicators between the starting point and the end point. In order to indicate a particular game path, at least two place-indicators are pre-placed as givens in the solution. The place-indicators may be, by non-limiting example, numerals, letters or a group of shapes with a predetermined series displayed on the game play interface, but outside of the field of play.

1 . A puzzle game comprising a field of play configured for placement of place-indicators such that placement of said place-indicators represents a series of sequential steps from a starting point along a game path in said field of play to an end point, and each step of said series of steps has a predetermined step pattern and each said place-indicator is placed on said field of play at an end of a respective said step of said series of steps, and a solution to the puzzle is the placement of all place indicators between said starting point and said end point, and at least two said place-indicators are pre-placed as givens in said solution.  
   
   
       2 . The puzzle game of  claim 1 , wherein said step pattern is similar to a move that can be made by a chess piece on a chessboard during a game of chess.  
   
   
       3 . The puzzle game of  claim 2 , wherein said step pattern is similar to a move that can be made by a knight during a game of chess.  
   
   
       4 . The puzzle game of  claim 1 , wherein one or more place-indicators are pre-placed in its predetermined position along said game path by a game setter prior to a beginning of play.  
   
   
       5 . The puzzle game of  claim 4 , wherein said game path is configured such that there is a single solution to the puzzle along a given said game path between said starting point and end point that includes said one or more pre-placed place-indicators in proper sequence.  
   
   
       6 . The puzzle game of  claim 1 , further including a computer program programmed to: 
 (a) determine a size of said field of play;    (b) determine said step pattern;    (c) choose said starting point;    (d) determine said game path; and    (e) indicate positions of said at least two given place-indicators, as determined by a solution to the puzzle game, on a game play interface.    
   
   
       7 . The puzzle game of  claim 6 , wherein said computer program provides a process for varying a level of difficulty of the puzzle game.  
   
   
       8 . The puzzle game of  claim 6 , wherein said computer program generates a game play interface.  
   
   
       9 . The puzzle game of  claim 8 , wherein said game play interface is printed material.  
   
   
       10 . The puzzle game of  claim 8 , wherein said game play interface is displayed on a display monitor.  
   
   
       11 . The puzzle game of  claim 10 , wherein said display monitor is implemented on any one from a list that includes: computer monitors, game consoles, cellular phones, PDAs, TV set, and handheld electronic games.  
   
   
       12 . A puzzle game comprising: 
 (a) a field of play that includes a grid on which numerals are placed along a game path determined by a solution to the puzzle such that said game path is a sequential series of steps having a predetermined step pattern, said game path continuing from a starting point to an end point with a solution to the puzzle being the placement of all said numerals between said starting point and said end point, and at least two said numerals are pre-placed as givens in said solution;    (b) a device for presenting a game play interface that depicts at least said field of play; and    (c) a computer program configured to determine at least one parameter of game play and generate said game play interface.    
   
   
       13 . The puzzle game of  claim 12 , further including at least one algorithm for determining said at least one parameter of game play.  
   
   
       14 . The puzzle game of  claim 12 , wherein said at least one parameter of game play includes at least one of: 
 (a) a size of said grid;    (b) a step pattern for said steps;    (c) said starting point;    (d) said game path; and    (e) indication of a position on said grid of one or more of the numerals, as determined by the solution, on a game play interface.    
   
   
       15 . The puzzle game of  claim 13 , wherein said computer program is configured such that said step pattern is similar to a move that can be made by a chess piece on a chessboard during a game of chess.  
   
   
       16 . The puzzle game of  claim 15 , wherein said computer program is configured such that said step pattern is similar to a move that can be made by a knight during a game of chess.  
   
   
       17 . The puzzle game of  claim 12 , wherein said game play interface is printed material.  
   
   
       18 . The puzzle game of  claim 12 , wherein said game play interface is a display monitor.  
   
   
       19 . The puzzle game of  claim 12 , wherein said game path includes at least 80% of points on the grid.  
   
   
       20 . The puzzle game of  claim 12 , wherein said computer program is deployed as a server so as to provide game play to client devices.