Method and software for making number place puzzles

Abstract

A method and computer software are provided for making number place puzzles. Numbers and unknown are represented by variables that are assigned values such as in a plurality of nested loops. Instructions within each loop limit access to embedded loops until all assigned values form a valid solution. When some of the variables are pre-assigned values to create a number place puzzle, the output will be all valid solutions, if any. Multiple solutions provide information that assists in modifying the pre-assigned values to obtain a single solution.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions for making a number place puzzle, comprising:
 first instructions counting all solutions for a partial number place puzzle having a plurality of solutions; and   second instructions limiting access to the first instructions until each solution is found.   
     
     
         2 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 1 , further comprising third instructions for printing a predetermined number of the plurality of solutions. 
     
     
         3 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 2 , wherein the second instructions comprise a plurality of nested loops that limit access to both the first instructions and the third instructions. 
     
     
         4 . The non-transitory computer readable medium of  claim 3 , wherein the second instructions are located at a plurality of locations within the plurality of nested loops.