Puzzle Game

Abstract

Embodiments of the instant invention are directed to a solvable puzzle game including a matrix having N 2 unfilled cells arranged in N rows, N columns, and N sub-matrices, whereby each sub-matrix can be formed from N continuous unfilled cells. Each unfilled cell can be fillable with one indicia selected from N discrete indicia to provide a filled cell; and each row, column, and sub-matrix can be fillable with one indicia set which consists of one each of the N discrete indicia. The solvable puzzle game can be solved by providing a minimum number of filled cells which renders each remaining unfilled cell fillable with only one indicia selected from the N discrete indicia to satisfy a matrix condition whereby each row, column, and sub-matrix can be filled with one indicia set which consists of one each of the N discrete indicia.

1 . A solvable puzzle game comprising:
 a matrix having N 2  unfilled cells arranged in N rows, N columns, and N sub-matrices, each said sub-matrix formed from N continuous unfilled cells;   each said unfilled cell fillable with one indicia selected from N discrete indicia to provide a filled cell;   each said row, said column, and said sub-matrix fillable with one indicia set which consists of one each of said N discrete indicia.   
     
     
         2 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 1 , wherein said solvable puzzle game is solved by providing a minimum number of filled cells which renders each remaining said unfilled cell fillable with only one said indicia selected from said N discrete indicia to satisfy a matrix condition wherein each said row, said column, and said sub-matrix is filled with said one indicia set which consists of one each of said N discrete indicia. 
     
     
         3 - 5 . (canceled) 
     
     
         6 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 2 , wherein N is five. 
     
     
         7 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 2 , wherein N is less than five. 
     
     
         8 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 2 , wherein N is greater than five. 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 2 , wherein said indicia comprise numbers. 
     
     
         11 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 2 , wherein said indicia comprise letters. 
     
     
         12 - 17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 2 , wherein at least one said sub-matrix is formed from said N continuous unfilled cells which wrap around said row or said column. 
     
     
         19 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 2 , further comprising a substrate on which said matrix is disposed. 
     
     
         20 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 19 , wherein said substrate comprises a writing surface. 
     
     
         21 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 20 , wherein said writing surface is configured as a reusable writing surface. 
     
     
         22 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 21 , further comprising a writing instrument for use with said reusable writing surface, wherein said writing instrument provides erasable writing. 
     
     
         23 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 19 , further comprising a sleeve in which said substrate can be received, said sleeve providing a reusable writing surface. 
     
     
         24 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 23 , wherein said sleeve is formed from a substantially transparent material. 
     
     
         25 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 2 , further comprising a set of rules which specify constraints regarding placement of said indicia within said unfilled cells. 
     
     
         26 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 2 , further comprising one or more hints which may be useful for solving said solvable puzzle game. 
     
     
         27 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 2 , further comprising a solution to said solvable puzzle game. 
     
     
         28 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 2 , wherein said solvable puzzle game is a computer-implemented game. 
     
     
         29 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 28 , wherein said solvable puzzle game is provided as program code which is executable by a processor of a computer. 
     
     
         30 . The solvable puzzle game of  claim 29 , wherein said computer comprises a device selected from the group consisting of: a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a cell phone, a pad device, a slate device, and a tablet device. 
     
     
         31 - 61 . (canceled)