Electronic puzzle with problem-solution features for proper placement of puzzle pieces

A puzzle game system is provided comprising a plurality of puzzle pieces that include one part of a problem-solution pair for assisting the user in determining the proper placement of pieces within the puzzle, the system further including means for detecting when adjoining pieces are in proper placement, or where the entire puzzle is completed properly. The puzzle system may be a three-dimensional puzzle that interfaces with a base, or may be self-standing without a base.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to games in which engaging pieces may be placed together to form a picture, and more specifically where the game is a puzzle designed to permit alternative methods of forming the picture through challenges beyond the visual.

Historically, puzzles are wonderful vehicles for entertainment that are designed such that the resulting picture drives the challenge. In other words, the desire to build the picture piece by piece is based typically upon a copy provided with the puzzle and the visual challenge of fitting each piece appropriately in its respective position.

There may certainly be educational aspects to puzzles that entail physical and mental aspects. However, the mental aspects could be enhanced beyond mere visual challenges by not only creating a “positional” relationship between adjacent puzzle pieces that correspond to a properly completed image on the top surface, but also by creating a “problem-solution” relationship between either the puzzle piece and its corresponding position below, or between a puzzle piece and its adjacent piece or pieces.

One example of the latter puzzle is shown U.S. Pat. No. 4,076,253 to Eriksen. In that reference, a problem-solution relationship is disclosed among paired adjacent puzzle pieces. The puzzle may be completed by adjoining pieces whose sides correspond to a problem-solution pair. As described in the '253 patent to Eriksen, the complementary counterpart edges are of suitable shape whereby they are intended to be placed into coextensive engagement to form a predetermined figure or symbol. A more desirable and more challenging arrangement is contemplated by the present invention. Indeed, it would be desirable to enthrall a user by providing entertaining feedback when a puzzle has been properly completed.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment of the present invention, a puzzle comprises a plurality of pieces that when properly aligned complete a picture on one side of the puzzle. In this embodiment, the puzzle has a complementary base or board upon which the puzzle pieces can reside. Traditionally, the back of each puzzle piece would be blank. In this embodiment, however, the back of the puzzle has one of either a problem or solution provided thereon, with a corresponding solution or problem, respectively, at a corresponding place on the base where that particular puzzle piece is supposed to be positioned, or on the back of what should be adjacently-positioned pieces. In the former case, a single problem-solution pair can be created. In the latter case, multiple problem-solution pairs are provided, so that adjacent pieces may be appropriately oriented.

In the single problem-solution pair arrangement, either the problem or the solution can be provided on the back of a puzzle piece, and its corresponding solution or problem provided on the puzzle base. In the multiple problem-solution pair arrangement, it is envisioned that each piece would have multiple problems and/or solutions along each “side” of the puzzle piece back that would have a corresponding set of solutions and/or problems on the back of adjacent puzzle piece backs. As the problems and solutions are matched, i.e., when the “problem” piece is placed on the correct “solution” location on the puzzle board, a part of the picture puzzle is completed.

In some embodiments of this invention, some or all of the puzzle pieces are uniformly shaped and, therefore, could be interconnected anywhere within the puzzle with any other puzzle piece. They should be engaging in a way that stabilizes the puzzle as it develops, but the pieces need not interlock specifically. Curvilinear or rectilinear sides may be configured so that adjacent pieces fit nicely together, but do not necessarily interlock. In some cases, the puzzle pieces could comprise lock and key (or, e.g., tongue and groover) arrangements such as those found in many traditional puzzles.

In other embodiments, some of all of the puzzle pieces comprise a variety of shapes and configurations, but the picture is more complex such that it does not permit easy location of the proper position for a particular piece within the greater picture; e.g., a monotone feature spread over a plurality of pieces. In yet other embodiments, a combination of such shapes and configurations is contemplated, designed to address different challenge levels. As can be appreciated from the embodiments of the present invention, the method for determining the proper placement of the puzzle pieces is more difficult than with a traditional puzzle, enhancing the “challenge” to the puzzle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

By way of example,FIGS. 1 through 3show one embodiment of the inventive puzzle described and claimed herein. One embodiment comprises a puzzle10comprising a bottom panel12(shown more completely inFIG. 3) and a top or upper panel14. The top panel14comprises a top surface displaying an image of any desired presentation, where the image comprises a plurality of discrete pieces18bounded by a frame22. InFIG. 1, two of the discrete puzzle pieces18are removed, and are described in more detail below. A frame22is optional as the puzzle pieces may be configured so as to functionally display an image securely without the need for a frame. Although not critical, an outer edge of the frame22may be flush with an outer edge the base panel12, as shown.

Referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, a feature of the inventive puzzles comprises corresponding problem-solution pairs that are displayed in a way so as to drive, to some intellectual and/or entertaining degree, progressive assembly of the puzzle. In one embodiment, and by example the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 1 through 3, one half of the problem-solution pairs are displayed on the based panel12and the other half are displayed on the bottom surface of the image puzzle pieces18. InFIG. 2specifically, two puzzle pieces18a,18bare shown. In this embodiment, the pieces18comprises an upper surface26displaying part of a desired image16and a lower surface28displaying one half (by example a question in text form34) of a problem-solution pair.

In the example shown inFIG. 2, the puzzle pieces18a,18bhave shapes that permit complimentary engagement with each other when positioned adjacent, where projecting members30of piece18bconform to concave portions32of piece18a. Such a configuration permits complimentary engagement, but not necessarily interlocking engagement, so other configurations are contemplated for adjacent puzzle pieces18. Of course, the pieces18may be of a configuration that permits interlocking engagement between adjacent pieces. It should also be noted that the puzzle pieces need not engage each other, but may rather engage the base for stability. There are a number of possible interlocking configurations, both in the particular configuration and profile of the puzzle piece as well as mechanical means that serve to sustain engagement.

Referring toFIG. 3, the top panel14comprises the frame22with most of the interior image16cut away to expose the bottom panel12. The display on the bottom panel, by example in this embodiment, is a plurality of one half of the problem-solution pairs. In one embodiment, the one half of the problem-solution pair may be a question that corresponds to an answer on the back or lower surface of a puzzle piece18intended to be placed over that question. It could be instead be an answer corresponding to a puzzle piece having a corresponding question. But, as discussed herein, it could be any combination of intellectual and/or entertaining pairs designed to create a corresponding position for a puzzle piece18and a placement on the base panel12. In all cases, it is desired that the result of proper placement is an image16viewable by the user, as is illustrated by example inFIG. 1. In carrying out the puzzle, a user looks at a question (either on the base panel12or a puzzle piece18) and tried to match it with the corresponding answer (vice versa) and places the piece on the bottom panel12accordingly.

If desired, the bottom panel12may have defined raised borders to locate the appropriate puzzle piece in a somewhat restrained (i.e., not-so-easily movable) position. The bottom panel may simply present a flat smooth surface as well. It is contemplated that in another embodiment, there is no corresponding pair halves on the base panel12, but rather the pair halves are found on the bottom surface of adjacent puzzle pieces. In this case, the user does not need a bottom panel and may build the puzzle on any appropriately flat surface. The user simply tries to match puzzle pieces having corresponding halves of the problem-solution pair to determine which pieces are to be placed adjacent each other. The orientation of one puzzle piece to another may be determined by having multiple problem-solution pairs on the back of a single puzzle piece, with each half corresponding to a different adjacent puzzle piece. For example, for puzzles having a generally grid pattern arrangement of puzzle pieces, an interior puzzle piece would likely have four adjacent pieces (i.e., North, South, East, West). In that case, such interior piece might have a different problem-solution pair half along each of the four back side edges of the puzzle piece so that when the pairs are properly matched, the interior piece is appropriately oriented.

For example, one problem-solution pair may match a puzzle piece with a particular location on the base panel12, but the viewable image is such that it could be placed in more than one orientation. Imagine a skyline image with a fair amount of blue sky. The puzzle pieces that make up the blue sky might be oriented in a number of positions and still present a blue partial image that fits within the overall puzzle. But the image could be sufficiently abstract in design that the orientation of the piece mattered, but it could still be difficult to assess the proper orientation by merely looking at the image face of puzzle piece. The further challenge is then to orient the puzzle piece using a second or even third set of problem-solution pairs presented. One half of the problem-solution pairs may be placed along one edge of the back of one puzzle piece, and the corresponding other half may be placed along one edge of the back of another puzzle piece so that the edges are placed adjacent to each other.

It should be noted that one advantageous feature of presenting problem-solution pairs where one-half of the pair is on a base or bottom panel and the corresponding other half is on the appropriate puzzle piece is that the bottom panel may be replaced with another panel that presents different problem-solution pair halves that still correspond. It can be appreciated that an “answer” can correspond with a variety of different questions. For example, if the answer in a problem-solution pair were a particular year, numerous events may have occurred in that year such that each event presents a different question half of the problem-solution pair that corresponds to that answer. The same is true of countries, or persons, or almost any answer that reflects multi-faceted aspects. Thus, some embodiments contemplated herein include a source of alternative base panels that can be interchanged to add a sense of novelty to the puzzle building experience, and enhances the educational aspect as well. Such a source might be a plurality of hard copy sheets that can serve as the base panel, or electronic storage media from which alternative base panel sheets can be printed out.

It is contemplated that the subject matter for the problem-solution pairs can comprise a variety of topics and grade levels, but could be related to standards-based test curriculum for different subjects by grade level (e.g.: forth grade U.S. history, second grade mathematics, third grade natural science). If desired, the picture created by the proper alignment of the pieces could be an image or multiple images related to the theme of the problem-solution pairs. Such challenging puzzles not only provide an entertaining past time, but can reinforce early learning and improve test taking skills by offering a multiple-choice answer field that can be narrowed by a process of elimination (e.g. dates, people, places, events) as well as other test taking skill methods.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the challenge can be further enhanced by adding a temporal aspect. For example, a time keeping device can be provided, whether integrated into the puzzle base or not, to determine elapsed time required to complete the puzzle and a signaling device to indicate when the time to complete the puzzle has expired.

Certain embodiments may also comprise a system employing a signaling feedback loop for indicating when the appropriate solution has been matched to a particular problem. Such feedback loop may comprise electronically-based sensors on the base that interface with a receiver on the corresponding puzzle piece designed to be placed on or adjacent the sensor. The sensor circuit may be configured such that each piece is electrically detected for its proper position, whereby the user receives feedback as to the appropriateness of each puzzle piece position after it is placed. Or, the sensor circuit may be configured such that a signal is generated only when all pieces are properly placed, activating so to speak when the last piece is properly placed into position. With either embodiment, the completion of the puzzle may be detected and feedback provided to the user. In one embodiment, the feedback may be a simple short audible tone, such as a beep or ring, sufficient to let the user know that the puzzle has been completed properly. In the alternative, the feedback may be a more exciting emanation of light that brightens the puzzle from within, such as a 3-dimensional globe puzzle being lit to show global features, including optionally names of oceans, continents or other geographic features. Still other embodiments might project sound in the form of music or voices, such as a Star Wars® death star puzzle that, when completed, plays the theme from Star Wars®. Of course, multiple feedback forms may be combined. The world of possibilities for feedback to the user is almost endless to present whimsical or informative light and/or sound.

It should be appreciated that some embodiments, such as that shown inFIGS. 1 through 3may be configured in a flat arrangement, but could also take on three-dimensional arrangements as well. Indeed, the resulting three-dimensional puzzle could resemble an identifiable item associated with the theme of the problem-solution pairs. For example, the problem-solution pairs could be geographical in nature, with the resulting puzzle forming a globe, or a continent. Another example might be where the problem-solution pairs are cultural in nature, maybe associated with a particular country, with the resulting puzzle forming a famous icon associated with that culture or country (e.g., Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, etc.)

Although not shown, it is contemplated that the puzzle base may comprise a geometric configuration in which the outside surface displays a plurality of one-half of the problem-solution pairs. For example, the base may be configured in a semi-spherical shape, although a variety of other possibilities in configuration are contemplated. The base may be further configured to permit corresponding pieces bearing the other half of the problem-solution pair to reside on the base in a manner so as not to fall off. The adjacent puzzle pieces may also be interlocking to further enhance structural integrity of the puzzle. It is contemplated that the bottom of the three-dimensional base have a surface sufficiently strong to withstand the weight of the completed puzzle on a table or floor or other supporting surface. It is also contemplated that the interlocking puzzle piece configuration serve to support the completed puzzle to some degree, if not completely, where, in one embodiment, it is required that the puzzle be built from the ground up so to speak, with the higher pieces supported by the lower pieces.

For embodiments having a three-dimensional configuration, arrangements and configurations are possible. For example, in another three-dimensional embodiment, the puzzle comprises a plurality of three-dimensional geometric components or modules that are configured to be placed adjacent to each other as defined by corresponding problem-solution pairs. As with the two-dimensional arrangement, one half of the problem-solution pairs can reside on a base panel upon which the modules can be placed to form an image, or one half of the problem-solution pairs can reside on a side of the geometric modules that face adjacent modules, or a combination of both, as referenced above in Paragraph [0020], and explained further below in the context of a three-dimensional embodiment.

In one example, the three-dimensional geometric components comprise discrete cubes, each having the normal six sides, although other geometric configurations would be acceptable as well. Referring toFIG. 4, one embodiment of a three-dimensional puzzle110comprises a plurality of cube members or pieces112, each having six sides114. In one arrangement, three of the cube piece sides114comprises parts of images116a,116band116c, and the other three cube piece sides114comprising halves of problem-solution pairs120,122. For example, assuming all cube pieces are oriented similarly (i.e., having a top, front, bottom, back and two sides—left and right—surfaces), the top surface116aof each cube112may comprise a single image, with each cube surface forming a part of the image in a puzzle-like arrangement. Similarly, the front surface116bof each cube112may comprise a single but different image, and the bottom surface116ccomprising yet a third single but different image. Depending upon how the problem-solution pairs are arranged or defined, it may be desired for the user to form one of the three images or another.

Referring toFIG. 5, another embodiment of the three-dimensional cube-shaped puzzle ofFIG. 4may be explained with additional particularity. The three-dimensional puzzle210comprises a plurality of modules212(only one cube-shaped module is shown) and a base or bottom panel214for placement of the modules212thereupon. The bottom panel214comprises a plurality of module positions216indicative of where individual modules are intended to be placed. Although this particular embodiment shows a grid arrangement, other arrangements, whether geometrical or fanciful, are contemplated. The cube-shaped module212comprises six surfaces218, at some of which comprise either one-half of a problem-solution pair or part of an image. In this particular embodiment, the module212comprises three problem-solution pair halves220,222,224, each indicating—for example—a year in which a noteworthy event occurred. The year of surface220is intended to correspond with module position228on the base panel214. Likewise, surface222of the cube-shaped module corresponds to the module position230and surface224corresponds to position232.

As is shown inFIG. 5, each module presents portions of three possible images, with the particular desired image being presented based upon which problem-solution pair is matched. So for this example, when surface220is placed on corresponding module position228, partial viewable image240is presented outwardly. Likewise, when module surface222is placed on corresponding module position230, partial viewable image242is presented outwardly When module surface224is placed on corresponding module position232, partial viewable image244is presented outwardly. This arrangement permits the possibility of multiple puzzles using the same game components. It should be understood that each module would present different problem-solution pair halves so that the appropriate module surface218of module212is placed on the appropriate module position216of base panel214. But as alluded to above, the orientation of the module might be further restricted based upon a second or third problem-solution pair presented by adjacent surfaces of adjacent cube-shaped modules (although not shown particularly inFIG. 5).

Of course, with such a three-dimensional concept, the individual members or modules of the three-dimensional puzzle may comprise other geometrical shapes that permit adjacent placement to form a coherent viewable image, even an image that is not in a single flat plane as in the embodiment ofFIG. 4. It is contemplated, for example, that the individual puzzle pieces or members may comprise tetrahedrals, with a pointed end all facing toward a center so that the base of each tetrahedral faces outwardly in a spherical arrangement. Depending upon which sides of the tetrahedrals comprise which halves of the problem-solution pairs, the image displayed may be different in each case.

Regardless of whether the puzzle is two-dimensional or three-dimensional, it can be appreciated that a problem-solution pair has almost infinite possibilities, not only in subject matter, but in format and presentation. For example, instead of questions and answers enabling the proper placement of the puzzle pieces on the puzzle board, at least some embodiments may comprise pieces that have pictures, symbols, numbers and the like, whereby such indicia can be matched to a corresponding picture, number or symbol on the puzzle board or adjacent piece. Such embodiments do not require the ability to read and can be used to teach and practice pre-school skills without parental participation. Ideal subject matter for this embodiment may include: alphabet, counting, colors, opposites, telling time, money and sequencing. Trivia is almost always a source of entertainment.

It should be noted that the desired puzzle need not require engagement of all of the provided plurality of puzzle pieces. It could be that there are duplicate pieces in size, shape and configuration where alternative solutions are provided to enhance the challenge so that each “solution” piece might fit within its corresponding “problem” location, but the resulting image is incorrect. Other variety of outcomes is also contemplated that enhance the mental challenge to the puzzle game. As described above, for three-dimensional puzzles, the individual puzzle pieces may be configured not to engage each other, but to engage the base in stable detachability.

Yet another set of embodiments of the present invention comprises a puzzle presented entirely in graphic form on a computer, accessible through the internet or from software usable on a computer. In other words, a virtual puzzle is contemplated whereby the individual pieces, their surfaces with either partial images and/or problem-solution pair halves and/or a base also with problem-solution pair halves are digitally rendered via software suitable for presentation on an electronic device, such as—but not limited to—a computer, a personal digital assistant, cellphone, XBox, DS, iPod, iPad, or any other electronic device capable of operating and/or storing software designed to display a puzzle as described herein, whereby the user may build the puzzle as described herein and enjoy the problem-solution aspects thereof, such that the surfaces, images and problem-solution pairs are presented visually for user interface and manipulation. Indeed, the puzzle games, as with many electronic games, may be accessible remotely from a publicly accessible storage media, e.g., server, so that an individual user might enjoy the game, or multiple remote users might do so together. Indeed, the variety of possible puzzle piece configurations and problem-solution pairs becomes almost unlimited, with the user having the capability to vary the puzzle between a two-dimensional and three-dimensional form, vary the problem-solution pairs, vary the image that is completed by assembling the puzzle pieces, and even varying the geometric form of the three-dimensional modules that are placed together to form the desired image.

Referring toFIGS. 6A through 6D, yet another example of an electronic embodiment is described reflecting added enhanced sensory feedback to solving the puzzle. In this particular embodiment, the puzzle310comprises a piece support base312itself comprising a plurality of, in this example, problem stations314positioned around the piece support base312. Puzzle310is three-dimensional in this embodiment with a generally spherical geometry. Of course other shapes may be used, if so desired, and still exhibit the inventive qualities described herein. Associated with each of the problem stations314is one or more detector316for detecting when the problem station has been matched with the correct puzzle piece. In the embodiment, the puzzle310further comprises a plurality of puzzle pieces318(seeFIGS. 6A and 6D) that are configured to rest cleanly on the corresponding problem stations when positioned properly. On the back of each puzzle piece318is a solution320to one of the problems presented in one of the problem stations314. This solution permits the user to match the puzzle piece318to the corresponding problem station314on the piece support base312. The solutions320are shown inFIG. 6Clooking from the inside of the piece support base312, as compared to theFIG. 6D, which shows the piece support base312looking from the outside. So for example, problem station314ais designed to match with piece318ahaving solution320aand module324athereon. Moreover, problem station314b(FIG. 6B), which states “How Many Countries Are There?”, corresponds to puzzle piece318b(FIG. 6D) that has solution320bon the back, which states “195”.

The solutions320are arranged to illustrate one example of a plurality of problem-solution pairs, as may be appreciated by comparingFIG. 6CwithFIG. 6D. On the back of each puzzle piece318is also a module324for permitting detection by the detectors316on the piece support base312. Preferably, each module324is unique to the particular puzzle piece so that the detectors316can detect whether the piece318is in its proper place. Proper placement may be signaled by the actuation of a light and/or sound provided, as described below.

In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 6C, a truncated sphere is provided as a puzzle system. With such an arrangement, the firmware for controlling the detection system, as well as the generator and control for the light and/or sound output, could all be housed within the interior of the piece support base312. Other arrangements are contemplated, of course. For example, in the case of the system310ofFIGS. 6A-6D, the balance of the truncated spherical base may be provided in the form of a single piece326connectable to the piece support base312via a connection means328, where the piece326is configured to rest within a semi-spherical surface320of a puzzle support base332. The piece326may itself comprise a plurality of pieces that integrate together to complement the piece support base312. Of course, it should be appreciated that where other 3-dimensional geometries are used for the piece support base312(and corresponding pieces318), such a cubes, boxes, cylinders, tetrahedrals, cones, etc., other configurations of truncated bases and complementary pieces are contemplated to reflect such alternative geometries.

The puzzle base332is preferably configured to house the components necessary to operate and control the detection system and generate any light and/or sound output, including a circuit board with controller336, power supply338, and speaker340. The position of the light bulb (or bulbs) may be anywhere within the piece support base312and/or within the puzzle support base332. For example, an alternative embodiment may incorporate a small bulb or LED at each problem position within the piece support base where illumination occurs upon proper placement of a piece, with yet a different bulb or LED illuminated upon proper completion of the entire puzzle. Or an embodiment may only use some or all of the above. The realm of possible sounds is virtually endless, where the controller within the system generating a pleasing sound upon each placement of a piece joining the proper problem-solution pair, or a sound simply upon completion of the entire puzzle. The sounds may be themed to correspond with the visual image presented by the puzzle as well. For example, where a puzzle comprises problem-solution trivia relating to the Star Wars® movies, successful completion of the puzzle may lead to the generation of the Star Wars Theme music, the voice of James Earl Jones conveying a congratulatory sentiment, or some other sounds relevant to the genre of the puzzle. The system may be configured so that when incorrect placement of a puzzle piece (or multiple pieces) occurs the system either generates no light or sound, or generates a light or sound different than what is generated for correct placement. The senses may be enhanced in one or more of numerous possible ways to complement the educational and/or entertaining nature of the inventive puzzles presented herein via a few exemplary embodiments.

It is important to note that a three-dimensional puzzle of the inventive forms described herein need not have an independent base upon which to build a puzzle. The three-dimensional structure itself may be configured sufficiently sturdy to support itself in a buildable fashion. For example, referring toFIG. 7A, yet another embodiment of a three-dimensional puzzle410comprises a plurality of discrete puzzle pieces412each having three-dimensional configurations capable of being engagingly joined together to form a desired or recognizable shape. In the example illustrated inFIG. 7A, the three-dimensional puzzle is a dinosaur.

Referring toFIGS. 7A and 7B, the puzzle pieces412each comprises a plurality of surfaces, with at least one engagement surface414defining an interface to an adjacent piece and at least one shape surface416defining part of the completed puzzle shape. Each engagement surface preferably has a means420for permitting detachable engagement to an adjacent piece that can be one of many configurations and designs. In the example illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7B, the engagement means420comprises at least one but possibly more projections422that fit within complementary depressions424in adjacent pieces. The engagement means may include optional locking functionality, if so desired, but it is not critical with many contemplated shapes.

It is contemplated that, depending upon the relative position of a particular puzzle piece412within the puzzle410, the piece may have two or three engagement surfaces414, for example, when the particular piece is an interior piece, such as pieces412aor412b. Where the desired resulting puzzle shape is rectilinear, then at least some of the pieces would have multiple shape surfaces. For example, as described above with the embodiments illustrated by example inFIG. 4, each piece has several engagement and shape surfaces. The number of possible arrangements is vast given the number of possible puzzle shapes, the number of pieces desired for the puzzle to create the shape, and the manufactured placement of the pieces within the puzzle.

As with the other embodiments described above, the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 7A and 7Breflect an entertaining plurality of pieces412having problem-solution pairs. It is envisioned, for example, that each engagement surface414comprises at least one part of a problem-solution pair to assist the user in identifying the adjacent piece, which preferably has an engagement surface with the corresponding other part of the problem-solution pair. In a three-dimensional puzzle such as illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7B, some pieces412with more than two engagement surfaces414may have multiple parts of different problem-solution pieces; i.e., one or two problems on some of the engagement surfaces and one or two solutions to different problems on other of the engagement surfaces. The variety of possibilities increase where some of pieces have identical shapes, making it more difficult for the user to ascertain the correct adjacent piece to place into position without solving each of the corresponding problem-solution pairs.

Although not shown inFIG. 7A, a related embodiment of a three-dimensional self-standing puzzle may comprise an electronic variation having, for example, a hollow interior space that permits containment of components that serve to sense and control the placement of pieces in order to signal to the user when appropriate pieces are properly in place and/or when the puzzle is completed properly. As with the exemplary embodiments ofFIGS. 6A-6D, appropriate detectors associated with sensors in some or all of the puzzle pieces may be employed. For example, referring toFIG. 7B, a sensor430may be provided on an engagement surface414that detects a corresponding module432on an engagement surface of an adjacent piece412for detecting when the two pieces are adjoined properly. With an electronic embodiment, each of the pieces, or just some of the pieces, may be provided with a detector-module mechanism to alert the user to proper positioning of some of the pieces or proper completion of the puzzle. Such a mechanism is particularly useful where there are some puzzle pieces having an identical or similar shape, where it becomes incumbent upon the user to find the correct solution to the problem shown on the puzzle piece at issue.

If so desired, a separate base (not shown) may also be employed on which to position the puzzle. Such a base may provide close an electrical circuit for signaling completion of the puzzle, or may simply provide a working platform upon which to build the puzzle and transport it to another location in an uncompleted or completed form. As with the embodiment ofFIGS. 6A-6D, a wired or wireless system may be employed as well so the an interior space need not be provided, but where the sensing and control components may be contained outside the three-dimensional puzzle.

Given the difficulty of presenting all of the various possibilities contemplated by the invention described herein, the measure and scope of the invention should be based upon the claims as presented below and should not be limited by the few exemplary embodiments presented herein.