Encoded image puzzle/decoder
OwnerJose R. Matosinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A puzzle/decoder for decoding and viewing lens resolvable encoded images. The decoder includes an encoded image which can be decoded with one or more decoding lenses. A retainer is also included in the decoder for retaining the decoding lenses in proximity to the encoded image borne by the substrate. A decoded image is formed when a lens adapted to decode a particular encoded image is slid over the encoded image. The decoder can be a substantially flat slide puzzle, a cylindrically shaped slide puzzle, an enclosed puzzle with freely moving decoding lenses therein, a puzzle shaped as a three-dimensional object or a combination puzzle including two or more individual puzzles.
Claims45
A viewer for viewing and decoding an encoded image, said viewer comprising:
- a substrate bearing an encoded image on a first surface, wherein said encoded image comprises one or more encoded image portions;
- a body having opposing first and second surfaces and a receptacle for at least one of receiving and retaining said substrate;
- one or more decoding lenses superposed said substrate for decoding said one or more encoded image portions on said substrate;
- and
- a first retainer that retains said one or more decoding lenses with said body.
An improved slide puzzle comprising plural sliding pieces and a retainer that retains the sliding pieces, the improvement comprising using at least one decoding lenses as a sliding piece and placing an encoded image on a surface within the retainer such that a decoded image is formed when the decoding lens superposes the encoded image.
A viewer for viewing an encoded image comprising:
- a body having a first surface;
- an encoded image comprising one or more encoded image portions superposing said first surface of said body;
- at least one decoding lens superposing said encoded image;
- and
- a retainer for retaining said at least one decoding lens in slidable relation to and with said body.
A puzzle comprising:
- a substantially planar body;
- plural image-bearing puzzle pieces disposed adjacent one another in a substantially planar arrangement, the pieces being slidable with respect to one another and said body and each piece having a first side adjacent the body and an opposing second side;
- a retainer which keeps the puzzle pieces adjacent the body and in proximity to one another;
- a first image comprising first image portions, said first image portions disposed on said opposing side of said puzzle pieces;
- and
- a second image comprising second image portions disposed on said first side of said plural puzzle pieces;
- wherein said body has at least one viewing portion through which at least one of said first image portions can be viewed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.