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.
Claims18
A slide puzzle comprising:
- a planar body comprising a retainer;
- plural image-bearing puzzle pieces disposed adjacent one another in a planar arrangement, the pieces being slidable with respect to one another and said body along a first plane, each piece having a first side and an opposing second side, and the plane comprising an open area into which the puzzle pieces can slide;
- a first image comprising plural encoded first image portions, said first image portions disposed on said first side of said puzzle pieces;
- a second image comprising plural second image portions disposed on said second side of said puzzle pieces;
- wherein
- the retainer is in slidable engagement with the puzzle pieces thereby keeping the puzzle pieces adjacent the body and in proximity to one another;
- said body further comprises at least one viewing portion through which at least one of said first image portions can be viewed at a time, said viewing portion comprising a decoding lens comprising plural different decoding lens portions;
- a decoded image is formed when the decoding lens portions superpose and are adjacent to respective ones of said encoded first image portions.
A decoding viewer comprising:
- a body comprising a substrate receiving area and a first viewing portion through which the receiving area is visible, said first viewing portion comprising plural different decoding lens portions along a plane;
- wherein
- said viewing portion is adapted to decode an encoded image borne by a first surface of a substrate placed adjacent said viewing portion and in said receiving area, said encoded image comprising plural different encoded image portions;
- a decoded image is formed when said decoding lens portions are adjacent to and superpose respective ones of said encoded image portions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.