| Transformation user puzzles | LoopGuy
Kwon-Tom Obsessive
Puzzles: 761
Best Total: 45m 59s | Posted - 2013.09.10 03:55:21
I remember doing at least one user puzzle where the numbers formed a recognizable shape, and at least one user puzzle where the answer formed a recognizable shape, but I don't recall any where both the initial numbers and the answer formed a shape. For example, say we want to square the circle. We start out with a circle:
And we end up with a square:
So I came up with some fairly simple 10x10 puzzles by hand, and posted them to the user puzzles. I keep meaning to find some time to work on some more interesting puzzles, but it hasn't happened yet. Maybe some other puzzle designer will get inspired and favor us with a cool puzzle.
I also realized that, to do this well, some software would be useful. I'd like to enter a solution, and have the software give me some starting points where it takes out all the numbers it can while still keeping the solution unique, then lets me add back numbers in until I get the starting shape I want. I just haven't had time to write it.
Enjoy. | Authority
Kwon-Tom Obsessive
Puzzles: 3329
Best Total: 9m 56s | Posted - 2013.09.13 05:05:26
I once had a similar idea, but mine was having a square puzzle where the clues formed the same pattern as the finished loop rotated 90 degrees. I did manage to get a reasonable puzzle out of it, but didn't pursue the idea further. It's very hard to have both the loop and clue positions be what you want, since only one possible puzzle can be formed from the combination of the two.
The puzzles you posted are all interesting illustrations of how your idea can work, but producing a puzzle of any difficulty would be, well, difficult (haha). Software might expedite the process, but there would still be a lot of trial and error involved. | LoopGuy
Kwon-Tom Obsessive
Puzzles: 761
Best Total: 45m 59s | Posted - 2013.09.14 02:10:47
Quote: Originally Posted by Authority but producing a puzzle of any difficulty would be, well, difficult. |
True, but, in my opinion, we have enough difficult puzzles already. I was just trying something different. Sort of a bonus for the solver, having a recognizable pattern on the screen at the end as well as the beginning. I wish they could have been more interesting then numbers, though. |
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