Hi,

This is an invitation to join Sudoku World, which is a yahoo based
international meeting place for Sudoku addicts.

Sudoku World was created on June, 25, and now we are 328 members
from all over the world.

Sudoku World gives a lot of useful information, an active message
board, lots of links to millions of Sudoku puzzles, files and
photos. A special section for the Japanese Sudoku variants is very
popular.

You will find Sudoku World is here:

http://games.groups.yahoo.com/group/Sudokuworld

I hope to meet you there!

Kind regards,

Frank Vedel - MY days are numbered

Hello.  If you're receiving this message, I must say I'm quite
shocked.  Yes, I did fall off the face of the planet and I should
have bequeathed the list to someone else before I did so.  It was one
of those things, you know?  You drift a little further away, but
you're still in sight, and you think you're going to get right back
at it, but then you're a little further away and a little more.  And
then every so often you get a reminder of where you were, but then
you're a little embarrassed so you just sorta try not to think about
it, like the Prodigal Son, I guess.

Anyway.  I'm restarting the group.  I've not been puzzling as much in
the last couple of years as I was, but it's still definitely a part
of my life and I've missed the interaction with kindred spirits.  I
don't blame anyone who got fed up and went elsewhere, but if you're
still interested in having this discussion here, so am I, and I'll be
here.

Meanwhile, I'm going to get caught up on the messages and see what I
can do about updating links and files.  Feel free to respond if
you're still out there!

Mitchell
(very, very sorry!)

I figured with the activity on conceptis' site the yahoo groups would fade away,
and I guess I was right.

I don't recall working on any t shirt projects... I did win a conceptis one
right before Christmas from the weekly review puzzle, though.

Monroe

-----Original Message-----
From: "David F. Hutcheson" <davehutch@...>
Sent: Jan 25, 2005 4:05 PM
To: PaintByNumbers@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [PBN] Anyone there?


Hi Monroe,

It's been quite a while. I guess nobody is using this group because the
major advantage of Yahoo groups used to be the attachments which were
kept for people to see later and Yahoo no longer offers this. Of
course, the forums at Conceptis have become much more active as well.
And they also offer free puzzles.

I belonged to a couple of other pbn groups here too and they also seem
inactive. What can I say--all the action seems to be on Conceptis.
Perhaps if we could contact other members of this group and set up a
weekly file sharing or something, we could get active again.

Let me know what you think. BTW whatever happened to the T-shirt you
were working on.

lol,

Dave
On Jan 25, 2005, at 12:50 PM, hardenm wrote:

>
>
> Hello, is this thing on?  :-)
>
> Has all of the activity switched to the conceptis site?
>
> Monroe
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>




Yahoo! Groups Links

Hi Monroe,

It's been quite a while. I guess nobody is using this group because the
major advantage of Yahoo groups used to be the attachments which were
kept for people to see later and Yahoo no longer offers this. Of
course, the forums at Conceptis have become much more active as well.
And they also offer free puzzles.

I belonged to a couple of other pbn groups here too and they also seem
inactive. What can I say--all the action seems to be on Conceptis.
Perhaps if we could contact other members of this group and set up a
weekly file sharing or something, we could get active again.

Let me know what you think. BTW whatever happened to the T-shirt you
were working on.

lol,

Dave
On Jan 25, 2005, at 12:50 PM, hardenm wrote:

>
>
> Hello, is this thing on?  :-)
>
> Has all of the activity switched to the conceptis site?
>
> Monroe
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Hello, is this thing on?  :-)

Has all of the activity switched to the conceptis site?

Monroe

Hi bix,

here's the example for what I meant:
http://j.oeckermann.bei.t-online.de/pbn/Example1.JPG

You can draw two different paths from 10 to 10 which cover the same
area (white squares).
I took a look at the description of your problem, well, I dont think
my thoughts are of any help... :o(

Bye,
Dani


--- In PaintByNumbers@yahoogroups.com, "cornevr" <cornevr@y...> wrote:
> Hi Dani,
>
> I made a small graphical explanation of the problems I'm running
> into. Check my reply to my main post for the address.
>
> I don't quite understand what you mean with the area, rather than the
> path. It would be nice if you could explain more...
>
> I'm using VB.NET for the program. I'm not a VB.NET expert (In fact,
> this is my first VB.NET program), so my source-code is a mess. Maybe
> I'll clean it up a bit, once I'm happy with the results, and then
> release it. I'll see.
>
> I've also been thinking about ways to generate Fill-a-Pix puzzles.
> The only problem I have with those, is that I currently can't specify
> whether it's a Basic or Advanced Logic FAP. I only did one puzzle
> (manually, using my technique), and it turned out to be an advanced
> logic FAP. Any suggestions you (anyone) has, will be welcomed, and
> noted.
>
> Thanx
> bix
>
> --- In PaintByNumbers@yahoogroups.com, "chaosmausi" <chaosmausi@y...>
> wrote:
> > Hi Bix,
> >
> > an idea I had while solving Link-a-Pix Puzzles was that maybe not
> the
> > path but the area, that is covered by a path has to be unique. (If
> t's
> > not clear, I can paint a small example). This applies especially to
> > greater numbers, not to the smaller ones.
> >
> > What language are you writing your program? I would be interested to
> > see how you do this if you ever think of publishing the code.
> >
> > Hope this helps you.
> >
> > Bye,
> > Dani
> >
> >
> > --- In PaintByNumbers@yahoogroups.com, "cornevr" <cornevr@y...>
> wrote:
> > > Hi,
> > >
> > > I've been working on a new program to generate puzzles. My
> previous
> > > program could only do b&w Pix-a-Pix puzzles. I'm now working on
> > > version 2 which is currently able to generate both b&w, as well
> as
> > > color (unlimited, however a maximum of 6 colors is
> recommended '=o) )
> > > Pic-a-Pix puzzles, from a standard windows bitmap. This process
> (both
> > > b&w and color) takes about 0.5 seconds, if we're only using 6
> colors
> > > or less.
> > >
> > > I'm also working on generating Link-a-Pix puzzles from bitmaps.
> This,
> > > i've found, is a LOT more challenging. getting the numbered links
> and
> > > stuff was easy. It's making sure that there are only 1 possible
> path
> > > that's not so easy. If I use a bitmap with absolutely no white
> blocks
> > > (the blanks), the puzzle is perfect. But it's those blanks that's
> > > causing me to loose my hair. I've managed to reduce the amount
> > > of "multiple path" links in the puzzles, but they are still
> there.
> > > Does anyone have any idea how I can ensure that each link has
> only
> > > one possible path? You don't have to know programming to help. I
> can
> > > turn any good idea into an algorithm. I've just run out of ideas.
> > > MENSA's going to ask me to leave '=o)
> > >
> > > Thanks in advance
> > > bix

Hi Dani,

I made a small graphical explanation of the problems I'm running
into. Check my reply to my main post for the address.

I don't quite understand what you mean with the area, rather than the
path. It would be nice if you could explain more...

I'm using VB.NET for the program. I'm not a VB.NET expert (In fact,
this is my first VB.NET program), so my source-code is a mess. Maybe
I'll clean it up a bit, once I'm happy with the results, and then
release it. I'll see.

I've also been thinking about ways to generate Fill-a-Pix puzzles.
The only problem I have with those, is that I currently can't specify
whether it's a Basic or Advanced Logic FAP. I only did one puzzle
(manually, using my technique), and it turned out to be an advanced
logic FAP. Any suggestions you (anyone) has, will be welcomed, and
noted.

Thanx
bix

--- In PaintByNumbers@yahoogroups.com, "chaosmausi" <chaosmausi@y...>
wrote:
> Hi Bix,
>
> an idea I had while solving Link-a-Pix Puzzles was that maybe not
the
> path but the area, that is covered by a path has to be unique. (If
t's
> not clear, I can paint a small example). This applies especially to
> greater numbers, not to the smaller ones.
>
> What language are you writing your program? I would be interested to
> see how you do this if you ever think of publishing the code.
>
> Hope this helps you.
>
> Bye,
> Dani
>
>
> --- In PaintByNumbers@yahoogroups.com, "cornevr" <cornevr@y...>
wrote:
> > Hi,
> >
> > I've been working on a new program to generate puzzles. My
previous
> > program could only do b&w Pix-a-Pix puzzles. I'm now working on
> > version 2 which is currently able to generate both b&w, as well
as
> > color (unlimited, however a maximum of 6 colors is
recommended '=o) )
> > Pic-a-Pix puzzles, from a standard windows bitmap. This process
(both
> > b&w and color) takes about 0.5 seconds, if we're only using 6
colors
> > or less.
> >
> > I'm also working on generating Link-a-Pix puzzles from bitmaps.
This,
> > i've found, is a LOT more challenging. getting the numbered links
and
> > stuff was easy. It's making sure that there are only 1 possible
path
> > that's not so easy. If I use a bitmap with absolutely no white
blocks
> > (the blanks), the puzzle is perfect. But it's those blanks that's
> > causing me to loose my hair. I've managed to reduce the amount
> > of "multiple path" links in the puzzles, but they are still
there.
> > Does anyone have any idea how I can ensure that each link has
only
> > one possible path? You don't have to know programming to help. I
can
> > turn any good idea into an algorithm. I've just run out of ideas.
> > MENSA's going to ask me to leave '=o)
> >
> > Thanks in advance
> > bix

I've made a graphic explanation of the 2 most common problems I run
into. It can be viewed here (
http://www24.brinkster.com/bixarrio/lap/problems.htm ). You can also
download it in zip format from here (
http://www24.brinkster.com/bixarrio/lap/lap_problem.zip )

Thank you.
bix

--- In PaintByNumbers@yahoogroups.com, "cornevr" <cornevr@y...> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I've been working on a new program to generate puzzles. My previous
> program could only do b&w Pix-a-Pix puzzles. I'm now working on
> version 2 which is currently able to generate both b&w, as well as
> color (unlimited, however a maximum of 6 colors is
recommended '=o) )
> Pic-a-Pix puzzles, from a standard windows bitmap. This process
(both
> b&w and color) takes about 0.5 seconds, if we're only using 6
colors
> or less.
>
> I'm also working on generating Link-a-Pix puzzles from bitmaps.
This,
> i've found, is a LOT more challenging. getting the numbered links
and
> stuff was easy. It's making sure that there are only 1 possible
path
> that's not so easy. If I use a bitmap with absolutely no white
blocks
> (the blanks), the puzzle is perfect. But it's those blanks that's
> causing me to loose my hair. I've managed to reduce the amount
> of "multiple path" links in the puzzles, but they are still there.
> Does anyone have any idea how I can ensure that each link has only
> one possible path? You don't have to know programming to help. I
can
> turn any good idea into an algorithm. I've just run out of ideas.
> MENSA's going to ask me to leave '=o)
>
> Thanks in advance
> bix

Hi Bix,

an idea I had while solving Link-a-Pix Puzzles was that maybe not the
path but the area, that is covered by a path has to be unique. (If t's
not clear, I can paint a small example). This applies especially to
greater numbers, not to the smaller ones.

What language are you writing your program? I would be interested to
see how you do this if you ever think of publishing the code.

Hope this helps you.

Bye,
Dani


--- In PaintByNumbers@yahoogroups.com, "cornevr" <cornevr@y...> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I've been working on a new program to generate puzzles. My previous
> program could only do b&w Pix-a-Pix puzzles. I'm now working on
> version 2 which is currently able to generate both b&w, as well as
> color (unlimited, however a maximum of 6 colors is recommended '=o) )
> Pic-a-Pix puzzles, from a standard windows bitmap. This process (both
> b&w and color) takes about 0.5 seconds, if we're only using 6 colors
> or less.
>
> I'm also working on generating Link-a-Pix puzzles from bitmaps. This,
> i've found, is a LOT more challenging. getting the numbered links and
> stuff was easy. It's making sure that there are only 1 possible path
> that's not so easy. If I use a bitmap with absolutely no white blocks
> (the blanks), the puzzle is perfect. But it's those blanks that's
> causing me to loose my hair. I've managed to reduce the amount
> of "multiple path" links in the puzzles, but they are still there.
> Does anyone have any idea how I can ensure that each link has only
> one possible path? You don't have to know programming to help. I can
> turn any good idea into an algorithm. I've just run out of ideas.
> MENSA's going to ask me to leave '=o)
>
> Thanks in advance
> bix

Hi,

I've been working on a new program to generate puzzles. My previous
program could only do b&w Pix-a-Pix puzzles. I'm now working on
version 2 which is currently able to generate both b&w, as well as
color (unlimited, however a maximum of 6 colors is recommended '=o) )
Pic-a-Pix puzzles, from a standard windows bitmap. This process (both
b&w and color) takes about 0.5 seconds, if we're only using 6 colors
or less.

I'm also working on generating Link-a-Pix puzzles from bitmaps. This,
i've found, is a LOT more challenging. getting the numbered links and
stuff was easy. It's making sure that there are only 1 possible path
that's not so easy. If I use a bitmap with absolutely no white blocks
(the blanks), the puzzle is perfect. But it's those blanks that's
causing me to loose my hair. I've managed to reduce the amount
of "multiple path" links in the puzzles, but they are still there.
Does anyone have any idea how I can ensure that each link has only
one possible path? You don't have to know programming to help. I can
turn any good idea into an algorithm. I've just run out of ideas.
MENSA's going to ask me to leave '=o)

Thanks in advance
bix

> Do you need Virtual Basic to run the program?
> Will it run on a Mac?

I wrote it in VB 6.0 and compied it as an exe.
There is probably some Windows emulator for mac, but I have no
specific info about that.

Sorry
R

Hi, Rammy,

Do you need Virtual Basic to run the program? Will it run on a Mac?

Thanks, lol,

Dave
On Monday, September 15, 2003, at 09:31  AM, Rammy wrote:

> >> also, is anyone interested in a VB program I wrote for working on
> >> Fill-A-Pix puzzles ?
> > I am also interested in these kind of programs!
>
> So my question for Mitchell is, can I send you a file to upload to
> the files section ?
>
> R
>
>
<image.tiff>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> PaintByNumbers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

>> also, is anyone interested in a VB program I wrote for working on
>> Fill-A-Pix puzzles ?
> I am also interested in these kind of programs!

So my question for Mitchell is, can I send you a file to upload to
the files section ?

R

--- In PaintByNumbers@yahoogroups.com, "Rammy" <m5rammy@y...> wrote:
> also, is anyone interested in a VB program I wrote for working on
> Fill-A-Pix puzzles ?
>
> R

I am also interested in these kind of programs!

Karivtan ingluk

I would be VERY interested in testing the FAP's!

Regards
Rikke Tofting
rikke@...

-What is your name? and where do you live?
anca.  in california.

-What is your occupation?
stay-at-home mom

-Besides solving logic puzzles, what are your hobbies and
interests?
reading, scrabble, swimming, & sewing.  & backgammon.

-What's your favorite movie?
it's a tie between _the purple rose of cairo_ & _raising
arizona_

-Coffee or tea?
neither; i only drink tea when i'm ill... and i only like
coffee if it comes with Amaretto or Kahlua in it! ;^)

-How and when were you introduced to Paint-By-Numbers
puzzles?
about a month ago (someone i know sent me the
www.conceptistech.com URL)

In closing, a question: although I like PBN puzzles a lot,
my first choice are the so-called "Fill-a-Pix" puzzles
(esp. "advanced logic") which I cannot seem to find
anywhere.  Wondering if there might be a group dedicated
to that type of puzzle?  any online sources? (other than
conceptistech.com)  Any computer programs?

thanks in advance for any info,
anca

This is from the September 2003 issue of Oekaki King that I just picked
up from my local Japanese bookstore. It's similar to the style of puzzle I
posted last week from IllustroLogic, but it's shaped instead of some kind of
rectangle.

     I solved it already, so if anybody wants the solution, let me know and
I'll mail you the image.


     PUZZLE SPOILER

     The title is in English (sort of) so I won't bother to explain that
part. However, it's your basic, "When you've solved the puzzle, which of the
following three possibilities would it be?" Actually, literally, it's "Then,
at the appearance of the picture..."

     Thre three choices are:

     1) Musical
     2) Matenrou (skyscraper)
     3) Godzilla

     Now, for our edification, the three kanjis that make up "matenrou" are,
in order, scrape / sky / high building. Just a little trivia to tickle your
brain on a weekend.

Jeff
jhitchin@...
http://www.serv.net/~santa
So da ne!

This is from the September 2003 issue of Oekaki King that I just picked
up from my local Japanese bookstore. It's similar to the style of puzzle I
posted last week from IllustroLogic, but it's shaped instead of some kind of
rectangle.

     I solved it already, so if anybody wants the solution, let me know and
I'll mail you the image.


     PUZZLE SPOILER

     The title is in English (sort of) so I won't bother to explain that
part. However, it's your basic, "When you've solved the puzzle, which of the
following three possibilities would it be?" Actually, literally, it's "Then,
at the appearance of the picture..."

     Thre three choices are:

     1) Musical
     2) Matenrou (skyscraper)
     3) Godzilla

     Now, for our edification, the three kanjis that make up "matenrou" are,
in order, scrape / sky / high building. Just a little trivia to tickle your
brain on a weekend.

Jeff

also, is anyone interested in a VB program I wrote for working on
Fill-A-Pix puzzles ?

R

> and just in case it gets messed up here,
> I'm posting this as a zipped word document.

well, this group is set up different from my other group, I'll put
the zip file up at www.geocities.com/m5rammy/pi_in_mind.zip
if anyone needs it.

R

This was probably more effort to build
than it will be to solve.  Anyway,
all the digits given are correct,
both for the puzzle and for ...

        #=====#=====#=====#
        | :3.1|4: : | : : |
        #-+-+-|-+-+-|-+-+-#
        | : : | :1:5|9:2:6|
        #-+-+-|-+-+-|-+-+-#
        | : :5| : : |3: : |
        #=====#=====#=====#
        |5: : | :8: | : :9|
        #-+-+-|-+-+-|-+-+-#
        | : : |7:9:3|2: : |
        #-+-+-|-+-+-|-+-+-#
        |3:8: | : :4|6: : |
        #=====#=====#=====#
        | :2:6| : : | :4:3|
        #-+-+-|-+-+-|-+-+-#
        | : :3|8: : | : : |
        #-+-+-|-+-+-|-+-+-#
        | : : | :3:2|7:9:5 028841971 ...
        #=====#=====#=====#


and just in case it gets messed up here,
I'm posting this as a zipped word document.
R

This is from the December issue of Illustrologic that I found when
digging through my unused pile o' magazines recently.

     This is worked just like your regular style PBN puzzle, you're just
counting triangles instead of squares. You should be able to figure it out.

     No Japanese translation this time, sorry!

     Sorry about the size, I couldn't shrink it any further to make it
legible.

Jeff
jhitchin@...
http://www.serv.net/~santa
So da ne!

Hello Everybody, this morning Phil set up the new P.C. so now I am back on
line.
After nearly 3 long weks, it is good to have access again.
I am off to read messages on the Home page,
Take care,
Enid.

_________________________________________________________________
Sign-up for a FREE BT Broadband connection today!
http://www.msn.co.uk/specials/btbroadband

I need to correct the translation I gave in the last mail. I goofed and
it's wrong.

     The title of the puzzle is actually, "Use your brain with this!"

     I also solved it if anybody wants a scan of the solution in case they're
having trouble with it.

Jeff
jhitchin@...
http://www.serv.net/~santa
So da ne!

--- Weitergeleitete Nachricht / Forwarded Message ---
Date: 23 Aug 2003 19:50:40 -0000
From: PaintByNumbers Moderator <PaintByNumbers-owner@yahoogroups.com>
To: windharfe@...
Subject: File - Introductory Questionnaire

>
> Thanks for joining the PaintByNumbers mailing list!  You will find your
> fellow puzzlers to be amiable friends, invaluable resources, and--most
> importantly--sympathetic listeners who understand your addiction and will
> encourage you to nurture it!
>
> Help us get to know you.  Please take a moment to respond to this
> questionnaire.  Feel free to leave blank any questions you do not wish to
answer.
>
>
>
> What is your name, and where do you live (aliases are fine!  we just want
> to know what to call you!)?


Andrea (female), Germany


> What is your occupation?


technical editor


> Besides solving logic puzzles, what are your hobbies and interests?


reading,  computing


> Do you have a webpage?  If yes, may we link to it?


yes, but it is a professional webpage.
It is not interest for you to link it.


> What’s your favorite movie?


the most american action movies i like


> Coffee or tea?


coffee with milk


> How and when were you introduced to Paint-By-Numbers puzzles?


I've seen them 1999 first but i'am not able to solve them.

This year in march i found the conceptis homepage, and after some days an
many restarts i can sove the easyest one. I make the next and it works :-)))
So i became a fan of PBN.



> By what name do you usually refer to them?  (examples:  Paint by Number,
> Griddlers, Pic-a-Pix, etc)


I know all names. In Germany they called "Logik-Puzzles"


> Do you prefer to work puzzles on a computer, or with pencil and paper?

With pencil and paper


> Do you use any PBN computer programs?  If yes, which ones?

No.


> If you solve PBN puzzles online, at which site do you spend most of your
> time?


Online-Time is in germany very expensive


> Do you create PBN puzzles?  If yes, do you upload them for others to
> solve?  Do you publish them in some other way?


No, but i will start to create them some time.


> What size puzzles do you most enjoy solving?


I like all sizes.


> What other kinds of logic puzzles do you enjoy?


  None

> Do you subscribe to any PBN-publishing magazines?  If yes, which ones?

The german "Kreativ-Trainer", and my aunt buys for me the french "logimage"


> How much time, per week, do you spend working on PBN (or related) puzzles?


  10 hours minimum


--
Bye Andrea
(windharfe1)

COMPUTERBILD 15/03: Premium-e-mail-Dienste im Test
--------------------------------------------------
1. GMX TopMail - Platz 1 und Testsieger!
2. GMX ProMail - Platz 2 und Preis-Qualitätssieger!
3. Arcor - 4. web.de - 5. T-Online - 6. freenet.de - 7. daybyday - 8. e-Post

I got my September copy of Logic Paradise a couple of days ago and
before I solved the easiest of the triangle variants, I scanned it for the
rest of the group to do. This scan also contains some of the instructions
which I haven't fully translated, but you have some pictorial
represenatations of how to interpret the clues. Enjoy!

     THE USUAL PUZZLE SPOILER



     The title of the puzzle translates roughly to (I think), "Heads are
great!" I'd have to solve it to be absolutely sure of what that particular
kanji is getting at as it has a few different meanings.

     The text beside the title really doesn't give any clue to the content of
the puzzle, but it does make an interesting point. The text translates to
basically, "If you're solving this kind of puzzle for the first time, you
should start at the bottom. When you're done, write what the answer is in
the answer box, please." I looked at the bottom row and going from the clues
in the columns, you can place all three sections of the bottom row right off
the bat, so that fits the text completely.

     The Japanese is written using the polite and neutral forms of the verbs
which tells you something about their target audience (not teenagers).

Jeff
jhitchin@...
http://www.serv.net/~santa
So da ne!

Dear Zoiey,

The link is gone since Sekaibunka changed their web pages but I believe
the puzzles are still on the pbn site. Search for 2003 or dave if that
doesn't work.

lol,

Dave
On Friday, August 22, 2003, at 07:31  AM, zoieyantwine wrote:

> hi dave. i tried the link you posted. i tried a dozen variations on
> it. i hunted on the page for "topic". i hunted on the logic page
> for "topic".im lost. i REALLY want to check out these puzzles. Help :)
> zoiey
>
>
<image.tiff>
>
>
> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
> PaintByNumbers-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>
>
> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.

hi dave. i tried the link you posted. i tried a dozen variations on
it. i hunted on the page for "topic". i hunted on the logic page
for "topic".im lost. i REALLY want to check out these puzzles. Help :)
zoiey

> The condition I used was more restrictive than yours.
> I assumed one of the threes was correct.
> This led, I believe, to a single solution.

Yes, when I retried it, also assuming one of the 3s would be correct,
but not knowing which, it went very quickly.  And indeed there was
only one solution.

R