Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
You may want to also set something to read how many of those letters are in the word that match the letter your using in the one your placing. This may give you a few more options on placement. Karl On Jun 2, 2009, at 6:34 AM, Paul Andrews wrote: Off the top of my head.. For a horizontal overlap of a word, the new word can only be placed in a very few places - no further left than the leftmost position of the wordlaready placed and no further right than the new word can be placed without going off the grid, or not overlapping the rightmost position of the placed word. Similarly for vertical positions. This drastically reduces your placement options. for a connected only crossword, the overlap must be as above and for every placed word where an overlap occurs, characters must match with the new word where they overlap. Essentially we have: For each already placed word if new word can overlap try placement for valid positions of new world for each placement compare overlap charaters for equality. Maybe this should now be off-list - it has nothing to do with flash! Paul Paul Steven wrote: Thanks Paul for your reply. You may be right about my placement checker. What I currently do is as follows: Starting with first char of word I want to place, loop through the characters of each word that is already on the puzzle and see if a match can be found. If a match is found then I calculate where the new word would appear on the grid based on crossing the existing word where they characters match. I then check if there are any words in the way or the new word goes off the grid. I also check that the new word is not adjacent to another word My code does not allow words to be added unless they cross another word so perhaps allowing disconnected placement would speed things up. I will give it a try. Thanks again for your help on this. Paul ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders Karl DeSaulniers Design Drumm http://designdrumm.com ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
Off the top of my head.. For a horizontal overlap of a word, the new word can only be placed in a very few places - no further left than the leftmost position of the wordlaready placed and no further right than the new word can be placed without going off the grid, or not overlapping the rightmost position of the placed word. Similarly for vertical positions. This drastically reduces your placement options. for a connected only crossword, the overlap must be as above and for every placed word where an overlap occurs, characters must match with the new word where they overlap. Essentially we have: For each already placed word if new word can overlap try placement for valid positions of new world for each placement compare overlap charaters for equality. Maybe this should now be off-list - it has nothing to do with flash! Paul Paul Steven wrote: Thanks Paul for your reply. You may be right about my placement checker. What I currently do is as follows: Starting with first char of word I want to place, loop through the characters of each word that is already on the puzzle and see if a match can be found. If a match is found then I calculate where the new word would appear on the grid based on crossing the existing word where they characters match. I then check if there are any words in the way or the new word goes off the grid. I also check that the new word is not adjacent to another word My code does not allow words to be added unless they cross another word so perhaps allowing disconnected placement would speed things up. I will give it a try. Thanks again for your help on this. Paul ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
Thanks Paul for your reply.
You may be right about my placement checker. What I currently do is as
follows:
Starting with first char of word I want to place, loop through the
characters of each word that is already on the puzzle and see if a match can
be found. If a match is found then I calculate where the new word would
appear on the grid based on crossing the existing word where they characters
match.
I then check if there are any words in the way or the new word goes off the
grid.
I also check that the new word is not adjacent to another word
My code does not allow words to be added unless they cross another word so
perhaps allowing disconnected placement would speed things up. I will give
it a try.
Thanks again for your help on this.
Paul
-Original Message-
From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com
[mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Andrews
Sent: 02 June 2009 11:54
To: Flash Coders List
Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
Paul Steven wrote:
> Here is a link to the crossword generator in its current state.
>
> http://www.mediakitchen.co.uk/crossword.html
>
> Cheers
>
> Paul
>
> -Original Message-
> From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com
> [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul
Steven
> Sent: 02 June 2009 10:27
> To: 'Flash Coders List'
> Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
>
> Sorry to drag this one out but I have one last question.
>
> I implemented the recursive solution as Paul Andrews and Charles suggested
> however I find that it can take up to 8 minutes to generate a solution
> (which incidentally is pretty much the same amount of time my non
recursive
> implementation takes)
>
I think there's a problem in the algorithm again or you have a very
inefficient placement checker.
A definite improvement to my suggestion would be to have a two stage
placement algorithm - first of all only laying out words if they overlap
another word, then if no solution is found by laying out the word as an
overlap, it would then attempt a disconnected placement. I think that
would improve things.
It's difficullt to know why it takes so long without seeing the code.
Paul
> If I order my words from largest to smallest first this actually seems to
> result in a longer time. I am thinking this is perhaps because one of the
> longest words (tarragon) is at the bottom of the solution:
> http://www.mediakitchen.co.uk/solution.gif
>
> Anyway I do not mind it taking so long as a new crossword will only be
> generated once a week. However I am curious as to whether this sounds like
a
> flaw in my code or if it is just the result of having to try so many
> combinations to find the unique solution?
>
> If I adjust my list of words into the order in which it looks like they
> would be placed one at a time onto the grid, then the solution only takes
> about 3 seconds to generate.
>
> Because I know there is the possibility that having the list ordered in a
> particular way can result in a super fast puzzle creation time, I am
> wondering if it is worth just randomising the list every 10 seconds if a
> solution has not been found?
>
> Promise not to ask any more questions about this crossword generator after
> this one:)
>
> Thanks
>
> Paul
>
> -Original Message-
> From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com
> [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul
Andrews
> Sent: 01 June 2009 11:14
> To: Flash Coders List
> Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
>
> You should use recursion.
>
> At each stage you should loop through the available words, trying to lay
> them onto the crossword area.
>
> Paul
>
> It goes a bit like this:
>
> var wordList = ["word1","word2","word3", .. ];
> var xwordSolution:XwordSolution;
> var currentSolution= new XwordSolution(maxWidth, maxHeight); // emptyGrid
>
> xwordSolution = layoutXword(wordList, currentSolution);
>
> if (xwordSolution.isValid())
> trace("Solved!")
> else
> trace("no solution found");
>
> function layoutXword(words:Array,
> currentSolution:XwordSolution):XwordSolution
> {
> while (words.length > 0){
> currentWord = words.pop();
>
> // horizontal
>
> newSolution = layoutHorizontalWord(currentWord, currentSolution);
> if (newSolution.isValid())
> {
> newSolution = layoutXword(words, newSolution );
> if (newSolution.isValid())
> return newSolution; // solved
> }
> // the horizontal layout wasn't possible, try vertical
> newSolution = layoutVerticalWord(currentWord, currentSolution);
> if (newSolution.isVali
Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
Paul Steven wrote:
Here is a link to the crossword generator in its current state.
http://www.mediakitchen.co.uk/crossword.html
Cheers
Paul
-Original Message-
From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com
[mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Steven
Sent: 02 June 2009 10:27
To: 'Flash Coders List'
Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
Sorry to drag this one out but I have one last question.
I implemented the recursive solution as Paul Andrews and Charles suggested
however I find that it can take up to 8 minutes to generate a solution
(which incidentally is pretty much the same amount of time my non recursive
implementation takes)
I think there's a problem in the algorithm again or you have a very
inefficient placement checker.
A definite improvement to my suggestion would be to have a two stage
placement algorithm - first of all only laying out words if they overlap
another word, then if no solution is found by laying out the word as an
overlap, it would then attempt a disconnected placement. I think that
would improve things.
It's difficullt to know why it takes so long without seeing the code.
Paul
If I order my words from largest to smallest first this actually seems to
result in a longer time. I am thinking this is perhaps because one of the
longest words (tarragon) is at the bottom of the solution:
http://www.mediakitchen.co.uk/solution.gif
Anyway I do not mind it taking so long as a new crossword will only be
generated once a week. However I am curious as to whether this sounds like a
flaw in my code or if it is just the result of having to try so many
combinations to find the unique solution?
If I adjust my list of words into the order in which it looks like they
would be placed one at a time onto the grid, then the solution only takes
about 3 seconds to generate.
Because I know there is the possibility that having the list ordered in a
particular way can result in a super fast puzzle creation time, I am
wondering if it is worth just randomising the list every 10 seconds if a
solution has not been found?
Promise not to ask any more questions about this crossword generator after
this one:)
Thanks
Paul
-Original Message-
From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com
[mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Andrews
Sent: 01 June 2009 11:14
To: Flash Coders List
Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
You should use recursion.
At each stage you should loop through the available words, trying to lay
them onto the crossword area.
Paul
It goes a bit like this:
var wordList = ["word1","word2","word3", .. ];
var xwordSolution:XwordSolution;
var currentSolution= new XwordSolution(maxWidth, maxHeight); // emptyGrid
xwordSolution = layoutXword(wordList, currentSolution);
if (xwordSolution.isValid())
trace("Solved!")
else
trace("no solution found");
function layoutXword(words:Array,
currentSolution:XwordSolution):XwordSolution
{
while (words.length > 0){
currentWord = words.pop();
// horizontal
newSolution = layoutHorizontalWord(currentWord, currentSolution);
if (newSolution.isValid())
{
newSolution = layoutXword(words, newSolution );
if (newSolution.isValid())
return newSolution; // solved
}
// the horizontal layout wasn't possible, try vertical
newSolution = layoutVerticalWord(currentWord, currentSolution);
if (newSolution.isValid())
{
newSolution = layoutXword(words, newSolution );
if (newSolution.isValid())
return newSolution; // solved
}
// couldn't layout this word, try the next
}
// Couldn't layout any of the words - solution failed.
return newSolution; // this will be failed
}
- Original Message -
From: "Paul Steven"
To: "'Flash Coders List'"
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 10:33 AM
Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
I am still struggling to find a solution to this crossword generator and
could do with some advice on a possible solution I want to try.
If I enter my list of 16 words in a particular order (an order based on
what
looks like the order the solution would place them), the generator creates
the puzzle in a matter of seconds.
However if I enter them in a different order, the generator always breaks
out of the loop by my exit condition (number of loops > 5000). I am
assuming
this is either due to an error in my code or due to the fact there are so
many combinations to try.
I am therefore thinking a possible solution is to try every permutation (I
think this is the right word) of the 16 words. If I am correct there would
be 240 possible permutations. ((X - 1) * X) where X is the number of items
in the list.
I am not sure however how to create the 240 variations of the list.
Any advice on how to create these 240 permutations of the li
RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
Here is a link to the crossword generator in its current state.
http://www.mediakitchen.co.uk/crossword.html
Cheers
Paul
-Original Message-
From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com
[mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Steven
Sent: 02 June 2009 10:27
To: 'Flash Coders List'
Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
Sorry to drag this one out but I have one last question.
I implemented the recursive solution as Paul Andrews and Charles suggested
however I find that it can take up to 8 minutes to generate a solution
(which incidentally is pretty much the same amount of time my non recursive
implementation takes)
If I order my words from largest to smallest first this actually seems to
result in a longer time. I am thinking this is perhaps because one of the
longest words (tarragon) is at the bottom of the solution:
http://www.mediakitchen.co.uk/solution.gif
Anyway I do not mind it taking so long as a new crossword will only be
generated once a week. However I am curious as to whether this sounds like a
flaw in my code or if it is just the result of having to try so many
combinations to find the unique solution?
If I adjust my list of words into the order in which it looks like they
would be placed one at a time onto the grid, then the solution only takes
about 3 seconds to generate.
Because I know there is the possibility that having the list ordered in a
particular way can result in a super fast puzzle creation time, I am
wondering if it is worth just randomising the list every 10 seconds if a
solution has not been found?
Promise not to ask any more questions about this crossword generator after
this one:)
Thanks
Paul
-Original Message-
From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com
[mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Andrews
Sent: 01 June 2009 11:14
To: Flash Coders List
Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
You should use recursion.
At each stage you should loop through the available words, trying to lay
them onto the crossword area.
Paul
It goes a bit like this:
var wordList = ["word1","word2","word3", .. ];
var xwordSolution:XwordSolution;
var currentSolution= new XwordSolution(maxWidth, maxHeight); // emptyGrid
xwordSolution = layoutXword(wordList, currentSolution);
if (xwordSolution.isValid())
trace("Solved!")
else
trace("no solution found");
function layoutXword(words:Array,
currentSolution:XwordSolution):XwordSolution
{
while (words.length > 0){
currentWord = words.pop();
// horizontal
newSolution = layoutHorizontalWord(currentWord, currentSolution);
if (newSolution.isValid())
{
newSolution = layoutXword(words, newSolution );
if (newSolution.isValid())
return newSolution; // solved
}
// the horizontal layout wasn't possible, try vertical
newSolution = layoutVerticalWord(currentWord, currentSolution);
if (newSolution.isValid())
{
newSolution = layoutXword(words, newSolution );
if (newSolution.isValid())
return newSolution; // solved
}
// couldn't layout this word, try the next
}
// Couldn't layout any of the words - solution failed.
return newSolution; // this will be failed
}
- Original Message -
From: "Paul Steven"
To: "'Flash Coders List'"
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 10:33 AM
Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
>I am still struggling to find a solution to this crossword generator and
> could do with some advice on a possible solution I want to try.
>
> If I enter my list of 16 words in a particular order (an order based on
> what
> looks like the order the solution would place them), the generator creates
> the puzzle in a matter of seconds.
>
> However if I enter them in a different order, the generator always breaks
> out of the loop by my exit condition (number of loops > 5000). I am
> assuming
> this is either due to an error in my code or due to the fact there are so
> many combinations to try.
>
> I am therefore thinking a possible solution is to try every permutation (I
> think this is the right word) of the 16 words. If I am correct there would
> be 240 possible permutations. ((X - 1) * X) where X is the number of items
> in the list.
>
> I am not sure however how to create the 240 variations of the list.
>
> Any advice on how to create these 240 permutations of the list would be
> much
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks
>
> Paul
>
> ___
> Flashcoders mailing list
> Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com
> http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
___
Flashcoders mailing list
Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com
http://chatty
RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
Sorry to drag this one out but I have one last question.
I implemented the recursive solution as Paul Andrews and Charles suggested
however I find that it can take up to 8 minutes to generate a solution
(which incidentally is pretty much the same amount of time my non recursive
implementation takes)
If I order my words from largest to smallest first this actually seems to
result in a longer time. I am thinking this is perhaps because one of the
longest words (tarragon) is at the bottom of the solution:
http://www.mediakitchen.co.uk/solution.gif
Anyway I do not mind it taking so long as a new crossword will only be
generated once a week. However I am curious as to whether this sounds like a
flaw in my code or if it is just the result of having to try so many
combinations to find the unique solution?
If I adjust my list of words into the order in which it looks like they
would be placed one at a time onto the grid, then the solution only takes
about 3 seconds to generate.
Because I know there is the possibility that having the list ordered in a
particular way can result in a super fast puzzle creation time, I am
wondering if it is worth just randomising the list every 10 seconds if a
solution has not been found?
Promise not to ask any more questions about this crossword generator after
this one:)
Thanks
Paul
-Original Message-
From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com
[mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Andrews
Sent: 01 June 2009 11:14
To: Flash Coders List
Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
You should use recursion.
At each stage you should loop through the available words, trying to lay
them onto the crossword area.
Paul
It goes a bit like this:
var wordList = ["word1","word2","word3", .. ];
var xwordSolution:XwordSolution;
var currentSolution= new XwordSolution(maxWidth, maxHeight); // emptyGrid
xwordSolution = layoutXword(wordList, currentSolution);
if (xwordSolution.isValid())
trace("Solved!")
else
trace("no solution found");
function layoutXword(words:Array,
currentSolution:XwordSolution):XwordSolution
{
while (words.length > 0){
currentWord = words.pop();
// horizontal
newSolution = layoutHorizontalWord(currentWord, currentSolution);
if (newSolution.isValid())
{
newSolution = layoutXword(words, newSolution );
if (newSolution.isValid())
return newSolution; // solved
}
// the horizontal layout wasn't possible, try vertical
newSolution = layoutVerticalWord(currentWord, currentSolution);
if (newSolution.isValid())
{
newSolution = layoutXword(words, newSolution );
if (newSolution.isValid())
return newSolution; // solved
}
// couldn't layout this word, try the next
}
// Couldn't layout any of the words - solution failed.
return newSolution; // this will be failed
}
- Original Message -
From: "Paul Steven"
To: "'Flash Coders List'"
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 10:33 AM
Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
>I am still struggling to find a solution to this crossword generator and
> could do with some advice on a possible solution I want to try.
>
> If I enter my list of 16 words in a particular order (an order based on
> what
> looks like the order the solution would place them), the generator creates
> the puzzle in a matter of seconds.
>
> However if I enter them in a different order, the generator always breaks
> out of the loop by my exit condition (number of loops > 5000). I am
> assuming
> this is either due to an error in my code or due to the fact there are so
> many combinations to try.
>
> I am therefore thinking a possible solution is to try every permutation (I
> think this is the right word) of the 16 words. If I am correct there would
> be 240 possible permutations. ((X - 1) * X) where X is the number of items
> in the list.
>
> I am not sure however how to create the 240 variations of the list.
>
> Any advice on how to create these 240 permutations of the list would be
> much
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks
>
> Paul
>
> ___
> Flashcoders mailing list
> Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com
> http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
___
Flashcoders mailing list
Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com
http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
___
Flashcoders mailing list
Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com
http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
Thanks for all the new advice. Yes I figured a recursive solution was required and even though my code doesn't technically recurse, it more or less does the same thing. Anyway I have just figured out the problem with my code after painstakingly tracing variables for the last few days. I was not accounting for the fact a word can be placed either "across" or "down" in my backtracking code. So words were being crossed off the list without giving them a second chance at having a stab at trying all combinations that occurred from placing it in the alternative orientation (assuming this was a valid positioning). I am extremely pleased to have cracked this and will celebrate with a cold beer in the garden. I will also come back and look implementing a recursive solution - thought the word recursion hurts my head:) Cheers Paul Thanks again to Paul and Charles for their help in my times of need. ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
As Paul has stated, recursion is the answer to building this generator
correctly.
But just as a sanity check, have you traced out the combinations that your
currect generator is attempting? That may put some light on where it was
breaking. If for nothing else, it will help you understand where the logic
broke down. Learning from our mistakes is always helpful.
Charles P.
On Mon, Jun 1, 2009 at 6:59 AM, Paul Andrews wrote:
> I've realised that there needs to be further loops around the layout code.
> For the crossword grid a viable set of horizontal layout positions may
> start at a given (x,y) position and the solution should search in terms of
> increasing x, then y, so the code might then go something like this..
>
> layoutFrom=Point(0,0); // top left
>
> while (layoutFrom!=null)
> {
> newSolution = layoutHorizontalWord(layFrom, currentWord,
> currentSolution);
> if (newSolution.isValid())
> {
> newSolution = layoutXword(words, newSolution );
> if (newSolution.isValid())
> return newSolution; // solved
>}
> layoutFrom= newSolution.getNextPosition(); // returns the next x,y
> position after the last position used, or null if none left.
> }
>
> Paul
>
>
>
>
>
> - Original Message - From: "Paul Andrews"
> To: "Flash Coders List"
> Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 11:14 AM
> Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
>
>
> You should use recursion.
>>
>> At each stage you should loop through the available words, trying to lay
>> them onto the crossword area.
>>
>> Paul
>>
>> It goes a bit like this:
>>
>> var wordList = ["word1","word2","word3", .. ];
>> var xwordSolution:XwordSolution;
>> var currentSolution= new XwordSolution(maxWidth, maxHeight); // emptyGrid
>>
>> xwordSolution = layoutXword(wordList, currentSolution);
>>
>> if (xwordSolution.isValid())
>> trace("Solved!")
>> else
>> trace("no solution found");
>>
>> function layoutXword(words:Array,
>> currentSolution:XwordSolution):XwordSolution
>> {
>> while (words.length > 0){
>> currentWord = words.pop();
>>
>> // horizontal
>>
>> newSolution = layoutHorizontalWord(currentWord, currentSolution);
>> if (newSolution.isValid())
>> {
>> newSolution = layoutXword(words, newSolution );
>> if (newSolution.isValid())
>> return newSolution; // solved
>> }
>> // the horizontal layout wasn't possible, try vertical
>> newSolution = layoutVerticalWord(currentWord, currentSolution);
>> if (newSolution.isValid())
>> {
>> newSolution = layoutXword(words, newSolution );
>> if (newSolution.isValid())
>> return newSolution; // solved
>> }
>> // couldn't layout this word, try the next
>> }
>> // Couldn't layout any of the words - solution failed.
>> return newSolution; // this will be failed
>> }
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> - Original Message - From: "Paul Steven" <
>> paul_ste...@btinternet.com>
>> To: "'Flash Coders List'"
>> Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 10:33 AM
>> Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
>>
>>
>> I am still struggling to find a solution to this crossword generator and
>>> could do with some advice on a possible solution I want to try.
>>>
>>> If I enter my list of 16 words in a particular order (an order based on
>>> what
>>> looks like the order the solution would place them), the generator
>>> creates
>>> the puzzle in a matter of seconds.
>>>
>>> However if I enter them in a different order, the generator always breaks
>>> out of the loop by my exit condition (number of loops > 5000). I am
>>> assuming
>>> this is either due to an error in my code or due to the fact there are so
>>> many combinations to try.
>>>
>>> I am therefore thinking a possible solution is to try every permutation
>>> (I
>>> think this is the right word) of the 16 words. If I am correct there
>>> would
>>> be 240 possible permutations. ((X - 1) * X) where X is the number of
>>> items
>>> in the list.
>>>
>>> I am not sure however how to create the 240 variations of the list.
>>>
>>> Any advice on how to create these 240 permutations of the list would be
>>> much
>>> appreciated.
>>>
>>> Thanks
>>>
>>> Paul
>>>
>>> ___
>>> Flashcoders mailing list
>>> Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com
>>> http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
>>>
>>
>> ___
>> Flashcoders mailing list
>> Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com
>> http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
>>
>
> ___
> Flashcoders mailing list
> Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com
> http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
>
___
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Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com
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Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
I've realised that there needs to be further loops around the layout code.
For the crossword grid a viable set of horizontal layout positions may
start at a given (x,y) position and the solution should search in terms of
increasing x, then y, so the code might then go something like this..
layoutFrom=Point(0,0); // top left
while (layoutFrom!=null)
{
newSolution = layoutHorizontalWord(layFrom, currentWord,
currentSolution);
if (newSolution.isValid())
{
newSolution = layoutXword(words, newSolution );
if (newSolution.isValid())
return newSolution; // solved
}
layoutFrom= newSolution.getNextPosition(); // returns the next x,y
position after the last position used, or null if none left.
}
Paul
- Original Message -
From: "Paul Andrews"
To: "Flash Coders List"
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 11:14 AM
Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
You should use recursion.
At each stage you should loop through the available words, trying to lay
them onto the crossword area.
Paul
It goes a bit like this:
var wordList = ["word1","word2","word3", .. ];
var xwordSolution:XwordSolution;
var currentSolution= new XwordSolution(maxWidth, maxHeight); // emptyGrid
xwordSolution = layoutXword(wordList, currentSolution);
if (xwordSolution.isValid())
trace("Solved!")
else
trace("no solution found");
function layoutXword(words:Array,
currentSolution:XwordSolution):XwordSolution
{
while (words.length > 0){
currentWord = words.pop();
// horizontal
newSolution = layoutHorizontalWord(currentWord, currentSolution);
if (newSolution.isValid())
{
newSolution = layoutXword(words, newSolution );
if (newSolution.isValid())
return newSolution; // solved
}
// the horizontal layout wasn't possible, try vertical
newSolution = layoutVerticalWord(currentWord, currentSolution);
if (newSolution.isValid())
{
newSolution = layoutXword(words, newSolution );
if (newSolution.isValid())
return newSolution; // solved
}
// couldn't layout this word, try the next
}
// Couldn't layout any of the words - solution failed.
return newSolution; // this will be failed
}
- Original Message -
From: "Paul Steven"
To: "'Flash Coders List'"
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 10:33 AM
Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
I am still struggling to find a solution to this crossword generator and
could do with some advice on a possible solution I want to try.
If I enter my list of 16 words in a particular order (an order based on
what
looks like the order the solution would place them), the generator
creates
the puzzle in a matter of seconds.
However if I enter them in a different order, the generator always breaks
out of the loop by my exit condition (number of loops > 5000). I am
assuming
this is either due to an error in my code or due to the fact there are so
many combinations to try.
I am therefore thinking a possible solution is to try every permutation
(I
think this is the right word) of the 16 words. If I am correct there
would
be 240 possible permutations. ((X - 1) * X) where X is the number of
items
in the list.
I am not sure however how to create the 240 variations of the list.
Any advice on how to create these 240 permutations of the list would be
much
appreciated.
Thanks
Paul
___
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___
Flashcoders mailing list
Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com
http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
___
Flashcoders mailing list
Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com
http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
You should use recursion.
At each stage you should loop through the available words, trying to lay
them onto the crossword area.
Paul
It goes a bit like this:
var wordList = ["word1","word2","word3", .. ];
var xwordSolution:XwordSolution;
var currentSolution= new XwordSolution(maxWidth, maxHeight); // emptyGrid
xwordSolution = layoutXword(wordList, currentSolution);
if (xwordSolution.isValid())
trace("Solved!")
else
trace("no solution found");
function layoutXword(words:Array,
currentSolution:XwordSolution):XwordSolution
{
while (words.length > 0){
currentWord = words.pop();
// horizontal
newSolution = layoutHorizontalWord(currentWord, currentSolution);
if (newSolution.isValid())
{
newSolution = layoutXword(words, newSolution );
if (newSolution.isValid())
return newSolution; // solved
}
// the horizontal layout wasn't possible, try vertical
newSolution = layoutVerticalWord(currentWord, currentSolution);
if (newSolution.isValid())
{
newSolution = layoutXword(words, newSolution );
if (newSolution.isValid())
return newSolution; // solved
}
// couldn't layout this word, try the next
}
// Couldn't layout any of the words - solution failed.
return newSolution; // this will be failed
}
- Original Message -
From: "Paul Steven"
To: "'Flash Coders List'"
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2009 10:33 AM
Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
I am still struggling to find a solution to this crossword generator and
could do with some advice on a possible solution I want to try.
If I enter my list of 16 words in a particular order (an order based on
what
looks like the order the solution would place them), the generator creates
the puzzle in a matter of seconds.
However if I enter them in a different order, the generator always breaks
out of the loop by my exit condition (number of loops > 5000). I am
assuming
this is either due to an error in my code or due to the fact there are so
many combinations to try.
I am therefore thinking a possible solution is to try every permutation (I
think this is the right word) of the 16 words. If I am correct there would
be 240 possible permutations. ((X - 1) * X) where X is the number of items
in the list.
I am not sure however how to create the 240 variations of the list.
Any advice on how to create these 240 permutations of the list would be
much
appreciated.
Thanks
Paul
___
Flashcoders mailing list
Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com
http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
___
Flashcoders mailing list
Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com
http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
I am still struggling to find a solution to this crossword generator and could do with some advice on a possible solution I want to try. If I enter my list of 16 words in a particular order (an order based on what looks like the order the solution would place them), the generator creates the puzzle in a matter of seconds. However if I enter them in a different order, the generator always breaks out of the loop by my exit condition (number of loops > 5000). I am assuming this is either due to an error in my code or due to the fact there are so many combinations to try. I am therefore thinking a possible solution is to try every permutation (I think this is the right word) of the 16 words. If I am correct there would be 240 possible permutations. ((X - 1) * X) where X is the number of items in the list. I am not sure however how to create the 240 variations of the list. Any advice on how to create these 240 permutations of the list would be much appreciated. Thanks Paul ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
Bit of a breakthrough - if I order the words in my initial list in the order that the words appear in the crossword solution, my algorithm finds the solution. Unfortunately though when in a different order, it doesn't work. ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
Thanks Charles for the great suggestions. I will implement your suggestions but am still curious as to why my code doesn't work. Without ordering the list or starting the first word elsewhere, the one solution I am aware of for these 16 words has the word "QUANTITY" top left - hence my reasoning for trying this. I am not sure if standard crosswords always have the first word top left or not. Anyway as Paul Andrews suggests, my algorithm must be incorrect so I need to go through this with a fine tooth comb and see where any why it is failing. Thanks for your advice Paul -Original Message- From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Charles Parcell Sent: 31 May 2009 15:19 To: Flash Coders List Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice Two suggestions. 1) Order your list of words from longest to shortest. Longer words have more letters to build off of for future word placement. Longer words are also harder to place within the grid size as additional words are added. 2) Starting your first word in the upper left limits how additional words are chained off of it. Specifically, you are limiting the generator to only matching the first letter of the second word to be placed. As an alternative you could place your first word (horizontally or vertically, try both) in the middle of your grid. This will allow for middle letters to be matched with the first word. Even better would be to have a floating grid. Start placing words allowing the range of X and Y to adjust but maintaining the maximum X and Y of your target grid. For example, lets say your first word is 8 characters long and your second word is 8 characters long as well. Your second word would cross the first word at position 5 or the first word and position 2 of the second word. Now if the first word were placed in the top left or the middle of the 9x9 grid, this match is not possible. If your generator could shift to allow for these words to fit within the constraints of your 9x9 range, you would be more likely to find a larger range of possible board layouts. In the case above, lets say the first word was placed horizontally in the middle of the grid on row 5. The result would be that the starting word would slide from row 5 up to row 3 to allow the second word to run from row 2 through row 9. Obviously this sliding around the grid would likely only happen within the first 2-6 placements (assuming that you were placing longer words first). By this point your would run out of range to slide your grid around. Meaning you would have met your X and Y bounds by sliding around your grid. Charles P. On Sun, May 31, 2009 at 7:36 AM, Paul Andrews wrote: > I suspect that the algorithm is wrong. > > For example quantity top left, alb will only fit quantity in one place and > there is only one other "a" candidate "amble". Very quickly your choices > will be reduced due to placement, so 5,000 attempts seems excessive. > > Sadly I have a ton of other things to do or I'd have a go myself. > > Paul > - Original Message - From: "Paul Steven" < > paul_ste...@btinternet.com> > To: "'Flash Coders List'" > Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 12:17 PM > > Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice > > > Thanks Paul >> >> My code should backtrack in the situation you mention. So for example if >> it >> fits tarragon on the first "t" but then continues to not be able to find a >> solution with tarragon in this position, it will backtrack so that it >> changes "tarragon" to the second "t". However I still can't find a >> solution >> with 16 words. There may be some other flaws in my logic preventing this. >> I >> was wondering if in order to find a solution it will take thousands of >> attempts to find a solution? I have a counter that when reaches 5000, it >> breaks out of the loop trying to find the solution so I am effectively >> trying 5000 combinations - perhaps there is an equation to calculate how >> many combinations there are? >> >> I would be interested if anyone else can solve this puzzle with an >> alternative crossword generator? >> >> Thanks >> >> Paul >> >> -Original Message- >> From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com >> [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul >> Andrews >> Sent: 31 May 2009 12:07 >> To: Flash Coders List >> Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice >> >> There is a flaw in your logic. >> >> It may be that multiple words fit a given situation, and so it's >> necessary >> (with such a simple algori
RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
Thanks Paul Yes I suspect my algorithm is incorrect as I have tried 20,000 loops and it still can't find a solution with all 16 words. I was just thinking as none of the online crossword generators are able to find a solution that it perhaps is more complex than meets the eye. Cheers Paul -Original Message- From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Andrews Sent: 31 May 2009 12:37 To: Flash Coders List Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice I suspect that the algorithm is wrong. For example quantity top left, alb will only fit quantity in one place and there is only one other "a" candidate "amble". Very quickly your choices will be reduced due to placement, so 5,000 attempts seems excessive. Sadly I have a ton of other things to do or I'd have a go myself. Paul - Original Message - From: "Paul Steven" To: "'Flash Coders List'" Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 12:17 PM Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice > Thanks Paul > > My code should backtrack in the situation you mention. So for example if > it > fits tarragon on the first "t" but then continues to not be able to find a > solution with tarragon in this position, it will backtrack so that it > changes "tarragon" to the second "t". However I still can't find a > solution > with 16 words. There may be some other flaws in my logic preventing this. > I > was wondering if in order to find a solution it will take thousands of > attempts to find a solution? I have a counter that when reaches 5000, it > breaks out of the loop trying to find the solution so I am effectively > trying 5000 combinations - perhaps there is an equation to calculate how > many combinations there are? > > I would be interested if anyone else can solve this puzzle with an > alternative crossword generator? > > Thanks > > Paul > > -Original Message- > From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com > [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul > Andrews > Sent: 31 May 2009 12:07 > To: Flash Coders List > Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice > > There is a flaw in your logic. > > It may be that multiple words fit a given situation, and so it's > necessary > (with such a simple algorithm) to backtrack and look for another word to > fit > > once you are unable to fit another word from your list - so the real > problem > > is saving where you are in the list of possible combinations as you go > along. > > For example, in quantity there are two "t" s, so there are two > possibilities > > for fitting a word. You may go with tarragon for the first "t" but in > practice it may only be possible to have a solution with tarragon as the > second "t". You must be able to backtrack your choice of tarragon as a > solution for the first "t" and go with "twin" instead. You must be able to > do this at every stage. Once you can your software should work. > > Paul > > > - Original Message - > From: "Paul Steven" > To: "'Flash Coders List'" > Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 10:09 AM > Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice > > >> Just to add more information to how I am currently trying to achieve >> this. >> >> I basically start with the first word in the list and place it in the top >> left position 0,0. I then attempt to add the next word in the list by >> finding a character in the first word that is the same as one of the >> characters in this new word. If it fails to add this next word, it puts >> this >> word to the back of the list and tries the next word. If at any point, it >> is >> no longer able to add one of the remaining unplaced words, it back tracks >> and changes the previously added word to a different one. So in theory it >> should attempt to find a solution by trying every single word in the top >> left 0,0 position, then attempting to add the others where they can fit. >> The >> complete crossword solution has the word "Quantity" in the top left going >> across so in theory a solution should be possible with this word at this >> position and this orientation. >> >> Hopefully someone can shed some light on a solution. >> >> Many thanks >> >> Paul >> >> -Original Message- >> From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com >> [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul >> Steven >> Sent: 31 May 2
Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
Two suggestions. 1) Order your list of words from longest to shortest. Longer words have more letters to build off of for future word placement. Longer words are also harder to place within the grid size as additional words are added. 2) Starting your first word in the upper left limits how additional words are chained off of it. Specifically, you are limiting the generator to only matching the first letter of the second word to be placed. As an alternative you could place your first word (horizontally or vertically, try both) in the middle of your grid. This will allow for middle letters to be matched with the first word. Even better would be to have a floating grid. Start placing words allowing the range of X and Y to adjust but maintaining the maximum X and Y of your target grid. For example, lets say your first word is 8 characters long and your second word is 8 characters long as well. Your second word would cross the first word at position 5 or the first word and position 2 of the second word. Now if the first word were placed in the top left or the middle of the 9x9 grid, this match is not possible. If your generator could shift to allow for these words to fit within the constraints of your 9x9 range, you would be more likely to find a larger range of possible board layouts. In the case above, lets say the first word was placed horizontally in the middle of the grid on row 5. The result would be that the starting word would slide from row 5 up to row 3 to allow the second word to run from row 2 through row 9. Obviously this sliding around the grid would likely only happen within the first 2-6 placements (assuming that you were placing longer words first). By this point your would run out of range to slide your grid around. Meaning you would have met your X and Y bounds by sliding around your grid. Charles P. On Sun, May 31, 2009 at 7:36 AM, Paul Andrews wrote: > I suspect that the algorithm is wrong. > > For example quantity top left, alb will only fit quantity in one place and > there is only one other "a" candidate "amble". Very quickly your choices > will be reduced due to placement, so 5,000 attempts seems excessive. > > Sadly I have a ton of other things to do or I'd have a go myself. > > Paul > - Original Message - From: "Paul Steven" < > paul_ste...@btinternet.com> > To: "'Flash Coders List'" > Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 12:17 PM > > Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice > > > Thanks Paul >> >> My code should backtrack in the situation you mention. So for example if >> it >> fits tarragon on the first "t" but then continues to not be able to find a >> solution with tarragon in this position, it will backtrack so that it >> changes "tarragon" to the second "t". However I still can't find a >> solution >> with 16 words. There may be some other flaws in my logic preventing this. >> I >> was wondering if in order to find a solution it will take thousands of >> attempts to find a solution? I have a counter that when reaches 5000, it >> breaks out of the loop trying to find the solution so I am effectively >> trying 5000 combinations - perhaps there is an equation to calculate how >> many combinations there are? >> >> I would be interested if anyone else can solve this puzzle with an >> alternative crossword generator? >> >> Thanks >> >> Paul >> >> -Original Message- >> From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com >> [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul >> Andrews >> Sent: 31 May 2009 12:07 >> To: Flash Coders List >> Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice >> >> There is a flaw in your logic. >> >> It may be that multiple words fit a given situation, and so it's >> necessary >> (with such a simple algorithm) to backtrack and look for another word to >> fit >> >> once you are unable to fit another word from your list - so the real >> problem >> >> is saving where you are in the list of possible combinations as you go >> along. >> >> For example, in quantity there are two "t" s, so there are two >> possibilities >> >> for fitting a word. You may go with tarragon for the first "t" but in >> practice it may only be possible to have a solution with tarragon as the >> second "t". You must be able to backtrack your choice of tarragon as a >> solution for the first "t" and go with "twin" instead. You must be able to >> do this at every stage. Once you can your software should work. >> >> Paul >
Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
I suspect that the algorithm is wrong. For example quantity top left, alb will only fit quantity in one place and there is only one other "a" candidate "amble". Very quickly your choices will be reduced due to placement, so 5,000 attempts seems excessive. Sadly I have a ton of other things to do or I'd have a go myself. Paul - Original Message - From: "Paul Steven" To: "'Flash Coders List'" Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 12:17 PM Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice Thanks Paul My code should backtrack in the situation you mention. So for example if it fits tarragon on the first "t" but then continues to not be able to find a solution with tarragon in this position, it will backtrack so that it changes "tarragon" to the second "t". However I still can't find a solution with 16 words. There may be some other flaws in my logic preventing this. I was wondering if in order to find a solution it will take thousands of attempts to find a solution? I have a counter that when reaches 5000, it breaks out of the loop trying to find the solution so I am effectively trying 5000 combinations - perhaps there is an equation to calculate how many combinations there are? I would be interested if anyone else can solve this puzzle with an alternative crossword generator? Thanks Paul -Original Message- From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Andrews Sent: 31 May 2009 12:07 To: Flash Coders List Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice There is a flaw in your logic. It may be that multiple words fit a given situation, and so it's necessary (with such a simple algorithm) to backtrack and look for another word to fit once you are unable to fit another word from your list - so the real problem is saving where you are in the list of possible combinations as you go along. For example, in quantity there are two "t" s, so there are two possibilities for fitting a word. You may go with tarragon for the first "t" but in practice it may only be possible to have a solution with tarragon as the second "t". You must be able to backtrack your choice of tarragon as a solution for the first "t" and go with "twin" instead. You must be able to do this at every stage. Once you can your software should work. Paul - Original Message - From: "Paul Steven" To: "'Flash Coders List'" Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 10:09 AM Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice Just to add more information to how I am currently trying to achieve this. I basically start with the first word in the list and place it in the top left position 0,0. I then attempt to add the next word in the list by finding a character in the first word that is the same as one of the characters in this new word. If it fails to add this next word, it puts this word to the back of the list and tries the next word. If at any point, it is no longer able to add one of the remaining unplaced words, it back tracks and changes the previously added word to a different one. So in theory it should attempt to find a solution by trying every single word in the top left 0,0 position, then attempting to add the others where they can fit. The complete crossword solution has the word "Quantity" in the top left going across so in theory a solution should be possible with this word at this position and this orientation. Hopefully someone can shed some light on a solution. Many thanks Paul -Original Message- From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Steven Sent: 31 May 2009 10:02 To: 'Flash Coders List' Subject: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice I am creating a crossword generator where you can enter the size of the grid and a list of words but for the life of me cannot get it to generate a puzzle with all the words in my list. This list of words is from a crossword that I know is possible. Now either my generator is not up to scratch or the process of creating a crossword is very complex and will require so many iterations that it would take a long time to work out a solution. Here is the list of words I am trying to generate the crossword with. The size of the grid is 9 x 9. I have tried several online crossword generators and none of them are able to generate a puzzle of this size with these words. The most words I have been able to generate a puzzle with is 11 words. However I know for a fact it is possible as I have an actual crossword with these 16 words. I would therefore appreciate any advice. Perhaps someone has a crossword generator they can try these 16 words in? quantity alb iliad epee jinx glass inn tarragon quake amble
RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
Thanks Paul My code should backtrack in the situation you mention. So for example if it fits tarragon on the first "t" but then continues to not be able to find a solution with tarragon in this position, it will backtrack so that it changes "tarragon" to the second "t". However I still can't find a solution with 16 words. There may be some other flaws in my logic preventing this. I was wondering if in order to find a solution it will take thousands of attempts to find a solution? I have a counter that when reaches 5000, it breaks out of the loop trying to find the solution so I am effectively trying 5000 combinations - perhaps there is an equation to calculate how many combinations there are? I would be interested if anyone else can solve this puzzle with an alternative crossword generator? Thanks Paul -Original Message- From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Andrews Sent: 31 May 2009 12:07 To: Flash Coders List Subject: Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice There is a flaw in your logic. It may be that multiple words fit a given situation, and so it's necessary (with such a simple algorithm) to backtrack and look for another word to fit once you are unable to fit another word from your list - so the real problem is saving where you are in the list of possible combinations as you go along. For example, in quantity there are two "t" s, so there are two possibilities for fitting a word. You may go with tarragon for the first "t" but in practice it may only be possible to have a solution with tarragon as the second "t". You must be able to backtrack your choice of tarragon as a solution for the first "t" and go with "twin" instead. You must be able to do this at every stage. Once you can your software should work. Paul - Original Message - From: "Paul Steven" To: "'Flash Coders List'" Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 10:09 AM Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice > Just to add more information to how I am currently trying to achieve this. > > I basically start with the first word in the list and place it in the top > left position 0,0. I then attempt to add the next word in the list by > finding a character in the first word that is the same as one of the > characters in this new word. If it fails to add this next word, it puts > this > word to the back of the list and tries the next word. If at any point, it > is > no longer able to add one of the remaining unplaced words, it back tracks > and changes the previously added word to a different one. So in theory it > should attempt to find a solution by trying every single word in the top > left 0,0 position, then attempting to add the others where they can fit. > The > complete crossword solution has the word "Quantity" in the top left going > across so in theory a solution should be possible with this word at this > position and this orientation. > > Hopefully someone can shed some light on a solution. > > Many thanks > > Paul > > -Original Message- > From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com > [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul > Steven > Sent: 31 May 2009 10:02 > To: 'Flash Coders List' > Subject: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice > > I am creating a crossword generator where you can enter the size of the > grid > and a list of words but for the life of me cannot get it to generate a > puzzle with all the words in my list. This list of words is from a > crossword > that I know is possible. Now either my generator is not up to scratch or > the > process of creating a crossword is very complex and will require so many > iterations that it would take a long time to work out a solution. > > Here is the list of words I am trying to generate the crossword with. The > size of the grid is 9 x 9. I have tried several online crossword > generators > and none of them are able to generate a puzzle of this size with these > words. The most words I have been able to generate a puzzle with is 11 > words. However I know for a fact it is possible as I have an actual > crossword with these 16 words. I would therefore appreciate any advice. > Perhaps someone has a crossword generator they can try these 16 words in? > > quantity > alb > iliad > epee > jinx > glass > inn > tarragon > quake > amble > twin > yearn > pilot > icing > xenon > user > > Thanks in advance > > Paul > > ___ > Flashcoders mailing list > Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com > http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/ma
Re: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
There is a flaw in your logic. It may be that multiple words fit a given situation, and so it's necessary (with such a simple algorithm) to backtrack and look for another word to fit once you are unable to fit another word from your list - so the real problem is saving where you are in the list of possible combinations as you go along. For example, in quantity there are two "t" s, so there are two possibilities for fitting a word. You may go with tarragon for the first "t" but in practice it may only be possible to have a solution with tarragon as the second "t". You must be able to backtrack your choice of tarragon as a solution for the first "t" and go with "twin" instead. You must be able to do this at every stage. Once you can your software should work. Paul - Original Message - From: "Paul Steven" To: "'Flash Coders List'" Sent: Sunday, May 31, 2009 10:09 AM Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice Just to add more information to how I am currently trying to achieve this. I basically start with the first word in the list and place it in the top left position 0,0. I then attempt to add the next word in the list by finding a character in the first word that is the same as one of the characters in this new word. If it fails to add this next word, it puts this word to the back of the list and tries the next word. If at any point, it is no longer able to add one of the remaining unplaced words, it back tracks and changes the previously added word to a different one. So in theory it should attempt to find a solution by trying every single word in the top left 0,0 position, then attempting to add the others where they can fit. The complete crossword solution has the word "Quantity" in the top left going across so in theory a solution should be possible with this word at this position and this orientation. Hopefully someone can shed some light on a solution. Many thanks Paul -Original Message- From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Steven Sent: 31 May 2009 10:02 To: 'Flash Coders List' Subject: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice I am creating a crossword generator where you can enter the size of the grid and a list of words but for the life of me cannot get it to generate a puzzle with all the words in my list. This list of words is from a crossword that I know is possible. Now either my generator is not up to scratch or the process of creating a crossword is very complex and will require so many iterations that it would take a long time to work out a solution. Here is the list of words I am trying to generate the crossword with. The size of the grid is 9 x 9. I have tried several online crossword generators and none of them are able to generate a puzzle of this size with these words. The most words I have been able to generate a puzzle with is 11 words. However I know for a fact it is possible as I have an actual crossword with these 16 words. I would therefore appreciate any advice. Perhaps someone has a crossword generator they can try these 16 words in? quantity alb iliad epee jinx glass inn tarragon quake amble twin yearn pilot icing xenon user Thanks in advance Paul ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
Further to my last post, here is a link to the solution to the crossword http://www.mediakitchen.co.uk/solution.gif Before anyone asks, I have tried the crossword generator in the "Advanced Lingo for Games" book and unfortunately it is unable to create a puzzle with these 16 words. quantity alb iliad epee jinx glass inn tarragon quake amble twin yearn pilot icing xenon user Looking forward to hearing if anyone is able to generate a 9x9 puzzle with these words. Thanks Paul -Original Message- From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Steven Sent: 31 May 2009 10:10 To: 'Flash Coders List' Subject: RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice Just to add more information to how I am currently trying to achieve this. I basically start with the first word in the list and place it in the top left position 0,0. I then attempt to add the next word in the list by finding a character in the first word that is the same as one of the characters in this new word. If it fails to add this next word, it puts this word to the back of the list and tries the next word. If at any point, it is no longer able to add one of the remaining unplaced words, it back tracks and changes the previously added word to a different one. So in theory it should attempt to find a solution by trying every single word in the top left 0,0 position, then attempting to add the others where they can fit. The complete crossword solution has the word "Quantity" in the top left going across so in theory a solution should be possible with this word at this position and this orientation. Hopefully someone can shed some light on a solution. Many thanks Paul -Original Message- From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Steven Sent: 31 May 2009 10:02 To: 'Flash Coders List' Subject: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice I am creating a crossword generator where you can enter the size of the grid and a list of words but for the life of me cannot get it to generate a puzzle with all the words in my list. This list of words is from a crossword that I know is possible. Now either my generator is not up to scratch or the process of creating a crossword is very complex and will require so many iterations that it would take a long time to work out a solution. Here is the list of words I am trying to generate the crossword with. The size of the grid is 9 x 9. I have tried several online crossword generators and none of them are able to generate a puzzle of this size with these words. The most words I have been able to generate a puzzle with is 11 words. However I know for a fact it is possible as I have an actual crossword with these 16 words. I would therefore appreciate any advice. Perhaps someone has a crossword generator they can try these 16 words in? quantity alb iliad epee jinx glass inn tarragon quake amble twin yearn pilot icing xenon user Thanks in advance Paul ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
RE: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice
Just to add more information to how I am currently trying to achieve this. I basically start with the first word in the list and place it in the top left position 0,0. I then attempt to add the next word in the list by finding a character in the first word that is the same as one of the characters in this new word. If it fails to add this next word, it puts this word to the back of the list and tries the next word. If at any point, it is no longer able to add one of the remaining unplaced words, it back tracks and changes the previously added word to a different one. So in theory it should attempt to find a solution by trying every single word in the top left 0,0 position, then attempting to add the others where they can fit. The complete crossword solution has the word "Quantity" in the top left going across so in theory a solution should be possible with this word at this position and this orientation. Hopefully someone can shed some light on a solution. Many thanks Paul -Original Message- From: flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com [mailto:flashcoders-boun...@chattyfig.figleaf.com] On Behalf Of Paul Steven Sent: 31 May 2009 10:02 To: 'Flash Coders List' Subject: [Flashcoders] Crossword generator advice I am creating a crossword generator where you can enter the size of the grid and a list of words but for the life of me cannot get it to generate a puzzle with all the words in my list. This list of words is from a crossword that I know is possible. Now either my generator is not up to scratch or the process of creating a crossword is very complex and will require so many iterations that it would take a long time to work out a solution. Here is the list of words I am trying to generate the crossword with. The size of the grid is 9 x 9. I have tried several online crossword generators and none of them are able to generate a puzzle of this size with these words. The most words I have been able to generate a puzzle with is 11 words. However I know for a fact it is possible as I have an actual crossword with these 16 words. I would therefore appreciate any advice. Perhaps someone has a crossword generator they can try these 16 words in? quantity alb iliad epee jinx glass inn tarragon quake amble twin yearn pilot icing xenon user Thanks in advance Paul ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders ___ Flashcoders mailing list Flashcoders@chattyfig.figleaf.com http://chattyfig.figleaf.com/mailman/listinfo/flashcoders
