Article acquisition game device

Abstract

The present invention further improves the interest of a crane approaching a drop opening in a toy-grabbing game device. The grabbing toy game device (100) is provided with a carrying area (112) and a falling opening (114), wherein prizes are carried in the carrying area (112). The player operates the operation unit (118) to move the crane (108). The size of the drop opening (114) is variable. The grabbing toy game device (100) detects the boundary position of the falling opening (114) and the carrying area (112), and when the crane (108) approaches the boundary position, the grabbing force of the arm (126) is changed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an item acquisition game in which an item such as a prize is moved to be acquired. Background Art

[0002] Many game halls have a toy grabbing game device (item acquisition game device). Inside the housing of the toy grabbing game device, a platform (game area) is provided, and prizes (items) such as plush toys or snacks are placed. The player drives an operating lever or various buttons to operate a crane. If the prize can be grabbed by the crane and moved to the drop port, the player can obtain the prize (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-226707 Summary of the invention

[0006] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Generally, the player's anticipation is most likely to increase when the prize is grabbed by a crane and brought to the vicinity of the drop port, in other words, when it is close to the moment when it is determined whether the prize can be obtained.

[0008] The present invention is an invention completed based on a new study of the interest unique to the grab toy game, and its main purpose is to provide a technology for further deepening the interest when the crane approaches the drop port (the destination of the prize) in the grab toy game device.

[0009] In order to make it easier for players to get prizes, the operator sometimes rotates the crane of the grab toy game device horizontally to adjust the position of the arm. In addition, the crane is sometimes attached with a design cover on which an image to attract players is recorded. When the operator rotates the crane horizontally, the design cover moves with the crane, thereby changing the position of the design cover. Therefore, the design cover is not necessarily located within the visible range of the player, and the image may not fully play its advertising role.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above background, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a technology for improving the visibility of a design cover in a toy game device.

[0011] [Technical solutions for solving technical problems]

[0012] The item acquisition game device of the present invention is an item acquisition game device, characterized in that it includes: a game area, which is set in the game space, and has a first area for placing items to be obtained and a second area as a moving destination of the above-mentioned items; an item acquisition unit, which is used to obtain the above-mentioned items; an operation unit, which is used to accept operations from players; a control unit, which drives the above-mentioned item acquisition unit according to the above-mentioned operations; and an accessory component that can be mounted on the item acquisition unit. The item acquisition unit is constructed to be rotatable around a predetermined axis, and the accessory component can rotate relative to the item acquisition unit. Here, the item acquisition unit is, for example, a crane, the accessory component is, for example, a design cover, and the fixed component is, for example, a design cover bracket.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, the visibility of the design cover in the grasping toy game device can be easily improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a grasping toy game device.

[0016] Figure 2 It is a functional block diagram of a grasping toy game device.

[0017] Figure 3 It is a top view of the prize placement table.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of a position detection sensor.

[0019] Figure 5 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate and the position detection sensor when the movement amount m=0. Figure 5 (b) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate and the position detection sensor when the movement amount m=X1. Figure 5 (c) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate and the position detection sensor when the movement amount m=X2.

[0020] Figure 6 is a flow chart showing the gripping force adjustment process of the arm.

[0021] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing the placement state of the prizes in the placement area.

[0022] Figure 8 It is a three-dimensional image of the base.

[0023] Fig. 9 is a stereogram of a reward sensor.

[0024] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the detection method of prizes and balls.

[0025] Fig.11 It is a first exploded perspective view of the grasping toy game device showing the state when the display rod is set.

[0026] Fig.12 It is a second exploded perspective view of the grasping toy game device showing the situation when the display rod is set.

[0027] Fig.13 This is an enlarged view showing the fitting portion between the rod and the first support column.

[0028] Fig.14 (a) is a top view of the crane during initial setting. Fig.14 (b) is the front view of the crane during initial setting.

[0029] Fig.15 (a) is a top view of the crane when it is rotated 30 degrees. Fig.15 (b) is a front view of the crane when it is rotated 30 degrees.

[0030] Fig.16 (a) is a top view of the crane when the design cover is adjusted. Fig.16 (b) is a front view of the crane when the design cover is adjusted.

[0031] Fig.17 This is an exploded perspective view of the crane's design cover and surrounding areas.

[0032] Fig.18 It is a side cross-sectional view of the crane's design hood and its surroundings.

[0033] Fig.19 It is a side sectional view of the storage box. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a grasping toy game device 100. The grasping toy game device 100 is generally set in a game facility such as an amusement park or a game hall. Figure 1 As shown, the description will be given with the left-right direction of the grasping toy game device 100 viewed from the player as the X direction, the front-back direction as the Y direction, and the up-down direction as the Z direction.

[0035] The toy grabbing game device 100 includes: a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped base 102; and a box-shaped prize storage unit 104, which is arranged on the base 102. Inside the prize storage unit 104, a game space S is formed, and a prize placement table 106 (game area) is provided. On the prize placement table 106, in addition to prizes such as plush toys or sundries, there are also colored balls (described later) for decorating the prize placement table 106. Above the prize placement table 106, a crane 108 is provided. The crane 108 can move to the front, back, left, right, and up and down of the game space S to grab / release the prize.

[0036] The prize storage section 104 has transparent glass on its front surface and left and right sides. This is a design that takes into account the visibility of the prize from the outside. A camera may be provided on the top surface of the prize storage section 104 to shoot the prize placement table 106 from above. A glass door 110 is provided on the front surface of the prize storage section 104, and the operator (store clerk) can open the door 110 to place the prize in the prize storage section 104.

[0037] The prize loading platform 106 is divided into a loading area 112 (first area) and a drop port 114 (second area). Prizes are loaded in the loading area 112, and players can obtain prizes if they can transport the prizes from the loading area 112 to the drop port 114. A shielding plate 128 is provided between the loading area 112 and the drop port 114. The shielding plate 128 prevents prizes or colored balls in the loading area 112 from rolling down to the drop port 114.

[0038] A prize taking-out port 116 for taking out a prize dropped from the drop port 114 is formed on the front surface of the base 102 .

[0039] On the front surface side of the base 102, an operation unit 118 and a setting display unit 120 are provided. At the start of the game, the player inserts a coin into the coin slot or touches an IC card charged with electronic money in the IC card reader. Hereinafter, in the grasping toy game device 100, the surface on which the operation unit 118 and the like are provided, in other words, the surface on the side where the player is located is referred to as the "front surface", and the surface on the back side (the positive direction side of the Y axis) as viewed from the player is referred to as the "back surface".

[0040] The operation unit 118 includes an operation lever 122 used by the player to move the crane 108 forward, backward, left, and right to determine the descending point, and a grip button 124 used to descend the crane 108 and grip the prize.

[0041] A touch panel is provided in the setting display unit 120. The setting display unit 120 functions as a "setting input unit" for the operator (store clerk) to input setting information of the game, and also functions as an "information display unit" for displaying information related to the game, such as the operation method of the operation unit 118 and the game result. In addition, the toy game device 100 also includes a speaker (not shown) and an external connection terminal.

[0042] The crane 108 has three arms 126 that can hold and release prizes. The crane 108 includes a motor that drives the arms 126 to open and close. The crane 108 holds and releases prizes by opening and closing the arms 126.

[0043] The crane 108 can move along a guide rail (not shown) provided on the upper part of the prize storage unit 104, and is driven by a crane driving unit 130 (described later). The crane driving unit 130 includes: a moving mechanism that drives the crane 108 in the horizontal direction (X direction) and the vertical direction (Y direction); and a lifting mechanism that drives in the vertical direction (Z direction). The moving mechanism includes an X-direction motor and a Y-direction motor. The lifting mechanism includes a Z-direction motor. The crane 108 can be moved to any position in the game space S by the crane driving unit 130.

[0044] The crane 108 in this embodiment is a so-called "triple catcher type" having three arms 126. As long as it is within the time limit, the player can freely move the crane 108 forward, backward, left and right by operating the lever 122. When the player moves the crane 108 above the prize, the player presses the grab button 124. When the grab button 124 is pressed, the crane 108 will descend. When the crane 108 descends a predetermined distance, it will automatically move the arm 126 in the locking direction (hereinafter referred to as "grasping" or "grasping action"). At this time, the crane 108 can grab a relatively large prize at the descent point through the arm 126. In addition, the grab button 124 can be pressed again during the descent of the crane 108, and the arm 126 can perform a grabbing action at the time of pressing.

[0045] While maintaining the gripping action, the crane 108 rises and then automatically moves toward the drop port 114. The crane 108 moves the arm 126 in the release direction on the drop port 114 (hereinafter referred to as "release" or "release action"). When the prize can be firmly gripped, the prize is transported to the drop port 114 by the crane 108 and is dropped from above the drop port 114 (success in the toy grabbing game). On the other hand, when the arm 126 cannot firmly grip the prize, the prize falls from the crane 108 before the crane 108 reaches directly above the drop port 114 (failure in the toy grabbing game).

[0046] In addition, the operator can also rotate the crane 108 horizontally (rotation centered on the Z axis). Figure 1 As shown, one of the three arms 126 is located on the player's side in the original position, but the operator can adjust the horizontal rotation angle of the crane 108 in accordance with the arrangement of the prizes. A design cover 132 is provided on the front surface of the crane 108. In the design cover 132 of this embodiment, a logo indicating the product name (advertising information) is recorded. The direction of the design cover 132 can also be adjusted in accordance with the horizontal rotation of the crane 108, and the details will be described in detail. Fig.14 The above will be described later in related details.

[0047] A plurality of optical sensors are provided inside the drop opening 114. The optical sensors detect the drop of the prize to the drop opening 114 (hereinafter referred to as "prize acquisition"). In addition, the optical sensors are configured to distinguish whether any one of the color ball and the prize has dropped, and the details will be described in detail. Figure 8 The above will be described later in related details.

[0048] At the back of the prize storage section 104, one or more display rods 134 are provided. The display rods 134 are metal rods extending in the X direction, and can hold prizes for display. The operator opens the door 110 and enters the drop opening 114, and sets the display rods 134 at the back. The number and height of the display rods 134 are arbitrary. Fig.11 This will be described later in a related manner.

[0049] Inside the drop opening 114, a storage box for storing spare parts such as colored balls is provided. Fig.19 The details will be described later in detail.

[0050] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram of the toy grabbing game device 100. Each component of the toy grabbing game device 100 is implemented by the following components: a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various processors such as computing units, a storage device such as memory or storage, hardware including wired or wireless communication lines connecting them, and software that is stored in the storage device and supplies processing commands to the computing unit. A computer program can also be composed of the following components: a device driver, an operating system, various application programs located at their upper layers, and a library that provides common functions to these programs. The boxes described below are not the components of hardware units, but represent boxes of functional units.

[0051] The grab toy game device 100 includes a user interface processing unit 140, a mechanism unit 142, a data processing unit 144, and a data storage unit 146. In addition to receiving operations from players via various input devices, the user interface processing unit 140 is also responsible for processing related to the user interface such as image display or sound output. The mechanism unit 142 drives various mechanisms such as the crane 108. The data storage unit 146 stores various data. The data processing unit 144 performs various processing based on the input from the user interface processing unit 140 and the data stored in the data storage unit 146. The data processing unit 144 also functions as an interface between the mechanism unit 142, the user interface processing unit 140, and the data storage unit 146.

[0052] The user interface processing unit 140 includes an input unit 148 and an output unit 150 that outputs various information such as images and sounds.

[0053] The input unit 148 receives setting input from the operator via the setting display unit 120. In addition, the input unit 148 receives operation input from the player via the operation unit 118. In the toy grabbing game device 100, there are a setting mode and a game mode. In the setting mode, the operator performs various settings described below. The delivery of prizes or the installation of the display rod 134 are also performed in the setting mode. In the game mode, the player operates the operation unit 118 to play the toy grabbing game.

[0054] The mechanism unit 142 includes the crane driving unit 130 and the sensor group 152. The movement of the crane 108 and the gripping and releasing of the arm 126 are performed by the crane driving unit 130 as described above. The sensor group 152 corresponds to the optical sensor (described later) at the drop port 114 and the optical sensor for detecting the position of the board (described later) in the loading area 112.

[0055] The data processing unit 144 includes a crane control unit 154, a movement determination unit 156, and a boundary detection unit 158. The crane control unit 154 instructs the crane 108 to move, grasp, and release according to the operation instruction of the operation unit 118. The movement determination unit 156 determines whether the prize has fallen into the drop port 114, in other words, whether the toy grasping game is successful or not. The boundary detection unit 158 ​​detects the boundary position between the drop port 114 and the loading area 112. The details of the detection method of the boundary position will be described later.

[0056] The data storage unit 146 stores information such as a game program of the grasping toy game, settings of the grasping toy game, and a game result (payout rate) of the game.

[0057] Hereinafter, a plurality of features of the grasping toy game device 100 in the present embodiment will be described in sequence.

[0058] [Gripping force control of arm 126]

[0059] Figure 3 It is a top view of the prize placement table 106 .

[0060] As described above, the prize placement table 106 includes a placement area 112 and a drop opening 114. The placement area 112 is further composed of the following components: a first placement area 112a located on the Y-axis positive direction side (inner side) of the drop opening 114; a second placement area 112b located on the X-axis positive direction side (right side); and a third placement area 112c located on the oblique inner side of the drop opening 114.

[0061] The upper portion of the first loading area 112a is covered by the Y plate 160 (first plate). The upper portion of the second loading area 112b is covered by the X plate 162 (second plate). The upper surface of the Y plate 160 in the first loading area 112a, the upper surface of the X plate 162 in the second loading area 112b, and the upper surface of the third loading area 112c are formed to be coplanar. In other words, the Y plate 160 (covering the first loading area 112a), the X plate 162 (covering the second loading area 112b), and the (exposed) third loading area 112c are configured so that no step difference is generated on their respective upper surfaces.

[0062] The X-plate 162 can be moved horizontally in the negative direction of the X-axis. By moving the X-plate 162 horizontally, the operator can reduce the size (lateral width) of the drop opening 114. A shielding plate 128 is fixed to the end of the X-plate 162. The shielding plate 128 also moves in the direction of narrowing the drop opening 114 together with the movement of the X-plate 162. In the second loading area 112b, a position detection sensor 164 (optical sensor) is provided. The position detection sensor 164 (optical sensor) is used to detect the movement amount of the X-plate 162, in other words, the position of the X-plate 162. The details of the detection method will be described later. Figure 4 This will be described later in a related manner.

[0063] Similarly, the Y plate 160 can be horizontally moved in the negative direction of the Y axis. By moving the Y plate 160 horizontally, the operator can reduce the size (vertical width) of the drop opening 114. The shielding plate 128 is also fixed to the end of the Y plate 160, so the shielding plate 128 will also move in the direction of narrowing the drop opening 114 along with the movement of the Y plate 160. Although not shown in the figure, the movement amount of the Y plate 160 can also be detected in the same way as the X plate 162.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the Y plate 160 and the X plate 162 cannot be moved at the same time. When the Y plate 160 is moved in the negative direction of the Y axis to narrow the lower drop opening 114 in the Y direction, the X plate 162 cannot be moved. In addition, when the X plate 162 is moved in the negative direction of the X axis to narrow the lower drop opening 114 in the X direction, the Y plate 160 cannot be moved. The reason is not that the Y plate 160 and the X plate 162 are added with a step difference to make them cross, but that the upper surfaces of the Y plate 160 and the X plate 162 are made to be at the same height. When there is a step difference between the Y plate 160, the X plate 162 and the third loading area 112c, there is a possibility that the prize or the arm 126 is hooked on the step difference, thereby hindering the game. In the present embodiment, in order to prevent such a malfunction, the Y plate 160, the X plate 162 and the third loading area 112c are formed to be coplanar.

[0065] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing the structure of the position detection sensor 164 .

[0066] A detection plate 170 protruding in the negative direction of the Z axis is fixed to the lower surface of the X plate 162. The position detection sensor 164 includes a transmitting plate 164a and a receiving plate 164b. The transmitting plate 164a and the receiving plate 164b protrude in the positive direction of the Z axis on the upper surface of the second loading area 112b. The detection plate 170 moves between the transmitting plate 164a and the receiving plate 164b as the X plate 162 moves in the X direction.

[0067] The position detection sensor 164 includes a first optical sensor 166 and a second optical sensor 168. The first optical sensor 166 includes a first transmitter 166a that transmits an optical signal such as infrared rays or laser light in a transmitting plate 164a, and a first receiver 166b that receives the optical signal from the first transmitter 166a in a receiving plate 164b. Similarly, the second optical sensor 168 includes a second oscillator 168a that transmits an optical signal in a transmitting plate 164a, and a second receiver 168b that receives the optical signal from the second oscillator 168a in a receiving plate 164b.

[0068] Figure 5 (a) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate 162 and the position detection sensor 164 when the movement amount m=0.

[0069] In the present embodiment, the amount of movement m of the X-plate 162 in the negative direction of the X axis is set to three stages. In the data storage unit 146, the X coordinates of the boundary position between the drop port 114 and the front end of the X-plate 162 (hereinafter referred to as "X boundary coordinates") are recorded in advance for the amount of movement m = 0 (first stage), m = X1 (second stage), and m = X2 (X2>X1) (third stage). In other words, the boundary detection unit 158 ​​detects the X boundary coordinates by measuring the amount of movement m using the position detection sensor 164.

[0070] When the movement amount m=0 (first stage), both the first optical sensor 166 and the second optical sensor 168 are shielded by the detection plate 170, so that neither the first receiver 166b nor the second receiver 168b detects an optical signal. When the boundary detection unit 158 ​​does not receive an optical detection signal from both the first receiver 166b and the second receiver 168b, it determines that the movement amount m of the X plate 162 is zero.

[0071] Figure 5 (b) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate 162 and the position detection sensor 164 when the movement amount m=X1.

[0072] When the movement amount m=X1 (second stage), only the first optical sensor 166 is shielded by the detection plate 170, so the first receiver 166b does not detect the optical signal, but the second receiver 168b detects the optical signal. When the boundary detection unit 158 ​​receives the optical detection signal only from the second receiver 168b, it determines that the movement amount m of the X plate 162 is the intermediate value X1.

[0073] Figure 5 (c) is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the X plate 162 and the position detection sensor 164 when the movement amount m=X2.

[0074] When the movement amount m=X2 (third stage), the first optical sensor 166 and the second optical sensor 168 are not shielded by the detection plate 170, so the first receiver 166b and the second receiver 168b both detect the optical signal. When the boundary detection unit 158 ​​receives the optical detection signal from both the first receiver 166b and the second receiver 168b, it determines that the movement amount m of the X plate 162 is the maximum value X2.

[0075] The movement amount n of the Y plate 160 in the negative direction of the Y axis can also be detected in the same manner. In the data storage unit 146, the Y coordinates of the boundary position between the drop port 114 and the front end of the Y plate 160 (hereinafter referred to as "Y boundary coordinates") are recorded in advance for the movement amounts n = 0 (first stage), n = Y1 (second stage), and n = Y2 (Y2>Y1) (third stage). The position detection sensor 164 is set in the first loading area 112a to measure the movement amount n, and the boundary detection unit 158 ​​detects the Y boundary coordinates.

[0076] Figure 6 1 is a flow chart showing a gripping force adjustment process of the arm 126 .

[0077] In the present embodiment, the crane control unit 154 increases the gripping force of the arm 126 when the crane 108 approaches the drop port 114. When the crane 108 grabs the prize, the player expects that the prize will not fall on the way but will be transported to the drop port 114. Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the distance dx between the X coordinate of the crane 108 (hereinafter referred to as "X crane coordinate") and the X boundary coordinate becomes less than a predetermined threshold value Tx ("Yes" in S10), the crane control unit 154 increases the gripping force of the arm 126 (S12). When the distance dx is greater than the threshold value Tx ("No" in S10), the gripping force is not changed.

[0078] More specifically, the boundary detection unit 158 ​​determines the movement amount m of the X plate 162 in advance by the position detection sensor 164. The boundary detection unit 158 ​​determines the X boundary coordinate according to whether it is any one of the three stages of the movement amount m. The crane control unit 154 calculates the distance dx based on the X boundary coordinate and the X crane coordinate.

[0079] Alternatively, the movement determination unit 156 may detect the X hoist coordinates using a rotary encoder (not shown) mounted on the hoist 108. Without being limited thereto, the movement determination unit 156 may calculate the X hoist coordinates using a known technique such as laser measurement or camera image recognition.

[0080] The crane control unit 154 may increase the gripping force of the arm 126 when the distance dy between the Y boundary coordinate and the Y coordinate of the crane 108 (hereinafter referred to as "Y crane coordinate") is less than a predetermined threshold value Ty.

[0081] [Prize detection method]

[0082] Figure 7 1 is a schematic diagram showing a placement state of the prizes 172 in the placement area 112 .

[0083] The loading area 112 is covered with a plurality of colored balls 174. Various prizes 172 such as stuffed toys are placed on the layer of colored balls 174. Here, the vertical, horizontal and deep dimensions of the prizes 172 are all larger than the colored balls 174. The colored balls 174 are elastic plastic balls. One of the purposes of covering the loaded area 112 with colored balls 174 is to enhance the decorativeness of the game space S. In addition, when the arm 126 directly contacts the loading area 112, there is a possibility of damaging the arm 126 or the loading area 112. Therefore, the loading area 112 is prevented from contacting the arm 126 by forming a layer of colored balls 174.

[0084] In addition, because the layer of colored balls 174 creates a gap under the prize 172, it is easy to insert the arm 126 into the lower part of the prize 172. Therefore, by forming the layer of colored balls 174, the arm 126 can easily firmly grasp the prize 172.

[0085] The prize 172 is to be obtained by the player, and the colored ball 174 is not to be obtained. However, rarely, the colored ball 174 is sometimes caught by the arm 126 and rolls down to the drop port 114. The operator needs to be aware of the payout rate of the grabbing toy game device 100, that is, the difficulty of obtaining the prize, in advance. For this reason, the grabbing toy game device 100 needs a function to detect the falling of the prize 172. When the colored ball 174 falls into the drop port 114, it may be mistakenly identified as the acquisition of the prize 172. The following is an explanation of the following structure: when either the colored ball 174 or the prize 172 falls into the drop port 114, they are simply distinguished.

[0086] Figure 8 It is a perspective view of the base 102 . Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the reward sensor 176 .

[0087] A reward sensor 176 is disposed on the inner wall surface of the drop port 114. The reward sensor 176 includes a first detection plate 176a and a second detection plate 176b, which are opposite to each other. 15 optical sensors 178 are disposed on the first detection plate 176a and the second detection plate 176b, for a total of 30 optical sensors 178.

[0088] There are 8 optical sensors 178 arranged in the upper section of the first detection plate 176a and 7 optical sensors 178 arranged in the lower section, and the same is true for the second detection plate 176b. The optical sensors 178, 15 of which are arranged on each of the first detection plate 176a and the second detection plate 176b, are arranged relative to each other, forming a total of 15 "pairs". Similar to the position detection sensor 164, one optical sensor 178 functions as an optical transmitter, and the other optical sensor 178 opposite to it functions as an optical receiver. The optical signal is always sent from one of the two optical sensors 178 as a "pair" to the other. The movement determination unit 156 receives the optical detection signal from each "pair" of optical sensors 178.

[0089] Fig.10 It is a schematic diagram for explaining the detection method of the prize 172 and the color ball 174.

[0090] In the second detection plate 176b, eight optical sensors 178, 178-1 to 178-8, are arranged in the upper stage, and seven optical sensors 178, 178-9 to 178-15, are arranged in the lower stage. The Y coordinates of the installation positions of the upper and lower optical sensors 178 are offset.

[0091] The distance in the Y direction between the optical sensor 178 in the upper section (e.g., optical sensor 178-3) and the optical sensor 178 in the adjacent lower section (e.g., optical sensor 178-11) is set to 100 mm. In addition, the distance in the Y direction between the optical sensor 178 in the lower section (e.g., optical sensor 178-10) and the optical sensor 178 in the adjacent lower section (e.g., optical sensor 178-11) is set to 200 mm. The diameter of the ball 174 in this embodiment is set to 120 mm. In addition, the minimum lateral width of the prize 172 is set to be 400 mm or more.

[0092] exist Fig.10 When the ball 174 falls into the drop port 114, the light signal of the lower optical sensor 178-11 is temporarily cut off (hereinafter referred to as "passing reaction"). When the movement determination unit 156 detects the passing reaction of the optical sensor 178-11, it recognizes that the prize 172 or the ball 174 has passed in front of the optical sensor 178-11.

[0093] The diameter of the ball 174 is 120 mm, and the distance from the optical sensor 178-11 to the optical sensor 178-12 next to it is 200 mm. Therefore, when the ball 174 falls, in the lower section, no passing reaction is detected from the optical sensors other than the optical sensor 178-11. The same is true in the upper section. Therefore, when the movement determination unit 156 detects a passing reaction in any of the optical sensors 178, and the number of passing reactions in the upper section is less than 1, and the number of passing reactions in the lower section is less than 1, it is determined that the ball 174 has fallen.

[0094] When the prize 172 falls, a passing reaction is also detected in one or more optical sensors 178. Fig.10 In the process, the optical sensor 178-6 in the upper stage and the optical sensors 178-13 and 178-14 in the lower stage detect the passing reaction. The prize 172 is larger than the ball 174, so the passing reaction is detected in two or more adjacent optical sensors 178 in the same stage. Therefore, when the passing reaction occurs in the optical sensors 178 in the upper stage and the lower stage, and the number of passing reactions in either the upper stage or the lower stage is 2 or more, the movement determination unit 156 determines that the prize 172 has fallen.

[0095] According to this control method, it is possible to identify "which of the prize 172 and the lottery ball 174 has fallen" based on the position and number of the passing reactions to the plurality of light sensors 178 with a simple configuration.

[0096] [How to install the display rod 134]

[0097] Fig.11 1 is a first exploded perspective view of the grasping toy game device 100 showing a state in which the display rod 134 is installed.

[0098] exist Fig.11 In the figure, for the convenience of explanation, the door 110 and other parts are deleted and depicted. The display rod 134 is a metal rod-shaped member with one end bent at a right angle. When the display rod 134 is set, the operator needs to open the door 110 and the prize taking port 116 and enter the drop port 114.

[0099] The operator first sets the display rod 134 on the first support 180, which is located on the back side (X-axis positive direction side) of the grasping toy game device 100. A plurality of transverse grooves 182 are formed on the first support 180. The operator inserts the insertion portion 184 at the front end of the display rod 134 into the transverse groove 182 of the first support 180 from the horizontal direction. The details of the fitting structure of the insertion portion 184 and the transverse groove 182 will be described later. Fig.13 The related details will be described later.

[0100] Fig.121 is a second exploded perspective view of the grasping toy game device 100 showing a state where the display rod 134 is installed.

[0101] exist Fig.12 100, some components such as the door 110 are also deleted. A plurality of insertion holes 188 are pre-formed in the second support 186, which is located on the back side (X-axis negative side) of the toy game device 100. The insertion holes 188 are located at the same height as the horizontal groove 182 of the first support 180.

[0102] The operator inserts the support rod 190 into any insertion hole 188 in advance. After inserting one end (inner side) of the display rod 134 into the transverse groove 182 of the first pillar 180, the operator hooks the hook 192 at the other end (near front side) of the display rod 134 on the support rod 190 and locks it. In this way, the operator fixes the display rod 134 to the second pillar 186 and the first pillar 180 by hooking the other end of the display rod 134 on the support rod 190 after inserting one end of the display rod 134 into the first pillar 180.

[0103] In the past, the burden of operating the display rod 134 to be set at the first pillar 180 far from the operator was large. The operator opens the door near the prize taking-out port 116 and the glass door 110 of the prize storage portion 104, and enters the prize dropping space (a space where the dropping port 114 is formed). Even if the operator enters the prize dropping space to perform the setting operation, the prize dropping space is located on the left side (negative direction of the X axis) facing the housing, so there are many operators who cannot reach the first pillar 180 located on the right inner side of the housing (positive direction of the X axis and positive direction of the Y axis). In the present embodiment, since one end (insertion portion 184) of the display rod 134 is inserted into the transverse groove 182 from the horizontal direction, even an operator who cannot reach the first pillar 180 can perform the setting operation. Since the display rod 134 is inserted into the first support column 180 and then the hook 192 is hooked on the support rod 190 at the near front side and locked, the display rod 134 can be easily installed.

[0104] Fig.13 It is an enlarged view showing the fitting portion between the rod 134 and the first support column 180 .

[0105] As described above, a plurality of transverse grooves 182 are formed in the first support column 180. The operator inserts the relatively small diameter insertion portion 184 at the front end of the display rod 134 into the transverse groove 182 from the horizontal direction. Inside the transverse groove 182, a plate-shaped first support member 208 is formed on the near front side (the negative direction side of the Y axis), and a plate-shaped second support member 210 is also formed on the inner side (the positive direction side of the Y axis). On the lower side of the transverse groove 182, the first support member 208 is formed to be higher (more protruding) than the second support member 210 in the Z-axis direction. In addition, on the upper side of the transverse groove 182, the second support member 210 is formed to be lower (more protruding) than the first support member 208 in the Z-axis direction.

[0106] As shown in the sectional view A1, the first support member 208 and the second support member 210 have different heights, so the operator can insert the display rod 134 into the transverse groove 182 in a state in which the display rod 134 is slightly tilted upward. In addition, after insertion, as shown in the sectional view A2, the inner side of the insertion portion 184 is restricted by the relatively protruding second support member 210, and the near front side is restricted by the relatively protruding first support member 208. Although the display rod 134 can be tilted upward after being inserted into the transverse groove 182, it cannot be tilted downward. Therefore, even if the clearance between the first support member 208 and the second support member 210 is taken into consideration, the display rod 134 is maintained more horizontally and is less likely to slip from the transverse groove 182.

[0107] Furthermore, since a relatively large diameter limiting member 212 is provided on the inner side of the insertion portion 184, even if the display rod 134 is pulled toward the near front direction (Y-axis negative direction), the limiting member 212 is limited by the second supporting member 210. With this structure, the display rod 134 is more difficult to fall off.

[0108] [Adjustment of design cover 132]

[0109] Fig.14 (a) is a top view of the crane 108 during initial setting. Fig.14 (b) is a front view of the crane 108 during initial setting.

[0110] As described above, the crane 108 has three arms 126 (a first arm 126a, a second arm 126b, and a third arm 126c). The first arm 126a, the second arm 126b, and the third arm 126c are each staggered by 120 degrees. In general, the first arm 126a is disposed at a position directly facing the player (see also Figure 1 ).

[0111] A design cover 132 is provided above the first arm 126a. A sign board 194 is fixed to the design cover 132. The sign board 194 functions as an advertisement or decoration for attracting players to the toy game device 100. The sign board 194 may record, for example, the product name or character image of the toy game device 100.

[0112] Fig.15 (a) is a top view of the crane 108 when it is rotated 30 degrees. Fig.15 (b) is a front view of the crane 108 when it is rotated 30 degrees. When multiple players play the toy grabbing game in sequence, the layout of the multiple prizes 172 will also change. For example, it is assumed that when one prize 172 is near the drop port 114, the player will operate the crane 108 with the prize 172 as the target (to obtain the target object).

[0113] The drop opening 114 is surrounded by a shielding plate 128 (see Figure 1 ), so the arm 126 may hit the shielding plate 128 near the boundary of the drop port 114, and there is a possibility that it is difficult to grab the prize 172. Therefore, usually, the operator sometimes adjusts the horizontal rotation angle of the crane 108 in advance while observing the configuration state of the prize 172 so that the arm 126 does not hit the shielding plate 128. In addition, depending on the direction of the prize 172, it is sometimes easier to get the prize 172 by changing the position of the arm 126. In order to arouse the customer's desire to play, the operator sometimes rotates the crane 108 horizontally and adjusts it to make it easier to get the prize 172.

[0114] exist Fig.15 (a) Fig.15 In (b), when viewed from above, the crane 108 is rotated 30 degrees to the right. Accordingly, when viewed from the player, the design cover 132 and the sign board 194 are also facing left. In the case where a plurality of grabbing toy game devices 100 are provided in a game facility, the horizontal rotation angles of the cranes 108 are often inconsistent. As a result, sometimes a plurality of sign boards 194 face different directions, which detracts from the aesthetics of the game facility. In addition, when the sign board 194, which is supposed to function as an advertisement when starting the grabbing toy game, is not facing the front (player side), some players may feel uncoordinated.

[0115] Fig.16 (a) is a top view of the crane 108 when the design cover 132 is adjusted. Fig.16 (b) is a front view of the crane 108 when the design cover 132 is adjusted.

[0116] In this embodiment, the design cover 132 is configured to be horizontally rotatable independently of the crane 108 through the structure described below. After rotating the crane 108 body clockwise, the operator can adjust by rotating only the design cover 132 counterclockwise so that the mark plate 194 faces the front (player side).

[0117] Fig.17 It is an exploded perspective view of the surrounding area of ​​the design cover 132 of the crane 108. Fig.18 It is a side cross-sectional view of the periphery of the design cover 132 in the crane 108.

[0118] A guide groove 204 is formed in the cover member 200 as the outer wall of the crane 108, and the design cover bracket 196 is sandwiched between the guide groove 204 and the locking plate 198. The locking plate 198 is fixed to the cover member 200 by screws. The design cover bracket 196 can be horizontally rotated along the guide groove 204 while being guided to the locking plate 198 in the horizontal plane (XY plane). The design cover 132 (marking plate 194) is fixed to the rotatable design cover bracket 196 by screws.

[0119] The operator holds the crane 108 with one hand and grabs the design cover 132 with the other hand to rotate it, thereby being able to Fig.16 (a) Fig.16 As shown in (b), the orientation of the design cover 132 is manually adjusted.

[0120] [Storage box 206]

[0121] Fig.19 It is a side cross-sectional view of the storage box 206.

[0122] Fig.19 Indicates along Figure 1 The grasping toy game device 100 is cut along the A-A line, and the cross section is taken when the line of sight is the positive direction of the X axis. In the grasping toy game device 100 of this embodiment, a storage box 206 is formed at the lower part of the first loading area 112a. The storage box 206 forms a space for storing the support rod 190 (refer to Fig.12 ), colored balls 174, various screws or tools and other supplies. In this embodiment, the lower surface of the storage box 206 is inclined. The inclination angle is 10 to 30 degrees, and more preferably, 12 to 20 degrees.

[0123] The operator opens the door 110 of the prize storage section 104 and the front door of the prize removal port 116, enters the drop port 114 (prize drop space), and uses the storage box 206. Since the lower surface of the storage box 206 is tilted, the operator can easily see through the inside of the storage box 206 even if he does not squat too much. In other words, by tilting the lower surface of the storage box 206 in a manner close to the line of sight of the operator in operation (the direction of looking down), the operator can relatively easily confirm the depth of the storage box 206. In addition, the storage size of the storage box 206 can be increased by setting the tilt angle.

[0124] In the above, the grasping toy game device 100 has been described based on the embodiment.

[0125] According to the present embodiment, when the crane 108 approaches the drop port 114, the gripping force of the arm 126 is strengthened. Therefore, when the crane 108 approaches the drop port 114, the possibility of the crane 108 dropping the prize 172 is reduced. When the crane 108 transports the prize 172 to the vicinity of the drop port 114, the gripping force of the arm 126 is strengthened, so the player can further increase the expectation of obtaining the prize. In particular, when the prize 172 approaches the drop port 114 due to multiple games, the possibility of obtaining the prize is increased, so it is easy to increase the desire of the player to continue the game.

[0126] The operator can freely change the shape of the drop opening 114 by horizontally moving the Y plate 160 or the X plate 162. The so-called "shape" here refers to any one or more of the opening size (area), X boundary coordinates, and Y boundary coordinates of the drop opening 114. By changing the shape of the drop opening 114, the difficulty of the toy grabbing game can be adjusted.

[0127] The X boundary coordinates and Y boundary coordinates when the X plate 162 and the like are horizontally moved are automatically detected by the position detection sensor 164 and the boundary detection unit 158. The crane control unit 154 can appropriately change the timing of strengthening the gripping force of the arm 126 based on the detection result. In this way, the operator can automatically and appropriately adjust the gripping force of the arm 126 simply by moving the X plate 162 and the like without making other settings.

[0128] In this embodiment, the placement area 112 is covered with colorful balls 174, and prizes 172 are placed on the layer of balls 174. Therefore, it is also considered that the balls 174 instead of the prizes 172 fall into the drop port 114. The prize sensor 176 formed on the inner wall of the drop port 114 includes a plurality of light sensors 178. Based on the number of passing reactions of the light sensors 178, the movement determination unit 156 can determine whether any one of the prizes 172 or the balls 174 has fallen with a simple structure.

[0129] The grasping toy game device 100 in this embodiment is structured such that, when installing the display rod 134, the display rod 134 can be easily embedded in the first pillar 180 on the inner side, which is particularly difficult to install. The operator can insert the display rod 134 into the transverse groove 182 formed in the first pillar 180 from the lateral direction, thereby stabilizing the display rod 134 on the first pillar 180. After inserting the display rod 134 into the first pillar 180, the operator can simply fix the display rod 134 by hooking the hook 192 of the display rod 134 on the support rod 190. Therefore, even when the first pillar 180 cannot be reached by hand, the display rod 134 can be easily installed.

[0130] The crane 108 in this embodiment can be rotated horizontally according to the situation of the grab toy game. Since the design cover 132 can be relatively rotated horizontally relative to the crane 108, it can be adjusted so that the design cover 132 (sign board 194) faces the player regardless of the orientation of the crane 108. In particular, when a plurality of grab toy game devices 100 are arranged, if the sign boards 194 of all the grab toy game devices 100 can be oriented in the same direction, not only will the visibility of the sign boards 194 be improved, but it is also effective in creating a sense of unity within the game facility.

[0131] In this embodiment, a storage box 206 is further formed in a part of the base 102. By making the lower surface of the storage box 206 inclined relative to the horizontal plane, the operability of the operator can be improved. In addition, the storage space of the storage box 206 can be effectively expanded.

[0132] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments or variations, and the constituent elements can be deformed and concretized within the scope of the main purpose. It is also possible to form various inventions by appropriately combining multiple constituent elements disclosed in the above-mentioned embodiments or variations. In addition, it is also possible to delete some constituent elements from all the constituent elements shown in the above-mentioned embodiments or variations.

[0133] [Modifications]

[0134] In the present embodiment, the following case is described: the distance dx is calculated based on the X boundary coordinate and the X crane coordinate, and when the distance dx is less than the threshold value Tx, the crane control unit 154 strengthens the gripping force of the arm 126. As a modified example, the crane control unit 154 may strengthen the gripping force of the arm 126 according to the opening size of the drop port 114. For example, when the opening size of the drop port 114 is "maximum" (for example, the movement amount m = 0), the crane control unit 154 may set the gripping force of the arm 126 to "weak (for example, 70% of the normal state)" regardless of the X crane coordinate. Alternatively, when the opening size of the drop port 114 is "medium" (for example, the movement amount m = X1), the crane control unit 154 may set the gripping force of the arm 126 to "normal" regardless of the X crane coordinate. When the opening size of the drop opening 114 is the smallest (e.g., the movement amount m=X2), the crane control unit 154 sets the gripping force of the arm 126 to "strong (e.g., 130% of the normal state)" regardless of the X crane coordinate. When the opening size of the drop opening 114 is large, the gripping force becomes weaker, and when the opening size of the drop opening 114 is small, the gripping force is set to be large, so that even when the opening size of the drop opening 114 is changed, the difficulty of the toy grabbing game can be stabilized. The same is true when the opening size of the drop opening 114 is adjusted by the Y plate 160.

[0135] Alternatively, when the opening size of the drop opening 114 is small, the gripping force is weakened, and when the opening size of the drop opening 114 is large, the gripping force is strengthened, thereby greatly changing the difficulty level in conjunction with the opening size. In this way, the gripping force can be adjusted according to the opening size of the drop opening 114, not limited to the distance between the drop opening 114 and the crane 108.

[0136] In the present embodiment, the following case is described: the X boundary coordinate and the Y boundary coordinate are detected by the boundary detection unit 158 ​​based on the movement amount of the X plate 162 and the Y plate 160. As a modified example, the operator may move the X plate 162 etc. horizontally and then input the X boundary coordinate etc. as setting information via the setting display unit 120. Alternatively, the boundary detection unit 158 ​​may determine the X boundary coordinate of the drop port 114 based on the setting information.

[0137] In the present embodiment, the following situation is described: when the crane 108 approaches the X boundary coordinate, the gripping force is strengthened to increase the player's expectation of obtaining the prize. As a modified example, the gripping force may be weakened when the crane 108 approaches the X boundary coordinate. For example, in the initial stage, the gripping force of the arm 126 may be set to "strong" in advance, and when the distance dx between the X boundary coordinate and the X crane coordinate is below the threshold value Tx, the crane control unit 154 sets the gripping force of the arm 126 to "medium" or "weak". According to this control method, the initial gripping force of the arm 126 is strong, so it is difficult to fail to lift the prize 172. In addition, by weakening the gripping force of the arm 126 when the crane 108 approaches the drop port 114, it is possible to prevent the difficulty of the toy grabbing game from being excessively reduced or the expectation of obtaining the prize from being excessively increased. By realizing such "easy to catch, easy to drop" gameplay, the disappointment caused by the arm 126 failing to catch the prize 172 is unlikely to occur early, and it is easy for more players to experience the sense of urgency when the crane 108 delivers the prize 172. In addition, the same is true for the distance dy between the Y boundary coordinate and the Y crane coordinate.

[0138] In the present embodiment, the following case is described: when the distance dx is less than the predetermined threshold value Tx, the crane control unit 154 weakens the gripping force of the arm 126. As a modified example, as the distance dx becomes smaller, the crane control unit 154 gradually (continuously) weakens the gripping force of the arm 126. Conversely, the gripping force of the arm 126 may be gradually strengthened as the distance dx becomes smaller. The same is true for the distance dy.

[0139] As a modified example, the gripping force of the arm 126 may be varied discontinuously according to the distance dx. For example, when the distance dx is greater than the threshold value T1 (long distance), the gripping force of the arm 126 may be set to "normal", when the distance dx is less than the threshold value T1 and greater than the threshold value T2 (<T1) (medium distance), the gripping force of the arm 126 may be set to "weak", and when the distance dx is less than the threshold value T2 (close distance), the gripping force of the arm 126 may be set to "strong". According to this control method, it is possible to show a "dangerous distance where the prize 172 may fall" when the gripping force of the arm 126 temporarily weakens while the crane 108 is moving the prize 172. The same is true for the distance dy.

[0140] In addition to the shape, distance dx, and distance dy of the drop opening 114, the crane control unit 154 controls the gripping force of the arm 126 according to the operation time of the crane 108. For example, the crane control unit 154 may start a timer at the start of the toy grabbing game, and as time passes, the crane control unit 154 may weaken or strengthen the gripping force of the arm 126.

[0141] Alternatively, game elements other than the gripping force of the arm 126 may be controlled based on the shape of the drop opening 114, the distance between the drop opening 114 and the crane 108, etc. For example, when the distance dx is below a predetermined threshold, the output unit 150 may change the BGM (background music) or the volume of the BGM. Furthermore, when a monitor is provided on the gripping toy game device 100, the output unit 150 may change the image displayed on the monitor according to the distance dx.

[0142] Alternatively, the crane control unit 154 changes the moving speed of the crane 108 when the distance dx is below a predetermined threshold. For example, the crane control unit 154 may reduce the moving speed of the crane 108 before the crane 108 catches the prize 172 to facilitate catching the prize 172, and increase the moving speed of the crane 108 after catching the prize 172 to facilitate the prize 172 to fall, thereby increasing the tension of the game. The design cover 132 may be equipped with a monitor instead of the sign board 194. Alternatively, the output unit 150 may change the image displayed on the monitor of the design cover 132 according to the distance dx.

[0143] In the present embodiment, the case where the prize 172 and the colored ball 174 are distinguished in the prize sensor 176 is described. As a modified example, a plurality of prizes 172 of different sizes may be placed in the placement area 112. Based on the number of passing reactions of the optical sensor 178 in the prize sensor 176, the movement determination unit 156 determines which prize 172 of the plurality of prizes 172 has fallen into the drop port 114.

[0144] The case where the plurality of optical sensors 178 are arranged in two rows, the upper and lower rows, has been described above, but the plurality of optical sensors 178 may be arranged in one row or in three or more rows in the reward sensor 176. Depending on the size of the falling object, the intervals between the optical sensors 178 may be adjusted so that the number of passing reactions of the optical sensors 178 is different.

[0145] The grabbing toy game device 100 can also be applied to a so-called net catcher. A net catcher is a grabbing toy game in which a player operates a crane 108 of the grabbing toy game device 100 at a remote location by using a camera image on a PC to confirm the prize acquisition in real time and send operation information. The prize acquired by the player will be mailed to the player. In the case of a net catcher, the prize loading platform 106 is provided with: a first area on which a prize 172 is loaded; and a second area which moves the prize 172. The second area can be formed as a drop port 114 or as a separate panel.

[0146] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0147] 100 grab toy game device, 102 base, 104 prize storage unit, 106 prize loading platform, 108 crane, 110 door, 112 loading area, 112a first loading area, 112b second loading area, 112c third loading area, 114 drop port, 116 prize take-out port, 118 operation unit, 120 setting display unit, 122 operation lever, 124 grip button, 126 arm, 126a first arm, 126b second arm, 126c third arm, 128 shielding plate, 130 crane driving unit, 132 design cover, 134 display rod, 140 user interface processing unit, 142 mechanism unit, 144 data processing unit, 146 data storage unit, 148 input unit, 150 output unit, 152 sensor group, 154 crane control unit, 156 movement determination unit, 158 boundary detection Part, 160Y plate, 162X plate, 164 position detection sensor, 164a sending plate, 164b receiving plate, 166 1st light sensor, 166a 1st transmitter, 166b 1st receiver, 168 2nd light sensor, 168a 2nd oscillator, 168b 2nd receiver, 170 detection plate, 172 prize, 174 color ball, 176 reward sensor, 176a 1st detection plate, 176b 2nd detection plate, 178 light sensor, 180 1st pillar, 182 horizontal groove, 184 insertion part, 186 2nd pillar, 188 insertion hole, 190 support rod, 192 hook, 194 mark plate, 196 design cover bracket, 198 locking plate, 200 cover component, 204 guide groove, 206 storage box, 208 1st supporting member, 210 2nd supporting member, 212 limiting member.

Claims

1. An item acquisition game device, characterized in that: include: A game area, which is set in the game space and has a first area where an object to be obtained is placed and a second area as a destination for the object to be moved; An item acquisition unit, which is used to acquire the above items; An operation unit for accepting an operation from a player; a control unit that drives the item acquisition unit according to the above operation; and An accessory component that can be mounted on the above-mentioned item acquisition unit; The article acquisition unit is configured to be rotatable about a predetermined axis. The attachment member is rotatable relative to the article obtaining portion.

2. The item acquisition game device according to claim 1, wherein: Also includes: a fixing member fixed to the attachment member; The article acquisition portion is formed with a guide groove. The attachment member can rotate relative to the article access portion by moving the peripheral edge portion of the fixing member in a state of being inserted into the guide groove of the article access portion.

3. The item acquisition game device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The above-mentioned accessory member is decorated with characters or images.

Images