Prize acquisition game device

Abstract

Provided is a prize acquisition game device that, when an administrator switches to a management mode, can appropriately perform the switching on the basis of the progress state of a prize acquisition game, thereby being able to improve the satisfaction of both the administrator and a player. The prize acquisition game device includes: a game device body having a first game device group and a second game device group; a display unit provided on a front surface side of the gaming device body and having a first display area used by the first gaming device group and a second display area used by the second gaming device group; a detection unit that detects an initiation request of a management mode used by an administrator; and a control unit that, when the detection unit detects the start-up request, controls display in the first display area and / or the second display area based on a progress state of the first prize acquisition game and / or the second prize acquisition game.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a prize obtaining game device. Background Art

[0002] Game devices such as claw machine games (hereinafter referred to as "prize-obtaining game devices"), whose goal is to obtain prizes (such as stuffed toys) contained in a housing or items that can be exchanged for prizes, are highly interesting to operate and stimulate players' desire to take on challenges by using popular characters as prizes. Therefore, these games are often set up not only in entertainment facilities such as game halls, but also in general stores, shopping malls, etc. In the past, various prize-obtaining game devices have been proposed and put into commercial use (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Citation List

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 6307721 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the present invention

[0007] However, in the conventional prize obtaining game device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the administrator is generally unable to switch the game mode to the management mode for performing maintenance, etc. during the period in which the player is playing the prize obtaining game. Therefore, if a problem occurs during the prize obtaining game, the administrator may not be able to take appropriate action. In addition, if the administrator forcibly switches to the management mode, the prize obtaining game currently being played by the player may be interrupted. As a result, there is a risk that this will affect the administrator's satisfaction with the ease of management and the player's satisfaction with the prize obtaining game.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above considerations, and its object is to provide a prize obtaining game device so that when an administrator switches to a management mode, the switching is appropriately performed based on the progress status of the prize obtaining game, thereby improving the satisfaction of both the administrator and the player.

[0009] Means of solving the problem

[0010] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the prize obtaining game device of the present invention includes: a game device body, which has a first game device group in which a first player plays a first prize obtaining game, and a second game device group arranged side by side with the first game device group and in which a second player plays a second prize obtaining game; a display unit, which is arranged on the front side of the game device body and has a first display area for the first game device group and a second display area for the second game device group; a detection unit, which detects a start request of a management mode used by an administrator; and a control unit, which controls the display in the first display area and / or the second display area based on the game progress status of the first prize obtaining game and / or the second prize obtaining game when the detection unit detects the start request.

[0011] With this configuration, when the administrator switches to the management mode, the switching can be appropriately performed based on the progress state of the prize obtaining game, so that a prize obtaining game device that improves satisfaction of both administrators and players can be provided.

[0012] In the prize obtaining game device of the present invention, the start request includes a first start request, the detection unit is capable of detecting the first start request according to the approach of an information medium associated with the game device body or the operation of a physical key, and when the detection unit detects the first start request, the control unit can execute a first control, which includes determining whether a game is being played on the first game device group and the second game device group, and displaying a menu screen in a display area corresponding to the game device group where the game is not being played.

[0013] By adopting this configuration, even when a player's prize obtaining game is in progress, the administrator can switch to the management mode without accidentally interrupting the player's prize obtaining game in progress.

[0014] The prize obtaining game device of the present invention may further include a start operation unit for starting the management mode, wherein the start request includes a second start request, the detection unit is capable of detecting the second start request according to the operation of the start operation unit, and when the detection unit detects the second start request, the control unit performs a second control to display a menu screen in the first display area and the second display area.

[0015] By adopting this configuration, it is possible to simultaneously switch the display of each of the first display area and the second display area to the menu screen in a simple method.

[0016] In the prize obtaining game device of the present invention, when the detection unit simultaneously detects a first start request and a second start request which can be detected by the detection unit according to the proximity of an information medium associated with the game device body or the operation of a physical key, the control unit can execute a second control corresponding to the second start request.

[0017] By adopting this configuration, when the first start request and the second start request are detected at the same time, the second control corresponding to the second start request can be preferentially executed.

[0018] In the prize obtaining game device of the present invention, the first control also includes: displaying an operation display unit for changing to the menu screen in a display area corresponding to the game device group in which the game is being played, and when the operation display unit displayed in the first display area is operated while the operation display unit is being displayed in the first display area, the control unit can display the menu screen in the first display area and the game screen in the second display area.

[0019] With this configuration, when one display area is operated, the other display area returns to the game screen, and a prize obtaining game can be played on the game device group corresponding to the other display area.

[0020] In the prize obtaining game device of the present invention, the menu screen is displayed in the first display area, and when one of the menu items on the menu screen displayed in the first display area is selected, the control unit displays the selected menu item in the first display area and displays the game screen in the second display area.

[0021] With this configuration, when one display area is operated, the other display area returns to the game screen, and a prize obtaining game can be played on the game device group corresponding to the other display area.

[0022] In the prize obtaining game device of the present invention, the control unit displays the selected menu item in the first display area and displays the game screen in the second display area, and can then determine whether the administrator has ended the operation of the menu item displayed in the first display area, and determine whether the game is being played on the second game device group corresponding to the second display area. If it is determined that the operation in the first display area has ended and the game is not being played on the second game device group, the game screen can be displayed in the first display area, and the menu screen can be displayed in the second display area.

[0023] Employing this configuration makes it easy for the administrator to perform continuous operations on the second game device group.

[0024] In the prize obtaining game device of the present invention, the menu screen includes menu items for simultaneously executing shared settings for the first game device group and the second game device group and a linkage setting unit, and when the linkage setting unit is turned on and the menu item displayed in either the first display area or the second display area is operated, the control unit can execute the shared settings.

[0025] By adopting this configuration, it is possible to perform the shared setting of the first game device group and the second game device group in a simple method.

[0026] Effects of the Invention

[0027] According to the present invention, when the administrator switches to the management mode, the switching can be appropriately performed based on the progress of the prize obtaining game, so that a prize obtaining game device that improves the satisfaction of both the administrator and the player can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the line II-II in FIG.

[0030] Figure 3 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of line III-III in FIG.

[0031] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Detailed view of section A;

[0032] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a modified example of the control panel of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0033] Figure 6 is a side view of a modified example of the control panel of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0034] Figure 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a display unit of a prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0035] Figure 8 is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of line VIII-VIII in FIG.

[0036] Fig. 9is a diagram of the configuration of an administrator key identification unit of a prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0037] Fig.10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a rotating unit of a prize supporting unit of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment is accommodated;

[0038] Fig.11 is a perspective view of a prize supporting unit of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment in a state where a rotating unit of the prize supporting unit is protruding;

[0039] Fig.12 is an exploded perspective view of the configuration of a prize support unit of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0040] Fig.13 is a perspective view of the configuration of the main body portion of the prize supporting unit of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0041] Fig.14 is a plan view of the configuration of a first supporting portion of a prize supporting unit of a prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0042] Fig.15 is a perspective view of the configuration of a first support portion of a prize support unit of a prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0043] Fig.16 is a perspective view of the configuration of a rotating unit of a prize supporting unit of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0044] Fig.17 yes Fig.10 Detailed view of section B;

[0045] Fig.18 is a diagram showing the connection of a prize supporting unit of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0046] Fig.19 is a perspective view showing a prize obtaining unit and a driving unit viewed from above the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0047] Fig. 20 is a perspective view showing a prize obtaining unit and a driving unit viewed from below the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0048] Fig.21 is a diagram showing a configuration of a part of a prize obtaining unit of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0049] Fig. 22is a diagram showing the configuration of a prize obtaining unit and a third driving unit of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0050] Fig.23 is a diagram showing the configuration of a supporting portion of a third drive unit of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0051] Fig.24 is a diagram showing the configuration of a main body portion of a third drive unit of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0052] Fig.25 is a diagram showing a state in which the main body portion of the third drive unit approaches a prize when the biasing force applied by the biasing force adjustment portion of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment is in a weak spring state;

[0053] Fig.26 is a diagram showing a state in which a main body portion of a third drive unit contacts a prize when a biasing force applied by a biasing force adjustment portion of a prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment is in a weak spring state;

[0054] Fig. 27 is a diagram showing a state in which the main body portion of the third drive unit approaches a prize when the biasing force applied by the biasing force adjustment portion of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment is in a strong spring state;

[0055] Fig.28 is a diagram showing a state in which a main body portion of a third drive unit is in contact with a prize when a biasing force applied by a biasing force adjustment portion of a prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment is in a strong spring state;

[0056] Fig.29 is a diagram showing a display on a menu screen of a prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0057] Fig.30 is a diagram showing the display of a first menu item of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0058] Fig.31 is a diagram showing a display on a game screen of a prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0059] Fig.32 is a diagram showing a movement range setting screen of a prize obtaining unit of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0060] Fig.33 is a diagram showing features of an operation button of a prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0061] Fig.34is a diagram showing a correspondence table related to the correspondence relationship between the user's input and the parameters of the prize obtaining unit of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0062] Fig.35 is a diagram showing a functional configuration of a control unit of a prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0063] Fig.36 is a flowchart showing management mode setting processing control performed by the control unit of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0064] Fig.37 It is shown Fig.36 Flow chart of the details of step S05;

[0065] Fig.38 It is shown Fig.37 Flow chart of the details of step S051 in FIG.

[0066] Fig.39 It is shown Fig.37 Flow chart of the details of step S052 in FIG.

[0067] Fig.40 It is shown Fig.36 Flow chart of the details of step S06 in FIG.

[0068] Fig.41 It is shown Fig.36 Flow chart of the details of step S07;

[0069] Fig.42 is a flowchart showing main processing control of a prize obtaining game executed by the control unit of the prize obtaining game device according to the present embodiment;

[0070] Fig.43 It is shown Fig.42 Flow chart of details of step S10 in FIG. 1 ;

[0071] Fig.44 It is shown Fig.42 Flow chart of the details of step S20 in FIG.

[0072] Fig.45 It is shown Fig.42 Flow chart of the details of step S30 in FIG.

[0073] Fig.46 It is shown Fig.42 A flowchart of the details of step S50 in FIG. 1 ; and

[0074] Fig.47 It is shown Fig.46 Flowchart of details of step S56 in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, positional relationships (e.g., top, bottom, left, and right in the accompanying drawings) are based on the positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. In addition, the size ratios in the accompanying drawings are not limited to the size ratios depicted. In addition, the following embodiments are given for the purpose of describing the present invention, which are not intended to limit the present invention to only these embodiments. In addition, the present invention may be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0076] Configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1

[0077] First, refer to Figures 1 to 34 The configuration of the prize obtaining game device 1 according to the present embodiment is described.

[0078] The prize obtaining game device 1 according to the present embodiment is an example of a device for playing a prize obtaining game in which prizes can be grasped and obtained. Figure 1 As shown, the prize obtaining game device 1 includes: a game device body 1A, which is used to conduct a prize obtaining game; a display unit 1B, which is arranged on the front side of the game device body 1A; a detection unit 1C, which is arranged on the lower side of the display unit 1B and can detect the administrator key K; a maintenance unit 1D, which is arranged in the game device body 1A and is used by the administrator to perform settings; and a control unit 1E, which is arranged inside the game device body 1A and is used to control various operations of the prize obtaining game device 1.

[0079] The width direction, depth direction, and vertical direction of the prize acquisition game device 1 and the game space S are sometimes referred to as the "X direction," the "Y direction," and the "Z direction," respectively. In addition, unless otherwise specified, the "user" in the following description includes both an administrator who manages the prize acquisition game device 1 and a player who uses the prize acquisition game device 1 to play a prize acquisition game.

[0080] Game device main body 1A

[0081] Next, we will refer to Figures 1 to 34 The components of the game device main body 1A will be described in detail.

[0082] The game device body 1A is an example of a main body of a two-player game device that can be used by two players to play a prize acquisition game. Figure 1As shown, the game device body 1A has a first game device group 1F in which a first player can play a first prize acquisition game and a second game device group 1G in which a second player can play a second prize acquisition game. The first game device group 1F and the second game device group 1G are arranged side by side in the width direction of the game device body 1A. The first game device group 1F and the second game device group 1G have the same configuration. Unless otherwise specified, the following description is mainly for the first game device group 1F arranged on the right side.

[0083] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the first game device group 1F and the second game device are described as being arranged side by side, but this is not the only option. Alternatively, the first game device group 1F and the second game device group 1G can be arranged back to back in the depth direction. In addition, when the first game device group 1F and the second game device group 1G are small game device groups, they can be arranged in the vertical direction.

[0084] like Figure 1 As shown, the first game device group 1F includes: a main body 2, which is arranged at the bottom of the first game device group 1F; a prize display unit 3, which is arranged above the main body 2 and has a game space S; a prize support plate 4, which supports the prizes in the game space S; a prize drop port 5, which is arranged to couple the main body 2 and the prize display unit 3 and allow the prize to fall; a prize acquisition unit 6, which is movably arranged in the game space S and is used to acquire the prize; and a driving unit 7, which is arranged above the game space S and drives the prize acquisition unit 6.

[0085] Here, the game space S is a space in which prizes are displayed and the prize acquisition unit 6 performs an operation of acquiring prizes. The prize may be any object that the prize acquisition unit 6 can grasp, such as a toy (including a toy in a box) such as a stuffed animal or a doll. In addition, the prize is displayed in the prize display unit 3 after being placed on the prize support plate 4.

[0086] In addition, one or more multi-purpose switches (not shown) are provided in the game space S. Here, the function of each multi-purpose switch is not fixed and can be set by an administrator using the display unit 1B (discussed below). The setting of the function of each multi-purpose switch by the administrator using the display unit 1B will sometimes be referred to as "function allocation setting of the multi-purpose switch". The purpose and function allocation setting of the multi-purpose switch will be described in further detail below.

[0087] Main body 2

[0088] Next, we will refer to Figures 1 to 9 The main body portion 2 is described in detail.

[0089] like Figure 1 As shown, the main body 2 has: an operating unit 8, which is arranged on the front side; a coin slot 10, which is used to accept game fees; a prize holding unit 11, which is connected to the prize drop port 5; and a prize delivery port 12, which is an opening toward the outside of the prize holding unit 11.

[0090] Operation unit 8

[0091] The operation unit 8 is used to perform various operations related to the prize obtaining game. The operation unit 8 has a housing 81, a control panel 82 provided on the top surface of the housing 81, an operation unit 83 provided on the control panel 82 and operated by the user, and a speaker (not shown) provided on the lower side of the housing 81.

[0092] like Figure 4 As shown, the control panel 82 is arranged on the front side of the mounting unit 36 ​​so as to cover the edge 363 of the mounting unit 36 ​​(discussed below) of the prize display unit 3. Below, the layout of the control panel 82 will be described in detail in conjunction with the description of the mounting unit 36 ​​of the prize display unit 3.

[0093] The operation unit 83 is configured to operate the prize obtaining unit 6. More specifically, the operation unit 83 is configured to receive, according to the operation of the user, a movement request corresponding to the operation of the prize obtaining unit 6. Here, the movement request is a request made by the user to move the prize obtaining unit 6 in the X direction and / or the Y direction in a specific plane 601 within the game space S.

[0094] In addition, the operation unit 83 has a first button 831 for receiving a request to move the prize acquisition unit 6 in the X direction, and a second button 832 for receiving a request to move the prize acquisition unit 6 in the Y direction. The operation unit 83 may be configured in a form other than a button. For example, the operation unit 83 may be a joystick, a control lever, etc. In addition, in addition to the first button 831 and the second button 832, the operation unit 83 may also have a third button for receiving a request to move the prize acquisition unit 6 in the Z direction (see Figure 5 The third button 833 in the example shown).

[0095] The speaker is configured to output game sounds, such as background music, alarm sounds, etc. In a normal state, the speaker outputs game sounds such as background music. On the other hand, when the prize acquisition game device 1 is subjected to a certain impact, the speaker may output an alarm sound.

[0096] Coin slot 10

[0097] The coin slot 10 is used to receive coins from the user. Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the coin slot 10 is formed to penetrate the display panel 9C of the display unit 1B (discussed below). The coin slot 10 may be formed not to penetrate the display panel 9C but to penetrate the control panel 82. The coin slot 10 may have a length and width sufficient to allow, for example, a 500 yen coin to pass through.

[0098] In addition, the coin slot 10 may have a coin limiting unit (not shown) which is provided on the rear surface side of the display panel 9C and can be attached to the display panel 9C. The coin limiting unit is provided at one end of the coin slot 10 in the length direction to span the width of the coin slot 10, thereby shortening the length direction dimension of the coin slot 10.

[0099] Such a coin limiting unit can use a simple configuration to prevent coins of a certain size (e.g., 500 yen coins) from passing through the coin slot 10. In addition, since the coin limiting unit is provided on the rear surface of the display panel 9C, attaching the coin limiting unit does not affect the appearance of the coin slot 10. Furthermore, since the coin limiting unit can be easily attached and removed, attaching the coin limiting unit at a different position can also limit the passage of coins of a size different from that of the 500 yen coin (e.g., foreign coins larger than the 500 yen coin), and the restriction on coins that can be inserted can be easily eliminated by removing the coin limiting unit.

[0100] Prize storage unit 11

[0101] The prize accommodation unit 11 is configured to temporarily accommodate the prize that has dropped from the prize drop opening 5 before the user takes the prize out of the prize obtaining game device 1 . The prize accommodation unit 11 is provided below the prize drop opening 5 .

[0102] Prize delivery port 12

[0103] The prize delivery port 12 is provided on the front side of the main body 2 to allow communication with the prize holding unit 11. The prize delivery port 12 is attached with a door 121 that can be opened and closed. When the door 121 is closed, the prize delivery port 12 is closed to prevent the prize from falling out and to prevent foreign matter and the like from entering the prize acquisition game device 1 from the prize delivery port 12 (including theft of the prize). On the other hand, when the door 121 is opened, the prize delivery port 12 is opened so that the prize stored in the prize holding unit 11 can be taken out.

[0104] Prize display unit 3

[0105] Next, we will refer to Figures 1 to 6 The prize display unit 3 is described in detail. Figure 5 and Figure 61 is a diagram showing a modified example of the cover portion of the mounting unit 36 ​​.

[0106] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the prize display unit 3 has: a shell portion 30; a front panel 31, a side panel 32 and a rear panel 33 respectively arranged on the front, both sides and the rear of the shell portion 30; a support portion 34 formed on the upper side of the shell portion 30 for supporting the drive unit 7; a lighting unit 35 arranged on the front side above the support portion 34; and a mounting unit 36 ​​formed on the lower side of the shell portion 30 and on which the front panel 31 is mounted.

[0107] Front panel 31, side panel 32 and rear panel 33

[0108] The front panel 31, the side panels 32, and the rear panel 33 are configured to define a game space S. In addition, the front panel 31, the side panels 32, and the rear panel 33 are formed of a light-permeable material (e.g., transparent acrylic resin or glass). This configuration provides a game space S that can be observed from the front, both sides, and the rear of the prize acquisition game device 1. The rear panel 33 can be formed of a plate-like member of metal or the like.

[0109] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the front panel 31 has a first front panel 311 and a second front panel 312 that can slide in the width direction. The first front panel 311 is arranged closer to the rear side than the second front panel 312. The first front panel 311 and the second front panel 312 are examples of doors that allow the game space S to be opened and closed by sliding in the width direction. With this configuration, the administrator of the prize acquisition game device 1 can open the game space S by opening the first front panel 311 and the second front panel 312 to perform operations or maintenance on the prize acquisition unit 6, add more prizes, or perform other such work. In addition, the administrator can also operate the multi-purpose switch set in the opened game space S to perform the function of the operation assigned to the multi-purpose switch. Except when the administrator maintains the device, the first front panel 311 and the second front panel 312 are closed to close the game space S.

[0110] Installation unit 36

[0111] The mounting unit 36 ​​is configured to movably support the first front panel 311 and the second front panel 312. The surface of the mounting unit 36 ​​is painted like other parts of the housing portion 30. The painting improves the aesthetics of the visible part of the mounting unit 36.

[0112] like Figure 4As shown, the mounting unit 36 ​​has a top surface portion 361, a front surface portion 362, an edge portion 363 formed by the top surface portion 361 and the front surface portion 362, and a door frame 37 formed on the top surface portion 361 and slidably supporting the first front panel 311 and the second front panel 312 from below. Here, the door frame 37 is an example of a support portion that supports the first front panel 311 and the second front panel 312 from below so that they can be opened and closed. The support portion can be configured as an object other than the door frame, such as a configuration in which the first front panel 311 and the second front panel 312 are each rotated to open and close.

[0113] The door frame 37 is attached to the top surface portion 361. Figure 4 As shown, the door frame 37 has: a first portion 371, which is provided behind the ridge portion 363 of the top surface portion 361 and supports the first front panel 311 and the second front panel 312; and a second portion 372, which is provided in front of the first portion 371 and covers the top surface side portion of the ridge portion 363. Therefore, the second portion 372 of the door frame 37 can be used as a part of the cover portion covering the top surface portion of the ridge portion 363 of the mounting unit 36. Although the door frame 37 has been described as being formed separately from the top surface portion 361, the door frame 37 may be formed integrally with the top surface portion 361 instead.

[0114] Next, the positional relationship between the control panel 82 of the operation unit 8 and the mounting unit 36 ​​will be described. The control panel 82 is arranged to be inclined relative to the front surface portion 362 of the mounting unit 36. To explain this in more detail, Figure 4 As shown, the control panel 82 is arranged on the front surface portion 362 of the mounting unit 36 ​​so that the upper end portion 821 located near the front surface portion 362 will be placed at the same level as the top surface portion 361 of the mounting unit 36 ​​or higher than the top surface portion 361, so that the upper end portion of the front surface portion 362 is hidden. In other words, the upper end portion 821 is arranged to cover the front surface side portion of the ridge portion 363. Therefore, the upper end portion 821 of the operation panel 82 can be used as another part of the cover portion that covers the front surface portion of the ridge portion 363 of the mounting unit 36.

[0115] Therefore, the second portion 372 of the door frame 37 and the upper end portion 821 of the control panel 82 form a cover portion that covers the ridge portion 363 of the mounting unit 36 ​​to protect the ridge portion 363. The cover portion prevents the ridge portion 363 from being exposed to the outside. Therefore, since the cover portion prevents the user's hand or an object from contacting the ridge portion 363, it is possible to prevent the paint from peeling off from the ridge portion 363 due to scratches or the like when the user opens and closes the first front panel 311 and the second front panel 312.

[0116] By preventing paint peeling in this way, the aesthetics of the mounting unit 36 ​​can be improved, and the durability of the mounting unit 36 ​​can be increased. Figure 4 The illustrated example is different (eg, an arrangement in which the ridge portion 363 is not exposed to the outside), or if the mounting unit 36 ​​is not painted, there is no need to provide a cover for the ridge portion 363 .

[0117] In addition, the layout of the control panel 82 is not limited to that described above. For example, the operation panel 82 may be arranged such that its upper end portion 821 is located in the same plane as the top surface portion 361 of the mounting unit 36. In addition, the control panel 82 may have a cover portion 820 configured integrally with the control panel 82, such as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown. The cover portion 820 is an extension portion provided to extend from the upper end portion 821 of the control panel 82. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the cover 820 is provided to cover the front surface side portion and the top surface side portion of the ridge portion 363. In addition, the cover 820 may be configured separately from the control panel 82 and the door frame 37. In addition, the three parts consisting of the cover 820, the control panel 82 and the door frame 37 may be configured integrally.

[0118] Supporting portion 34

[0119] The support portion 34 is configured to movably support the drive unit 7 and accommodate a portion of the drive unit 7 (a first drive unit 71 and a second drive unit 72 to be described below). Figure 1 As shown, the support portion 34 has a rail 341 provided on the inner circumferential surface thereof and movably supports the drive unit 7. The attachment of the support portion 34 and the drive unit 7 will be described in detail in conjunction with the description of the drive unit 7.

[0120] Lighting unit 35

[0121] The lighting unit 35 is configured to irradiate light to the outside of the prize display unit 3. Figure 1 As shown, the lighting unit 35 has a light guide member 351 and a plurality of light emitting diodes 352 serving as light emitting elements. The light guide member 351 is a transparent flat plate made of acrylic resin and has a front emitting surface and a side emitting surface. The plurality of light emitting diodes 352 are arranged on the rear side of the light guide member 351.

[0122] In addition, the light emitted by the plurality of light emitting diodes 352 enters the end portion on the rear side of the light guide member 351, is reflected inside the light guide member 351 and guided to the front side, and is emitted from the front exit surface and the side exit surface. In a normal state, the lighting unit 35 is lit. This improves the aesthetics of the prize acquisition game device 1. On the other hand, in the case where the prize acquisition game device 1 is subjected to a certain impact, the lighting unit 35 flashes. Therefore, the lighting unit 35 can send an alarm signal to the surroundings.

[0123] Prize support board 4

[0124] Next, we will refer to Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 10 to 18 The prize support plate 4 is described in detail.

[0125] The prize support plate 4 has a flat plate structure formed between the main body 2 and the prize display unit 3 in the vertical direction. Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the prize support plate 4 defines a game space S together with the front panel 31 , the side panels 32 , the rear panel 33 and the support portion 34 . The prize support plate 4 has a prize support surface 401 on which prizes are placed on the upper side in the thickness direction.

[0126] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the prize support plate 4 has a plurality of prize support units 40. The prize support unit 40 is, for example, a plate-shaped member made of synthetic resin. The plurality of prize support units 40 are connected to each other to form the prize support plate 4. In addition, the plurality of prize support units 40 can be freely combined to form prize support plates 4 of different shapes. Therefore, the shape and size of the prize support surface 401 of the prize support plate 4 can be easily adjusted in response to changes in the prize type or game rules.

[0127] like Figures 10 to 14 As shown, each prize supporting unit 40 has a main body portion 41 that directly or indirectly supports a prize, and a plurality of connecting portions 42 that are disposed around the main body portion 41 and connected to other prize supporting units 40 .

[0128] like Fig.12 and Fig.13 As shown, the main body portion 41 is a frame-shaped member having an outer peripheral surface 411 as a side surface and an inner peripheral surface 412. In addition, a plate member (not shown) for placing a prize is provided on the top surface of the main body portion 41.

[0129] like Fig.12As shown, the connection parts 42 each have: a rotating unit 43 provided to be rotatable relative to the main body part 41; and a support part 44 that supports the rotating unit 43 by sandwiching the rotating unit 43 from both sides in the thickness direction of the rotating unit 43 while guiding the rotation of the rotating unit 43. In the following description, the state in which the rotating unit 43 is rotatably attached to the main body part 41 via the support part 44 is sometimes referred to as an "assembled state".

[0130] like Fig.12 As shown, the support portion 44 has a first support portion 45 that can be attached to the main body portion 41 and a second support portion 46 that is a part of the main body portion 41. Fig.11 and 12 As shown, a receiving space S2 is formed between the first supporting portion 45 and the second supporting portion 46. Figures 10 to 12 As shown, the accommodation space S2 includes: an opening 47, which opens to the outer peripheral surface 411 of the main body 41; and a second opening 48, which opens to the inner peripheral surface 412 of the main body 41 and is arranged on the opposite side of the opening 47. Fig.10 and Fig.11 As shown, the rotating unit 43 is arranged in the accommodation space S2 so that it can enter and exit the accommodation space S2 through the opening 47 by rotating.

[0131] In the above description, the main body 41 is described as a single component, but the main body 41 may be configured to be divided into two upper and lower parts with the opening 47 as a boundary. In this case, any one of the upper and lower parts of the main body 41 may include the support part 44. In other words, the support part 44 corresponds to any one of the upper and lower parts of the main body 41. In addition, the prize support unit 40 may be formed by sandwiching the rotating unit 43 between the upper and lower parts of the divided main body 41.

[0132] The configuration of the rotating unit 43 and the first supporting portion 45 will now be described in more detail. Fig.16 As shown, the rotating unit 43 has a main body 430 and a knob 437 for rotating the main body 430. The main body 430 is a plate member having a substantially semicircular shape when viewed from above. The main body 430 has a first surface 431 on one side in its thickness direction, and a first portion 432 as a recessed portion provided in the first surface 431. The rotating unit 43 is arranged so that the first surface 431 intersects with the outer peripheral surface 411, so that the accommodating space S2 can be entered and exited through the opening 47 by rotation.

[0133] The first portion 432 is a groove having a substantially semicircular ring shape when viewed from above. Fig.16 and Fig.17As shown, the first portion 432 has a first side surface 4321, a third side surface 4322 opposite to the first side surface 4321, and a bottom surface 4323 connecting the first side surface 4321 and the third side surface 4322. Fig.17 As shown, the first side surface 4321 is a portion in contact with the first support portion 45. The first side surface 4321 is arc-shaped when viewed from above.

[0134] like Fig.16 As shown, the bottom surface 4323 of the first portion 432 is provided with two first bottom surface stoppers 435 as convex portions, and the third side surface 4322 is provided with a first side surface stopper 436 also as a convex portion. The first bottom surface stopper 435 and the first side surface stopper 436 are examples of first stoppers.

[0135] like Fig.16 As shown, the knob 437 is configured to extend from the periphery of the main body 430. In the assembled state, as shown in FIG. Fig.18 As shown, the knob 437 extends through the second opening 48 to the outside of the accommodation space S2 and is configured to be contactable with both ends of the second opening 48 (ie, the first end 4571 and the second end 4572 of the first support portion 45 (discussed below)) by rotation.

[0136] like Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, the first support portion 45 has: a main body portion 450; a second surface 451 facing the first surface 431 of the rotating unit 43 in the assembled state; a second portion 452 arranged on the second surface 451, which is a convex portion corresponding to the first portion 432; and a cylindrical first end portion 4571 and a second end portion 4572 arranged at both ends of the second surface 451.

[0137] The second portion 452 is a protrusion that can be inserted into the first portion 432 and has a substantially semicircular ring shape when viewed from above. Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, the second portion 452 has a second side surface 4521, a fourth side surface 4522 opposite to the second side surface 4521, and a bottom surface 4523 connecting the second side surface 4521 and the fourth side surface 4522. Fig.17 As shown, the second side surface 4521 contacts the first side surface 4321 of the first portion 432. The second side surface 4521 is arc-shaped when viewed from above. In addition, the curvature of the second side surface 4521 when viewed from above is the same as the curvature of the first side surface 4321 when viewed from above. The curvature of the second side surface 4521 when viewed from above may be slightly greater than the curvature of the first side surface 4321 when viewed from above.

[0138] In addition, if Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, two second bottom surface stoppers 455 as convex portions are provided on the bottom surface 4523 of the second portion 452, and a second side surface stopper 456 as a convex portion is provided on the fourth side surface 4522. The second bottom surface stopper 455 and the second side surface stopper 456 are examples of second stoppers.

[0139] In the assembled state, the first portion 432 and the second portion 452 are configured to be rotatably engaged. More specifically, the first portion 432 is configured to be rotatable relative to the second portion 452 when the first side surface 4321 slides smoothly along the second side surface 4521 .

[0140] Next, the features of the connection portion 42 of the prize support unit are described in detail using an example of connection between prize support units. In the following description, in order to distinguish between the two prize support units 40, one prize support unit 40 is referred to as the prize support unit 40a, and the other prize support unit 40 is referred to as the prize support unit 40b. When the opening 47a of the connection portion 42a of the prize support unit 40a is arranged to communicate with the opening 47b of the connection portion 42b of the other prize support unit 40b (such as Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , the top view shape of the second side surface 4521a of the second portion 452a of the connection portion 42a and the top view shape of the second side surface 4521b of the second portion 452b of the connection portion 42b are located on a single circle. Similarly, in this case, the top view shape of the first side surface 4321a of the first portion 432a of the connection portion 42a and the top view shape of the first side surface 4321b of the first portion 432b of the connection portion 42b are also configured to be located on a single circle.

[0141] With the above configuration, when the prize support unit 40a is connected to the prize support unit 40b, the first part 432a of the connection part 42a smoothly rotates along the second side surface 4521a of the connection part 42a and the second side surface 4521b of the connection part 42b, smoothly enters the accommodation space S2b of the other prize support part 40b, and can be engaged with the second part 452b of the connection part 42b. In this case, the first part 432a of the connection part 42a is configured so that a part thereof remains engaged with the second part 452a of the connection part 42a, and another part thereof is engaged with the second part 452b of the connection part 42b. Similarly, the first part 432b of the connection part 42b is configured so that a part thereof remains engaged with the second part 452b of the connection part 42b, and another part thereof is engaged with the second part 452b of the connection part 42b. As a result, one prize supporting unit 40a and the other prize supporting unit 40b can be reliably connected via the connecting portion 42a and the connecting portion 42b.

[0142] In addition, by rotating the first portion 432a of the connecting portion 42a, the knob 437a can contact the first end portion 4571a or the second end portion 4572a constituting the two ends of the second opening 48a. When the knob 437a abuts against the first end portion 4571a, the main body 430a of the connecting portion 42a is entirely accommodated in the accommodation space S2a. Fig.10 and Fig.18 On the other hand, when the knob 437a abuts the second end 4572a, the main body 430a of the connecting portion 42a is configured so that half of it remains engaged with the second portion 452a, and the other half can be engaged with the second portion 452b of another prize supporting unit 40b, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 and Fig.18 The same applies to the main body portion 430b of the connecting portion 42b. With this configuration, one prize supporting unit 40a and another prize supporting unit 40b can be connected together more stably.

[0143] In addition, when the knob 437a abuts the second end 4572a, that is, when the corresponding halves of the connection 42a and the connection 42b are assembled together, the stoppers of the connection 42a and the connection 42b abut the corresponding stoppers. More specifically, in this case, although not shown in the figure, using the stoppers of the connection 42a, the first bottom surface stopper 435a on one side of the connection 42a abuts the second bottom surface stopper 455a, the first bottom surface stopper 435a on the other side of the connection 42a abuts the second bottom surface stopper 455b, and the first side surface stopper 436a of the connection 42a abuts the first side surface stopper 436a and the second side surface stopper 436b. The same applies to the stopper of the connection 42b. When the stoppers abut each other in this way, this stops the rotation of the first part 432 relative to the second part 452. As a result, the rotation of the rotation unit 43 can be locked.

[0144] Prize drop port 5

[0145] Now refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Describe the prize drop port5.

[0146] The prize drop opening 5 is configured to connect the game space S with the prize accommodating unit 11. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the prize drop opening 5 has a first drop opening 51 formed on the front side of the prize support plate 4, and a second drop opening 52 formed on the lower side of the first drop opening 51 and the prize support plate 4, and the second drop opening 52 makes the first drop opening 51 and the prize accommodating unit 11 communicate.

[0147] By changing the combination of the prize support units 40 of the prize support plate 4, the size of the first drop opening 51 can be adjusted. Figure 3 As shown, the second drop opening 52 is provided with a drop detector 53 for detecting the drop of the prize. The drop detector 53 can accurately detect whether the user has obtained the prize.

[0148] Rewards Unit 6

[0149] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 and Figures 19 to 21 The prize obtaining unit 6 is described in detail.

[0150] The prize acquisition unit 6 is configured to move in the game space S and grab the prize placed on the prize support plate 4. The prize acquisition unit 6 is arranged in the game space S in a manner suspended from the driving unit 7. Fig.19 As shown, the prize acquisition unit 6 has a main body 60 movably arranged in the game space S, and a pair of arms 61 arranged to be able to be linked with the movement of the main body 60 and move relative to the main body 60. Here, the pair of arms 61 is an example of an arm for acquiring a prize. In addition, the number of arms 61 is not limited to two. For example, the arm can be a single arm arranged to hook the prize, or it can be three or more arms arranged to clamp the prize. The main body 60 is connected to the drive unit 7, and the pair of arms 61 extends downward from the main body 60. In the following description, the movement of the main body 60 and the pair of arms 61 is sometimes referred to as "movement of the prize acquisition unit 6".

[0151] like Figures 19 to 21 As shown, the main body 60 has a housing 66, a mounting unit 62 provided in the housing 66 for attaching the prize acquisition unit 6 to the drive unit 7, and an arm drive unit 63 for driving the opening and closing movement of the pair of arms 61. Here, the opening and closing movement of the pair of arms 61 is an example of arm movement, including a case where the pair of arms 61 move away from each other and open, and a case where the pair of arms 61 move closer to each other and close. The pair of arms 61 may perform movements other than opening and closing.

[0152] The arm drive unit 63 is attached to the attachment portion 62 and is powered by a cable 64. The bottom of the housing 66 constitutes the bottom 67 of the main body 60. Fig. 20 A bottom sensor (not shown) is mounted on the bottom 67, and the bottom sensor can sense the pressure exerted on the prize by the bottom 67 of the main body 60. The bottom sensor may include, for example, a known pressure sensor, a contact sensor, a distance measurement sensor, etc. Figure 1 and Fig.19 As shown, the main body 60 also has a display portion 65 for displaying a design sheet or the like formed on the front surface portion of the housing 66. By displaying the design sheet, the aesthetic appearance of the main body 60 is improved.

[0153] like Fig.21 As shown, the arm driving unit 63 has: a rotating shaft 631, which is fixed to the attachment portion 62 and rotatably supports the arm 61; a clamping force acting gear 632, which is rotatably attached to the rotating shaft 631; a coil spring 633, which is wound around the rotating shaft 631; a motor 634, which drives the rotation of the clamping force acting gear 632; and an opening sensor 635, which senses the opening of the arm 61.

[0154] The motor 634 has an output shaft to which a pinion (not shown) is assembled. The clamping force acting gear 632 is a disc-shaped gear meshing with the pinion on the motor 634 side. The clamping force acting gear 632 has an arcuate groove 6321 with a specific length provided on its periphery, and a boss 6322 provided on one main surface along the thickness direction. The coil spring 633 is attached to the clamping force acting gear 632 and the arm 61 so that one end (not shown) is loosely inserted into the groove 6321 so that it can move freely, and the other end 6332 is fixed to the arm 61. The clamping force acting gear 632 and the arm 61 are configured to be able to be linked by the coil spring 633.

[0155] The arm drive unit 63 drives a pair of arms 61 to open and close, thereby grabbing or releasing a prize. More specifically, under the control of the control unit 15, the motor 634 outputs a rotational force in a specific direction, and transmits the rotational force to the clamping force acting gear 632 through the output shaft and the pinion gear, thereby rotating the clamping force acting gear 632. The rotation of the clamping force acting gear 632 is transmitted to the arm 61 through the coil spring 633, causing the arm 61 to rotate and open. Thereafter, when the clamping force acting gear 632 stops rotating, the arm 61 continues to rotate due to the elastic force of the coil spring 633 until it stops after contacting the boss 6322. In this way, the arm drive unit 63, driven by the motor 634, can open a pair of arms 61 to a preset opening via the output shaft, the pinion gear, the clamping force acting gear 632, and the coil spring 633.

[0156] On the other hand, when closing the pair of arms 61, the motor 634 outputs a rotational force in a direction opposite to the specific direction under the control of the control unit 15. Therefore, the arm driving unit 63 can close the pair of arms 61 via the output shaft, the pinion gear, the clamping force acting gear 632, and the coil spring 633 under the reverse operation of the motor 634.

[0157] The opening sensor 635 is a sensor that senses the rotation angle of the clamping force acting gear 632, thereby sensing the opening of the pair of arms 61. When the opening sensor 635 senses the opening of the arm 61, the information is sent to the control unit 15. When the control unit 15 detects that the opening information of the arm 61 sent from the opening sensor 635 reaches the set opening, it stops the rotation of the clamping force acting gear 632. This makes it possible to maintain the opening of the pair of arms 61 at the set value. In addition, when the control unit 15 detects that the opening information of the arm 61 sent from the opening sensor 635 exceeds a specific threshold value, it stops the movement of the main body 60. This enables the movement of the pair of arms 61 together with the main body 60 to stop.

[0158] Here, the above-mentioned set opening and the specific threshold value related to the opening are initial information stored in the storage unit 13. The specific threshold value of the opening is greater than the set opening. For example, the specific threshold value of the opening may be 90 degrees, and the set opening may be an angle less than 90 degrees. The set opening and the specific threshold value related to the opening may be changed in the setting.

[0159] In addition, the set opening degree is the opening degree when the pair of arms 61 are moved from the closed state to the open state to obtain the prize under the control of the control unit 15 before the main body 60 approaches the prize in the approach direction and when the main body 60 stops at the approach start point (discussed below). Under the control of the control unit 15, when the pair of arms 61 only receive the driving force of the arm driving unit 63, the pair of arms 61 will not open to a degree greater than the set opening degree.

[0160] On the other hand, as the approach movement of the main body 60 proceeds, one or both of the pair of arms 61 may come into contact with the prize or prize support plate 4, resulting in a movement exceeding a certain threshold. If such contact occurs and the approach movement of the main body 60 continues, the arm 61 will come into contact with the side surface of the housing 66 due to the rebound from the prize or prize support plate 4, and will apply a large pressure to the prize or prize support plate 4 together with the main body 60. If this happens, the pressure applied by the arm 61 and the main body 60 on the prize or prize support plate 4 is a combination of at least a portion of the weight of the arm 61 and the weight of the main body 60. In contrast, if such contact occurs and the approach movement of the main body 60 stops, since the pressure applied to the prize or prize support plate 4 is only the weight of the arm 61, the pressure applied by the prize acquisition unit 6 to the prize or prize support plate 4 can be reduced compared to the case where the approach movement of the main body 60 is not stopped.

[0161] In addition, the prize acquisition unit 6 can move in the game space S along the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction. Here, the Z direction includes a downward direction (hereinafter referred to as the "Z direction descending direction") and an upward direction (hereinafter referred to as the "Z direction ascending direction"). The Z direction descending direction is an example of an approaching direction for approaching the prize, and the Z direction ascending direction is an example of a retreating direction as a direction opposite to the approaching direction. Hereinafter, movement in the Z direction descending direction will be referred to as "approaching movement", movement in the Z direction ascending direction will be referred to as "retreating movement", and if no distinction is made between the two, they may be collectively referred to as "Z direction movement". In addition, when no distinction is made between the X direction movement and / or the Y direction movement of the prize acquisition unit 6, the two may be collectively referred to as "plane movement". In addition, the position where the prize acquisition unit 6 stops before the game starts is sometimes referred to as the "standby position", and the position of the prize acquisition unit 6 after undergoing the plane movement but before it starts the approaching movement is sometimes referred to as the "approaching starting point".

[0162] For example, the prize acquisition unit 6 is configured to move in the Z direction after moving in the plane. In addition, the plane movement of the prize acquisition unit 6 is performed based on the user's intention, while the Z direction movement of the prize acquisition unit 6 is performed based on the initial setting, which has nothing to do with the user's intention. In addition, if the operation unit 83 includes a third button 833 related to the movement in the Z direction (see Figure 5 ), the Z-direction movement of the prize obtaining unit 6 can be performed according to the user's intention (ie, when the user operates the third button 833).

[0163] The movement of the prize acquisition unit 6 will now be described in more detail. The movement of the prize acquisition unit 6 in the X direction and the Y direction is achieved by a first method in which the administrator of the prize acquisition game device 1 manually moves the prize acquisition unit 6 in the management mode, or a second method in which the control unit 15 moves the prize acquisition unit 6 based on a movement request input by the administrator of the prize acquisition game device 1 in the management mode or by the player operating the first button 831 and the second button 832 in the game mode.

[0164] The first method is a method for determining the standby position, the moving range and the prize insertion position of the prize acquisition unit 6. Here, the standby position of the prize acquisition unit 6 is the origin of the coordinate space (XYZ space) in which the prize acquisition unit 6 can move. The origin may be a position different from the standby position. The moving range is the range in which the prize acquisition unit 6 can move in the XY plane of the coordinate space. The prize insertion position is the position where the prize acquisition unit 6 is located above the prize drop port 5 so that the prize can be inserted into the prize drop port 5. In addition, after the prize acquisition unit 6 has been moved to the standby position by the first method, the coordinates of the points corresponding to the position of the prize acquisition unit 6 are automatically acquired by the position sensor and encoder of the drive unit 7 (i.e., the X-direction origin sensor 715 and the X-direction position sensor 714, and / or the Y-direction origin sensor 725 and the Y-direction position sensor 724, the first encoder 713 and the second encoder 723 (discussed below)). This also applies to acquiring the coordinates of the points corresponding to the moving range and the prize insertion position. According to the first method, the administrator can easily acquire and change the origin, the standby position, the moving range, the prize insertion position, and the like.

[0165] The second method is a method used when obtaining a prize through the prize obtaining unit 6. When the second method is used, the driving unit 7 drives the prize obtaining unit 6 to move in the X direction and / or the Y direction under the control of the control unit 15. In addition, similarly to the first method, after the prize obtaining unit 6 is moved by the second method, the coordinates of the point corresponding to the position of the prize obtaining unit 6 are automatically obtained by the position sensor and encoder of the driving unit 7. With this second method, the administrator and the player can freely move the prize obtaining unit 6, and can obtain the coordinates of the point on the moving path of the prize obtaining unit.

[0166] In addition, when the first method or the second method is used, the prize obtaining unit 6 moves along the track (the first track 711 and / or the second track 721 (discussed below)) of the driving unit 7. The track of the driving unit 7 is arranged so that its length direction is parallel to the prize supporting surface 401. Therefore, the prize obtaining unit 6 can be in a specific plane 601 (see FIG. 4 ) whose center of gravity is parallel to the prize supporting surface 401. Figure 1 ) within the

[0167] The approach movement of the prize acquisition unit 6 is a movement automatically performed in the Z-direction descending direction after performing a specific plane movement in order to approach and grab the prize. In addition, the approach movement of the prize acquisition unit 6 is a movement driven by the drive unit 7 under the control of the control unit 15. More specifically, after the prize acquisition unit 6 undergoes a plane movement, that is, after the prize acquisition unit 6 stops at the approach start point in the specific plane 601, under the control of the control unit 15, the arm drive unit 63 opens the integrated arm 61 to a set opening, and then the drive unit 7 drives the approach movement of the prize acquisition unit 6 based on the initial setting. Thereafter, when the movement of the arm 61 of the prize acquisition unit 6 exceeds a specific threshold value, or when the bottom sensor detects that the bottom 67 of the main body 60 of the prize acquisition unit 6 presses the prize with a specific pressure, the approach movement of the main body 60 is stopped. Thereafter, under the control of the control unit 15, the first pressure adjustment is performed to adjust the pressure applied by the arm 61 to the prize or the prize support unit 40, or the second pressure adjustment is performed to adjust the pressure applied by the main body 60 to the prize.

[0168] Here, when the movement of the arm 61 of the prize acquisition unit 6 exceeds a certain threshold, the first pressure adjustment is performed by stopping the approach movement of the main body 60 to reduce the pressure applied by the arm 61 to the prize or the prize support unit 40. The second pressure adjustment is performed by adjusting the position of the bottom 67 of the main body 60 and the prize. More specifically, in this adjustment, when the bottom sensor detects that the bottom 67 of the main body 60 has been pressed against the prize with a certain pressure, the approach movement of the main body 60 is stopped, and then the main body 60 moves a first distance in the retreat direction and then stops again, thereby reducing the pressure applied by the main body 60 to the prize.

[0169] In addition, the first distance associated with the second pressure regulation is a distance that can reduce the pressure applied by the main body 60 to the prize to a specific value while maintaining the contact between the bottom 67 of the main body 60 and the prize, for example, a few millimeters. The first distance is determined by the control unit 15 to reduce the pressure applied by the main body unit 60 to the prize to a specific value while maintaining the contact between the bottom 67 of the main body 60 and the prize, depending on the type of the prize. This first distance allows the pressure applied by the main body 60 to the prize to be reduced while maintaining the orientation of the main body 60 relative to the prize almost unchanged. This reduces the influence of the second pressure regulation on the prize acquisition operation. In addition, a bottom sensor including a contact sensor or a distance measurement sensor mounted on the bottom 67 can be used to reduce the pressure applied by the arm 61 to the prize or the prize support unit 40 before the pressure is applied to the prize.

[0170] Under the control of the control unit 15, the opening and closing of the pair of arms 61 changes with the change of the position of the prize acquisition unit 6. More specifically, the pair of arms 61: close when the prize acquisition unit 6 is in the standby position; open with a set opening after the prize acquisition unit 6 moves to the approach starting point through the plane movement; close to grab the prize after the prize acquisition unit 6 stops after the approach movement; open to release the grabbed prize after the prize acquisition unit 6 moves to the prize insertion position through the backward movement; and then close again. Afterwards, the prize acquisition unit 6 returns to the standby position with the pair of arms 61 still closed.

[0171] Drive unit 7

[0172] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 and Figures 19 to 28 The drive unit 7 is described in detail.

[0173] The driving unit 7 is configured to support the prize acquisition unit 6 in a manner suspended from the driving unit 7, and is configured to drive the prize acquisition unit 6 within a specific plane 601 of the game space S based on the control of the control unit 15. The driving unit 7 has a first driving unit 71 that drives the prize acquisition unit 6 to move in the X direction, a second driving unit 72 that drives the prize acquisition unit 6 to move in the Y direction, and a third driving unit 73 that drives the prize acquisition unit 6 to move in the Z direction. In addition, the driving unit 7 is configured to be able to communicate with the control unit 15, and has a control board 70, which controls the electrical configuration of the first driving unit 71, the second driving unit 72, and the third driving unit 73 together with the control unit 15.

[0174] The first driving unit 71 has: a first rail 711; a first motor 712 and a first encoder 713 arranged at one end of the first rail 711; an X-direction origin sensor 715 and three X-direction position sensors 714 arranged along the length direction of the first rail 711; blocks 716 arranged at both ends of the first rail 711; and attachment parts 717 arranged at both ends of the first rail 711 and used to attach the first rail 711 to the support part 34.

[0175] The first rail 711 is provided to be movable in the width direction relative to the support portion 34 by attaching the roller of the first driving unit 71 and the rail 341 of the support portion 34. Since the first rail 711 is provided so that its length direction is parallel to the prize supporting surface 401, the length direction of the first rail 711 corresponds to the X direction of movement of the prize obtaining unit 6.

[0176] The first motor 712 is configured to move the second drive unit 72 and the third drive unit 73 along the first rail 711 (i.e., in the X direction), thereby achieving movement of the prize acquisition unit 6 attached to the third drive unit 73 in the X direction. The first encoder 713 is configured to sense the distance traveled by the prize acquisition unit 6 in the X direction by sensing the rotation state of the first motor 712 (e.g., the rotation movement amount and angle of the first motor 712). The first encoder 713 enables the distance traveled by the prize acquisition unit 6 in the X direction to be sensed with high accuracy with a simple configuration.

[0177] The X-direction origin sensor 715 and the three X-direction position sensors 714 are examples of position sensors that sense the position of the prize acquisition unit 6 (i.e., the coordinates of a specific point on the moving path of the prize acquisition unit 6). The X-direction origin sensor 715 is a sensor that senses the standby position of the prize acquisition unit 6 as an origin together with the Y-direction origin sensor 725 (discussed below). By acquiring the origin coordinates, the coordinate space (XYZ space) in which the prize acquisition unit 6 is located can be determined. Here, the standby position of the prize acquisition unit 6 is above the front end of the game space S. In addition, the standby position of the prize acquisition unit 6 is a position specified by the administrator of the prize acquisition game device 1 by manually moving the prize acquisition unit 6.

[0178] The three X-direction position sensors 714 are sensors that sense the X-coordinates of points on the moving path of the prize acquisition unit 6. The two stoppers 716 are detection pieces provided at both ends of the moving range in the X-direction of the prize acquisition unit 6. The two stoppers 716 enable the prize acquisition unit 6 to move within the moving range in the X-direction.

[0179] The second driving unit 72 has: a second rail 721; a second motor 722 provided at one end of the second rail 721; a second encoder 723 for sensing the rotation state of the second motor 722; a Y-direction origin sensor 725 and three Y-direction position sensors 724 provided along the length direction of the second rail 721; and stoppers 726 provided at both ends of the second rail 721. The second driving unit 72 also has: rollers 727 provided at both ends of the second rail 721 for movably attaching to the rail 342 of the support portion 34; and an attachment portion 728 for movably attaching to the first rail 711.

[0180] The second rail 721 is provided to be movable in the depth direction relative to the support portion 34 and the driving unit 71 by attachment of the roller 727 to the rail 342 of the support portion 34 and attachment of the attachment portion 728 to the first rail 711. Since the second rail 721 is provided so that its length direction is parallel to the prize support surface 401, the length direction of the second rail 721 corresponds to the Y direction of movement of the prize obtaining unit 6.

[0181] The second motor 722 is configured to move the third drive unit 73 and the first drive unit 71 along the second track 721 (i.e., in the Y direction), thereby enabling the prize acquisition unit 6 attached to the third drive unit 73 to move in the Y direction. The second encoder 723 is configured to sense the distance traveled by the prize acquisition unit 6 in the Y direction by sensing the rotation state of the second motor 722 (e.g., the rotation movement amount and angle of the second motor 722). With this second encoder 723, the distance traveled by the prize acquisition unit 6 in the Y direction can be sensed with high accuracy with a simple configuration.

[0182] The Y-direction origin sensor 725 and the three Y-direction position sensors 724 are examples of position sensors that sense the position of the prize acquisition unit 6 (i.e., the coordinates of a specific point on the moving path of the prize acquisition unit 6). The Y-direction origin sensor 725 is a sensor that senses the standby position of the prize acquisition unit 6 as an origin together with the X-direction origin sensor 715. The three Y-direction position sensors 724 are sensors that sense the Y coordinates of points on the moving path of the prize acquisition unit 6. The two stoppers 726 are detection pieces provided at both ends of the moving range of the prize acquisition unit 6 in the Y direction. The two stoppers 726 enable the prize acquisition unit 6 to move within the moving range in the Y direction.

[0183] The third driving unit 73 includes a main body 730 and a supporting portion 731 that supports the prize obtaining unit 6 so as to be able to move up and down.

[0184] like Fig.23 As shown, the support portion 731 is a telescopic tube formed by assembling four tubes 7311, 7312, 7313 and 7314 of successively smaller diameters in a nested manner so as to be freely slidable. The tubes 7311, 7312, 7313 and 7314 are configured not to rotate relative to each other or to not loosen due to the engagement between the stopper 7315 and the groove 7316 provided at the circumferential surface of the tube. The support portion 731 also has an upper end portion 7330 provided above the tube 7311 and a lower end portion 7350 provided below the tube 7314. The support portion 731 makes it possible to attach the prize acquisition unit 6 to the third drive unit 73 via the connection of the upper end portion 7330 with the housing of the main body portion 730 and the connection of the lower end portion 7350 with the attachment portion 62 of the prize acquisition unit 6.

[0185] When the prize obtaining unit 6 is located in the specific plane 601, the weight of the tubes 7311, 7312, 7313, 7314 is applied to the prize obtaining unit 6. On the other hand, as the approaching movement of the prize obtaining unit 6 proceeds, the stopper 7315 of the tube 7312 reaches the lower end of the groove 7316 of the tube 7311, so that the weight of the tube 7312 is supported by the tube 7311, and then the weight of the tube 7313 is supported by the tube 7312, and then the weight of the tube 7314 is supported by the tube 7313.

[0186] like Fig. 22 and Fig.24 As shown, the main body 730 has: a winding and unwinding portion 732 which is attached to the prize obtaining portion 6 and is disposed inside the housing of the main body 730 ; and a wire 734 which is wound by the winding and unwinding portion 732 .

[0187] like Fig. 22 and Fig.24 As shown, the winding and unwinding section 732 has a third motor 733, a reduction gear section (not shown), a wire winding pulley 735, a Z-direction movement stop section 737, and a biasing force adjustment section 739. The third motor 733 releases or reels the wire 734 by rotating the wire winding pulley 735 forward or backward through the deceleration of the reduction gear section. By releasing or rewinding the wire 734, the prize acquisition unit 6 fixed to the wire 734 can move close or move backward in the Z direction. In this case, as the length of the wire 734 changes due to unwinding and rewinding, the support section 731 expands and contracts in the Z direction.

[0188] The Z-direction movement stopper 737 is configured to stop Z-direction movement (ie, approach movement or ascending movement) of the body 60 when the bottom 67 of the body 60 contacts the prize and pushes the prize with a certain pressure due to the approach movement of the body 60 . The Z-direction movement stop portion 737 has: a block rotation axis 7371; a swing arm 7372, which is capable of swinging around the block rotation axis 7371; a Z-direction block 7373, which is arranged at one end of the swing arm 7372 and swings together with the swing arm 7372; a tension pulley 7374, which is rotatably supported by the swing arm 7372; a coil spring 7375, which biases the swing arm 7372 in the lifting direction of the prize acquisition unit 6 so as to press the tension pulley 7374 against the wire 734; a proximity stop sensor 7376, which is used to stop the approach movement (descending movement) along the Z direction; and an ascending stop sensor, which is used to stop the ascending movement along the Z direction.

[0189] One end of the wire 734 is wound by the wire winding pulley 735 of the winding and unwinding section 732, and the other end is unwound from the tension pulley 7374 of the Z-direction moving stop section 737 and passes through the inside of the tubes 7311, 7312, 7313 and 7314 of the support section 731. Fig.23 As shown, a cylindrical connecting portion 738 that can move vertically in the tube 7314 is provided at the other end of the wire 734. The wire 734 is fixed to the attachment portion 62 of the prize obtaining unit 6 via the connecting portion 738. Therefore, the prize obtaining unit 6 is provided to be suspended on the wire 734.

[0190] like Fig. 22 and Fig.24 As shown, the biasing force adjustment unit 739 is configured to change the biasing force in the lifting direction generated by the coil spring 7375. The biasing force adjustment unit 739 has a movable control plate member 7391, an adjustment knob 7392, and a knob support member 7394 that supports the adjustment knob 7392.

[0191] The movable control plate member 7391 is a flat plate-shaped member rotatably attached to the stopper rotation shaft 7371, and is arranged so that the end of the coil spring 7375 contacts it. Here, one end of the coil spring 7375 is hooked and fixed to the swing arm 7372, and the other end is hooked to the movable control plate member 7391. Therefore, when the movable control plate member 7391 rotates around the stopper rotation shaft 7371, the biasing force of the coil spring 7375 (that is, the strength of the biasing force when the swing arm 7372 is biased in the lifting direction of the prize acquisition unit 6 by pressing the tension pulley 7374 against the wire 734) changes according to the rotation amount.

[0192] The adjustment knob 7392 is used to change the angle of the movable control plate member 7391 and has a threaded portion that displaces the position of the distal end portion 7393 according to the rotation amount. The distal end portion 7393 is arranged to contact the outer surface of the movable control plate member 7391 and resist the repulsive force of the coil spring 7375.

[0193] In addition, the adjustment knob 7392 is preferably rotatably supported at two locations by a knob support member 7394 attached to the housing of the main body 730. Since the finger portion of the adjustment knob 7392 is located outside the housing of the main body 730, the administrator can operate the adjustment knob 7392 by holding the finger portion from outside the housing of the main body 730, thereby being able to easily change the biasing force. In addition, the biasing force of the coil spring 7375 can be changed steplessly by using the adjustment knob 7392 composed of a screw mechanism.

[0194] When the adjustment knob 7392 is rotated forward to move the distal end portion 7393 forward, the movable control plate member 7391 is pressed in. Fig. 27 and Fig.28 As shown, the biasing force of the coil spring 7375 increases to produce a "strong spring" state. Therefore, the biasing force of the coil spring 7375 that biases the swing arm 7372 in the lifting direction of the prize acquisition unit 6 increases, and as a result, the biasing force in the lifting direction applied to the prize acquisition unit 6 itself via the swing arm 7372 and the wire 734 also increases.

[0195] On the other hand, when the adjustment knob 7392 is rotated backward to retract the distal end portion 7393, the movable control plate member 7391 returns toward the adjustment knob 7392, as shown in FIG. Fig.25 and Fig.26 As shown, the biasing force of the coil spring 7375 is reduced to produce a "weak spring" state. As a result, the biasing force of the coil spring 7375 that biases the swing arm 7372 in the lifting direction of the prize acquisition unit 6 is reduced, and as a result, the biasing force in the lifting direction applied to the prize acquisition unit 6 itself via the swing arm 7372 and the wire 734 is also reduced.

[0196] In addition, there is a prize acquisition game device that can freely change the size or number of arms 61 in response to changes in the shape and size of the prize, changes in the layout, changes in the position of the prize drop port 5, etc. By changing the size and number of arms 61, the weight of the prize acquisition unit 6 also changes. If the weight of the prize acquisition unit 6 changes, the pressing force acting on the prize from the prize acquisition unit 6 can be adjusted by appropriately changing the biasing force of the coil spring 7375.

[0197] The proximity stop sensor 7376 is a sensor that can request the control unit 15 to stop the proximity movement of the main body 60 based on the detected state of the Z-direction stopper 7373 when the main body 60 is performing proximity movement. More specifically, when the main body 60 continues its proximity movement and the bottom 67 of the main body 60 is not in contact with the prize, the force applied to the wire 734 in the descending direction of the Z direction is greater than the force applied to the wire 734 in the ascending direction of the Z direction. In this case, the force applied to the wire 734 in the descending direction of the Z direction is a combined weight consisting of the weight of the main body 60, the weight of part or all of the tubes 73111, 7312, 7313 and 7314, and the weight of a part of the cable 64. The force applied to the wire 734 in the ascending direction of the Z direction is a biasing force in the lifting direction generated by the coil spring 7375. Therefore, the wire 734 is in a state as shown in FIG. Fig.25 or Fig. 27 In this case, if Fig.24 , Fig.25 and Fig. 27As shown, the Z-direction stopper 7373 is located behind the proximity stop sensor 7376. Therefore, since the proximity stop sensor 7376 detects the Z-direction stopper 7373, no request to stop the proximity movement of the main body 60 is sent to the control unit 15. As a result, under the control of the control unit 15, the third motor 733 continues to drive the wire winding pulley 735, so that the main body 60 continues its proximity movement.

[0198] On the other hand, when the bottom 67 of the main body 60 is in contact with the prize and is pressed against the prize with a certain pressure, the force applied to the wire 734 in the descending direction in the Z direction is smaller than the force applied to the wire 734 in the ascending direction in the Z direction. In this case, the force applied to the wire 734 in the descending direction in the Z direction is a combined weight consisting of the weight of the main body 60, the weight of a part or all of the tubes 73111, 7312, 7313 and 7314, and the weight of a part of the cable 64. On the other hand, the force applied to the wire 734 in the ascending direction in the Z direction is a resultant force of the biasing force of the coil spring 7375 in the lifting direction and the reaction force due to the prize against the above-mentioned total weight. Therefore, as Fig.26 or Fig.28 As shown, the tension applied to the wire 734 is relaxed. Then, the action of the coil spring 7375 causes the Z-direction stopper 7373 to swing upward together with the swing arm 7372. Therefore, the proximity stop sensor 7376 can no longer detect the Z-direction stopper 7373, and a request to stop the approach movement of the main body 60 is sent to the control unit 15. As a result, under the control of the control unit 15, the third motor 733 stops driving the wire winding pulley 735, so that the approach movement of the main body 60 stops. In addition, after the approach movement of the main body 60 stops, under the control of the control unit 15, the third motor 733 immediately resumes driving the wire winding pulley 735, and the main body 60 moves a first distance in the backward direction while keeping its bottom in contact with the prize, and then stops, so as to reduce the pressure applied by the main body 60 to the prize to a specific value.

[0199] The rise stop sensor is a sensor for detecting whether the main body 60 has returned to a specific point located above the Z direction (for example, an approach start point or an arbitrary point in the specific plane 601). When detecting that the main body 60 has returned to the specific point above the Z direction, the rise stop sensor sends a request to the control unit 15 to stop the rising movement of the main body 60. As a result, under the control of the control unit 15, the third motor 733 stops driving the wire winding pulley 735, so that the rising movement of the main body 60 stops. On the other hand, when it is not detected that the main body 60 has returned to the specific point above the Z direction, the rise stop sensor does not send a request to the control unit 15 to stop the approach movement of the main body 60. As a result, under the control of the control unit 15, the third motor 733 continues to drive the wire winding pulley 735, so that the rising movement of the main body 60 continues.

[0200] In the following description, the X-direction origin sensor 715, the three X-direction position sensors 714, the Y-direction origin sensor 725 and the three Y-direction position sensors 724 of the drive unit 7 may be collectively referred to as “position sensors”, the first motor 712, the second motor 722 and the third motor 724 may be collectively referred to as “motors”, and the first encoder 713 and the second encoder 723 may be collectively referred to as “encoders”.

[0201] Display unit 1B

[0202] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 29 to Figure 33 Detailed Description of Display Unit 1B The configuration of the display unit 1B will now be described, followed by a description of display features of the display unit 1B.

[0203] Configuration of display unit 1B

[0204] The display unit 1B is an example of a configuration for displaying information related to the usage mode of the prize obtaining game device 1 and accepting information input by the user through the operation of the display unit 1B. Figure 1 and Figure 7 As shown, the display unit 1B is provided between the control panel 82 of the first game device group 1F and the control panel 82 of the second game device group 1G in the width direction.

[0205] In addition, if Figure 7As shown, the display unit 1B has a display panel 9C, and a first display unit 9A and a second display unit 9B which are provided on the display panel 9C and are independent of each other. The first display unit 9A and the second display unit 9B are arranged side by side in the left and right along the width direction of the display unit 1B. More specifically, the first display unit 9A is used for the first game device group 1F and is arranged on the left side of the operation unit 8 of the first game device group 1F. The second display unit 9B is used for the second game device group 1G and is arranged on the right side of the operation unit 8 of the second game device group 1G.

[0206] The first display unit 9A has a first display operation panel 91 and a panel protection portion 93 provided on the first display operation panel 91. The second display unit 9B has a second display operation panel 92 and a panel protection portion 93 provided on the second display operation panel 92. Here, the display area of ​​the first display operation panel 91 is an example of a first display area for the first game device group 1F, and the display area of ​​the second display operation panel 92 for the second game device group 1G is an example of a second display area. The first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92 are composed of touch panels having the same rectangular shape. When not distinguishing between the first display unit 9A and the second display unit 9B, they may be collectively referred to as "display unit 9", and when not distinguishing between the first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92, they may be collectively referred to as "display operation panel 90".

[0207] Under the control of the control unit 1E, the first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92 can perform the same or different displays. In addition, the first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92 can accept the user's touch operation input and transmit the accepted input to the control unit 1E via the transmission unit (not shown) of the first display unit 9A and the second display unit 9B.

[0208] exist Figure 1 and Figure 7 In the example shown, the display unit 1B is described as having two independent display operation panels, i.e., the first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the display unit 1B may have one display operation panel, and the one display operation panel may have two independent display areas, i.e., a first display area for the first game device group 1F and a second display area for the second game device group 1G.

[0209] The panel protection portion 93 is configured to prevent damage to the display operation panel 90 due to excessive pressure applied to the display operation panel 90 when the user sits on the display operation panel 90 or presses the display operation panel 90 with his palm. Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the panel protection portion 93 has a main body portion 931 , a window portion 932 provided in the main body portion 931 for exposing the two display operation panels 91 , and a protrusion portion 933 provided so as to surround the entire window portion 932 .

[0210] The main body 931 and the protruding portion 933 are formed above the display operation panel 90 in the thickness direction of the display operation panel 90. Figure 8 As shown in the figure, the cross-sectional shape of the protrusion 933 is roughly triangular. That is, each protrusion 933 bulges from the base 925 located on the display operation panel 90 side and becomes thinner toward the distal end 937 located on the side away from the display operation panel 90. In addition, the distal end 937 of the protrusion 933 bulges higher than the top surface of the main body 931 in the thickness direction of the display operation panel 90.

[0211] According to the panel protection part 93 having these protrusions 933, the distance from the distal end 937 of the protrusion 933 to the top surface of the display operation panel 90 can be set to be larger than the case where the protrusion 933 is not provided. Therefore, even if the user sits on the portion of the panel protection part 93 corresponding to the display operation panel 90 or presses the portion with his palm, since there is a certain distance from the distal end 937 of the protrusion 933 to the top surface of the display operation panel 90, the pressing force on the display operation panel 90 caused by the user's action is reduced. In addition, since the distal end 937 of the protrusion 933 is thin, if the user sits on the portion of the panel protection part 93 corresponding to the display operation panel 90 or presses the portion with his palm, the user will feel pain. Therefore, the presence of the distal end 937 of the protrusion 933 makes it less likely that the user wants to perform one of the above actions. As a result, the panel protection part 93 is less likely to be damaged by the user by adopting the protrusion 933, and the panel protection part 93 can be reliably protected.

[0212] exist Figure 7 In the example shown, the protrusion 933 is provided to surround the entire window portion 932, but this is not the only option. The protrusion 933 may be formed to surround only a portion of the window portion 932, for example, on both sides of the window portion 932 in the width direction.

[0213] Display of the display unit 1B (display type)

[0214] The display of the display unit 1B will now be described in relation to each usage mode of the prize obtaining game device 1. Here, the usage modes include a game mode in which a player plays a prize obtaining game, and a management mode in which an administrator performs various settings for the prize obtaining game device 1. In the game mode, a game screen is displayed on the display operation panel 90, and in the management mode, a setting screen is displayed on the display operation panel 90. In addition, switching to the game mode or the management mode is accompanied by switching to the display of the game screen or the display of the setting screen.

[0215] The game screen display includes a display of the game fee (e.g. Fig.31 ), display of the number of times the game can be played, display of game information, etc. In addition, the game information includes movement information about the prize acquisition unit 6 and the game history of each game. The display of the setting screen includes the display of the menu screen (for example Fig.29 ), display of an operation button for changing to a menu screen, display of a first menu item included in the menu screen, and display of a “dual screen operation” switch (e.g. Fig.29 ), the display of the second menu item (e.g. Fig.30 ), detailed display of each menu item in the second menu item (for example Fig.32 , Fig.33 ), display of game information, etc. The operation button is an example of an operation display unit displayed on the display operation panel 90 for changing to a menu screen.

[0216] Next, the relationship between various displays included in the setting screen will be described. In the management mode, when an operation button is displayed on the display operation panel 90, the administrator can change the display on the display operation panel 90 to a menu screen by operating (touching) the operation button. When the menu screen is displayed, if the administrator touches any one of the menu items included in the first menu item, the display on the display operation panel 90 can be changed to the display of the second menu item, and if the administrator further touches one of the menu items included in the second menu item, the display on the display operation panel 90 can be changed to the detailed display of the operated menu item. In addition, when the menu screen is displayed, the administrator can turn on the "dual screen operation" switch to realize the shared setting of the first game device group 1F and the second game device group 1G.

[0217] Next, we will refer to Fig.29 , Fig.30 and Figure 32 to Figure 34A detailed description is given of the function assignment setting of the multi-purpose switch performed using the "Set Status" button in the first menu item of the setting screen, the moving range setting of the prize obtaining unit 6 performed using the "Moving Range" button in the second menu item of the setting screen, the configuration of the "operation receiving unit 900" changed by operating the "Prize Obtaining Unit" button in the second menu item of the setting screen, and the settings performed by the "operation receiving unit 900".

[0218] Function assignment setting of multi-purpose switch

[0219] First, refer to Fig.29 Describes the function assignment settings of the multi-purpose switch. Fig.29 When the "setting status" button in the first menu item on the setting screen shown is clicked, the screen showing the first menu item is changed to a screen showing details of setting information (not shown). Then, the administrator can check the detailed information about the setting on the screen showing details of the setting information, and can also set the above-mentioned function allocation setting of the multi-purpose switch.

[0220] Here, the functions of the multi-purpose switch include, for example, adding or subtracting points, pausing a timer, setting an initial position of the prize acquisition unit 6 (e.g., height in the Z direction), emergency stopping the prize acquisition unit 6 (mainly stopping in the Z direction), incrementing a prize delivery count, canceling a prize delivery notification, etc. The function allocation setting of the multi-purpose switch is to allocate and associate one of the above functions of the multi-purpose switch to each multi-purpose switch.

[0221] With the multi-purpose switch thus set, the administrator can operate the multi-purpose switch to perform maintenance such as opening the front panel 31 and changing the prize arrangement in the game space S, and then perform settings that may accompany the maintenance just performed, etc. As a result, when the administrator wishes to perform further settings after performing maintenance, there is no need to troublesomely operate the display operation panel 90 of the display unit 1B or open the maintenance door 96 to operate the setting unit 99 (discussed below). This greatly reduces the operational burden on the administrator.

[0222] In addition, when there are multiple multi-purpose switches, the setting of the function associated with each of the multiple multi-purpose switches can be performed by performing function setting on each of the multiple multi-purpose switches individually, or can be performed by performing collective function setting on some or all of the multiple multi-purpose switches as a group.

[0223] Here, the collective function setting can be set as a set of functions for users, such as pausing the timer, adding or subtracting points, and incrementing the prize delivery count, or can be set as a set of functions for management, such as setting the initial position (height in the Z direction) of the prize acquisition unit 6, emergency stopping the prize acquisition unit 6 (mainly along the Z direction), incrementing the prize delivery count, and canceling the prize delivery notification. Through this type of collective function setting, the administrator can select a predefined set and perform operations on the set to execute multiple setting processes included in the set, thereby allowing the administrator to perform settings more easily and reducing the burden required for settings.

[0224] Moving range setting

[0225] Now refer to Fig.30 and Fig.32 Describes the movement range setting of the prize acquisition unit 6 in the X direction and the Y direction. Fig.30 When the "Move Range" button is clicked in the first menu item on the setting screen shown, the screen showing the first menu item changes to one showing Fig.32 Then, the administrator can set the moving range of the prize obtaining unit 6 in the X direction and the Y direction on the screen showing the moving range setting.

[0226] More specifically, the administrator can set the moving range of the prize acquisition unit 6 in the X direction and the Y direction by: touching and moving the prize acquisition unit mark M in the shape of the prize acquisition unit 6 on the screen showing the moving range setting; Fig.32 The minus button B1 and the plus button B2 of the input unit shown in the center on the right; by using Fig.32 The "reflect current position as starting point" button B3 and the "reflect current position as end point" button B4 shown in the lower right; or by a combination of these operations.

[0227] Here, on the screen showing the movement range setting, the prize acquisition unit mark M indicates the real-time movement and position of the prize acquisition unit 6. In other words, the position of the prize acquisition unit mark M is associated with the actual position of the prize acquisition unit 6. Therefore, by operating the prize acquisition unit mark M on the screen showing the movement range setting, the administrator can move the prize acquisition unit 6 in real time along the X direction and the Y direction of the game space S in the same manner as the movement of the prize acquisition unit mark. On the other hand, when the administrator moves the prize acquisition unit 6 by hand or the operating unit 83, etc., the prize acquisition unit mark M also moves in real time on the screen showing the movement range setting in the same manner as the prize acquisition unit 6.

[0228] In addition, when the administrator operates the minus button B1 and the plus button B2 and / or the "reflect the current position as the starting point" button B3 and the "reflect the current position as the end point" button B4 on the input unit, the prize acquisition unit 6 can be moved in real time along the X and Y directions of the game space S in the same manner as the movement corresponding to the input through these setting buttons B. In addition, when the setting button B is operated, the prize acquisition unit mark M also moves in real time on the screen showing the movement range setting in the same manner as the prize acquisition unit 6. By setting the movement range using the prize acquisition unit mark M or the setting button B in this way, the setting of the prize acquisition unit 6 along the X and Y directions of the game space S can be performed more intuitively, which makes the operation of the administrator's movement range setting simple.

[0229] Operation receiving unit 900

[0230] Next, we will refer to Fig.30 , Fig.33 and Fig.34 Describes the configuration of the "operation receiving unit 900" and the settings performed using the "operation receiving unit 900". Fig.30 When the "prize obtaining unit" button in the second menu item on the setting screen shown in FIG. 1 is pressed, the screen showing the second menu item changes to a screen showing Fig.33 The screen of the operation receiving unit 900 is shown. Then, the administrator can operate the displayed operation receiving unit 900.

[0231] Here, the operation receiving unit 900 is an example of a configuration that receives an input for moving the prize obtaining unit 6 by a touch operation of a user. The operation receiving unit 900 has a slide operation portion 910 , a minus button 920 , a plus button 930 , and a set value display 940 .

[0232] The user can change the parameters of the prize acquisition unit 6 by operating the slide operation portion 910, the minus button 920, the plus button 930, and other receiving areas (discussed below) of the operation receiving unit 900 for receiving operations from the user, so as to move the prize acquisition unit 6. In addition, the parameters of the prize acquisition unit 6 include the movement amount of the prize acquisition unit 6 in the X, Y, and Z directions, the movement speed of the prize acquisition unit 6, the opening degree of the two arms 61, the power of the two arms 61, etc.

[0233] The slide operation section 910 has a slider 911 and a slider knob 912, which can be moved along the slider 911 when touched by the user. The slider knob 912 is a display object indicating the moving position of the slide operation, but the color, thickness, etc. of the slider 911 can be displayed in a different manner between the areas where the slide operation has moved and has not moved on the slider 911, and the boundary between these areas can be represented by the slider knob 912. The slider 911 is in an arc shape, and its length is greater than the length of the straight line connecting the starting point 913 of the slider 911 and the end point 914 of the slider 911. In addition, the slider 911 may have other shapes, and its length is greater than the length of one side of the display unit 9 (more specifically, the short side or the long side of the display unit 9, depending on the arrangement of the slider 911). In this case, the slider 911 may be composed of, for example, a curve or a straight line inclined relative to one side of the display unit 9, a combination of two or more curves or two or more straight lines, or a combination of a straight line and a curve.

[0234] Here, it is generally known to display a slider parallel to one side of the display unit 9 on the display unit 9. The length of the slider parallel to the one side of the display unit 9 is less than or equal to the length of the one side of the display unit 9. Therefore, if the above-mentioned slider 911 is used in a touch panel of a given size, it is possible to form the slider 911 longer than the slider parallel to the one side of the display unit 9. Here, the slider parallel to the one side of the display unit 9 will sometimes be referred to as a "short slider" in order to distinguish it from the slider 911.

[0235] In one example, there is a slider 911 and a short slider whose length is half the length of the slider 911. Let us assume that for the slider 911, the maximum number of slides that the user can make along the slider 911 with the slider knob 912 is 20. In this case, since the length of the short slider is half the length of the slider 911, the number of slides that the user can make along the short slider 911 with the slider knob is 10. Here, it is assumed that the parameter setting range of the prize acquisition unit 6 is "0 to 100". In this case, if the long slider 911 is used, the maximum number of slides is 20, so when the user makes one slide, the corresponding parameter value is 5. That is, when the long slider 911 is used, the parameter for each slide is "5". In contrast, when the short slider is used, the maximum number of slides is only 10, so when the user makes one slide, the corresponding parameter value is 10. When the short slider is used, the parameter for each slide is "10". Therefore, the numerical value of the parameter corresponding to one sliding unit of the long slider 911 is smaller than the numerical value of the parameter corresponding to one sliding unit of the short slider. Therefore, in the operation receiving unit 900 of a certain size, the slider 911 allows more precise adjustment of the prize obtaining unit 6 compared with a short slider.

[0236] The set value display 940 is configured to display a numerical value corresponding to the parameter of the prize acquisition unit 6 by the user moving the slide knob 912 along the slider 911, the user touching the minus button 920 or the plus button 930, or the user touching and sliding other areas of the operation receiving unit 900 with a finger, etc.

[0237] In addition, the operation receiving unit 900 has a plurality of receiving areas for receiving input from the user over its entire area. The slide operation unit 910, the minus button 920, and the plus button 930 belong to one of the plurality of areas. The receiving area to which the slide operation unit 910, the minus button 920, and the plus button 930 belong is an arc-shaped area. Fig.31 In the example shown, the other receiving area of ​​the operation receiving unit 900 is also an arc-shaped area. However, the receiving area can be an area of ​​some other shapes (eg, a rectangular area).

[0238] Multiple receiving areas along Fig.33 The receiving areas are arranged side by side in the first direction shown. However, the receiving areas may be arranged along some other direction. The multiple receiving areas have different input / output relationships corresponding to each of the multiple receiving areas. Here, an "input / output relationship" is a relationship in which, when a given input is made to each of the multiple receiving areas, the same input is converted into different outputs corresponding to different receiving areas. Conversion to different outputs also means that the control unit 1E converts the same input made to different receiving areas into different numerical outputs or different parameter outputs based on the different input / output relationships corresponding to each of the multiple receiving areas. Fig.34 As shown, the input / output relationship of the receiving area is stored as a correspondence table associated with the receiving area in the storage unit 13 of the control unit 1E (discussed below). Fig.34 Only a part of the correspondence table is shown. With this configuration, operations of different parameters can be easily performed with the same operation receiving unit 900, which provides greater operational freedom and convenience for the user.

[0239] Here, the details of two types of outputs (i.e., outputs of different values ​​and outputs of different parameters) related to conversion to different outputs will be described by giving examples. The output of different values ​​means that, for example, if a plurality of receiving areas all correspond to the amount of movement in the parameters of the prize acquisition unit 6, when the same input is made to different receiving areas, different values ​​will be output for the amount of movement of the prize acquisition unit 6. In the case of outputting different values, it is also applicable when a plurality of receiving areas are all other parameters in the parameters of the prize acquisition unit 6. In addition, converting the same input made to different receiving areas into the output of different parameters means that, for example, if there are four receiving areas, and each receiving area corresponds to the parameters of the prize acquisition unit 6 (i.e., the amount of movement of the prize acquisition unit 6, the moving speed of the prize acquisition unit 6, the opening of the two arms 61, the power of the two arms 61), when the same input is made to different receiving areas, the amount of movement of the prize acquisition unit 6 corresponding to each receiving area, the moving speed of the prize acquisition unit 6, the opening of the two arms 61, the power of the two arms 61.

[0240] exist Fig.31 The correspondence between the multiple receiving areas in the example shown is configured so that the parameters corresponding to the same input are transmitted from a receiving area located on one side of the first direction (with Fig.34 The receiving area corresponding to the corresponding table 1 in the first direction) to another receiving area located on the other side of the first direction (corresponding to the receiving area corresponding to the corresponding table 1 in the first direction) to another receiving area located on the other side of the first direction Fig.34 The corresponding receiving area in Table 3 gradually becomes smaller. With this configuration, the size of the parameter for a given input can be intuitively manipulated according to the arrangement order.

[0241] In addition, when the user touches the operation receiving unit 900 with a finger or the like to perform a single sliding operation, the correspondence related to the start receiving area to which the start position of the touch operation belongs becomes the correspondence applied to the one operation. In addition, during the single operation, even if the user's finger or the like moves to another receiving area after the start, the correspondence applied to the single operation is still the correspondence related to the start receiving area. With this configuration, the user can operate the prize obtaining unit while directly observing the movement of the prize obtaining unit without looking at the operation receiving unit 900.

[0242] Detection unit 1C

[0243] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 , Figure 6 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The detection unit 1C is described in detail.

[0244] The detection unit 1C is an example of a configuration for detecting information stored on an information medium. The detection unit 1C is provided below the display panel 9C and is a component shared by the first game device group 1F and the second game device group 1G. Fig. 9 As shown, the detection unit 1C has a key insertion slot 94 for inserting the administrator key K and a reading board 95 that recognizes a first start request for activating the management mode stored in the administrator key K. The detection unit 1C may be provided to each of the first game device group 1F and the second game device group 1G.

[0245] Here, the administrator key K is an example of an information medium. The reading board 95 together with the door sensor 98 of the maintenance unit 1D (discussed below) constitute an example of a detection unit that detects a start request of the management mode used by the administrator. In addition, the start request includes a first start request that the reading board 95 can detect when the administrator key K approaches the reading board 95, and a second start request that the door sensor 98 can detect when the maintenance door 96 of the maintenance unit 1D (discussed below) is opened. In other words, the reading board 95 is configured to detect the first start request stored in the administrator key K.

[0246] In addition, the administrator key K may include an administrator key storing a plurality of different startup request information sets. The first startup request includes information such as an administrator ID and authority. When the administrator key K is inserted into the key insertion port 94, the reading board 95 is able to read and detect whether the administrator key K is associated with the game device body 1A, and is able to read and detect the first startup request stored in the administrator key K associated with the game device body 1A. In addition, it is possible to use the menu item screen called "Share" (see Fig.30 ) to set the association between the administrator key K and the game device main body 1A. In addition, the administrator key K can be registered as a group.

[0247] The administrator key K may also be a physical key instead of an information medium. In this case, the detection unit 1C detects a start request corresponding to a physical feature provided to the physical key (e.g., a concave-convex on a blade portion of the physical key) in response to an operation by the administrator. More specifically, the detection unit 1C is capable of, for example, detecting the concave-convex of the detected physical key, thereby reading and detecting whether the physical key is associated with the game device body 1A, and reading and detecting a first start request corresponding to the concave-convex of the physical key associated with the game device body 1A.

[0248] Maintenance Unit 1D

[0249] Next, we will refer to Figure 1The maintenance unit 1D is described in detail.

[0250] The maintenance unit 1D is an example of a configuration that allows an administrator to perform settings related to the management mode. Figure 1 As shown, the maintenance unit 1D has a maintenance door 96 arranged in front of the game device body 1A, a key unit 97 arranged on the maintenance door 96, a door sensor 98 for detecting the opening and closing of the maintenance door 96, and a setting unit 99 arranged inside the game device body 1A.

[0251] The maintenance door 96 is an example of a startup operation unit for starting the management mode. The startup operation unit may be configured as an operation button, a key, or a detection device for detecting information stored on an information medium. The key unit 97 is configured to lock the maintenance door 96. The administrator can unlock the maintenance door 96 using a key corresponding to the key unit 97.

[0252] The door sensor 98 constitutes an example of a detection unit that detects a start request of the management mode used by the administrator together with the reading board 95. The door sensor 98 is configured to detect the opening and closing of the maintenance door 96. More specifically, the door sensor 98 can detect the second start request in the start request when the maintenance door 96 is opened, and can detect the end of the setting process via the setting unit 99 when the maintenance door 96 is subsequently closed. The setting unit 99 is configured to perform shared settings of the first game device group 1F and the second game device group 1G.

[0253] Control Unit 1E

[0254] Next, we will refer to Figures 35 to 47 The control unit 1E is described in detail.

[0255] The control unit 1E is a configuration example that controls the overall operation of the prize obtaining game device 1. In addition, the control unit 1E has: a storage unit 13 that stores data and programs used in the prize obtaining game; a timer 14 that obtains the current time; and a control unit 15 that is used to control various operations of the prize obtaining game device 1.

[0256] After receiving user input accepted by the display unit 1B, maintenance unit 1D, and operation unit 83 of the game device body 1A and time information obtained by the timer 14, the control unit 15 executes the prize acquisition game based on the data and program stored in the storage unit 13 by controlling the movement of the prize acquisition unit 6 in the game space S, the output of the speaker, the lighting of the prize display unit 3, etc.

[0257] Details of the control unit 15

[0258] Next, we will refer to Figures 35 to 47 The control unit 15 is described in detail.

[0259] Functional configuration of the control unit 15

[0260] like Fig.35 As shown, the control unit 15 is connected to the storage unit 13, the timer 14, the operation unit 8, the display unit 1B, the detection unit 1C, the maintenance unit 1D, the prize acquisition unit 6, the lighting unit 35, the control board 70 of the drive unit 7, and the drop detector 53. In addition, the control unit 15 is connected to the sensor of the prize acquisition unit 6 and the position sensor, motor, and encoder of the drive unit 7 via the connection with the control board 70. Therefore, when it is detected that the user has inserted a specific game fee into the coin slot 10, the control unit 15 starts to control the prize acquisition game in the game mode so that it executes the prize acquisition game. On the other hand, when the ID of the administrator key K is recognized, or when the maintenance door 96 of the maintenance unit 1D is opened, the control unit 15 starts to control the management mode, so that the setting of the prize acquisition game device 1 can be configured.

[0261] Controls related to management mode

[0262] When detection unit 1C detects a start request, control unit 15 controls display in the first display area and / or the second display area based on the game progress status of the first prize obtaining game in first game device group 1F and / or the second prize obtaining game in second game device group 1G.

[0263] In addition, when detection unit 1C detects the first start request, control unit 15 can perform a first control, which includes: displaying an operation button for changing to a menu screen on display operation panel 90 corresponding to first game device group 1F and / or second game device group 1G in which a game is being played; and displaying a menu screen on display operation panel 90 corresponding to first game device group 1F and / or second game device group 1G in which a game is not being played.

[0264] In addition, when the detection unit 1C detects the second start request, the control unit 15 may perform a second control including displaying a menu screen on the first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92. In addition, when the control unit detects the first start request and the second start request at the same time, the control unit may perform a second control corresponding to the second start request.

[0265] In addition, when an operation button is displayed on the first display operation panel 91 and an operation button or a menu screen is displayed on the second display operation panel 92, if the operation button displayed on the first display operation panel 91 is operated, the control unit 15 can display the menu screen on the first display operation panel 91 and display the game screen on the second display operation panel 92.

[0266] In addition, when a menu screen is displayed on the first display operation panel 91 and an operation button or a menu screen is displayed on the second display operation panel 92, if one of the first menu items is selected on the menu screen displayed on the first display operation panel 91, the control unit 15 can display the selected first menu item on the first display operation panel 91 and display the game screen on the second display operation panel 92.

[0267] In addition, when the “dual screen operation” switch is turned on and the first menu item displayed on the first display operation panel 91 or the second display operation panel 92 is operated, the control unit may perform the sharing setting.

[0268] Game mode related controls

[0269] When receiving a movement request input by the user via the first button 831 and the second button 832 of the operation unit 8 or the display operation panel 90 of the display unit 9 and the time information obtained by the timer 14, the control unit 15 drives the arm drive unit 63 of the prize acquisition unit 6 and the motor of the drive unit 7 based on the data and program stored in the storage unit 13, so that the main body 60 of the prize acquisition unit 6 moves (plane movement and Z direction movement) and opens and closes the pair of arms 61, thereby performing a prize acquisition game. Here, for example, in the movement of the main body 60, the control unit 15 causes the main body 60 to move in a plane and then move in the Z direction. In addition, the control unit 15 performs output control of the lighting unit 35, the speaker, etc., so as to output lighting effects or sound effects, etc. according to the progress of the prize acquisition game, etc.

[0270] In addition, the control unit 15 can receive game information about each of multiple games of the prize acquisition unit 6 moved by the second method or movement information of the prize acquisition unit 6 moved by the first method, which is sent respectively from the position sensor of the drive unit 7, the drop detector 53, the opening sensor 635 of the arm drive unit 63, the reading plate 95 of the detection unit 1C, and the timer 14, and store the information in the memory unit 13.

[0271] Here, the game information includes movement information corresponding to each game and game history. The movement information is information about the past movement of the prize acquisition unit 6 moving in the game space S by the first method and the second method, which is acquired by the position sensor and encoder of the drive unit 7. The game history contains the time of execution of each game acquired by the timer 14, whether a prize is acquired corresponding to each game acquired by the drop detector 53, the number of consecutive games to acquire a prize, the number of prizes obtained by consecutive games, etc.

[0272] In addition, the control unit 15 can perform a first pressure adjustment to adjust the pressure applied by the arm 61 to the prize or the prize support unit 40, or a second pressure adjustment to adjust the pressure of the main body 60 to the prize, based on the contact state of the prize acquisition unit 6 with the prize or the prize support unit 40. When the arm 61 of the prize acquisition unit 6 moves beyond a specific threshold, the control unit 15 performs the first pressure adjustment. In addition, when the bottom of the main body 60 presses against the prize with a specific pressure, the control unit 15 performs the second pressure adjustment. The first pressure adjustment is used to reduce the pressure applied by the arm 61 to the prize or the prize support unit 40 by stopping the approach movement of the main body 60. The second pressure adjustment is used to reduce the pressure applied by the main body 60 to the prize by stopping the approach movement of the main body 60, then moving the main body 60 in the backward direction by a first distance, and then stopping.

[0273] In addition, the control unit 15 may determine the first distance to reduce the pressure applied by the body part 60 to the prize to a specific value while maintaining contact between the bottom 67 of the body part 60 and the prize, depending on the type of the prize.

[0274] Control example of the control unit 15

[0275] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 and Figures 36 to 47 An example of control of the prize obtaining game by the control unit 15 is described in detail. The control unit 15 can control different prize obtaining games depending on the setting.

[0276] The control unit 15 starts the game mode after the power of the prize acquisition game device 1 is turned on. At this time, a "game screen" is displayed on the first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92. In the game mode, the administrator can switch from the game mode to the management mode by placing the administrator key K close to the reading plate 95 or by opening the maintenance door 96. In the management mode, once the administrator completes the setting of the prize acquisition game device 1, the management mode returns to the game mode. In addition, in both the management mode and the game mode, the main processing for prize acquisition can be performed. The management mode setting processing performed by the control unit 15 will now be described, and then the main processing performed by the control unit 15 will be described.

[0277] Management mode setting process of the control unit 15

[0278] First, refer to Figure 36 to Figure 41 The management mode setting process executed by the control unit 15 is described.

[0279] (Steps S01 to S04)

[0280] First, the control unit 15 detects the administrator key K (step S01). If it is determined that the administrator key is detected (step S01: Yes), the control unit 15 determines whether the administrator key has been registered in the game device body 1A used by the administrator key (step S02). If it is determined that the administrator key is registered (step S02: Yes), the control unit 15 determines whether the maintenance door 96 is closed (step S03). If it is determined that the maintenance door 96 is closed (step S03: Yes), the control unit 15 then determines whether the administrator key K is still detected (step S04).

[0281] (Step S05)

[0282] If it is determined that the administrator key is still detected (step S04: YES), the control unit 15 performs the first control process (step S05).

[0283] In step S05, Fig.37 As shown, the control unit 15 performs the first display control based on the game progress status of each game device group (step S051). In step S051, as shown in FIG. Fig.38 As shown, control unit 15 first determines whether a game is being played on first game device group 1F (step S0511). If it is determined that a game is being played on first game device group 1F (step S0511: Yes), control unit 15 further determines whether a game is also being played on second game device group 1G (step S0512). If it is determined that a game is also being played on second game device group 1G (step S0512: Yes), control unit 15 displays "operation buttons" on first display operation panel 91 and second display operation panel 92 (step S0513), and then ends the first display control.

[0284] On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is not being played on second game device group 1G (step S0512: No), control unit 15 displays the "operation button" on first display operation panel 91 and displays the "menu screen" on second display operation panel 92 (step S0514), and then ends the first display control.

[0285] In addition, if it is determined that the game is not being played in the first game device group 1F (step S0511: No), the control unit 15 determines whether the game is being played on the second game device group 1G (step S0515). If it is determined that the game is being played on the second game device group 1G (step S0515: Yes), the control unit 15 causes the "menu screen" to be displayed on the first display operation panel 91, and causes the "operation button" to be displayed on the second display operation panel 92 (step S0516), and then ends the first display control. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is not being played on the second game device group 1G (step S0515: No), the control unit 15 causes the "menu screen" to be displayed on both the first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92 (step S0517), and then ends the first display control.

[0286] Now will return to Fig.37 After executing the first display control, the control unit 15 executes the second display control based on the display of each operation panel 90 and the operation state of the administrator (step S052). Fig.39 As shown, the control unit 15 first determines whether the "menu screen" is displayed on the first display panel 91 (step S0521). If it is determined that the "menu screen" is displayed on the first display operation panel 91 (step S0521: Yes), the control unit 15 determines whether the "menu screen" displayed on the first display operation panel 91 has been operated by the administrator (step S0522). If it is determined that the "menu screen" displayed on the first display operation panel 91 has been operated by the administrator (step S0522: Yes), the control unit 15 determines whether the "dual screen operation" switch on the "menu screen" has been turned on (step S0523). If it is determined that the "dual screen operation" switch on the "menu screen" has been turned off (step S0523: No), the control unit 15 displays the "menu item" selected in step S0522 on the first display operation panel 91, returns the display on the second display operation panel 92 to the "game screen" (step S0524), and ends the second display control.

[0287] Furthermore, control unit 15 displays the “menu item” selected in step S0522 on first display operation panel 91 and displays the “game screen” on second display operation panel 92, and then determines whether the operation of the “menu item” displayed on first display operation panel 91 by the administrator is completed, and whether a game is currently being played on second game device group 1G corresponding to second display operation panel 92. If it is determined that the operation on first display operation panel 91 has been completed and the game is not being played on second game device group 1G, control unit 15 may also display the game screen on first display operation panel 91 and the menu screen on second display operation panel 92.

[0288] On the other hand, if it is determined that the "dual screen operation" switch on the "menu screen" has been turned on (step S0523: yes), the control unit 15 displays the "menu item" selected in step S0522 on both the first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92 (step S0525), and then ends the second display control.

[0289] In addition, if it is determined that the “menu screen” is not displayed on the first display operation panel 91 (step S0521: No), or if it is determined that the administrator has not operated the “menu screen” displayed on the first display operation panel 91 (step S0522: No), the control unit 15 then determines whether the “menu screen” is displayed on the second display operation panel 92 (step S0526). If it is determined that the “menu screen” is displayed on the second display operation panel 92 (step S0526: Yes), the control unit 15 determines whether the administrator has operated the “menu screen” displayed on the second display operation panel 92 (step S0527). If it is determined that the administrator has operated the “menu screen” displayed on the second display operation panel 92 (step S0527: Yes), the control unit 15 then determines whether the “dual screen operation” switch on the “menu screen” has been turned on (step S0528). If it is determined that the “dual screen operation” switch on the “menu screen” has been turned on (step S0523: Yes), the control unit 15 causes the process to proceed to step S0525. On the other hand, if it is determined that the "dual screen operation" switch on the "menu screen" has been turned off (step S0528: No), the control unit 15 displays the "menu item" selected in step S0527 on the second display operation panel 92, and returns the display on the first display operation panel 91 to the "game screen" (step S0529), thereby ending the second display control.

[0290] If it is determined that the “menu screen” is not displayed on the second display operation panel 92 (step S0526: No) or the administrator has not operated the “menu screen” displayed on the second display operation panel 92 (step S0527: No), the control unit 15 determines whether an “operation button” is displayed on the first display operation panel 91 (step S0530). If it is determined that an “operation button” is displayed on the first display operation panel 91 (step S0530: Yes), the control unit 15 determines whether the administrator has operated the “operation button” (step S0531). If it is determined that the administrator has operated the “operation button” (step S0531: Yes), the control unit 15 displays the “menu screen” on the first display operation panel 91 (step S0532), and proceeds to step S0523.

[0291] If it is determined that the “operation button” is not displayed on the first display operation panel 91 (step S0530: No) or the administrator has not operated the “operation button” (step S0531: No), the control unit 15 determines whether the “operation button” is displayed on the second display operation panel 92 (step S0533). If it is determined that the “operation button” is displayed on the second display operation panel 92 (step S0533: Yes), the control unit 15 determines whether the administrator has operated the “operation button” (step S0534). If it is determined that the administrator has operated the “operation button” (step S0534: Yes), the control unit 15 displays the “menu screen” on the second display operation panel 92 (step S0535), and proceeds to step S0528. On the other hand, if it is determined that the administrator has not operated the “operation button” (step S0534: No), the control unit 15 returns the display on the first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92 to the “game screen” (step S0536), and ends the second display control.

[0292] Now will return to Fig.37 After completing the second display control, the control unit 15 performs the same operation as in steps S0524, S0525, and S0529 (see Fig.39 ) is set up processing related to the menu item selected in step S053. Then, the control unit 15 determines whether the administrator key K is still detected (step S054). If it is determined that the administrator key K is no longer detected (step S054: No), the control unit 15 ends the first control process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the administrator key K is still detected (step S054: Yes), the control unit 15 returns to the processing of step S054.

[0293] (Step S06)

[0294] Now will return to Fig.36 If it is determined that the maintenance door 96 is not closed (step S03: No), the control unit 15 executes the second control process (step S06).

[0295] In the second control process, if Fig.40As shown, the control unit 15 first determines whether a "menu screen" is displayed on the first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92 (step S061). If it is determined that the "menu screen" is not displayed on the first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92 (step S061: No), the control unit 15 displays the "menu screen" on both the first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92 (step S062), turns on the "dual screen operation" switch on each "menu screen" of the first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92, and then hides the screen (step S063). Then, the control unit 15 performs the sharing setting process of the first game device group 1F and the second game device group 1G based on the information input to the setting unit 99 by the administrator (step S064). Then, the control unit 15 determines whether the maintenance door 96 is closed (S065). If it is determined that the maintenance door 96 is closed (step S065: Yes), the control unit 15 ends the second control.

[0296] On the other hand, if it is determined that the "menu screen" is displayed on the first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92 (step S061: Yes), the control unit 15 proceeds to step S063. In addition, if it is determined that the maintenance door 96 has not been closed (step S065: No), the control unit 15 returns the process to step S066.

[0297] (Step S07)

[0298] Now will return to Fig.36 If it is determined that the administrator key K is not registered (step S02: No), the control unit 15 executes the third control process (step S07).

[0299] In step S07, Fig.41 As shown, the control unit 15 displays “unregistered administrator key” on the first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92 (step S071), and then ends the third control process.

[0300] Now will return to Fig.36 Subsequently, the control unit 15 ends the management mode setting process after ending one of the first control process, the second control process, or the third control process. After completing the management mode setting process, the control unit 15 restores the game mode and displays the “game screen” on the first display operation panel 91 and the second display operation panel 92.

[0301] If the second start request is detected while executing the first control process, the control unit 15 can stop the ongoing first control process and execute the second control process corresponding to the second start request as an interrupt process. In addition, if the control unit 15 detects the first start request and the second start request at the same time, it can give priority to executing the second control process corresponding to the second start request.

[0302] Main processing of the control unit 15

[0303] Next, we will refer to Figure 42 to Figure 47 Main processing executed by the control unit 15 is described.

[0304] (Step S10)

[0305] First, the control unit 15 performs an initialization process (step S10).

[0306] In step S10, Fig.43 As shown, the control unit 15 first determines whether the origin position of the prize acquisition unit 6 is set (step S11). If it is determined that the origin position of the prize acquisition unit 6 is set (step S11: yes), the control unit 15 determines whether the moving range of the prize acquisition unit 6 is set (step S13). If it is determined that the moving range of the prize acquisition unit 6 is set (step S13: yes), the control unit 15 determines whether the prize insertion position of the prize acquisition unit 6 is set (step S15). If it is determined that the prize insertion position of the prize acquisition unit 6 is set (step S15: yes), the control unit 15 ends the initialization process.

[0307] On the other hand, if it is determined that the origin position of the prize acquisition unit 6 has not been set (step S11: No), the control unit 15 displays the origin setting instruction on the display operation panel 90 (step S12). In this case, the administrator can manually move the prize acquisition unit 6 to the standby position using the first method based on the origin setting instruction. When the prize acquisition unit 6 stops at its standby position, the X-direction origin sensor 715 and the Y-direction origin sensor 725 of the drive unit 7 acquire the coordinates of the standby position of the prize acquisition unit 6 and send them to the control unit 15. Then, the control unit 15 sets the standby position as the origin, stores the information in the storage unit 13, and the process proceeds to step S13.

[0308] Similarly, if it is determined that the moving range of the prize acquisition unit 6 is not set (step S13: No), the control unit 15 displays an instruction to set the moving range on the display operation panel 90 (step S14). In this case, the administrator can manually move the prize acquisition unit 6 along the desired moving range by the first method based on the instruction to set the moving range. Then, the X-direction position sensor 714, the Y-direction position sensor 724, the first encoder 713, and the second encoder 723 of the drive unit 7 acquire the coordinates of the points on the moving path and send them to the control unit 15. Then, the control unit 15 stores the moving range information in the storage unit 13, and the process proceeds to step S15.

[0309] In addition, if it is determined that the prize insertion position of the prize acquisition unit 6 is not set (step S15: No), the control unit 15 displays an instruction for setting the prize insertion position on the display operation panel 90 (step S104). In this case, the administrator can manually move the prize acquisition unit 6 to the desired prize insertion position by the first method based on the instruction for setting the prize insertion position. Then, the X-direction position sensor 714, the Y-direction position sensor 724, the first encoder 713, and the second encoder 723 of the drive unit 7 obtain the coordinates of the points on the moving path and send them to the control unit 15. Then, the control unit 15 stores the prize insertion position information in the storage unit 13 and ends the initialization process.

[0310] (Step S20)

[0311] Now will return to Fig.42 When the game mode is selected in the use mode setting process, the control unit 15 executes the same player determination process (step S20).

[0312] In step S20, Fig.44 As shown, the control unit 15 first obtains the game information related to the start time of the current game and stores it in the storage unit 13 (step S21), and then calculates the game information related to the time interval between the start time of the current game and the end time of the previous game stored in the storage unit 13, and stores it in the storage unit 13 (step S22). Next, the control unit 15 determines whether the acquired time interval is less than or equal to a specific time interval (for example, 60 seconds) (step S23). If it is determined that the time interval is less than or equal to the specific time interval (step S23: yes), the control unit 15 determines that the two games are played by the same player, and it associates the game information of the previous game or the game information associated with the game information of the previous game to the player (step S24), and ends the same player determination process.

[0313] On the other hand, if it is determined that a specific time interval has been exceeded (step S23: No), the control unit 15 determines that the two games are not played by the same player, and ends the same player determination processing (step S25) without associating the game information of the previous game or the game information associated with the game information of the previous game to the same player.

[0314] In addition, in the same player determination process, the control unit 15 can notify the administrator that the count of the time interval from the end time of the game to the start time of the next game, which is set by the multi-purpose switch, has been suspended. In this case, based on the above notification, the administrator can operate the multi-purpose switch to suspend the count of the time interval, and then restart the count after eliminating any faults. In the case of suspending the count of the time interval in this way, if the player tries to continue the game but cannot play the game due to a problem with the prize acquisition game device 1, the control unit 15 can determine that the player after restarting the count of the time interval is the same player as the player before suspending the count of the time interval. As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from having to stop continuing the game due to a problem, and the player can play the prize acquisition game as required, thereby improving the player's satisfaction with the prize acquisition game.

[0315] (Step S30)

[0316] Now will return to Fig.42 Next, the control unit 15 executes the plane movement processing of the prize obtaining unit 6 (step S30).

[0317] In step S30, Fig.45As shown, the control unit 15 first moves the prize acquisition unit 6 in the X direction. More specifically, the control unit 15 determines whether the player presses the first button 831 (step S31). If it is determined that the player presses the first button 831 (step S31: yes), the control unit 15 operates the first motor 712 based on the operation signal from the first button 831, so that the prize acquisition unit 6 located at the standby position (origin) starts to move in the X direction (step S32). Next, the control unit 15 determines whether the prize acquisition unit 6 has moved to the limit position of its movement range in the X direction based on the movement limit detection signal from the X-direction stopper 716 (step S33). If it is determined that the prize acquisition unit 6 has not moved to the limit position of its movement range in the X direction (step S33: no), the control unit 15 determines whether the player releases the first button 831 (step S34). If it is determined that the player releases the first button 831 (step S34: yes), the control unit 15 stops the movement of the prize acquisition unit 6 in the X direction (step S35). After executing step S35, the prize obtaining unit 6 is located at the stop position (i.e., the direction change point) of its movement along the X direction. Then, the control unit 15 obtains the game information (i.e., the coordinate information of the direction change point) sent by the position sensor and encoder of the driving unit 7, and stores it in the storage unit 13 (step S36).

[0318] After that, the control unit 15 moves the prize acquisition unit 6 in the Y direction. More specifically, the control unit 15 determines whether the player has pressed the second button 832 (step S37). If it is determined that the player has pressed the second button 832 (step S37: yes), the control unit 15 operates the second motor 722 based on the operation signal from the second button 832, so that the prize acquisition unit 6 located at the direction change point starts to move in the Y direction (step S38). Next, the control unit 15 determines whether the prize acquisition unit 6 has moved to the limit position of its movement range in the Y direction based on the movement limit detection signal from the Y-direction stopper 726 (step S39). If it is determined that the prize acquisition unit 6 has not moved to the limit position of its movement range in the Y direction (step S39: no), the control unit 15 determines whether the player has released the second button 832 (step S40). If it is determined that the player has released the second button 832 (step S40: yes), the control unit 15 stops the movement of the prize acquisition unit 6 in the Y direction (step S41). After executing step S41, the prize acquisition unit 6 is located at the stop position (i.e., close to the starting point) of its movement in the Y direction. Then, the control unit 15 acquires the game information (i.e., the coordinate information close to the starting point) sent by the position sensor and encoder of the drive unit 7, and stores it in the storage unit 13 (step S42), and ends the plane movement process.

[0319] On the other hand, in the above-mentioned plane movement processing, if it is determined that the player has not pressed the first button 831 (step S31: No), the control unit 15 causes the processing to proceed to step S37. If it is determined that the prize acquisition unit 6 has moved to the limit position of its movement range in the X direction (step S33: Yes), the control unit 15 causes the processing to proceed to step S35. If it is determined that the player has not released the first button 831 (step S34: No), the control unit 15 returns the processing to step S33. If it is determined that the player has not pressed the second button 832 (step S37: No), the control unit 15 ends the plane movement processing. If it is determined that the prize acquisition unit 6 has moved to the limit position of its movement range in the Y direction (step S39: Yes), the control unit 15 causes the processing to proceed to step S41. If it is determined that the player has not released the second button 832 (step S40: No), the control unit 15 causes the processing to return to step S39.

[0320] (Step S50)

[0321] Now will return to Fig.42 Once the plane movement process of the prize obtaining unit 6 ends, the control unit 15 executes the prize obtaining process of the prize obtaining unit 6 (step S50).

[0322] In step S50, Fig.46 As shown, the control unit 15 first adjusts the approach movement of the prize acquisition unit 6, the opening and closing of the arm 61, and the pressure. More specifically, the control unit 15 operates the arm driving unit of the prize acquisition unit 6 so that the pair of arms 61 of the prize acquisition unit 6 are opened at the set opening at the approach start point (step S51). Then, the control unit 15 operates the third motor 733 to start the Z-direction descending direction movement (i.e., approach movement) of the prize acquisition unit 6 (step S52). Next, the control unit 15 determines whether there is a detection signal from the opening sensor 635 indicating that the arm 61 moves beyond a specific threshold due to contact with the prize or the prize support unit 40 (step S53). If it is determined that there is a detection signal from the opening sensor 635 (step S53: yes), the control unit 15 performs a first pressure adjustment to reduce the pressure applied by the arm 61 to the prize or the prize support unit 40 (step S55). In step S55, the control unit 15 stops the approach movement of the prize acquisition unit 6. Then, the control unit 15 operates the arm driving unit of the prize obtaining unit 6 to close the pair of arms 61, thereby allowing the prize to be grasped (step S57).

[0323] Then, the control unit 15 moves the prize acquisition unit 6 to the prize insertion position. More specifically, after closing the pair of arms 61, the control unit 15 actuates the third motor 733 to start the Z-direction ascending direction (i.e., retreating) movement of the prize acquisition unit 6 (step S58). Next, the control unit 15 determines whether the prize acquisition unit 6 has moved to the limit position of its moving range in the Z direction based on whether there is a request to stop the ascending movement from the ascending stop sensor (step S59). If it is determined that there is a request to stop the ascending movement from the ascending stop sensor (step S59: yes), the control unit 15 stops the Z-direction ascending direction movement of the prize acquisition unit 6 (step S60). Next, the control unit 15 actuates the second motor 722 and then the first motor 712 to move the prize acquisition unit 6 to the prize insertion position (step S61). In step S61, the control unit 15 moves the prize acquisition unit 6 in the Y direction and the X direction. Then, the control unit 15 determines whether the prize acquisition unit 6 has reached the prize insertion position (step S62). If it is determined that the prize obtaining unit 6 has reached the prize insertion position (step S62 : Yes), the control unit 15 operates the arm driving unit of the prize obtaining unit 6 to open and then close the pair of arms 61 (step S63 ).

[0324] Here, if the pair of arms 61 grabs the prize in step S57, the pair of arms 61 is opened in step S63 so that the prize falls through the first drop port 51. When the prize falls, the prize passes through the second drop port 52 and is temporarily accommodated in the prize accommodation unit 11. In addition, the prize is detected by the drop detector 53 after passing through the second drop port 52. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether the prize is obtained in each game. Then, the control unit 15 obtains the game information related to the information on whether the prize is obtained, which is sent by the drop detector 53, and stores it in the storage unit 13 (step S64), and ends the prize acquisition process. At this time, the control unit 15 ends the main process.

[0325] On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no detection signal from the opening sensor 635 (step S53: No), the control unit 15 determines whether there is a detection signal from the proximity stop sensor 7376 indicating that the bottom 67 of the main body 60 has contacted the prize and pressed against the prize with a certain pressure (step S54). If it is determined that there is a detection signal from the proximity stop sensor 7376 (step S54: Yes), the control unit 15 performs a second pressure adjustment to reduce the pressure applied by the main body 60 to the prize (step S56). In step S56, if Fig.47As shown, the control unit 15 stops the approach movement of the main body 60 (step S561), and then starts the retreat movement of the main body 60 (step S562). Next, the control unit 15 determines whether the main body 60 has moved a first distance in the retreat direction (step S563). In step S563, the control unit 15 determines the first distance to reduce the pressure applied by the main body unit 60 to the prize to a specific value while maintaining the contact between the bottom 67 of the main body 60 and the prize, depending on the type of the prize. If it is determined that the main body 60 has moved the first distance in the retreat direction (step S563: yes), the control unit 15 stops the retreat movement of the main body 60 (step S564) and ends the second pressure adjustment. On the other hand, if it is determined that the main body 6 has not moved the first distance in the retreat direction (step S563: no), the control unit 15 returns the process to step S563.

[0326] If it is determined that the prize acquisition unit 6 has not moved to the limit position of its movement range in the Z direction (step S59: No), the control unit 15 returns the process to step S59. If it is determined that the prize acquisition unit 6 has not reached the prize insertion position (step S62: No), the control unit 15 returns the process to step S62.

[0327] (Steps S70, S90, S110)

[0328] Now will return to Fig.42 Once the prize acquisition process of the prize acquisition unit 6 is completed, the control unit 15 moves the prize acquisition unit 6 to the standby position (step S70). Thereafter, the control unit 15 determines whether the prize acquisition unit 6 has reached the standby position (step S90). If it is determined that the prize acquisition unit 6 has reached the standby position (step S90: yes), the control unit 15 obtains the end time of the game and stores it in the storage unit 13 (step S110), and ends the main process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the prize acquisition unit 6 has not reached the standby position (step S90: no), the control unit 15 returns the process to step S90.

[0329] The prize obtaining game device 1 according to the above-described embodiment includes: a game device body 1A having a first game device group 1F in which a first player can play a first prize obtaining game and a second game device group 1G arranged side by side with the first game device group 1F and in which a second player can play a second prize obtaining game; a display unit 1B which is an example of a display unit provided on the front side of the game device body 1A and having a first display operation panel 91 which is an example of a first display area for the first game device group 1F and a second display operation panel 92 which is an example of a second display area for the second game device group 1G; a detection unit 1C which is an example of a detection unit which detects a start request of a management mode used by an administrator; and a control unit 1E which is an example of a control unit which controls the display of the first display operation panel 91 and / or the second display operation panel 92 based on the game progress status of the first prize obtaining game and / or the second prize obtaining game when the detection unit 1C detects the start request. As a result, when the administrator switches to the management mode, different information can be displayed based on the progress status of the prize acquisition game, which improves the satisfaction of both the administrator and the players.

[0330] In addition, in the prize acquisition game device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the start request includes a first start request, the detection unit 1C is capable of detecting the first start request according to the approach of the administrator key K (an example of an information medium associated with the game device body 1A), and when the detection unit 1C detects the first start request, the control unit 1E performs a first control including determining whether a game is being played on the first game device group 1F and the second game device group 1G, and displaying a menu screen on the display operation panel 90 corresponding to the game device group where the game is not being played. As a result, even when the prize acquisition game of the player is being played, the administrator can switch to the management mode without accidentally interrupting the prize acquisition game being played by the player. It should be noted that the administrator key K may be a physical key, in which case the first start request can be detected according to the operation of the administrator key K by the administrator.

[0331] In addition, the prize obtaining game device 1 according to the above-described embodiment further includes a maintenance door 96 which is an example of a start operation unit for starting the management mode, the start request includes a second start request, the detection unit 1C is capable of detecting the second start request according to the opening of the maintenance door 96, and when the detection unit 1C detects the second start request, the control unit 1E performs a second control to display a menu screen on the first display operation panel 91 and / or the second display operation panel 92. As a result, the display in the first display area and the second display area can be switched to the menu screen at the same time by a simple method.

[0332] In addition, in the prize acquisition game device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, when the detection unit 1C simultaneously detects the first start request and the second start request that can be detected according to the approach of the administrator key K associated with the game device body 1A, the control unit 1E executes the second control corresponding to the second start request. As a result, when the first start request and the second start request are detected at the same time, the second control corresponding to the second start request can be preferentially executed.

[0333] In addition, in the prize obtaining game device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the first control further includes: a display operation button which is an example of an operation display unit for changing to a menu screen in a display area corresponding to the game device group in which a game is being played, and when an operation button is displayed on the first display operation panel 91 (an example of the first display area) and the operation button displayed on the first display operation panel 91 is operated, the control unit 1E displays the menu screen on the first display operation panel 91 and displays the game screen on the second display operation panel 92. As a result, when one of the display operation panels is operated, the other display operation panel returns to the game screen, and the prize obtaining game can be played in the game device group corresponding to the other display operation panel.

[0334] Furthermore, in the prize obtaining game device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, when a menu screen is displayed on the first display operation panel 91 as an example of the first display area and one of the menu items on the menu screen displayed on the first display operation panel 91 is selected, the control unit 1E displays the selected menu item on the first display operation panel 91 and also displays a game screen on the second display operation panel 92. As a result, when one of the display operation panels is operated, the other display operation panel returns to the game screen, and a prize obtaining game can be played in the game device group corresponding to the other display operation panel.

[0335] In addition, in the prize obtaining game device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the control unit 1E displays the selected menu item on the first display operation panel 91, displays the game screen on the second display operation panel 92, and then determines whether the administrator has finished the operation on the menu item displayed on the first display operation panel 91, and determines whether the game is being played on the second game device group 1G corresponding to the second display operation panel 92, and if it is determined that the operation on the first display operation panel 91 has been finished and the game is not being played on the second game device group 1G, the game screen is displayed on the first display operation panel 91, and the menu screen is displayed on the second display operation panel 92. As a result, the administrator can easily perform continuous operations on the second game device group.

[0336] In addition, in the prize acquisition game menu item device 1 according to the above-described embodiment, the menu screen includes a "dual screen operation" switch which is an example of a linkage setting unit for simultaneously performing shared settings on the first game device group 1F and the second game device group 1G, and a first menu item which is an example of a menu item, and when the "dual screen operation" switch is turned on and the first menu item displayed on either the first display operation panel 91 or the second display operation panel 92 is operated, the control unit 1E performs shared settings. As a result, shared settings for the first game device group and the second game device group can be performed in a simple manner.

[0337] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and appropriate design changes made by those skilled in the art to the above-mentioned embodiments, as long as they still have the characteristics of the present invention, are also included in the scope of the present invention. In other words, the elements and their arrangements, materials, conditions, shapes, sizes, etc. of the above-mentioned embodiments are not limited to these examples and can be changed as needed. In addition, within the technically feasible range, the elements of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined, and these combinations are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they still have the characteristics of the present invention.

[0338] Reference Character List

[0339] 1...Prizes for obtaining gaming equipment

[0340] 1A...Game equipment body

[0341] 1B...Display unit

[0342] 1C...Detection unit

[0343] 1D...Maintenance unit

[0344] 1E...Control Unit

[0345] 1F...First Game Equipment Group

[0346] 1G...Second Game Equipment Group

[0347] 6...Prize Obtaining Unit

[0348] 9...Display unit

[0349] 9A...First display unit

[0350] 9B...Second display unit

[0351] 15...Control unit

[0352] 91...First display operation panel

[0353] 92...Second display operation panel

Claims

1. A prize obtaining game device, comprising: A game device body having a first game device group in which a first player plays a first prize obtaining game and a second game device group arranged side by side with the first game device group and in which a second player plays a second prize obtaining game; a display unit disposed on the front side of the game device body and having a first display area for the first game device group and a second display area for the second game device group; a detection unit that detects a start request of the management mode used by an administrator; as well as A control unit that controls display in the first display area and / or the second display area based on a game progress status of the first prize obtaining game and / or the second prize obtaining game when the detection unit detects the start request.

2. The prize obtaining game device according to claim 1, in, The start request includes a first start request, the detection unit can detect the first start request according to the approach of an information medium associated with the game device body or the operation of a physical key, and When the detection unit detects the first start request, The control unit may perform first control including determining whether a game is being played on the first game device group and the second game device group, and displaying a menu screen in a display area corresponding to a game device group in which a game is not being played.

3. The prize obtaining game device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a start operation unit for starting the management mode, in, The start request includes a second start request, the detection unit can detect the second start request according to the operation of the start operation unit, and When the detection unit detects the second start request, The control unit performs second control to display the menu screen in the first display area and the second display area.

4. The prize obtaining game device according to claim 3, wherein: When the detection unit simultaneously detects a first start request and a second start request that can be detected by the detection unit according to the approach of an information medium associated with the game device body or the operation of a physical key, the control unit performs a second control corresponding to the second start request.

5. The prize obtaining game device according to claim 3, in, The first control further includes displaying an operation display unit for changing to the menu screen in a display area corresponding to the game device group in which the game is being played, and In a case where the operation display unit displayed in the first display area is operated while the operation display unit is being displayed in the first display area, the control unit displays a menu screen in the first display area and displays a game screen in the second display area.

6. The prize obtaining game device according to claim 3, wherein: The menu screen is displayed in the first display area, and when one of the menu items on the menu screen displayed in the first display area is selected, the control unit displays the selected menu item in the first display area and displays a game screen in the second display area.

7. The prize obtaining game device according to claim 6, in, The control unit displays the selected menu item in the first display area, displays a game screen in the second display area, and then determines whether the administrator has finished operating the menu item displayed in the first display area, and determines whether a game is being played on the second game device group corresponding to the second display area, and If it is determined that the operation in the first display area has ended and a game is not being played on the second game device group, a game screen is displayed in the first display area, and a menu screen is displayed in the second display area.

8. The prize obtaining game device according to claim 2, in, The menu screen includes a menu item for performing sharing settings on the first game device group and the second game device group at the same time and a linkage setting unit, and The control unit performs the sharing setting when the linkage setting unit is turned on and a menu item displayed in either the first display area or the second display area is operated.

Images