Prize acquisition game device, and arm adjustment method of prize acquisition game device
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SEGA CORP
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-25
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
Smart Images
Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game device and an arm adjustment method for a prize acquisition game device. [Background technology]
[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a prize acquisition game in which prizes are acquired by opening and closing a plurality of arms in a storage space that stores prizes (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7243886 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] If the opening size of the arms is smaller than the size of the prizes housed in the prize acquisition game device, the arms will not be able to pinch and grab the prizes, making the prize acquisition game more difficult. On the other hand, if the opening size of the arms is too large compared to the size of the prizes, the arms will be able to pinch the prizes easily, making the prize acquisition game less difficult.
[0005] Therefore, in the prize acquisition game device of Patent Document 1, an operator (for example, a staff member at an amusement facility) can adjust the degree to which the arms are opened to match the size of the prize when a player is not playing the prize acquisition game.
[0006] However, the operator had to visually see the prize, estimate the degree to which the arms should be opened, and determine the appropriate size for the prize. As a result, the operator often got it wrong, and had to repeatedly adjust the degree to which the arms should be opened, which was a time-consuming task for the operator.
[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to make it easier to adjust the degree to which the arms are opened. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] The main invention of the present invention to solve the above problems is: A prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a prize acquisition game in which the player acquires prizes by opening and closing a plurality of arms in a storage space that stores the prizes, a determination unit which, when an operator matches the distance between the arms to the size of the prize in a situation where a player is not playing a prize acquisition game, determines the degree to which the arms are opened in that state based on the detection result by the arm opening sensor; an arm control unit that controls an opening operation of the arm based on the determined opening degree of the arm; The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game device. Other features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]
[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view showing the configuration of a prize acquisition game device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a prize acquisition game device 1 according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a moving section 50 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is an external view of the prize capture section 20 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between an arm portion 25 and a drive portion 35 according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a schematic diagram showing an arm 29 in a closed state. FIG. [Figure 7] 13 is a schematic diagram showing the arm 29 in a fully open state. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart for explaining a method for adjusting the opening degree of the arms according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a setting screen 500 in the initial state according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] This is the first explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the distance between the arms is adjusted to match the size of the prize. [Figure 11] This is the second explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the distance between the arms is adjusted to match the size of the prize. [Figure 12] This is the third explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the distance between the arms is adjusted to match the size of the prize. [Figure 13] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the distance between the arms is adjusted to match the size of the prize. [Figure 14] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the state in which the distance between the arms is adjusted to match the size of the prize. [Figure 15] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a notification screen 600 in this embodiment. [Figure 16] 13 is an image diagram showing a setting screen 500 after the opening degree of the arms has been determined in this embodiment. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is an image diagram showing a setting screen 500 after the arm opening degree has been redetermined in this embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0010] At least the following points will become apparent from the description of this specification and the accompanying drawings. That is, a prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a prize acquisition game in which the player acquires prizes by opening and closing a plurality of arms in a storage space that stores the prizes, a determination unit which, when an operator matches the distance between the arms to the size of the prize in a situation where a player is not playing a prize acquisition game, determines the degree to which the arms are opened in that state based on the detection result by the arm opening sensor; an arm control unit that controls an opening operation of the arm based on the determined opening degree of the arm; The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game device. With this type of prize acquisition game device, for example, when an operator is performing the task of storing a prize in a storage space, the operator can adjust the distance between the arms to match the size of the prize, and in that state use the detection results of the arm opening sensor to easily determine the degree to which the arms are opened according to the prize, making it easier for the operator to adjust the degree to which the arms are opened.
[0011] In addition, in the prize acquisition game device, The determination unit may also be configured to determine the degree to which the arms are opened in a state in which the size of the prize is matched to the size of the prize by an operator manually clamping the prize between the arms, or by bringing the prize close to the arms without clamping it, when a player is not playing a prize-capture game, based on the detection results of an arm opening sensor. With this type of prize acquisition game device, the operator can manually match the size of the prize to the size of the space between the arms by sandwiching the prize between the arms or bringing the prize close to the arms without sandwiching it between the arms, and in this state, by using the detection results of the arm opening sensor, the degree to which the arms are opened according to the prize can be easily determined, making it easy for the operator to adjust the degree to which the arms are opened.
[0012] In addition, in the prize acquisition game device, the determination unit determines a reference opening degree of the arm in the relevant state from a detection value of the arm opening sensor, and then determines a correction opening degree that is greater than the reference opening degree; The arm control unit may control the opening operation of the arm based on the determined corrected opening degree of the arm. With this type of prize capture game device, the operator matches the size of the prize to the distance between the arms, and by using the detection value of the arm opening sensor in this state, the degree of arm opening when the size of the prize and the distance between the arms match (standard degree of arm opening) can be determined as a standard. Then, by correcting the degree of arm opening to be larger than the standard, the degree of arm opening when the distance between the arms becomes larger than the size of the prize (corrected degree of arm opening) can be determined. This makes it possible to easily adjust the degree of arm opening to make it easier to pinch a prize.
[0013] In addition, in the prize acquisition game device, The determination unit may determine a reference degree of opening of the arm in the relevant state from a detection value of the arm opening sensor, and then automatically determine a corrected degree of opening that is greater than the reference degree of opening. According to such a prize capture game device, the degree to which the arms are opened to easily grip a prize is automatically determined, thereby eliminating the need for the operator to perform setting operations.
[0014] In addition, in the prize acquisition game device, The determination unit may determine a reference degree of opening of the arm in the relevant state from a detection value of the arm opening sensor, and then determine a corrected degree of opening that is greater than the reference degree of opening in accordance with a setting operation by an operator. According to this type of prize acquisition game device, the operator can adjust and determine the degree to which the arms are opened to easily grasp the prize by performing a setting operation.
[0015] In addition, in the prize acquisition game device, the determination unit determines a reference opening degree of each arm from a detection value of an arm opening sensor for each arm, and then determines an opening degree of the arm by averaging the reference opening degrees of each arm; The arm control section may control the opening operation of the arms based on the average degree of opening of the arms. According to such a prize acquisition game device, the standard degree of opening of each arm is averaged, so that the degree of opening of the arms corresponding to the prize can be easily determined without the prize having to be sandwiched correctly at the center position between the arms.
[0016] In addition, in the prize acquisition game device, In a situation where the player is not playing the prize acquisition game and the arms are closed as a result of the operator manually removing the prize from between the arms, a display control unit may be provided which displays on a screen the determined degree of arm opening based on the detection results of the arm opening sensor. With this type of prize acquisition game device, the arms are closed by the operator manually removing the prize from between the arms, and the determined degree of arm opening can be confirmed on the screen.
[0017] Also, there is provided an arm adjustment method for a prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a prize acquisition game in which prizes are acquired by opening and closing a plurality of arms in a storage space that stores the prizes, comprising: When the player is not playing the prize acquisition game, the operator adjusts the distance between the arms to match the size of the prize; Determining the degree of arm opening in the corresponding state based on the detection result by the arm opening sensor; Controlling an opening operation of the arms based on the determined opening degree of the arms; The present invention relates to a method for adjusting the arms of a prize acquisition game device having a prize acquisition game device. According to this arm adjustment method for a prize-winning game device, the operator matches the distance between the arms to the size of the prize, and in that state uses the detection results of the arm opening sensor to easily determine the degree to which the arms are opened according to the prize, making it easy for the operator to adjust the degree to which the arms are opened.
[0018] === Implementation form === <<Configuration of Prize Acquisition Game Device 1>> An example of the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 3. Fig. 1 is an external view showing the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a moving unit 50 according to this embodiment.
[0019] In the following explanation, each direction is defined as shown in each figure. That is, the vertical direction is defined as the "up-down direction," and "up" and "down" are defined according to gravity. Furthermore, based on the view from the player playing the game facing the prize acquisition game device 1, the near side is defined as the "front" and the far side is defined as the "rear," forming a "front-to-rear direction." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the up-down and front-to-rear directions is defined as the "left-to-right direction," and based on the view from the player, "right" and "left" are defined.
[0020] The prize acquisition game device 1 of this embodiment is used when a player entering an amusement facility plays a prize acquisition game, or when facility staff (operators) perform setup work for the prize acquisition game, and is equipped with a storage section 10 that stores one or more prizes, and a base section 80 provided below the storage section 10.
[0021] As shown in Fig. 1, the front and left and right sides of the storage unit 10 are made of transparent materials (e.g., transparent resin, glass, etc.) so that players can see the prizes stored in the storage space. An opening and closing door 11 is provided on the front of the storage unit 10, allowing facility staff to display and replenish the prizes. Pillars 12 are provided at the four corners of the storage unit 10.
[0022] The storage space enclosed by the storage section 10 is used as a play field where players can play the prize acquisition game. If the pillars 12 on both sides of the opening and closing door 11 are made of mirror-like or transparent materials, they will not stand out visually, making the play field look larger.
[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the storage section 10 in this embodiment has a prize acquisition section 20 that performs the operation of acquiring prizes in the storage space, a moving section 50 that moves the prize acquisition section 20 in the storage space, and a display section 60 for displaying prizes in the storage space.
[0024] In this embodiment, a first play area where a player plays a prize acquisition game is formed on the left side of the storage space, and a second play area is formed on the right side of the storage space. A prize acquisition section 20 and an exhibition section 60 are arranged corresponding to the first play area on the left side and the second play area on the right side, respectively. Therefore, each prize acquisition section 20 is configured to be able to move within each play area to acquire a prize displayed in each exhibition section 60.
[0025] The prize capturing section 20 is a prize capturing unit for capturing prizes stored in the storage section 10 (prizes displayed in the display section 60) by opening and closing an arm. As shown in Figs. 1 and 3, the prize capturing section 20 in this embodiment is configured to be able to grasp prizes by a plurality of arms 29, and is connected to the lower end of the lifting member 52a.
[0026] The moving unit 50 moves the prize capture unit 20 within the play field formed by the storage unit 10. The moving unit 50 in this embodiment has a horizontal moving unit 51 and a vertical moving unit 52, as shown in FIG.
[0027] The horizontal movement unit 51 moves the prize capture unit 20 horizontally (i.e., forward / backward and left / right) on the play field. The horizontal movement unit 51 in this embodiment has a left / right movement unit 53 and a front / back movement unit 54, as shown in FIG.
[0028] The left-right movement unit 53 moves the prize capture unit 20 left-right on the play field.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 3, the left-right movement section 53 in this embodiment has a pair of fixed rails 53a extending in the left-right direction, a left-right movement motor 53b, an encoder (not shown), and a limit sensor (not shown).
[0030] The pair of fixed rails 53a are fixed to the upper part of the storage unit 10 so as to be parallel to each other in the left-right direction. A front-rear moving unit 54 is attached to the pair of fixed rails 53a so as to be slidable in the left-right direction. The front-rear moving unit 54 can be moved in the left-right direction along the fixed rails 53a by driving the left-right movement motor 53b.
[0031] The encoder detects the number of rotations of the left-right movement motor 53b. Based on the output of the encoder, the left-right position of the forward-rear movement unit 54 (i.e., the left-right position of the prize capture unit 20) can be detected.
[0032] The limit sensor is for detecting when the forward / backward moving section 54 reaches its limit position in the left / right direction (that is, when the prize capturing section 20 reaches its limit position in the left / right direction).
[0033] The forward / backward movement unit 54 moves the prize capture unit 20 forward / backward on the play field.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 3, the front-rear movement section 54 in this embodiment has a movable rail 54a extending along the front-rear direction, a front-rear movement motor 54b, an encoder (not shown), and a limit sensor (not shown).
[0035] The vertical moving part 52 is attached to the movable rail 54a so as to be slidable along the front-rear direction. The vertical moving part 52 can be moved in the front-rear direction along the movable rail 54a by driving the front-rear movement motor 54b.
[0036] The encoder detects the number of rotations of the forward / backward movement motor 54b. Based on the output of this encoder, the position of the vertical movement unit 52 in the forward / backward direction (i.e., the position of the prize capture unit 20 in the forward / backward direction) can be detected.
[0037] The limit sensor is for detecting when the vertical moving section 52 has reached its limit position in the front-rear direction (i.e., when the prize capturing section 20 has reached its limit position in the front-rear direction).
[0038] The vertical movement section 52 moves the prize capture section 20 in the vertical direction (that is, the up-down direction) on the play field.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 3, the vertical movement unit 52 in this embodiment has a lifting member 52a that is configured to be freely expandable and contractable along the vertical direction, a wire winding unit (not shown), a vertical movement motor (not shown), an upper limit sensor (not shown), and a lower limit sensor (not shown).
[0040] The lifting member 52a is configured by fitting a number of pipes of successively smaller diameters in a telescopic manner so as to be freely slidable. The prize capture unit 20 is attached to the lower end of the lifting member 52a in a state connected to a wire passing through the inside of the pipe.
[0041] The wire winding section is driven by a vertical movement motor to wind up the wire, thereby raising the prize capturing section 20 while successively storing the lower pipes in the upper pipe, or to lower the prize capturing section 20 by unwinding the wire, while successively sending out the lower pipes from the upper pipe.
[0042] The upper limit sensor detects whether the prize capturing section 20 has stopped rising by winding up the wire connected to the prize capturing section 20.
[0043] The lower limit sensor detects whether the descent of the prize capturing unit 20 has stopped based on a change in tension of the wire connected to the prize capturing unit 20 .
[0044] The display unit 60 is for displaying prizes in the storage unit 10, and forms the bottom surface of the play field as shown in Fig. 1. The display unit 60 in this embodiment has a frame 61 and a plurality of panels 62 as shown in Fig. 1.
[0045] The frame 61 is supported inside the base portion 80 and is configured to be able to support a plurality of panels 62 .
[0046] The panel 62 is configured so that prizes can be displayed on its upper surface, and is detachably supported by the frame 61.
[0047] The placement area where the panel 62 is placed becomes a display area where prizes can be displayed, while the placement area where the panel 62 is not placed becomes an opening area through which prizes can pass.
[0048] When the prize that is captured and then dropped by the prize capturing section 20 passes (drops) through the open area of the exhibition section 60, it is considered to have moved from the play field to the base section 80.
[0049] A prize that falls from the open area of the exhibition section 60 is detected by an optical sensor and then guided to the prize outlet 96 along a guide path.
[0050] The optical sensor detects the presence or absence of a prize by using a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that are installed on the guide path.
[0051] The base 80 is the base part of the housing provided below the storage part 10, and holds the storage part 10 at a high position so that the player can play the game while standing and facing forward.
[0052] The base unit 80 in this embodiment has an operation unit 90, a play fee detection unit 93, a prize outlet 96, a setting unit 100, a control unit 110, and a memory unit 120, as shown in Figures 1 and 2.
[0053] The operation unit 90 is used by the player to operate the game. As shown in Fig. 1, the operation unit 90 in this embodiment has at least a first button 91 and a second button 92. The facility staff can operate the operation unit 90 when setting the arm 29, etc.
[0054] The first button 91 is an operation button used by the player to move the prize capturing section 20 in the left-right direction. The second button 92 is an operation button used by the player to move the prize capturing section 20 in the front-rear direction.
[0055] When the player operates the first button 91 and the second button 92, the prize capturing unit 20 moves horizontally, and then the stopping position of the prize capturing unit 20 is determined above the targeted prize. When the player releases the second button 92, the prize capturing unit 20 starts to descend at the determined stopping position.
[0056] The play fee detection unit 93 is for detecting the payment of a play fee by a player. In this embodiment, the play fee detection unit 93 has a coin insertion slot 94, a coin detection sensor (not shown), a coin passage path (not shown), and a coin box (not shown).
[0057] In this embodiment, the prize acquisition game is started when the player inserts a predetermined number of coins into the coin insertion slot 94. The coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 94 are detected by a coin detection sensor.
[0058] The coin detection sensor is, for example, an optical sensor, and detects the presence or absence of a coin inserted from the coin slot 94 by a light emitting section and a light receiving section attached on the coin passage. The coin that passes through the coin passage in this way is stored in the coin box.
[0059] The prize removal opening 96 is provided on the front surface of the base section 80 and is intended for removing a prize that has been acquired by the prize acquisition section 20 and falls through the opening area in the display section 60.
[0060] The setting unit 100 is used when a player performs game operations or when facility staff performs setting operations. The setting unit 100 in this embodiment has a setting operation unit 101 and a display unit 102, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2.
[0061] The setting operation unit 101 is for accepting operation inputs. In this embodiment, the setting operation unit 101 is configured with a touch panel, and accepts input instructions from an operator from a pressed position on the touch panel.
[0062] The touch panel is laminated on the display unit 102, and when a touch operation is performed on the screen, the pressed position (contact position) can be detected based on a change in electrostatic capacitance between the fingertip and the conductive film.
[0063] The display unit 102 displays various screens such as a game screen, a setting screen, etc. In this embodiment, the display unit 102 is configured with a liquid crystal display.
[0064] The control unit 110 is provided inside the base unit 80, and is a control unit for controlling the entire prize acquisition game device 1. The control unit 110 in this embodiment is realized by the CPU executing a program stored in a predetermined memory.
[0065] The CPU is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the entire game device. The memory is for securing an area for storing programs for the CPU, a working area, etc., and includes storage elements such as RAM.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 110 in this embodiment includes a determination unit 110a, a storage unit 110b, a game control unit 110c, and a display control unit 110d.
[0067] The determination unit 110a performs various controls related to the determination of the setting contents of the prize acquisition game. As an example of the setting contents, the determination unit 110a in this embodiment determines the degree of opening of the arms.
[0068] The saving unit 110b performs various controls related to saving the settings of the prize acquisition game. In this embodiment, the saving unit 110b saves the opening degree of the arms determined by the determination unit 110a in the memory unit 120 as an example of saving the settings.
[0069] The game control unit 110c performs various controls related to the prize acquisition game. In this embodiment, the game control unit 110c also functions as an arm control unit, and controls the opening operation of the arms according to the opening degree of the arms stored in the storage unit 110b.
[0070] The display control unit 110d controls the screen display of the display unit 102. The display control unit 110d in this embodiment causes the display unit 102 to display a notification screen for informing the facility staff of the degree of arm opening determined by the determination unit 110a.
[0071] The storage unit 120 is a storage unit that stores programs and data for the control unit 110 to control the entire prize acquisition game device 1. In this embodiment, it has a storage element such as a ROM that is a read-only storage area.
[0072] In the present embodiment, the storage unit 120 stores setting information for the prize acquisition game in addition to the game program and the setting program.
[0073] The setting information of the prize acquisition game is information indicating the setting contents of the prize acquisition game for each of the first play area and the second play area. The setting contents are, for example, the gripping force and moving speed of the prize acquisition unit 20, the opening degree of the arm 29, the current play fee, etc.
[0074] <<Configuration of arm portion 25>> An example of the configuration of the arm unit 25 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 4 to 7. Fig. 4 is an external view of the prize capturing unit 20 according to this embodiment. Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the arm unit 25 and the drive unit 35 according to this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the arm 29 in a closed state. Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the arm 29 in a fully open state.
[0075] 4, the prize capturing section 20 according to this embodiment includes a main body 21 connected to the lower end of the lifting member 52a, and two arm sections 25 on the left and right, each having an arm 29 configured to be rotatable relative to the main body 21. In the following, since the two arm sections 25 on the left and right are all identical in configuration, the configuration will be specifically described using only the right arm section 25.
[0076] 5, the right arm unit 25 has an arm 29 bent into an L shape, an arm connector 28 that detachably connects the arm 29 to the main body 21, a claw 30 that is detachably attached to the tip of the arm 29, and an arm opening sensor (not shown) that detects the opening degree of the arm 29. The arm connector 28 forms the base end of the arm unit 25, and the claw 30 forms the tip of the arm unit 25.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 5, arm connection portion 28 has a protrusion portion 28a, arm shaft 28b which serves as the central axis when arm 29 rotates, transmission gear 28c which rotates integrally with arm shaft 28b, torsion spring 28d as an example of an elastic body, and fastening portion 28e.
[0078] As shown in Fig. 5, the protrusion 28a is a portion provided in a protruding state at one end of the arm connecting part 28. As shown in Fig. 6, the protrusion 28a can bring the arm 29 into a closed state by abutting against a stopper part 46 attached to the main body 21 of the prize capturing part 20.
[0079] The arm shaft 28b is inserted into an insertion hole (not shown) of the arm connecting part 28, and then attached to the main body 21 of the prize capturing part 20. The transmission gear 28c is fitted integrally with the arm shaft 28b, and transmits power to the arm 29 when driven by the drive part 35.
[0080] Torsion spring 28d applies a gripping force to arm 29, and is attached so as not to fall off by screwing fastener 28e to arm shaft 28b as shown in Fig. 5. Arm connector 28 is connected to arm 29 via torsion spring 28d.
[0081] The arm opening sensor (not shown) is a sensor for measuring the degree to which the arm is opened. In this embodiment, the arm opening sensor outputs a detection value corresponding to the amount of rotation of the arm 29 about the arm axis 28b, thereby detecting the opening degree of the arm 29 from the closed state shown in Fig. 6 to the fully open state shown in Fig. 7.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 5, the drive unit 35 has an arm opening / closing motor 35a, a gear box 35b connected to the arm opening / closing motor 35a, an output shaft 35c of the gear box 35b, and a transmission gear 35d fitted to the output shaft 35c.
[0083] The gear box 35b reduces the rotational force of the arm opening / closing motor 35a and outputs it. Note that the transmission gear 35d may be directly fitted to the output shaft (not shown) of the arm opening / closing motor 35a without going through the gear box 35b.
[0084] As shown in Fig. 6, when the arm 29 is in the closed state, the arm opening / closing motor 35a rotates the output shaft in a predetermined direction, causing the transmission gear 35d to rotate via the gear box 35b, and power is transmitted to the transmission gear 28c meshing with the transmission gear 35d. When the transmission gear 28c rotates in accordance with the power, the arm 29 connected to the arm connector 28 via the torsion spring 28d rotates in the arm opening direction around the arm shaft 28b to which the transmission gear 28c is fitted. Then, as shown in Fig. 7, when the arm opening sensor detects that the arm 29 is in the fully open state, the arm opening / closing motor 35a stops.
[0085] <<How to adjust the arm opening>> The method of adjusting the degree of opening of the arms according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 17. Fig. 8 is a flow chart for explaining the method of adjusting the degree of opening of the arms according to this embodiment. Fig. 9 is an image diagram showing a setting screen 500 in an initial state in this embodiment. Fig. 10 is a first explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the size of the arms is matched to the size of the prize. Fig. 11 is a second explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the size of the arms is matched to the size of the prize. Fig. 12 is a third explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the size of the arms is matched to the size of the prize. Fig. 13 is a fourth explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the size of the arms is matched to the size of the prize. Fig. 14 is a fifth explanatory diagram for explaining a state in which the size of the arms is matched to the size of the prize. Fig. 15 is an image diagram showing a notification screen 600 in this embodiment. Fig. 16 is an image diagram showing a setting screen 500 after the degree of opening of the arms is determined in this embodiment. Fig. 17 is an image diagram showing a setting screen 500 after the degree of opening of the arms is re-determined in this embodiment.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 8, when a facility staff member performs a predetermined touch operation using the setting operation unit 101 while a player is not playing the prize acquisition game, the display control unit 110d of the prize acquisition game device 1 causes the display unit 102 to display the initial state setting screen 500 shown in FIG. 9 (step S101).
[0087] As shown in FIG. 9, the initial setting screen 500 includes a setting start button 501, a confirmation button 502, a decision button 503, an increase / decrease operation button 504, and an opening degree display area 505.
[0088] Next, when the facility staff member selects the setting start button 501 on the initial setting screen 500 by touching it (step S102: YES), the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines whether or not each of the arms 29 is in a closed state based on the detection results of the arm opening sensors of each of the two left and right arm sections 25 (step S103).
[0089] If each arm 29 is not in the closed state (step S103: NO), the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 rotates each arm 29 in the closing direction using each drive unit 35 until each arm 29 is in the closed state (step S104).
[0090] When each arm 29 is in a closed state (step S103: YES), the facility staff adjusts the distance between the arms to match the size of the prize (for example, a new prize to be stored in the storage section 10) (step S105).
[0091] Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the facility staff manually opens the arms 29 which are in a closed state, and then manually sandwiches a prize P between the two arms 29, thereby adjusting the size of the space between the arms to match the size of the prize.
[0092] For example, when a facility staff member places a prize P on the display section 60 as shown in FIG. 11, and then operates the operation section 90, the prize acquisition section 20 clamps the prize P between the two arms 29, thereby adjusting the distance between the arms to match the size of the prize.
[0093] In this way, when the facility staff operates the operation unit 90, the prize capture unit 20 clamps the prize P between the two arms 29, which is included in the definition of the facility staff manually clamping the prize between the arms.
[0094] Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, the facility staff does not clamp the prize between the two arms 29, but instead manually opens the arms 29, which are in a closed state, and manually moves the prize P closer to the gap between the two arms 29, thereby adjusting the size of the gap between the arms to match the size of the prize.
[0095] For example, as shown in FIG. 13, a facility staff member places a prize P on the exhibition section 60 and then operates the operation section 90, which causes the prize acquisition section 20 to bring the prize P closer to the space between the two arms 29 rather than clamping the prize between them, thereby adjusting the size of the space between the arms to match the size of the prize.
[0096] In this way, when the facility staff operates the operation unit 90 and the prize capture unit 20 brings the prize P closer to between the two arms 29 without clamping the prize between the two arms 29, this is included in the definition of the facility staff manually bringing the prize closer to between the arms.
[0097] It is also possible to match the distance between the arms to the size of the prize by a method other than the above. For example, even when the facility staff operates the operation unit 90, it is possible that the prize P is not placed on the exhibition unit 60 as shown in Fig. 11, but is held in the left hand by the facility staff as shown in Fig. 10, and then the facility staff operates the operation unit 90 with the right hand, causing the prize capturing unit 20 to sandwich the prize P between the two arms 29, thereby matching the distance between the arms to the size of the prize.
[0098] Next, when the facility staff member selects the decision button 503 by touch operation on the initial setting screen 500 with the distance between the arms adjusted to match the size of the prize (step S106: YES), the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines the degree to which the arms 29 are opened in that state based on the detection results of the arm opening sensor (step S107).
[0099] In this embodiment, the degree of opening of the arm 29 is divided into 25 levels from the closed state of the arm 29 to the fully open state, and when the arm 29 is in the closed state, it is set to level "0," and when the arm 29 is in the fully open state, it is set to level "25." This allows the degree of opening of the arm 29 to be arbitrarily adjusted and determined from the 25 levels from "1" to "25" according to the size of the prize.
[0100] Although the case where the opening degree of the arm 29 is divided into 25 stages is illustrated here, the opening degree of the arm 29 may be divided into 26 stages or more to allow fine adjustment according to the size of the prize, thereby increasing the adjustment precision. Conversely, the opening degree of the arm 29 may be divided into 24 stages or less to decrease the adjustment precision, thereby allowing rough adjustment. It is also possible to adjust the opening degree of the arm 29 linearly.
[0101] Specifically, for example, when the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 acquires a detection value of an arm opening sensor of one of the two left and right arm units 25 in a state in which the size of the prize and the size of the arm gap are matched, the determination unit 110a determines a level corresponding to the detection value. If the determined level is any of "1" to "25", the determined level is determined as the degree of opening of the arm 29 in that state, that is, the degree of opening of the arm 29 when the size of the prize and the size of the arm gap match (reference degree of opening). When the degree of opening of the arm 29 is determined in this manner, the saving unit 110b of the prize acquisition game device 1 saves the level in the memory unit 120. On the other hand, if the determined level is "0", it can be determined that the arm 29 is in a closed state, so that the degree of opening of the arm 29 is not determined and is processed as an error. That is, an error display is notified on the setting screen 500 in the initial state, and the process waits until the decision button 503 is pressed again.
[0102] Also, for example, when the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 acquires the detection values of the arm opening sensors of the two left and right arm sections 25 in a state in which the size of the prize and the distance between the arms are matched, the determination unit 110a specifies the level corresponding to each detection value. If each specified level is one of "1" to "25", the larger of the specified levels is determined as the opening degree of the arm 29 in that state, that is, the opening degree of the arm 29 when the size of the prize and the distance between the arms match (reference opening degree). When the opening degree of the arm 29 is determined in this manner, the saving unit 110b of the prize acquisition game device 1 saves the level in the memory unit 120. On the other hand, if each specified level is "0", it can be determined that the arm 29 is in a closed state, so that the opening degree of the arm 29 is not determined and is processed as an error. That is, an error display is notified on the setting screen 500 in the initial state, and the process waits until the decision button 503 is pressed again.
[0103] Also, for example, when the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 acquires the detection values of the arm opening sensors of the two left and right arm sections 25 in a state in which the size of the prize and the size of the gap between the arms are matched, the determination unit 110a specifies the level corresponding to each detection value. If each specified level is one of "1" to "25", the determined level is set as the degree of opening of each arm 29 when the size of the prize and the size of the gap between the arms match (reference degree of opening). After that, the determined level is set as the degree of opening of the arm obtained by averaging the reference degree of opening of each arm 29. When the degree of opening of the arm 29 is determined in this manner, the storage unit 110b of the prize acquisition game device 1 stores the average level in the storage unit 120. On the other hand, if each specified level is "0", it can be determined that the arm 29 is in a closed state, so that the degree of opening of the arm 29 is not determined and the result is processed as an error. That is, an error message is displayed on the initial setting screen 500, and the process waits until the decision button 503 is pressed again.
[0104] By using the average value as in this example, even if the prize P is sandwiched in an unbalanced state as shown in FIG. 14, the degree of opening of the arms 29 can be determined according to the size of the prize. That is, when the facility staff manually sandwiches the prize P between the two arms 29 and adjusts the size of the arm gap to match the size of the prize, as shown in FIG. 14, the prize P may be shifted left and right from the center position between the arms. Even in such a case, the detection values of the arm opening sensors of the two left and right arm sections 25 are obtained, the levels corresponding to the respective detection values are identified, and the average level of these levels is determined as the degree of opening of the arms, which is the average of the reference opening degrees of each arm 29. This eliminates the need to sandwich the prize P in the center position between the arms, thereby reducing the workload of the facility staff.
[0105] For example, if the level corresponding to the detection value of the arm opening sensor of the left arm section 25 is identified as "12" and the level corresponding to the detection value of the arm opening sensor of the right arm section 25 is identified as "7," their average level will be "9.5," but the average level "10" rounded up to the nearest whole number is determined as the arm opening degree obtained by averaging the reference opening degrees of each arm 29, rather than the average level "9" rounded down to the nearest whole number. By adopting the level rounded up to the nearest whole number in this manner, it is possible to avoid unexpected situations in which the opening size of the arm 29 becomes smaller than the size of the prize P despite the automatic adjustment, making it impossible for the arm 29 to pinch and grab the prize P.
[0106] Next, when the opening degree of the arm 29 is determined by the determination unit 110a, the display control unit 110d of the prize acquisition game device 1 causes the display unit 102 to display a notification screen 600 notifying that the opening degree of the arm 29 has been determined (step S108), as shown in Fig. 15. By looking at this notification screen 600, the facility staff can know the timing to remove the prize P.
[0107] Next, the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines whether or not each of the arms 29 is in a closed state based on the detection results of the arm opening sensors of each of the two left and right arm units 25 (step S109).
[0108] Specifically, for example, when a prize P is sandwiched between the arms as shown in Fig. 10, if the facility staff removes the prize P, each arm 29 will be closed by the biasing force of the torsion spring 28d. When the arm opening sensor detects that the arms 29 are in the closed state, the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines that each arm 29 is in the closed state.
[0109] Next, when the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines that each arm 29 is in a closed state (step S109: YES), it controls the opening operation of the arms 29 for confirmation based on the degree of opening of the arms 29 determined by the determination unit 110a in the processing of the above step S107 (step S110).
[0110] Specifically, the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 rotates each arm 29, which is in a closed state, in the opening direction by the respective drive units 35 until the arm opening sensor detects that the arm 29 has reached the opening degree (level) determined by the determination unit 110a (that is, until the arm 29 opening degree (level) determined by the determination unit 110a is detected as being in a fully open state). This allows the facility staff to visually confirm the fully open state of the arm 29, which has been automatically adjusted according to the size of the prize.
[0111] Next, the display control unit 110d of the prize acquisition game device 1 displays the degree (level) of opening of the arm 29 determined by the determination unit 110a in the processing of step S107 above in the opening degree display area 505 of the setting screen 500 shown in Figure 16 (step S111).
[0112] In this embodiment, the degree of opening of the arms 29 determined by the determination unit 110a in the processing of step S107 above, that is, the degree of opening of the arms 29 when the size of the prize and the distance between the arms match (reference degree of opening), is displayed as level "10" in the opening degree display area 505 of the setting screen 500 shown in FIG.
[0113] Here, if the facility staff wishes to lower the difficulty level of the prize acquisition game, they can change the level to a level higher than level "10" by operating the increase / decrease operation button 504. In other words, by changing to a higher level, the degree of opening of the arms 29 can be corrected when the distance between the arms becomes larger than the size of the prize, making it easier for the arms 29 to pinch and grab the prize, thereby lowering the difficulty level of the prize acquisition game.
[0114] Conversely, if the facility staff wishes to increase the difficulty of the prize acquisition game, they can change the level to a level lower than level "10" by operating the increase / decrease operation button 504. In other words, by changing to a lower level, the degree to which the arms 29 open can be corrected to the extent that the distance between the arms becomes smaller than the size of the prize, so that the arms 29 will no longer be able to hold the prize, and the difficulty of the prize acquisition game can be increased.
[0115] Next, the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines whether or not the increase / decrease operation button 504 on the setting screen 500 shown in FIG. 16 has been selected by the facility staff (step S112).
[0116] If the facility staff member has not selected the increase / decrease operation button 504 (step S112: NO), the process of this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if the facility staff member has selected the increase / decrease operation button 504 (step S112: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S113.
[0117] Next, when the increase / decrease operation button 504 is selected by the facility staff, the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 corrects the opening degree of the arm 29 determined by the determination unit 110a in the processing of step S107 above in accordance with the setting operation of the facility staff, and determines the opening degree of the arm 29 after the correction (corrected opening degree) (step S113).
[0118] Specifically, for example, if a facility staff member who wishes to lower the difficulty level of the prize acquisition game operates the increase / decrease operation button 504 on the setting screen 500 shown in Fig. 16 to change the level from "10" to "12", which is higher than the level "10", the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines the level "12", which is higher than the level "10", as the corrected opening degree of the arm 29 (corrected opening degree) that is greater than the reference opening degree of the arm 29, in accordance with the setting operation of the facility staff member. When the corrected opening degree of the arm 29 is determined in this manner, the saving unit 110b of the prize acquisition game device 1 saves the level "12" in the memory unit 120. In addition, the display control unit 110d of the prize acquisition game device 1 displays in the opening degree display area 505 of the setting screen 500 shown in FIG. 17 that the corrected opening degree of the arm 29 (corrected opening degree) has become level "12" as a result of the facility staff operating the increase / decrease button 504 to change the level from "10" to "12".
[0119] Next, the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines whether or not the confirmation button 502 on the setting screen 500 shown in FIG. 17 has been selected by the facility staff (step S114).
[0120] If the confirmation button 502 is not selected by the facility staff (step S114: NO), the process of this flowchart ends. On the other hand, if the confirmation button 502 is selected by the facility staff (step S114: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S115.
[0121] Next, when the confirmation button 502 is selected by the facility staff, the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 controls the opening operation of the arm 29 for confirmation based on the corrected opening degree of the arm 29 determined by the determination unit 110a in the processing of the above step S113 (step S115).
[0122] Specifically, the game control unit 110c of the prize acquisition game device 1 rotates and drives each drive unit 35 in the opening direction until the arm opening sensor detects that the arm 29 has reached the corrected opening degree (level) determined by the determination unit 110a (that is, until the opening degree (level) of the arm 29 determined by the determination unit 110a is detected as a fully open state). This allows the facility staff to visually confirm the fully open state of the arm 29 after the correction.
[0123] ===Other embodiments=== The above-mentioned embodiment is for facilitating understanding of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention also includes equivalents thereof. In particular, the following embodiment is also included in the present invention. In other words, the present invention can be configured by appropriately combining the above-mentioned embodiment and the following embodiment.
[0124] In addition, various inventions can be constructed by appropriately combining a plurality of invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, an invention may be constructed by deleting some invention-specifying matters from all invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above embodiments, or an invention may be constructed by appropriately combining all invention-specifying matters disclosed in the above embodiments with invention-specifying matters disclosed in the embodiments described below.
[0125] <Determining the degree of arm opening> In the above embodiment, the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines the degree of opening of the arm 29 at the timing when the determination button 503 is selected by the facility staff in the processing of step S107 above, as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this.
[0126] For example, the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 may determine the degree to which the arms 29 are opened when a predetermined time (e.g., 10 seconds) has elapsed after the determination button 503 has been selected by the facility staff. This allows the facility staff to simply manually place the prize P between the arms as shown in Fig. 10 before the predetermined time has elapsed, eliminating the need for the facility staff to manually select the determination button 503 while maintaining the prize P placed between the arms.
[0127] Also, for example, the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 may determine the degree of opening of the arms 29 at the timing when the state in which the facility staff has sandwiched the prize P between the arms becomes stable, as shown in Fig. 10. Whether or not such a state has become stable is determined based on whether or not the level corresponding to the detection value of the arm opening sensor continues to be at a constant level for a predetermined time (for example, 5 seconds). This allows the facility staff to simply manually sandwich the prize P between the arms, as shown in Fig. 10, before the predetermined time has elapsed, eliminating the need to manually select the determination button 503 while maintaining the prize sandwiched between the arms.
[0128] <Adjustment of standard arm opening degree> In the above embodiment, in the processing of steps S112 and S113, for example, when the level is changed from level "10" to level "12" by a facility staff member wishing to lower the difficulty of the prize acquisition game by operating the increase / decrease button 504, the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines the changed level "12" as the corrected opening degree of the arm 29 (corrected opening degree) that is greater than the standard opening degree of the arm 29; however, the present invention is not limited to this.
[0129] For example, in the processing of step S107 above, the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 may determine the standard opening degree (level "10") of the arm in that state from the detection value of the arm opening sensor, and then automatically determine a corrected opening degree (level "12") that is greater than the standard opening degree, without the facility staff selecting the increase / decrease button 504.
[0130] In addition, in the above embodiment, the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 can also determine, in the processing of step S113, a corrected opening degree of the arm 29 based on the actual play results of the prize acquisition game after the reference opening degree of the arm 29 is determined in the processing of step S107.
[0131] For example, when it is determined that the payout rate is high based on the actual play result of the prize acquisition game, it can be assumed that the difficulty level of the prize acquisition game is low, so the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 automatically determines the corrected opening degree of the arms 29 (for example, level "8") that is corrected smaller than the standard opening degree of the arms (for example, level "10") determined in the process of step S107 in order to increase the difficulty level of the prize acquisition game. Conversely, when it is determined that the payout rate is low based on the actual play result of the prize acquisition game, it can be assumed that the difficulty level of the prize acquisition game is high, so the determination unit 110a of the prize acquisition game device 1 automatically determines the corrected opening degree of the arms 29 (for example, level "12") that is corrected larger than the standard opening degree of the arms (for example, level "10") determined in the process of step S107 in order to decrease the difficulty level of the prize acquisition game.
[0132] <Error handling> In the above embodiment, when the specified level is "0", the opening degree of the arms 29 is not determined and the process is treated as an error, but when the specified level is equal to or less than a predetermined level, it is also possible to process the process as an error. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous operation such as leaving a prize unattended between the arms.
[0133] <Arm> In the above embodiment, the prize capture unit 20 having two arms 25 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a prize capture unit 20 having three or more arms 25.
[0134] <Prizes> In the above embodiment, the prizes stored in the storage section 10 are not limited to items that the player can directly acquire (e.g., stuffed toys, etc.), but also include items that are stored as targets for acquisition in the game and can be exchanged for other prizes after acquisition, as well as items that are not provided themselves but are used to compete for points or rankings. [Explanation of symbols]
[0135] 1. Prize acquisition game device 10 Storage section 11 Opening and closing doors 12 Pillar section 20 Prize Collection Section 21 Main unit 25 Arm section 28 Arm connection part 28a Protrusion 28b Arm axis 28c transmission gear 28d torsion spring 28e Fastening 29 Arm 30 Claws 35 Drive unit 35a Arm opening and closing motor 35b gearbox 35c output shaft 35d Transmission gear 46 Stopper part 50 Mobile section 51 Horizontal moving part 52 Vertical moving part 52a Lifting member 53 Left and right moving part 53a Fixed rail 53b Left / right movement motor 54 Forward and backward movement section 54a Movable rail 54b Forward and backward movement motor 60 Exhibition Department 61 Frames Panel 62 80 Base 90 Operation section 91 First Button 92 Second Button 93 Play Fee Detection Unit 94 Coin slot 96 Prize outlet 100 Setting section 101 Setting operation section 102 Display section 110 Control section 110a Decision section 110b Storage section 110c Game control unit 110d Display control unit 120 Storage section 500 Setting screen 501 Setting start button 502 Confirm button 503 Confirm button 504 Increase / decrease button 505 Opening degree display area 600 notification screen P Prize
Claims
1. A prize acquisition game device that allows the player to play a prize acquisition game in which prizes are acquired by opening and closing a plurality of arms, A determination unit determines the standard arm opening degree based on the detection result of the arm opening sensor, which is output with the distance between the arms adjusted to the size of the prize. A game control unit controls the opening movement of the arm based on the predetermined standard opening degree during the game of the prize acquisition game, A prize-winning game machine equipped with [a specific feature / feature].
2. The determination unit determines a corrected opening degree by correcting the determined standard opening degree based on the results of playing the prize acquisition game, After determining the corrected opening degree, the game control unit controls the opening movement of the arm based on the determined corrected opening degree during the prize acquisition game. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1.
3. When the determination unit determines from the results of the prize acquisition game that the payout rate is high, it determines a corrected opening degree which is smaller than the determined standard opening degree, After determining the corrected opening degree, the game control unit controls the opening movement of the arm based on the determined corrected opening degree during the prize acquisition game. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1.
4. When the determination unit determines from the results of the prize acquisition game that the payout rate is low, it determines a corrected opening degree which is a large correction from the determined standard opening degree, After determining the corrected opening degree, the game control unit controls the opening movement of the arm based on the determined corrected opening degree during the prize acquisition game. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1.
5. A method for adjusting the arms of a prize acquisition game device that allows the player to play a prize acquisition game in which prizes are acquired by opening and closing multiple arms, Based on the detection results of the arm opening sensor, which are output with the distance between the arms adjusted to the size of the prize, the standard arm opening degree is determined. During gameplay of the prize acquisition game, the opening movement of the arm is controlled based on the predetermined standard opening degree, A method for adjusting the arm of a prize-winning game machine.
6. Based on the results of playing the prize acquisition game, a corrected degree of opening is determined by correcting the standard degree of opening that was determined, After determining the corrected opening degree, the opening movement of the arm is controlled during the prize acquisition game based on the determined corrected opening degree. A method for adjusting the arm of a prize acquisition game device according to claim 5, further comprising:
7. When it is determined from the results of playing the prize acquisition game that the payout rate is high, a corrected opening degree is determined by correcting the standard opening degree that has been determined to be smaller, After determining the corrected opening degree, the opening movement of the arm is controlled during the prize acquisition game based on the determined corrected opening degree. A method for adjusting the arm of a prize acquisition game device according to claim 5, further comprising:
8. If it is determined from the results of playing the prize acquisition game that the payout rate is low, a corrected opening degree is determined which is a larger correction to the determined standard opening degree, After determining the corrected opening degree, the opening movement of the arm is controlled during the prize acquisition game based on the determined corrected opening degree. A method for adjusting the arm of a prize acquisition game device according to claim 5, further comprising: