Article acquisition game device

Abstract

To reduce an initialization time in an article acquisition game device.SOLUTION: An article acquisition game device includes: a game field provided in a play space including a placing region where an article is placed and a drop port through which an article passes; an acquisition mechanism for catching an article; an operation part for receiving an operation from a player; a movement control part for driving the acquisition mechanism according to the operation from the player; and a confirmation control part for instructing the movement control part to perform a confirmation operation for the acquisition mechanism according to either a first confirmation pattern or a second confirmation pattern for designating an operation confirmation method for the acquisition mechanism. The first operation pattern includes original point movement processing for moving the acquisition mechanism to an original point that serves as a reference point for the movement in the game field, and the second operation pattern does not include the original point movement processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an item acquisition game in which items such as prizes are acquired by moving them. [Background technology]

[0002] Many game centers are equipped with crane game machines (item acquisition game machines). A stage (game field) is provided inside the cabinet of the crane game machine, and prizes (items) such as stuffed toys and sweets are placed on it. A player operates the crane by using a joystick or various buttons. If the player can grab a prize with the crane and move it to the drop hole, he or she can win the prize. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6252848 [Patent Document 2] JP 2003-144743 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a need to shorten the maintenance time for a crane game machine. Specifically, there is a need to shorten the time required to check the operation of the crane, etc. (initialization), which is performed when the power of the crane game machine is turned on and after the settings are changed. Initialization is required for stable operation of the crane game machine. In the initialization, mechanical errors caused by wear and tear of various parts of the mechanism are corrected by dedicated software. However, when the initialization is performed, the player cannot play with the crane game machine. For example, if a prize that the player P wants to win is stored in a crane game machine that is being initialized, the player P will have to wait during the initialization. Also, the longer the initialization time for the crane game machine, the greater the impact on sales.

[0005] The present invention has been completed in view of the above background, and a main object of the present invention is to provide a technique for shortening the initialization time in a crane game device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An object capture game device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a game field provided in a play space and including a placement area in which objects are placed and a drop hole through which the objects pass, a capture mechanism for capturing the objects, an operation unit for receiving an operation from a player, a movement control unit for driving the capture mechanism according to the operation from the player, and a confirmation control unit for instructing the movement control unit to perform a confirmation operation of the capture mechanism according to either a first confirmation pattern or a second confirmation pattern that specifies a method of confirming the operation of the capture mechanism. The first operation pattern includes an origin movement process for moving the capture mechanism to an origin that is a reference point for movement in the game field, and the second operation pattern does not include the origin movement process. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, in an item acquisition game device, it becomes easier to shorten the initialization time. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the crane game device. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the crane game device. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a data structure diagram of play space information. [Diagram 5] 11 is a time chart showing a process flow of the crane game device. [Figure 6] 11 is a correspondence table of processes to be executed in each confirmation pattern. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case in which a collision between cranes occurs during initialization. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing how cranes avoid collisions during initialization. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a crane game machine 100. As shown in FIG. The crane game machine 100 is generally installed in amusement facilities such as amusement parks and game centers. In the following description, the left-right direction of the crane game machine 100 as seen by a player is defined as the x-axis direction, the front-rear direction as the y-axis direction, and the up-down direction as the z-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 1. In addition, in this embodiment, the crane game machine 100 is assumed to be for two players. Therefore, it is assumed that there are two of each of the components of the crane game machine 100, except for the base 102, the prize container 104, and the setting display unit 120, which will be described later.

[0010] The crane game device 100 comprises a rectangular parallelepiped base 102 and a box-shaped prize container 104 provided on the base 102. A play space P is formed inside the prize container 104, and a prize placement stand 106 (game field) is provided therein. Prizes such as stuffed toys and miscellaneous goods are placed on the prize placement stand 106. A crane 108 is provided above the prize placement stand 106. The crane 108 can move back and forth, left and right, and up and down in the play space P to grasp or release prizes.

[0011] The front and left and right sides of the prize storage unit 104 are made of transparent glass, but acrylic panels may also be used. This is done with consideration given to the visibility of the prizes from outside. In particular, an openable door 110 is provided on the front of the prize storage unit 104. An operator opens the door 110 to perform tasks such as placing prizes on the prize placement table 106 and changing the settings of the crane 108. In addition, a camera may be installed on the ceiling surface of the prize storage unit 104 to capture images of the prize placement table 106 from above.

[0012] The prize placement table 106 is divided into a placement area and a drop hole. Prizes are placed in the placement area, and if a player can carry the prize from the placement area to the drop hole, the player can obtain the prize. A prize removal opening 112 is formed on the front surface of the base 102 for removing the prize that has dropped from the drop hole.

[0013] An operation unit 114 and a setting display unit 120 are provided on the front side of the base 102. Hereinafter, in the crane game device 100, the surface on which the setting display unit 120 and the like are provided, in other words, the surface on which the player is positioned, will be referred to as the "front".

[0014] The operation unit 114 includes operation buttons 116 that allow the player to move the crane 108 back and forth and left and right to determine the landing point, and a grab button 118 that allows the player to lower the crane 108 and grab a prize.

[0015] A touch panel is provided on the setting display unit 120. The setting display unit 120 functions as an "input unit" where an operator (store clerk) inputs game setting information, and also functions as an "output unit" that displays information related to the game, such as the operation method of the operation unit 114 and the game results. The crane game device 100 also includes a speaker (not shown), an external connection terminal, etc.

[0016] The crane 108 has two arms 122 capable of gripping and releasing a prize. Note that the number of arms 122 may be three or more. The crane 108 includes a motor that drives the arms 122 to open and close. The crane 108 grips and releases a prize by opening and closing the arms 122.

[0017] The crane 108 is movable along a guide rail (not shown) installed on the top of the prize container 104, and is driven by a movement control unit 124. The movement control unit 124 includes a movement mechanism that drives the crane 108 in the horizontal direction (x direction) and vertical direction (y direction), and a lifting mechanism that drives it in the up and down direction (z direction). The movement mechanism includes an x-axis direction motor and a y-axis direction motor. The lifting mechanism includes a z-axis direction motor. The movement control unit 124 can move the crane 108 to any position in the play space P. Hereinafter, the crane 108, the arm 122, and the movement control unit 124 are collectively referred to as the acquisition mechanism 126.

[0018] In the crane game device 100 of this embodiment, the player can freely move the crane 108 back and forth and left and right using the operation buttons within the time limit. After the player moves the crane 108 above the prize, the player presses the grip button 118. When the grip button 118 is pressed, the crane 108 descends. When the crane 108 descends a predetermined distance, it automatically moves the arm 122 in the closing direction (hereinafter referred to as "grasping" or "grasping operation"). At this time, the crane 108 can grab a relatively large prize at the descent point with the arm 122. If the grip button 118 is pressed again while the crane 108 is descending, the arm 122 can also perform the gripping operation at the time of pressing. In addition, when the grip button 118 is pressed, the crane 108 may descend a predetermined distance with the arm 122 released, or may descend a predetermined distance after releasing the arm 122 from the gripping state.

[0019] While maintaining the gripping motion, the crane 108 rises and then automatically moves toward the drop opening. The crane 108 moves the arm 122 above the drop opening in the release direction (hereinafter referred to as "release" or "release motion"). If the prize is firmly gripped, the crane 108 carries the prize to the drop opening and drops it from above the drop opening (success of the crane game). On the other hand, if the arm 122 is not able to grip the prize firmly, the prize will fall from the crane 108 before the crane 108 reaches directly above the drop opening (failure of the crane game).

[0020] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the initialization space I. The operation check of the acquisition mechanism 126, which is performed when the power of the crane game device 100 is turned on and after the settings are changed, is called initialization. In the initialization, the acquisition mechanism 126 is moved to the maximum extent in the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions to check the limit of the movable range. In the initialization, the operation check of the arm 122 is also performed. The initialized space I refers to the range in which the acquisition mechanism 126, more specifically, the center of the crane 108, can move during initialization. In other words, the outermost surface of the initialized space I is the limit of the movable range of the crane 108. The center of the crane 108 may be the center point of the housing of the crane 108, or may be a point on the surface of the crane 108. In the following description, the "crane 108" and the "center of the crane 108" are synonymous.

[0021] The following description will be given taking as an example the play space Pa located on the left side as one faces the front of the crane game device 100. Although the play space Pb located on the right side as one faces the front of the crane game device 100 is omitted in Fig. 2, the configuration described below is assumed to exist in the play space Pb as well.

[0022] FIG. 2 shows a simplified play space Pa. For ease of explanation, the winning mechanism 126a and the prize placement platform 106a are omitted from FIG. 2. An initialization space Ia exists inside the play space Pa. As described above, the initialization space Ia represents the range in which the crane 108a can move during initialization. Therefore, the size of the initialization space Ia is smaller than the play space Pa by, for example, the width and height of the arm 122a and the depth of the crane 108a or the movement control unit 124a.

[0023] When the xyz coordinates are set as shown in FIG. 2, the point in the initialized space Ia where the coordinate values ​​are minimum in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction and maximum in the z-axis direction is set as the origin Oa. That is, the acquisition mechanism 126a, more specifically the crane 108a, cannot move left, forward, or up from the origin Oa toward the front. In the case of the play space Pb, the point in the initialized space Ib where the coordinate values ​​are minimum in the y-axis direction and maximum in the x-axis direction and the z-axis direction is set as the origin Ob. That is, the acquisition mechanism 126b, more specifically the crane 108b, cannot move right, forward, or up from the origin Ob toward the front.

[0024] In the initialization, when the limit of the movable range of the acquisition mechanism 126a in the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions is confirmed, the acquisition mechanism 126a is finally fixed to the initial position at the time when the player starts playing the crane game. The position where the crane 108a exists at this time is called the home position Ha. The home position Ha is not the same position as the origin Oa, but is set to an arbitrary position in the initialized space Ia. In FIG. 2, the home position Ha is located on the xy plane at the top of the initialized space Ia. Similarly, in the case of the play space Pb, the home position Hb is not the same position as the origin Ob, but is set to an arbitrary position in the initialized space Ib.

[0025] A limit sensor (not shown) is placed in the play space Pa. The limit sensor is a sensor that detects that the crane 108 has reached the limit of the movable range in the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions of the initialized space Ia. For example, in FIG. 2, the sensor that detects that the crane 108 has reached the limit of the movable range in the x-axis direction (hereinafter referred to as the "x sensor") detects that the crane 108 has reached the plane formed by the boundary points D1, D2, D3, and D4. Similarly, the sensor that detects that the crane 108 has reached the limit of the movable range in the y-axis direction (hereinafter referred to as the "y sensor") detects that the crane 108 has reached the plane formed by the boundary points D4, D3, D6, and D7. The sensor that detects that the crane 108 has reached the limit of the movable range in the z-axis direction (hereinafter referred to as the "z sensor") detects that the crane 108 has reached the plane formed by the origin Oa, the boundary points D1, D4, and D7.

[0026] Assume that the acquisition mechanism 126a moves from the origin Oa in the positive direction of the x-axis at a constant speed in the initialization space Ia. Assume that the x-sensor detects the crane 108a three seconds after the start of the movement. In other words, the crane 108a reaches the limit of its movable range in the x-axis direction three seconds after the start of the movement.

[0027] In the crane game device 100, the position of the crane 108a is specified based on the movement time of the crane 108a, which moves at a constant speed. That is, in the crane game device 100, the assumed coordinates of the crane 108a are set based on the movement time of the crane 108a. For example, in the above-mentioned case, the assumed coordinates are set as the limit of the movable range in the x-axis direction as the point where the crane 108a has moved from the origin Oa in the positive direction of the x-axis for 3 seconds. Similarly, the assumed coordinates are set as the midpoint of the movable range in the x-axis direction as the point where the crane 108a has moved from the origin Oa in the positive direction of the x-axis for 1.5 seconds. The assumed coordinates are coordinates assumed as the current position of the crane 108a based on the movement time of the crane 108a, and will be described in detail later.

[0028] The position of the crane 108a based on the assumed coordinates set based on the movement time of the crane 108a is not always the same. For example, assume that the crane 108a starts moving in the positive direction of the x-axis from the origin Oa at a certain time A. Assume that the x sensor detects the crane 108a 3 seconds after the start of the movement. The crane 108a then moves to the origin Oa, and at time B, the crane 108a again starts moving in the positive direction of the x-axis from the origin Oa. However, assume that the x sensor detects the crane 108a 2.9 seconds after the start of the movement. Such an event may occur, for example, when an operator touches the crane 108a for inspection between time A and time B, causing the position of the crane 108a to shift in the positive direction of the x-axis from the time point at time A. In this way, even if the crane 108a is returned to the origin Oa, the absolute coordinates of the crane 108a cannot be detected, so that the crane 108a is not necessarily located at the origin Oa at time B.

[0029] Alternatively, assume that at time A, the crane 108a starts moving in the positive direction of the x-axis from the origin Oa. Assume that the x-sensor detects the crane 108a 3 seconds after the start of the movement. The crane 108a then returns to the origin Oa, and at time B, the crane 108a again starts moving in the positive direction of the x-axis from the origin Oa. However, assume that the x-sensor detects the crane 108a 3.1 seconds after the start of the movement. Such an event may occur, for example, when the x-axis direction motor does not operate properly due to aging deterioration of the acquisition mechanism 126. In this way, the position of the crane 108a based on the assumed coordinates is easily affected by physical changes that occur in the acquisition mechanism 126.

[0030] Therefore, in the crane game device 100, as initialization, each time the power is turned on or the settings are changed, the crane 108a is moved to the maximum in each of the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions, and the assumed coordinates of the crane 108a are reset based on the time until detection by the limit sensor of each axis. Specifically, as described above, a scene is assumed in which the crane 108a moves from the origin Oa in the positive direction of the x-axis at a constant speed. Initially, the x-sensor detects the crane 108a 3 seconds after the start of the movement, but as time passes, the x-sensor no longer detects the crane 108a even after 3 seconds have passed since the start of the movement. In this case, after the power is turned on again or the settings are changed, the crane 108a is moved from the origin Oa in the positive direction of the x-axis as initialization. At this time, it is assumed that the x-sensor detects the crane 108a after 3.1 seconds. Therefore, the crane game device 100 sets the assumed coordinates assuming that the limit of the movable range in the x-axis direction is the point where the crane 108a moves from the origin Oa in the positive direction of the x-axis for 3.1 seconds. Similarly, the crane game machine 100 sets the assumed coordinates by assuming that the midpoint of the movable range in the x-axis direction is the point where the crane 108a moves from the origin Oa in the positive direction of the x-axis for 1.55 seconds. Such resetting of the assumed coordinates is performed similarly for the y-axis and z-axis.

[0031] In addition, during initialization, when the resetting of the assumed coordinates of the crane 108a is completed, the crane 108a moves to the origin Oa and then moves to the home position Ha. The position of the home position Ha is also set in advance by assumed coordinates based on the movement times in the x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis directions.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the crane game device. Each component of the crane game machine 100 is realized by hardware including computing units such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various co-processors, storage devices such as memory and storage, and wired or wireless communication lines connecting them, and software stored in the storage devices and supplying processing instructions to the computing units. The computer program may be composed of device drivers, an operating system, various application programs located at higher layers than those, and libraries that provide common functions to these programs. Each block described below shows a functional block, not a hardware configuration.

[0033] The crane game machine 100 includes a movement control unit 124 , a user interface processing unit 130 , a data processing unit 140 and a data storage unit 150 . As described above, the movement control unit 124 moves the crane 108 and grips and releases the arm 122. Since the crane game device 100 is for two players, there are two movement control units 124. The user interface processing unit 130 accepts operations from the player via various input devices and is responsible for processing related to the user interface, such as image display and audio output. The data storage unit 150 stores various data. The data processing unit 140 executes various processes based on input from the user interface processing unit 130 and data stored in the data storage unit 150. The data processing unit 140 also functions as an interface for the user interface processing unit 130 and the data storage unit 150.

[0034] The user interface processing unit 130 includes an input unit 131 and an output unit 132 . The input unit 131 accepts setting input from an operator via the setting display unit 120. Specifically, the input unit 131 accepts input from the operator regarding, for example, a selection of a confirmation pattern (described later) in initialization. Depending on the difference in the confirmation pattern, the confirmation process executed in initialization changes. The input unit 131 also accepts operation input from the player via the operation unit 114. The output unit 132 causes the setting display unit 120 to display various images.

[0035] The data storage unit 150 stores information such as the game program of the crane game, settings of the crane game, and game play results.

[0036] The data processing unit 140 includes a verification control unit 141 and a setting unit 142 . The confirmation control unit 141 instructs the movement control unit 124 to move, grip, and release the crane 108 according to the confirmation pattern accepted by the input unit 131. The setting unit 142 sets various play conditions related to the crane game according to the input of the operator. The play conditions refer to setting items related to the operation of the components of the crane game device 100, such as the confirmation pattern of the movement control unit 124 at initialization or the movement path (described later) of the crane 108. The setting unit 142 also registers the various play conditions that have been set in the data storage unit 150.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a data structure diagram of the play space information 200. The play space information 200 is stored in the data storage unit 150 of the crane game device 100. The play space information 200 registers the limits of the movable range of the crane 108 in the play spaces Pa and Pb of the crane game device 100 and the positions of the home positions Ha and Hb. The play space information 200 also registers confirmation patterns in the play spaces Pa and Pb.

[0038] More specifically, the registered contents of the play space Pa of the play space information 200 will be described. The limits of the movable range of the crane 108a, i.e., the positions where the x-sensor, y-sensor, and z-sensor detect the crane 108a, are registered in the play space information 200. The positions of the home positions Ha and Hb are also registered in the play space information 200. For the limits of the movable range of the crane 108 in the play space information 200 and the positions of the home positions Ha and Hb, the coordinate values ​​of the assumed coordinates are registered.

[0039] In the assumed coordinate system, the time (seconds) when the crane 108a moves at a constant speed is the coordinate value. For example, the position when the crane 108a moves from the origin Oa in the positive direction of the x-axis at a constant speed for 2 seconds is expressed as (2,0,0) in the assumed coordinate system. In the case of FIG. 4, the limit of the movable range of the cranes 108a and 108b is registered as (3,2.5,5) in the assumed coordinate system. Similarly, the positions of the home positions Ha and Hb are registered as (2.5,1.5,0) in the assumed coordinate system.

[0040] The confirmation pattern at initialization is also registered in the play space information 200. Details will be described later, but there are three types of confirmation patterns: "standard course," "simplified course," and "shortest course." According to Figure 4, the confirmation pattern in the play space Pa is the "standard course," and the confirmation pattern in the play space Pb is the "shortest course."

[0041] FIG. 5 is a time chart showing the flow of processing of the crane game machine 100. As shown in FIG. As described above, in this embodiment, initialization is performed when the crane game machine 100 is powered on (at power-on) and when a setting change is executed (at setting change). The flow of processing executed by the crane game machine 100, including initialization, differs between at power-on and at setting change.

[0042] First, a process flow of the crane game machine 100 when the power is turned on will be described. The operator turns on the power with a switch (not shown) attached to the crane game machine 100. The time when the power is turned on to the crane game machine 100 is set as t0. At time t0, initialization starts in the crane game machine 100. In the initialization, the operation of the acquisition mechanism 126 is automatically confirmed by moving the crane 108 in the initialization space I and opening and closing the arm 122 according to a confirmation pattern set by the operator when changing the settings, which will be described later. The initialization is performed simultaneously in each of the acquisition mechanisms 126 present in the play spaces Pa and Pb. When the initialization ends at time t1, the crane game machine 100 becomes available for play. The state in which play is possible in the play space Pa or Pb is called a "play mode."

[0043] More specifically, at time t0 when the crane game machine 100 is powered on, the confirmation control unit 141 acquires confirmation pattern information from the play space information 200 in the data storage unit 150. In accordance with the acquired confirmation pattern information, the confirmation control unit 141 transmits operation signals representing the operation contents of the acquisition mechanisms 126 of each of the play spaces Pa and Pb to the movement control unit 124. In accordance with the received operation signals, the movement control unit 124 operates the crane 108 and the arm 122 to perform operation confirmation. The operation confirmation in the play spaces Pa and Pb ends at time t1. After time t1, the player can play with the crane game machine 100.

[0044] Next, a flow of processing of the crane game machine 100 when changing the settings will be described. Suppose that the operator wishes to change the settings of the acquisition mechanism 126a of the play space Pa during play mode. Specifically, the setting change is to adjust the gripping force of the arm 122 or change the confirmation pattern. At this time, the operator presses the setting change button (not shown) on the setting display unit 120 to put the play space Pa into test mode. Test mode refers to a state in which setting changes and initialization are being performed in the play space Pa or Pb.

[0045] The operator presses the setting change button on the setting display unit 120, opens the door 110a on the play space Pa side of the prize container 104, and changes the setting from time t2. The operator adjusts the gripping force of the arm 122a by tensioning or loosening the spring of the crane 108. The operator also selects a confirmation pattern on the setting display unit 120.

[0046] In selecting a confirmation pattern, the operator presses one of the buttons (not shown) corresponding to the three confirmation patterns, the standard course, the simplified course, and the shortest course (described later), on the setting display unit 120. At this time, the setting unit 142 registers the confirmation pattern corresponding to the pressed button in the play space information 200 of the data storage unit 150.

[0047] The confirmation patterns registered in the play spaces Pa and Pb may be the same or different. If the confirmation patterns are different, play may be possible from the point in time when the initialization of both play spaces Pa and Pb is completed. Alternatively, for example, if the initialization of the play space Pa is completed before the initialization of the play space Pb, the play space Pa may be possible to be played without waiting for the initialization of the play space Pb to be completed.

[0048] After completing the setting changes, the operator closes the door 110a on the play space Pa side at time t3. From time t3, initialization is performed in the acquisition mechanism 126a of the play space Pa. As described above, the initialization is performed according to the confirmation pattern set for each of the play spaces Pa and Pb. When the initialization is completed at time t4, the crane game device 100 enters play mode.

[0049] When changing the settings, a test mode starts when the setting change button is pressed. When the test mode starts, the operator can open the door 110a. After changing the settings with the door 110a open, when the operator closes the door 110a, initialization starts automatically. In other words, the safety of the operator is ensured because initialization starts on the condition that the door 110a is closed.

[0050] The above describes the flow of processing of the crane game machine 100 when the power is turned on and when the settings are changed. In summary, when the power is turned on, the crane game machine 100 starts initialization from the moment the power is turned on by the switch. The crane game machine 100 enters the play mode at the moment the initialization is completed. On the other hand, when the settings are changed, the operator first opens the door 110 of the prize container 104 and performs setting changes such as maintenance of the winning mechanism 126 and changing the confirmation pattern on the setting display unit 120. When the setting change is completed and the door 110 of the prize container 104 is closed, the initialization starts in the crane game machine 100. When the setting change and initialization, i.e., the test mode, are completed, the crane game machine 100 enters the play mode.

[0051] As described above, the initialization is started on the condition that the door 110 is closed, but it may be started when an initialization start button (not shown) on the setting display unit 120 is pressed. In other words, the condition for starting the initialization is not limited to the door 110 being closed.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a table showing the processes executed in each confirmation pattern. The crane game machine 100 has three confirmation patterns for initialization: standard course, simplified course, and shortest course. Also, five types of confirmation processes are executed during initialization. Basically, each process from process 1 to process 5 is executed in order during initialization. However, the operator can omit some of the processes executed during initialization by selecting a confirmation pattern. Hereinafter, the processing executed in each process will be described in detail.

[0053] In process 1, a process of moving the acquisition mechanism 126 to the origin Oa (hereinafter referred to as "origin movement process") is executed in the play space Pa. When process 1 starts, the movement control unit 124a operates the movement mechanism and the lifting mechanism based on the operation signal received from the confirmation control unit 141, and moves the crane 108a to the origin Oa. By carrying out process 1, a position that becomes the movement start reference of the crane 108a when carrying out process 2 described later is determined.

[0054] In process 2, the acquisition mechanism 126a is moved, and a process is executed to confirm whether the x-sensor, the y-sensor, and the z-sensor react (response confirmation process). For example, when process 2 starts, the movement control unit 124a moves the crane 108a from the origin Oa at a constant speed in the positive direction of the x-axis based on the operation signal received from the confirmation control unit 141. Three seconds after starting the movement from the origin Oa, the x-sensor detects the crane 108a. As shown in FIG. 4, according to the play space information 200, the limit of the movable range on the x-axis is registered as 3 (seconds) in the coordinate value of the assumed coordinates. Therefore, it can be confirmed that the crane 108a has been normally detected in the x-axis direction at the position according to the coordinate value of the assumed coordinates.

[0055] It is also assumed that if the x sensor does not detect the crane 108a at the time registered in the play space information 200, for example, the x sensor detects the crane 108a 2.9 seconds after starting movement from the origin Oa. In this case, the time when the x sensor detects the crane 108a, "2.9 (seconds)", is registered in the play space information 200 as a new coordinate value in the assumed coordinates (limit value of the movable range). In addition, when the setting unit 142 updates the limit value of the movable range, it also adjusts the assumed coordinate of the home position accordingly. Such reaction confirmation of the limit sensor is also performed for the y sensor and the z sensor in the same way.

[0056] In process 3, the origin movement process is performed again. In the origin movement process in process 3, the acquisition mechanism 126a is moved and a process is executed to check whether the origin sensor reacts. The origin sensor is a sensor that detects that the crane 108a has reached the origin Oa. The origin sensor is disposed near the origin Oa.

[0057] In process 4, confirmation of opening and closing of the arm 122a is performed (opening and closing confirmation process). The crane 108a releases the arm 122a to the maximum extent based on the operation signal received from the confirmation control unit 141, and then grips it.

[0058] In process 5, the crane 108a is moved to the home position Ha (initial position movement process). As described above, the location of the home position Ha is registered in the play space information 200. The confirmation control unit 141 transmits an operation signal indicating the confirmation pattern and the location of the home position Ha registered in the play space information 200 to the movement control unit 124a. Based on the operation signal received from the confirmation control unit 141, the movement control unit 124a moves the crane 108a to the home position Ha.

[0059] Next, each confirmation pattern will be described in detail. The standard course executes all processes from process 1 (origin movement process) to process 5 (initial position movement process) in order. Therefore, executing initialization using the standard course takes the longest time. However, the standard course allows the operator to thoroughly check the operation of the acquisition mechanism 126. Therefore, if the operator wants to thoroughly check the operation of each part of the acquisition mechanism 126, such as the crane 108 and the arm 122, the operator can select the standard course.

[0060] In the simplified course, first, as part of process 2 (response confirmation process), the crane 108a is moved to the top of the initialization space Ia. That is, a process is executed to confirm whether the z sensor responds properly. Next, processes 4 (opening / closing confirmation process) and 5 (initial position movement process) are executed. That is, the opening / closing confirmation of the arm 122a and the movement process to the home position Ha are executed. Compared to the standard course, the two origin movement processes in processes 1 and 3 and the response confirmation of the x and y sensors in process 2 are omitted. Therefore, the simplified course requires less time to execute initialization than the standard course.

[0061] In the shortest course, as in the simplified course, first, the crane 108a is moved to the top of the initialization space Ia as part of process 2 (reaction confirmation process). Next, process 5 (initial position movement process) is executed to move the crane 108a to the home position Ha and complete the initialization. That is, in the shortest course, the two origin movement processes in processes 1 and 3, the movement of the crane 108 left and right, front and rear in process 2, and the confirmation of opening and closing of the arm 122 in process 4 (opening and closing confirmation process) are omitted. Therefore, the shortest course has the shortest execution time for initialization.

[0062] The correspondence between each confirmation pattern and the process has been described above. As described above, in the simplified course and the shortest course, the origin movement process, the reaction confirmation of the limit sensor, and the opening / closing confirmation of the arm 122 are omitted. In order to stably operate the crane game device 100, it is best to execute the initialization with the standard course that covers all the processes. However, the player cannot play with the crane game device 100 during the initialization. In addition, the crane game device 100 during the initialization cannot generate profits. Therefore, if the operator considers the balance between the stability of the operation of the crane game device 100 and the efficiency of the operation and judges that there is no problem if only the minimum operation confirmation is performed, the simplified course or the shortest course can be selected to shorten the execution time of the initialization.

[0063] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a case in which the cranes 108 collide with each other during initialization. 7 is a top view of the crane game machine 100. For ease of explanation, the ceiling of the crane game machine 100 is not shown.

[0064] FIG. 7 shows the state of the crane game device 100 at the time when the acquisition mechanisms 126a and 126b are initialized simultaneously on the standard course and the process 1 (origin moving process) is completed. In the play space Pa, an xyz coordinate space with the origin Oa as one of the vertices, that is, an initialized space Ia, is formed. Similarly, in the play space Pb, an initialized space Ib with the origin Ob as one of the vertices is formed. In the initialized space Ia, the xyz coordinates are determined as shown in the lower left of FIG. 7. Also, in the initialized space Ib, the xyz coordinates are determined as shown in the lower right of FIG. 7. In this case, the crane 108a is disposed at the origin Oa, that is, at the point where the coordinate values ​​are minimum in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction and the coordinate values ​​are maximum in the z-axis direction. Meanwhile, the crane 108b is also disposed at the origin Ob, that is, at the point where the coordinate values ​​are minimum in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction and the coordinate values ​​are maximum in the z-axis direction. Although the play spaces Pa and Pb are arranged side by side in FIG. 7, they may also be arranged vertically in the positive y-axis direction (farther back toward the front) and negative y-axis direction (farther forward toward the front).

[0065] Here, assume that the acquisition mechanisms 126a and 126b execute process 2 (response confirmation process) of the standard course. The acquisition mechanisms 126a and 126b move on right-angled triangular tracks, as shown in FIG. 7. First, the acquisition mechanism 126a in the play space Pa moves from the origin Oa toward the positive direction (right) of the x-axis at a constant speed. Similarly, the acquisition mechanism 126b in the play space Pb moves from the origin Ob toward the positive direction (left) of the x-axis at the same constant speed as the acquisition mechanism 126a.

[0066] After a certain time has elapsed since the start of movement, the x-sensors in the play spaces Pa and Pb detect the capture mechanisms 126a and 126b, more specifically, the cranes 108a and 108b. When the x-sensors detect the cranes 108a and 108b, the capture mechanisms 126a and 126b stop moving. However, if the size of the arms 122 is large, there is a possibility that the arms 122 of the cranes 108a and 108b may collide with each other before the x-sensors detect the crane 108.

[0067] Normally, in play mode, the movement range of the crane 108 is set to be narrower than the initialized space I. That is, in play mode, the crane 108 does not move to the edge of the initialized space I. Therefore, the cranes 108 do not collide with each other during play. However, during initialization, the cranes 108 in the play spaces Pa and Pb are moved to the maximum position detected by the x-sensor, so there is a possibility that the cranes 108 may collide with each other.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a method for avoiding collisions between cranes 108 during initialization. Considering the above-mentioned problems, in this embodiment, the movement path of the acquisition mechanism 126 in the initialization can be changed. In FIG. 8, as in FIG. 7, a scene is assumed in which the initialization process 2 (response confirmation process) is executed in the acquisition mechanisms 126a and 126b. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, the acquisition mechanisms 126a and 126b are assumed to move on a right-angled triangular trajectory. The acquisition mechanism 126a moves from the origin Oa toward the positive direction (right) of the x-axis at a constant speed. On the other hand, the acquisition mechanism 126b moves from the origin Ob toward the positive direction of the y-axis at a constant speed. That is, the acquisition mechanism 126a approaches the play space Pb, while the acquisition mechanism 126b moves while keeping a distance from the acquisition mechanism 126a. In other words, the acquisition mechanisms 126a and 126b move in different axial directions from the origins Oa and Ob, respectively. Therefore, the crane 108a and the crane 108b do not collide with each other.

[0069] When a certain time has passed since the start of movement, the x sensor in the play space Pa detects the crane 108a. That is, the crane 108a reaches the limit of its movable range in the x-axis direction. Immediately after that, the acquisition mechanism 126a moves in the positive direction of the y-axis at a constant speed while proceeding in the negative direction (left) of the x-axis. On the other hand, when a certain time has passed since the start of movement, the y sensor in the play space Pb detects the crane 108b. That is, the crane 108b reaches the limit of its movable range in the y-axis direction. Immediately after that, the acquisition mechanism 126b moves in the positive direction of the x-axis (left) at a constant speed. In this case as well, the acquisition mechanism 126a and the acquisition mechanism 126b move while keeping a distance from each other. Therefore, the crane 108a and the crane 108b do not collide with each other.

[0070] The acquisition mechanism 126a reaches a point in the initialized space Ia where the coordinate value is minimum in the x-axis direction and maximum in the y-axis and z-axis directions. Immediately after that, the acquisition mechanism 126a moves at a constant speed in the negative y-axis direction. Meanwhile, the acquisition mechanism 126b reaches the limit of its movable range in the x-axis direction. Immediately after that, the acquisition mechanism 126b moves at a constant speed in the negative y-axis direction while proceeding in the negative x-axis direction (right). In this case as well, the acquisition mechanism 126a and the acquisition mechanism 126b move while keeping a distance from each other, so that the cranes 108a and 108b do not collide with each other.

[0071] In this manner, in this embodiment, the movement path of the crane 108 can be changed so that the cranes 108a and 108b do not collide with each other during initialization. The movement path of the crane 108 can be changed by the operator on a path change screen (not shown) displayed on the setting display unit 120 when changing the settings. Alternatively, before initialization is performed, the operator may set the movement path in advance on a path setting screen (not shown) displayed on the setting display unit 120 so that the cranes 108a and 108b do not collide with each other. The movement path of the crane 108 is registered in the data storage unit 150 by the setting unit 142. In FIG. 8, the cranes 108a and 108b move to draw a right-angled triangular trajectory with respect to each other, but the trajectory of the movement path is not limited to this as long as collision can be avoided.

[0072] [Summary] The method for shortening the initialization time in the crane game machine 100 of this embodiment has been described above. There is a need to shorten the time required for initialization of the crane game machine 100, which is a check of the operation of the crane 108 and the like that is performed when the power is turned on or after a setting change is made. Initialization is necessary for stable operation of the crane game machine 100, but during the initialization, the player cannot play with the crane game machine 100. Therefore, the longer the initialization time, the greater the impact on sales.

[0073] Therefore, in this embodiment, the checking process to be performed in the initialization can be selected according to the operator's desire. Specifically, if the operator wants to check the operation of the acquisition mechanism 126 thoroughly, the operator can select the standard course. If the operator wants the crane game device 100 to be ready for play immediately after power-on or after changing the settings, the operator can select the shortest course. If the operator wants to check the operation of the acquisition mechanism 126 with medium reliability and in a required time, the operator can select the simplified course.

[0074] The simplified course and the shortest course do not include the origin moving process for moving the acquisition mechanism 126 to the origin O. Therefore, the initialization time in the simplified course and the shortest course is shorter than that in the standard course. That is, the player can play the crane game more quickly after the initialization is performed. When the simplified course or the shortest course is selected, the crane 108 does not confirm the return to the reference position, which is the origin, so if the assumed coordinates estimated from the movement time of the crane 108 deviate from the actual position coordinates of the crane 108, precise initialization processing cannot be performed. However, since there are actually few cases in which the assumed coordinates of the crane 108 deviate greatly from the actual coordinates, there are more cases in which sufficient initialization processing can be performed without executing process 1 and the like. The operator may select a confirmation pattern that meets the needs of his / her own store in consideration of the reliability and speed of the initialization.

[0075] [Variations] In this embodiment, the play spaces Pa and Pb are initialized simultaneously when the power is turned on, and when the settings are changed, only the play space Pa or Pb in which the settings were changed is initialized. As a modified example, only one of the play spaces Pa or Pb may be initialized when the power is turned on. Also, when the settings are changed, both the play spaces Pa and Pb may be initialized.

[0076] In this embodiment, the acquisition mechanisms 126a and 126b have been described as moving within the initialization spaces Ia and Ib while keeping a distance from each other. As a modified example, for example, in FIG. 8, a boundary Ba (not shown) is set at a certain distance from the play space Pb in the direction of the play space Pa. Also, a boundary Bb (not shown) is set at a certain distance from the play space Pa in the direction of the play space Pb. The acquisition mechanism 126a crosses the boundary Ba and approaches the play space Pb, that is, moves in the positive direction of the x-axis. At this time, the confirmation control unit 141 may move the acquisition mechanism 126b in the negative direction of the x-axis from the boundary Bb. According to such a control method, it is possible to avoid a collision between the acquisition mechanisms 126a and 126b.

[0077] Alternatively, it is assumed that a limit distance (limit distance) is set between the acquisition mechanism 126a and the acquisition mechanism 126b, beyond which the acquisition mechanism 126a and the acquisition mechanism 126b must not approach each other any further. It is assumed that when the acquisition mechanism 126a and the acquisition mechanism 126b move during initialization, the distance between them falls below the limit distance. At this time, the control unit 141 may stop or slow down the movement of both or one of the acquisition mechanism 126a and the acquisition mechanism 126b. The condition in which the distance between the acquisition mechanism 126a and the acquisition mechanism 126b falls below the limit distance is called an "interference condition." This control method can also avoid collision between the acquisition mechanism 126a and the acquisition mechanism 126b.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the position of the crane 108 has been described as being determined by coordinate values ​​based on the assumed coordinate system. As a modified example, the crane game device 100 may be equipped with a measurement unit (encoder) that measures the position of the crane 108 as coordinate values ​​in an xyz coordinate system. By mounting a measurement unit such as an encoder, the current position of the crane 108 can be acquired as absolute coordinates, rather than assumed coordinates estimated from the movement time of the crane 108. Therefore, in the data storage unit 150, the limits of the movable range of the crane 108 and the positions of the home positions Ha and Hb are registered as coordinate values ​​in the xyz coordinate system.

[0079] In this case, the origin moving process and the reaction confirmation process in the initialization can be omitted. When the encoder is not installed, that is, when the position is measured by the assumed coordinates, it is necessary to move the crane 108 to the origin O by the origin moving process in order to determine the measurement reference. The encoder measures the position of the crane 108 as coordinate values ​​of the xyz coordinates. When the encoder is installed, there is almost no need to execute the origin moving process to determine the measurement reference, and the crane 108 can be moved directly to the home position H without executing the origin moving process. In other words, even if the origin moving process is not performed, a certain degree of reliability can be ensured in the simplified course and the shortest course. In other words, when the crane game device 100 is equipped with an encoder, the initialization becomes more rational if the simplified course or the shortest course is selected as the confirmation pattern.

[0080] The position of the crane 108 may be measured by something other than the encoder. For example, the position of the crane 108 may be measured by imaging the prize mounting table 106 from above with a camera (not shown) on the ceiling surface of the prize storage unit 104. Alternatively, the position of the crane 108 may be measured by irradiating a laser or ultrasonic wave from the crane 108 onto the game field and detecting the laser or ultrasonic wave in the game field.

[0081] In the confirmation pattern of this embodiment, it has been described that the origin movement process is executed again in process 3, and the open / closed state of the arm 122 is confirmed in process 4. As a modified example, the open / closed state of the arm 122 may be confirmed in process 3, and the origin movement process may be executed again in process 4. Alternatively, the open / closed state of the arm 122 may be confirmed in process 1, and the origin movement process may be executed in process 2. In other words, the confirmation processes in each process of initialization may be executed in an order not limited to that shown in this embodiment.

[0082] 7, when the capturing mechanisms 126a and 126b move in the same axial direction, the capturing mechanisms 126a and 126b may start moving at different times. Alternatively, when the capturing mechanisms 126a and 126b move on the same axis, the capturing mechanisms 126a and 126b may be moved at timings that do not overlap the times that the limit sensors remain in positions that detect the cranes 108a and 108b.

[0083] 8, the acquisition mechanism 126a moves from the origin Oa in the positive direction of the x-axis (right), the negative direction of the x-axis (left), the positive direction of the y-axis, and the negative direction of the y-axis, while the acquisition mechanism 126b moves from the origin Ob in the positive direction of the y-axis, the positive direction of the x-axis (left), the negative direction of the x-axis (right), and the negative direction of the y-axis. As a modified example, the acquisition mechanism 126b may move in the positive direction of the x-axis (left), the positive direction of the y-axis, the negative direction of the x-axis (right), and the negative direction of the y-axis. As described above, as long as collisions between the cranes 108 can be avoided, the trajectory of the movement path is not limited to the aspect shown in this embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 100 Crane game device, 102 Base, 104 Prize storage section, 106 Prize placement table, 108 Crane, 110 Door, 112 Prize removal port, 114 Operation section, 116 Operation button, 118 Grab button, 120 Setting display section, 122 Arm, 124 Movement control section, 126 Acquisition mechanism, 130 User interface processing section, 131 Input section, 132 Output section, 140 Data processing section, 141 Confirmation control section, 142 Setting section, 150 Data storage section, 200 Play space information

Claims

1. a game field provided in the play space and including a placement area in which items are placed and a drop hole through which the items pass; a capture mechanism for capturing the item; an operation unit that receives an operation from a player; a movement control unit that drives the acquisition mechanism in accordance with an operation by a player; a confirmation control unit that instructs the movement control unit to perform a confirmation operation of the acquisition mechanism according to either a first confirmation pattern or a second confirmation pattern that specifies a method of confirming the operation of the acquisition mechanism; the first operation pattern includes an origin movement process for moving the capture mechanism to an origin that is a reference point for movement in the game field; The item capturing game device, wherein the second operation pattern does not include the origin moving process.

2. The item capturing game device according to claim 1 , further comprising a measuring unit that measures a position coordinate of the capturing mechanism on the game field.

3. A setting unit that accepts settings of play conditions for the item acquisition game, the confirmation control unit instructs the movement control unit to perform a confirmation operation of the acquisition mechanism after setting the play conditions; The item capturing game device according to claim 1 , wherein the operation unit accepts an operation from the player after the checking action is completed.

4. the confirmation control unit instructs the movement control unit to perform a confirmation operation of the acquisition mechanism according to any one of the first confirmation pattern, the second confirmation pattern, and the third confirmation pattern; the second confirmation pattern includes an arm confirmation process for confirming an operation of an arm in the acquisition mechanism, 2. The item capturing game device according to claim 1, wherein the third confirmation pattern does not include both the origin movement process and the arm confirmation process.

5. A first game field and a second game field are formed in the game field, the capture mechanism includes a first capture mechanism corresponding to the first game field and a second capture mechanism corresponding to the second game field; the operation unit includes a first operation unit that receives an operation targeted for the first acquisition mechanism and a second operation unit that receives an operation targeted for the second acquisition mechanism; The item acquisition game device described in claim 1, wherein when the confirmation control unit simultaneously executes the confirmation operations of the first acquisition mechanism and the second acquisition mechanism, when the first acquisition mechanism is located within a predetermined range from the second game field, the confirmation control unit moves the second acquisition mechanism outside the predetermined range from the first game field.

6. A first game field and a second game field are formed in the game field, the capture mechanism includes a first capture mechanism corresponding to the first game field and a second capture mechanism corresponding to the second game field; the operation unit includes a first operation unit that receives an operation targeted for the first acquisition mechanism and a second operation unit that receives an operation targeted for the second acquisition mechanism; The item acquisition game device of claim 1, wherein when the confirmation control unit simultaneously executes the confirmation operations of the first acquisition mechanism and the second acquisition mechanism, when a predetermined interference condition is established between the first acquisition mechanism and the second acquisition mechanism, the confirmation control unit changes both or one of the speed and movement direction of the first acquisition mechanism and the second acquisition mechanism.

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