Prize acquisition game device, and arm control method of prize acquisition game device

Abstract

To increase stability of gripping operation by multiple arms.SOLUTION: A prize acquisition game device is configured so as to be capable of acquiring a prize by gripping operation of an arm, and includes multiple arms capable of changing force for gripping a prize for respective arms, an arm opening degree measurement section for measuring an opening degree of each arm in a state in which a prize is gripped during play, and a control section for determining an object arm that satisfies a predetermined condition regarding a change in gripping force from among all the arms on the basis of an opening degree of respective arms during play, and changing gripping force of the object arm so as to be different from that of the other arms.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game device and an arm control method for a prize acquisition game device.

Background Art

[0002] There is known a prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a prize acquisition game in which prizes are acquired by gripping operations of a plurality of arms in an accommodation space for accommodating prizes (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the prize acquisition game device of Patent Document 1, before playing, the gripping forces of a plurality of arms adjusted by the setting work of an operator (for example, facility staff, etc.) are determined in advance. In this setting work, the gripping forces of all the arms are set to be the same force. Then, during play, prizes can be acquired by performing gripping operations of the plurality of arms with the predetermined gripping force.

[0005] However, when the plurality of arms grip a prize, although the gripping forces of all the arms are the same, the ease of gripping of each arm may differ due to the influence of the shape of the prize or the like, so there are cases where the prize cannot be stably gripped.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to improve the stability of the gripping operation by a plurality of arms.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The main invention of the present invention for solving the above problems is A prize acquisition game device configured to be able to acquire a prize by the grasping operation of an arm, A plurality of arms whose prize-grasping force can be changed for each arm, An arm opening measurement unit that measures the opening degree of each arm in the state where the prize is grasped during play, During play, a target arm that satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the change of the grasping force is determined from among all the arms based on the opening degree of each arm, and a control unit that changes the grasping force of the target arm to be different from that of the other arms, A prize acquisition game device comprising Other features of the present invention will be clarified by the description in this specification and the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] At least the following matters become clear from the description in this specification and the attached drawings. That is, a prize acquisition game device configured to be able to acquire a prize by the gripping operation of an arm, A plurality of arms whose gripping force for gripping a prize can be changed for each arm, An arm opening measurement unit that measures the opening degree of each arm in the state of gripping a prize during play, During play, a control unit that determines a target arm that satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the change of the gripping force from among all the arms based on the opening degree of each arm, and changes the gripping force of the target arm to be different from that of the other arms, A prize acquisition game device comprising: According to such a prize acquisition game device, it is possible to specify a target arm for which the gripping force should be changed from among all the arms based on the degree of opening of each arm when gripping a prize during play, and by changing the gripping force of the target arm to be different from that of the other arms, it is possible to enhance the stability of the gripping operation by a plurality of arms.

[0010] Also, such a prize acquisition game device, The control unit may determine, during play, a target arm that satisfies the predetermined condition that it is opened wider with an opening degree difference within a predetermined range compared to other arms from among all the arms based on the opening degree of each arm, and change the gripping force of the target arm to be weaker than that of the other arms. According to such a prize-winning game device, from the opening degree difference of each arm when grabbing a prize during play, the target arm whose grabbing force should be weakened can be specified from among all the arms, and by making the grabbing force of the target arm weaker than that of the other arms, it becomes possible to enhance the stability of the grabbing operation by multiple arms.

[0011] Also, for such a prize-winning game device, the control unit may, during play, determine, based on the opening degree of each arm, a target arm that satisfies the predetermined condition of being opened less with an opening degree difference within a predetermined range compared to other arms from among all the arms, and change the grabbing force of the target arm to be weaker than that of the other arms. According to such a prize-winning game device, from the opening degree difference of each arm when grabbing a prize during play, the target arm whose grabbing force should be weakened can be specified from among all the arms, and by making the grabbing force of the target arm weaker than that of the other arms, it becomes possible to enhance the stability of the grabbing operation by multiple arms.

[0012] Also, for such a prize-winning game device, it may be provided with three or more arms whose grabbing force for grabbing a prize can be changed for each arm. According to such a prize-winning game device, even when grabbing a prize with three or more arms that are likely to have an unstable grabbing operation, by changing the grabbing force of the target arm, it becomes possible to enhance the stability of the grabbing operation.

[0013] Also, for such a prize-winning game device, the control unit may not change the grabbing force of the target arm when, during play, it is determined that the target arm is in a fully closed state based on the opening degree of the target arm, or when it is determined that the other arms are in a fully closed state based on the opening degree of the other arms. According to such a prize acquisition game device, when the target arm is in a fully closed state or when other arms (non-target arms) are in a fully closed state, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the stability of the grasping operation by exceptionally not changing the grasping force.

[0014] Further, there is provided an arm control method for a prize acquisition game device configured to be able to acquire a prize by the grasping operation of an arm, wherein the prize acquisition game device has a plurality of arms whose prize-grasping force can be changed for each arm, measuring the opening degree of each arm in the state of grasping the prize during play, during play, determining a target arm that satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the change of the grasping force from among all the arms based on the opening degree of each arm, and changing the grasping force of the target arm to be different from that of the other arms, and an arm control method for a prize acquisition game device including the above. According to such an arm control method for a prize acquisition game device, it is possible to enhance the stability of the grasping operation by a plurality of arms.

[0015] ===Embodiment=== <<Configuration of Prize Acquisition Game Device 1>> A configuration example of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to the present 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 the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing the configuration of the moving unit 50 according to the present embodiment.

[0016] In the following description, each direction is defined as shown in each figure. That is, the vertical direction is the "up and down direction", and "up" and "down" are defined according to gravity. Also, with reference to the view from a player who plays the game facing the prize acquisition game device 1, the front side is defined as "front" and the back side is defined as "rear" to define the "front and back direction". Further, the direction perpendicular to the up and down direction and the front and back direction is the "left and right direction", and "right" and "left" are defined with reference to the view from the player.

[0017] The prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment is used when a player who has entered an amusement facility plays a prize acquisition game, or when the facility staff (operator) performs setting work or the like for the prize acquisition game. It includes a storage unit 10 that stores one or more prizes, and a base unit 80 provided below the storage unit 10.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the front surface and the left and right side surfaces of the storage unit 10 are formed of transparent members (for example, transparent resin, glass, etc.) so that the player can visually recognize the prizes stored in the storage space. An opening / closing door 11 is provided on the front surface of the storage unit 10, and the facility staff can display and replenish the prizes. Columns 12 are provided at the four corners of the storage unit 10.

[0019] The storage space surrounded by the storage unit 10 is used as a play field for the player to play the prize acquisition game. When the columns 12 on both sides of the opening / closing door 11 are formed of mirror-like members or transparent members, they can be made less visually conspicuous and the play field can be made to look wider.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the storage unit 10 in this embodiment has a prize acquisition unit 20 that performs a prize acquisition operation in the storage space, a moving unit 50 that moves the prize acquisition unit 20 in the storage space, and a display unit 60 for displaying prizes in the storage space.

[0021] In this embodiment, a first play area where the player plays the prize acquisition game is formed on the left side in the storage space, and a second play area is formed on the right side in the storage space. The prize acquisition unit 20 and the display unit 60 are arranged corresponding to the first play area on the left side and the second play area on the right side, respectively. Therefore, within each play area, each prize acquisition unit 20 is configured to be able to move and acquire the prizes displayed on each display unit 60.

[0022] The prize acquisition unit 20 is a prize acquisition unit for acquiring prizes (prizes displayed in the display unit 60) stored in the storage unit 10 by the gripping operation of the arm. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the prize acquisition unit 20 in the present embodiment is configured to be able to grip prizes by a plurality of arms 29 and is connected to the lower end of the lifting member 52a.

[0023] The moving unit 50 moves the prize acquisition unit 20 within the play field formed by the storage unit 10. The moving unit 50 in the present embodiment has a horizontal moving unit 51 and a vertical moving unit 52 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0024] The horizontal moving unit 51 moves the prize acquisition unit 20 in the horizontal direction (that is, the front-back direction and the left-right direction) in the play field. The horizontal moving unit 51 in the present embodiment has a left-right moving unit 53 and a front-back moving unit 54 as shown in FIG. 3.

[0025] The left-right moving unit 53 moves the prize acquisition unit 20 in the left-right direction in the play field.

[0026] The left-right moving unit 53 in the present embodiment has a pair of fixed rails 53a extending along the left-right direction, a left-right moving motor 53b, an encoder (not shown), and a limit sensor (not shown) as shown in FIG. 3.

[0027] 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 along the left-right direction. The front-back moving unit 54 is slidably attached to the pair of fixed rails 53a along the left-right direction. By driving the left-right moving motor 53b, the front-back moving unit 54 can be moved in the left-right direction along the fixed rail 53a.

[0028] The encoder detects the rotation speed of the left-right moving motor 53b. Based on the output of this encoder, the position of the front-back moving unit 54 in the left-right direction (that is, the position of the prize acquisition unit 20 in the left-right direction) can be detected.

[0029] The limit sensor is for detecting that the forward and backward moving part 54 has reached the limit position in the left - right direction (that is, the prize acquisition part 20 has reached the limit position in the left - right direction).

[0030] The forward and backward moving part 54 moves the prize acquisition part 20 in the forward and backward direction in the play field.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the forward and backward moving part 54 in the present embodiment has a movable rail 54a extending along the forward and backward direction, a forward and backward movement motor 54b, an encoder (not shown), and a limit sensor (not shown).

[0032] The vertical movement part 52 is slidably attached to the movable rail 54a along the forward and backward direction. By driving the forward and backward movement motor 54b, the vertical movement part 52 can be moved in the forward and backward direction along the movable rail 54a.

[0033] The encoder detects the rotation speed of the forward and backward movement motor 54b. Based on the output of this encoder, the position of the vertical movement part 52 in the forward and backward direction (that is, the position of the prize acquisition part 20 in the forward and backward direction) can be detected.

[0034] The limit sensor is for detecting that the vertical movement part 52 has reached the limit position in the forward and backward direction (that is, the prize acquisition part 20 has reached the limit position in the forward and backward direction).

[0035] The vertical movement part 52 moves the prize acquisition part 20 in the vertical direction (that is, the up - down direction) in the play field.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the vertical movement part 52 in the present embodiment has an elevating member 52a configured to be telescopic along the up - down direction, a wire winding part (not shown), an up - down movement motor (not shown), an upper limit sensor (not shown), and a lower limit sensor (not shown).

[0037] The elevating member 52a is configured by slidably fitting a plurality of pipes having sequentially smaller diameters in a nested manner. At the lower end of the elevating member 52a, the prize acquisition unit 20 is attached while being connected to a wire that passes through the inside of the pipe.

[0038] The wire winding unit drives the up-and-down movement motor to wind up the wire, thereby raising the prize acquisition unit 20 while sequentially storing the lower pipe in the upper pipe, or lowering the prize acquisition unit 20 while sequentially feeding out the lower pipe from the upper pipe by rewinding the wire.

[0039] The upper limit sensor detects whether or not the upward movement of the prize acquisition unit 20 has stopped due to the winding up of the wire connected to the prize acquisition unit 20.

[0040] The lower limit sensor detects whether or not the downward movement of the prize acquisition unit 20 has stopped based on the change in the tension of the wire connected to the prize acquisition unit 20.

[0041] 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 the present embodiment is composed of a frame and panels (not shown).

[0042] The frame is supported inside the base portion 80 and is configured to be able to support a plurality of panels. The panel is configured to be able to display a prize on its upper surface and is detachably supported with respect to the frame.

[0043] And the arrangement area where the panel is arranged becomes the display area where the prize can be displayed, while the arrangement area where the panel is not arranged becomes the opening area through which the prize can pass.

[0044] After the prize obtained by the prize acquisition unit 20 has fallen, when it passes (falls) through the opening area of the display unit 60, it is considered to have moved from the playing field to the base unit 80. The prize that has fallen from the opening area of the display unit 60 is detected by an optical sensor and then guided to the prize outlet 96 through a guiding path. The optical sensor detects the presence or absence of a prize by a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit attached on the guiding path.

[0045] The base unit 80 is the base portion of the housing provided below the accommodating unit 10, and holds the accommodating unit 10 at a high position so that a player can play the game while standing upright and facing forward.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the base unit 80 in the present 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 storage unit 120.

[0047] The operation unit 90 is for a player to perform a game operation. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the operation unit 90 in the present embodiment has at least a joystick 91 and operation buttons 92.

[0048] The joystick 91 is an operation lever used by a player to move the prize acquisition unit 20 in the horizontal direction. The operation buttons 92 are operation buttons used by a player to determine the position of the prize acquisition unit 20 in the horizontal direction. When the operation buttons 92 are pressed by the player, the prize acquisition unit 20 starts to descend at the determined position.

[0049] The play fee detection unit 93 is for detecting payment of a play fee by a player. The play fee detection unit 93 in the present embodiment has a coin insertion slot 94, a coin detection sensor (not shown), a coin passage path (not shown), and a coin box (not shown).

[0050] In this embodiment, when a predetermined number of coins are inserted by a player through the coin insertion slot 94, a prize acquisition game is started. The coins inserted through the coin insertion slot 94 are detected by a coin detection sensor.

[0051] The coin detection sensor is, for example, an optical sensor, and detects the presence or absence of a coin inserted through the coin insertion slot 94 by a light emitting part and a light receiving part mounted on the coin passage path. The coin that has passed through the coin passage path in this way is stored in a coin box.

[0052] The prize outlet 96 is provided on the front surface of the base part 80, and is for taking out the prize that has fallen from the opening area in the display part 60 when the prize acquired by the prize acquisition part 20 falls.

[0053] The setting part 100 is for use when a player performs a game operation or the like, or when a facility staff member performs a setting operation. The setting part 100 in this embodiment has a setting operation part 101 and a display part 102 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0054] The setting operation part 101 is for receiving an operation input. The setting operation part 101 in this embodiment is constituted by a touch panel, and receives an input instruction from the operator from its pressing position.

[0055] The touch panel is laminated on the display part 102, and when a touch operation on the screen is performed, the pressing position (contact position) can be detected based on the change in capacitance between the fingertip and the conductive film.

[0056] The display part 102 displays various screens such as a game screen and a setting screen. The display part 102 in this embodiment is constituted by a liquid crystal display.

[0057] 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 the present embodiment is realized by a CPU executing a program stored in a predetermined memory.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 110 in the present embodiment includes a determination unit 110a, a storage unit 110b, a game control unit 110c, and a display control unit 110d. The determination unit 110a performs various controls related to determining the setting contents of the prize acquisition game. The storage unit 110b performs various controls related to storing the setting contents of the prize acquisition game. The game control unit 110c performs various controls related to the prize acquisition game. The display control unit 110d controls the screen display of the display unit 102.

[0059] 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 the present embodiment, the storage unit 120 stores, in addition to game programs and setting programs, setting information of the prize acquisition game and the like.

[0060] The setting information of the prize acquisition game is information indicating the setting contents related to the prize acquisition game for each of the first play area and the second play area. The setting contents are setting data determined in advance by the setting work of the facility staff under the situation where the player has not played, and are data related to, for example, the moving speed of the prize acquisition unit 20, the gripping force of the arm 29 (the same force for all arms), and the current charge per play.

[0061] <<Regarding the configuration of the prize acquisition unit 20>> A configuration example of the prize acquisition unit 20 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the prize acquisition unit 20 according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a front view showing the configuration of the prize acquisition unit 20 according to this embodiment. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the configuration of the prize acquisition unit 20 according to this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram for explaining the relationship between the arm 29, the arm coupling portion 28, and the drive unit 35 according to this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the fully closed state of the arm 29 when there is no prize. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the fully open state of the arm 29 when there is no prize. Note that each figure shows the state in which the design cover of the prize acquisition unit 20 is removed.

[0062] As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the prize acquisition unit 20 according to this embodiment includes a base portion 21 connected to the lower end of the elevating member 52a, an arm 29 that performs an opening and closing operation, a claw 30 attached to the tip of the arm 29, an arm coupling portion 28 that detachably connects the arm 29 to the base portion 21, a drive unit 35 that drives the arm 29 to open and close, and an arm opening degree sensor (not shown) that detects the opening degree of the arm 29.

[0063] The base portion 21 has protruding portions 22 that extend radially at equal angular intervals about a central axis along the vertical direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, the base portion 21 is composed of a first protruding portion 22A, a second protruding portion 22B, and a third protruding portion 22C in a three-pronged shape that are shifted by 120 degrees in three directions about the central axis of the base portion 21.

[0064] The arm 29 consists of three arms: a first arm 29A, a second arm 29B, and a third arm 29C, and extends radially about the central axis of the base portion 21. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, corresponding to each of the first protrusion 22A, the second protrusion 22B, and the third protrusion 22C, the first arm 29A, the second arm 29B, and the third arm 29C are provided, and each arm 29 extends radially at equal angular intervals (120-degree intervals) about the central axis of the base portion 21. And, as shown in FIG. 4, a claw 30 is attached to the tip of the arm 29, and an arm connecting portion 28 is connected to the base end thereof.

[0065] The arm connecting portion 28 consists of three parts: a first arm connecting portion 28A, a second arm connecting portion 28B, and a third arm connecting portion 28C, and is provided for each arm. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the first arm connecting portion 28A connects the first arm 29A to the first protrusion 22A of the base portion 21. Similarly, the second arm connecting portion 28B connects the second arm 29B to the second protrusion 22B of the base portion 21, and the third arm connecting portion 28C connects the third arm 29C to the third protrusion 22C of the base portion 21. Hereinafter, since the configurations of the arm connecting portions 28 are all the same, only the first arm connecting portion 28A will be specifically described, and the description of the others will be omitted.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, the first arm connecting portion 28A has a protrusion 28Aa, an arm shaft 28Ab that serves as the central axis when the first arm 29A rotates, a transmission gear 28Ac that rotates integrally with the arm shaft 28Ab, a torsion spring 28Ad as an example of an elastic body, and a fastening portion 28Ae.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 8, the protrusion 28Aa is provided at one end of the first arm connecting portion 28A, and by abutting against the stopper 24 of the base portion 21, it restricts the rotational movement of the first arm 29A in the closing direction.

[0068] The arm shaft 28Ab is inserted into an insertion hole (not shown) of the first arm connecting portion 28A, and is attached to the base portion 21 through a through hole (not shown) of the first protruding portion 22A. The transmission gear 28Ac is fitted so as to be integrated with the arm shaft 28Ab, and transmits power to the first arm 29A by the drive of the drive portion 35.

[0069] The torsion spring 28Ad applies a gripping force to the arm 29. As shown in FIG. 7, it is attached so as not to fall off by screwing the fastening portion 28Ae to the arm shaft 28Ab. The first arm connecting portion 28A is connected to the first arm 29A via this torsion spring 28Ad.

[0070] The arm opening degree sensor (not shown) is an example of an arm opening degree measuring portion, and is a detection means for measuring the opening size of the arm. In the present embodiment, by outputting a detection value corresponding to the rotation amount of the first arm 29A around the arm shaft 28Ab, the opening degree of the first arm 29A can be detected between the fully closed state shown in FIG. 8 and the fully open state shown in FIG. 9.

[0071] The drive portion 35 is composed of three parts: a first drive portion 35A, a second drive portion 35B, and a third drive portion 35C, and is provided for each arm. As shown in FIG. 4 or FIG. 6, the first drive portion 35A, the second drive portion 35B, and the third drive portion 35C can be separately opened and closed corresponding to the first arm 29A, the second arm 29B, and the third arm 29C, respectively. Hereinafter, since the configurations of the drive portions 35 are all the same, only the first drive portion 35A will be specifically described, and the descriptions of the others will be omitted.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 7, the first drive portion 35A includes an arm opening / closing motor 35Aa, a gear box 35Ab connected to the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa, an output shaft 35Ac of the gear box 35Ab, and a transmission gear 35Ad fitted to the output shaft 35Ac.

[0073] The gearbox 35Ab decelerates and outputs the rotational force of the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa. Note that the transmission gear 35Ad may be directly fitted to the output shaft (not shown) of the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa without passing through this gearbox 35Ab.

[0074] When the transmission gear 35Ad rotates via the gearbox 35Ab due to the drive of the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa, power is transmitted to the transmission gear 28Ac that meshes with the transmission gear 35Ad. As a result, the first arm 29A connected to the first arm connecting portion 28A via the torsion spring 28Ad rotates about the arm shaft 28Ab.

[0075] In this embodiment, when the first arm 29A is in the closed state, if the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa rotates the output shaft in the forward rotation direction, the transmission gear 35Ad rotates via the gearbox 35Ab, and power is transmitted to the transmission gear 28Ac that meshes with the transmission gear 35Ad. When the transmission gear 28Ac rotates according to the power, the first arm 29A connected to the first arm connecting portion 28A via the torsion spring 28Ad rotates in the direction of opening the arm about the arm shaft 28Ab on which the transmission gear 28Ac is fitted. At this time, as the arm opens, the biasing force of the torsion spring 28Ad decreases, and the gripping force of the first arm 29A gradually weakens. Then, when the arm opening sensor detects that the first arm 29A has reached the opening corresponding to fully open, the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa stops.

[0076] Also, when the first arm 29A is in the fully open state, if the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa rotates the output shaft in the reverse direction, the transmission gear 35Ad rotates via the gear box 35Ab, and power is transmitted to the transmission gear 28Ac that meshes with the transmission gear 35Ad. When the transmission gear 28Ac rotates according to the power, the first arm 29A, which is connected via the first arm connecting portion 28A and the torsion spring 28Ad around the arm shaft 28Ab on which the transmission gear 28Ac is fitted, rotates in the direction of closing the arm. At this time, as the arm closes, the biasing force of the torsion spring 28Ad increases, and the gripping force of the first arm 29A gradually strengthens. After that, when the arm opening / closing sensor detects that the first arm 29A has reached the opening corresponding to fully closed, the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa stops.

[0077] Note that during actual play, the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa may stop even before the first arm 29A reaches the fully closed state. For example, when the first arm 29A rotates in the closing direction and abuts against the prize, it becomes a nearly stationary state, and when the arm opening / closing sensor detects that the detected value has stabilized in this state, the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa temporarily stops. At this time, even if the first arm 29A abuts against the prize and stops, by continuing the rotation of the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa, power is transmitted to the transmission gear 28Ac, and the biasing force of the torsion spring 28Ad further increases, so that the gripping force of the first arm 29A can be strengthened.

[0078] <<Regarding the operation of the prize acquisition game device 1>> The operation of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an operation example of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, an operation example in the first play area will be specifically described, and the description of the second play area will be omitted because it is the same as that of the first play area.

[0079] When the play fee detection unit 93 detects the insertion of a coin (step S101: YES), the control unit 110 starts measuring the preset operation restriction time (step S102).

[0080] Next, when the control unit 110 receives an operation signal for horizontally moving the prize acquisition unit 20 due to the player operating the joystick 91 (step S103: YES), it drives the horizontal movement unit 51 according to the player's operation and horizontally moves the prize acquisition unit 20 that is stopped at the preset home position (step S104).

[0081] On the other hand, when the player does not operate the joystick 91 (step S103: NO), the control unit 110 determines whether the operation restriction time has elapsed (step S106). If the operation restriction time has not elapsed (step S106: NO), the process returns to the process of step S103. If the operation restriction time has elapsed (step S106: YES), the prize acquisition unit 20 is stopped (step S107).

[0082] Next, when the control unit 110 receives an operation signal for determining the position after the horizontal movement of the prize acquisition unit 20 due to the player operating the operation button 92 (step S105: YES), it stops the prize acquisition unit 20 at the position after the horizontal movement (step S107).

[0083] On the other hand, when the player does not operate the operation button 92 (step S103: NO), the control unit 110 determines whether the operation restriction time has elapsed (step S106). If the operation restriction time has not elapsed (step S106: NO), the process returns to the process of step S103. If the operation restriction time has elapsed (step S106: YES), the prize acquisition unit 20 is stopped (step S107).

[0084] Next, when the prize acquisition unit 20 stops (step S107), the control unit 110 drives the vertical movement unit 52 and lowers the prize acquisition unit 20 at the stop position in the first play area (step S108).

[0085] When the control unit 110 detects that the lowering of the prize acquisition unit 20 has stopped due to the lower limit sensor (step S109: YES), the control unit 110 stops the prize acquisition unit 20 (step S110).

[0086] Next, when the prize acquisition unit 20 is in a stopped state (step S110), the control unit 110 rotationally drives the arm 29 in the closing direction by the drive unit 35 (step S111).

[0087] Next, when the arm 29 of the prize acquisition unit 20 is in a closed state (step S111), the control unit 110 drives the vertical movement unit 52 to raise the prize acquisition unit 20 (step S112).

[0088] When the control unit 110 detects that the raising of the prize acquisition unit 20 has stopped due to the upper limit sensor (step S113: YES), the control unit 110 stops the prize acquisition unit 20 (step S114).

[0089] Next, the control unit 110 drives the horizontal movement unit 51 to move the prize acquisition unit 20 toward the home position (step S115) and determines whether the home position has been reached (step S116).

[0090] Next, when the prize acquisition unit 20 is located at the home position (step S116: YES), the control unit 110 rotationally drives the arm 29 in the opening direction by the drive unit 35 (step S117).

[0091] <<Regarding the grasping operation of multiple arms>> The grasping operation of the multiple arms according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 12. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the outline of the arm control method according to this embodiment. FIG. 11A is a diagram for explaining the grasping force of each arm before the activation of the change control. FIG. 11B is a diagram for explaining the grasping force of each arm after the activation of the change control. FIG. 12 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the grasping operation of the multiple arms according to this embodiment.

[0092] <Overview> As a preliminary preparation before the player plays, the grasping force of the arm 29 adjusted by the setting work of the facility staff is determined in advance. At this time, when the setting operation is performed by the facility staff, the grasping forces of the first arm 29A, the second arm 29B, and the third arm 29C are all set to the same force. After that, during the game play by the player, the first arm 29A, the second arm 29B, and the third arm 29C can start the grasping operation simultaneously with the predetermined grasping force to grasp the prize.

[0093] However, when the first arm 29A, the second arm 29B, and the third arm 29C grasp the prize during the play, although the grasping forces of each arm are all the same, due to the influence of the shape, size, material, etc. of the prize, the ease of grasping of each arm is different, and there may be a case where the prize cannot be grasped stably.

[0094] For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, the case where the first arm 29A, the second arm 29B, and the third arm 29C grasp a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped (rectangular in plan view) prize P during the play will be described.

[0095] In this case, the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C have the same opening degree, but the opening degree of the first arm 29A is larger than that of the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C.

[0096] In addition, the first arm 29A can apply a force in a direction orthogonal to the contact surface of the prize P, while the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C apply a force in an oblique direction with respect to the contact surface of the prize P.

[0097] Therefore, in the first arm 29A, a predetermined grasping force will be exerted. However, in the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C, it becomes easier to slip on the contact surface of the prize P, and the original grasping force is not exerted. Actually, the grasping force becomes weaker than that of the first arm 29A.

[0098] As a result, although the grasping forces of the respective arms set in advance are all the same force, actually, the grasping force exerted by the first arm 29A has a great influence compared to the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C, and the prize P will be pushed out by the pushing force (indicated by an arrow in the figure).

[0099] In this way, between the first arm 29A and the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C, the ease of grasping of the arm varies due to the influence of the shape of the prize P and the like, and the prize P cannot be stably grasped.

[0100] Therefore, in the present embodiment, from the degree of opening of each arm when the prize P is grasped during play, the target arm for which the grasping force should be changed is specified from among all the arms, and control is performed to change the grasping force of the target arm to be different from that of the other arms.

[0101] For example, as shown in FIG. 11B, the first arm 29A having a larger degree of opening compared to the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C is specified from among all the arms, and the grasping force of this first arm 29A is changed to be smaller compared to the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C.

[0102] By performing such control, when the first arm 29A, the second arm 29B, and the third arm 29C grasp the prize P, even if the grasping forces of the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C are substantially weakened, by weakening the grasping force of the first arm 29A, the influence of the grasping force exerted by the first arm 29A becomes smaller, and it becomes difficult for the prize P to be pushed out. Therefore, by achieving a balance of the grasping forces across the entire arm, it becomes easier to grasp, and the prize P can be stably grasped.

[0103] <Operation> Here, an example of the operation of grasping the prize P by the three arms of the first arm 29A, the second arm 29B, and the third arm 29C will be described with reference to FIG. 12.

[0104] First, as shown in FIG. 12, when the first arm 29A, the second arm 29B, and the third arm 29C are closed and in a stopped state during the play, the control unit 110 of the prize acquisition game device 1 measures the opening degree of each arm based on the detection results by the respective arm opening degree sensors (step S201).

[0105] During the play, until each arm closes and reaches a stopped state, it is also possible to set the grasping force of each arm to the weakest grasping force instead of the grasping force preset before the play. By doing so, each arm closes and stops immediately after contacting the prize P, so that the opening degree of each arm that better conforms to the shape of the prize P can be measured.

[0106] Next, based on the measurement results of the opening degrees of the arms, the control unit 110 compares the opening degrees between the arms for the first arm 29A, the second arm 29B, and the third arm 29C (step S202).

[0107] Specifically, since the prize acquisition unit 20 of the prize acquisition game device 1 has three arms 29, the control unit 110 of the prize acquisition game device 1 calculates the opening degree differences between the first arm 29A and the second arm 29B, between the first arm 29A and the third arm 29C, and between the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C, respectively.

[0108] Next, the control unit 110 determines whether there is a target arm (an arm to be subjected to the gripping force change control) that satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the change in the gripping force among the first arm 29A, the second arm 29B, and the third arm 29C (step S203).

[0109] For example, when the predetermined condition is that there is a target arm that is widely opened within a predetermined range of the opening degree difference compared to the other arms (hereinafter referred to as the "first predetermined condition"), the arm that satisfies the condition is specified from among the first arm 29A, the second arm 29B, and the third arm 29C.

[0110] Specifically, assuming that as a result of the measurement in step S202 above, the opening degree of the first arm 29A is "100", the opening degree of the second arm 29B is "70", and the opening degree of the third arm 29C is "70", then as a result of the comparison in step S203 above, the first arm 29A is widely opened with an opening degree difference of "30" compared to the second arm 29B, while the second arm 29B is opened less with an opening degree difference of "30" compared to the first arm 29A.

[0111] Also, the first arm 29A is widely opened with an opening degree difference of "30" compared to the third arm 29C, while the third arm 29C is opened less with an opening degree difference of "30" compared to the first arm 29A.

[0112] In addition, there is no opening degree difference ( "0") between the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C, and similarly for the third arm 29C, there is no opening degree difference ( "0") compared to the second arm 29B.

[0113] Here, assuming that the opening difference from "30" to "50" is set in advance as a predetermined range, the target arm that is opened wider with an opening difference within the predetermined range compared to other arms will be only the first arm 29A.

[0114] Also, for example, when the predetermined condition is that there exists a target arm that is opened smaller with an opening difference within the predetermined range compared to other arms (hereinafter referred to as the "second predetermined condition"), the arm that satisfies this condition is specified from among the first arm 29A, the second arm 29B, and the third arm 29C.

[0115] Specifically, assuming that as a result of the measurement in step S202 above, the opening of the first arm 29A is "10", the opening of the second arm 29B is "100", and the opening of the third arm 29C is "100", then as a result of the comparison in step S203 above, the first arm 29A will be opened smaller with an opening difference of "90" compared to the second arm 29B, while the second arm 29B will be opened wider with an opening difference of "90" compared to the first arm 29A.

[0116] Also, the first arm 29A will be opened smaller with an opening difference of "90" compared to the third arm 29C, while the third arm 29C will be opened wider with an opening difference of "90" compared to the first arm 29A.

[0117] Also, the opening difference between the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C is zero ("0"), and similarly for the third arm 29C, the opening difference compared to the second arm 29B is zero ("0").

[0118] Here, assuming that the opening difference from "90" to "100" is set in advance as a predetermined range, the target arm that is opened smaller with an opening difference within the predetermined range compared to other arms will be only the first arm 29A.

[0119] When the control unit 110 determines as a result of such determination that there is no target arm satisfying a predetermined condition (step S203: NO), without changing the gripping force of all the arms (setting it to the gripping force (reference gripping force) preset before the play), this process ends. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is a target arm satisfying the predetermined condition (step S203: YES), the process proceeds to the next step S204.

[0120] Next, when the determination in step S203 above is affirmed, the control unit 110 of the prize acquisition game device 1 performs control to change the gripping force of the target arm specified from among all the arms (step S204).

[0121] For example, when the first predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 110 presumes that the gripping force of the first arm 29A, which is the target arm, is substantially greater than the gripping forces of the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C, which are non-target arms, and changes the gripping force of the first arm 29A when the condition is satisfied to be weaker than the gripping forces of the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C (that is, the gripping force (reference gripping force) preset before the play).

[0122] Specifically, the control unit 110 performs drive control of the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa so that the gripping force of the first arm 29A specified as the target arm becomes weaker by a predetermined percentage (for example, 30%) from the gripping forces of the other arms (that is, the gripping force (reference gripping force) preset before the play).

[0123] Also, for example, when the second predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 110 presumes that the gripping force of the first arm 29A, which is the target arm, is substantially greater than the gripping forces of the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C, which are non-target arms, and changes the gripping force of the first arm 29A when the condition is satisfied to be weaker than the gripping forces of the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C (that is, the gripping force (reference gripping force) preset before the play).

[0124] Specifically, the control unit 110 controls the driving of the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa so that the gripping force of the first arm 29A specified as the target arm is weakened by a predetermined percentage (for example, 30%) from the gripping forces of the other arms (that is, the gripping force (reference gripping force) preset before the play).

[0125] In this way, when the gripping force of the target arm specified from among all the arms is changed, the gripping operation of the arm is restarted with the changed gripping force. Thereafter, until the prize acquisition unit 20 reaches the home position and each arm opens, the arm control of the prize acquisition unit 20 is performed while continuously and repeatedly measuring the opening degree of each arm.

[0126] As described above, according to the prize game device 1 according to the present embodiment, the first arm 29A, which should have its gripping force changed, can be specified as the target arm from among all the arms based on the opening degrees of the first arm 29A, the second arm 29B, and the third arm 29C when the prize P is gripped during play. Then, by changing the gripping force of the first arm 29A, which is the target arm, to be different from those of the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C, it is possible to enhance the stability of the gripping operation by the plurality of arms.

[0127] ===Other Embodiments=== The above-described embodiments are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and are not for limiting and interpreting the present invention. The present invention can be changed and improved without departing from its gist, and equivalents thereof are also included in the present invention. In particular, the following-described embodiments are also included in the present invention. That is, the present invention can also be configured by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments and the following-described embodiments.

[0128] Moreover, it is also possible to form various inventions by appropriately combining a plurality of invention-specific matters disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, some invention-specific matters may be deleted from all the invention-specific matters disclosed in the above embodiments to form an invention, or invention-specific matters disclosed in the embodiments described below may be appropriately combined with all the invention-specific matters disclosed in the above embodiments to form an invention.

[0129] <Number of arms> In the above embodiment, the prize acquisition unit 20 having three arms 29 was described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a prize acquisition unit 20 having four or more arms 29. In this case, it can be realized by increasing the number of the arm connecting portion 28, the drive portion 35, the protruding portion 22 of the base portion 21, etc. according to the increase in the number of the arms 29.

[0130] <Arm control> In the above embodiment, the arm control method in the case where the prize acquisition unit 20 has three arms 29 was described, but the present invention can also be applied when the prize acquisition unit 20 has four or more arms 29.

[0131] Specifically, for example, when the prize acquisition unit 20 has four arms 29, regarding the arm control method in the above embodiment, the opening difference between the first arm 29A and the second arm 29B, the opening difference between the first arm 29A and the third arm 29C, the opening difference between the first arm 29A and the fourth arm 29D, the opening difference between the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C, the opening difference between the second arm 29B and the fourth arm 29D, and the opening difference between the third arm 29C and the fourth arm 29D are each calculated, and it is also possible to set a predetermined condition as follows.

[0132] For example, when the predetermined condition is that there are two target arms that are opened widely with an opening difference within a predetermined range compared to other arms (hereinafter referred to as the "third predetermined condition"), the two target arms that satisfy the condition are specified from among all the arms.

[0133] When the third predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 110 of the prize acquisition game device 1 presumes that the grasping force of the two specified target arms is substantially greater than the grasping force of the non-target arms, and determines the grasping force of the two target arms when the condition is satisfied. The grasping force is changed to be weaker than the grasping force of the non-target arms (that is, the preset grasping force (reference grasping force) before the play).

[0134] Also, for example, when the predetermined condition is that there are two target arms that are opened with a smaller opening degree difference within a predetermined range compared to other arms (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth predetermined condition"), the two target arms that satisfy the condition are specified from among all the arms.

[0135] When the fourth predetermined condition is satisfied, the control unit 110 of the prize acquisition game device 1 presumes that the grasping force of the two specified target arms is substantially greater than the grasping force of the non-target arms, and determines the grasping force of the two target arms when the condition is satisfied. The grasping force is changed to be weaker than the grasping force of the non-target arms (that is, the preset grasping force (reference grasping force) before the play).

[0136] In the above embodiment, the case of changing the grasping force of the target arm has been described. As an exception, the control unit 110 of the prize acquisition game device 1 determines that the target arm is in the fully closed state based on the opening degree of the target arm during the play, or during the play. When it is determined that the non-target arm is in the fully closed state based on the opening degree of the non-target arm, etc., it is also possible not to change the grasping force of the target arm. As a result, it is possible to avoid making it more difficult to grasp the prize with the entire arm by weakening the grasping force of the target arm, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in the stability of the grasping operation.

[0137] <Drive unit> In the above embodiment, the case of using a motor as an example of the rotary drive unit 35 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can also be applied to a linear drive unit 35 such as a solenoid.

[0138] <Prize item> In the above embodiment, the prize items stored in the storage unit 10 include not only items that a player can directly obtain (for example, stuffed toys, etc.), but also items stored as acquisition targets in the game and exchangeable with other prize items after acquisition, and items used for competing for scores or rankings without providing the items themselves.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0139] 1 Prize item acquisition game device 10 Storage unit 11 Opening / closing door 12 Column part 20 Prize item acquisition unit 21 Base part 22 Protrusion 22A First protrusion 22B Second protrusion 22C Third protrusion 24 Stopper 28 Arm connection part 28A First arm connection part 28Aa Protrusion 28Ab Arm shaft 28Ac Transmission gear 28Ad Torsion spring 28Ae Fastening part 28B Second arm connection part 28C Third arm connection part 29 Arm 29A First arm 29B Second arm 29C Third arm 29D Fourth arm 30 Claw 35 Driving part 35A First driving part 35Aa Arm opening / closing motor 35Ab Gear box 35Ac Output shaft 35Ad Transmission gear 35B Second driving part 35Ba Motor for arm opening and closing 35Bb Gear box 35Bc Output shaft 35Bd Transmission gear 35C Third drive unit 35Ca Motor for arm opening and closing 35Cb Gear box 35Cc Output shaft 35Cd Transmission gear 50 Moving part 51 Horizontal moving part 52 Vertical moving part 52a Lifting member 53 Left - right moving part 53a Fixed rail 53b Motor for left - right movement 54 Front - rear moving part 54a Movable rail 54b Motor for front - rear movement 60 Display part 80 Base part 90 Operation part 91 Joystick 92 Operation button 93 Play fee detection part 94 Coin insertion slot 96 Prize outlet 100 Setting part 101 Setting operation part 102 Display part 110 Control part 110a Decision part 110b Storage part 110c Game control part 110d Display control part 120 Memory part P Prize

Claims

1. A prize acquisition game device configured to be able to acquire a prize by the gripping operation of an arm, a plurality of arms whose gripping force for the prize can be changed for each arm, an arm opening measurement unit that measures the opening of each arm in the state where the prize is gripped during play, a control unit that, during play, determines a target arm that satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the change of the gripping force from among all the arms based on the opening of each arm, and changes the gripping force of the target arm to be different from that of the other arms, A prize acquisition game device comprising the above.

2. The control unit, during play, determines a target arm that satisfies the predetermined condition that it is opened wider with an opening difference within a predetermined range compared to other arms from among all the arms based on the opening of each arm, and changes the gripping force of the target arm to be weaker than that of the other arms, The prize acquisition game device according to Claim 1.

3. The control unit, during play, determines a target arm that satisfies the predetermined condition that it is opened less with an opening difference within a predetermined range compared to other arms from among all the arms based on the opening of each arm, and changes the gripping force of the target arm to be weaker than that of the other arms, The prize acquisition game device according to Claim 1.

4. Comprising three or more arms whose gripping force for the prize can be changed for each arm, The prize acquisition game device according to any one of Claims 1 - 3.

5. When the control unit determines during play that the target arm is in a fully closed state based on the opening of the target arm, or when it determines that the other arm is in a fully closed state based on the opening of the other arm, the control unit does not change the gripping force of the target arm, The prize acquisition game device according to any one of Claims 1 - 3.

6. An arm control method for a prize acquisition game device configured to enable the acquisition of a prize by the grasping operation of an arm, wherein the prize acquisition game device has a plurality of arms whose prize-grasping force can be changed for each arm, measuring the opening degree of each arm in the state where the prize is grasped during play, during play, determining a target arm that satisfies a predetermined condition regarding the change of the grasping force from among all the arms based on the opening degree of each arm, and changing the grasping force of the target arm to be different from that of the other arms, and an arm control method for a prize acquisition game device including the above.

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