Prize game machine with sound generation robot

Abstract

To attract a player's consciousness effectively and enhance the value of play experience.SOLUTION: A prize game machine with a sound generation robot includes: a game machine body having a start motion detection part for detecting a start motion and a prize discharge part for discharging a prize; and a sound generation robot provided adjacent to the game machine body, which includes a human sensitive sensor and a sound generation part for generating a sound. The game machine body includes a signal transmission part for transmitting a first signal to the effect that the start motion is detected to the sound generation robot. The sound generation robot performs a first motion in which the sound generation part generates a first sound or does not generate a sound when the first signal is not input and the detection is not made by the human sensitive sensor, performs a second motion in which the sound generation part generates a second sound when the first signal is not input and the detection is made by the human sensitive sensor, and performs a third motion in which the sound generation part generates a third sound when the first signal is input.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a prize game machine with a sound - generating robot that generates sound in conjunction with the main body of the game machine.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, game machines such as crane game devices and capsule discharge devices have been proposed that perform various electrical operations in order to attract the interest of people who visit game centers and other places where they are installed. For example, those equipped with a light - emitting part such as an LED and in which the light - emitting part lights up in a plurality of patterns according to the play situation and the like have been proposed (see Patent Document 1, etc.).

[0003] On the other hand, as a kind of robot that generates sound, a clapping device has been proposed that not only generates sound from a speaker but also reciprocates a plate imitating a hand to generate a collision sound.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates to a prize game machine with a sound - generating robot that can effectively attract the attention of customers and enhance the value of the play experience.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The prize game machine with a sound - generating robot according to the present invention includes a game machine main body having a start - operation detection unit that detects a start operation by a player and a prize discharge unit that discharges a prize, A sound - generating robot that is provided adjacent to the game machine main body and has a human - presence sensor for detecting the presence of a person nearby and a sound - producing part that produces sound. The game machine main body has a signal - transmitting part that transmits a first signal indicating that the start - operation detection part has detected the start operation to the sound - generating robot. The sound - generating robot When the first signal is not input and there is no detection by the human - presence sensor, the sound - producing part produces a first sound, or the sound - producing part performs a first operation of not producing sound. When the first signal is not input and there is a detection by the human - presence sensor, the sound - producing part performs a second operation of producing a second sound different from the first sound. When the first signal is input, the sound - producing part performs a third operation of producing a third sound different from the first sound and the second sound.

[0007] The prize game machine with a sound - generating robot according to the present invention has the game machine main body and the sound - generating robot linked by the signal - transmitting part. Also, the sound - generating robot having a human - presence sensor and a sound - producing part can judge whether a person has approached or the play has started based on signals from the human - presence sensor and the signal - transmitting part, and perform operations according to the situation in a flexible manner. Therefore, such a prize game machine with a sound - generating robot can effectively attract the attention of customers and enhance the value of the customers' play experience. Also, by having the sound - generating robot with a human - presence sensor linked to the game machine main body, an effective impression can be given to customers through hearing.

[0008] Also, for example, the prize - discharging part may have a discharge - detection part for detecting the discharge of the prize. The signal - transmitting part may transmit a second signal indicating that the discharge - detection part has detected the discharge of the prize and a third signal indicating that the prize - discharging part has performed a predetermined operation in the prize - discharging process to the sound - generating robot. The sound - generating robot When the second signal is input within a predetermined time after the third signal is input, the sound output unit may perform a fourth operation of generating a fourth sound. When the second signal is not input within the predetermined time after the third signal is input, the sound output unit may perform a fifth operation of generating a fifth sound different from the fourth sound.

[0009] In such a prize game machine with a sound generation robot in which the game machine main body and the sound generation robot are interlocked via a signal transmission unit, the sound generation robot can operate flexibly depending on whether or not a prize has been discharged, thereby enhancing the value of the player's play experience. In addition, the prize game machine with a sound generation robot can perform various expressions by transmitting language information to the player via, for example, hearing.

[0010] Also, for example, the prize discharge unit may include a crane unit that acquires or does not acquire the prize according to the operation of the player. The third signal may be a signal related to the operation of the crane unit.

[0011] In such a prize game machine with a sound generation robot, in the play of a crane game machine in which success or failure of prize acquisition occurs, impactful information using language information via hearing can be transmitted to the player corresponding to success or failure of prize acquisition.

[0012] Also, for example, the prize discharge unit may include a rotating disk formed with a passage hole for passing the prize to a prize outlet according to the operation of the player. The third signal is a signal related to the rotation operation of the rotating disk. The fifth sound in the fifth operation may be a voice prompting the player to contact the administrator.

[0013] Such a prize game machine with a sound-emitting robot can convey appropriate information to the player using linguistic information via the sense of hearing in a game machine in which failure to dispense a prize is an operational error.

[0014] Furthermore, for example, the human presence sensor may be a Doppler sensor.

[0015] Any type of human presence sensor can be used as long as it can detect a moving person, but a Doppler sensor can be used to perform detection that does not use optical information and that respects privacy, at a relatively low cost.

[0016] Also, for example, the sound production unit of the sound-generating robot may have a voice unit that produces sound from a speaker, and a clapping unit that causes a pair of plate materials representing hands to open and close in a reciprocating manner, producing the sound of the pair of plate materials colliding with each other.

[0017] Such sound-generating robots can convey linguistic information and melodies through the audio section, while also using the clapping section to create the illusion of a human clapping. A prize game machine that coordinates these two functions at the right time can provide players with a high-quality playing experience.

[0018] Also, for example, the present invention includes a plurality of the sound generating robots, one of the plurality of sound-emitting robots is provided to the right of the game machine main body, and the other of the plurality of sound-emitting robots is provided to the left of the game machine main body; On the front side of the game console body, a first area detected only by the human presence sensor of one of the sound-emitting robots, a second area detected only by the human presence sensor of the other sound-emitting robot, and a third area detected by the human presence sensors of both of the sound-emitting robots may be formed.

[0019] Such a prize game machine with a sound - generating robot can perform a variety of variations of operations as a whole according to the standing position of customers, etc. by the interlocking of a plurality of sound - generating robots, and can enhance the experience value of players.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] First Embodiment FIG. 1 is an external view of a prize game machine 10 with a sound - generating robot (hereinafter, also simply referred to as "prize game machine 10") according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The prize game machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes a game machine main body 20 having a prize discharge unit 30 (see FIG. 2) for discharging a prize 90, and a sound - generating robot 50 having a sound - producing unit 60 that produces sound and is interlocked with the game machine main body 20.

[0022] Examples of the game machine main body 20 include so-called prize game machines such as crane game machines (see FIGS. 1 and 7), and lottery-type vending machines (FIG. 5) that select and provide prizes in capsules. However, it is not particularly limited as long as it discharges prizes. Examples of the sound generation robot 50 include humanoid or animal-type ones having eyes and a mouth and a face, and those imitating imaginary or created characters. However, as long as it has a sound generation unit 60 that generates sound and is interlocked with the game machine main body 20, its appearance can be anything.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the prize game machine 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the game machine main body 20 includes a start operation detection unit 22, a prize discharge unit 30, a signal transmission unit 40, a main body control unit 26, and the like. The start operation detection unit 22 detects the player's play start operation on the prize game machine 10.

[0024] In the prize game machine 10 shown in FIG. 1, the player starts playing by inserting a coin into a coin insertion slot (not shown) provided in the game machine main body 20. Therefore, the start operation detection unit 22 of the game machine main body 20 has a coin insertion detection unit that detects the type and number of coins inserted into the coin insertion slot, and detects that the necessary coins for play have been inserted into the coin insertion slot, thereby detecting the player's play start operation.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, in the game machine main body 20, when the start operation detection unit 22 detects the start operation by the player, that is, the insertion of the necessary coins for play, the start operation detection unit 22 outputs a first signal sig1. The first signal sig1 indicating that the start operation detection unit 22 has detected the start operation is transmitted to the game main body control unit 26 that controls each part of the game machine main body 20 and the signal transmission unit 40 described later.

[0026] When the first signal sig1 is transmitted from the start operation detection unit 22, the prize discharge unit 30 of the game machine main body 20 is controlled by the main body control unit 26 to notify the player of the start of play, and the operation unit 24 shown in FIG. 1 receives the player's operation input. As a result, the player can operate the crane unit 34 of the prize discharge unit 30 via the operation unit 24.

[0027] The prize discharge unit 30 shown in FIG. 2 includes a crane operation output unit 36, a discharge detection unit 32, the crane unit 34 shown in FIG. 1, and the like. The crane unit 34 can move the prize 90 installed in the play field of the game machine main body 20 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the crane unit 34 has an arm 35 for gripping the prize 90. The crane unit 34 acquires or does not acquire the prize 90 according to the player's operation via the operation unit 24. That is, in the play by the game machine main body 20 shown in FIG. 1, there are cases where the player can acquire the prize 90 and cases where the player cannot acquire the prize 90, and it is not always possible to acquire the prize 90 by the play by the game machine main body 20.

[0028] The crane operation output unit 36 of the prize discharge unit 30 outputs a third signal sig3 indicating that the prize discharge unit 30 has performed a predetermined operation in the prize 90 discharge process. The third signal sig3 output by the crane operation output unit 36 is transmitted to the main body control unit 26, the signal transmission unit 40, and the like. In the game machine main body 20 shown in FIG. 1 which is a crane game device, the third signal sig3 can be a signal related to the operation of the crane unit 34 during play. For example, as the third signal sig3 output by the crane operation output unit 36, there are a signal indicating a voltage change of the arm drive unit indicating that the arm 35 of the crane unit 34 has opened, a signal indicating the position of the crane unit 34 in the play field, and the degree of opening of the arm 35, and the like.

[0029] The discharge detection unit 32 of the prize discharge unit 30 detects the discharge of the prize 90 by the prize discharge unit 30. The discharge detection unit 32 is composed of, for example, a sensor or the like provided on the path through which the prize 90 acquired by the player moves from the play field to the prize outlet 37 (see FIG. 1) by the operation of the crane unit 34. The discharge detection unit 32 outputs a second signal sig2 indicating that the prize discharge unit 30 has detected the discharge of the prize 90 to the main body control unit 26, the signal transmission unit 40, and the like.

[0030] As described above, in the prize game machine 10, depending on the player's play on the game machine main body 20, there are cases where the prize 90 is discharged and cases where the prize 90 is not discharged. However, the main body control unit 26 of the game machine main body 20 and the robot control unit 54 of the sound generation robot 50 described later can identify whether the prize 90 has been discharged by the player's play based on the signal output by the discharge detection unit 32.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 2, the game machine main body 20 has a signal transmission unit 40 that transmits a control signal of the game machine main body 20 to the robot control unit 54. The signal transmission unit 40 transmits a first signal sig1 indicating that the start operation detection unit 22 has detected the start operation, a second signal sig2 indicating that the discharge detection unit 32 has detected the discharge of the prize 90, a third signal sig3 indicating that the prize discharge unit 30 has performed a predetermined operation in the prize discharge process, and the like to the robot control unit 54 of the sound generation robot 50.

[0032] The signal transmission unit 40 is composed of a substrate or the like on which an electronic circuit or the like for relaying the signal transmission is mounted. The first to third signals sig1 to sig3 output by the start operation detection unit 22, the crane operation output unit 36, and the discharge detection unit 32 are transmitted to the signal transmission unit 40 directly or indirectly via the main body control unit 26 or the like. Further, the transmission of the first to third signals sig1 to sig3 from the signal transmission unit 40 to the sound generation robot 50 may be by wired transmission or wireless communication.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 1, the sound generation robot 50 includes a human presence sensor 52, a robot control unit 54, a sound generation unit 60, a memory unit 56, and the like. The sound generation robot 50 is connected to the game machine main body 20 so as to be capable of wired communication or wireless communication. Information regarding the game machine main body 20 is transmitted from the signal transmission unit 40 of the game machine main body 20 to the robot control unit 54 of the sound generation robot 50. The robot control unit 54 can cause the sound generation unit 60 and the like of the sound generation robot 50 to perform operations linked to the game machine main body 20 by operating the sound generation unit 60 and the like using the information transmitted from the game machine main body 20.

[0034] The human presence sensor 52 of the sound generation robot 50 detects the presence of a person near the sound generation robot 50 having the human presence sensor 52. As shown in FIG. 1, the sound generation robot 50 is provided adjacent to the game machine main body 20. When there is a person in front of the game machine main body 20, the human presence sensor 52 detects this and transmits it to the robot control unit 54.

[0035] Examples of the human presence sensor 52 include a Doppler sensor, an infrared sensor, an image analysis sensor, etc. However, any type of sensor may be used as long as it can detect the presence of a person around the sound generation robot 50. However, as the human presence sensor 52, it is preferable to use a Doppler sensor that detects the presence of a moving object (person) around from the Doppler effect of the reflected wave, because it can detect the presence of a person interested in the prize game machine 10 while taking privacy into consideration.

[0036] Since the sound generation robot 50 shown in FIG. 1 has a sound generation unit 60 that generates sound, information can be transmitted through the human auditory sense by generating sound with the sound generation unit 60. As shown in FIG. 2, the sound generation unit 60 of the sound generation robot 50 includes a sound generation part 62 that generates sound from a speaker, and a clapping part 66 that reciprocates a pair of plate members 67 imitating a hand to generate a collision sound by the plate members 67.

[0037] The voice section 62 reproduces voice data and the like stored in the storage section 56 of the sound generation robot 50 under the control of the robot control section 54, and generates sounds such as words like "Thank you very much!", "Congratulations!", "What a pity!" and melodies (see Fig. 4). Also, the clapper 66 can generate collision sounds at a certain rhythm (clapping, finger snapping) or generate collision sounds at a specific rhythm (3·3·7 time signature, triple tightening) under the control of the robot control section 54.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 1, since the clapper 66 reciprocates a pair of plate members 67 imitating hands to generate sound, the sound generation by the clapper 66 can give the impression to the person who sees it that the sound generation robot 50 is clapping. Also, the mouth of the sound generation robot 50 shown in Fig. 1 can open and close in accordance with the timing when the voice section 62 reproduces words, and can give the impression to the person who sees it that the sound generation robot 50 is speaking.

[0039] The robot control section 54 shown in Fig. 2 operates the sound generation section 60 and the like of the sound generation robot 50 using signals transmitted from the game machine main body 20 via the signal transmission section 40 and signals from the human sensor 52 that the sound generation robot 50 has. The robot control section 54 is composed of, for example, an arithmetic section such as an IC or a microprocessor.

[0040] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the control of the sound generation robot 50 implemented by the robot control section 54 and the like in the prize game machine 10 shown in Fig. 1. In the prize game machine 10 shown in Fig. 1, by turning on the power of the prize discharge section 30, the start operation detection section 22, the main body control section 26 of the game machine main body 20, the signal transmission section 40, and the sound generation robot 50, the coordinated operation of the game machine main body 20 and the sound generation robot 50 starts (step S001).

[0041] Note that the prize game machine 10 can also be operated as a crane game device by the game machine main body 20 with the sound generation robot 50 stopped by turning on only the power of the game machine main body 20 and not turning on the power of the signal transmission unit 40 and the sound generation robot 50. Further, in the prize game machine 10, it is also possible to independently operate the game machine main body 20 and the sound generation robot 50 in a state where the power of the signal transmission unit 40 is not turned on and the game machine main body 20 and the sound generation robot 50 do not operate in conjunction with each other.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3(a), when the interlocking of the game machine main body 20 and the sound generation robot 50 starts (step S001), the robot control unit 54 of the sound generation robot 50 detects whether or not the first signal sig1 has been input from the game machine main body 20 (step S002). Here, since the first signal sig1 is a signal indicating that the start operation detection unit 22 of the game machine main body 20 has detected the start operation, when the first signal sig1 has not been input, the robot control unit 54 can determine that there is no person starting to play on the game machine main body 20.

[0043] If the first signal sig1 is not input in step S002, the robot control unit 54 proceeds to step S003 in FIG. 3(a) and determines whether or not there is a detection by the human sensor 52. Here, since the human sensor 52 detects that there is a person near the prize game machine 10 (particularly on the front side of the game machine main body 20), when there is no detection by the human sensor 52, the robot control unit 54 can determine that there is no person near the prize game machine 10.

[0044] If there is no detection by the human sensor 52 in step S003, that is, when the first signal sig1 is not input (NO in step S002) and there is no detection by the human sensor 52 (NO in step S003), the robot control unit 54 causes the sound generation robot 50 to perform the first operation D1 (step S005). In the first operation D1, the sound generation unit 60 of the sound generation robot 50 generates the first sound S1 (see FIG. 4), or the sound generation unit 60 of the sound generation robot 50 does not generate a sound.

[0045] Figure 4 is a table showing an example of the content of the first to fifth sounds S1 to S5 generated corresponding to the first to fifth operations D1 to D5 shown in FIG. 3 in the sound generation robot 50. As shown in FIG. 4, the first sound S1 generated in the first operation D1 of step S005 is the phrase "So bored~" by the sound part 62, and the clapper 66 does not make a sound. Here, the first operation D1 of step S005 is performed assuming that there is no person playing on the game machine main body 20 and there is no person near the prize game machine 10. Therefore, in the first operation D1, the sound generation robot 50 can be in a state of not generating sound, suppressing power consumption, and preventing problems that interfere with the effects of peripheral game machines and the like. Also, in the first operation D1, by generating the first sound S1 with a negative phrase or the like that is in contrast to the second sound S2 (see FIG. 2) in the second operation D2 described later, a sense of familiarity with the sound generation robot 50 can be felt by the visitors to the installation space.

[0046] On the other hand, when there is a detection by the human sensor 52 in step S003 shown in FIG. 3, that is, when the first signal sig1 is not input (NO in step S002) and there is a detection by the human sensor 52 (YES in step S003), the robot control unit 54 causes the sound generation robot 50 to perform the second operation D2 (step S004). In the second operation D2, the sound generation unit 60 of the sound generation robot 50 generates a second sound S2 different from the first sound S1.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 4, the second sound S2 generated in the second operation D2 of step S004 is the phrase "You over there, come on!" by the sound part 62, the chant "Grab it, grab it, ready, go!" or the hand clapping by the clapper 66. The generation of sound by the sound part 62 and the clapper 66 may be performed simultaneously or alternately, or only one of them may be performed.

[0048] Here, the second operation D2 in step S004 is performed assuming that there is no one playing on the main game machine 20 but there is someone near the prize game machine 10. Therefore, in the second operation D2, the sound output unit 60 generates a second sound S2 including words or the like that make people near the prize game machine 10 have interest or concern about playing the prize game machine 10. Also, by making the first operation D1 when there is no detection by the human sensor 52 different from the second operation D2 when there is detection by the human sensor 52, it is possible to more effectively direct the attention of a person approaching the prize game machine 10 towards the prize game machine 10.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3(a), in the control by the robot control unit 54, after starting the second operation D2 in step S004 and the first operation D1 in step S005, it returns to step S002. Thereafter, until the input of the first signal sig1 is detected in step S002, the first operation D1 (step S005) and the second operation D2 (step S004) are selectively repeated.

[0050] On the other hand, when the input of the first signal sig1 is detected in step S002, the robot control unit 54 proceeds to step S003 in FIG. 3(a) and causes the sound - generating robot 50 to perform a third operation D3 (step S006). In the third operation D3, the sound output unit 60 of the sound - generating robot 50 generates a third sound S3 that is different from the first sound S1 and the second sound S2.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 4, the third sound S3 generated in the third operation D3 in step S006 includes words such as "Thank you very much!" by the voice part 62, shouts such as "Do your best! Do your best!" and a 3·3·7 rhythm by the clapping part 66. The generation of sound by the voice part 62 and the clapping part 66 may be performed simultaneously or alternately, or only one of them may be performed.

[0052] Here, the third operation D3 in step S006 is performed assuming that the play on the game console main body 20 has just started. Therefore, in the third operation D3, the sound output unit 60 generates a third sound S3 including words or the like that raise the player's expectation for the play result for the player who has started playing on the prize game machine 10. Further, in the third operation D3, the sound output unit 60 may generate a third sound S3 including words of gratitude for selecting the play on the prize game machine 10 for the player who has started playing on the prize game machine 10.

[0053] After starting the third operation D3, the robot control unit 54 waits for the input of a third signal sig3 (FIG. 3(b)) described later for a certain period of time. If the input of the third signal sig3 is not detected within a certain period of time after starting the third operation D3, the robot control unit 54 can return to the process of step S002.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the sound generation robot 50 interlocks with the game console main body 20 using the first signal sig1 input via the signal transmission unit 40, effectively attracting the attention of the visitors in the installation space until the play on the game console main body 20 starts, and when the play on the game console main body 20 starts, by emitting a sound including words directed to the player, the value of the customer's play experience can be enhanced. Further, the prize game machine 10 can effectively give a good impression to the customer through hearing by the sound generation robot 50 having the human sensor 52 interlocking with the game console main body 20.

[0055] Figure 3(b) is a flowchart showing an example of the control of the sound generation robot 50 while the third operation D3 shown in Figure 3(a) is started and play including the operation of the crane unit 34 is being performed in the game machine main body 20. In step S101 in Figure 3(b), a third signal sig3 indicating that the prize discharge unit 30 has performed a predetermined operation in the process of discharging the prize 90 in the play field is input to the robot control unit 54 via the signal transmission unit 40. For example, a signal indicating a voltage change of the arm drive unit indicating that the arm 35 of the crane unit 34 has opened can be used as the third signal sig3.

[0056] As shown in Figure 3(b), when the third signal sig3 is input in step S101, the robot control unit 54 of the sound generation robot 50 activates a timer. Then, the robot control unit 54 determines whether the second signal sig2 is input within a predetermined time after the third signal sig3 is input (step S102), or whether a predetermined time has elapsed without the second signal sig2 being input after the third signal sig3 is input (step S103).

[0057] When the second signal sig2 is input within a predetermined time after the third signal sig3 is input (YES in step S102), the robot control unit 54 proceeds to step S104 and causes the sound generation robot 50 to perform a fourth operation D4 (step S104). In the fourth operation D4, the sound generation unit 60 of the sound generation robot 50 generates a fourth sound S4 (see Figure 4) that is different from the first to third sounds S1 to S3.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, the fourth sound S4 generated in the fourth operation D4 of step S104 is words such as "Congratulations!" by the voice part 62, a call such as "Please borrow your hand to celebrate getting a prize!", or triple clamping by the clapping part 66. The generation of sound by the voice part 62 and the clapping part 66 may be performed simultaneously or alternately, or only one of them may be performed.

[0059] Here, since the second signal sig2 indicates that the prize discharge detection unit 32 in the game console main body 20 has detected the prize 90, the fourth operation D4 is performed in the game console main body 20 on the assumption that the player has successfully obtained the prize 90. Therefore, in the fourth operation D4, the sound generation unit 60 of the sound generation robot 50 generates a fourth sound including words such as blessing or praising the player. Also, the clapping unit 66 preferably performs clapping or beats representing praise, blessing, gratitude, etc.

[0060] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3(b), when the second signal sig2 is not input within a predetermined time after the third signal sig3 is input (YES in step S103), the robot control unit 54 proceeds to step S105 and causes the sound generation robot 50 to perform a fifth operation D5 (step S105). In the fifth operation D5, the sound generation unit 60 of the sound generation robot 50 generates a fifth sound S5 (see FIG. 4) different from the first to fourth sounds S1 to S4.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4, the fifth sound S5 generated in the fifth operation D5 of step S105 is words such as "What a pity!" and "Please try again~!" by the voice part 62. Also, in the fifth operation D5, the clapping unit 66 in the sound generation unit 60 does not operate.

[0062] Here, the fact that the second signal sig2 is not input indicates that the prize 90 has not been discharged due to the operation of the crane unit 34 in the previous play. Therefore, the fifth operation D5 is performed in the game console main body 20 on the assumption that the player has failed to obtain the prize 90. Therefore, in the fifth operation D5, the sound generation unit 60 generates a fifth sound including words such as comforting or consoling the player.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3(b), in the control by the robot control unit 54, after starting the fourth operation D4 in step S104 and the fifth operation D5 in step S105, it returns to the state after the interlocking start (step S001) shown in FIG. 3(a) (step S106). When multiple plays are performed by the same player, it moves to the state of waiting for the third signal input shown in FIG. 3(b) (step S101).

[0064] In this way, in the prize game machine 10 in which the game machine main body 20 and the sound generation robot 50 are interlocked via the signal transmission unit 40, the sound generation robot 50 operates flexibly depending on whether or not prize discharge has been performed, thereby enhancing the value of the customer's play experience. In addition, the prize game machine 10 can convey language information to the customer through, for example, hearing, and can perform diverse expressions by the operation of the sound generation robot 50 with characteristic movements and sounds such as the clapping unit 66.

[0065] Second Embodiment FIG. 5 is an external view of the prize game machine 110 with a sound generation robot according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The prize game machine 110 shown in FIG. 5 is different from the prize game machine 10 shown in FIG. 1 in that the game machine main body 120 is a lottery-type vending machine that selects and provides the prize 190 with a capsule, and has a plurality of sound generation robots 150a, 150b that are interlocked with the game machine main body 120. In other respects, it is the same as the prize game machine 10 shown in FIG. 1. The description of the prize game machine 110 will be centered on the differences from the prize game machine 10, and the description of the common points with the prize game machine 10 will be omitted.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 1, the prize game machine 110 includes a game machine main body 120 having a prize discharge unit 130 (see FIG. 6) that discharges the prize 190 with a capsule, a sound generation unit 60 that generates sound, and a plurality of sound generation robots 150a, 150b that are interlocked with the game machine main body 120.

[0067] Figure 6 is a functional block diagram of the prize game machine 110 shown in Figure 5. As shown in Figure 6, the game machine main body 120 includes a start operation detection unit 22, a prize discharge unit 130, a signal transmission unit 40, a main body control unit 126, and the like. The start operation detection unit 22 detects the player's play start operation for the prize game machine 110 in the same manner as the start operation detection unit 22 of the prize game machine 10 shown in Figure 2. Also, when the start operation detection unit 22 detects a start operation such as the player inserting a coin, the start operation detection unit 22 outputs a first signal sig1.

[0068] When the main body control unit 126 receives the first signal sig1 from the start operation detection unit 22, it controls the prize discharge unit 130 of the game machine main body 120, notifies the player of the start of play, and the operation unit 124 shown in Figure 5 receives the player's operation input. As a result, the player can discharge a prize through the operation unit 124.

[0069] The prize discharge unit 130 shown in Figure 6 includes a turntable 134 shown in Figure 5, a turntable operation detection unit 136 shown in Figure 6, a discharge detection unit 32, and the like. As shown in Figure 5, the prize discharge unit 130 of the prize game machine 110, which is a lottery-type vending machine, has a turntable 134 formed with a passage hole 135 for passing a prize 190 to the prize outlet 37 in response to the player's operation.

[0070] In the prize game machine 110, after the start operation is performed, when the player rotates the operation unit 124 shown in Figure 5, the turntable 134 of the prize discharge unit 130 rotates by a predetermined angle. As the turntable 134 rotates, the passage hole 135 formed in the turntable 134 also rotates, and one of the prizes 190 in the field passes through the passage hole 135 and moves to the prize outlet 37.

[0071] The turntable operation detection unit 136 of the prize discharge unit 130 outputs a third signal sig3 indicating that the prize discharge unit 130 has performed a predetermined operation in the process of discharging the prize 190. The third signal sig3 output by the turntable operation detection unit 136 is transmitted to the main body control unit 126, the signal transmission unit 40, and the like. In the game machine main body 20 shown in FIG. 5, which is a lottery-type vending machine, the third signal sig3 can be, for example, a signal related to the operation of the turntable 134 during play. For example, examples of the third signal sig3 output by the turntable operation detection unit 136 include a signal indicating a voltage change in the drive unit that rotates the turntable 134, and a signal indicating that the turntable 134 or the operation unit 124 has rotated by a predetermined angle.

[0072] The discharge detection unit 32 of the prize discharge unit 130 detects the discharge of the prize 190 by the prize discharge unit 130 in the same manner as the discharge detection unit 32 of the prize discharge unit 30 shown in FIG. 2. The discharge detection unit 30 is composed of, for example, a through hole 135 in the turntable 134 and a sensor provided in the path through which the prize 190 passing through the through hole 135 moves to the prize outlet 37. The discharge detection unit 32 outputs a second signal sig2 indicating that the prize discharge unit 130 has detected the discharge of the prize 190 to the main body control unit 126, the signal transmission unit 40, and the like.

[0073] In the prize game machine 110, unlike the prize game machine 10 shown in FIG. 1, it is designed such that a prize 190 is always discharged by the player's play on the game machine main body 120. The main body control unit 126 of the game machine main body 120 and the robot control units 54 of the sound generation robots 150a and 150b can confirm whether the prize 190 has been discharged as per the design of the game machine main body 120 by the player's play based on the second signal sig2 output by the discharge detection unit 32 of the game machine main body 120.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 6, the game machine main body 120 has a signal transmission unit 40 that transmits the control signal of the game machine main body 120 to the robot control units 54 of the sound generation robots 150a and 150b. Similar to the signal transmission unit 40 of the game machine main body 20 shown in FIG. 2, the signal transmission unit 40 transmits a first signal sig1 indicating that the start operation detection unit 22 has detected a start operation, a second signal sig2 indicating that the discharge detection unit 32 has detected the discharge of the prize 90, a third signal sig3 indicating that the prize discharge unit 130 has performed a predetermined operation in the discharge process of the prize 190, etc. to the robot control units 54 of the sound generation robots 150a and 150b.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 6, the prize game machine 10 has two sound generation robots 150a and 150b, both of which can receive signals from the game machine main body 120 via the signal transmission unit 40 and can operate in conjunction with the game machine main body 120. The sound generation robots 150a and 150b each have a human sensor 52, a robot control unit 54, a sound generation unit 60, a storage unit 56, etc., and are the same as the sound generation robot 50 shown in FIG. 2 except for the arrangement with respect to the game machine main body 120.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5, one of the plurality of sound generation robots 150a and 150b is provided to the immediate right of the game machine main body 120 (sound generation robot 150a), and the other of the plurality of sound generation robots 150a and 150b is provided to the immediate left of the game machine main body 120 (sound generation robot 150b). In the prize game machine 110 where the sound generation robots 150a and 150b are arranged left and right, a first region R1, a second region R2, and a third region R3 are formed on the front side of the game machine main body 120.

[0077] In the first region R1 shown in FIG. 5, only the human sensor 52 of one sound generation robot 150a detects, in the second region R2, only the human sensor 52 of the other sound generation robot 150b detects, and in the third region R3, the human sensors 52 of both sound generation robots 150a and 150b detect. As shown in FIG. 5, the third region R3 is near the exact front of the game machine main body 120, and the first region R1 and the second region R2 are formed on the left and right of the third region R3.

[0078] The robot control unit 54 of the sound - generating robots 150a and 150b of the prize game machine 110 shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 also operates the sound - emitting part 60 etc. of the sound - generating robot 50 by using signals transmitted from the game machine main body 120 via the signal transmission part 40 and signals from the human - presence sensors 52 that the sound - generating robots 150a and 150b have, in the same way as the robot control unit 54 of the sound - generating robot 50 of the prize game machine 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0079] The robot control unit 54 of the sound - generating robots 150a and 150b can also perform control as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 3, in the same way as the robot control unit 54 of the sound - generating robot 50 shown in FIG. 2. That is, as shown in FIG. 3(a), the sound - generating robots 150a and 150b can perform first to third operations D1 to D3 that generate first to third sounds S1 to S3 (see FIG. 7) according to whether a first signal sig1 is input (step S002) and whether there is detection by the human - presence sensor 52 (step S003).

[0080] FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of the first to fifth sounds S1 to S5 generated by the sound - emitting parts 62 and the clapping parts 66 of the sound - generating robots 150a and 150b in the first to fifth operations D1 to D5 shown in FIG. 3. As can be understood from the comparison between FIG. 4 and FIG. 7, the first to fifth sounds S1 to S5 generated by the sound - emitting parts 60 of the sound - generating robots 50, 150a, and 150b can be changed according to the types (such as crane game devices, lottery - type vending machines, etc.) of the game machine main bodies 20 and 120, the difficulty level, the prizes 90 and 190 to be discharged, etc.

[0081] Also, the first to fifth sounds S1 to S5 generated by the sound - generating robots 150a and 150b may be different between one sound - generating robot 150a and the other sound - generating robot 150b. In such a prize game machine 110, by combining with the formation of the first to third regions R1 to R3 shown in FIG. 5, it is possible to perform various - variation operations according to the customer's standing position etc.

[0082] Also, as shown in Fig. 3(b), the sound generation robots 150a and 150b can perform fourth and fifth operations D4 and D5 that generate fourth and fifth sounds S4 and S5 (see Fig. 7) according to whether or not the second signal sig2 is input within a predetermined time after the third signal sig3 is input. In the prize game machine 110, the input of the second signal sig2 indicates that the discharge detection unit 32 in the game machine main body 120 has normally discharged the prize 190, while the non-input of the second signal sig2 indicates that an abnormality has occurred in the prize game machine 110, for example, the prize discharge unit 30 has not discharged the prize 190 as specified.

[0083] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7, in the fifth operation D5, the fifth sound S5 generated by the sound generation robots 150a and 150b can be a voice that prompts the player to contact the administrator of the prize game machine 110, such as "If the capsule does not come out, please call the store clerk." Such a prize game machine 110 can convey appropriate information to the player using language information via hearing about the possibility that an operation error has occurred in the game machine main body 120 and the appropriate response in that case.

[0084] In addition, regarding the common points between the prize game machine 110 according to the second embodiment and the prize game machine 10 according to the first embodiment, the same effects as those of the prize game machine 10 are achieved.

[0085] As described above, embodiments of the prize game machines 10 and 110 according to the present invention have been described with examples. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to only the above-described embodiments and has many other embodiments and variations. For example, the sound generation robots of the prize game machine may be arranged side by side on the left and right of the game machine main body and installed on the floor surface, but the sound generation robots are not limited to being installed only on the floor surface.

[0086] FIG. 8 is an external view showing a prize game machine 210 according to a modified example of the present invention. As in the prize game machine 210 shown in FIG. 8, the sound generation robot 250 may be installed on the game machine main body 220. Further, like the sound generation robot 250 included in the prize game machine 210 shown in FIG. 8, the sound generation robot 250 may have a plurality of clapper parts 66 that generate a collision sound by a pair of plate materials 67.

Description of Signs

[0087] 10, 110, 210... Prize game machine 20, 120, 220... Game machine main body 22... Start operation detection unit 24, 124... Operation unit 26, 126... Main body control unit 30, 130... Prize discharge unit 32... Discharge detection unit 34... Crane unit 134... Turntable 35... Arm 135... Through hole 36... Crane operation output unit 136... Turntable operation detection unit 37... Prize take-out port 40... Signal transmission unit sig1... First signal sig2... Second signal sig3... Third signal 50, 150a, 150b, 250... Sound generation robot 52... Human sensor 54... Robot control unit 56... Storage unit 60... Sound emission unit 62... Sound part 66... Clapper part 67... Plate material D1... First operation S1... First sound D2... Second operation S2... Second sound D3... Third operation S3... Third sound D4... Fourth operation S4... Fourth sound D5…Fifth operation S5…Fifth sound 90, 190…Prizes

Claims

1. A game machine main body having a start operation detection unit that detects a start operation by a player and a prize discharge unit that discharges a prize, A sound generation robot provided adjacent to the game machine main body, having a human presence sensor that detects the presence of a person nearby and a sound generation unit that generates sound, The game machine main body has a signal transmission unit that transmits a first signal indicating that the start operation detection unit has detected the start operation to the sound generation robot, The sound generation robot, When the first signal is not input and the human presence sensor does not detect anyone, the sound generation unit generates a first sound or performs a first operation in which the sound generation unit does not generate sound, When the first signal is not input and the human presence sensor detects someone, the sound generation unit performs a second operation in which the sound generation unit generates a second sound different from the first sound, A prize game machine with a sound generation robot, in which when the first signal is input, the sound generation unit performs a third operation in which the sound generation unit generates a third sound different from the first sound and the second sound.

2. The prize discharge unit has a discharge detection unit that detects the discharge of the prize, The signal transmission unit transmits a second signal indicating that the discharge detection unit has detected the discharge of the prize and a third signal indicating that the prize discharge unit has performed a predetermined operation in the prize discharge process to the sound generation robot, The sound generation robot, When the second signal is input within a predetermined time after the third signal is input, the sound generation unit performs a fourth operation in which the sound generation unit generates a fourth sound, The prize game machine with a sound generation robot according to claim 1, in which when the second signal is not input within the predetermined time after the third signal is input, the sound generation unit performs a fifth operation in which the sound generation unit generates a fifth sound different from the fourth sound.

3. The prize discharge unit has a crane unit that acquires or does not acquire the prize according to the operation of the player, The prize game machine with a sound generation robot according to claim 2, wherein the third signal is a signal related to the operation of the crane unit.

4. The prize discharge unit has a turntable formed with a passage hole through which the prize passes to the prize outlet according to the operation of the player, The third signal is a signal related to the rotation operation of the turntable, The prize game machine with a sound generation robot according to claim 2, wherein the fifth sound in the fifth operation is a voice prompting the player to contact the administrator.

5. The prize game machine with a sound - generating robot according to claim 1, wherein the human - sensing sensor is a Doppler sensor.

6. The sound - generating part of the sound - generating robot has a sound - producing part that generates sound from a speaker, and a clapping part that reciprocally opens and closes a pair of plate materials imitating hands to generate a collision sound by the pair of plate materials, in the prize game machine with a sound - generating robot according to claim 1.

7. There are a plurality of the sound - generating robots, one of the plurality of sound - generating robots is provided adjacent to the right of the game machine main body, and the other of the plurality of sound - generating robots is provided adjacent to the left of the game machine main body. On the front side of the game machine main body, there are formed a first area detected only by the human - sensing sensor of one of the sound - generating robots, a second area detected only by the human - sensing sensor of the other sound - generating robot, and a third area detected by the human - sensing sensors of both sound - generating robots, in the prize game machine with a sound - generating robot according to claim 1.

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