Prize acquisition game device

Abstract

To easily excite a player's willingness in a prize acquisition game device.SOLUTION: A prize acquisition game device has: a prize exhibition space having a space for exhibiting a prize; a drop area for dropping a prize; a crane for guiding a prize to the drop area; an operation section for receiving a player's operation; and a crane control section for driving a crane according to operation. The crane includes: a support piece mounted to a body of the crane; an arm rotatably mounted to the support piece; and a movable piece connected to the arm mounted to the body. In the arm, a hook portion for hooking a prize is formed. The crane control section changes an angle of the arm by moving the movable piece.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game device that moves and acquires articles such as prizes.

Background Art

[0002] Many game centers are equipped with crane game devices (prize acquisition game devices). Conventionally, as a type of crane game device, one having a rod-shaped member for holding a prize has been proposed. In this crane game device, a groove or the like is provided at the tip of the rod-shaped member, and a ring-shaped member attached to the prize is hooked on the groove and suspended. In this crane game device, the player operates the crane by making full use of the horizontal button and the vertical button. If the player can detach the ring-shaped member from the rod-shaped member by the crane and move the prize to the drop port, the player can acquire the prize (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] In the crane game device of Patent Document 1, the ring-shaped member swings with the groove of the rod-shaped member as a fulcrum. That is, when the arm of the crane is brought into contact with the ring-shaped member, the prize swings. By making the prize swing, it is intended to give the player a sense of expectation of winning the prize.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the crane game device of Patent Document 1, the ring-shaped member swings within the range of a groove or the like of the rod-shaped member. Therefore, even if the arm is applied to the ring-shaped member, the swing of the ring-shaped member (and the prize) tends to be small. Since the swing of the prize is small, there is a possibility that the player cannot obtain a sufficient sense of expectation for winning the prize. In addition, there is a risk that the player's willingness to challenge will decline.

[0006] The present invention is an invention completed based on the recognition of the above problems, and its main object is to provide a technology for easily arousing the player's motivation in a prize-winning game device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A prize-winning game device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a prize display space having a space for displaying prizes, a dropping area where the prizes are to be dropped, a crane for guiding the prizes to the dropping area, an operation unit that receives operations from a player, and a crane control unit that drives the crane according to the operations. The crane includes a support piece attached to the main body of the crane, an arm rotatably attached to the support piece, and a movable piece attached to the main body and connected to the arm. A hook portion for hooking the prize is formed on the arm. The crane control unit changes the angle of the arm by moving the movable piece.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it becomes easier to arouse the player's motivation in the prize-winning game device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, for convenience, the positional relationship of each structure may be expressed based on the illustrated state. Also, for the following embodiments and their modification examples, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

[0011] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a prize acquisition game device (hereinafter referred to as "game device 1"). The game device 1 includes a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped base 2 and a box-shaped prize storage section 4 provided on the base 2. A prize display space S is formed inside the prize storage section 4. A support member 10 extends from the end face of a plate-shaped mounting table 5 in the prize display space S. The support member 10 is made of a rod-shaped member, and its proximal end is connected to the mounting table 5. A prize A is suspended from the tip of the support member 10 via a suspension member 50 described later. Hereinafter, the tip side in the extending direction of the support member 10 may be referred to as the right, and the proximal end side may be referred to as the left to indicate each direction. A dropping area R is provided below the prize display space S.

[0012] A crane 8 is provided above the prize display space S. The crane 8 can move the prize display space S in the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions.

[0013] The front surface and the left and right side surfaces of the prize storage section 4 are covered with transparent glass. This is considered in view of the visibility of the prize A from the outside. A door 11 is provided on the front surface of the prize storage section 4, and an operator such as a store clerk can open the door 11 and arrange the prize A inside the prize storage section 4.

[0014] Inside the base 2, a prize stock space 14 that communicates with the dropping area R and stores the prize A that has dropped from the dropping area R is formed. A prize outlet 16 for taking out the prize A that has dropped into the prize stock space 14 is formed on the front surface of the base 2.

[0015] An operation table 18 is provided on the front side of the base 2. A coin insertion slot 20, an IC card reader 21, an operation section 22, and an input reception section 24 are provided on the operation table 18. The player inserts a coin into the coin insertion slot 20 or touches an IC card to the IC card reader 21. In the latter case, a payment process using electronic money is executed, but since it is a known technique, the details thereof will be omitted.

[0016] The operation unit 22 has operation buttons 22a and 22b for the player to operate to move the crane 8. The operation unit 22 functions as an "input unit" that receives input signals based on the player's operations. The operation button 22a is a button for moving the crane 8 in the left - right direction, and the operation button 22b is a button for moving the crane 8 in the front - rear direction. In a modified example, a joystick or the like for moving the crane 8 in all directions (front, rear, left, and right) may be adopted.

[0017] The input reception unit 24 consists of a touch panel. The input reception unit 24 functions as a "setting input unit" for the administrator to input game setting information, and also functions as a "display unit" for displaying information related to the game, such as the operation method of the operation unit 22 and the game results. The game device 1 also includes a speaker (not shown), external connection terminals, and the like.

[0018] The crane 8 has a crane body 25 and a pair of arms 26. The crane body 25 includes a motor for driving the arms 26 to open and close. The arms 26 are in a U - shape and two are provided symmetrically on the lower part of the crane body 25. Since the structure of the crane 8 in this embodiment is well - known, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0019] The player operates the operation unit 22 to move the crane 8. By moving the crane 8 and opening and closing the arms 26 to move the prize A to the dropping area R, the player can acquire the prize A, and the details will be described later.

[0020] The crane 8 is movable along a guide rail (not shown in detail) installed above the prize storage unit 4 and is driven by a crane drive unit 28. The crane drive unit 28 includes a moving mechanism for driving the crane 8 in the front - rear direction and the left - right direction, and a lifting mechanism for driving in the up - down direction. By the crane drive unit 28, the crane 8 can be moved to an arbitrary position in the prize display space S. Since such a drive mechanism is well - known, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0021] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the game device 1. Each component of the game device 1 is realized by hardware including an arithmetic unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and various coprocessors, a storage device such as a memory and a storage, and a wired or wireless communication line connecting them, and software stored in the storage device and supplying processing instructions to the arithmetic unit. The computer program may be composed of a device driver, an operating system, various application programs located in upper layers thereof, and a library providing common functions to these programs. Each block described below indicates a functional unit block, not a hardware unit configuration.

[0022] The game device 1 includes a user interface processing unit 100, a mechanism unit 120, a data processing unit 140, and a data storage unit 160. The user interface processing unit 100 is responsible for processing related to the user interface, such as receiving operations from the player via various input devices and outputting images and sounds. The mechanism unit 120 drives various mechanisms such as the crane 8 (see FIG. 1). The data storage unit 160 stores various data. The data processing unit 140 executes various processes based on the input from the user interface processing unit 100 and the data stored in the data storage unit 160.

[0023] The user interface processing unit 100 includes an input unit 102 that receives input from the player and an output unit 104 that outputs various information such as images and sounds to the player.

[0024] The input unit 102 includes a setting input unit 106 and a crane operation unit 108. The setting input unit 106 receives setting inputs from the operator via the input reception unit 24 (see FIG. 1). The crane operation unit 108 receives operation inputs from the player via the operation unit 22 (see FIG. 1). The game device 1 has a setting mode and a play mode. In the setting mode, the operator performs various settings described later. The loading of prizes is also performed during the setting mode. In the play mode, the player operates the operation unit 22 to play the crane game.

[0025] The output unit 104 includes an image display unit 110 and an audio output unit 112. The image display unit 110 causes the input reception unit 24 to display various images. The audio output unit 112 outputs audio.

[0026] The mechanism unit 120 includes a crane drive unit 28. As described above, the crane drive unit 28 executes the movement of the crane 8 and the opening and closing of the arm 26 (see FIG. 1).

[0027] The data processing unit 140 includes a crane control unit 142 and a movement determination unit 144. The crane control unit 142 instructs the crane drive unit 28 to move the crane 8 and open and close the arm 26 according to the operation instructions from the crane operation unit 108 (see FIG. 1). The movement determination unit 144 determines whether the prize A has moved to the drop area R, in other words, determines the success or failure of obtaining the prize A.

[0028] The data storage unit 160 includes a game program storage unit 162. The game program storage unit 162 stores the game program of the crane game.

[0029] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the structure of the suspension member 50. FIG. 3(A) shows a perspective view, FIG. 3(B) shows a plan view, and FIG. 3(C) shows a front view respectively. The hanging member 50 has a main body portion 52, a semi-circular arm contact portion 54, and a semi-circular suspension portion 56. The main body portion 52 consists of a rectangular plate-shaped base portion 51 and two extending portions 53 that extend on the same plane as the base portion 51 from both corners of the end face of the base portion 51. The two extending portions 53 are parallel. That is, the main body portion 52 has a bifurcated structure.

[0030] The suspension portion 56 extends perpendicularly from the ends of the two extending portions 53 with respect to the main body portion 52. Also, the arm contact portion 54 extends perpendicularly from the end of the base portion 51 on the side opposite to the extending portion 53 with respect to the main body portion 52. The extending direction of the arm contact portion 54 is opposite to the extending direction of the suspension portion 56. That is, the hanging member 50 has a crank shape in a side view. Hereinafter, the surface that becomes the base end of the arm contact portion 54 in the main body portion 52 is referred to as the "first surface F". Also, the surface that becomes the base end of the suspension portion 56 in the main body portion 52 is referred to as the "second surface B".

[0031] Between the two extending portions 53 on the second surface B of the main body portion 52, two protrusions 60 that protrude in the extending direction of the suspension portion 56 are provided. The function of the protrusions 60 will be described later.

[0032] A reinforcing rib 55 is provided at the base end of the arm contact portion 54. The rib 55 extends along the edge of the main body portion 52. Also, at the position of the apex of the suspension portion 56, two hanging portions 64 for hanging the prize A (see FIG. 1) are provided. The hanging portions 64 are protrusions that protrude radially inward at the position of the apex of the suspension portion 56. The details of the hanging manner of the prize A to the hanging portions 64 will be described later.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which the hanging member 50 is supported by the support member 10. FIG. 4(A) shows the first surface F side of the hanging member 50, and FIG. 4(B) shows the second surface B side. The hanging member 50 is supported by the support member 10. More specifically, the tip of the support member 10 and the edge located on the second surface B of the base portion 51 are in point contact. When the main body portion 52 is supported by the support member 10, the arm contact portion 54 is located on the tip side in the extending direction of the support member 10 and extends upward from the main body portion 52. Further, the suspension portion 56 is located on the base end side in the extending direction of the support member 10 and extends downward from the main body portion 52. In the middle of the support member 10, a plate-shaped swing suppression member 32 is attached. The swing suppression member 32 extends in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the support member 10. The function of the swing suppression member 32 will be described later.

[0034] The contact position of the support member 10 on the main body portion 52 is between the two protrusions 60. The two protrusions 60 restrict the hanging member 50 from sliding in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the support member 10. That is, the protrusions 60 function as a "movement restriction structure" that restricts the hanging member 50 from moving in this direction.

[0035] The end of the prize A is hooked between the two hooking portions 64. Specifically, a hook member 66 is attached to the prize A. By hooking the hook member 66 between the two hooking portions 64 in the suspension portion 56, the prize A is suspended from the suspension portion 56. Note that a string may be attached to the prize A and the string may be bridged over the hooking portion 64 to suspend the prize A from the suspension portion 56.

[0036] The hanging member 50 is in point contact with the support member 10. This contact point serves as the fulcrum Ps of the hanging member 50 by the support member 10. Directly below this fulcrum Ps, there will be a suspension point Ph between the suspension portion 56 of the hook member 66 and the center of gravity of the prize A.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the operation of the crane 8. FIG. 5(A) shows a state where the crane 8 is positioned directly above the suspension member 50, FIG. 5(B) shows a state where the arm 26 is open and in contact with the suspension member 50, FIG. 5(C) shows a state where the arm 26 is closed and the suspension member 50 is caught by the arm 26, and FIG. 5(D) shows a state where the suspension member 50 is detached from the arm 26. Note that, as shown in FIG. 5(A), the state in which the balance of the suspension member 50 is maintained with respect to the support member 10 may be referred to as an "equilibrium state".

[0038] The player first operates the operation unit 22 (see FIG. 1) to move the crane 8 above the suspension member 50. When the operation of the operation unit 22 by the player is completed, the arm 26 opens as shown in FIG. 5(A).

[0039] After the arm 26 opens, the crane 8 descends. When the descent is completed (FIG. 5(B)), the arm 26 closes. If the movement of the crane 8 by the player is successful, the arm 26 contacts the arm contact portion 54 as shown in FIG. 5(C).

[0040] Due to the closing operation of the arm 26, the arm contact portion 54 receives a force in the tip direction of the support member 10, and the suspension member 50 moves from the equilibrium state. In the example of FIG. 5(C), the arm 26 contacts the arm contact portion 54 at a position displaced from the apex Pm. For this reason, the arm contact portion 54 receives a moment force around the fulcrum Ps and rotates in the horizontal plane. At this time, the suspension member 50 contacts the swing suppression member 32, and the swing is restricted. That is, the swing suppression member 32 restricts the rotation of the suspension member 50 in the horizontal plane. The suspension member 50 receives a reaction force from the swing suppression member 32.

[0041] When the arm 26 finishes closing, the crane 8 rises as shown in FIG. 5(D). As the crane 8 rises, the arm 26 detaches from the arm contact portion 54. Due to the detachment of the arm 26, the force acting on the distal end direction of the support member 10 with respect to the arm contact portion 54 disappears. At this time, the suspension member 50 tries to return to the equilibrium state due to inertia. As a result, the suspension member 50 swings with the contact position with the support member 10 as the fulcrum Ps. Hereinafter, the swing of the suspension member 50 will be described in detail.

[0042] FIGS. 6 and 7 are conceptual diagrams showing the operation of the suspension member 50 with respect to the support member 10 (see FIG. 5). FIG. 6 shows a plan view, and FIG. 7 shows a side view. FIGS. 6(A) and 7(A) show the state corresponding to FIG. 5(A), FIGS. 6(B) and 7(B) show the state corresponding to FIG. 5(C), and FIGS. 6(C) and 7(C) show the state corresponding to FIG. 5(D). In FIGS. 6 and 7, the line extending in the horizontal direction passing through the fulcrum Ps (see FIG. 4(B)) is referred to as the "axis L1", and the line extending in the vertical direction passing through the fulcrum Ps is referred to as the "axis L2".

[0043] In the present embodiment, the suspension member 50 performs two types of swings. That is, the suspension member 50 swings around the axis L2 and swings around the axis L1. In FIG. 6, the former is shown, and in FIG. 7, the latter is shown.

[0044] The swing around the axis L2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6(A), in the equilibrium state, the longitudinal direction of the base portion 51 is parallel to the extending direction of the axis L1. As described with reference to FIG. 5(C), when the arm 26 comes into contact with the arm contact portion 54, a force acts on the arm contact portion 54 in the tip direction of the support member 10. At this time, when the arm 26 comes into contact with a position deviated from the apex Pm in the arm contact portion 54, a moment about the axis L2 acts. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the suspension member 50 rotates around the axis L2. In the example of FIG. 5(C), it rotates counterclockwise. As shown in FIG. 6(B), when the suspension member 50 comes into contact with the swing suppression member 32, it no longer rotates counterclockwise. At this time, the suspension member 50 receives a reaction force from the swing suppression member 32.

[0045] When the arm 26 separates from the arm contact portion 54, as shown in FIG. 6(C), the suspension member 50 rotates clockwise around the axis L2 due to the reaction force received from the swing suppression member 32.

[0046] Here, the function of the swing suppression member 32 will be described. Assume a case where the swing suppression member 32 is not provided. In this case, when the crane 8 is driven, the swing angle of the suspension member 50 may become large. If this angle is too large, the suspension member 50 may easily separate from the support member 10. As a result, the prize A can be easily obtained, which may make the player feel dissatisfied. By attaching the swing suppression member 32, the maximum swing angle of the suspension member 50 can be adjusted, and the difficulty of obtaining the prize A can be made appropriate. Therefore, the player can be given a sense of satisfaction in playing.

[0047] The rotation of the suspension member 50 around the axis L2 is suppressed by the swing suppression member 32. The main body portion 52 is displaced toward the tip side of the support member 10 while positioning the fulcrum Ps between the two protrusions 60. The player shifts the suspension member 50 while rotating it, and obtains the prize A by removing the suspension member 50 from the tip of the support member 10.

[0048] The protrusion 60 is provided to restrict the movement of the suspension member 50 in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the support member 10. Assume a case where the protrusion 60 is not provided. In this case, the contact position of the suspension member 50 with the support member 10 may move to the vicinity of the extending portion 53. Further, the support member 10 may also contact the extending portion 53, and the suspension member 50 may be locked while contacting the support member 10 at two locations. If this state occurs, even if the arm 26 (see FIG. 5) is brought into contact with the suspension member 50, the suspension member 50 will not rotate, and it will be difficult to acquire the prize A. As a result, the motivation of the player may be impaired.

[0049] In the present embodiment, the movement of the fulcrum Ps is restricted between the two protrusions 60. Therefore, there is no possibility that the suspension member 50 is locked as described above, and the play motivation can be maintained.

[0050] The swinging around the axis L1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 7(A), in the equilibrium state, the suspension point Ph is located directly below the fulcrum Ps. That is, the suspension point Ph exists on the axis L2. As described in connection with FIG. 5(C), when the arm 26 contacts the arm contact portion 54, a force in the tip direction of the support member 10 acts on the arm contact portion 54. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7(B), the suspension point Ph moves to a position separated from the axis L2.

[0051] As described in connection with FIG. 5(D), when the arm 26 detaches from the arm contact portion 54, the suspension member 50 tends to return to the equilibrium state due to inertia. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7(C), the suspension point Ph moves to the opposite side across the axis L2 from the position of the suspension point Ph in the state of FIG. 7(B). After the arm 26 (see FIGS. 5(C) and 5(D)) detaches from the arm contact portion 54, the suspension member 50 swings like a pendulum around the axis L1 and converges to the equilibrium state.

[0052] As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the arm 26 abuts against the arm abutting portion 54, the suspension member 50 moves. When the contact of the arm 26 is released, the suspension member 50 tries to return to the equilibrium state and rotates greatly around the axis L1. Along with this, the prize A suspended by the suspension portion 56 also swings. Therefore, it is possible to make the player feel an expectation of winning the prize A, and to arouse the playing desire.

[0053] According to the present embodiment, the suspension member 50 is in contact with the support member 10 in a point contact mode. Since the frictional force between the suspension member 50 and the support member 10 is small, the movement of the suspension member 50 can be increased. That is, the rotation of the suspension member 50 around the axis L1 or the axis L2 can be increased. Along with this, the prize A suspended by the suspension portion 56 also rotates greatly. Therefore, the playing desire can be aroused.

[0054] [Second Embodiment] In the second embodiment, the shapes of the arm and the suspension member are different from those in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the game device 200 in the second embodiment. In the game device 200, a mounting table 202 is provided in the prize display space S. The prize A is placed on the mounting table 202. A semi-circular suspension member 250 is attached to the upper surface of the prize A.

[0055] Above the prize display space S, a crane 208 is provided. The crane 208 has an arm 226. By hooking the arm 226 on the suspension member 250 and moving the prize A to the falling area R, the player obtains the prize A. Hereinafter, the structure of the crane 208 will be described.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a front view showing the configuration of the crane 208. FIG. 9(A) shows a state where the arm 226 is not operating, and FIG. 9(B) shows a state where the arm 226 is operating. The crane 208 includes a crane body 25, an arm 226, and a support mechanism M. The arm 226 includes a first arm portion 230 and a second arm portion 234. The first arm portion 230 is substantially L-shaped. The second arm portion 234 includes a rod-shaped portion 235 supported by the crane body 25 via the support mechanism M, and a connecting portion 236 extending obliquely downward from one end of the rod-shaped portion 235 with respect to the rod-shaped portion 235. At the tip of the connecting portion 236, the first arm portion 230 is assembled by a screw 232. The angle formed by the first arm portion 230 and the second arm portion 234 can be arbitrarily set. The lower end of the connecting portion 236 and the upper end of the first arm portion 230 are fastened together with a screw 232. By adjusting the two to a desired angle and fastening them with a screw 232, the angle formed by the two can be fixed.

[0057] The crane body 25 and the second arm portion 234 are connected by a support mechanism M. The support mechanism M includes a support member 209 and a connecting member 212. The support member 209 includes a support column body 210 and a pair of ball chains 211. The support column body 210 is suspended from the crane body 25 by the ball chain 211 and supports the end portion of the rod-shaped portion 235 on the connecting portion 236 side. The second arm portion 234 rotates about a fulcrum P1 provided on the support column body 210.

[0058] The connecting member 212 consists of a ball chain 214 and a connecting piece 216. One end of the ball chain 214 supports the end portion of the second arm portion 234 at a distance from the support column body 210. The other end of the ball chain 214 is supported by the connecting piece 216. The connecting piece 216 is connected to a rotation shaft provided on the crane body 25. By driving a motor provided on the crane body 25, the connecting piece 216 rotates about this rotation shaft. Hereinafter, the upward rotation operation of the connecting piece 216 may be referred to as "the connecting piece 216 opens". Conversely, the downward rotation operation may be referred to as "the connecting piece 216 closes". When the connecting piece 216 moves, the second arm portion 234 rotates about the fulcrum P1. The connection point of the second arm portion 234 with the ball chain 214 serves as a force point P2 in the rotational movement of the second arm portion 234.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 9(A), when the arm 226 is in the non-operating state (the state where the connecting piece 216 is closed), the rod-shaped portion 235 is in a horizontal state. That is, the fulcrum P1 and the force point P2 are at approximately the same height. Also, the tip 231 of the first arm portion 230 is in a horizontal state. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 9(B), when the arm 226 is operating (the state where the connecting piece 216 is open), the rod-shaped portion 235 is in a state inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. In this state, the force point P2 is at a position higher than the fulcrum P1. Also, the tip 231 has an inclination with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0060] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of the crane 208. Fig. 10(A) shows the state where the crane 208 is located above the prize A, Fig. 10(B) shows the state where the connecting piece 216 is open and the crane 208 is descending, Fig. 10(C) shows the state where the crane 208 is descending and the connecting piece 216 is about to close, Fig. 10(D) shows the state where the hanging member 250 is hanging from the arm 226, and Fig. 10(E) shows the state where the connecting piece 216 is open and the prize A is being dispensed. Note that the state where the rod-shaped portion 235 is kept horizontal as shown in Fig. 10(A) may be referred to as the "initial state" of the arm 226.

[0061] First, the player operates the operation unit 22 (see Fig. 1) to move the crane 208 above the hanging member 250 as shown in Fig. 10(A). When the operation of the operation unit 22 by the player is completed, as shown in Fig. 10(B), the connecting piece 216 opens and the arm 226 rotates about the fulcrum P1.

[0062] After the rotation of the arm 226, the crane 208 descends. When the descent is completed, the connecting piece 216 closes and the arm 226 rotates about the fulcrum P1 to return to the initial state. If the operation by the player is successful, as shown in Fig. 10(C), the first arm portion 230 contacts the hanging member 250 and the tip 231 is inserted into the semi-circular portion of the hanging member 250. When the first arm portion 230 contacts the hanging member 250, the arm 226 receives a reaction force from the hanging member 250 and rotates counterclockwise about the fulcrum P1.

[0063] When the connecting piece 216 finishes closing, the crane 208 starts to rise. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10(D), the hanging member 250 is hooked on the tip portion 231. That is, the first arm portion 230 functions as a "hook" for hooking the hanging member 250. The crane 208 moves while the hanging member 250 is hooked on the tip portion 231. As shown in FIG. 10(E), if the connecting piece 216 opens and the prize A can be moved to the dropping area R (see FIG. 8), the player can acquire the prize A.

[0064] As described above, in the present embodiment, the support mechanism M includes the ball chains 211 and 214. Thereby, when the crane 208 moves, the column body 210 and the arm 226 swing. Due to this swing, the difficulty of hooking the first arm portion 230 on the hanging member 250 increases, and the player's desire to challenge can be stimulated. Further, the first arm portion 230 has a substantially L shape. Different from the case of using an S-shaped hook which is common as a hook, the crane 208 has a structure in which it is easy for the player to hook the hanging member 250 on the first arm portion 230. In the present embodiment, while making the player feel the ease of acquiring the prize A depending on the shape of the first arm portion 230, the swing of the arm 226 stimulates the player's desire to challenge. Therefore, the playing motivation can be aroused.

[0065] In the present embodiment, when the first arm portion 230 comes into contact with the hanging member 250, the arm 226 rotates about the fulcrum P1. By this rotation, the game device 200 can give the player an interest as to whether the prize A can be acquired or not.

[0066] In this embodiment, the arm 226 rotates about the fulcrum P1. With this structure, after the prize A is suspended from the first arm portion 230 of the suspension member, the gaming device 200 can rotate the arm 226 to dispense the prize A. That is, the gaming device 200 can release the suspended state of the prize A when dispensing the prize A while the first arm portion 230 functions as a hook. Therefore, no manual labor is required to dispense the prize A.

[0067] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing Modification 1 in the second embodiment. In the crane 308 of Modification 1, the shape of the crane 208 and the arm is different. The arm 326 of the crane 308 has a T shape. In the arm 326, the second arm portion 334 and the first arm portion 330 are integrally formed. The fulcrum P1 is provided at one end of the second arm portion 334, and the effort point P2 is provided at the other end. The first arm portion 330 extends downward from between the fulcrum P1 and the effort point P2. The first arm portion 330 is formed at the lower end portion of the arm 326. The first arm portion 330 is in contact with the suspension member 250 (see FIG. 8). The arm 326 has a rod-shaped second arm portion 334 formed at the upper part. The second arm portion 334 is supported by the support body 210 and the ball chain 214. The arm 326 rotates about the fulcrum P1 provided on the support body 210.

[0068] Also in the crane 308, the support mechanisms M include the ball chains 211 and 214. Thereby, the arm 326 swings when the crane 308 moves. Therefore, it becomes easy to arouse the player's interest as in the second embodiment.

[0069] In the crane 308, the second arm portion 334 and the first arm portion 330 are integrally formed. Therefore, the number of parts is small and assembly is easy. On the other hand, the angle formed by the second arm portion 334 and the first arm portion 330 cannot be changed. In the crane 208 of the second embodiment, the angle formed by the first arm portion 230 and the second arm portion 234 can be arbitrarily changed. In the crane 208, by changing this angle, the way of holding the suspended member 250 by the first arm portion 230 can be changed. That is, the crane 208 can easily adjust the difficulty of obtaining the prize A by changing this angle.

[0070] [Third Embodiment] The structure of the crane in the third embodiment is different from that of the first and second embodiments. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the structure of the crane 408 in the third embodiment. FIG. 12(A) is a front view, and FIG. 12(B) is a side view.

[0071] The crane 408 includes a crane body 25 and two arms 426. The arm 426 has a main body portion 428 and a detachable portion 430. The main body portion 428 is in a U shape. The detachable portion 430 is attached to the tip of the main body portion 428. A support piece 450 for supporting the prize A (described later) is detachable from the detachable portion 430. In this embodiment, two support pieces 450 are attached to one detachable portion 430. Hereinafter, in the detachable portion 430, the upper surface in FIG. 12(A) is referred to as the front surface, and the lower surface is referred to as the back surface.

[0072] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the structure of the detachable portion 430. FIG. 13(A) is a plan view, and FIG. 13(B) is a bottom view. The detachable part 430 is obtained by bending and forming a plate material. The detachable part 430 has a base part 431 and a support piece mounting part 433. The base part 431 has a tapered shape that tapers toward the end. The center of its tip part is open in a concave shape, and an insertion part 432 is formed. The detachable part 430 is attached to the main body part 428 in such a manner that a screw is inserted into this insertion part 432 (details will be described later). The proximal end of the base part 431 and the upper end of the support piece mounting part 433 are continuously provided, and the base part 431 and the support piece mounting part 433 form a predetermined angle.

[0073] The support piece mounting part 433 has a rectangular shape with the connection position with the base part 431 as the longitudinal direction. Five hole parts 434 are provided along the longitudinal direction of the support piece mounting part 433. Female threads (not shown) are provided on the inner peripheral surfaces of the respective hole parts 434, and the support piece 450 is attached by being screwed with male threads (not shown) provided on the outer peripheral surface of the support piece 450.

[0074] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing the attachment mode of the support piece 450 to the main body part 428. FIG. 14(A) shows the state before the completion of the attachment of the support piece 450 to the detachable part 430, FIG. 14(B) shows the state after the attachment, FIG. 14(C) shows the state where the E-ring 460 is attached, and FIG. 14(D) shows the state after the completion of the attachment to the main body part 428, respectively.

[0075] First, the support piece 450 is attached to the detachable part 430. As shown in FIGS. 14(A) and (B), the support piece 450 is inserted into the hole part 434 in the direction from the front surface to the back surface of the detachable part 430. At the time of insertion, the female thread of the hole part 434 and the male thread of the support piece 450 are screwed together. Next, as shown in FIG. 14(C), the upper end of the support piece 450 protrudes above the hole part 434. At this position, the male thread of the support piece 450 also protrudes. The E-ring 460 is fitted onto the tooth surface of this male thread.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 14(D), the back surface of the detachable part 430 to which the support piece 450 is attached is opposed to the tip of the main body part 428 of the arm 426. Then, while inserting the screw 470 into the insertion part 432, the screw 470 is screwed into a female screw (not shown) provided on the main body part 428. Thus, the detachable part 430 is assembled to the tip of the main body part 428 in a manner of sandwiching the insertion part 432 between the main body part 428 and the screw 470.

[0077] Fig. 15 is a diagram with a perspective view showing a state in which the crane 408 is gripping the prize A. As described above, a plurality of support pieces 450 are attached to the detachable part 430 (see Fig. 12(A)). The crane 408 grips the prize A in a manner of supporting the bottom of the prize A from below by the plurality of support pieces 450.

[0078] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the tip part of the arm 426 is provided with the detachable part 430 to which the support piece 450 can be attached or detached. By changing the number and position of the support pieces 450 attached to the detachable part 430, the shape of the tip part of the arm 426 can be simply changed. If the shape of the tip part of the arm 426 is different, the contact position between the prize and the arm 426 is also different. Therefore, if the arm 426 of the present embodiment is adopted, the easiness and the way of obtaining the prize can be appropriately changed. That is, it is possible to prevent the player from getting bored and maintain the player's motivation to play.

[0079] Figs. 16 and 17 are diagrams showing other usage forms. Fig. 16(A) and (B) show Usage Form 1, and Fig. 17(A) and (B) show Usage Form 2, respectively. In Usage Form 1, one support piece 450 is attached to the detachable part 430. The support piece 450 is attached to the central hole part 434 among the five hole parts 434. If the detachable part 430 of Usage Form 1 is attached to the main body part 428, for example, as shown in Fig. 16(B), a game can be provided in which an annular hanging member 350 attached to the prize A is hooked on the support piece 450.

[0080] As shown in Fig. 17(A), in Usage Mode 2, one support piece 450 is attached to each of the pair of attachment / detachment parts 430. The support pieces 450 are attached to the leftmost hole parts 434 in a state where the insertion parts 432 of the attachment / detachment parts 430 face upward. That is, when the attachment / detachment parts 430 of Usage Mode 2 are attached to the pair of main body parts 428, as shown in Fig. 17(B), the contact positions of the support pieces 450 shift back and forth on the left and right sides of the prize A. By changing the attachment positions of the support pieces 450, the support points for the prize A can be changed. Therefore, the playfulness that requires stable support by the left and right arms 426 can be provided. That is, the player can be made to consider how to bring the support piece 450 into contact with the prize A. Thus, the playing desire can be aroused.

[0081] In Usage Mode 2, the left and right attachment / detachment parts 430 will be brought closer. This form is convenient when the size of the prize A is small. Note that the distance between the left and right attachment / detachment parts 430 can be appropriately adjusted according to the size of the prize A.

[0082] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a modification (hereinafter referred to as "Modification 2") in the third embodiment. In Modification 2, an aspect in which an attachment 500 is assembled to the attachment / detachment part 430 is shown. Fig. 18(A) shows the front surface of the state where the attachment 500 is attached to the attachment / detachment part 430, and Fig. 18(B) shows the back surface thereof. Fig. 18(C) shows the structure of the attachment 500. In Modification 2, an attachment 500 is attached to the attachment / detachment part 430 to increase the number of detachable support pieces 450. As shown in Fig. 18(C), a plurality of hole parts 534 are provided in the attachment 500. The inner peripheral surface of the hole part 534 is provided with an internal thread (not shown).

[0083] As shown in FIG. 18(B), the attachment / detachment part 430 and the attachment 500 are assembled by inserting the support piece 450 through the hole part 534 and the hole part 434 (see FIGS. 13(A) and (B)). After the support piece 450 is inserted through the hole part 534 (and the hole part 434), a nut 600 is fastened to the male screw of the support piece 450. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the support piece 450 from falling off from the hole part 534 (and the hole part 434).

[0084] Also in the second modification, the support piece 450 can be attached to and detached from the attachment / detachment part 430 and the attachment 500. Therefore, the shape of the tip of the arm 426 (see FIGS. 12(A) and (B)) can be simply changed. Further, in the second modification, a plurality of support pieces 450 can be attached and detached. Therefore, the number of support pieces 450 can be variously changed according to the size of the prize, etc.

[0085] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and components can be modified and embodied without departing from the gist. Various inventions may be formed by appropriately combining a plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiments and modifications. Also, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above-described embodiments and modifications.

[0086] In the first embodiment, it was described that the arm contact part is semi-circular. In the modification, it may be other solid shapes such as semi-disk shape.

[0087] Also, the arm contact part is easily watched by the player in order to contact the arm. If an advertisement or the like is attached to this arm contact part, its advertising effect can be expected.

[0088] In the first embodiment, an example in which the arm contact part and the suspension part are provided at the end of the main body part was described. In the modification, they may be provided at a position closer to the center than the end of the main body part. In any case, at a position separated from the contact position (fulcrum) with the support member 10 in the main body part, it is sufficient that the arm contact part and the suspension part extend in opposite directions with the fulcrum therebetween.

[0089] In the first embodiment, the case where two protrusions are provided on the suspension member has been described. In a modification, the number of protrusions can be set to any number such as one or three. For example, when the number of protrusions is one, the degree of freedom of movement of the suspension member with respect to the support member can be increased. When the number of protrusions is three, the contact point with the support member can be positioned between two adjacent protrusions, and the suspension member can be deflected with respect to the horizontal direction. Further, instead of the protrusions, a recess may be provided in the main body portion 52 so that the fulcrum Ps is within the range of the recess.

[0090] In the first embodiment, the material of the support member 10 has not been particularly described. The material of the support member 10 may be a bar material such as stainless steel or aluminum alloy. Further, the support member 10 may be wound with a material having a high coefficient of friction such as rubber around the bar material. Thereby, it becomes difficult for the suspension member 50 to come off from the support member 10. Therefore, the difficulty of obtaining a prize increases, and the player's desire to challenge can be stimulated.

[0091] In the second embodiment, since the support mechanism includes a ball chain, it has been described that the arm swings when the crane moves. In a modification, not limited to the ball chain, other linear and flexible materials (such as a suspension member) such as a string or a wire may be employed. Also in this case, the arm swings when the crane moves. Therefore, similar to the second embodiment, the player's desire to challenge can be stimulated.

[0092] In the second embodiment and Modification 1, it has been described that the support column 210 hangs down to the crane body 25 via a ball chain. In another modification, the support column may be directly attached to the crane body 25 by a screw or the like. Also in this case, the arm 226 swings when contacting the suspension member 250. Therefore, the player's willingness to play the game can be evoked.

[0093] In the third embodiment, the case where a screw is used to attach the detachable portion 430 to the main body portion 428 has been described. In a modification, a magnet may be attached to the tip of the main body portion 428, and the detachable portion 430 may be attached by magnetic force or other attachment modes.

[0094] Also, in the third embodiment, an internal thread is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the hole portion 434, and an external thread is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the support piece, and the support piece is attached to the detachable portion by screwing these together. Further, an E-ring is fitted to the tooth surface of the external thread of the support piece. In a modification, a concave portion may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the support piece, and the support piece may be attached to the detachable portion by fitting the E-ring into the concave portion of the support piece through which the hole portion passes. In this case, it is not necessary to provide the external thread and the internal thread, and the structures of the support piece and the hole portion can be simplified.

[0095] In the third embodiment, the number of hole portions 434 provided in the detachable portion 430 has been described as five. The number of hole portions 434 for the detachable portion 430 is not limited to this, and may be any number such as three. Similarly, the number of hole portions 534 provided in the attachment 500 may be any number such as ten.

[0096] The prize acquisition game device in the embodiment can also be applied to a so-called net catcher. A net catcher is a crane game in which a player operates a crane of a crane game device located at a remote location by transmitting operation information while viewing the prize acquisition state from a PC in real time in video. The prize obtained by the player is mailed to the player.

[0097] The game device of the second embodiment can also be understood as follows. That is, a certain aspect of the prize acquisition game device includes a prize display space having a space for displaying prizes, a hanging member capable of hanging the prize, a dropping area where the prize should be dropped, an arm portion capable of contacting the hanging member, a crane for guiding the prize to the dropping area, an operation portion for receiving an operation from the player, and a crane control portion for driving the crane according to the operation. The crane includes a support body that is suspended from the crane body and serves as a fulcrum in the rotation of the arm portion, and a connecting member that connects the crane body and the arm portion and serves as a point of action in the rotation of the arm portion. The contact point between the hanging member and the arm portion in the arm portion serves as the point of action in the rotation of the arm portion.

[0098] The game device of the third embodiment can also be understood as follows. That is, a certain aspect of the prize acquisition game device includes a prize display space having a space for displaying prizes, a dropping area where the prize should be dropped, an arm portion capable of contacting the prize, and a crane body for supporting the arm portion, and includes a crane for guiding the prize to the dropping area, an operation portion for receiving an operation from the player, and a crane control portion for driving the crane according to the operation. The tip of the arm portion has a detachable portion where one or a plurality of support pieces for supporting the prize can be arbitrarily attached and detached.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0099] 1 Game device, 2 Base, 4 Prize storage section, 5 Placing table, 8 Crane, 10 Support member, 11 Door, 14 Prize stock space, 16 Prize outlet, 18 Operation desk, 20 Coin insertion slot, 21 IC card reader, 22 Operation section, 24 Input reception section, 25 Crane main body, 26 Arm, 28 Crane drive section, 32 Swing suppression member, 50 Suspension member, 51 Base section, 52 Main body section, 53 Extension section, 54 Arm contact section, 55 Rib, 56 Suspension section, 60 Projection, 64 Hooking section, 66 Hook member, 100 User interface processing section, 102 Input section, 104 Output section, 106 Setting input section, 108 Crane operation section, 110 Image display section, 112 Audio output section, 120 Mechanism section, 140 Data processing section, 142 Crane control section, 144 Movement determination section, 160 Data storage section, 162 Game program storage section, 200 Game device, 202 Placing table, 208 Crane, 209 Support member, 210 Column body, 211 Ball chain, 212 Connecting member, 214 Ball chain, 216 Connecting piece, 226 Arm, 230 First arm section, 231 Tip section, 232 Screw, 234 Second arm section, 235 Rod-shaped section, 236 Connecting section, 250 Suspension member, 308 Crane, 326 Arm, 330 First arm section, 334 Second arm section, 350 Suspension member, 408 Crane, 426 Arm, 428 Main body section, 430 Detachable section, 431 Base section, 432 Insertion section, 433 Support piece mounting section, 433 Support piece detachable section, 434 Hole section, 450 Support piece, 460 E-ring, 470 Screw, 500 Attachment, 534 Hole section, 600 Nut, A Prize, B Second surface, F First surface, L1 Axis, L2 Axis, M Support mechanism, P1 Fulcrum, P2 Power point, Ph Suspension point, Pm Apex, Ps Fulcrum, R Drop area, S Prize display space.

Claims

1. A prize display space having a space for displaying prizes, A dropping area where the prize should be dropped, A crane for guiding the prize to the dropping area, An operation unit that receives operations from a player, A crane control unit that drives the crane according to the operation, comprising: The crane includes a support piece attached to the main body of the crane, an arm rotatably attached to the support piece, and a movable piece attached to the main body and connected to the arm, A hook portion for hooking the prize is formed on the arm, The crane control unit changes the angle of the arm by moving the movable piece, a prize acquisition game device.

2. The support piece is suspended from the main body of the crane by a chain, the prize acquisition game device according to claim 1.

3. The arm is connected to the movable piece by a chain, the prize acquisition game device according to claim 1.

4. The arm includes a first arm and a second arm fixed to each other, The hook portion is formed on the first arm, The second arm is connected to both the support piece and the movable piece, The relative angle between the first arm and the second arm is adjustable, the prize acquisition game device according to claim 1.

5. One end of the arm is connected to the support piece, and the other end is connected to the movable piece, A protrusion is formed between the one end and the other end of the arm, The hook portion is formed on the protrusion, the prize acquisition game device according to claim 1.

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