Prize acquisition game apparatus

Abstract

To provide a prize acquisition game device capable of increasing the rotation efficiency of a game and reducing the risk of dropping an acquired prize.SOLUTION: In this prize acquiring game device 1, a control part 110 for controlling a first prize acquiring part 20a capable of acquiring a prize and releasing the acquired prize and a horizontally moving part 51 for horizontally moving the first prize acquiring part 20a can make the first prize acquiring part HP1 perform a prize releasing operation at a plurality of falling points (respective coordinates constituting the 20a) set in one falling port area 72. When a first prize acquiring part 20a performs a prize acquiring operation for acquiring a prize, the first prize acquiring part 20a is moved toward a falling point closest to a position where the prize acquiring operation is performed among a plurality of falling points set in one falling port area 72, and then a prize releasing operation is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 22

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a game in which prizes are acquired by dropping prizes on a placement section provided in a storage space through a drop hole area. [Background technology]

[0002] One such prize acquisition game device allows players to play a game in which they acquire prizes by moving a prize acquisition section within a storage space that holds prizes and causing prizes on a placement section to drop through a drop hole area (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2008-132369 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The prize acquisition game device described in Patent Document 1 above is capable of providing multiple opening areas (drop area), and by identifying the opening area among the multiple opening areas that is closest to the position where the prize holding section (prize acquisition section) performs the prize holding operation, and controlling the movement of the prize holding section toward the center coordinates of the identified opening area, it is proposed to shorten the time required for one game, increase the rotation efficiency of the game, and reduce the risk of dropping the held prize during the game.

[0005] However, in the prize acquisition game device described in Patent Document 1 above, the prize holding section moves toward the center coordinates of the nearest opening area, and depending on the size and shape of the opening area, this does not necessarily match the route with the shortest distance from the position where the prize holding operation is performed to the opening area.

[0006] The present invention has been made in response to such problems, and aims to provide a prize acquisition game device that can increase the rotation efficiency of the game and reduce the risk of dropping acquired prizes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the prize acquisition game device of the present invention comprises: A prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a game in which prizes are acquired by dropping prizes on a placement section provided in a storage space through a drop hole area, a prize acquisition unit that is arranged in the storage space so as to be horizontally movable and that can acquire and open the acquired prize; a moving means for moving the prize capture unit in a horizontal direction; a control means for controlling the prize acquisition unit and the transportation means; Equipped with The control means It is possible to cause the prize capture unit to perform a prize release operation to release the prize at a plurality of drop points in one of the drop opening areas, When the prize acquisition unit performs a prize acquisition action to acquire the prize, the prize acquisition unit is moved toward the drop point among the plurality of drop points in one of the drop opening areas that is closest to the position where the prize acquisition action was performed, and then the prize release action is performed. According to this feature, when the prize acquisition unit performs a prize acquisition operation, the prize acquisition unit is moved toward the drop point among multiple drop points in one drop hole area that is closest to the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed, and then the prize release operation is performed.This shortens the movement distance from the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed to the drop hole area regardless of the size or shape of the drop hole area, thereby increasing the rotation efficiency of the game and reducing the risk of dropping the acquired prize.

[0008] The prize acquisition game device of the present invention comprises: A prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a game in which prizes are acquired by dropping prizes on a placement section provided in a storage space through a drop hole area, a prize acquisition unit that is arranged in the storage space so as to be horizontally movable and that can acquire and open the acquired prize; a moving means for moving the prize capture unit in a horizontal direction; a control means for controlling the prize acquisition unit and the transportation means; Equipped with The control means is characterized in that, when the prize acquisition unit performs a prize acquisition operation to acquire the prize, the control means moves the prize acquisition unit toward the peripheral boundary of the drop opening area that is closest to the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed until the prize acquisition unit reaches the drop opening area, and then performs a prize release operation to release the prize. According to this feature, when the prize acquisition unit performs a prize acquisition operation, the prize acquisition unit is moved toward the peripheral boundary of the drop opening area that is closest to the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed until it reaches the drop opening area, and then a prize release operation is performed to release the prize.This shortens the distance from the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed to the drop opening area regardless of the size or shape of the drop opening area, thereby increasing the rotation efficiency of the game and reducing the risk of dropping the acquired prize.

[0009] The prize acquisition game device of the present invention comprises: The control means is characterized in that, when the prize acquisition unit performs the prize acquisition operation, it moves the prize acquisition unit in a direction that provides the shortest distance from the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed to the peripheral boundary of the drop inlet area until it reaches the drop inlet area, and then performs the prize release operation. According to this feature, the prize can be dropped into the area in the shortest distance from the position where the prize acquisition action was performed.

[0010] The prize acquisition game device of the present invention comprises: A prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a game in which prizes are acquired by dropping prizes on a placement section provided in a storage space through a drop hole area, a prize acquisition unit that is arranged in the storage space so as to be horizontally movable and that can acquire and open the acquired prize; a moving means for moving the prize capture unit in a horizontal direction; a control means for controlling the prize acquisition unit and the transportation means; Equipped with The placement section can be formed in front of or behind the drop-allowed area set in the drop opening area, and in an area other than the front of or behind the drop-allowed area, The control means When the prize capturing unit performs a prize capturing action to capture the prize in the front area or rear area of ​​the drop possible area in the placement unit, a first control is performed to move the prize capturing unit in a forward / backward direction toward the drop possible area until it reaches the drop possible area, and then to perform a prize releasing action to release the prize, When the prize acquisition section performs the prize acquisition operation in an area other than the front area or rear area of ​​the drop possible area in the placement section, a second control is performed to move the prize acquisition section diagonally or left / right toward the drop possible area until it reaches the drop possible area, and then perform the prize release operation. According to this feature, when the prize acquisition section performs a prize acquisition action in the front or rear area of ​​the drop-possible area on the mounting section, a first control is performed to move the prize acquisition section back and forth toward the drop-possible area until it reaches the drop-possible area, and then perform a prize-releasing action to release the prize; when the prize acquisition section performs a prize acquisition action in an area other than the front or rear area of ​​the drop-possible area on the mounting section, a second control is performed to move the prize acquisition section diagonally or left and right toward the drop-possible area until it reaches the drop-possible area, and then perform a prize-releasing action.In this configuration, in which mounting sections are formed both in front or rear of the drop-possible area and in areas other than the front or rear of the drop-possible area, the distance from the position where the prize acquisition action was performed to the drop-possible area is shorter whether the prize acquisition action is performed in the front or rear area of ​​the drop-possible area or in an area other than the front or rear area of ​​the drop-possible area, therefore, the rotation efficiency of the game can be improved and the risk of dropping the acquired prize can be reduced. The drop-allowed area set in the drop inlet area may be set to the same area as the drop inlet area, or may be set to an area smaller than the drop inlet area.

[0011] The prize acquisition game device of the present invention comprises: The width of the drop area can be set within a range from the same width as the placement section to a width shorter than the placement section, at least within the range of the placement section's width, The control means is characterized in that when the width of the drop area is set to the same width as the width of the placement section, it performs the first control, and when the width of the drop area is set to a width shorter than the width of the placement section, it performs either the first control or the second control depending on whether the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed is in the front area or the rear area of ​​the drop possible area in the placement section. According to this feature, even if the width of the drop opening area is changed, the prize capture section can reach the drop opening area in a short movement distance depending on the position where the prize capture operation is performed.

[0012] The prize acquisition game device of the present invention comprises: The width of the placement section can be set within a range from at least the same as the width of the drop inlet area to a width longer than the width of the drop inlet area, The control means is characterized in that it performs the first control when the width of the placement section is set to be the same as the width of the drop opening area, and performs either the first control or the second control when the width of the placement section is set to be longer than the width of the drop opening area, depending on whether the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed is in the front area or the rear area of ​​the drop possible area in the placement section. According to this feature, even if the width of the placement section is changed, the prize capturing section can be made to reach the drop area in a short movement distance depending on the position where the prize capturing operation is performed.

[0013] The prize acquisition game device of the present invention comprises: a size setting means for setting the size of the prize; The control means is characterized by determining whether to perform the first control or the second control depending on the position where the prize acquisition action was performed and the size of the prize set by the size setting means. According to this feature, the first control and the second control can be switched appropriately depending on the size of the prize.

[0014] The prize acquisition game device of the present invention comprises: the moving means includes a first moving means for moving in a forward / backward direction and a second moving means for moving in a left / right direction, The control means is characterized in that, when the prize acquisition section is moved by both the first moving means and the second moving means, it controls the driving of the first moving means and the second moving means at a speed such that the time taken to move forward and backward from the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed to reach the drop opening area is the same as the time taken to move left and right from the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed to reach the drop opening area. According to this feature, one of the first and second moving means will not stop driving first between the position where the prize acquisition operation is performed and the time when the prize reaches the drop area, preventing the prize from falling due to the impact caused by one of the first and second moving means stopping driving first.

[0015] The prize acquisition game device of the present invention comprises: the first moving means and the second moving means are capable of being driven at a specified speed or less, The control means is characterized by controlling the driving of the first moving means or the second moving means, whichever moving means has the longer moving distance from the position where the prize acquisition operation is performed to reach the drop area, at the specified speed. According to this feature, the prize capturing section can be made to reach the drop hole area at the fastest speed depending on the position where the prize capturing operation is performed.

[0016] The prize acquisition game device of the present invention comprises: an encoder for identifying the movement distance of the prize capture unit by the first movement means and the second movement means, The control means is characterized in that it identifies the position where the prize capture action has been performed based on the movement distance of the prize capture part identified by the encoder. According to this feature, the position where the prize acquisition action was performed can be accurately identified.

[0017] In a conventional prize acquisition game device, a movement means for moving the prize acquisition unit in the left-right direction and a movement means for moving it in the front-rear direction are provided, making it possible to move the prize acquisition unit to any position in the front, back, left, or right directions. In such a configuration, if one of the movement means stops after the prize acquisition unit acquires a prize but before it reaches the drop opening area, there is a problem in that the impact increases the risk that the prize acquired by the prize acquisition unit will fall before it reaches the drop opening area.

[0018] In order to solve such a problem, the prize acquisition game device of the present invention comprises: A prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a game in which prizes are acquired by dropping prizes on a placement section provided in a storage space through a drop hole area, a prize acquisition unit that is arranged in the storage space so as to be horizontally movable and that can acquire and open the acquired prize; a moving means for moving the prize capture unit in a horizontal direction; a control means for controlling the prize acquisition unit and the transportation means; Equipped with the moving means includes a first moving means for moving in a forward / backward direction and a second moving means for moving in a left / right direction, The control means is characterized in that, when the prize acquisition section is moved by both the first moving means and the second moving means, it controls the driving of the first moving means and the second moving means at a speed such that the time taken to move forward and backward from the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed to reach the drop opening area is the same as the time taken to move left and right from the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed to reach the drop opening area. According to this feature, one of the first and second moving means will not stop driving first between the position where the prize acquisition operation is performed and the time when the prize reaches the drop area, preventing the prize from falling due to the impact caused by one of the first and second moving means stopping driving first.

[0019] The prize acquisition game device of the present invention comprises: the first moving means and the second moving means are capable of being driven at a specified speed or less, The control means is characterized by controlling the driving of the first moving means or the second moving means, whichever moving means has the longer moving distance from the position where the prize acquisition operation is performed to reach the drop area, at the specified speed. According to this feature, the prize capturing section can be made to reach the drop hole area at the fastest speed depending on the position where the prize capturing operation is performed.

[0020] The prize acquisition game device of the present invention comprises: an encoder for identifying the movement distance of the prize capture unit by the first movement means and the second movement means, The control means is characterized in that it identifies the position where the prize capture action has been performed based on the movement distance of the prize capture part identified by the encoder. According to this feature, the position where the prize acquisition action was performed can be accurately identified. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view showing a prize acquisition game device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing a prize acquisition game device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a prize acquisition game device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a prize acquisition unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a moving unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective plan view showing the configuration of a moving unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a right side perspective view showing the configuration of a moving unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a first right end actuating portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a second left end actuating portion according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the first right end actuating portion and the second left end actuating portion are moved to the right. FIG. [Figure 11] 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the first right end actuating portion is moved to the left and the second left end actuating portion is moved to the right. FIG. [Figure 12]These figures explain how to set up the play areas: (a) shows the state where the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are set to the same size; (b) shows the state where the second play area PA2 is set to be smaller than the first play area PA1; and (c) shows the state where a non-play area DA is set between the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2. [Figure 13] 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a partition body and a prize display section in the storage space. FIG. [Figure 14] 14(a) is a plan view showing the partition body and the prize display section in the storage space of FIG. 13, and FIG. 14(b) is a front view. [Figure 15] 14 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a partition body and a prize display section in the storage space of FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 16] 10(a) to 10(c) are diagrams for explaining examples of changes in the shape and size of the second prize placing section and the drop area. [Figure 17] 10(a) to 10(c) are diagrams for explaining examples of changes in the shape and size of the second prize placing section and the drop area. [Figure 18] A diagram showing the set ranges of the operable area of ​​the prize capture section, the drop area corresponding to the drop opening area, etc. [Figure 19] 10 is a diagram showing the contents of the setting values ​​set in the memory unit for the operable area of ​​the prize capture unit, the drop area corresponding to the drop opening area, etc. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the prize acquisition game device according to the embodiment. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a drop point moving process. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation of moving to a drop point. [Figure 23] 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining an example of an operation of moving to a drop point in Modification 1. FIG. [Figure 24] 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation of moving to a drop point in Modification 2. FIG. [Figure 25]13 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation of moving to a drop point in Modification 3. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation of moving to a drop point in Modification 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A prize acquisition game device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to an embodiment. [Example]

[0023] [Configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1] An example of the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 4. Fig. 1 is a front view showing the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the prize acquisition unit 20 according to this embodiment. Note that Fig. 4 shows the state in which the design cover of the prize acquisition unit 20 has been removed.

[0024] In the following explanation, each direction is defined as shown in each figure. That is, the vertical direction is defined as the "up-down direction," and "up" and "down" are defined according to gravity. Furthermore, based on the view from the player facing the prize acquisition game device 1 while playing the game, the near side is defined as the "front" and the far side is defined as the "rear," forming the "front-to-back direction." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the up-down and front-to-back directions is defined as the "left-to-right direction," and based on the view from the player's perspective, "right" and "left" are defined.

[0025] The prize acquisition game device 1 of this embodiment is used by a player when playing a prize acquisition game, and is equipped with a storage section 10 that stores one or more prizes, and a base section 80 provided below the storage section 10.

[0026] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the front, back, left and right sides of the storage unit 10 are formed from transparent members 11a to 11e (for example, transparent resin, glass, etc.) so that players can see the prizes stored in the storage space. The left and right transparent members 11a, 11b that make up the front of the storage unit 10 are provided so that they can slide left and right, and by opening either the left or right transparent member 11a, 11b, a service provider (for example, a store clerk, etc.) can display or replenish the prizes. At the four corners of the storage unit 10, pillars 12 extending in the vertical direction are provided.

[0027] A play area consisting of a first play area PA1 and a second play area PA2 where players can play a prize acquisition game is provided at the front of the storage space enclosed by the storage unit 10, and a non-play area DA is provided at the rear of the storage space (see Figure 12). If the pillars 12 on both sides of the transparent members 11a and 11b are made of a mirror-like material or a transparent material, they will not stand out visually, making the play area appear larger.

[0028] 1 and 2, the storage unit 10 in this embodiment has a prize capturing unit 20 that performs the operation of capturing prizes in the storage space, a moving unit 50 (see FIG. 5) that moves the prize capturing unit 20 in the storage space, a placing unit 60 for placing prizes in the storage space, and a partition body 200 that divides the storage space in the left-right direction. The moving unit 50 is located at the top of the storage unit 10 (see FIG. 16).

[0029] In this embodiment, the first play area PA1 is formed on the left side of the storage space, and the second play area PA2 is formed on the right side of the storage space (see FIG. 12). A prize acquisition unit 20 and a placement unit 60 are arranged corresponding to the first play area PA1 on the left side and the second play area PA2 on the right side, respectively. Therefore, within the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2, each prize acquisition unit 20 can move to acquire a prize placed on each placement unit 60.

[0030] In addition, in the non-play area DA behind the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2, prize display sections 300A and 300B are provided on the left and right sides, where prizes, decorations, etc. to be placed in the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 can be displayed. Details of the prize display sections 300A and 300B will be described later.

[0031] 1, the prize acquisition unit 20 according to this embodiment has a first prize acquisition unit 20a corresponding to the first play area PA1 on the left side and a second prize acquisition unit 20b corresponding to the second play area PA2 on the right side. The movable range of the first prize acquisition unit 20a within the storage space is limited to the first play area PA1, and the movable range of the second prize acquisition unit 20b within the storage space is limited to the second play area PA2.

[0032] The prize capturing section 20 is for capturing prizes stored in the storage section 10 (prizes placed on the placement section 60) by opening and closing the arms. As shown in Fig. 1, the prize capturing section 20 in this embodiment is configured so that it can grasp prizes with three arms, and is connected to the lower end of the lifting section 52a (see Fig. 5).

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, the prize acquisition section 20 in this embodiment has a base section 21 connected to the lower end of the lifting section 52a, a plurality of arm sections 25 that perform opening and closing operations, and a drive section 35 that drives the arm sections 25 to open and close.

[0034] The base portion 21 has trifurcated protrusions 22 that are offset in three directions at 120 degree intervals from a central axis along the vertical direction.

[0035] The arm portion 25 has an arm 29 bent in an L-shape or semicircular shape, an arm connecting portion 28 that detachably connects the arm 29 to the base portion 21, and a claw 30 detachably attached to the tip of the arm 29.

[0036] Arm 29 consists of three arms, a first arm 29A, a second arm 29B, and a third arm 29C, which extend in a triangular shape offset at 120 degree intervals in three directions around the central axis of base portion 21 to match the triangular shape of protrusion 22.

[0037] The drive unit 35 is made up of three units, a first drive unit 35A, a second drive unit 35B, and a third drive unit 35C, each of which is provided for one arm. As shown in Fig. 4, the first drive unit 35A, the second drive unit 35B, and the third drive unit 35C correspond to the first arm 29A, the second arm 29B, and the third arm 29C, respectively, and drive them to open and close separately.

[0038] The first drive unit 35A has an arm opening / closing motor 35Aa and a gear box 35Ab connected to the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa. The gear box 35Ab reduces the rotational force of the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa and outputs it.

[0039] Similarly, the second drive unit 35B has an arm opening / closing motor 35Ba and a gearbox 35Bb connected to the arm opening / closing motor 35Ba, and the third drive unit 35C has an arm opening / closing motor 35Ca and a gearbox 35Cb connected to the arm opening / closing motor 35Ca.

[0040] In the prize capture unit 20 according to this embodiment, for example, when the first arm 29A is in an open state, when the arm opening / closing motor 35Aa rotates the output shaft in a predetermined direction, power is transmitted to the first arm 29A via the gearbox 35Ab, and the first arm 29A rotates in the closing direction. At this time, the second arm 29B and the third arm 29C also rotate in the closing direction in the same manner by being driven by the arm opening / closing motor 35Ba and the arm opening / closing motor 35Ca, respectively.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 15, the moving unit 50 is disposed in the upper part of the storage unit 10 and moves the prize capture unit 20 within the play area formed by the storage unit 10. The moving unit 50 in this embodiment has a horizontal moving unit 51 and a vertical moving unit 52, as shown in Fig. 3.

[0042] The horizontal movement unit 51 moves the prize capture unit 20 horizontally (i.e., forward / backward and left / right) in the play area. The vertical movement unit 52 moves the prize capture unit 20 vertically (i.e., up / down) in the play area.

[0043] The placing section 60 is for placing prizes that can be acquired by the prize acquiring section 20 in the storage section 10. As shown in Fig. 2, the placing section 60 in this embodiment has a support section 61, a first prize placing section 62 as a fixed placing section that is arranged in the storage space to form an opening area 71, and a second prize placing section 63 that is arranged in the storage space to block part of the opening area 71 and adjust the shape and size of the drop opening area 72 through which the prizes drop.

[0044] The support portion 61 supports the first prize placing portion 62 and the second prize placing portion 63 so that they can be positioned in the storage space. In this embodiment, the first prize placing portion 62 is fixed and supported so that it cannot be rearranged in the storage space, and the second prize placing portion 63 is supported so that it can be rearranged in the storage space.

[0045] The support portion 61 of this embodiment slidably supports the second prize placing portion 63 below the first prize placing portion 62. Therefore, by sliding the second prize placing portion 63 in the front-to-rear direction, the position of the second prize placing portion 63 relative to the first prize placing portion 62 can be changed, and the shape and size of the placement area where prizes can be placed, or the shape and size of the drop opening area 72 can be changed.

[0046] The first prize placing section 62 is fixed in the storage space and cannot be relocated in principle. As shown in Figure 2, the area (unblocked area) in the storage space where the first prize placing section (fixed placing section) is not provided is the open area 71.

[0047] The second prize placing section 63 is composed of left and right placing plates 64, 65 which are slidable in the forward and backward directions relative to the first prize placing section 62, and as shown in Figures 2 and 14(b), is supported by support sections 61L, 61C, 61R so as to block part of the opening area 71, thereby forming a drop area 72.

[0048] When a prize that is captured by the prize capturing unit 20 and then dropped passes (drops) through the drop opening area 72 of the placing unit 60, it moves from the play area to the base unit 80. The prize that has dropped from the drop opening area 72 of the placing unit 60 is detected by an optical sensor and then guided along a guide path to the prize outlet 96. The optical sensor detects the presence or absence of a prize using a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element that are attached on the guide path.

[0049] The base part 80 is the base part of the housing provided below the storage part 10, and holds the storage part 10 at a high position so that the player can play the game while standing and facing forward.

[0050] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the base unit 80 in this embodiment has an operation unit 90, a play fee detection unit 93, a prize outlet 96, a setting unit 100, a control unit 110, and a memory unit 120.

[0051] The operation unit 90 is used by the player to perform game operations. The operation unit 90 in this embodiment has at least a joystick 91 and operation buttons 92, as shown in FIGS.

[0052] The joystick 91 is an operating lever used by the player to move the prize capturing unit 20 horizontally. The operating button 92 is an operating button used by the player to determine the horizontal position of the prize capturing unit 20. When the player presses the operating button 92, the prize capturing unit 20 begins to descend at the determined position. It is also possible to use an operating button similar to the operating button 92 instead of the joystick 91, and to move the prize capturing unit 20 in the lateral direction while the button is pressed. In this case, the operating button 92 may be configured to move the prize capturing unit 20 in the depth direction horizontally, and when operation of the operating button 92 is finished, the prize capturing unit 20 may begin to descend at that position.

[0053] The play fee detection unit 93 is for detecting the payment of a play fee by a player. In this embodiment, the play fee detection unit 93 has a coin slot 94, a coin detection sensor (not shown), a coin passage (not shown), and a coin box (not shown).

[0054] In this embodiment, the prize acquisition game is started when the player inserts a predetermined number of coins into the coin insertion slot 94. The coins inserted into the coin insertion slot 94 are detected by a coin detection sensor.

[0055] The coin detection sensor is, for example, an optical sensor, and uses a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element attached to the coin currency path to detect the presence or absence of coins inserted through the coin slot 94. Coins that have passed through the coin currency path in this way are stored in the coin box.

[0056] The prize outlet 96 is provided on the front surface of the base section 80 and is used to remove prizes that have fallen when the prizes acquired by the prize acquisition section 20 fall from the drop opening area 72 in the placement section 60.

[0057] The setting unit 100 is used when a player performs game operations or when a service provider performs setting operations. As shown in Fig. 3, the setting unit 100 in this embodiment has a setting operation unit 101 and a display unit 102.

[0058] The setting operation unit 101 is for receiving operation inputs. The setting operation unit 101 in this embodiment is configured as a touch panel, and receives input instructions from the operator from the positions on the touch panel that are pressed.

[0059] The touch panel is stacked on the display unit 102, and when a touch operation is performed on the screen, the pressed position (contact position) can be detected based on a change in electrostatic capacitance between the fingertip and the conductive film.

[0060] The display unit 102 displays various screens such as a game screen, a setting screen, etc. In this embodiment, the display unit 102 is configured by a liquid crystal display.

[0061] The control unit 110 is provided inside the base unit 80 and is a control unit for performing various controls of the prize acquisition game device 1. The control unit 110 has at least a CPU 111 and a memory 112, as shown in FIG.

[0062] The CPU 111 is an arithmetic processing unit for controlling the entire game device. The memory 112 is used to ensure an area for storing programs for the CPU 111, a working area, etc., and includes a storage element such as a RAM.

[0063] The storage unit 120 is a unit that stores programs and data for the control unit 110 to execute game processing. In this embodiment, the storage unit 120 has a storage element such as a ROM, which is a read-only storage area, and a storage element such as a flash memory, which is a storage area that can be both read and written.

[0064] [Configuration of moving parts] An example of the configuration of the moving section 50 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 5 to 9. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of the moving section 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 6 is a top perspective view showing the configuration of the moving section 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 7 is a right-side perspective view showing the configuration of the moving section 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a first right-end actuating section 532 according to this embodiment. Fig. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the configuration of a second left-end actuating section 533 according to this embodiment.

[0065] The configurations of the horizontal moving section 51 and the vertical moving section 52 of the moving section 50 according to this embodiment will be specifically described below.

[0066] 5, the horizontal movement unit 51 has a left-right movement unit 53 and a front-back movement unit 54. The left-right movement unit 53 moves the prize capture unit 20 left and right in the play area. The front-back movement unit 54 moves the prize capture unit 20 forward and backward in the play area.

[0067] As shown in Figure 5, the left-right movement unit 53 in this embodiment has a pair of fixed rails 53a extending left and right within the storage space, and left-right movement motors 53b arranged at both left and right ends of the front fixed rail 53a.

[0068] As shown in Figure 5, the forward / backward movement unit 54 in this embodiment has multiple movement rails 54a extending in the forward / backward direction within the storage space, and forward / backward movement motors 54b arranged at the front ends of each of the movement rails 54a.

[0069] As shown in Figure 5, the vertical movement unit 52 has a lifting unit 52a that is configured to be extendable and retractable in the vertical direction, and a hanging unit 52b that suspends the lifting unit 52a so that it can be raised and lowered. The lifting unit 52a is configured by fitting a number of pipes of successively smaller diameters into a slidable, nested arrangement. The prize capture unit 20 is attached to the lower end of the lifting unit 52a while connected to a wire that passes through the inside of the pipe. The lifting unit 52a is attached to the lower end of the hanging unit 52b with the prize capture unit 20 suspended from it. The upper end of the hanging unit 52b is supported by a moving rail 54a so that it can be moved in the front-to-rear direction.

[0070] The vertical movement unit 52 according to this embodiment has a wire winding unit, a vertical movement motor, an upper limit sensor, and a lower limit sensor inside the hanging unit 52b. The wire winding unit is driven by the vertical movement motor to wind up the wire, thereby raising the prize capturing unit 20 while sequentially storing the lower pipes in the upper pipe, or to lower the prize capturing unit 20 while sequentially sending out the lower pipes from the upper pipe by unwinding the wire. The upper limit sensor detects whether the prize capturing unit 20 has stopped rising by winding up the wire connected to the prize capturing unit 20. The lower limit sensor detects whether the prize capturing unit 20 has stopped falling based on changes in tension in the wire connected to the prize capturing unit 20.

[0071] The fixed rail 53a in this embodiment extends left and right across the first play area PA1 on the left and the second play area PA2 on the right, which are adjacent to each other on the left and right within the storage space, and as shown in Figure 5, supports a first movable rail 54a1 corresponding to the first play area PA1 on the left and a second movable rail 54a2 corresponding to the second play area PA2 on the right, so that they can each move freely along a shared rail.

[0072] 5, a first left-right movement motor 53b1 for moving the first movable rail 54a1 in the left-right direction is disposed at the left end of the front fixed rail 53a. Furthermore, a second left-right movement motor 53b2 for moving the second movable rail 54a2 in the left-right direction is disposed at the right end of the front fixed rail 53a.

[0073] The front fixed rail 53a has a U-shaped cross section, and inside it are arranged a first driving pulley that is rotated by a first left / right movement motor 53b1, a first driven pulley attached to the right end of the front fixed rail 53a, and a first left / right belt that is stretched between the first driving pulley and the first driven pulley.

[0074] Furthermore, inside the front fixed rail 53a, there are arranged a second driving pulley that is driven to rotate by a second left / right movement motor 53b2, a second driven pulley attached to the left end of the front fixed rail 53a, and a second left / right belt that is stretched between the second driving pulley and the second driven pulley.

[0075] The first left and right belts and the second left and right belts are arranged parallel to each other inside the front fixed rail 53a, and the first movable rail 54a1 is connected to the first left and right belts via a first connecting portion, and the second movable rail 54a2 is connected to the second left and right belts via a second connecting portion.

[0076] Therefore, when the first left-right movement motor 53b1 rotates forward or backward, the first moving rail 54a1 connected to the first left-right belt can move back and forth in the left-right direction along the fixed rail 53a. Similarly, when the second left-right movement motor 53b2 rotates forward or backward, the second moving rail 54a2 connected to the second left-right belt can move back and forth in the left-right direction along the fixed rail 53a.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first movable rail 54a1 supports a first suspending portion 52b1 from which the first prize capturing portion 20a corresponding to the first play area PA1 on the left side is suspended so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction, as shown in Figures 5 and 7. That is, the first prize capturing portion 20a is supported on the first movable rail 54a1 so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction.

[0078] Similarly, the second movable rail 54a2 supports a second suspending portion 52b2 from which a second prize capturing portion 20b corresponding to the second play area PA2 on the right side is suspended so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction. That is, the second prize capturing portion 20b is supported on the second movable rail 54a2 so as to be movable in the front-to-rear direction.

[0079] Also, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, a first forward / backward movement motor 54b1 is arranged at the front end of the first moving rail 54a1 to move the first hanging section 52b1, from which the first prize capture section 20a is suspended, in the forward / backward direction.

[0080] Similarly, a second forward / backward movement motor 54b2 is disposed at the front end of the second moving rail 54a2 for moving the second hanging portion 52b2, from which the second prize capturing portion 20b is suspended, in the forward / backward direction.

[0081] The first moving rail 54a1 has a U-shaped cross section, and inside thereof are arranged a driving pulley rotated by a first forward / backward movement motor 54b1, a driven pulley attached to the rear end of the first moving rail 54a1, and a forward / backward belt stretched between the driving pulley and the driven pulley. The first hanging part 52b1 is connected to the forward / backward belt via a connecting part.

[0082] Therefore, by rotating the first forward / backward movement motor 54b1 forward or backward, the first prize acquisition section 20a, together with the first hanging section 52b1 connected to the forward / backward belt, can move back and forth in the forward / backward direction along the first moving rail 54a1.

[0083] Similarly, inside the second moving rail 54a2, there are arranged a driving pulley driven by a second forward / backward movement motor 54b2, a driven pulley attached to the rear end of the second moving rail 54a2, and a forward / backward belt stretched between the driving pulley and the driven pulley. The second hanging part 52b2 is connected to the forward / backward belt via a connecting part.

[0084] Therefore, by rotating the second forward / backward movement motor 54b2 forward or backward, the second prize capture section 20b, together with the second hanging section 52b2 connected to the forward / backward belt, can move back and forth in the forward / backward direction along the second moving rail 54a2.

[0085] A first left edge sensor 54c1 that detects the left edge position of the first play area PA1 is attached to the front left side of the first movable rail 54a1, as shown in Fig. 6. A first left edge actuation unit 531 that actuates the first left edge sensor 54c1 is attached to the left end of the front fixed rail 53a, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0086] As a result, when the first left end operating unit 531 activates the first left end sensor 54c1 due to the leftward movement of the first moving rail 54a1, the first prize acquisition unit 20a, together with the first moving rail 54a1, is restricted from moving to the left in the left-right direction within the first play area PA1.

[0087] A first right end sensor 54c2 that detects the right end position of the first play area PA1 is attached to the front right side of the first moving rail 54a1, as shown in Fig. 6. Then, a first right end operating part 532 that activates the first right end sensor 54c2 is supported between the first prize capturing part 20a and the second prize capturing part 20b on the front fixed rail 53a, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0088] As a result, when the first right end operating unit 532 activates the first right end sensor 54c2 due to the rightward movement of the first moving rail 54a1, the first prize acquisition unit 20a, together with the first moving rail 54a1, is restricted from moving to the right in the left-right direction within the first play area PA1.

[0089] A second left end sensor 54c3 that detects the left end position of the second play area PA2 is attached to the front left side of the second moving rail 54a2, as shown in Fig. 6. Then, a second left end operating part 533 that activates the second left end sensor 54c3 is supported between the first prize capturing part 20a and the second prize capturing part 20b on the front fixed rail 53a, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0090] As a result, when the second left end operating unit 533 activates the second left end sensor 54c3 due to the leftward movement of the second moving rail 54a2, the second prize acquisition unit 20b together with the second moving rail 54a2 is restricted from moving to the left in the left-right direction in the second play area PA2.

[0091] A second right edge sensor 54c4 that detects the right edge position of the second play area PA2 is attached to the front right side of the second movable rail 54a2, as shown in Fig. 6. A second right edge actuation unit 534 that actuates the second right edge sensor 54c4 is attached to the right end of the front fixed rail 53a, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0092] As a result, when the second right end operating unit 534 activates the second right end sensor 54c4 due to the rightward movement of the second moving rail 54a2, the second prize acquisition unit 20b together with the second moving rail 54a2 is restricted from moving to the right in the left-right direction in the second play area PA2.

[0093] The first left edge sensor 54c1, the first right edge sensor 54c2, the second left edge sensor 54c3, and the second right edge sensor 54c4 are optical sensors that detect the presence or absence of an obstructing object based on whether the light irradiated from the light emitting element is received by the light receiving element. That is, each sensor can detect the presence or absence of an obstructing object when the corresponding operating element is positioned between the light emitting element and the light receiving element.

[0094] The first left end actuation part 531 and the second right end actuation part 534 are fixed to the front fixed rail 53a so that their mounting positions cannot be changed in principle. In contrast, the first right end actuation part 532 and the second left end actuation part 533 are supported by the front fixed rail 53a so as to be movable in the left-right direction, so that their mounting positions can be changed (that is, the right end position of the first play area PA1 and the left end position of the second play area PA2 can each be changed).

[0095] The first right-end actuating portion 532 is an example of a first actuating portion and is a member that is slidable relative to the front fixed rail 53a. As shown in Fig. 8, the first right-end actuating portion 532 of this embodiment has a shielding portion 532a that protrudes to the left in the left-right direction and blocks light emitted from the first right-end sensor 54c2 (first sensor), a magnet 532b, two wheels 532c, and a knob portion 532d that protrudes to the front in the front-rear direction.

[0096] In this embodiment, a concave groove extending in the left-right direction is formed on the inner side surface of the front fixed rail 53a. The front fixed rail 53a supports the first right end actuating unit 532 so that wheels can be placed in the groove to guide the first right end actuating unit 532. A service provider (e.g., a store clerk) can change the position of the first right end actuating unit 532 and adjust the right end position of the first play area PA1 by operating the knob 532d to slide the first right end actuating unit 532 left-right along the front fixed rail 53a. The first right end actuating unit 532 can be fixed in the position determined after sliding by the magnet 532b (the position of the first right end actuating unit 532 after sliding can be maintained).

[0097] The second left-end operating portion 533 is an example of a second operating portion and is a member that is slidable relative to the front fixed rail 53a. As shown in Fig. 9, the second left-end operating portion 533 of this embodiment has a shielding portion 533a that protrudes to the right in the left-right direction and blocks light emitted from the second left-end sensor 54c3 (second sensor), a magnet 533b, two wheels 533c, and a knob portion 533d that protrudes to the front in the front-rear direction.

[0098] In this embodiment, similar to the first right-end actuation unit 532 described above, the second left-end actuation unit 533 is guided by its wheels resting on the grooves of the front fixed rail 53a. The service provider can adjust the left end position of the second play area PA2 by operating knob 533d independently of knob 532d of the first right-end actuation unit 532 to slide the first right-end actuation unit 532 left and right along the front fixed rail 53a and change the position of the second left-end actuation unit 533. The second left-end actuation unit 533 can be fixed in the position determined after sliding by a magnet 533b (the position of the second left-end actuation unit 533 can be maintained after sliding).

[0099] In this way, the front fixed rail 53a supports the first right end operating part 532 at a position after sliding movement between the first movable rail 54a1 and the second left end operating part 533, thereby making it possible to change the right end position of the first play area PA1, and supports the second left end operating part 533 at a position after sliding movement between the first right end operating part 532 and the second movable rail 54a2, thereby making it possible to change the left end position of the second play area PA2.

[0100] As shown in Fig. 7, a first front end sensor 52d1 that detects the front end position of the first play area PA1 is attached to the front end of the first hanging part 52b1. And, as shown in Fig. 7, a first front end actuation part 541 that actuates the first front end sensor 52d1 is attached to the front end of the first moving rail 54a1.

[0101] As a result, when the first front end actuation part 541 activates the first front end sensor 52d1 due to the forward movement of the first hanging part 52b1, the first prize acquisition part 20a together with the first hanging part 52b1 is restricted from moving forward in the fore-and-aft direction in the first play area PA1.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 7, a second front end sensor 52d3 that detects the front end position of the second play area PA2 is attached to the front end of the second hanging part 52b2. And, as shown in Fig. 7, a second front end actuation part 543 that actuates the second front end sensor 52d3 is attached to the front end of the second moving rail 54a2.

[0103] As a result, when the second front end actuation part 543 activates the second front end sensor 52d3 due to the forward movement of the second hanging part 52b2, the second prize acquisition part 20b together with the second hanging part 52b2 is restricted from moving forward in the fore-and-aft direction in the second play area PA2.

[0104] A first rear end sensor (not shown) that detects the rear end position of the first play area PA1 is attached to the rear end of the first hanging part 52b1. And, as shown in FIG. 5, a first rear end actuation part 542 that actuates the first rear end sensor is attached to the rear end of the first moving rail 54a1.

[0105] As a result, when the first rear end operating part 542 activates the first rear end sensor due to rearward movement of the first hanging part 52b1, the first prize acquisition part 20a together with the first hanging part 52b1 is restricted from moving rearward in the front-to-rear direction in the first play area PA1.

[0106] A second rear end sensor (not shown) that detects the rear end position of the second play area PA2 is attached to the rear end of the second hanging part 52b2. And, as shown in Figures 5 and 7, a second rear end actuation part 544 that activates the second rear end sensor is attached to the rear end of the second moving rail 54a2.

[0107] As a result, when the second rear end actuation section 544 activates the second rear end sensor due to rearward movement of the second hanging section 52b2, the second prize acquisition section 20b together with the second hanging section 52b2 is restricted from moving rearward in the front-to-rear direction in the second play area PA2.

[0108] The first front end sensor 52d1, the first rear end sensor, the second front end sensor 52d3, and the second rear end sensor are optical sensors that detect the presence or absence of an obstructing object based on whether the light-receiving unit receives light irradiated from the light-emitting unit. That is, each sensor can detect the presence or absence of an obstructing object when its operating unit is positioned between the light-emitting unit and the light-receiving unit.

[0109] The first front end actuating part 541 and the first rear end actuating part 542 are fixed to the first moving rail 54a1 so that their mounting positions cannot be changed in principle. Similarly, the second front end actuating part 543 and the second rear end actuating part 544 are fixed to the second moving rail 54a2 so that their mounting positions cannot be changed in principle.

[0110] [About play area settings] The setting of the play area in this embodiment will be explained using FIGS. 10 to 12. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state where the first right end actuation unit 532 and the second left end actuation unit 533 have been moved to the right. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the state where the first right end actuation unit 532 has been moved to the left and the second left end actuation unit 533 has been moved to the right. FIG. 12 is a diagram explaining the setting of the play area. FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing the state where the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 have been set to the same size. FIG. 12(b) is a diagram showing the state where the second play area PA2, which is smaller than the first play area PA1, has been set. FIG. 12(c) is a diagram showing the state where a non-play area DA has been set between the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2. Note that in the figures, each area is indicated by a dotted line.

[0111] When the first right-end actuation unit 532 and the second left-end actuation unit 533 are moved to the horizontal center of the fixed rail 53a by the operation of a service provider (e.g., a store clerk), as shown in FIG. 5, the right end position of the first play area PA1 and the left end position of the second play area PA2 are set to the horizontal center of the fixed rail 53a. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12(a), the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 (areas surrounded by dashed lines in the figure) are the same size. Therefore, the ranges of movement within the storage space of the first prize capture unit 20a and the second prize capture unit 20b are also the same size.

[0112] Furthermore, when the service provider operates the first right-end actuation unit 532 and the second left-end actuation unit 533 to slide from the center of the fixed rail 53a to the right, as shown in FIG. 10, the right end position of the first play area PA1 and the left end position of the second play area PA2 are changed to positions where they slide from the center of the fixed rail 53a to the right. In this case, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the first play area PA1 becomes larger than the second play area PA2. Therefore, compared to the state shown in FIG. 5, the movable range of the first prize capture unit 20a within the storage space is expanded, while the movable range of the second prize capture unit 20b within the storage space is reduced. As will be described later, the partition body 200 can move left and right in accordance with changes in the size of the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2.

[0113] 11, when the service provider operates the first right end actuating unit 532 to slide leftward from the center of the left-right direction of the fixed rail 53a and the second left end actuating unit 533 to slide rightward from the center of the left-right direction of the fixed rail 53a, the right end position of the first play area PA1 is changed to a position slid leftward from the center of the left-right direction of the fixed rail 53a, and the left end position of the second play area PA2 is changed to a position slid rightward from the center of the left-right direction of the fixed rail 53a. In this case, the fixed rail 53a supports the first right end actuating unit 532 and the second left end actuating unit 533 so that there is a gap between the right end position of the first play area PA1 and the left end position of the second play area PA2, so that a non-play area DA is formed between the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2, as shown in FIG. 12(c). Therefore, although the range of movement within the storage space of the first prize acquisition section 20a and the second prize acquisition section 20b is reduced compared to the state shown in Figure 5, it is possible to place prizes and decorations for display not only in the rear non-play area DA but also in the front non-play area DA, and to install displays (small monitors) for use in advertising, game explanations, etc.

[0114] [Prize Exhibition Details] Next, the prize display sections 300A and 300B will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0115] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the prize display sections 300A, 300B are mainly composed of a first partition 200A which is part of the partition 200, side holders 201A, 201B arranged on the rear left and right sides of the storage space, a plurality (e.g., four) rod-shaped members 202A arranged horizontally between the first partition 200A and the left side holder 201A, and a plurality (e.g., four) rod-shaped members 202B arranged horizontally between the first partition 200A and the right side holder 201B, and prizes can be displayed by placing them on the pair of rod-shaped members 202A, 202A, 202B, 202B arranged side by side in the front and back, or by sandwiching the prizes between the rear rod-shaped members 202A, 202B and the transparent member 11e.

[0116] The first partition section 200A and the left and right side holders 201A, 201B are formed in the shape of vertically elongated rectangular plates having front-to-back dimensions approximately the same as those of the non-play area DA, and are arranged approximately perpendicular to the rear transparent member 11e.

[0117] [Partition] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the partition body 200 is mainly composed of a first partition section 200A that extends in the vertical direction to divide the prize display sections 300A, 300B into left and right sections, and a second partition section 200B that extends in the front-to-back direction to divide the play area into a first play area PA1 and a second play area PA2 into left and right sections.

[0118] The first partition section 200A is mainly composed of vertically elongated rectangular holding plates 211, 211 arranged on the left and right, a vertically elongated rectangular intermediate plate 212 arranged between the left and right holding plates 211, 211, and a metal moving frame 213 extending in the vertical direction and to which the rear ends of the holding plates 211, 211 and the intermediate plate 212 are attached. The intermediate plate 212 is formed slightly larger than the holding plates 211, 211, and when sandwiched between the holding plates 211, 211, its upper and lower ends and front end protrude outward from the holding plates 211, 211.

[0119] These holding plates 211, 211 and the intermediate plate 212 are made of translucent synthetic resin plates to make them less noticeable, thereby making the prize display sections 300A, 300B appear larger. The left and right holding plates 211, 211 are arranged side by side, one above the other, so that a total of four holding plates 211 are arranged on the left and right. These four holding plates 211 are all identical in size and structure. Although the first partition section 200A is made up of the left and right holding plates 211, 211 and the intermediate plate 212, the intermediate plate 212 may be omitted or the first partition section 200A may be made up of a single holding plate.

[0120] A pair of left and right guide rollers 214, 214 (see FIG. 14) are provided on the upper part of the moving frame 213 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (not shown) facing the front-rear direction. A metal guide rail 215 extending in the left-right direction is fixed to the front surface of the upper cross member 13 that connects the upper ends of the pillars 12, 12 arranged on the left and right rear sides of the storage unit 10, and the guide rollers 214, 214 are provided on the guide rail 215 so as to be able to roll in the left-right direction. In this way, the moving frame 213 is suspended and supported by the guide rail 215 via the guide rollers 214, 214 so as to be able to move in the left-right direction. Note that the upper part of the guide rail 215 is open (see FIG. 13), but a regulating rail 216 of a predetermined length is fixed to the upper part near the center in the left-right direction to prevent the guide rollers 214, 214 from falling off.

[0121] The rear ends of the holding plates 211 and the intermediate plate 212 are attached to the front side of the moving frame 213 with screw members N1. The front sides of the holding plates 211 and the intermediate plate 212 are integrated with screw members N2 that penetrate them in the left-right direction. Inside the moving frame 213, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction so that light can be incident on the rear end surface of the intermediate plate 212 (not shown), and when the light-emitting diodes emit light, the front end surface and the upper and lower end surfaces of the intermediate plate 212 emit light.

[0122] Each holding plate 211 is formed with a plurality of rectangular through-holes 220 (see FIG. 15 ). In this embodiment, five rows of eight through-holes 220 are formed in the front-rear direction, each row being arranged vertically, for a total of 40 through-holes 220. A restricting piece 221 facing the front-rear direction is bent at the tip of a connecting piece (not shown) extending in the left-right direction from the front or rear edge of each through-hole 220. The restricting piece 221 is disposed at a position separated by a predetermined gap in the left-right direction from the through-hole 220, and the ends of the rod-shaped members 202A, 202B inserted into the through-hole 220 abut against the restricting piece 221, thereby preventing the ends from protruding (piercing through) the through-hole 220 toward the rear in the insertion direction. The left and right holding plates 211 are disposed such that the restricting pieces 221 face each other across the central intermediate plate 212.

[0123] Rod-shaped members 202A, 202B consist of a large-diameter circular tube and a small-diameter circular tube slidably inserted into the large-diameter circular tube, and their overall length can be extended or retracted by changing the insertion length of the small-diameter circular tube. Note that rod-shaped members 202A, 202B do not have a fixing mechanism that prevents the large-diameter circular tube and the small-diameter circular tube from extending or a tensioning mechanism that biases them in the extension direction, but they may have such fixing mechanisms or tensioning mechanisms.

[0124] In this way, since multiple through holes 220 are formed in the holding plate 211, the holding position of the rod-shaped members 202A and 202B can be changed forward and backward or up and down by lifting the rod-shaped member 202B, one end of which is inserted into a through hole 220, upward and pulling it out, and then inserting the pulled-out end into another through hole 220.

[0125] Furthermore, when the ends of the rod-shaped members 202A, 202B are inserted into and held in the multiple through holes 220 formed in the holding plate 211 of the side holding bodies 201A, 201B, there is a risk that the ends of each rod-shaped member 202A, 202B will protrude from the rear side of the holding plate 211, which could result in an unsightly appearance. However, as in this embodiment, by providing a restricting piece 221 at the rear side of the through hole 220, the protrusion of the ends of each rod-shaped member 202A, 202B is restricted, thereby improving the appearance.

[0126] 13, side holders 201A, 201B, which are arranged on the left and right sides of the storage space, are each made up of holder plates 231, 231 arranged side by side one above the other, and brackets 232, 232 that are attached to the front of pillars 12, 12 with multiple screw members N3 and hold the rear parts of the upper and lower holder plates 231. The upper and lower holder plates 231, 231 of each side holder 201A, 201B are all identical in size and structure to the holder plate 211 of first partition 200A, and therefore similar configurations and parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0127] In addition, the upper and lower holding plates 231, 231 of each side holding body 201A, 201B are arranged with the restricting pieces 221 facing the left and right transparent members 11c, 11d, and are arranged at a predetermined gap from the left and right transparent members 11c, 11d (see Figure 14).

[0128] In this embodiment, the holding plates 211, 231 are formed with a plurality of through holes 220 into which the rod-shaped members 202A, 202B serving as prize supports can be inserted, but the number, size, shape, etc. of the through holes 220 are arbitrary and can be changed in various ways. Furthermore, the holding plates 211, 231 do not necessarily need to be formed with through holes or restricting pieces 221, as long as they have holding portions made up of recesses, protrusions, etc. that can hold the ends of the prize support. Furthermore, instead of providing such holding portions on the holders, a tensioning mechanism or the like may be provided on the prize support, and the prize support may be held between the left and right holders by a biasing force in the extension direction.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 14(b), a mounting plate 241 protruding in the left-right direction is fixed to the lower part of the moving frame 213. Mounting holes (not shown) are formed on the left and right sides of the mounting plate 241, and thumb screws N4, N4 are attached to the mounting holes. Meanwhile, a plurality of screw holes 243 are formed at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction on the front surface of the lower cross member 14, which connects the lower ends of the pillars 12, 12 arranged on the rear left and right sides of the storage unit 10. Therefore, by threading the thumb screws N4, N4 attached to the mounting holes 242, 242 into a pair of left and right screw holes 243, 243, the lower part of the moving frame 213 can be fixed in position to the lower cross member 14. Furthermore, by selectively threading the thumb screws N4, N4 into any pair of left and right screw holes 243, 243, the lower part of the moving frame 213 can be fixed at any position in the left-right direction.

[0130] 15, the second partition section 200B is mainly composed of a partition plate 251 made of a translucent synthetic resin plate in a horizontally elongated rectangular shape, and a metal movable frame 253 extending in the front-rear direction. The partition plate 251 is erected approximately perpendicular to the mounting section 60, and its lower end is attached to the movable frame 253 via a mounting bracket (not shown). Inside the movable frame 253, a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged at predetermined intervals in the front-rear direction are provided on the lower end surface of the partition plate 251 so that light can be incident thereon (not shown), and when the light-emitting diodes emit light, the front, rear, and upper end surfaces of the partition plate 251 emit light.

[0131] The moving frame 253 can be fixed at any position in the left-right direction by threading left and right thumbscrews N5, N5 attached to the front position into a plurality of screw holes 259, 259 (see FIG. 13) formed at predetermined intervals in the left-right direction in the second prize placing section 63. Note that the screw holes 259, 259 are not shown in FIG. 14 and subsequent figures. Furthermore, the location where the screw holes 259, 259 are formed is not limited to the second prize placing section 63, but they may also be formed in other locations such as the support section 61 made of a vertical member extending in the front-rear direction and located in the center position in the left-right direction at the bottom of the containing section 10, or the first prize placing section 62.

[0132] The rear end of the moving frame 253 is fixed to the lower end of the moving frame 213 of the first partition section 200A via a screw member (not shown). In addition, the lower part of an H-shaped clip 258 made of a translucent synthetic resin plate is clamped to the upper end of the partition plate 251, and the upper part of this H-shaped clip 258 is clamped to the lower end of the intermediate plate 212 of the first partition section 200A, thereby connecting the partition plate 251 and the intermediate plate 212.

[0133] As shown in Figures 13 to 15, the partition 200 is formed into a generally L-shape in left-side view by a first partition 200A extending vertically and a second partition 200B extending front-to-rear, dividing the storage space within the storage unit 10 left and right. Specifically, the first partition 200A is arranged to divide the prize display sections 300A, 300B, which are provided in the non-play area DA at the rear of the storage space, into left and right sections, and the second partition 200B is arranged to divide the lower parts of the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 at the front of the storage space into left and right sections. The vertical dimension of the second partition 200B can be changed as desired, and it may have a vertical dimension that allows the upper parts of the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 to be divided left and right.

[0134] [Change fixed position of partition body] Next, a case where the fixing position of the partition 200 is changed depending on the setting of the play area will be described. First, when the first partition 200A and the second partition 200B are positioned in the approximate center position in the left-right direction of the storage space, the first partition 200A is positioned in the approximate center position between the left and right side holders 201A, 201B, so that a prize display section 300A of a size corresponding to the first play area PA1 is set behind the first play area PA1 on the left side, and a prize display section 300B of a size corresponding to the second play area PA2 is set behind the second play area PA2 on the right side. In other words, the first play area PA1, the second play area PA2, and the prize display sections 300A, 300B are set to be approximately the same size.

[0135] Furthermore, when a service provider (for example, a store clerk) sets up a second play area PA2 that is smaller than the first play area PA1, the service provider removes the thumbscrews N4, N4 attached to the mounting plate 241 at the bottom of the movable frame 213 from the screw holes 243, 243, and removes the thumbscrews N5, N5 of the movable frame 253 from the screw holes 259, 259 of the second prize placing section 63, and slides the partition body 200 to the right. When the first partition section 200A moves to the right in response to this, the rod-shaped members 202A on the left side extend, and the rod-shaped members 202B on the right side contract.

[0136] After moving the moving frame 213 to a predetermined position, the thumbscrews N4, N4 are screwed into the screw holes 243, 243 on the right side, and the thumbscrews N5, N5 are screwed into the screw holes 259, 259 on the right side. As a result, the lower part of the partition body 200 is fixed to the lower cross member 14 and the second prize placing section 63, and movement in the left-right direction is restricted.

[0137] Furthermore, when a service provider (for example, a store clerk) sets up a first play area PA1 that is smaller than the second play area PA2, first, the thumbscrews N4, N4 attached to the mounting plate 241 at the bottom of the movable frame 213 are removed from the screw holes 243, 243, and the thumbscrews N5, N5 of the movable frame 253 are removed from the screw holes 259, 259, and the partition 200 is slid leftward. As a result, the first partition 200A moves leftward, and the rod-shaped members 202A on the left side contract, and the rod-shaped members 202B on the right side extend.

[0138] After moving the moving frame 213 to a predetermined position, the thumbscrews N4, N4 are screwed into the screw holes 243, 243 on the left side, and the thumbscrews N5, N5 are screwed into the screw holes 259, 259 on the left side. As a result, the lower part of the partition body 200 is fixed to the lower cross member 14 and the second prize placing section 63, and movement in the left-right direction is restricted.

[0139] Furthermore, the flange portions (not shown) on both left and right ends of the rod-shaped members 202A and 202B are engaged with the periphery of the opening of the through-hole 220 of the holding plates 211 and 231, and the restricting pieces 221 restrict protrusion of the rod-shaped members 202A and 202B from the through-hole 220 toward the rear in the insertion direction, so that the rod-shaped members 202A and 202B do not fall off the holding plates 211 and 231 or protrude outward from the side holding bodies 201A and 201B and come into contact with the transparent members 11c and 11d, and can be extended and retracted to an appropriate length in response to the left-right movement of the first partition 200A. Note that, before moving the partition 200, a service provider (e.g., a store clerk, etc.) may remove the rod-shaped members 202A and 202B from the holding plates 211 and 231 in advance, extend and retract the rod-shaped members 202A and 202B to an appropriate length, and then attach them to the holding plates 211 and 231.

[0140] [Examples of changes to the shape and size of the prize placement area and drop area] Next, an example of changing the shape and size of the drop opening area in association with the rearrangement of the second prize placing section 63 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0141] In this embodiment, the left and right placement plates 64, 65 can be slid forward and backward relative to the first prize placement section 62 to rearrange the second prize placement section 63, thereby changing the shape and size of the placement area where prizes can be placed and the shape and size of the drop area 72. Although not shown in detail, the placement plate 64 can slide forward and backward between a storage position (position shown in FIG. 16(a)) in which it is stored in a storage space formed below the first prize placement section 62 and a first closed position (position shown in FIG. 16(b)) in which it is pulled out from the storage position to close the opening area 71. The placement plate 65 can slide forward and backward between a storage position (position shown in FIG. 16(a)) in which it is stored in a storage space formed below the first prize placement section 62 and a second closed position (position shown in FIG. 16(c)) in which it is pulled out from the storage position to close the rear half of the opening area 71.

[0142] 16(a), the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are set to the same width, and the placement plates 64,64 and placement plates 65,65 are stored in storage positions below the first prize placement sections 62,62 to minimize the second prize placement sections 63,63 (hereinafter, the minimum second prize placement section 63 indicates a state in which there is almost no second prize placement section 63). In this case, drop inlet areas 72,72 with maximum front-to-back and left-to-right dimensions are formed throughout the opening area 71 in the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2, and the second prize placement sections 63,63 are almost not formed. In other words, the left-to-right dimension (width) of the drop inlet area 72 is set to the same dimension (width) as the left-to-right dimension of the placement section 60.

[0143] In the example shown in FIG. 16(b), the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are set to the same width, the placement plates 65 are stored in the storage position below the first prize placement sections 62 to minimize the second prize placement sections 63, and the placement plates 64 are pulled out to the first closed position to form the second prize placement sections 63,. In this case, the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are formed with drop inlet areas 72, which have the largest front-to-back dimension and the smallest left-to-right dimension. In addition, in the first play area PA1, the second prize placement section 63 is formed on the right side of the drop inlet area 72, and in the second play area PA2, the second prize placement section 63 is formed on the left side of the drop inlet area 72. In other words, the left-to-right dimension (horizontal width) of the drop inlet area 72 is set to be smaller (shorter) than the left-to-right dimension of the placement section 60.

[0144] In the example shown in Figure 16(c), the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are set to the same width, and the placement plates 64,64, 65,65 are pulled out to the second closed position, which is the center position in the front-to-back direction, to form the second prize placement section 63,63. In this case, the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are formed with drop inlet areas 72,72 that are small in the front-to-back dimension and largest in the left-to-right dimension. Furthermore, the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are formed with the second prize placement section 63,63 behind the drop inlet area 72. In other words, the left-to-right dimension (width) of the drop inlet area 72 is set to be the same dimension (width) as the left-to-right dimension of the placement section 60.

[0145] In the example shown in FIG. 17(a), the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are set to the same width, and the placement plates 64 are pulled out to the first closed position, while the placement plates 65 are pulled out to the second closed position to form second prize placement sections 63. In this case, the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are formed with drop inlet areas 72, which have small front-to-back and left-to-right dimensions. In addition, in the first play area PA1, the second prize placement section 63, which is generally L-shaped in plan view, is formed on the right and rear sides of the drop inlet area 72, and in the second play area PA2, the second prize placement section 63, which is generally L-shaped in plan view, is formed on the left and rear sides of the drop inlet area 72. In other words, the left-to-right dimension (width) of the drop inlet area 72 is set smaller (shorter) than the left-to-right dimension of the placement section 60.

[0146] 17(b), the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are set to the same width, and in the first play area PA1, the placing plates 64, 65 are stored in the storage position below the first prize placing section 62 to minimize the second prize placing section 63. In the second play area PA2, the placing plate 64 is pulled out to the first closed position to form the second prize placing section 63, and the placing plate 65 is stored in the storage position below the first prize placing section 62 to minimize the second prize placing section 63. In this case, the first play area PA1 forms a drop inlet area 72 with the largest front-to-back and left-to-right dimensions, and the second play area PA2 forms a drop inlet area 72 with the largest front-to-back dimension and the smallest left-to-right dimension. In other words, the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 form drop inlet areas 72 of different sizes. In addition, in the first play area PA1, the second prize placing section 63 is hardly formed, and in the second play area PA2, the second prize placing section 63 is formed on the left side of the drop inlet area 72. That is, in the first play area PA1, the left-right dimension (width) of the drop inlet area 72 is set to be the same dimension (same width) as the left-right dimension of the placing section 60, and in the second play area PA2, the left-right dimension (width) of the drop inlet area 72 is set to be smaller (shorter width) than the left-right dimension of the placing section 60.

[0147] 17(c), the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are set to the same width, and in the first play area PA1, the placing plates 64, 65 are pulled out to the second closed position to form the second prize placing section 63, and in the second play area PA2, the placing plate 64 is pulled out to the first closed position and the placing plate 65 is pulled out to the second closed position to form the second prize placing section 63. In this case, a drop inlet area 72 with a small front-to-back dimension and a large left-to-right dimension is formed in the first play area PA1, and a drop inlet area 72 with a small front-to-back dimension and a large left-to-right dimension is formed in the second play area PA2. In other words, drop inlet areas 72 of different sizes are formed in the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2. In addition, in the first play area PA1, a second prize placing section 63 is formed behind the drop inlet area 72, and in the second play area PA2, a second prize placing section 63 that is generally L-shaped in plan view is formed behind and to the left of the drop inlet area 72. That is, in the first play area PA1, the left-right dimension (width) of the drop inlet area 72 is set to be the same dimension (same width) as the left-right dimension of the placing section 60, and in the second play area PA2, the left-right dimension (width) of the drop inlet area 72 is set to be smaller (shorter width) than the left-right dimension of the placing section 60.

[0148] In this way, by storing the placing plates 64, 64, 65, 65 in the space below the first prize placing section 62 or pulling them out further forward than the first prize placing section 62, the shape and size of the second prize placing section 63, 63 can be changed, thereby changing the shape and size of the drop opening area 72.

[0149] Although not specifically shown, it is also possible to store one of the mounting plates 64, 65 in the storage position and pull out the other to approximately the center position in the front-to-back direction to form a drop inlet area 72 that is approximately inverted L-shaped in plan view. Furthermore, the pull-out positions of the mounting plates 64, 65 are arbitrary, and they can also be pulled out to a position other than the approximately center position in the front-to-back direction and fixed there, so the shape and size of the drop inlet area 72 can be easily changed to suit the size of the prize and the nature of the game.

[0150] [Settings for the prize capture area, drop area, and drop point] In this embodiment, as described above, it is possible to rearrange the second prize placing section 63 relative to the first prize placing section 62, change the shape and size of the placement area where prizes can be placed, and change the shape and size of the drop opening area 72. Depending on the shape and size of the placement area, the shape and size of the drop opening area 72, and the size of the prize to be placed, the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize capturing section 20a of the first play area PA1, the drop area (H1) and prize size (KS1) corresponding to the drop opening area 72, the operable range (PAM2) of the second prize capturing section 20b of the second play area PA2, the drop area (H1) and prize size (KS1) corresponding to the drop opening area 72, The drop area (H2) and prize size (KS2) for the first play area PA1 can be set, and further, a drop point (HP1) from which the first prize acquisition section 20a of the first play area PA1 will drop a prize in the drop area (H1) is set according to the settings of the drop area (H1) and prize size (KS1) for the first play area PA1, and a drop point (HP2) from which the second prize acquisition section 20b of the second play area PA2 will drop a prize in the drop area (H2) is set according to the settings of the drop area (H2) and prize size (KS2) for the second play area PA2.

[0151] In addition, the drop area is an area within the drop opening area 72 that is set as a range within which a prize that falls when the first prize acquisition unit 20a or the second prize acquisition unit 20b performs a prize release operation can be dropped into the drop opening area 72, and the drop point is a coordinate that is set as a position within the drop area where the first prize acquisition unit 20a or the second prize acquisition unit 20b can perform a prize release operation.

[0152] The operating range (PAM1), drop area (H1) and prize size (KS1) of the first prize acquisition unit 20a in the first play area PA1, and the operating range (PAM2), drop area (H2) and prize size (KS2) of the second prize acquisition unit 20b in the second play area PA2 can be set by displaying a setting display screen on the display unit 102 provided in the setting unit 100 and operating by inputting data into the setting operation unit 101.

[0153] In detail, with the setting display screen displayed on the display unit 102, each setting value can be specified by inputting the setting operation unit 101, and the specified setting value is set in the memory unit 120, thereby setting the operating range (PAM1), drop area (H1) and prize size (KS1) of the first prize acquisition unit 20a in the first play area PA1, and the operating range (PAM2), drop area (H2) and prize size (KS2) of the second prize acquisition unit 20b in the second play area PA2.

[0154] 18(a) and 19, the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize capturing unit 20a in the first play area PA1 has a first reference point set at the front left side of the operable range, with the first reference point being set to 0 and X-axis coordinates being assigned in increments of +1 at 5 mm intervals from there to the right, and Y-axis coordinates being assigned in increments of +1 at 5 mm intervals from the first reference point to the rear. The first reference point is the initial position in the left-right direction where the first prize capturing unit 20a moves leftward and the first left end actuating unit 531 is detected by the first left end sensor 54c1, and is the initial position in the front-rear direction where the first prize capturing unit 20a moves forward and the first front end actuating unit 541 is detected by the first front end sensor 52d1.

[0155] The operational range (PAM1) of the first prize acquisition section 20a is set by setting the maximum value of the X-axis coordinate (PAM1X) and the maximum value of the Y-axis coordinate (PAM1Y) of the operational range (PAM1) of the first prize acquisition section 20a according to the width and front-to-back width of the first play area PA1.

[0156] The maximum value (PAM1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the first prize capture unit 20a's operating range (PAM1) can be set in the range of 130 to 250, and the maximum value (PAM1Y) of the Y-axis coordinate can be set in the range of 140 to 220.The operating range (PAM1) of the first prize capture unit 20a can be set in the range of 650mm to 1250mm to the right and 700mm to 1100mm to the rear from the first reference point.

[0157] 18(b) and 19, the operable range (PAM2) of the second prize capturing unit 20b in the second play area PA2 has a second reference point set at the front right side of the operable range, with the second reference point being set at 0 and the X-axis coordinate being assigned +1 at 5 mm intervals from there to the left, and the Y-axis coordinate being assigned +1 at 5 mm intervals from the second reference point to the rear. The second reference point is the initial position in the left-right direction where the second prize capturing unit 20b moves rightward and the second right end actuating unit 534 is detected by the second right end sensor 54c4, and is the initial position in the front-rear direction where the second prize capturing unit 20b moves forward and the second front end actuating unit 543 is detected by the second front end sensor 52d3. The operating range (PAM2) of the second prize acquisition section 20b is set by setting the maximum value of the X-axis coordinate (PAM2X) and the maximum value of the Y-axis coordinate (PAM2Y) of the operating range (PAM2) of the second prize acquisition section 20b according to the width and front-to-back width of the second play area PA2.

[0158] The maximum value of the X-axis coordinate (PAM2X) of the operating range (PAM2) of the second prize acquisition unit 20b can be set in the range of 130 to 250, and the maximum value of the Y-axis coordinate (PAM2Y) can be set in the range of 140 to 220, and the operating range (PAM2) of the second prize acquisition unit 20b can be set in the range of 650 mm to 1250 mm to the left and 700 mm to 1100 mm to the rear from the second reference point.

[0159] As shown in Figures 18(a) and 19, the drop area (H1) of the first play area PA1 is set by setting the maximum value of the X-axis coordinate (H1X) and the maximum value of the Y-axis coordinate (H1Y) of the drop area (H1) of the first play area PA1 according to the width and front-to-back width of the drop opening area 72, which are set according to the amount of the placement boards 64 and 65 that are pulled out.

[0160] The maximum X-axis coordinate (H1X) of the drop area (H1) of the first play area PA1 can be set to 130 or 180, while the maximum Y-axis coordinate (H1Y) can be set to a range of 60 to 100. The drop area (H1) of the first play area PA1 can be set to 650 mm or 900 mm to the right of the first reference point, and 300 mm to 500 mm to the rear. As shown in Figure 18(a), the width of the drop area (H1) of the first play area PA1 is set narrower inward than the width of the drop entrance area 72.

[0161] As shown in Figures 18(b) and 19, the drop area (H2) of the second play area PA2 is set by setting the maximum value of the X-axis coordinate (H2X) and the maximum value of the Y-axis coordinate (H2Y) of the drop area (H2) of the second play area PA2 according to the width and front-to-back width of the drop opening area 72, which are set according to the amount of the placement plates 64 and 65 that are pulled out.

[0162] The maximum X-axis coordinate (H2X) of the drop zone (H2) of the second play area PA2 can be set to 130 or 180, while the maximum Y-axis coordinate (H1Y) can be set to a range of 60 to 100. The drop zone (H2) of the second play area PA2 can be set to 650 mm or 900 mm to the left of the second reference point, and 300 mm to 500 mm to the rear. As shown in Figure 18(b), the width of the drop zone (H2) of the second play area PA2 is set narrower inward than the width of the drop entrance zone 72.

[0163] As shown in Figure 19, the prize size (KS1) of the first play area PA1 and the prize size (KS2) of the second play area PA2 can be set to the maximum length, width, and height of the prizes placed in each area. The prize size (KS1) of the first play area PA1 and the prize size (KS2) of the second play area PA2 can be set in the range of 10 to 80 mm, and the prize size (KS1) of the first play area PA1 and the prize size (KS2) of the second play area PA2 can be set in the range of 50 mm to 400 mm as the maximum length, width, and height of the prizes.

[0164] As shown in Figures 18(a) and 19, when the possible drop area (H1) and prize size (KS1) of the first play area PA1 are set, the setting value of the possible drop area (H1) is corrected as necessary according to these setting values, and the maximum value (HP1X) of the X-axis coordinate and the Y-axis coordinate (HP1Y) of the drop point (HP1) of the first play area PA1 are set, thereby setting the drop point (HP1) of the first play area PA1.

[0165] If the maximum value (H1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H1) of the first play area PA1 is set to 130 and the prize size (KS1) is set to a value greater than 40 (200 mm), the maximum value (H1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H1) will be corrected to 110. Also, if the maximum value (H1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H1) of the first play area PA1 is set to 180 and the prize size (KS1) is set to a value greater than 40 (200 mm), the maximum value (H1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H1) will be corrected to 160.

[0166] Furthermore, if the maximum value (PAM1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize acquisition unit 20a is set to 130 and the maximum value (H1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop-enabling area (H1) is also set to 130, the maximum value (H1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop-enabling area (H1) will remain at 130 without correction regardless of the set value of the prize size (KS1), and if the maximum value (PAM1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize acquisition unit 20a is set to 180 and the maximum value (H1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop-enabling area (H1) is also set to 180, the maximum value (H1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop-enabling area (H1) will remain at 180 without correction regardless of the set value of the prize size (KS1).

[0167] The maximum value (HP1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop point (HP1) in the first play area PA1 is set to the same value as the maximum value (H1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H1). If the maximum value (H1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H1) is 110, it will also be set to 110. The range of the X-axis direction (left and right) of the drop point (HP1) will be set to 0 to 110. If the maximum value (H1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H1) is 130, it will also be set to 130. The range of the X-axis direction (left and right direction) of the drop point (HP1) will be set to 0 to 130, and if the maximum value (H1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H1) is 160, it will also be set to 160, and the range of the X-axis direction (left and right direction) of the drop point (HP1) will be set to 0 to 160, and if the maximum value (H1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H1) is 180, it will also be set to 180, and the range of the X-axis direction (left and right direction) of the drop point (HP1) will be set to 0 to 180.

[0168] The Y-axis coordinate (HP1Y) of the drop point (HP1) in the first play area PA1 is set to 30 if the maximum value (H1Y) of the Y-axis coordinate of the drop area (H1) of the first play area PA1 is set to a value less than 100, and the Y-axis (front-to-back) position of the drop point (HP1) in the first play area PA1 is set to 30; if the maximum value (H1Y) of the Y-axis coordinate of the drop area (H1) of the first play area PA1 is set to 100, the Y-axis (front-to-back) position of the drop point (HP1) in the first play area PA1 is set to 50, and the Y-axis (front-to-back) position of the drop point (HP1) in the first play area PA1 is set to 50.

[0169] As shown in Figures 18(b) and 19, when the possible drop area (H2) and prize size (KS2) of the second play area PA2 are set, the setting value of the possible drop area (H2) is corrected as necessary according to these setting values, and the maximum value (HP2X) of the X-axis coordinate and the Y-axis coordinate (HP2Y) of the drop point (HP2) of the second play area PA2 are set, thereby setting the drop point (HP2) of the second play area PA2.

[0170] If the maximum value (H2X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H2) of the second play area PA2 is set to 130 and the prize size (KS2) is set to a value greater than 40 (200 mm), the maximum value (H2X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H2) will be corrected to 110. Also, if the maximum value (H2X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H2) of the second play area PA2 is set to 180 and the prize size (KS2) is set to a value greater than 40 (200 mm), the maximum value (H2X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H2) will be corrected to 160.

[0171] Furthermore, if the maximum value (PAM2X) of the X-axis coordinate of the operable range (PAM2) of the second prize acquisition unit 20b is set to 130 and the maximum value (H2X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop possible area (H2) is also set to 130, the maximum value (H2X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop possible area (H2) will remain at 130 without correction regardless of the set value of the prize size (KS2), and if the maximum value (PAM2X) of the X-axis coordinate of the operable range (PAM2) of the second prize acquisition unit 20b is set to 180 and the maximum value (H2X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop possible area (H2) is also set to 180, the maximum value (H2X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop possible area (H2) will remain at 180 without correction regardless of the set value of the prize size (KS2).

[0172] The maximum value (HP2X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop point (HP2) in the second play area PA2 is set to the same value as the maximum value (H2X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H2). If the maximum value (H2X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H2) is 110, it will also be set to 110. The range of the X-axis direction (left and right) of the drop point (HP2) will be set to 0 to 110. If the maximum value (H2X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H2) is 130, it will also be set to 130. The range of the X-axis direction (left and right) of the drop point (HP2) will be set to 0 to 130, and if the maximum value (H2X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H2) is 160, it will also be set to 160, and the range of the X-axis direction (left and right) of the drop point (HP2) will be set to 0 to 160, and if the maximum value (H2X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop area (H2) is 180, it will also be set to 180, and the range of the X-axis direction (left and right) of the drop point (HP2) will be set to 0 to 180.

[0173] The Y-axis coordinate (HP2Y) of the drop point (HP2) in the second play area PA2 is set to 30 if the maximum value (H2Y) of the Y-axis coordinate of the drop area (H2) of the second play area PA2 is set to a value less than 100, and the Y-axis (front-to-back) position of the drop point (HP2) in the second play area PA2 is set to 30; if the maximum value (H2Y) of the Y-axis coordinate of the drop area (H2) of the second play area PA2 is set to 100, the Y-axis (front-to-back) position of the drop point (HP2) in the second play area PA2 is set to 50, and the Y-axis (front-to-back) position of the drop point (HP2) in the second play area PA2 is set to 50.

[0174] [Operation of the prize acquisition game device 1] The operation of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 20. Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment. Below, an example of the operation in the first play area PA1 will be specifically described, and an explanation of the second play area PA2 will be omitted as it is similar to the first play area PA1.

[0175] When the play fee detection unit 93 detects that a coin has been inserted (step Sa1: YES), the control unit 110 starts counting a preset operation time limit (step Sa2).

[0176] Next, when the control unit 110 receives an operation signal to move the first prize acquisition unit 20a horizontally by the player operating the joystick 91 (step Sa3: YES), it drives the horizontal movement unit 51 in accordance with the player's operation and moves the first prize acquisition unit 20a horizontally in the first play area PA1 (step Sa4).

[0177] In this embodiment, when the first prize capturing unit 20a moves horizontally in the first play area PA1, the control unit 110 stops the first prize capturing unit 20a at the right end position of the first play area PA1 if the X-axis coordinate of the position coordinates of the first prize capturing unit 20a (described later) reaches the maximum value (PAM1X) of the operable range (PAM1) due to the rightward movement of the first moving rail 54a1, or if the first right end actuation unit 532 activates the first right end sensor 54c2. Also, when the Y-axis coordinate of the position coordinates of the first prize capturing unit 20a reaches the maximum value (PAM1Y) of the operable range (PAM1) due to the rearward movement of the first hanging unit 52b1, or if the first rear end actuation unit 542 activates the first rear end sensor, the control unit 110 stops the first prize capturing unit 20a at the rear end position of the first play area PA1. Furthermore, when the first left end actuation unit 531 activates the first left end sensor 54c1 due to the leftward movement of the first movable rail 54a1, the first prize capturing unit 20a is stopped at the left end position of the first play area PA1. Furthermore, when the first front end actuation unit 541 activates the first front end sensor 52d1 due to the forward movement of the first hanging unit 52b1, the first prize capturing unit 20a is stopped at the front end position of the first play area PA1.

[0178] On the other hand, if the player does not operate the joystick 91 (step Sa3: NO), the control unit 110 determines whether or not the player has operated the operation button 92 to receive an operation signal for determining the position for performing the prize acquisition operation of the first prize acquisition unit 20a (step Sa5). If the player does not operate the operation button 92 (step Sa5: NO), the control unit 110 determines whether or not the operation time limit has elapsed (step Sa6). If the operation time limit has not elapsed (step Sa6: NO), the process returns to step Sa03.

[0179] Next, when the control unit 110 receives an operation signal for determining the position where the first prize capturing unit 20a will perform the prize capturing operation by operating the operation button 92 by the player (step Sa05: YES), or when the operation time limit has elapsed (step Sa6: YES), it causes the first prize capturing unit 20a to perform the prize capturing operation (step Sa7). The prize capturing operation involves driving the vertical movement unit 52 to perform a lowering operation that lowers the first prize capturing unit 20a until the lower limit sensor detects that the descent of the first prize capturing unit 20a has stopped, after the lowering operation, driving the drive unit 35 to rotate the arm unit 25 in the closing direction to perform a capturing operation that closes the arm unit 25 of the first prize capturing unit 20a, and after the capturing operation, driving the vertical movement unit 52 to perform an ascending operation that raises the first prize capturing unit 20a until the upper limit sensor detects that the ascent of the first prize capturing unit 20a has stopped.

[0180] Next, the control unit 110 performs the drop point movement process (PA1) described below, and drives the horizontal movement unit 51 to move the first prize acquisition unit 20a toward the drop point (HP1) corresponding to the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed until it reaches the drop point (HP1) (step Sa8), and then performs a prize release operation by rotating the arm unit 25 in the opening direction using the drive unit 35 (step Sa9).

[0181] Next, the control unit 110 drives the horizontal movement unit 51 to move the first prize capturing unit 20a toward the home position (first reference point) until it reaches the home position (first reference point) (step Sa10). The control unit 110 determines that the first prize capturing unit 20a has reached the home position (first reference point) when the leftward movement of the first moving rail 54a1 causes the first left end actuation unit 531 to actuate the first left end sensor 54c1, and the forward movement of the first hanging unit 52b1 causes the first front end actuation unit 541 to actuate the first front end sensor 52d1.

[0182] As described above, with the prize acquisition game device 1, the service provider can set the operable range (PAM1) of the first play area PA1 and can individually change the sizes of the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 by adjusting the left-right positions of the first right-end actuating unit 532 (first actuating unit) and the second left-end actuating unit 533 (second actuating unit) along the fixed rail 53a. Then, in the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 whose sizes have been changed, it is possible to limit the range of movement within the accommodation space of each of the first prize acquisition unit 20a and the second prize acquisition unit 20b.

[0183] [About the drop point movement process] The drop point moving process performed in step Sa8 of FIG. 20 among the operations of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0184] In this embodiment, motors equipped with rotary encoders are used as the first left-right movement motor 53b1 and first front-back movement motor 54b1 that constitute the horizontal movement section 51 of the first play area PA1, and the second left-right movement motor 53b2 and second front-back movement motor 54b2 that constitute the horizontal movement section 51 of the second play area PA2. By identifying the movement direction of each motor and counting the pulse signals output from each motor, it is possible to identify the position coordinates of the first prize capture section 20a in the X-axis and Y-axis directions from the first reference point, and the position coordinates of the second prize capture section 20b in the X-axis and Y-axis directions from the second reference point as their respective current positions. The position coordinates of the first prize capture section 20a and the second prize capture section 20b are each assigned to a predetermined area in memory 112, and the values ​​of the corresponding position coordinates are updated based on the movement direction of the corresponding motor each time a predetermined number of pulse signals are detected. The first reference point is the home position of the first play area PA1, and when the first prize capturing unit 20a returns to the home position at the end of the game and the first left end actuation unit 531 activates the first left end sensor 54c1, the position coordinate in the X-axis direction of the first prize capturing unit 20a is reset, and when the first front end actuation unit 541 activates the first front end sensor 52d1, the position coordinate in the Y-axis direction is reset, and both are set to 0. The second reference point is the home position of the second play area PA2, and when the second prize capturing unit 20b returns to the home position at the end of the game and the second right end actuation unit 534 activates the second right end sensor 54c4, the position coordinate in the X-axis direction of the second prize capturing unit 20b is reset, and when the second front end actuation unit 543 activates the second front end sensor 52d3, the position coordinate in the Y-axis direction of the second prize capturing unit 20b is reset, and both are set to 0.

[0185] Figure 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the drop point moving process (PA1) performed in step Sa8 of Figure 20. Below, an example of the operation in the first play area PA1 (drop point moving process (PA1)) will be specifically explained, and an explanation of an example of the operation in the second play area PA2 (drop point moving process (PA2)) will be omitted here, as the only difference is that the left and right are reversed.

[0186] In the drop point movement process (PA1), the control unit 110 acquires the position coordinates where the first prize acquisition unit 20a performed the prize acquisition operation (step Sb1), and determines whether the X-axis coordinate of the first prize acquisition unit 20a acquired in step Sb1 is less than or equal to the maximum value (HP1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop point (HP1) (step Sb2).

[0187] In step Sb2, if it is determined that the X-axis coordinate is less than or equal to the maximum value (HP1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop point (HP1) (step Sb2: YES), that is, if the prize capture operation is performed when the left-right position of the first prize capture section 20a is at the maximum value on the right side of the drop point (HP1) or in an area to the left of that, the speed of the first forward / backward movement motor 54b1 is set to the maximum speed Fmax (step Sb3), and the first forward / backward movement motor 54b1 is driven at the set speed in a rotational direction that moves the first prize capture section 20a in the direction of the Y-axis coordinate (HP1Y) of the drop point (HP1) (step Sb4).

[0188] Next, the control unit 110 determines whether the Y-axis coordinate of the first prize capturing unit 20a matches the Y-axis coordinate (HP1Y) of the drop point (HP1), i.e., whether the front-rear direction position of the first prize capturing unit 20a has reached the Y-axis coordinate (HP1Y) of the drop point (HP1) (step Sb5). If the Y-axis coordinate of the first prize capturing unit 20a matches the Y-axis coordinate (HP1Y) of the drop point (HP1) (step Sb5: YES), and if the first front-rear movement motor 54b1 is being driven, it stops driving the first front-rear movement motor 54b1 (step Sb6). If the X-axis coordinate of the first prize capturing unit 20a is equal to or smaller than the maximum value (HP1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop point (HP1), it stops driving the first front-rear movement motor 54b1 (step Sb7). It is determined whether or not the first prize capture section 20a has an X-axis coordinate that is equal to or less than the maximum X-axis coordinate (HP1X) of the drop point (HP1) (step Sb7: YES), that is, if the left-right position of the first prize capture section 20a is at the maximum right-side value of the drop point (HP1) or in an area to the left of that, and if the first left-right movement motor 53b1 is driving, the driving of the first left-right movement motor 53b1 is stopped (step Sb8), and this process is repeated until it is determined that both the first forward / backward movement motor 54b1 and the first left-right movement motor 53b1 are stopped (step Sb9: YES).

[0189] Then, when the control unit 110 determines in step Sb9 that both the first forward / backward movement motor 54b1 and the first left / right movement motor 53b1 are stopped (step Sb9: YES), that is, when the first prize acquisition unit 20a reaches the drop point (HP1), it ends the drop point movement processing (PA1) and returns to the flowchart of Figure 20.

[0190] Furthermore, if it is determined that the X-axis coordinate of the first prize acquisition section 20a obtained in step Sb1 is not less than the maximum value (HP1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop point (HP1) (step Sb2: NO), that is, if the prize acquisition operation is performed in an area where the left-right position of the first prize acquisition section 20a exceeds the maximum value to the right of the drop point (HP1), the distance (XL) from the X-axis coordinate of the first prize acquisition section 20a obtained in step Sb1 to the maximum value (HP1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop point (HP1) and the distance (YL) from the Y-axis coordinate of the first prize acquisition section 20a obtained in step Sb1 to the Y-axis coordinate (HP1Y) of the drop point (HP1) are calculated (step Sb10).

[0191] Next, the control unit 110 determines whether XL calculated in step Sb10 exceeds YL (step Sb11), and if XL exceeds YL (step Sb11: YES), that is, if the movement distance in the X-axis direction until the first prize acquisition unit 20a reaches the drop point (HP1) exceeds the movement distance in the Y-axis direction, it sets the speed of the first left / right movement motor 53b1 to the maximum speed Fmax (step Sb12) and sets the speed of the first forward / backward movement motor 54b1 to the maximum speed Fmax × YL / XL (step Sb13).

[0192] The control unit 110 also determines whether YL calculated in step Sb10 exceeds XL (step Sb14), and if YL exceeds XL (step Sb14: YES), that is, if the distance traveled in the Y-axis direction until the first prize acquisition unit 20a reaches the drop point (HP1) exceeds the distance traveled in the X-axis direction, it sets the speed of the first forward / backward movement motor 54b1 to the maximum speed Fmax (step Sb15) and sets the speed of the first left / right movement motor 53b1 to the maximum speed Fmax×XL / YL (step Sb16).

[0193] The control unit 110 also determines whether XL and YL calculated in step Sb10 match (step Sb17), and if XL and YL match (step Sb17: YES), that is, if the movement distance in the Y-axis direction and the movement distance in the X-axis direction until the first prize acquisition unit 20a reaches the drop point (HP1) match, it sets the speeds of both the first left-right movement motor 53b1 and the first front-back movement motor 54b1 to the maximum speed Fmax (step Sb18).

[0194] Then, the control unit 110 determines whether the Y-axis coordinate of the first prize acquisition unit 20a matches the Y-axis coordinate (HP1Y) of the drop point (HP1) (step Sb19), and if it determines that the Y-axis coordinate of the first prize acquisition unit 20a does not match the Y-axis coordinate (HP1Y) of the drop point (HP1) (step Sb19: NO), that is, if the first prize acquisition unit 20a needs to be moved forward or backward, it drives the first forward or backward movement motor 54b1 at a set speed and in a rotational direction that moves the first prize acquisition unit 20a in the direction of the Y-axis coordinate (HP1Y) of the drop point (HP1) (step Sb20).

[0195] Next, regardless of the determination result of step Sb19, the control unit 110 drives the first left / right movement motor 53b1 at the set speed in a rotation direction that moves the first prize capture unit 20a leftward (step Sb21).

[0196] The control unit 110 then proceeds to step Sb5, and if the Y-axis coordinate of the first prize capture unit 20a matches the Y-axis coordinate (HP1Y) of the drop point (HP1) (step Sb5: YES), and if the first forward / backward movement motor 54b1 is currently driving, stops driving the first forward / backward movement motor 54b1 (step Sb6), and if it determines that the X-axis coordinate of the first prize capture unit 20a is less than or equal to the maximum value (HP1X) of the X-axis coordinate of the drop point (HP1) (step Sb7: YES), and if the first left / right movement motor 53b1 is currently driving, stops driving the first left / right movement motor 53b1 (step Sb8), this process is repeated until it is determined that both the first forward / backward movement motor 54b1 and the first left / right movement motor 53b1 are stopped (step Sb9: YES).

[0197] Then, when the control unit 110 determines in step Sb9 that both the first forward / backward movement motor 54b1 and the first left / right movement motor 53b1 are stopped (step Sb9: YES), that is, when the first prize acquisition unit 20a reaches the drop point (HP1), it ends the drop point movement processing (PA1) and returns to the flowchart of Figure 20.

[0198] As described above, in the prize acquisition game device 1, when a prize acquisition operation is performed when the first prize acquisition section 20a is positioned left-right at the maximum value to the right of the drop point (HP1) or in an area to the left of that, the first prize acquisition section 20a is moved forward until it reaches the drop point (HP1), and the prize is released when it reaches the drop point (HP1); when a prize acquisition operation is performed when the first prize acquisition section 20a is positioned left-right in an area that exceeds the maximum value to the right of the drop point (HP1), the first prize acquisition section 20a is moved diagonally or leftward toward the maximum value to the right of the drop point (HP1) until it reaches the drop point (HP1), and the prize is released when it reaches the drop point (HP1).

[0199] In addition, when the first prize capturing section 20a is moved diagonally toward the drop point (HP1), the first left / right movement motor 53b1 and the first front / back movement motor 54b1 are driven at a speed such that the time it takes for the first prize capturing section 20a to move in the X-axis direction and the time it takes for the first prize capturing section 20a to reach the drop point (HP1) are the same as the time it takes for it to move in the Y-axis direction.

[0200] In addition, when the distance in the X-axis direction and the distance in the Y-axis direction until the first prize capture section 20a reaches the drop point (HP1) are different, the speed of the motor that moves the longer distance out of the first left / right movement motor 53b1 and the first front / back movement motor 54b1 is set to the maximum speed Fmax, and the speed of the motor that moves the shorter distance is set to a speed slower than the maximum speed Fmax.

[0201] [About moving to the drop point] Next, an example of the operation of the first prize capture unit 20a moving to the drop point after performing the prize capture action in the first play area PA1 will be described. Note that the operation of the second prize capture unit 20b moving to the drop point after performing the prize capture action in the second play area PA2 is omitted here because the only difference is that the left and right are reversed.

[0202] Figure 22(a) shows an example in which the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are set to the same width, and the placement plates 64, 65 are used to set the width of the drop area 72 to the same width as the width of the first play area PA1.

[0203] 22(a), the operable range (PAM1), drop area (H1) and prize size (KS1) of the first prize capture unit 20a of the first play area PA1 are set as PAM1X: 180, MAM1Y: 220, H1X: 180, H1Y: 100, KS1: 200, and the drop point (HP1) is set as HP1X: 180, HP1Y: 50. Therefore, the drop point (HP1) has coordinates (0 to 180, 50).

[0204] In this setting, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the area where the placement unit 60 is formed in the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize acquisition unit 20a, no matter where the prize acquisition operation is performed, the first prize acquisition unit 20a is moved forward until it reaches the drop point (HP1) assigned to the drop opening area 72, and the prize is released when it reaches the drop point (HP1). In this case, the X-axis coordinate of the drop point (HP1) is set to 0 to 180, the same as the range of the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize acquisition unit 20a, so no matter what the X-axis coordinate position where the prize acquisition operation is performed is, by moving the first prize acquisition unit 20a forward, it is possible to make the first prize acquisition unit 20a reach the drop point (HP1) in the shortest distance. Furthermore, regardless of the X-axis coordinate position at which the prize acquisition operation is performed, by moving the first prize acquisition section 20a forward, it is possible to move it in the direction that provides the shortest distance from the position at which the prize acquisition operation is performed to the peripheral boundary of the drop opening area 72.

[0205] Figure 22(b) shows an example in which the first play area PA1 and the second play area PA2 are set to the same width, and the placement board 64 sets the width of the drop area 72 to be narrower than the width of the first play area PA1.

[0206] In the example shown in FIG. 22(b), the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize capture unit 20a of the first play area PA1, the drop area (H1), and the prize size (KS1) are set as follows: PAM1X: 180, MAM1Y: 220, H1X: 130, H1Y: 100, KS1: 200, and the drop point (HP1) is set as HP1X: 130, HP1Y: 50. If the prize size (KS1) is set to a value greater than 200, the drop area (H1) is corrected to H1X: 110, H1Y: 100, and the drop point (HP1) is set as HP1X: 110, HP1Y: 50. Therefore, the drop point (HP1) becomes the coordinates (0 to 130 (110), 50).

[0207] In this setting, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the rear region of the possible drop region (H1) within the region where the placement unit 60 is formed in the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize acquisition unit 20a, i.e., the region from the left end to the right end of the possible drop region (H1) (region A in FIG. 22(b)), the first prize acquisition unit 20a is moved forward until it reaches the drop point (HP1) assigned to the drop opening region 72, and the prize is released when it reaches the drop point (HP1). In this case, the X-axis coordinate of the drop point (HP1) is set to 0 to 130 (110), the same as that of the possible drop region (H1). Therefore, as long as the prize acquisition operation is performed in the region from the left end to the right end of the possible drop region (H1) (region A in FIG. 22(b)), regardless of the X-axis coordinate position where the prize acquisition operation was performed, by moving the first prize acquisition unit 20a forward, it is possible for the first prize acquisition unit 20a to reach the nearest drop point (HP1) in the shortest distance. Furthermore, in the area from the left end to the right end of the drop area (H1) (area A in Figure 22(b)), regardless of the X-axis coordinate position at which the prize acquisition operation is performed, by moving the first prize acquisition section 20a forward, it is possible to move it in the direction that provides the shortest distance from the position at which the prize acquisition operation is performed to the peripheral boundary of the drop opening area 72.

[0208] In addition, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in an area other than the rear area of ​​the drop area (H1) where the placement section 60 is formed within the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize acquisition section 20a, i.e., an area to the right of the right end of the drop area (H1) (area B in Figure 22 (b)), the prize is released by moving diagonally or leftward toward the coordinate (130 (110), 50) which is the rightmost of the drop points (HP1) assigned to the drop opening area 72, until it reaches the coordinate (130 (110), 50). In this case, since the coordinates (130 (110), 50) are located on the rightmost side of the drop point (HP1), as long as the area is to the right of the right end of the possible drop area (H1) (area B in Figure 22 (b)), regardless of the X-axis coordinate position at which the prize acquisition operation is performed, it is possible to move the first prize acquisition section 20a diagonally or leftward toward the coordinates (130 (110), 50) and make the first prize acquisition section 20a reach the drop point (HP1) in the shortest distance toward the nearest drop point (HP1).

[0209] FIG. 22(c) shows an example in which the width of the first play area PA1 is expanded toward the second play area PA2, and set to be wider than the width of the drop opening area 72.

[0210] In the example shown in FIG. 22(c), the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize capture unit 20a of the first play area PA1, the drop area (H1), and the prize size (KS1) are set as follows: PAM1X: 250, MAM1Y: 220, H1X: 180, H1Y: 100, KS1: 200, and the drop point (HP1) is set as HP1X: 180, HP1Y: 50. If the prize size (KS1) is set to a value greater than 200, the drop area (H1) is corrected to H1X: 160, H1Y: 100, and the drop point (HP1) is set as HP1X: 160, HP1Y: 50. Therefore, the drop point (HP1) becomes the coordinates (0 to 180 (160), 50).

[0211] In this setting, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the rear region of the possible drop region (H1) within the region where the placement unit 60 is formed in the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize acquisition unit 20a, i.e., the region from the left end to the right end of the possible drop region (H1) (region A in FIG. 22(c)), the first prize acquisition unit 20a is moved forward until it reaches the drop point (HP1) assigned to the drop opening region 72, and the prize is released when it reaches the drop point (HP1). In this case, the X-axis coordinate of the drop point (HP1) is set to 0 to 180 (160), the same as that of the possible drop region (H1). Therefore, as long as the prize acquisition operation is performed in the region from the left end to the right end of the possible drop region (H1) (region A in FIG. 22(c)), regardless of the X-axis coordinate position at which the prize acquisition operation was performed, it is possible to move the first prize acquisition unit 20a forward toward the nearest drop point (HP1) and have the first prize acquisition unit 20a reach the drop point (HP1) in the shortest distance. Furthermore, in the area from the left end to the right end of the drop area (H1) (area A in Figure 22 (c)), regardless of the X-axis coordinate position at which the prize acquisition operation is performed, by moving the first prize acquisition section 20a forward, it is possible to move it in the direction that provides the shortest distance from the position at which the prize acquisition operation is performed to the peripheral boundary of the drop opening area 72.

[0212] In addition, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in an area other than the rear area of ​​the drop area (H1) where the placement section 60 is formed within the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize acquisition section 20a, i.e., an area to the right of the right end of the drop area (H1) (area B in Figure 22 (c)), the prize is moved diagonally or leftward toward the coordinate (180 (160), 50) which is the rightmost of the drop points (HP1) assigned to the drop opening area 72, until it reaches the coordinate (180 (160), 50), and the prize is released when it reaches the coordinate (180 (160), 50). In this case, since the coordinates (180 (160), 50) are located on the rightmost side of the drop point (HP1), as long as the area is to the right of the right end of the possible drop area (H1) (area B in Figure 22 (c)), regardless of the X-axis coordinate position at which the prize acquisition operation is performed, it is possible to move the first prize acquisition section 20a diagonally or leftward toward the coordinates (180 (160), 50) and make the first prize acquisition section 20a reach the drop point (HP1) in the shortest distance toward the nearest drop point (HP1).

[0213] [Actions and Effects] The following describes the effects of the prize acquisition game device 1 according to an embodiment. Note that the following describes the effects of the first play area PA1, and the second play area PA2 is similar to the first play area PA1, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0214] A prize acquisition game device 1 as an embodiment of the present invention allows a player to play a game in which prizes on a mounting section 60 provided in the storage space of a storage section 10 are dropped through a drop hole area 72 to acquire prizes, and is equipped with a first prize acquisition section 20a that is arranged so as to be movable horizontally within the storage space and is capable of acquiring prizes and releasing the acquired prizes, a horizontal movement section 51 that moves the first prize acquisition section 20a horizontally, and a control section 110 that controls the first prize acquisition section 20a and the horizontal movement section 51, and the control section 110 is capable of causing the first prize acquisition section 20a to perform a prize release operation at multiple drop points (coordinates that make up HP1) set in one drop hole area 72, and when the first prize acquisition section 20a performs a prize acquisition operation to acquire a prize, the control section 110 moves the first prize acquisition section 20a toward the drop point among the multiple drop points set in one drop hole area 72 that is closest to the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed, and then causes the first prize acquisition section 20a to perform the prize release operation.

[0215] This shortens the travel distance from the position where the first prize acquisition section 20a performs the prize acquisition operation to the drop entrance area 72, regardless of the size or shape of the drop entrance area 72, thereby increasing the rotation efficiency of the game and reducing the risk of dropping the acquired prize.

[0216] A prize acquisition game device 1 as an embodiment of the present invention allows a player to play a game in which prizes on a placing section 60 provided in the storage space of a storage section 10 are dropped through a drop hole area 72 to acquire prizes, and is equipped with a first prize acquisition section 20a that is arranged so as to be movable horizontally within the storage space and is capable of acquiring prizes and releasing the acquired prizes, a horizontal movement section 51 that moves the first prize acquisition section 20a horizontally, and a control section 110 that controls the first prize acquisition section 20a and the horizontal movement section 51, and when the first prize acquisition section 20a performs a prize acquisition action to acquire a prize, the control section 110 moves the first prize acquisition section 20a toward the periphery boundary of the drop hole area 72 that is closest to the position where the prize acquisition action was performed (the coordinate that is closest to the position where the prize acquisition action was performed among the coordinates that make up the drop point HP1) until it reaches the drop hole area 72, and then performs a prize release action.

[0217] This shortens the travel distance from the position where the first prize acquisition section 20a performs the prize acquisition operation to the drop entrance area 72, regardless of the size or shape of the drop entrance area 72, thereby increasing the rotation efficiency of the game and reducing the risk of dropping the acquired prize.

[0218] In addition, when the first prize acquisition unit 20a performs a prize acquisition operation, the control unit 110 moves the first prize acquisition unit 20a in a direction that provides the shortest distance from the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed to the peripheral boundary of the drop inlet area 72 until it reaches the drop inlet area 72, and then performs a prize release operation.

[0219] This allows the first prize capturing section 20a to reach the drop opening area 72 in the shortest moving distance from the position where the first prize capturing section 20a performed the prize capturing operation.

[0220] The prize acquisition game device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention allows a player to play a game in which prizes are acquired by dropping prizes on a placement unit 60 provided in the storage space of a storage unit 10 from a drop hole area 72, and is equipped with a first prize acquisition unit 20a that is arranged so as to be movable horizontally within the storage space and is capable of acquiring prizes and releasing the acquired prizes, a horizontal movement unit 51 that moves the first prize acquisition unit 20a horizontally, and a control unit 110 that controls the first prize acquisition unit 20a and the horizontal movement unit 51, and forms the placement unit 60 behind a drop possible area (H1) set in the drop hole area 72 (for example, area A in FIG. 22(b)) and in an area to the right of the right end of the drop possible area (H1) (for example, area B in FIG. 22(b)). When the first prize acquisition unit 20a performs a prize acquisition operation in a rear area of ​​the drop possible area (H1) on the mounting unit 60 (for example, area A in Figure 22(b)), the control unit 110 controls the first prize acquisition unit 20a to move forward toward the drop possible area (H1) until it reaches the drop possible area (H1), and then performs a prize release operation; when the first prize acquisition unit 20a performs a prize acquisition operation in an area to the right of the right end of the drop possible area (H1) on the mounting unit 60 (for example, area B in Figure 22(b)), the control unit 110 controls the first prize acquisition unit 20a to move diagonally or leftward toward the drop possible area (H1) until it reaches the drop possible area (H1), and then performs a prize release operation.

[0221] According to this, in a configuration in which the placement section 60 is formed behind the drop area (H1) set in the drop opening area 72 (for example, area A in Figure 22(b)) and in an area to the right of the right end of the drop area (H1) (for example, area B in Figure 22(b)), whether the first prize acquisition section 20a performs a prize acquisition action in the area behind the drop area (H1) or in an area to the right of the right end of the drop area (H1), the distance from the position where the first prize acquisition section 20a performs the prize acquisition action to the drop area (H1) is shortened, thereby increasing the rotation efficiency of the game and reducing the risk of dropping the acquired prize.

[0222] Furthermore, the control unit 110 can move the first prize acquisition unit 20a forward in the direction that provides the shortest distance from the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed to the peripheral boundary of the drop opening area 72, regardless of the X-axis coordinate position where the prize acquisition operation was performed, as long as it is in the area from the left end to the right end of the drop area (H1) (area A in Figure 22 (c)).

[0223] In addition, the control unit 110 is configured to switch between moving the first prize acquisition unit 20a forward toward the drop possible area (H1) or moving it diagonally or leftward toward the drop possible area (H1) based on the X-axis coordinate of the right end of the drop possible area (H1), and it is possible to switch control without calculating the distance from the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed to the nearest drop point (HP1).

[0224] Furthermore, the drop point (HP1) has only one coordinate located at the rightmost position, and when a prize acquisition operation is performed in an area to the right of the right end of the possible drop area (H1), the first prize acquisition section 20a simply needs to be moved toward the rightmost coordinate of the drop point (HP1), thereby simplifying the control of moving to the drop point (HP1) when a prize acquisition operation is performed in an area to the right of the right end of the possible drop area (H1).

[0225] Furthermore, the prize capture game device 1 can set the width of the drop opening area 72 within the range of the width of the mounting section 60, from the same width as the width of the mounting section 60 to a width shorter than the width of the mounting section 60. When the width of the drop opening area 72 is set to the same width as the width of the mounting section 60 (when set as shown in FIG. 22(a)), the control section 110 always controls the first prize capture section 20a to move forward toward the possible drop area (H1) until it reaches the possible drop area (H1), and then performs a prize release operation. When the width of the drop opening area 72 is set to a width shorter than the width of the mounting section 60 (when set as shown in FIG. 22(b)), When the setting is made as above), depending on whether the position where the prize acquisition operation is performed is in the rear area of ​​the drop possible area (H1) in the placement section 60, if it is in the rear area of ​​the drop possible area (H1), the first prize acquisition section 20a is moved forward towards the drop possible area (H1) until it reaches the drop possible area (H1), and then the prize is released. If it is not in the rear area of ​​the drop possible area (H1), the first prize acquisition section 20a is moved diagonally or leftward towards the drop possible area (H1) until it reaches the drop possible area (H1), and then the prize is released.

[0226] According to this, even if the width of the drop opening area 72 is changed, the first prize capture section 20a can reach the drop opening area 72 in a short movement distance depending on the position at which the first prize capture section 20a performs the prize capture operation.

[0227] Furthermore, the prize acquisition game device 1 can set the width of the placement section 60 within a range from the same as the width of the drop inlet area 72 to a width longer than the width of the drop inlet area 72, and when the width of the placement section 60 is set to the same as the width of the drop inlet area 72 (when set as in Figure 22(a)), the control section 110 always controls the first prize acquisition section 20a to move forward toward the drop possible area (H1) until it reaches the drop possible area (H1), and then performs a prize release operation, and when the width of the placement section 60 is set to a width longer than the width of the drop inlet area 72 (when set as in Figure 22(c)). In this case, depending on whether the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed is in the rear area of ​​the drop possible area (H1) in the placement section 60, if it is in the rear area of ​​the drop possible area (H1), the first prize acquisition section 20a is moved forward towards the drop possible area (H1) until it reaches the drop possible area (H1), and then the prize is released.If it is not in the rear area of ​​the drop possible area (H1), the first prize acquisition section 20a is moved diagonally or leftwards towards the drop possible area (H1) until it reaches the drop possible area (H1), and then the prize is released.

[0228] According to this, even if the width of the placement section 60 is changed, the first prize acquisition section 20a can reach the drop area 72 in a short movement distance depending on the position at which the first prize acquisition section 20a performs the prize acquisition operation.

[0229] Furthermore, the prize acquisition game device 1 can set the size of the prize to be placed on the placement unit 60, and the control unit 110 determines whether to control the first prize acquisition unit 20a to move forward toward the possible drop area (H1) or to move the first prize acquisition unit 20a diagonally or leftward toward the possible drop area (H1) depending on the position where the first prize acquisition unit 20a has performed the prize acquisition action and the set size of the prize. In more detail, the right end of the possible drop area (H1) changes depending on the set size of the prize, and thereby changes the area where control switches between moving forward toward the possible drop area (H1) and moving diagonally or leftward toward the possible drop area (H1).

[0230] This allows the control to be switched between moving the prize forward toward the possible drop area (H1) or moving it diagonally or leftward toward the possible drop area (H1) so that the prize can be dropped toward a possible drop point depending on the prize size and the first prize acquisition section 20a can reach the drop opening area 72 in a short movement distance.

[0231] In this embodiment, the drop area (H1) corresponding to the drop inlet area 72 is set to be a drop area (H1) narrower in width than the drop inlet area 72, but it is also possible to set the drop area (H1) corresponding to the drop inlet area 72 to be a drop area (H1) with the same width as the drop inlet area 72.

[0232] The prize acquisition game device 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention allows a player to play a game in which prizes on a placement unit 60 provided in the storage space of a storage unit 10 are dropped from a drop hole area 72 to acquire prizes. The prize acquisition game device 1 comprises a first prize acquisition unit 20a that is arranged so as to be movable horizontally within the storage space and is capable of acquiring and releasing prizes acquired, a horizontal movement unit 51 that moves the first prize acquisition unit 20a in the horizontal direction, and a control unit 110 that controls the first prize acquisition unit 20a and the horizontal movement unit 51. The horizontal movement unit 51 is provided with a first left-right movement motor 53b1 that moves the first prize acquisition unit 20a in the left-right direction and a second left-right movement motor 53b2 that moves the first prize acquisition unit 20a in the front-rear direction. When the first prize capturing section 20a is moved by both the first left / right movement motor 53b1 and the first front / rear movement motor 54b1, the control section 110 controls the first left / right movement motor 53b1 and the first front / rear movement motor 54b1 to be driven at a speed such that the time taken for the first prize capturing section 20a to move forward and backward from the position where it performed the prize capturing operation to reach the drop opening area 72 (drop point HP1) is the same as the time taken for the first prize capturing section 20a to move forward and backward from the position where it performed the prize capturing operation to reach the drop opening area 72 (drop point HP1).

[0233] This prevents one of the first left / right movement motor 53b1 and the first front / back movement motor 54b1 from stopping driving first before the first prize acquisition section 20a reaches the drop opening area 72 (drop point HP1) from the position where it performed the prize acquisition operation, thereby preventing the prize from falling before reaching the drop opening area 72 due to the impact caused by one of the first left / right movement motor 53b1 and the first front / back movement motor 54b1 stopping driving first.

[0234] In addition, the first left / right movement motor 53b1 and the first front / back movement motor 54b1 can be driven at a specified speed (maximum speed Fmax) or less, and the control unit 110 controls the first left / right movement motor 53b1 and the first front / back movement motor 54b1, whichever motor has the longer travel distance from the position where the first prize acquisition unit 20a performed the prize acquisition operation to reach the drop opening area 72 (drop point HP1), to drive it at the specified speed (maximum speed Fmax).

[0235] This allows the first prize capturing part 20a to reach the drop hole area 72 (drop point HP1) at the fastest speed depending on the position where the first prize capturing part 20a performs the prize capturing action.

[0236] Although the maximum speed of the motor is used as the specified speed, a speed slower than the maximum speed may be used as the specified speed for control purposes.

[0237] In addition, by using motors equipped with rotary encoders as the first left / right movement motor 53b1 and the first front / back movement motor 54b1, it is possible to determine the position coordinates of the first prize acquisition unit 20a in the X-axis and Y-axis directions from the first reference point, i.e., the movement distance of the first prize acquisition unit 20a, and the control unit 110 determines the position at which the first prize acquisition unit 20a performed the prize acquisition operation based on the movement distance of the first prize acquisition unit 20a determined by the rotary encoder.

[0238] This allows the position where the first prize acquisition section 20a performed the prize acquisition operation to be accurately identified, and the movement distance in the X-axis and Y-axis directions from the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed to reaching the drop opening area 72 (drop point HP1) to be accurately identified and controlled.

[0239] In this embodiment, the first left / right movement motor 53b1 and the first front / back movement motor 54b1 are motors equipped with rotary encoders, and the position coordinates in the X-axis and Y-axis directions from the first reference point of the first prize capturing unit 20a are determined, but the position coordinates in the X-axis and Y-axis directions may be determined from the driving time of the motor.Furthermore, the first left / right movement motor 53b1 and the first front / back movement motor 54b1 may be stepping motors, and the position coordinates in the X-axis and Y-axis directions may be determined from the number of steps for driving the motor.

[0240] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and it goes without saying that modifications and additions that do not deviate from the spirit of the present invention are also included in the present invention.

[0241] [About Modification 1] In the above example, the drop point (HP1) is configured to have only one coordinate located at the rightmost position, but as shown in Figure 23, it is also possible to configure multiple drop points (HP1) with different Y-axis coordinates as the coordinate located at the rightmost position.

[0242] In the example shown in Figure 23, the operable range (PAM1) and drop area (H1) of the first prize acquisition section 20a of the first play area PA1 are set as PAM1X: 250, MAM1Y: 220, H1X: 180, H1Y: 100, and the drop point (HP1) is set as coordinates (0 to 179), 70), and coordinates (180, 30 to 70).

[0243] In such a setting, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the area behind the drop area (H1) within the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize acquisition section 20a where the placement section 60 is formed, i.e., the area from the left end to the right end of the drop area (H1) (area A in Figure 23), the prize is moved forward until it reaches the drop point (HP1) assigned to the drop opening area 72, and the prize is released when it reaches the drop point (HP1).

[0244] In addition, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the area (area B in Figure 23) to the right of the right end of the drop area (H1) and behind the rear end of the drop point (HP1) within the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize acquisition section 20a where the placement section 60 is formed, the prize is moved diagonally toward the coordinate (180,70) located at the rightmost and rearmost of the drop points (HP1) assigned to the drop opening area 72 until it reaches said coordinate, and when it reaches coordinate (180,70), the prize is released.

[0245] In addition, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the right area of ​​the drop area (H1) within the area where the placement section 60 is formed in the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize acquisition section 20a, i.e., the area to the right of the drop area (H1) and from the rear end to the front end of the drop point (HP1) (area C in Figure 23), the prize is moved to the left until it reaches the drop point (HP1) assigned to the drop opening area 72, and when it reaches the drop point (HP1), the prize is released.

[0246] In addition, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the area (area D in Figure 23) to the right of the right end of the drop area (H1) and forward of the front end of the drop point (HP1) within the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize acquisition section 20a where the placement section 60 is formed, the prize is moved diagonally toward the coordinate (180,30) that is located at the rightmost and frontmost of the drop point (HP1) assigned to the drop opening area 72, and when it reaches the coordinate (180,30), the prize is released.

[0247] In variant example 1, whether the first prize acquisition unit 20a performs the prize acquisition action in the rear area of ​​the possible drop area (H1) or in the right area of ​​the possible drop area (H1), the distance from the position where the first prize acquisition unit 20a performs the prize acquisition action to the possible drop area (H1) is shortened, thereby increasing the rotation efficiency of the game and reducing the risk of dropping the acquired prize.

[0248] [About Modification 2] In the above example, the drop point (HP1) is set at consecutive coordinates from the left end to the right end of the drop-safe area (H1), but as shown in Figure 24, multiple drop points (HP1) may also be set at intervals within the drop-safe area (H1).

[0249] In the example shown in Figure 24, the operable range (PAM1) and drop area (H1) of the first prize acquisition section 20a of the first play area PA1 are set as PAM1X: 250, MAM1Y: 220, H1X: 180, H1Y: 100, and the drop point (HP1) is set as coordinates (45, 70), (90, 70), (135, 70), (180, 70), (180, 30).

[0250] In such a setting, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in an area where the placement section 60 is formed within the operable range (PAM1) of the first prize acquisition section 20a, the first prize acquisition section 20a identifies the drop point among multiple drop points (HP1) that is the shortest distance from the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed, moves toward the identified drop point until it reaches that drop point, and then performs the prize release operation when it reaches that drop point.

[0251] Even with this configuration, regardless of the size or shape of the drop opening area 72, the distance traveled from the position where the first prize acquisition section 20a performs the prize acquisition operation to the drop opening area 72 is shortened, thereby increasing the rotation efficiency of the game and reducing the risk of dropping the acquired prize.

[0252] [About Variation 3] In the above example, a configuration was illustrated in which the drop inlet area 72 is formed on the left and front side of the first play area PA1, and the placement section 60 is formed above and to the right of the drop inlet area 72, but the position of the drop inlet area and the position of the placement section formed within the play area can be changed as appropriate, and the placement section can also be formed in front of or to the left of the drop inlet area.For example, as shown in Figure 25, a configuration in which the drop inlet area 72 is formed in the center of the play area PA, and the placement section 60 is formed to surround it.

[0253] In the example shown in FIG. 25, a drop area is set inside drop opening area 72 that is narrower in both the vertical and horizontal directions than drop opening area 72, and the outer periphery of this area is set as a drop point (HP).

[0254] In such a setting, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the area behind the drop area within the operable range (PAM) of the prize acquisition section where the placement section 60 is formed, i.e., the area behind the drop area from the left end to the right end of the drop area (area A in Figure 25), the prize is moved forward until it reaches the drop point (HP) assigned to the drop opening area 72, and the prize is released when it reaches the drop point (HP).

[0255] In addition, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the area (area B in Figure 25) to the right of the right end of the drop area and behind the rear end of the drop area within the area where the placement section 60 is formed in the operable range (PAM) of the prize acquisition section, the prize is moved diagonally toward the rightmost and rearmost coordinate of the drop points (HP) assigned to the drop opening area 72 until it reaches that coordinate, and then the prize is released.

[0256] In addition, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the right area of ​​the drop area within the area where the placement section 60 is formed in the operable range (PAM) of the prize acquisition section, i.e., the area to the right of the drop area from the rear end to the front end of the drop area (area C in Figure 25), the prize is moved to the left until it reaches the drop point (HP) assigned to the drop opening area 72, and the prize is released when it reaches the drop point (HP).

[0257] In addition, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the area (area D in Figure 25) to the right of the right end of the drop area and forward of the front end of the drop area within the area where the placement section 60 is formed in the operable range (PAM) of the first prize acquisition section 20a, the prize is moved diagonally toward the rightmost and frontmost coordinate of the drop points (HP) assigned to the drop opening area 72 until it reaches said coordinate, and then the prize is released.

[0258] In addition, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the area in front of the drop area within the operable range (PAM) of the prize acquisition section where the placement section 60 is formed, i.e., the area in front of the drop area from the left end to the right end of the drop area (area E in Figure 25), the prize is moved backward until it reaches the drop point (HP) assigned to the drop opening area 72, and the prize is released when it reaches the drop point (HP).

[0259] In addition, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the area (area F in Figure 25) of the operable range (PAM) of the prize acquisition unit where the placement section 60 is formed, which is to the left of the left end of the drop area and forward of the rear end of the drop area, the prize acquisition unit is moved diagonally toward the leftmost and forwardmost coordinate of the drop points (HP) assigned to the drop opening area 72 until it reaches said coordinate, and once it reaches said coordinate, the prize release operation is performed.

[0260] In addition, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the area to the left of the drop area within the area where the placement section 60 is formed within the operable range (PAM) of the prize acquisition section, i.e., the area to the left of the drop area from the front end to the rear end of the drop area (area G in Figure 25), the prize is moved to the right until it reaches the drop point (HP) assigned to the drop opening area 72, and the prize is released when it reaches the drop point (HP).

[0261] In addition, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the area (area H in Figure 25) to the left of the left end of the drop area and behind the rear end of the drop area within the area where the placement section 60 is formed in the operable range (PAM) of the prize acquisition section, the prize is moved diagonally toward the leftmost and rearmost coordinate of the drop points (HP) assigned to the drop opening area 72 until it reaches said coordinate, and then the prize is released.

[0262] In variant example 3, whether the prize acquisition unit performs the prize acquisition action in the rear area of ​​the possible drop area, in the area to the right of the possible drop area, in the front area of ​​the possible drop area, or in the area to the left of the possible drop area, the distance from the position where the prize acquisition unit performs the prize acquisition action to the possible drop area (H1) is shortened, thereby increasing the rotation efficiency of the game and reducing the risk of dropping the acquired prize.

[0263] [About Variation 4] In the above example, a configuration in which one drop inlet area 72 is formed within one play area is exemplified, but a configuration in which multiple drop inlet areas are formed within a play area is also possible, for example, a configuration in which two drop inlet areas 72, 72 are formed, arranged on the left and right sides of the front of the play area PA, as shown in Figure 26.

[0264] In the example shown in Figure 26, the two left and right drop inlet areas 72, 72 each have a drop-enabling area HA, HB that is narrower than the drop inlet area 72, and drop points (HPA) and (HPB) that are continuous across the left and right of the drop-enabling area are set at the center coordinates in the front-to-back direction.

[0265] In such a setting, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the area behind the drop area (HA) within the operable range (PAM) of the prize acquisition section where the placement section 60 is formed, i.e., the area behind the drop area (HA) and from the left end to the right end of the drop area (HA) (area A in Figure 26), the prize is moved forward until it reaches the drop point (HPA) assigned to the left drop opening area 72, and the prize is released when it reaches the drop point (HPA).

[0266] In addition, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the area (area B in Figure 26) to the right of the right end of the drop area and to the left of the midline between the left and right drop opening areas 72, 72 within the operable range (PAM) of the prize acquisition unit where the placement section 60 is formed, the prize is moved diagonally or leftward toward the rightmost coordinate of the drop point (HPA) assigned to the drop opening area 72 until it reaches that coordinate, and the prize is released when it reaches that coordinate.

[0267] In addition, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the area behind the drop area (HB) within the operable range (PAM) of the prize acquisition section where the placement section 60 is formed, i.e., the area behind the drop area (HB) and from the left end to the right end of the drop area (HB) (area D in Figure 26), the prize is moved forward until it reaches the drop point (HPB) assigned to the right drop opening area 72, and the prize is released when it reaches the drop point (HPB).

[0268] In addition, when a prize acquisition operation is performed in the area (area C in Figure 26) in the operable range (PAM) of the prize acquisition unit where the placement section 60 is formed, which is to the left of the left end of the drop area and to the right of the midline between the left and right drop opening areas 72, 72, the prize acquisition unit is moved diagonally or to the right toward the leftmost coordinate of the drop point (HPB) assigned to the drop opening area 72 until it reaches that coordinate, and then the prize is released.

[0269] In variant example 4, in a configuration in which multiple drop hole areas 72 are formed, regardless of the size or shape of the drop hole areas 72, the travel distance from the position where the prize acquisition unit performs the prize acquisition operation to the drop hole areas 72 is shortened, thereby increasing the rotation efficiency of the game and reducing the risk of dropping the acquired prize.

[0270] [Prize] In the above embodiment, the prizes stored in the storage section 10 are not limited to items that can be directly acquired by the player (e.g., stuffed toys, etc.), but also include items stored as targets for acquisition in the game that can be exchanged for other prizes after acquisition, and items that are not provided themselves but are used to compete for points or rankings.

[0271] [arm] In the above embodiment, the prize capturing unit 20 having three arms 25 has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a prize capturing unit 20 having two or fewer arms 25, or a prize capturing unit 20 having four or more arms 25. [Explanation of symbols]

[0272] 1. Prize acquisition game device 10. Storage section (storage space) 20 Prize Collection Department 20a 1st Prize Collection Section 20b 2nd Prize Collection Section 50 Moving Part 51 Horizontal moving part (transfer means) 53b1 First left / right movement motor 54b1 First forward / backward movement motor 60 Placement section 61 Support part 62 First prize placement section (fixed placement section) 63 Second prize placement area 64,65 Mounting plate 71 Opening area 72 Fall area 110 control section 200 compartments H1, H2 Fall area HP1 HP2 Falling point PA1 1st Play Area PA2 2nd Play Area

Claims

1. A prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a game in which prizes are acquired by dropping prizes on a placement section provided in a storage space through a drop hole area, a prize acquisition unit that is arranged in the storage space so as to be horizontally movable and that can acquire and open the acquired prize; a moving means for moving the prize capture unit in a horizontal direction; a control means for controlling the prize acquisition unit and the transportation means; Equipped with The control means The prize capture unit may perform a prize release operation to release the prize at a plurality of drop points in one of the drop opening areas, A prize acquisition game device characterized in that, when the prize acquisition unit performs a prize acquisition action to acquire the prize, the prize acquisition unit is moved toward the drop point among the multiple drop points in one of the drop opening areas that is closest to the position where the prize acquisition action was performed, and then the prize release action is performed.

2. A prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a game in which prizes are acquired by dropping prizes on a placement section provided in a storage space through a drop hole area, a prize acquisition unit that is arranged in the storage space so as to be horizontally movable and that can acquire and open the acquired prize; a moving means for moving the prize capture unit in a horizontal direction; a control means for controlling the prize acquisition unit and the transportation means; Equipped with The control means of the prize acquisition game device is characterized in that, when the prize acquisition unit performs a prize acquisition action to acquire the prize, the control means moves the prize acquisition unit toward the peripheral boundary of the drop opening area that is closest to the position where the prize acquisition action was performed until it reaches the drop opening area, and then performs a prize release action to release the prize.

3. The prize acquisition game device described in claim 2, characterized in that when the prize acquisition unit performs the prize acquisition operation, the control means moves the prize acquisition unit in a direction that provides the shortest distance from the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed to the peripheral boundary of the drop inlet area until the prize acquisition unit reaches the drop inlet area, and then performs the prize release operation.

4. A prize acquisition game device that allows a player to play a game in which prizes are acquired by dropping prizes on a placement section provided in a storage space through a drop hole area, a prize acquisition unit that is arranged in the storage space so as to be horizontally movable and that can acquire and open the acquired prize; a moving means for moving the prize capture unit in a horizontal direction; a control means for controlling the prize acquisition unit and the transportation means; Equipped with The placement section can be formed in front of or behind the drop-allowed area set in the drop opening area, and in an area other than the front of or behind the drop-allowed area, The control means When the prize capturing unit performs a prize capturing action to capture the prize in the front area or rear area of ​​the drop possible area in the placement unit, a first control is performed to move the prize capturing unit in the front-to-rear direction toward the drop possible area until it reaches the drop possible area, and then to perform a prize releasing action to release the prize, A prize acquisition game device characterized in that when the prize acquisition section performs the prize acquisition operation in an area other than the front or rear area of ​​the drop possible area in the placement section, a second control is performed in which the prize acquisition section is moved diagonally or left or right toward the drop possible area until it reaches the drop possible area, and then the prize release operation is performed.

5. The width of the drop area can be set within a range from the same width as the placement section to a width shorter than the placement section, at least within the range of the placement section's width, The prize acquisition game device described in claim 4, characterized in that the control means performs the first control when the width of the drop opening area is set to the same width as the width of the placement section, and when the width of the drop opening area is set to a width shorter than the width of the placement section, performs either the first control or the second control depending on whether the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed is in the front area or the rear area of ​​the drop possible area in the placement section.

6. The width of the placement section can be set within a range from at least the same as the width of the drop inlet area to a width longer than the width of the drop inlet area, The prize acquisition game device described in claim 4, characterized in that the control means performs the first control when the width of the placement section is set to be the same as the width of the drop opening area, and when the width of the placement section is set to be longer than the width of the drop opening area, performs either the first control or the second control depending on whether the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed is in the front area or the rear area of ​​the front drop area in the placement section.

7. a size setting means for setting the size of the prize; The prize acquisition game device described in claim 4, characterized in that the control means determines whether to perform the first control or the second control depending on the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed and the size of the prize set by the size setting means.

8. The moving means includes a first moving means for moving the device in a forward / backward direction and a second moving means for moving the device in a left / right direction, A prize acquisition game device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that when the prize acquisition section is moved by both the first moving means and the second moving means, the control means controls the first moving means and the second moving means to drive at a speed such that the time taken to move forward and backward from the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed to reach the drop opening area is the same as the time taken to move left and right from the position where the prize acquisition operation was performed to reach the drop opening area.

9. the first moving means and the second moving means are capable of being driven at a specified speed or less, The prize acquisition game device described in claim 8, characterized in that the control means controls the movement means, between the first moving means and the second moving means, whichever has the longer movement distance from the position where the prize acquisition operation is performed to reach the drop area, to be driven at the specified speed.

10. an encoder for identifying the movement distance of the prize capture unit by the first movement means and the second movement means, 10. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 9, wherein the control means identifies the position where the prize acquisition action is performed based on the movement distance of the prize acquisition part identified by the encoder.

Images