Game system
The game system facilitates the setting of the prize moving means' movement range by using a display and touch panel to specify boundaries and coordinates, improving the configurability of the game area.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025203849
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-06
AI Technical Summary
Conventional game systems face difficulties in setting the movement range of the prize moving means, making it challenging to configure the game area effectively.
The game system includes a setting means for specifying the movement range of the prize moving means, utilizing a display means to set boundaries and coordinates on a setting screen, allowing for precise adjustment of the movement range through a touch panel.
This enables easy and precise setting of the movement range of the prize moving means, enhancing the configurability of the game area.
Smart Images

Figure 2026020318000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a game system including a prize acquisition game device. [Background technology]
[0002] A game system including a prize-winning game device is known (see Patent Document 1). In this game system, an area corresponding to a game field is displayed on a setting screen. In particular, the area corresponding to the game field is divided into four areas, front, back, left, and right, and it is possible to set the mode of action force change control corresponding to each of the four divided areas. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-188012 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] However, in conventional game systems, it may be difficult to set the movement range of the prize moving means. An object of the present invention is to facilitate the setting of the movement range of the prize moving means. [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the game system of the first invention comprises a setting means for setting the movement range of a prize moving means in a game area, and a display means capable of displaying a setting screen that displays a first area corresponding to the game area and a second area corresponding to the movement range, wherein a limit within which the second area can be specified is set based on predetermined information including information indicating the type of arm attached to the prize moving means, and the setting means is capable of setting the movement range according to the second area specified on the setting screen.
[0006] A game system according to a second invention is the game system according to the first invention, wherein the second area can be specified by specifying coordinates on the setting screen, the second area is partitioned by a first boundary line extending in the X direction, a second boundary line extending in the X direction, a third boundary line extending in the Y direction, and a fourth boundary line extending in the Y direction, the coordinates including a Y coordinate of the first boundary line, a Y coordinate of the second boundary line, an X coordinate of the third boundary line, and an X coordinate of the fourth boundary line, and the boundaries can be slid by operating a touch panel. The game system of the third invention is characterized in that, in the game system of the first or second invention, it is configured so that predetermined information indicating the initial position displayed in the second area can be moved to the initial position where the prize moving means is placed at the start of the game, and the initial position can be set according to the position of the predetermined information. A fourth aspect of the present invention is a game system according to the third aspect of the present invention, characterized in that the predetermined information can be slid by operating a touch panel. [Effects of the Invention]
[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to easily set the movement range of the prize moving means. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0008] [Figure 1] An example of the configuration of the game system 100 will be described. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a prize acquisition game device 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of a prize placement frame unit 20 in which a prize placement mechanism 30 according to a first example is configured. [Figure 4] 10 is a perspective view of a prize placement frame unit 20 in which a prize placement mechanism 30 according to a second example is configured. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the prize moving section 500. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the arm unit 520. [Figure 7] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system of the prize acquisition game device 1. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a station selection screen im1. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first setting item selection screen im2. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second setting item selection screen im3. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a third setting item selection screen im4. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a first pitfall setting screen im5. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second pitfall setting screen im6. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a third pitfall setting screen im7. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an area-specific operation setting screen im8. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an area designation screen im9. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a movement range setting screen im10. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a movement range setting screen im11. [Figure 19] A figure showing an example of the sequence setting screen im12 when staggered operation is disabled. [Figure 20]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence setting screen im13 when staggered operation is enabled. [Figure 21] This is a diagram showing an example of the shift operation setting screen im14 when "shift forward" is selected. [Figure 22] This is a diagram showing an example of the shift operation setting screen im15 when "shift right" is selected. [Figure 23] This is a diagram showing an example of the shift operation setting screen im16 when "left shift" is selected. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the shift operation setting screen im17 when "center shift (horizontal)" is selected. [Figure 25] This is a diagram showing an example of the shift operation setting screen im18 when "Center shift (vertical)" is selected. [Figure 26] This is a diagram showing an example of the shift operation setting screen im19 when "center shift" is selected. [Figure 27] This is a diagram showing an example of the shift operation setting screen im20 when "shift to depth" is selected. [Figure 28] A figure showing an example of the shift operation setting screen im21 when ``Custom'' is selected. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example will be described in which the prize game device according to the present invention is applied to a prize game device 1 capable of executing a prize game. The "prize acquisition game" is a game in which the player (user) operates the operation unit 16 to operate the prize moving unit 500, causing the prize P placed in the prize placement area AE to drop into the opening area OE, thereby allowing the player to acquire the prize P. The "prize P" may be either an item that is given to the player upon acquisition, or an item that is not given to the player upon acquisition and can be exchanged for another item (an item given to the player) after acquisition.
[0010] (Configuration example of game system 100) First, an example of the configuration of the game system 100 will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a game system 100. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, the game system 100 includes a plurality of prize winning game devices (child devices) 1, a terminal device (master device) 2, and a network 3.
[0011] The network 3 is a communication path (communication line) that allows data to be transmitted and received. In this embodiment, the network 3 is a wireless mesh network. That is, the network 3 is configured by connecting a plurality of communication devices 3a to each other via wireless communication. The network 3 is capable of transmitting data by using a multi-hop communication function. Each communication device 3a is a wireless LAN access point (Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) access point). Each communication device 3a functions as a gateway between each device outside the mesh network 3 (each prize game device 1, terminal device 2, etc.).
[0012] In the game system 100, the terminal device 2 and each prize winning game device 1 can communicate with each other via the network 3. In particular, in the game system 100, an operator (administrator) can configure various settings for each prize game device 1 on the terminal device 2. The various settings configured on the terminal device 2 can then be reflected on each prize game device 1.
[0013] (Configuration of terminal device 2) Next, the configuration of the terminal device 2 will be described. The terminal device 2 is a computer device used by an operator. The terminal device 2 includes a processing unit, a communication unit, a touch panel display, a storage unit, an RTC (real-time clock), and the like.
[0014] The processing unit is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like. The communication unit performs wireless communication with each communication device 3a using a communication method that complies with the Wi-Fi standard, thereby enabling the terminal device 2 to communicate with each prize game device 1 via the network 3.
[0015] A touch panel display has the function of displaying various images and the function of accepting operational inputs from a user. Specifically, a touch panel display includes a touch panel and a display unit. The touch panel is an input device such as a capacitance type or a pressure-sensitive type, and accepts operational inputs from a user's finger, a touch pen, or the like. The display unit is realized by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like. The RTC generates (times) information indicating the current time (year, month, date, day of the week, hour, minute, second). The RTC is configured to operate by receiving power from a backup power supply. This allows the RTC to constantly measure the current time even when the terminal device 2 is not powered on.
[0016] The terminal device 2 can be realized by a PC (Personal Computer), a tablet PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or the like.
[0017] (Configuration of each prize acquisition game device 1) Next, the configuration of each prize acquisition game device 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the prize acquisition game device 1. As shown in FIG. 2 shows an example in which two prize winning game devices 1 are configured in one housing 10. That is, a common housing 10 is used for the two prize winning game devices 1. Note that one prize winning game device 1 may be configured in one housing 10. Also, three or more prize winning game devices 1 may be configured in one housing 10. In the following description, each prize acquisition game device 1 configured in the cabinet 10 may be referred to as a "station." That is, one cabinet 10 has two stations (a left station and a right station).
[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the prize winning game device 1 is composed of a housing 10, a prize placement frame unit 20 arranged within the housing 10, a prize placement mechanism 30 attached to the prize placement frame unit 20, a crane unit 40 attached to the housing 10, a speaker 18 (see Figure 7) attached to the housing 10, and various control boards (main control board 50, etc.) arranged within the housing 10.
[0019] (Housing 10) Next, the configuration of the housing 10 will be described. The housing 10 is formed in a box shape. A game area (play area) GE where a prize acquisition game is played is formed inside the housing 10. The housing 10 is configured to include an upper housing 11 and a lower housing 12.
[0020] The front, back, left side, and right side of the upper housing 11 are each made of a transparent plate material such as glass or acrylic plate, which allows the player to see the game area GE configured inside the housing 10 from outside the housing 10. The front of the upper housing 11 is configured as a sliding door and can be opened and closed. This allows the operator to place and move prizes P, configure and change the prize placement mechanism 30, etc. in the game area GE by opening the front of the upper housing 11.
[0021] A control panel 13 is provided on the front of the lower housing 12. The control panel 13 is provided with a coin insertion slot 14, a touch panel display 15, and an operation unit 16. A player can insert coins into the coin slot 14. By inserting coins into the coin slot 14, the player can acquire credits for playing prize games. Note that an electronic money payment device using a storage medium such as a prepaid card or credit card may be provided, allowing the player to acquire credits by paying with electronic money.
[0022] Touch panel display 15 has a function of displaying various images and a function of accepting operational inputs from the user. Specifically, touch panel display 15 includes touch panel 15a (see FIG. 7) and display unit 15b (see FIG. 7). Touch panel 15a is an input device such as a capacitance type or a pressure-sensitive type, and accepts operational inputs from the user's finger, a touch pen, or the like. Display unit 15b is realized by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like.
[0023] The display unit 15b displays various information such as the remaining number of credits acquired by the player. That is, every time a credit is acquired by inserting a coin into the coin slot 14, the remaining number of credits displayed on the display unit 15 increases. Also, every time a prize acquisition game is played (in this embodiment, every time a prize acquisition game is completed), the remaining number of credits displayed on the display unit 15 decreases. The operation unit 16 accepts operations by the player. The operation unit 16 is configured to include a first operation button 16a and a second operation button 16b. Each of the operation buttons 16a, 16b can be pressed by the player. The first operation button 16a accepts an operation to move the prize moving unit 500 along the X direction (left-right direction) during the prize acquisition game. The second operation button 16b accepts an operation to move the prize moving unit 500 along the Y direction (depth direction) during the prize acquisition game. The operation unit 16 may be configured to include a third operation button that accepts an operation to move the prize moving unit 500 in the Z direction (up and down direction) during the prize acquisition game. Alternatively, the operation unit 16 may be configured to include an operation lever that accepts an operation to move the prize moving unit 500 in the horizontal direction (left and right directions and depth direction) during the prize acquisition game, and a down button that accepts an operation to move the prize moving unit 500 in the Z direction (up and down direction).
[0024] Furthermore, a prize outlet 17 is provided on the front of the lower housing 12, which communicates with an opening area OE (see Figures 3 and 4) into which the prize P falls. Here, a prize slope (not shown) is arranged below the prize placement mechanism 30. Furthermore, a prize acquisition sensor 17a (see Figure 7) is arranged below the prize placement mechanism 30. The prize acquisition sensor 17a outputs a predetermined detection signal to the main control board 50 in response to detecting a prize P that has fallen from the opening area OE (winning of a prize P). Furthermore, a prize drop sensor 17b (see Figure 7) is arranged inside the prize outlet 17. The prize drop sensor 17b outputs a predetermined detection signal to the main control board 50 in response to detecting a prize P that has fallen into the prize outlet 17 (winning of a prize P). The processing unit 51 detects the acquisition of a prize P based on the input of a detection signal from the prize acquisition sensor 17a, and executes a predetermined acquisition effect. Furthermore, the processing unit 51 detects a specific error when a detection signal is input from the prize drop sensor 17b for a predetermined period of time. A "specific error" is detected when the prize P unexpectedly drops, the prize P is forgotten to be taken, a person or foreign object enters the prize outlet 17, or the like. Note that the prize acquisition sensor 17a and the prize drop sensor 17b may each be able to arbitrarily switch between a detection state and a non-detection state. The prize P that has fallen into the opening area OE is detected by the prize capture sensor 17a, and then guided to the prize outlet 17 by the prize slope and detected by the prize drop sensor 17b. This allows the player to capture the prize P that has been taken out from the prize outlet 17. An opening / closing door (not shown) is provided on the front of the lower housing 12. Various control boards (main control board 50, etc.) are arranged inside the opening / closing door.
[0025] (Prize placement unit 20) Next, the configuration of the prize placement frame unit 20 will be described. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a prize placement frame unit 20 in which a prize placement mechanism 30 according to a first example is configured. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a prize placement frame unit 20 in which a prize placement mechanism 30 according to a second example is configured. 2 to 4, the prize placement frame unit 20 is arranged inside the housing 10. The prize placement frame unit 20 is configured to include a base frame (not shown), an overall lifting frame 220 attached to the base frame so as to be able to rise and fall, and six sets of individual lifting frames 231 to 236 attached to the overall lifting frame 220 so as to be able to rise and fall. The entire lifting frame 220 is configured to include a left frame unit 221, a right frame unit 222, and a connecting frame (not shown) that connects the left frame unit 221 and the right frame unit 222. The left frame unit 221 and the right frame unit 222 have a symmetrical configuration. The left frame unit 221 and the right frame unit 222 are each configured in a lattice pattern. The overall lifting frame 220 is attached to the base frame so that it can be raised and lowered. Specifically, an overall lifting slider (not shown) is provided in each of the frame units 221, 222. The base frame is also provided with an overall lifting guide rail (not shown) that supports the overall lifting slider provided in each of the frame units 221, 222 so that it can be raised and lowered. The overall lifting frame 220 is attached to the base frame by disposing the overall lifting slider in the overall lifting guide rail. The overall lifting slider is slidable in the up and down direction along the overall lifting guide rail. This allows the overall lifting frame 220 to be raised and lowered relative to the base frame. The base frame is also provided with an overall lifting / lowering locking mechanism (not shown). The overall lifting / lowering locking mechanism is capable of locking (fixing) the overall lifting / lowering frame 220 from moving up and down relative to the base frame. This makes it possible to lock the overall lifting / lowering frame 220 at any desired height.
[0026] The six sets of individual lifting frames 231 to 236 have substantially the same configuration. Each of the individual lifting frames 231 to 236 includes a base frame 237, a pair of guide rods 238, and an individual lifting slider (not shown). The base frame 237 is formed in the shape of a quadrangular prism. The base frame 237 is disposed so as to extend in the depth direction. In the following description, of the four sides of the base frame 237, the upper side will be referred to as the "upper side," the lower side will be referred to as the "lower side," and the side on the inside (towards the game area GE) will be referred to as the "inner side." A T-groove tg is provided on at least the inner surface of the four side surfaces of the base frame 237. In this embodiment, the T-groove tg is provided on the inner surface and the upper surface of the four side surfaces of the base frame 237. Each T-slot tg extends linearly along the longitudinal direction (direction in which the base frame 237 extends) of the base frame 237. Each T-slot tg is provided from one end of the base frame 237 to the other end in the longitudinal direction. Each guide rod 238 is formed in a cylindrical shape. Each guide rod 238 is provided to extend downward from the lower surface of the base frame 237. A pair of guide rods 238 is provided to be lined up at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the base frame 237.
[0027] In this embodiment, three sets of individual lifting frames 231-233 are attached to the left frame unit 221. The three sets of individual lifting frames 231-233 are arranged in a line at predetermined intervals along the depth direction. Each of the individual lifting frames 231-233 is attached to the left frame unit 221 so that it can be raised and lowered. In particular, the three sets of individual lifting frames 231-233 can be raised and lowered individually. Specifically, in each of the individual lifting frames 231-233, an individual lifting slider (not shown) is provided at the lower end of the guide rod 238. The left frame unit 221 is also provided with an individual lifting guide rail (not shown) that supports the individual lifting slider provided on each of the individual lifting frames 231-233 so that the individual lifting slider can move up and down. Each of the individual lifting frames 231-233 is attached to the left frame unit 221 by inserting a pair of guide rods 238 into guide holes (not shown) provided on the upper surface of the left frame unit 221 and disposing the individual lifting slider in the individual lifting guide rail. Each of the guide rods 238 is slidable in the vertical direction relative to the guide hole through which the guide rod 238 is inserted. The individual lifting slider is slidable in the vertical direction along the individual lifting guide rail. This allows each of the individual lifting frames 231-233 to move up and down relative to the left frame unit 221. In particular, the base frame 237 provided on each of the individual lifting frames 231 to 233 is capable of moving up and down relative to the left frame unit 221.
[0028] Additionally, three sets of individual lifting frames 234-236 are attached to the right frame unit 222. The three sets of individual lifting frames 234-236 are arranged in a line at predetermined intervals along the depth direction. Each of the individual lifting frames 234-236 is attached to the right frame unit 222 so that it can be raised and lowered. In particular, the three sets of individual lifting frames 234-236 can be raised and lowered individually. Specifically, each of the individual lifting frames 234-236 has an individual lifting slider (not shown) provided at the lower end of the guide rod 238. The right frame unit 222 is also provided with an individual lifting guide rail (not shown) that supports the individual lifting slider provided on each of the individual lifting frames 234-236 so that the individual lifting slider can move up and down. Each of the individual lifting frames 234-236 is attached to the right frame unit 222 by inserting a pair of guide rods 238 into guide holes (not shown) provided on the upper surface of the right frame unit 222 and disposing the individual lifting slider in the individual lifting guide rail. Each of the guide rods 238 is slidable up and down relative to the guide hole through which the guide rod 238 is inserted. The individual lifting slider is slidable up and down along the individual lifting guide rail. This allows each of the individual lifting frames 234-236 to move up and down relative to the right frame unit 222. In particular, the base frame 237 provided on each of the individual lifting frames 234 to 236 is capable of moving up and down relative to the right frame unit 222.
[0029] Each of the individual lifting frames 231-236 is configured to include an individual lifting lock mechanism (not shown). The individual lifting lock mechanism provided in each of the individual lifting frames 231-236 makes it possible to lock (fix and maintain) the lifting and lowering of the individual lifting frame 231-236 relative to the overall lifting frame 220. This makes it possible to lock each of the individual lifting frames 231-236 at any desired height.
[0030] A game area GE in which a prize acquisition game is played is configured within the cabinet 10. The prize placement mechanism 30 is a mechanism for placing prizes P within the game area GE. That is, the prize placement mechanism 30 places the prizes P within the game area GE. In this case, various placement modes can be selected, such as placing, hanging, clamping, etc., depending on the configuration of the prize placement mechanism 30. In particular, in this embodiment, the prize placement mechanism 30 forms a prize placement area AE and an opening area OE within the game area GE. The "prize placement area AE" is the area where the prizes P are placed. The "opening area OE" is an area where a prize P can be won by dropping the prize P.
[0031] (Prize placement mechanism 30) Next, the configuration of the prize placement mechanism 30 will be described. The prize placement mechanism 30 is attached to one or more of the six sets of individual lifting frames 231 to 236. In this case, the prize placement mechanism 30 is attached to the base frame 237. The prize placement mechanism 30 is formed by one component or by combining multiple components. In this embodiment, a floor frame ff, a floor panel fp, a flexible rod (not shown), etc. are prepared as components that make up the prize placement mechanism 30. The prize placement mechanism 30 is constructed by combining one or more of these components. Each component will be described below.
[0032] The floor frame ff is formed by connecting four frames in an endless (annular) shape. This makes the floor frame ff a substantially rectangular frame body in a plan view. Here, multiple types of floor frames ff with different sizes may be prepared as the floor frame ff. One or more fixing members are provided on the side of the floor frame ff. The fixing members can be fitted into T-grooves tg provided in the base frame 237. The floor frame ff can be attached to the upper surface or inner surface of the base frame 237 via the fixing members. The floor panel fp is formed in a substantially square, flat plate shape in plan view. The floor panel fp can be attached to the upper surface (or lower surface) of the floor frame ff. The floor panel fp is fixed to the upper surface of the floor frame ff by screws. The flexible rod is composed of two cylindrical bodies. That is, the flexible rod is constructed by inserting (fitting) all or part of one cylindrical body into (fitted with) the other cylindrical body. The longitudinal dimension of the flexible rod can be changed (adjusted) by sliding (sliding) one cylindrical body in a direction to be accommodated inside the other cylindrical body or in a direction to be ejected from the other cylindrical body. Fixing members are provided at each end of the flexible rod. The fixing members can be fitted into T-grooves tg provided in the base frame 237. The flexible rod can be attached to the upper surface or inner surface of the base frame 237 via the fixing members.
[0033] (Configuration example of prize placement mechanism 30) Next, a configuration example of the prize placement mechanism 30 will be described. As described above, in this embodiment, by combining the floor frame ff, floor panel fp, flexible rods, etc., it is possible to configure prize placement mechanisms 30 of various shapes. An example of the prize placement mechanism 30 is shown below.
[0034] (Prize placement mechanism 30 according to the first example) First, the prize placement mechanism 30 according to the first example will be described. 3, the prize placement mechanism 30 according to the first example is configured by a pair of floor frames ff spanning between a left frame unit 221 and a right frame unit 222. In this case, the rear floor frame ff is attached to the left frame unit 221 and the right frame unit 222 via a small floor frame ffs. That is, of the pair of vertical frames that make up the front floor frame ff, one vertical frame is attached to the inner surface of the base frame 237 that makes up the individual lifting frame 231 and the inner surface of the base frame 237 that makes up the individual lifting frame 232. Also, of the pair of vertical frames that make up the front floor frame ff, the other vertical frame is attached to the inner surface of the base frame 237 that makes up the individual lifting frame 234 and the inner surface of the base frame 237 that makes up the individual lifting frame 235. Furthermore, the base frames 237 of the individual lifting frames 232 and 235 are disposed at a lower position than the base frames 237 of the individual lifting frames 231 and 234. As a result, the front floor frame ff is positioned with its upper surface inclined toward the back. A floor panel fp is attached to the upper surface of the front floor frame ff. As a result, the upper surface of the floor panel fp forms a first prize placement surface A. In this case, the first prize placement surface A is inclined toward the back. One floor frame ffs is attached to the upper surface of the base frame 237 included in the individual lifting frame 233. In addition, the other small floor frame ffs is attached to the upper surface of the base frame 237 included in the individual lifting frame 236. Of the pair of vertical frames that make up the rear floor frame ff, one vertical frame is attached to the upper surface of one floor frame ffs and the inner surface of the base frame 237 that makes up the individual lifting frame 233. Also, of the pair of vertical frames that make up the rear floor frame ff, the other vertical frame is attached to the upper surface of the other floor frame ffs and the inner surface of the base frame 237 that makes up the individual lifting frame 236. As a result, the rear floor frame ff is positioned with its upper surface inclined toward the front. A floor panel fp is attached to the upper surface of the rear floor frame ff. As a result, the upper surface of the floor panel fp forms a second prize placement surface B. In this case, the second prize placement surface B is inclined toward the front.
[0035] Here, in the prize placement mechanism 30 according to the first example, a pair of floor frames ff are attached to different individual lifting frames 231 to 236. This makes it possible to adjust the heights of the first prize placement surface A and the second prize placement surface B individually. That is, it is possible to adjust the height of the first prize placing surface A by raising or lowering the individual lifting frames 231, 232, 234, 235 relative to the overall lifting frame 220. Also, it is possible to change (adjust) the positional relationship (height relationship) between the base frame 237 of the individual lifting frames 231, 234 and the base frame 237 of the individual lifting frames 232, 235, thereby changing (adjusting) the inclination angle of the first prize placing surface A. Moreover, it is possible to adjust the height of the second prize placing surface B by raising and lowering the individual lifting frames 233, 236 relative to the overall lifting frame 220. Moreover, it is possible to change (adjust) the inclination angle of the second prize placing surface B by changing (adjusting) the fixed position of the floor frame ff in the floor frame ffa. This allows the relative positional relationship (height relationship) between the first prize placing surface A and the second prize placing surface B to be adjusted. Thereafter, by raising and lowering the overall lifting frame 220 relative to the base frame 210, the relative positional relationship (height relationship) between the prize moving section 500 and each prize placing surface can be adjusted all at once while maintaining the relative positional relationship (height relationship) between the first prize placing surface A and the second prize placing surface B. The prize placement mechanism 30 according to the first example configures a prize placement area AE and an opening area OE in the game area GE. That is, the prize placement area AE is configured on a pair of prize placement surfaces A and B in the game area GE, and the opening area OE is configured between the pair of prize placement surfaces A and B. In particular, in the game area GE, it is possible to arrange the prize P so that it spans between the pair of prize placement surfaces A and B. In the prize placement mechanism 30 of the first example, the prize moving section 500 drops the prize P supported by a pair of prize placement surfaces A, B into the opening area OE, making it possible to obtain the prize P.
[0036] (Prize placement mechanism 30 according to the second example) Next, a prize placement mechanism 30 according to a second example will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the prize placement mechanism 30 of the second example is constructed by a single floor frame ff spanning between a left frame unit 221 and a right frame unit 222. Specifically, one of the pair of vertical frames constituting the floor frame ff is attached to the base frame 237 constituting the individual lifting frame 232 and the base frame 237 constituting the individual lifting frame 232 among the three sets of individual lifting frames 231 to 233 arranged in the left frame unit 221. In addition, the other of the pair of vertical frames constituting the floor frame ff is attached to the base frame 237 constituting the individual lifting frame 235 and the base frame 237 constituting the individual lifting frame 236 among the three sets of individual lifting frames 234 to 236 arranged in the right frame unit 222. In this case, the base frames 237 of the individual lifting frames 233, 236 are disposed at a lower position than the base frames 237 of the individual lifting frames 232, 235. As a result, the floor frame ff is disposed with its upper surface inclined toward the back side. Two spherical parts 333 are attached to the front horizontal frame that constitutes the floor frame ff. Each spherical part 333 is fixed via a T-slot nut to a T-slot TG provided on the side of the horizontal frame. Here, in the prize placement mechanism 30 of the second example, it is possible to change (adjust) the positional relationship (height relationship) between the base frame 237 of the individual lifting frames 232, 235 and the base frame 237 of the individual lifting frames 233, 236, thereby changing (adjusting) the inclination angle of each spherical part 333. Thereafter, by raising and lowering the overall lifting frame 220 relative to the base frame 210, the relative positional relationship (height relationship) between the prize moving section 500 and each spherical part 333 can be adjusted all at once while maintaining the inclination angle of each spherical part 333. That is, the entire lifting frame 220 can be raised and lowered relative to the base frame 210 while the individual lifting locking mechanisms 239 lock the individual lifting frames 231 to 236 from rising and falling relative to the entire lifting frame 220 .
[0037] The prize placement mechanism 30 of the second example constitutes a prize placement area AE and an opening area OE in the game area GE. That is, prize hanging parts C and D are constituted in the spherical portion 333a of each spherical part 333. A prize P can be suspended from each prize hanging part C and D via a D-ring dr. This constitutes the prize placement area AE below each prize hanging part C and D. Furthermore, an opening area OE is constituted below the prize P suspended from each prize hanging part C and D. In particular, in the game area GE, it becomes possible to arrange the prize P in a suspended state above the opening area OE. In the prize placement mechanism 30 of the second example, the prize moving section 500 removes the D ring dr hooked to each prize hanging section C, D from the prize hanging section C, D, making it possible to obtain the prize P connected to the D ring dr.
[0038] (Third Example Prize Placement Mechanism 30) Next, a prize placement mechanism 30 according to a third example will be described. The prize placement mechanism 30 according to the third example is configured with two prize placement surfaces (not shown) in the game area GE as surfaces on which prizes P can be placed (hereinafter referred to as "prize placement surfaces"). The two prize placement surfaces are spaced apart from each other and are at different heights. That is, the prize placement mechanism 30 according to the third example is configured to include a first floor frame ff and a second floor frame ff. The first floor frame ff is attached to the front individual lifting frame 231 of the three sets of individual lifting frames 231-233 arranged on the left frame unit 221. Specifically, the first floor frame ff is attached to the inner surface of the base frame 237 included in the individual lifting frame 231. As a result, the first floor frame ff is disposed so as to extend from the inner surface of the base frame 237 included in the individual lifting frame 231 toward the game area GE. The first floor frame ff is attached to the individual lifting frame 231 in a cantilevered manner. The second floor frame ff is attached to the middle individual lifting frame 235 of the three sets of individual lifting frames 234 to 236 arranged on the right frame unit 222. Specifically, the second floor frame ff is attached to the inner surface of the base frame 237 included in the individual lifting frame 235. As a result, the second floor frame ff is disposed so as to extend from the inner surface of the base frame 237 included in the individual lifting frame 235 toward the game area GE. The second floor frame ff is attached to the individual lifting frame 235 in a cantilevered manner. A first floor panel fp is attached to the upper surface of the first floor frame ff, so that the upper surface of the first floor panel fp forms a substantially horizontal first prize placement surface. A second floor panel fp is attached to the upper surface of the second floor frame ff, so that the upper surface of the second floor panel fp forms a substantially horizontal second prize placement surface. Here, in the prize placement mechanism 30 according to the third example, the first floor frame ff and the second floor frame ff are attached to different individual lifting frames 231, 235. This makes it possible to adjust the heights of the first prize placement surface and the second prize placement surface individually. That is, when adjusting the height of each prize placing surface, the height of the first prize placing surface can be adjusted by raising and lowering the individual lifting frame 231 relative to the overall lifting frame 220. Also, the height of the second prize placing surface can be adjusted by raising and lowering the individual lifting frame 235 relative to the overall lifting frame 220. This makes it possible to adjust the relative positional relationship (height relationship) between the first prize placing surface and the second prize placing surface. Thereafter, by raising and lowering the overall lifting frame 220 relative to the base frame 210, the relative positional relationship (height relationship) between the prize holding section 410 and each prize placing surface can be adjusted all at once while maintaining the relative positional relationship (height relationship) between the first prize placing surface and the second prize placing surface. That is, the entire lifting frame 220 can be raised and lowered relative to the base frame 210 while the individual lifting locking mechanisms 239 lock the individual lifting frames 231 to 236 from rising and falling relative to the entire lifting frame 220 . The prize placement mechanism 30 according to the third example is configured as described above. The prize placement mechanism 30 according to the third example configures a prize placement area AE and an opening area OE in the game area GE. That is, the prize placement area AE is configured on each prize placement surface of the game area GE, and the opening area OE is configured around each prize placement surface. In particular, it is possible to configure a plurality of prize placement areas AE that are spaced apart from one another and have different heights in the game area GE. In the prize placement mechanism 30 of the third example, the prize moving section 500 causes the prize P placed on each prize placement surface to fall from the prize placement surface, making it possible to obtain the prize P.
[0039] (Crane Unit 40) Next, the configuration of the crane unit 40 will be described. The crane unit 40 is configured to include a prize moving section 500 that moves the prize P, a moving device 420 that moves the prize moving section 500 horizontally, and a lifting device 430 that raises and lowers the prize moving section 500. The moving device 420 includes an X-direction rail (not shown), a Y-direction rail (not shown), an X-direction motor m2 (see FIG. 7), and a Y-direction motor m3 (see FIG. 7). The X-direction rail is attached to the top surface (inside) of the housing 10. The X-direction rail extends linearly along the left-right direction. The Y-direction rail is attached to the X-direction rail. The Y-direction rail is slidable along the X-direction rail. The Y-direction rail extends linearly in the depth direction. The Y-direction rail is moved along the X-direction rail by driving the X-direction motor m2. The lifting device 430 is attached to a Y-direction rail. The lifting device 430 is slidable along the Y-direction rail. The lifting device 430 is moved along the Y-direction rail by driving a Y-direction motor m3. The lifting device 430 is configured to include a reel (not shown) that can feed out or wind up the wire, and a lifting motor m4 (see Figure 7) that drives the reel. The tip of the wire is attached to the prize moving section 500. This makes it possible to drive the reel with the lifting motor m4 and feed out the wire, thereby lowering the prize moving section 500. In addition, it is possible to raise the prize moving section 500 by driving the reel with the lifting motor m4 and winding up the wire. As described above, in the crane unit 40, by driving the motors m2, m3, and m4, it is possible to move the prize moving section 500 in the left-right, depth, and up-down directions. In addition, by driving the opening / closing motor m1, it is possible to open and close the pair of arms 560.
[0040] (Prize Transfer Section 500) Next, the configuration of the prize moving section 500 will be described. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the prize moving section 500. Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the arm unit 520. The prize moving section 500 is attached to the bottom surface of the lifting device 430 via an extendable support section 413 . As shown in FIG. 5, the prize moving section 500 includes a catcher case 501 (see FIG. 2), a base member 510, a pair of arm units 520, and a catcher base plate 530. Catcher case 501 is a substantially cylindrical casing. Base member 510, a pair of arm units 520, and catcher base plate 530 are housed inside catcher case 501. At this time, the tip side of arm 560 of each arm unit 520 protrudes to the outside of catcher case 501 through a through-hole provided in the side surface of catcher case 501. The base member 510 is formed from a metal plate such as stainless steel. The base member 510 may also be formed from resin. The lower end of the support part 413 is connected to the upper surface of the base member 510, and the lower end of the wire extending from the reel of the lifting device 430 is also connected to the upper surface of the base member 510. This makes it possible to raise and lower the base member 510 (prize moving part 500) in accordance with the wire being let out or taken up by the lifting device 430.
[0041] The pair of arm units 520 are attached to the lower surface side of the base member 510. The pair of arm units 520 have the same configuration. As shown in FIG. 6, each arm unit 520 includes a base member 590, an opening / closing motor m1, a power transmission unit 540, an arm holding portion 550, an arm 560, an arm type identification board 570, and a potentiometer 580. In particular, each arm unit 520 is configured by unitizing (integrating) a base member 590, an opening / closing motor m1, a power transmission unit 540, an arm holding section 550, an arm 560, an arm type identification board 570, a potentiometer 580, etc. This makes each arm unit 520 detachable from the base member 510 as a unit. The base member 590 is formed from a metal plate such as stainless steel. The opening / closing motor m1 is attached to the power transmission unit 540. In this embodiment, a stepping motor is used as the opening / closing motor m1. The drive of the opening / closing motor m1 is controlled by the catcher board 530. The power transmission unit 540 is attached to the front side of the base member 590. The power transmission unit 540 includes a power transmission mechanism (not shown) that transmits the power of the opening / closing motor m1 to the arm holding portion 550 (rotation shaft 551), and a gear box 542 that houses the power transmission mechanism. The power transmission mechanism is made up of a plurality of gears. In particular, the power transmission unit 540 is configured such that the power transmission mechanism and the gear box 542 are unitized (integrated). This makes the power transmission unit 540 detachable as a unit from the base member 590.
[0042] The arm holding part 550 is attached to the power transmission unit 540 via a rotation shaft 551. The arm holding part 550 is provided with an attachment part 552 to which the base end of the arm 560 is attached. The attachment part 552 is formed in a rectangular tube shape, into which the base end of the arm 560 can be inserted (fitted). The arm holding part 550 is also provided with a locking mechanism 553 that locks the base end of the arm 560 attached to the attachment part 552. The locking mechanism 553 includes a cylindrical operating rod 553a and an engagement piece (not shown) provided at the lower end of the operating rod 553a. The locking mechanism 553 is arranged such that the operating rod 553a passes through the mounting part 552 in the vertical direction. In this case, the engagement piece is arranged inside the mounting part 552. When attaching the arm 560 to the arm holding section 550, the base end of the arm 560 is inserted into the attachment section 552. Then, an engagement piece of the locking mechanism 553 engages with an engagement hole (not shown) provided in the base end of the arm 560. As a result, the base end of the arm 560 is locked (fixed) in a state where it is fitted into the attachment section 552, and the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding section 550. In other words, the arm 560 is held by the arm holding section 550. On the other hand, when removing arm 560 from arm holding part 550, the upper end part of operating rod 553a is pushed downward. This releases the engagement of the engagement piece of locking mechanism 553 with the engagement hole provided at the base end part of arm 560. This makes it possible to remove arm 560 from arm holding part 550 by removing the base end part of arm 560 from arm holding part 550 while pushing the upper end part of operating rod 553a downward. The arm holding part 550 is provided with an insertion hole 554 through which the rotation shaft 551 is inserted. The arm holding part 550 can be displaced (rotated) around the rotation shaft 551 within a range from a closed limit position (not shown) to an open limit position (see FIG. 5). This allows the arm 560 attached to the arm holding part 550 to be displaced within a range from the closed limit position (not shown) to the open limit position (see FIG. 5) in accordance with the displacement (rotation) of the arm holding part 550. At this time, in the prize moving section 500, when the pair of arm holding sections 550 are displaced toward the closed limit position, the pair of arms 560 are displaced in the closing direction. On the other hand, when the pair of arm holding sections 550 are displaced toward the open limit position, the pair of arms 560 are displaced in the opening direction.
[0043] Arm 560 is formed in a generally L-shaped rod shape. The shape of arm 560 can be changed as needed, such as into an arc shape, a wave shape, a flat plate shape, a hook shape, etc. A metal claw member 561 is attached to the lower end of arm 560. In this embodiment, multiple types of arms 560 are prepared that differ in size, length, shape of claw member 561, etc. For example, small arm 560A, medium arm 560B, and large arm 560C are prepared as the multiple types of arms 560. Any arm 560 from the multiple types of arms 560 can be selected and attached to arm holder 550. In particular, an arm type identifying section 562 is provided at the base end of the arm 560. The arm type identifying section 562 is configured to include a pair of identification plates 562a arranged in parallel. The pair of identification plates 562a have the same configuration. Each identification plate 562a has four identification sections s1 to s4 defined thereon. In each arm 560, the type of the arm 560 can be identified by the combination (pattern) of the identification sections s1 to s4 that have through holes formed therein. That is, in each arm 560, the combination of the four identifiers s1 to s4 in which through holes are formed corresponds to the type of the arm 560. In other words, in each type of arm 560, the combination of the four identifiers s1 to s4 in which through holes are formed differs. For example, in the small arm 560A, of the four identifiers s1 to s4, a through hole is formed in the identifier s1, and no through holes are formed in the identifiers s2 to s4. On the other hand, in the medium arm 560B, of the four identifiers s1 to s4, through holes are formed in the identifiers s1 and s2, and no through holes are formed in the identifiers s3 and s4. On the other hand, in the large arm 560A, of the four identifiers s1 to s4, through holes are formed in the identifiers s1 to s3, and no through holes are formed in the identifier s4.
[0044] The arm type identification board 570 is attached to the rear side of the base member 590. The arm type identification board 570 is configured to include an arm type detection sensor (not shown). The arm type detection sensor includes four systems of photosensors (reflective photosensors). Specifically, the arm type detection sensor includes a photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s1, a photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s2, a photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s3, and a photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s4. The photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s1 includes a light-emitting element that irradiates the identification unit s1 with infrared light and a light-receiving element that receives the light reflected from the identification unit s1. The photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s2 includes a light-emitting element that irradiates the identification unit s2 with infrared light and a light-receiving element that receives the light reflected from the identification unit s2. The photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s3 includes a light-emitting element that irradiates the identification unit s3 with infrared light and a light-receiving element that receives the light reflected from the identification unit s3. The photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s4 includes a light-emitting element that irradiates the identification unit s4 with infrared light and a light-receiving element that receives the light reflected from the identification unit s4.
[0045] Here, through holes n1 to n4 that allow infrared light emitted from the light-emitting units of the photosensors to pass through are provided on the back surface of the base member 590. Also, through holes h1 to h4 that allow infrared light emitted from the light-emitting units of the photosensors to pass through are provided on each side surface of the arm holding part 550. The through-hole h1 is provided at a position corresponding to the identifier s1 when the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding section 550. The through-hole h2 is provided at a position corresponding to the identifier s2 when the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding section 550. The through-hole h3 is provided at a position corresponding to the identifier s3 when the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding section 550. The through-hole h4 is provided at a position corresponding to the identifier s4 when the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding section 550. In this embodiment, when the arm holder 550 is disposed in the maximum open position (when the arm 560 is disposed in the maximum open position), the type of arm 560 attached to the arm holder 550 is determined. As a result, the through-hole n1 is provided at a position corresponding to the identifier s1 (through-hole h1) when the arm holder 550 is disposed in the maximum open position. The through-hole n2 is provided at a position corresponding to the identifier s2 (through-hole h2) when the arm holder 550 is disposed in the maximum open position. The through-hole n3 is provided at a position corresponding to the identifier s3 (through-hole h3) when the arm holder 550 is disposed in the maximum open position. The through-hole n4 is provided at a position corresponding to the identifier s4 (through-hole h4) when the arm holder 550 is disposed in the maximum open position. As described above, when the arm holding portion 550 is positioned at the maximum open position, infrared light emitted from the light-emitting element of each photosensor passes through the through-holes n1 to n4 and the through-holes h1 to h4 and reaches the indicators s1 to s4 corresponding to that photosensor. At this time, if no through-hole is formed in the indicators s1 to s4, the infrared light that reaches that indicator is reflected by that indicator, and the reflected light is received by the light-receiving element of that photosensor. On the other hand, if a through-hole is formed in that indicator, the infrared light that reaches that indicator passes through that indicator, is reflected by the back surface of the power transmission unit 540, and the reflected light is received by the light-receiving element of that photosensor. In particular, in this embodiment, the arm type identifier 562 is made of a material with a higher reflectivity to infrared light than the back surface of the power transmission unit 540. This makes it possible for each photosensor to determine (detect) the presence or absence of a through-hole in the identifiers s1 to s4 corresponding to that photosensor, based on the reflectivity of the reflected light received by the light receiving element relative to the infrared light irradiated by the light emitting element.
[0046] That is, a detection signal from the light-receiving element of each photosensor is input to the catcher substrate 530. Then, the processing unit of the catcher substrate 530 determines whether or not a through-hole is formed in the identifier s1-s4 corresponding to the photosensor based on the detection signal input from the light-receiving element of each photosensor. At this time, if the current value of the detection signal input from the light-receiving element of each photosensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold (if the reflectance of the identifier s1-s4 corresponding to that photosensor is high), the processing unit of the catcher substrate 530 determines that a through-hole is formed in the identifier s1-s4 corresponding to that photosensor. On the other hand, if the current value of the detection signal input from the light-receiving element of each photosensor is less than the predetermined threshold (if the reflectance of the identifier s1-s4 corresponding to that photosensor is low), the processing unit of the catcher substrate 530 determines that a through-hole is formed in the identifier s1-s4 corresponding to that photosensor. That is, the processing unit of the catcher substrate 530 determines whether a through-hole is formed in the identification unit s1 based on a detection signal input from the light-receiving element of the photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s1. It also determines whether a through-hole is formed in the identification unit s2 based on a detection signal input from the light-receiving element of the photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s2. It also determines whether a through-hole is formed in the identification unit s3 based on a detection signal input from the light-receiving element of the photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s3. It also determines whether a through-hole is formed in the identification unit s4 based on a detection signal input from the light-receiving element of the photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s4. The processing unit of the catcher board 530 determines (detects) whether or not an arm 560 is attached to the arm holding unit 550 and the type of arm 560 attached to the arm holding unit 550, based on a combination (pattern) of the identifiers s1 to s4 that have through holes formed therein, among the four identifiers s1 to s4. At this time, if it is determined that through holes are formed in all of the identifiers s1 to s4, it is determined that no arm 560 is attached to the arm holding unit 550. On the other hand, if it is determined that a through hole is formed in the identifier s1 of the four identifiers s1 to s4 and that through holes are not formed in the identifiers s2 to s4, it is determined that the type of arm 560 attached to the arm holding unit 550 is small arm 560A. On the other hand, when it is determined that, of the four identifiers s1 to s4, a through hole is formed in identifiers s1 and s2 and a through hole is not formed in identifiers s3 and s4, the type of arm 560 attached to the arm holding unit 550 is determined to be a medium-sized arm 560B. On the other hand, when it is determined that, of the four identifiers s1 to s4, a through hole is formed in identifiers s1 to s3 and a through hole is not formed in identifier s4, the type of arm 560 attached to the arm holding unit 550 is determined to be a large-sized arm 560C.
[0047] The potentiometer 580 is attached to the front side of the power transmission unit 540. The potentiometer 580 is configured with a variable resistor. The potentiometer 580 detects the position (rotational position and rotational angle) of the arm holding portion 550 (arm 560). That is, the potentiometer 580 outputs a detection signal corresponding to the position (rotational position and rotational angle) of the rotation shaft 551 to the catcher board 530. Then, based on the detection signal input from each potentiometer 580, the processing unit of the catcher board 530 detects the position (rotational position and rotational angle) of the arm holding portion 550 (arm 560) corresponding to that potentiometer 580. In the arm unit 520, the power of the opening / closing motor m1 is transmitted to the rotation shaft 551 inserted into the insertion hole 554 of the arm holding part 550 via the power transmission mechanism of the power transmission unit 540. This makes it possible to displace the arm 560 by driving the opening / closing motor m1. At this time, the position (open / closed position) of the arm 560 can be detected by the potentiometer 580.
[0048] The catcher board 530 is attached to the rear side of the base member 510. The catcher board 530 is configured to include a processing unit (not shown). The processing unit is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The catcher board 530 is capable of controlling the driving of up to three motors. The catcher board 530 according to this embodiment is capable of controlling the opening and closing of the pair of arms 560 by controlling the driving of the opening and closing motor m1 of one arm unit 520 and the opening and closing motor m1 of the other arm unit 520. The prize moving unit 500 is capable of gripping and releasing the prize P by opening and closing the pair of arms 560.
[0049] In this embodiment, the base member 510 is configured to be able to mount two sets of arm units 520. However, the base member 510 may be configured to be able to mount three or more sets of arm units 520. That is, in this embodiment, the base member 510 is configured to correspond to a "two-claw specification" in which the prize P is gripped by two arms 560. However, the base member 510 may be configured to correspond to a "three-claw specification" in which the prize P is gripped by three arms 560.
[0050] (Control system configuration) Next, the configuration of the control system of the prize acquisition game device 1 will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system of the prize acquisition game device 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the prize acquisition game device 1 includes a main control board 50, a drive board 60, a catcher board 530, and an arm type identification board 570. The main control board 50 comprehensively controls the progress of the prize acquisition game. The main control board 50 is disposed inside the lower housing 12. The main control board 50 includes a processing unit 51, a memory unit 52, a communication unit 53, an RTC (real-time clock) 54, etc. The processing unit 51 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like. The processing unit 51 executes processes required for the progression of the prize game based on various detection signals input from the control panel 13 and programs and data stored in the memory unit 52. The processing unit 51 also executes processes related to various settings of the prize game device 1 based on various detection signals input from the touch panel 15a, various information received by the communication unit 53, and programs and data stored in the memory unit 52. Furthermore, the processing unit 51 transmits various control commands to the drive board 660, the catcher board 530, etc. in accordance with the progression of the prize game. The processing unit 51 receives, as input, detection signals output in response to pressing of each operation button 16a, 16b, detection signals output in response to operation of the touch panel 15a, detection signals output in response to insertion of a coin into the coin slot 14, detection signals output in response to detection of a prize P by the prize acquisition sensor 17a, etc. The storage unit 52 is composed of a non-volatile memory, etc. The storage unit 52 stores programs and data required for the progression of the prize acquisition game, various settings of the prize acquisition game device 1, etc. The communication unit 53 communicates with an external terminal device (not shown) via a network (not shown). The RTC 54 generates (times) information indicating the current time (year, month, date, day of the week, hour, minute, second). The RTC 54 is configured to operate by receiving power from a backup power supply. This allows the RTC 54 to constantly measure the current time even when the prize acquisition game device 1 is not powered on.
[0051] The drive board 60 controls the movement of the prize moving section 500 (movement in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction) by controlling the driving of the X direction motor m2, Y direction motor m3, and lifting motor m4. The drive board 60 is arranged on the top surface (inside) of the housing 10. The drive board 60 is configured to include a processing unit, etc. The processing unit of the drive board 60 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The ROM of the drive board 60 stores the program data required to control the movement of the prize movement unit 500. Here, the prize acquisition game device 1 is equipped with an X position detection means 55 for detecting the position of the prize moving section 500 in the X direction (left and right direction), a Y position detection means 56 for detecting the position of the prize moving section 500 in the Y direction (depth direction), and a Z position detection means 57 for detecting the position of the prize moving section 500 in the Z direction (up and down direction). The processing unit of the drive board 60 receives, as input, control commands sent by the main control board 50, detection signals output by the X position detection means 55, detection signals output by the Y position detection means 56, detection signals output by the Z position detection means 57, etc.
[0052] The processing unit of the drive board 60 constantly calculates the X-direction position (hereinafter referred to as the "X coordinate") of the prize moving unit 500 based on the detection signal output by the X-position detection means 55, calculates the Y-direction position (hereinafter referred to as the "Y coordinate") of the prize moving unit 500 based on the detection signal output by the Y-position detection means 56, and further calculates the Z-direction position (hereinafter referred to as the "Z coordinate") of the prize moving unit 500 based on the detection signal output by the Z-position detection means 57. The processing unit of the drive board 60 controls the driving of the X-direction motor m2 (movement of the prize moving unit 500 in the X direction) based on the control command received from the main control board 50, the X coordinate of the prize moving unit 500, and movement range designation information described below. At this time, the movement of the prize moving unit 500 in the X direction is limited within the range between the lower limit X coordinate designated by the movement range designation information and the upper limit X coordinate designated by the movement range designation information. Furthermore, the processing unit of the drive board 60 controls the driving of the Y-direction motor m3 (movement of the prize moving unit 500 in the Y direction) based on the control command received from the main control board 50, the Y coordinate of the prize moving unit 500, and movement range designation information described below. At this time, the movement of the prize moving unit 500 in the Y direction is restricted within the range between the lower limit Y coordinate designated by the movement range designation information and the upper limit Y coordinate designated by the movement range designation information. Furthermore, the processing unit of the drive board 60 controls the drive of the lifting motor m4 (movement of the prize moving unit 500 in the Z direction) based on the control command received from the main control board 50, the Z coordinate of the prize moving unit 500, and area-specific descent limit designation information described below. At this time, the processing unit acquires the lower limit Z coordinate corresponding to the X and Y coordinates of the prize moving unit 500 based on the area-specific descent limit designation information, and controls the movement (descent) of the prize moving unit 500 in the Z direction using the acquired lower limit Z coordinate as the limit. Also, based on the area-specific pushing force designation information, the processing unit acquires the pushing force corresponding to the X and Y coordinates of the prize moving unit 500, and controls the movement (descent) of the prize moving unit 500 in the Z direction so that it becomes the acquired pushing force.
[0053] The catcher board 530 controls the opening and closing of the pair of arms 560 and the gripping force of the pair of arms 560 by controlling the driving of the opening and closing motor m1 of one arm unit 520 and the opening and closing motor m1 of the other arm unit 520. The catcher board 530 is placed inside the catcher case 501. The catcher board 530 is configured to include a processing unit, etc. The processing unit of the catcher board 530 is configured by a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The ROM of the catcher board 530 stores programs and data required to control the opening and closing of the pair of arms 560. The processing unit of the catcher board 530 receives as input the control commands transmitted by the main control board 50, the detection signal output by the potentiometer 580 of one arm unit 520, the detection signal output by the potentiometer 580 of the other arm unit 520, the detection signal from the arm type identification board 570 (light receiving elements of the four-system photosensor) of one arm unit 520, the detection signal from the arm type identification board 570 (light receiving elements of the four-system photosensor) of the other arm unit 520, etc.
[0054] As described above, the processing unit of the catcher board 530 determines the type of arm 560 attached to each arm unit 520 based on the detection signal input from the arm type identification board 570 (light receiving elements of the four-system photosensor) of the arm unit 520. During the attract state, the processing unit of the catcher substrate 530 executes a calibration process when displacement of the arm 560 (arm holding unit 550) is detected for any of the arm units 520. Here, the displacement of the arm 560 (arm holding unit 550) is detected based on a detection signal input from the potentiometer 580. As described above, each arm 560 (each arm holder 550) can be displaced (rotated) around the rotation axis 551 within a range from the closed limit position to the open limit position. In this case, in the present embodiment, for each arm 560 (each arm holder 550), a closed position for when the pair of arms 560 is closed can be set within a range from the closed limit position to the open limit position. When the pair of arms 560 are closed, each arm 560 is displaced (closed) to a preset closed position. As a result, when a position closer to the open limit position than the closed limit position is set as the closed position of each arm 560, each arm 560 will not be displaced to the closed limit position. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the type of arm 560 attached to the arm holder 550 is determined when the arm 560 is positioned at the open limit position (when the arm holder 550 is positioned at the open limit position). This makes it possible to reliably determine the type of arm 560 attached to the arm holder 550. In the calibration process, first, the arm 560 (arm holding portion 550) is displaced to the open limit position for each arm unit 520. Next, a process for determining the type of arm 560 attached to each arm unit 520 is executed. At this time, for each arm unit 520, the type of arm 560 attached to each arm unit 520 is determined based on a detection signal input from the arm type identification board 570 (light receiving elements of four systems of photosensors). Next, arm type information including information specifying the type of arm 560 attached to one arm unit 520 and information specifying the type of arm 560 attached to the other arm unit 520 is saved in a predetermined area of RAM and transmitted to the main control board 50. This completes the calibration process.
[0055] The processing unit of the catcher board 530 constantly calculates the position (hereinafter referred to as the “open / closed position”) of the arm 560 (arm holding unit 550 ) for each arm unit 520 based on the detection signal input from the potentiometer 580 . The processing unit of the catcher board 530 then controls the drive of the opening / closing motor m1 (opening / closing and gripping force of the arm 560) for each arm unit 520 based on the control command received from the main control board 50, the open / closed position of the arm 560, and area-specific gripping force designation information described below. At this time, for each arm unit 520, the gripping force corresponding to the X and Y coordinates of the prize moving unit 500 is obtained based on the area-specific gripping force designation information, and the opening / closing (closing) of the arm 560 is controlled so that the obtained gripping force is achieved.
[0056] (Game processing) Next, the game processing executed by the processing unit 51 will be described. When the prize acquisition game device 1 is powered on, the processing unit 51 starts game processing. In the game processing, first, an initial setting process is executed, in which various initial settings are made. Once the initial setting process is complete, an initial operation process is then executed. In the initial operation process, an initial operation (initialization operation) is executed for the crane unit 40. The "initial operation" is an operation for checking whether the crane unit 40 operates normally and for checking that the crane unit 40 is positioned at the home position. In the initial operation process, a control command specifying the execution of the initial operation is sent to the drive board 60 and the catcher board 530.
[0057] Once the initial operation process is completed, an attract start process is executed. In the attract start process, the prize winning game device 1 starts an attract state (a state of waiting for a customer). In the "attract state," the prize winning game is not being executed and the prize winning game can be started. During the attract state, the prize winning game device 1 executes an attract operation. During the attract state, the establishment of the conditions for starting the prize game is monitored. In this embodiment, the conditions for starting the prize game are established when the insertion of a coin into the coin slot 14 is detected. When the conditions for starting the prize game are met, the attract state ends and the prize game (game state) begins. Here, at the start of the prize game, the crane unit 40 is placed in the home position. During the prize game, first, the input of a detection signal from the first operation button 16a is monitored. Then, in response to the input of the detection signal from the first operation button 16a, a control command specifying the start of movement in the X direction is transmitted to the drive board 60. This starts driving the X-direction motor m2, and the prize moving unit 500 starts moving in the left-right direction. Next, the input of the detection signal from the first operation button 16a is monitored for cessation. Then, in response to the cessation of the input of the detection signal from the first operation button 16a, a control command specifying the end of movement in the X direction is sent to the drive board 60. This stops the drive of the X-direction motor m2, and the movement of the prize moving unit 500 in the left-right direction is stopped. Here, when the X coordinate of the prize moving unit 500 reaches the upper limit X coordinate specified by the movement range designation information, the drive of the X-direction motor m2 is stopped, and the movement of the prize moving unit 500 in the left-right direction is stopped even if the input of the detection signal from the first operation button 16a is not stopped.
[0058] Next, the input of the detection signal from the second operation button 16b is monitored. Then, in response to the input of the detection signal from the second operation button 16b, a control command specifying the start of movement in the Y direction is sent to the drive board 60. This starts driving the Y direction motor m3, and the prize moving section 500 starts moving in the depth direction. Next, the cessation of the input of the detection signal from the second operation button 16b is monitored. Then, in response to the cessation of the input of the detection signal from the second operation button 16b, a control command specifying the opening of the pair of arms 560 is transmitted to the catcher board 530. This drives each of the opening / closing motors m1, and the pair of arms 560 are opened. At this time, the opening of the pair of arms 560 is controlled in accordance with the arm opening degree specified by the arm opening degree specification information. Next, when the release of the pair of arms is completed, a control command specifying the start of movement (descent) in the Z direction is transmitted to the drive board 60. As a result, the driving of the Y-direction motor m3 is stopped, the movement of the prize moving unit 500 in the depth direction is stopped, and the driving of the lifting motor m4 is started, and the movement of the prize moving unit 500 in the up-down direction (descent) is started. Here, when the Y coordinate of the prize moving unit 500 reaches the upper limit Y coordinate specified by the movement range specification information, even if the input of the detection signal from the second operation button 16b is not stopped, the driving of the Y-direction motor m3 is stopped, the movement of the prize moving unit 500 in the depth direction is stopped, and the driving of the lifting motor m4 is started, and the movement of the prize moving unit 500 in the up-down direction (descent) is started.
[0059] Next, the prize moving section 500 is lowered to a predetermined position. At this time, a descent limit position (Z coordinate) corresponding to the current XY coordinates of the prize moving section 500 is acquired based on the area-specific descent limit designation information, and the prize moving section 500 is lowered to the acquired descent limit position. Also, a pushing force corresponding to the current XY coordinates of the prize moving section 500 is acquired based on the area-specific pushing force designation information, and the descent of the prize moving section 500 is controlled according to the acquired pushing force. Then, when the prize moving section 500 is lowered to a predetermined position, a control command specifying the closing of the pair of arms 560 is sent to the catcher board 530. This drives each opening / closing motor m1, and the pair of arms 560 are closed. At this time, for each arm unit 520, the left arm power and right arm power corresponding to the current XY coordinates of the prize moving section 500 are acquired based on the area-specific gripping force designation information, and the closing of each arm 560 is controlled according to the acquired left arm power and right arm power. Next, in response to the completion of closing of the pair of arms 560, a control command specifying the start of movement (rising) in the Z direction is sent to the drive board 60. This starts driving the lift motor m4, and the prize moving part 500 starts moving (rising) in the up-and-down direction. At this time, the prize moving part 500 is raised to the Z coordinate specified by the initial height information. Next, as the prize moving section 500 is raised to the initial height, a control command specifying movement to the pitfall (opening area OE) is sent to the drive board 60. This starts driving the X-direction motor m2 and the Y-direction motor m3, and the prize moving section 500 is moved toward the pitfall center coordinates specified by the pitfall information. At this time, if the pitfall information specifies multiple pitfall center coordinates, the prize moving section 500 is moved toward the pitfall center coordinates that are closest to the XY coordinates of the prize moving section 500 among the multiple pitfall center coordinates. Next, in response to the prize moving unit 500 being moved to the trap, a control command specifying opening and closing of the pair of arms 560 is transmitted to the catcher board 530. This drives each opening and closing motor m1, and the pair of arms 560 are opened and closed. Next, in response to the completion of opening and closing of the pair of arms 560, a control command specifying movement to the home position is sent to the drive board 60. This starts driving the X-direction motor m2 and the Y-direction motor m3, and the prize moving unit 500 moves toward the XY coordinates (home position) specified by the home position specification information. Then, the prize acquisition game ends as the prize moving unit 500 is moved to the home position. When the prize acquisition game (game state) ends, the process shifts to the attract start process described above, and the attract state starts again.
[0060] (Setting various settings) Next, the settings of various setting items will be described. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a station selection screen im1. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a first setting item selection screen im2. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a second setting item selection screen im3. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a third setting item selection screen im4. In the game system 100, the terminal device 2 is used as a parent device, and it is possible to set various setting items for one or more prize winning game devices 1 included in the game system 100. That is, in the game system 100, it is possible to set various setting items for all prize winning game devices 1 (all stations) included in the game system 100, individually or collectively, using the terminal device 2. In this case, it is possible to set various setting items using the touch panel display of the terminal device 2. In this embodiment, the game system 100 includes ten prize game devices 1 (stations A to J). In addition, in this embodiment, various setting items include XY movement range setting, home position setting, pitfall setting, initial height setting, arm opening setting, area setting, sequence setting, shift operation setting, etc.
[0061] Specifically, in the terminal device 2, in response to a predetermined operation by the operator, a station selection screen im1 shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display unit. On the station selection screen im1, it is possible to select, by operating the touch panel, the prize winning game device 1 (station) to which the settings are to be applied from among the ten prize winning game devices 1 (stations A to J) included in the game system 100. At this time, it is possible to select one or more prize winning game devices 1 from among the ten prize winning game devices 1. When multiple prize winning game devices 1 are selected, it is possible to apply the settings to the multiple prize winning game devices 1 collectively. A setting start icon ic1 is displayed on the station selection screen im1. When the setting start icon ic1 is selected by operating the touch panel while one or more prize acquisition game devices 1 are selected, a first setting item selection screen im2 shown in Fig. 9 is displayed on the display unit. The first setting item selection screen im2 displays icons corresponding to multiple setting items. The operator can select the setting item to be set by selecting one of the icons using the touch panel. In particular, the multiple setting items include "Movement Settings Area / Power" and "Game Settings." When the icon ic2 corresponding to "Movement Settings Area / Power" is selected on the first setting item selection screen im2, the second setting item selection screen im3 shown in FIG. 10 is displayed on the display. On the other hand, when the icon ic10 corresponding to "Game Settings" is selected on the first setting item selection screen im2, the third setting item selection screen im4 shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the display. The second setting item selection screen im3 displays icons corresponding to multiple setting items. The operator can select the setting item to be set by selecting one of the icons using the touch panel. In particular, the multiple setting items include "Pitfall Settings," "Area Settings," and "XY Movement Range / HP Settings." The third setting item selection screen im4 displays icons corresponding to multiple setting items. The operator can select the setting item to be set by selecting one of the icons using the touch panel. In particular, the multiple setting items include "shift operation settings" and "sequence settings."
[0062] (Pitfall setting) First, the pitfall setting will be explained. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a first pitfall setting screen im5, Fig. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a second pitfall setting screen im6, and Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a third pitfall setting screen im7. "Pitfall Settings" is the setting for the placement of pitfalls (opening areas OE) in the game area GE. When the icon ic3 corresponding to "Pitfall Settings" is selected on the second setting item selection screen im3, the first pitfall settings screen im5, the second pitfall settings screen im6, or the third pitfall settings screen im7 is displayed on the display unit. It is possible to set traps on each of the trap setting screens im5, im6, and im7. Here, the setting method switching icon ic6 is displayed on each of the trap setting screens im5, im6, and im7. Then, by operating the touch panel and selecting the setting direction switching icon ic6, it is possible to change the trap setting method. In this embodiment, the methods for setting traps are defined as "easy (9 blocks)," "detailed (36 blocks)," and "pinpoint." By operating the touch panel and selecting the setting direction switching icon ic6, it is possible to select one of "easy (9 blocks)," "detailed (36 blocks)," and "pinpoint." If "Easy (9 blocks)" is selected, the first pitfall setting screen im5 shown in Figure 12 will be displayed, and with the game area GE divided into nine areas, it will be possible to set whether or not each of the nine areas will be a pitfall. On the other hand, if "Details (36 blocks)" is selected, the second pitfall setting screen im6 shown in Figure 13 will be displayed, and with the game area GE divided into 36 areas, it will be possible to set whether or not each of the 36 areas will be a pitfall. On the other hand, if "Pinpoint" is selected, the third pitfall setting screen im7 shown in Figure 14 will be displayed, and the pitfall can be set by specifying the XY coordinates of the pitfall in the game area GE.
[0063] The first pitfall setting screen im5 displays a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE. The setting area ge (game area GE) is divided into nine areas of "3 rows x 3 columns." It is possible to set each of the nine areas as a pitfall (opening area OE). That is, in the setting area ge, by operating the touch panel, it is possible to select each of the nine areas and switch whether or not to set the area as a pitfall. In this case, in the setting area ge, a "◯" (a symbol indicating a pitfall) is displayed in the areas of the nine areas that are set as pitfalls, and an "X" is displayed in the areas that are not set as pitfalls. Pitfalls are set in the areas of the game area GE that correspond to the areas where the "◯" is displayed. Meanwhile, the second pitfall setting screen im6 displays a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE. The setting area ge (game area GE) is divided into 36 areas of 6 rows and 6 columns. It is possible to set each of the 36 areas as a pitfall (opening area OE). That is, in the setting area ge, by operating the touch panel, it is possible to select each of the 36 areas and switch whether or not to set the area as a pitfall. In this case, in the setting area ge, a "◯" (a symbol indicating a pitfall) is displayed in the areas of the 36 areas that are set as pitfalls, and an "X" is displayed in the areas that are not set as pitfalls. Pitfalls are set in the areas of the game area GE that correspond to the areas where the "◯" is displayed. Meanwhile, the third pitfall setting screen im7 displays a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE. An XY coordinate system (X = "0" to "100", Y = "0" to "100") is set in the setting area ge (game area GE). Then, by operating the touch panel, it is possible to select any position (XY coordinates) within the setting area ge and set a pitfall at the selected position (XY coordinates). Alternatively, by operating the touch panel, it is possible to set a pitfall at the input XY coordinates. At this time, a predetermined symbol (in this embodiment, a "black dot") (a symbol indicating a pitfall) is displayed in the setting area ge at the XY coordinates set for the pitfall. In this embodiment, it is possible to set up to four pitfalls. Then, the pitfall (the center of the pitfall) is set at the specified XY coordinates in the game area GE.
[0064] When the pitfall setting is reflected in the prize game device 1, the main control board 50 calculates the XY coordinates of the center of the pitfall set by the pitfall setting (hereinafter referred to as "pitfall center coordinates"). At this time, if multiple pitfalls are set at different locations in the game area GE, the main control board 50 calculates the pitfall center coordinates for each of the multiple pitfalls. The main control board 50 also transmits pitfall information specifying one or more calculated pitfall center coordinates to the drive board 60. The drive board 60 then stores the received pitfall information in a predetermined area of RAM. When the drive board 60 receives a control command specifying movement to a pitfall, it moves the prize moving unit 500 toward the pitfall center coordinates specified by the pitfall information. At this time, if multiple pitfall center coordinates are specified in the pitfall information, the prize moving unit 500 moves toward the pitfall center coordinates that are closest to the current XY coordinates of the prize moving unit 500 among the multiple pitfall center coordinates.
[0065] (Settings by area) Next, the area-specific settings will be described. Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an example of an area-specific operation setting screen im8, and Fig. 16 is a diagram showing an example of an area specification screen im9. The "area-specific setting" is a setting for the operation of the prize moving unit 500 for each area of the game area GE. That is, the area-specific setting allows the game area GE to be divided into a plurality of designated areas, and the operation of the prize moving unit 500 to be set for each designated area. In this case, in this embodiment, the gripping force (arm power) of each arm 560, the pushing force of the pair of arms 560, and the downward limit position of the prize moving unit 500 can be set as the operation of the prize moving unit 500. In particular, in the prize winning game device 1, the height of the prize placement mechanism 30 can be set arbitrarily for each area of the game area GE by raising and lowering the overall lifting frame 220 and the individual lifting frames 231 to 236. This makes it possible to set the lowering limit position of the prize moving section 500 for each designated area of the game area GE, making it possible to appropriately set the operation of the prize moving section 500 according to the configuration of the prize placement mechanism 30 and also widening the scope of staggered operation, which will be described later. When the icon ic4 corresponding to "area-specific settings" is selected on the second setting item selection screen im3, an area-specific operation setting screen im8 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed on the display unit. The area-specific operation setting screen im8 allows you to set the initial height, the arm opening, and area-specific settings. The "initial height setting" is the setting of the initial height of the prize moving unit 500. The "initial height" is the position (position in the Z direction) at which the prize moving unit 500 is placed at the start and end of the prize acquisition game (home position). The "arm opening setting" is a setting of the arm opening degree. The "arm opening degree" is the degree to which the pair of arms 560 is opened when the pair of arms 560 is opened. Specifically, the arm opening degree is the ratio of the "actual opening amount of the pair of arms 560" to the "opening amount of the pair of arms 560 when each arm 560 is opened to its open limit position." That is, the area-specific operation setting screen im8 displays an initial height selection section d1 for selecting an initial height, an arm opening selection section d2 for selecting an arm opening, and an area-specific operation selection section d3 for selecting the operation of the prize moving section 500 for each designated area, which will be described later. The operator can select the content of each of the initial height selection section d1, arm opening selection section d2, and area-specific operation selection section d3 by operating the touch panel. The initial height selected in the initial height selection section d1 and the arm opening degree selected in the arm opening degree selection section d2 are set to the same value for the entire game area GE. On the other hand, the area-specific operation selection section d3 allows the user to select the operation of the prize moving section 500 for each designated area in the game area GE.
[0066] In the initial height selection section d1, it is possible to select any of 100 levels from "0" (high) to "99" (low) as the initial height (however, it cannot be set below the lowering limit position). The arm opening selection unit d2 allows the selection of any value for the arm opening in increments of 5% within the range of 5% to 100%. Alternatively, any value in increments of 5% within the range of 50% to 100% may be selected. In the area-specific operation selection section d3, it is possible to set the gripping force of the left arm 560 (hereinafter referred to as "left arm power"), the gripping force of the right arm 560 (hereinafter referred to as "right arm power"), the pushing force of the pair of arms 560, and the descent limit position of the prize moving section 500 for each of one or more designated areas specified on the area designation screen im9 described below. In this case, it is possible to select any of 610 levels for the left arm power within the range of "0.1" (weak) to "150" (strong). In this case, within the range of "0.1" to "20", any value in increments of "0.1" (excluding "3" and "8" in decimal points) can be selected, within the range of "20" to "100", any value in increments of "0.5" can be selected, and within the range of "100" to "150", any value in increments of "1" can be selected. Additionally, for right arm power, it is possible to select one of 610 levels within the range of "0.1" (weak) to "150" (strong). In this case, within the range of "0.1" to "20", any value in increments of "0.1" (excluding decimal points "3" and "8") can be selected, within the range of "20" to "100", any value in increments of "0.5" can be selected, and within the range of "100" to "150", any value in increments of "1" can be selected. The pressing force can be selected from three levels: "normal," "weak," and "strong." It is also possible to select from four or more predetermined levels of pressing force. Furthermore, it is possible to select any one of 100 levels from "1" (high) to "100" (low) as the lowering limit position (however, it cannot be set higher than the initial height).
[0067] In particular, the area-specific operation setting screen im8 displays a setting area ge indicating the game area GE, and in this setting area ge, the designated area specified on the area specification screen im9 described below and the pitfall set in the pitfall setting (in FIG. 15, a "circle" is the symbol indicating the pitfall) are displayed superimposed. This makes it easy to understand the relationship between the game area GE, one or more designated areas specified in the game area GE, and the pitfall set in the game area GE, and makes it easy to set the operation of the prize moving unit 500 in each designated area.
[0068] An area specification icon ic7 is displayed on the area-specific operation setting screen im8. When the area specification icon ic7 is selected by operating the touch panel, an area specification screen im9 shown in Fig. 16 is displayed on the display unit. On the area designation screen im9, it is possible to designate one or more designated areas in the game area GE. Specifically, on the area designation screen im9, it is possible to divide the game area GE into a plurality of designated areas. Then, after dividing the game area GE into a plurality of designated areas on the area designation screen im9, it is possible to set the operation of the prize moving unit 500 for each divided designated area on the area-specific operation setting screen im8. That is, the area designation screen im9 displays an area addition icon ic8, an area confirmation icon ic9, a designated area display region d4, and a setting region ge corresponding to the game area GE. The setting region ge (game area GE) is divided into 36 areas of "6 rows x 6 columns." Then, when the add area icon ic8 is selected by operating the touch panel, the name of the new designated area is added to the designated area display area d4, and the designation of the range of the new designated area becomes valid. Furthermore, with the designation of the range of the new designated area valid, it is possible to set the range of the new designated area by selecting areas from the 36 areas to be included in the new designated area. Then, with one or more areas selected as areas to be included in the new designated area, when the area confirmation icon ic9 is selected, the range of the new designated area is confirmed. By repeating this method, in this embodiment, it is possible to designate (set) a maximum of six designated areas in the game area GE.
[0069] In particular, the area designation screen im9 displays one or more designated areas in the setting area ge indicating the game area GE, and the pitfalls set in the pitfall settings (in Figure 16, a ``circle'' is the symbol indicating a pitfall) superimposed on each other. This makes it easier to understand the relationship between the game area GE, one or more designated areas specified in the game area GE, and the pitfalls set in the game area GE, making it easier to specify designated areas in the game area GE. Here, when a pitfall is set using "Detailed (36 blocks)" in the pitfall setting, as shown in FIG. 16(a), a "◯" (a symbol indicating a pitfall) is displayed in each of the 36 areas in the setting area ge that is set as a pitfall. On the other hand, when a pitfall is set using "Easy (9 blocks)" in the pitfall setting, as shown in FIG. 16(b), the setting area ge is divided into nine areas, and a "◯" (a symbol indicating a pitfall) is displayed in each of the nine areas that is set as a pitfall. On the other hand, when a pitfall is set using "Pinpoint" in the pitfall setting, as shown in FIG. 16(c), a predetermined symbol (in this embodiment, a "black dot") (a symbol indicating a pitfall) is displayed at each XY coordinate where the pitfall is set in the setting area ge.
[0070] When the initial height setting is reflected in the prize game device 1, the main control board 50 transmits initial height information specifying the Z coordinate corresponding to the initial height set by the initial height setting to the drive board 60. The drive board 60 also stores the received initial height information in a predetermined area of RAM. Then, when the drive board 60 receives a control command specifying the start of movement (rising) in the Z direction, it raises the prize moving unit 500 to the Z coordinate specified by the initial height information. Furthermore, when the arm opening setting is reflected in the prize acquisition game device 1, the main control board 50 transmits arm opening information specifying the arm opening set by the arm opening setting to the catcher board 530. The catcher board 530 stores the received arm opening information in a predetermined area of RAM. Then, when the catcher board 530 receives a control command specifying the opening of the pair of arms 560, it opens the pair of arms 560 according to the arm opening specified by the arm opening specification information. Furthermore, when the area-specific operation settings are reflected in the prize game device 1, the main control board 500 transmits area-specific descent limit designation information and area-specific pushing force designation information to the drive board 60. Here, the area-specific descent limit designation information is information specifying the XY coordinates of each designated area set by the area-specific operation settings and information specifying the descent limit position (Z coordinate) corresponding to the designated area. Furthermore, the area-specific pushing force designation information is information specifying the XY coordinates of each designated area set by the area-specific operation settings and information specifying the pushing force corresponding to the designated area. Furthermore, the drive board 60 stores the received area-specific descent limit designation information and area-specific pushing force designation information in a predetermined area of RAM. Then, when the drive board 60 receives a control command specifying the start of movement (descent) in the Z direction, it obtains the descent limit position corresponding to the current XY coordinates of the prize moving unit 500 based on the area-specific descent limit designation information, and descends the prize moving unit 500 to the obtained descent limit position. In addition, based on the area-specific pushing force designation information, the pushing force corresponding to the current XY coordinates of the prize moving section 500 is obtained, and the descent of the prize moving section 500 is controlled according to the obtained pushing force. Furthermore, when the area-specific operation settings are reflected in the prize game device 1, the main control board 50 transmits area-specific grip force designation information to the catcher board 530, which designates, for each designated area set by the area-specific operation settings, information designating the XY coordinates of the designated area, information designating the left arm power corresponding to the designated area, and information designating the right arm power corresponding to the designated area. The catcher board 530 stores the received area-specific grip force designation information in a predetermined area of RAM. When the catcher board 530 receives a control command designating the closing of a pair of arms 560, it acquires the left arm power and right arm power corresponding to the current XY coordinates of the prize moving unit 500 based on the area-specific grip force designation information, and controls the closing of each arm 560 according to the acquired left arm power and right arm power.
[0071] For example, in the example shown in FIG. 15, three designated areas (base area, area A, and area B) are designated in the game area GE. For the base area, "10" is selected as the left arm power, "25" as the right arm power, "weak" as the pushing force, and "85" as the lowering limit position. For area A, "15" is selected as the left arm power, "20" as the right arm power, "strong" as the pushing force, and "70" as the lowering limit position. For area B, "15" is selected as the left arm power, "20" as the right arm power, "normal" as the pushing force, and "80" as the lowering limit position. As a result, when the area-specific operation settings are reflected in the prize acquisition game device 1, if the prize moving unit 500 is located in the base area, the operation of the prize moving unit 500 is controlled so that the left arm power = "10", right arm power = "25", pushing force = "weak", and descent limit position = "85". On the other hand, if the prize moving unit 500 is located in area A, the operation of the prize moving unit 500 is controlled so that the left arm power = "15", right arm power = "20", pushing force = "strong", and descent limit position = "70". On the other hand, if the prize moving unit 500 is located in area B, the operation of the prize moving unit 500 is controlled so that the left arm power = "15", right arm power = "20", pushing force = "normal", and descent limit position = "80".
[0072] (XY movement range setting, home position setting) Next, the XY movement range setting and the home position setting will be described. Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a movement range setting screen im10, and Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a movement range setting screen im11. The "XY movement range setting" is the setting of the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500. The "XY movement range" is the movement range (movement restriction range) in the X and Y directions (horizontal direction) of the prize moving section 500. In other words, the XY movement range is the movement range (movement restriction range) of the prize moving section 500 in the X direction, and the movement range (movement restriction range) of the prize moving section 500 in the Y direction. The "home position setting" is the setting of the placement of the home position in the game area GE. The "home position" is the position (position in the X and Y directions) where the prize moving unit 500 is placed at the start and end of the prize acquisition game. When the icon ic5 corresponding to "XY movement range / home position setting" is selected on the second setting item selection screen im3, a movement range setting screen im10 shown in FIG. 17 is displayed on the display unit. The movement range setting screen im10 allows you to set the XY movement range and home position all at once. That is, the movement range setting screen im10 displays a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE. Also, an XY coordinate system (X="0" to "100", Y="0" to "100") is set in the setting area ge (game area GE). Furthermore, within the setting area ge, a movement area mr partitioned by the home pointer hp and end pointer ep is displayed. In this case, in the setting area ge (game area GE) of the right station, the front right corner is set to the origin (X="0", Y="0"), the coordinates of the front left corner are set to (X="100", Y="0"), the coordinates of the back right corner are set to (X="0", Y="100"), and the coordinates of the back left corner are set to (X="100", Y="100"). On the other hand, in the left station, the X axis is reversed with respect to the right station. That is, in the setting area ge (game area GE) of the right station, the left front corner is set to the origin (X="0", Y="0"), the coordinates of the right front corner are set to (X="100", Y="0"), the coordinates of the left rear corner are set to (X="0", Y="100"), and the coordinates of the right rear corner are set to (X="100", Y="100"). In the setting area ge, a movement area mr (the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500) is defined by two points, the home pointer hp and the end pointer ep. That is, the X coordinate of the home pointer hp specifies the X coordinate of the right boundary in the X direction of the movement area mr (the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500) (hereinafter referred to as the "lower limit X coordinate"), and the Y coordinate of the home pointer hp specifies the Y coordinate of the front boundary in the Y direction of the movement area mr (the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500) (hereinafter referred to as the "lower limit Y coordinate"). In addition, the X coordinate of the end pointer ep specifies the X coordinate of the left boundary in the X direction of the movement area mr (the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500) (hereinafter referred to as the "upper limit X coordinate"), and the Y coordinate of the end pointer ep specifies the Y coordinate of the back boundary in the Y direction of the movement area mr (the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500) (hereinafter referred to as the "upper limit Y coordinate"). This defines a quadrangular movement area mr (XY movement range) in plan view in the setting area ge (game area GE). Here, in this embodiment, in each prize acquisition game device 1, during a prize acquisition game, the prize moving section 500 is moved toward the left in the X direction in response to input of a detection signal from the first operation button 16a, and the prize moving section 500 is moved toward the back in the Y direction in response to input of a detection signal from the second operation button 16b. Therefore, in this embodiment, during the prize acquisition game, the prize moving unit 500 is configured not to move toward the right in the X direction, nor toward the front in the Y direction. As a result, the X and Y coordinates of the home pointer hp become the home position of the prize moving unit 500. In other words, the X and Y coordinates of the home position are specified by the X and Y coordinates of the home pointer hp.
[0073] On the movement range setting screen im10, the positions (X and Y coordinates) of the home pointer hp and the end pointer ep displayed within the setting area ge can be set by operating the touch panel to slide the home pointer hp and the end pointer ep, respectively. Alternatively, the positions (X and Y coordinates) of the home pointer hp and the end pointer ep can be set by operating the touch panel to input arbitrary X and Y coordinates for each of the home pointer hp and the end pointer ep. The range from the X coordinate (lower limit X coordinate) of the home pointer hp to the X coordinate (upper limit X coordinate) of the end pointer ep defines the X-direction range of the movement area mr (the X-direction movement range of the prize movement unit 500), and the range from the Y coordinate (lower limit Y coordinate) of the home pointer hp to the Y coordinate (upper limit Y coordinate) of the end pointer ep defines the Y-direction range of the movement area mr (the Y-direction movement range of the prize movement unit 500). Here, the limit range of movement in the X and Y directions of the prize moving unit 500 of each prize winning game device 1 is set according to the type of arm 560 attached to the arm holding unit 550 determined by the catcher board 530 of that prize winning game device 1 and the angle (orientation) of the prize moving unit 500, and the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X and Y directions can be set within the limit range of movement in the X and Y directions. That is, in this embodiment, the angle (orientation) of the prize moving unit 500 can be changed around the support unit 413. In this case, the angle of the prize moving unit 500 can be changed in increments of 30°. When the prize moving unit 500 is facing forward (a pair of arms 560 are aligned horizontally), the limit position of movement on one side in the X direction is set based on the type of arm 560 attached to one arm unit 520 specified by the arm type information. Furthermore, the movement limit position on the other side in the X direction is set based on the type of the arm 560 attached to the other arm unit 520 specified by the arm type information. At this time, each movement limit position is set so that the arm 560 attached to each arm unit 520 does not come into contact (clash) with the side surface of the housing 10. The range from the movement limit position on one side in the X direction to the movement limit position on the other side in the X direction may be set as the movement limit range in the X direction, and the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X direction may be set within this movement limit range in the X direction. On the other hand, when the prize moving unit 500 is rotated 90° from a state facing forward (a state in which the pair of arms 560 are lined up in the depth direction), the movement limit position on one side in the Y direction is set based on the type of the arm 560 attached to one arm unit 520 specified by the arm type information. Furthermore, the movement limit position on the other side in the Y direction is set based on the type of the arm 560 attached to the other arm unit 520 specified by the arm type information. At this time, each movement limit position is set so that the arm 560 attached to each arm unit 520 does not come into contact (clash) with the front or rear surface of the housing 10.The range from the movement limit position on one side in the Y direction to the movement limit position on the other side in the Y direction may be defined as the movement limit range in the Y direction, and the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the Y direction may be set within this movement limit range in the Y direction. On the other hand, when the prize moving unit 500 is rotated 30° or 60° from a state facing forward (a state in which the pair of arms 560 are aligned along a diagonal direction combining the left-right direction and the depth direction), the movement limit position on one side in the X direction and the movement limit position on one side in the Y direction are set based on the type of arm 560 attached to one arm unit 520 specified by the arm type information. Furthermore, the movement limit position on the other side in the X direction and the movement limit position on the other side in the Y direction are set based on the type of arm 560 attached to the other arm unit 520 specified by the arm type information. At this time, each movement limit position is set so that the arm 560 attached to each arm unit 520 does not come into contact (crash) with the front, back, or side of the housing 10. Then, the range from the movement limit position on one side in the X direction to the movement limit position on the other side in the X direction is defined as the movement limit range in the X direction, and the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X direction can be set within this movement limit range in the X direction, and the range from the movement limit position on one side in the Y direction to the movement limit position on the other side in the Y direction is defined as the movement limit range in the Y direction, and the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the Y direction can be set within this movement limit range in the Y direction. As a result, it is possible to prevent each arm 560 from contacting (colliding with) the side of the housing 10. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X and Y directions can be set outside the movement limit ranges in the X and Y directions, and a predetermined warning image is displayed when the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X and Y directions is set outside the movement limit ranges in the X and Y directions. For example, when the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X and Y directions is set outside the movement limit ranges in the X and Y directions, a confirmation screen (a screen for selecting "Yes" or "No") is displayed regarding "setting the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X and Y directions outside the movement limit ranges in the X and Y directions," and if "setting the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X and Y directions outside the movement limit ranges in the X and Y directions" is permitted on the confirmation screen (if "Yes" is selected), the setting of the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X and Y directions outside the movement limit ranges in the X and Y directions may be confirmed. This configuration also makes it possible to prevent the arms 560 from coming into contact (colliding) with the side surface of the housing 10.
[0074] In particular, the movement range setting screen im10 displays a setting area ge indicating the game area GE, a movement area mr indicating the XY movement range of the prize movement section 500, and a home pointer hp indicating the home position, all overlapping with each other. This makes it easy to understand the relationship between the game area GE and the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500, and makes it easy to set the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500. Also, it makes it easy to understand the relationship between the game area GE, the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500, and the home position, and makes it easy to set the home position.
[0075] When the XY movement range setting and the home position setting are reflected in the prize game device 1, the main control board 50 transmits movement range designation information and home position designation information to the drive board 60. Here, the movement range designation information is information that designates the XY movement range set by the XY movement range setting (specifically, the lower limit X coordinate, the upper limit X coordinate, the lower limit Y coordinate, and the upper limit Y coordinate). Furthermore, the home position designation information is information that designates the home position (XY coordinates). Furthermore, the drive board 60 stores the received movement range designation information and home position designation information in a predetermined area of RAM. Then, when the drive board 60 receives a control command that designates the start of movement in the X direction (when the prize moving unit 500 is to move along the X direction in response to the input of a detection signal from the first operation button 16a), it limits the movement of the prize moving unit 500 to the range from the lower limit X coordinate to the upper limit X coordinate, as designated by the movement range designation information. Furthermore, when the drive board 60 receives a control command specifying the start of movement in the Y direction (when moving the prize moving section 500 along the Y direction in response to the input of a detection signal from the second operation button 16b), it limits the movement of the prize moving section 500 to a range from the lower limit Y coordinate to the upper limit Y coordinate specified by the movement range specification information. Furthermore, when the drive board 60 receives a control command specifying movement to the home position, it moves the prize moving section 500 toward the home position (XY coordinates) specified by the home position specification information.
[0076] Here, if each prize acquisition game device 1 is provided with an operating lever that accepts operations to move the prize moving section 500 horizontally (left and right and depth directions) and a down button that accepts operations to move the prize moving section 500 along the Z direction (up and down directions), when the icon ic5 corresponding to "XY movement range / home position setting" is selected on the second setting item selection screen im3, the movement range setting screen im11 shown in Figure 18 is displayed on the display section. On the movement range setting screen im11, it is possible to set the XY movement range and the home position. That is, the movement range setting screen im11 displays a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE. Also, an XY coordinate system (X="0" to "100", Y="0" to "100") is set in the setting area ge (game area GE). In this case, in the setting area ge (game area GE) of the right station, the front right corner is set to the origin (X="0", Y="0"), the coordinates of the front left corner are set to (X="100", Y="0"), the coordinates of the rear right corner are set to (X="0", Y="100"), and the coordinates of the rear left corner are set to (X="100", Y="100"). On the other hand, in the setting area ge (game area GE) of the left station, the front left corner is set to the origin (X="0", Y="0"), the coordinates of the front right corner are set to (X="100", Y="0"), the coordinates of the rear left corner are set to (X="0", Y="100"), and the coordinates of the rear right corner are set to (X="100", Y="100"). In addition, within the setting area ge, a movement area mr defined by the home pointer hp and the end pointer ep, and a home position pointer hpp are displayed. In the setting area ge, a movement area mr (the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500) is defined by two points, the home pointer hp and the end pointer ep. That is, the X coordinate of the home pointer hp specifies the X coordinate of the right boundary in the X direction of the movement area mr (the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500) (hereinafter referred to as the "lower limit X coordinate"), and the Y coordinate of the home pointer hp specifies the Y coordinate of the front boundary in the Y direction of the movement area mr (the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500) (hereinafter referred to as the "lower limit Y coordinate"). In addition, the X coordinate of the end pointer ep specifies the X coordinate of the left boundary in the X direction of the movement area mr (the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500) (hereinafter referred to as the "upper limit X coordinate"), and the Y coordinate of the end pointer ep specifies the Y coordinate of the back boundary in the Y direction of the movement area mr (the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500) (hereinafter referred to as the "upper limit Y coordinate"). This defines a quadrangular movement area mr (XY movement range) in plan view in the setting area ge (game area GE). Here, if an operating lever is provided in each prize acquisition game device, by operating the operating lever, the prize moving section 500 can be freely moved to the right or left in the X direction and to the front or back in the Y direction. This allows the home position to be set at any position in the game area GE. Therefore, on the movement range setting screen im11, the X and Y coordinates of the home position are specified by the X and Y coordinates of the home position pointer hpp, in addition to the home pointer hp.
[0077] On the movement range setting screen im11, the positions (X and Y coordinates) of the home pointer hp and the end pointer ep displayed within the setting area ge can be set by operating the touch panel to slide the home pointer hp and the end pointer ep, respectively. Alternatively, the positions (X and Y coordinates) of the home pointer hp and the end pointer ep can be set by operating the touch panel to input arbitrary X and Y coordinates for each of the home pointer hp and the end pointer ep. The range from the X coordinate (lower limit X coordinate) of the home pointer hp to the X coordinate (upper limit X coordinate) of the end pointer ep defines the X-direction range of the movement area mr (the X-direction movement range of the prize movement unit 500), and the range from the Y coordinate (lower limit Y coordinate) of the home pointer hp to the Y coordinate (upper limit Y coordinate) of the end pointer ep defines the Y-direction range of the movement area mr (the Y-direction movement range of the prize movement unit 500). Here, the limit range of movement in the X and Y directions of the prize moving unit 500 of each prize winning game device 1 may be set according to the type of arm 560 attached to the arm holding unit 550 determined by the catcher board 530 of that prize winning game device 1 and the angle (orientation) of the prize moving unit 500, and the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X and Y directions may be set within the limit range of movement in the X and Y directions. That is, as described above, in this embodiment, the angle (orientation) of the prize moving unit 500 can be changed around the support unit 413. In this case, the angle of the prize moving unit 500 can be changed in increments of 30°. When the prize moving unit 500 is facing forward (a pair of arms 560 are aligned horizontally), the limit position of movement on one side in the X direction is set based on the type of arm 560 attached to one arm unit 520 specified by the arm type information. Furthermore, the movement limit position on the other side in the X direction is set based on the type of the arm 560 attached to the other arm unit 520 specified by the arm type information. At this time, each movement limit position is set so that the arm 560 attached to each arm unit 520 does not come into contact (clash) with the side surface of the housing 10. The range from the movement limit position on one side in the X direction to the movement limit position on the other side in the X direction may be set as the movement limit range in the X direction, and the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X direction may be set within this movement limit range in the X direction. On the other hand, when the prize moving unit 500 is rotated 90° from a state facing forward (a state in which the pair of arms 560 are lined up in the depth direction), the movement limit position on one side in the Y direction is set based on the type of the arm 560 attached to one arm unit 520 specified by the arm type information. Furthermore, the movement limit position on the other side in the Y direction is set based on the type of the arm 560 attached to the other arm unit 520 specified by the arm type information. At this time, each movement limit position is set so that the arm 560 attached to each arm unit 520 does not come into contact (clash) with the front or rear surface of the housing 10.The range from the movement limit position on one side in the Y direction to the movement limit position on the other side in the Y direction may be defined as the movement limit range in the Y direction, and the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the Y direction may be set within this movement limit range in the Y direction. On the other hand, when the prize moving unit 500 is rotated 30° or 60° from a state facing forward (a state in which the pair of arms 560 are aligned along a diagonal direction combining the left-right direction and the depth direction), the movement limit position on one side in the X direction and the movement limit position on one side in the Y direction are set based on the type of arm 560 attached to one arm unit 520 specified by the arm type information. Furthermore, the movement limit position on the other side in the X direction and the movement limit position on the other side in the Y direction are set based on the type of arm 560 attached to the other arm unit 520 specified by the arm type information. At this time, each movement limit position is set so that the arm 560 attached to each arm unit 520 does not come into contact (crash) with the front, back, or side of the housing 10. Then, the range from the movement limit position on one side in the X direction to the movement limit position on the other side in the X direction is defined as the movement limit range in the X direction, and the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X direction can be set within this movement limit range in the X direction, and the range from the movement limit position on one side in the Y direction to the movement limit position on the other side in the Y direction is defined as the movement limit range in the Y direction, and the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the Y direction can be set within this movement limit range in the Y direction. As a result, it is possible to prevent each arm 560 from contacting (colliding with) the side of the housing 10. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X and Y directions can be set outside the movement limit ranges in the X and Y directions, and a predetermined warning image is displayed when the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X and Y directions is set outside the movement limit ranges in the X and Y directions. For example, when the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X and Y directions is set outside the movement limit ranges in the X and Y directions, a confirmation screen (a screen for selecting "Yes" or "No") is displayed regarding "setting the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X and Y directions outside the movement limit ranges in the X and Y directions," and if "setting the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X and Y directions outside the movement limit ranges in the X and Y directions" is permitted on the confirmation screen (if "Yes" is selected), the setting of the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X and Y directions outside the movement limit ranges in the X and Y directions may be confirmed. This configuration also makes it possible to prevent the arms 560 from coming into contact (colliding) with the side surface of the housing 10.
[0078] Furthermore, on the movement range setting screen im11, the position (XY coordinates) of the home position pointer hpp can be set by sliding the home position pointer hpp displayed within the setting area ge using the touch panel. Alternatively, the position (XY coordinates) of the home position pointer hpp can be set by inputting arbitrary XY coordinates for the home position pointer hpp using the touch panel. The XY coordinates of the home position pointer hpp then become the XY coordinates of the home position in the game area GE. In this embodiment, the home position pointer hpp can be set only within the movement area mr in the setting area ge. In other words, the home position can be set only within the XY movement range of the prize movement unit 500 in the game area GE. Here, in the setting area ge, if the home position pointer hpp is set outside the movement area mr, the movement area mr may be automatically corrected (adjusted) so that the home position pointer hpp is included within the movement area mr. In other words, in the game area GE, if the home position is set outside the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500, the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500 may be automatically corrected (adjusted) so that the home position is included within the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500.
[0079] In particular, the movement range setting screen im11 displays a setting area ge indicating the game area GE, a movement area mr corresponding to the XY movement range of the prize movement section 500, and a home position pointer hpp corresponding to the home position, all superimposed on one another. This makes it easy to understand the relationship between the game area GE and the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500, and makes it easy to set the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500. Also, it makes it easy to understand the relationship between the game area GE, the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500, and the home position, and makes it easy to set the home position. Furthermore, when the operation lever is used, the prize moving section 500 can be freely moved in the X and Y directions, which is effective in that the home position can be precisely set in accordance with the design of the game area GE. In this embodiment, in each prize winning game device 1, if a configuration is applied in which the prize moving section 500 is moved by operating the operation buttons 16a, 16b (hereinafter referred to as "button operation configuration"), when the icon ic5 corresponding to "XY movement range / home position setting" is selected on the second setting item selection screen im3, a movement range setting screen im10 is displayed on the display. On the other hand, in each prize winning game device 1, if a configuration is applied in which the prize moving section 500 is moved by operating the operation lever and down button (hereinafter referred to as "lever operation configuration"), when the icon ic5 corresponding to "XY movement range / home position setting" is selected on the second setting item selection screen im3, a movement range setting screen im11 is displayed on the display. However, when a button operation configuration is applied to each prize winning game device 1, when the icon ic5 corresponding to "XY movement range / home position setting" is selected on the second setting item selection screen im3, a movement range setting screen im11 is displayed on the display unit, and it is possible to set the XY movement range and home position on the movement range setting screen im11. Also, when a lever operation configuration is applied to each prize winning game device 1, when the icon ic5 corresponding to "XY movement range / home position setting" is selected on the second setting item selection screen im3, a movement range setting screen im10 is displayed on the display unit, and it is possible to set the XY movement range and home position on the movement range setting screen im10.
[0080] When the XY movement range setting and the home position setting are reflected in the prize game device 1, the main control board 50 transmits movement range designation information and home position designation information to the drive board 60. Here, the movement range designation information is information that designates the XY movement range set by the XY movement range setting (specifically, the lower limit X coordinate, the upper limit X coordinate, the lower limit Y coordinate, and the upper limit Y coordinate). The home position designation information is information that designates the home position (XY coordinates). The drive board 60 stores the received movement range designation information and home position designation information in a predetermined area of RAM. When the prize moving unit 500 moves along the X and Y directions in response to a detection signal input from the operation lever, the drive board 60 limits the movement of the prize moving unit 500 to the range from the lower limit X coordinate to the upper limit X coordinate and the range from the lower limit Y coordinate to the upper limit Y coordinate specified by the movement range designation information. Furthermore, when the drive board 60 receives a control command specifying movement to the home position, it moves the prize moving section 500 toward the home position (XY coordinates) specified by the home position specifying information.
[0081] (Sequence settings) Next, the sequence setting will be described. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence setting screen im12 when the shift operation is disabled, and Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the sequence setting screen im13 when the shift operation is enabled. The "sequence setting" is a setting relating to the operation sequence of the prize moving section 500. In this embodiment, a basic sequence and a shift operation sequence are defined as the operation sequences of the prize moving unit 500 during the prize acquisition game. When the staggered operation described later is disabled, a basic sequence is set as the operation sequence of the prize moving unit 500. In the basic sequence, each operation step is executed in the following order: operation step A → operation step B → operation step C → operation step D → operation step E → operation step F → operation step G → operation step H. Operation process A is an operation process in which the prize moving section 500 is moved along the X direction in response to the input of a detection signal from the first operation button 16a (in response to the reception of a control command specifying the start of movement in the X direction by the drive board 60). Operation process B is an operation process in which the prize moving section 500 is moved along the Y direction in response to the input of a detection signal from the second operation button 16b (in response to the reception of a control command specifying the start of movement in the Y direction by the drive board 60). Operation process C is an operation process in which the pair of arms 560 is released in response to the cessation of the input of the detection signal from the second operation button 16b (in response to the reception of a control command specifying the release of the pair of arms 560 by the catcher board 530). Operation process D is an operation process in which the prize moving section 500 is lowered upon completion of the opening of the pair of arms (upon receipt of a control command specifying the start of movement (lowering) in the Z direction by the drive board 60). Operation process E is an operation process in which the pair of arms 560 are closed when the prize moving section 500 is lowered to a predetermined position (lowering limit position) (when the catcher board 530 receives a control command specifying the closing of the pair of arms 560) (when the shifting operation is disabled), or when the "shifting operation" described below is completed (when the shifting operation is enabled). Operation process F is an operation process in which, in response to the pair of arms 560 being closed (in response to the drive board 60 receiving a control command specifying movement to the pit), the prize moving section 500 is raised to its initial height, and then the prize moving section 500 is moved to the pit (center coordinates of the pit). Operation process G is an operation process in which the pair of arms 560 are opened and closed in response to the prize moving section 500 being moved to the pitfall (in response to the catcher board 530 receiving a control command specifying the opening and closing of the pair of arms 560). Operation process H is an operation process in which the prize moving section 500 is moved to the home position upon completion of opening and closing of the pair of arms 560 (upon receipt of a control command specifying movement to the home position by the drive board 60). In the sequence setting, it is possible to set whether or not to execute (or omit) each of the operation steps A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H in the basic sequence. This makes it possible to omit any operation step that is set not to be executed among operation steps A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H in the basic sequence.
[0082] If staggered operation is disabled, when the icon ic11 corresponding to "Sequence Settings" is selected on the third setting item selection screen im4, the sequence settings screen im12 shown in Figure 19 is displayed on the display unit. The sequence setting screen im12 allows you to set up the sequence. That is, the sequence setting screen im12 displays an icon ic12 corresponding to operation step A, an icon ic13 corresponding to operation step B, an icon ic14 corresponding to operation step C, an icon ic15 corresponding to operation step D, an icon ic16 corresponding to operation step E, an icon ic17 corresponding to operation step F, an icon ic18 corresponding to operation step G, and an icon ic19 corresponding to operation step H. The operator can set whether or not to execute the operation step corresponding to each of the icons ic12 to ic19. That is, by operating the touch panel, the operator can switch whether or not to execute the operation step corresponding to each of the icons ic12 to ic19 by selecting the icon. At this time, when the operation step corresponding to each of the icons ic12 to ic19 is set to be executed, the icon is displayed in multiple colors (color), and when the operation step corresponding to the icon is set not to be executed, the icon is displayed in a single color (monochrome).
[0083] When the sequence settings made on the sequence setting screen im12 are reflected in the prize game device 1, the main control board 50 controls the operation of the prize moving unit 500 in accordance with the contents of the sequence settings during the prize game when the staggered operation is disabled. That is, the basic sequence is progressed by omitting each of the operation steps A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H that are set not to be executed according to the sequence settings.
[0084] On the other hand, when the shift operation is enabled, a shift operation sequence is set as the operation sequence of the prize moving unit 500. In the shift operation sequence, each operation step is executed in the following order: operation step A → operation step B → operation step C → operation step D → operation step I → operation step E → operation step F → operation step G → operation step H. That is, in the shift operation sequence, operation step I is added compared to the basic sequence. In this case, the contents of each of the operation steps A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H in the shifted operation sequence are the same as those in the basic sequence. Operation process I is an operation process in which the prize moving section 500 is moved in a predetermined "shifting direction" (a "shifting operation" is executed) in response to the prize moving section 500 being lowered to a predetermined position (lowering limit position). In the sequence setting, it is possible to set whether or not to execute (or omit) each of the operation steps A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H in the shifted operation sequence. This makes it possible to omit each operation step that is set not to be executed among operation steps A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H in the shifted operation sequence. Here, as will be described later, in this embodiment, operation step I is configured to be fixed to be executed and cannot be omitted. In this embodiment, in the sequence setting, it is possible to set whether or not to execute (or omit) each of the operation steps A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H. However, it is also possible to configure the sequence in which each of the operation steps A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H is executed to be changeable. With this configuration, by switching the order of operation steps A and B, it is possible to first move the prize moving unit 500 along the Y direction in response to input of a detection signal from the second operation button 16b, and then move the prize moving unit 500 along the X direction in response to input of a detection signal from the first operation button 16a. In addition, in the sequence setting, it may be possible to change the movement direction in operation steps A and B. That is, in operation step A, it may be possible to select whether to move the prize moving section 500 to the right or left in the X direction in response to the input of a detection signal from the first operation button 16a. In addition, in operation step B, it may be possible to select whether to move the prize moving section 500 to the back or front in the Y direction in response to the input of a detection signal from the second operation button 16b.
[0085] If staggered operation is enabled, when the icon ic11 corresponding to "Sequence Settings" is selected on the third setting item selection screen im4, the sequence setting screen im13 shown in Figure 20 is displayed on the display unit. The sequence setting screen im13 allows you to set up the sequence. That is, the sequence setting screen im13 displays an icon ic12 corresponding to operation step A, an icon ic13 corresponding to operation step B, an icon ic14 corresponding to operation step C, an icon ic15 corresponding to operation step D, an icon ic16 corresponding to operation step E, an icon ic17 corresponding to operation step F, an icon ic18 corresponding to operation step G, an icon ic19 corresponding to operation step H, and an icon ic20 corresponding to operation step I. The operator can set whether or not to execute the operation step corresponding to each of the icons ic12 to ic19. That is, by operating the touch panel, the operator can switch whether or not to execute the operation step corresponding to each of the icons ic12 to ic19 by selecting the icon. At this time, when the operation step corresponding to each of the icons ic12 to ic19 is set to be executed, the icon is displayed in multiple colors (color), and when the operation step corresponding to the icon is set not to be executed, the icon is displayed in a single color (monochrome). Here, when shifted operation is enabled, the operation process I corresponding to icon ic20 is fixed to the setting to be executed, and it is not possible to set (select) whether to execute it or not.
[0086] When the sequence settings made on the sequence setting screen im13 are reflected in the prize winning game device 1, the main control board 50 controls the operation of the prize moving unit 500 in accordance with the contents of the sequence settings during the prize winning game when the shift operation is enabled. That is, the shift operation sequence is progressed by omitting each of the operation steps A, B, C, D, I, E, F, G, and H that are set not to be executed according to the sequence settings. For example, by omitting operation steps C, E, F, and G, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary operations of the prize moving unit 500 and perform staggered operations.
[0087] (Shift operation settings) Next, the shift operation setting will be described. FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an example of a shift operation setting screen im14 when "shift to front" is selected. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of a shift operation setting screen im15 when "shift to right" is selected. FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a shift operation setting screen im16 when "shift to left" is selected. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an example of a shift operation setting screen im17 when "shift to center (horizontal)" is selected. FIG. 25 is a diagram showing an example of a shift operation setting screen im18 when "shift to center (vertical)" is selected. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example of a shift operation setting screen im19 when "shift to center" is selected. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an example of a shift operation setting screen im20 when "shift to back" is selected. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing an example of a shift operation setting screen im21 when "custom" is selected. The "shift operation setting" is a setting for whether or not to enable shift operation, and, if shift operation is enabled, the content of the "shift operation" of the prize moving unit 500. As described above, when shift operation is enabled, a shift operation sequence is set as the operation sequence of the prize moving unit 500, and each operation step is executed in the order of operation step A → operation step B → operation step C → operation step D → operation step I → operation step E → operation step F → operation step G → operation step H. In particular, operation step I is an operation step in which the prize moving part 500 executes a predetermined "shifting operation" in response to the prize moving part 500 being lowered to a predetermined position (specifically, a lowering limit position). The "shifting operation" is an operation in which the prize moving part 500 is moved along a predetermined "shifting direction." As a result, when the shifting operation is enabled, the movement ("shifting operation") of the lower ends of the pair of arms 560 (or the rod members in the modified example described below) makes it possible to provide a game element in which the prize P placed by the prize placement mechanism 30 is gradually "shifted" toward the opening area OE. In this embodiment, the "shift direction" is the horizontal direction (two-dimensional direction). That is, the "shift direction" is the direction in which the height of the prize moving section 500 does not change. However, the "shift direction" may be the direction in which the height of the prize moving section 500 changes (three-dimensional direction). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the prize moving unit 500 is configured to execute operation step I, in which the prize moving unit 500 performs a predetermined "shifting operation," in response to the prize moving unit 500 being lowered to the lowering limit position. However, the configuration may also be such that the descent of the prize moving unit 500 can be stopped at any position in response to the operation of a predetermined operation button (hereinafter referred to as the "descent stop button") while the prize moving unit 500 is descending. The configuration may also be such that operation step I, in which the prize moving unit 500 performs a predetermined "shifting operation," is executed in response to the prize moving unit 500 stopping its descent by operating the descent stop button. Alternatively, the configuration may also be such that operation step I, in which the prize moving unit 500 performs a predetermined "shifting operation," is executed in response to the prize moving unit 500 coming into contact with the prize positioning mechanism 30 (such as the upper surface of the floor panel fp).
[0088] When the icon ic21 corresponding to "shifted operation" is selected on the third setting item selection screen im4, one of the shifted operation setting screens im14 to im21 is displayed on the display unit. On each of the offset operation setting screens im14 to im21, it is possible to set offset operation to be enabled or disabled. That is, on each of the offset operation setting screens im14 to im21, an ON / OFF selection section d5 is displayed. Then, on the ON / OFF selection section d5, it is possible to select whether to enable (ON) offset operation or disable (OFF) offset operation by operating the touch panel. In this embodiment, when offset operation is enabled, the currently set trap setting is disabled. Note that even when offset operation is enabled, the setting contents such as XY movement range setting, home position setting, initial height setting, arm opening setting, area setting, sequence setting, etc. are enabled. On each of the shift operation setting screens im14 to im21, it is possible to set the content of the "shift operation." That is, on each of the shift operation setting screens im14 to im21, when the shift operation is enabled, the shift operation switching icon ic22 is displayed. Then, by operating the touch panel and selecting the shift operation switching icon ic22, it is possible to change the content of the "shift operation." In this embodiment, the contents of the "shifting operation" are defined as "shift forward," "shift right," "shift left," "shift center (horizontal)," "shift center (vertical)," "shift center," "shift back," and "custom." By operating the touch panel to select the shifting operation switching icon ic22, it is possible to select any one of "shift forward," "shift right," "shift left," "shift center (horizontal)," "shift center (vertical)," "shift center," "shift back," and "custom."
[0089] When "shift forward" is selected, the shift operation setting screen im14 shown in FIG. 21 is displayed, and "shift forward" is set as the "shift operation." That is, the shift operation setting screen im14 displays a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE. The setting area ge (game area GE) is divided into nine areas of "3 rows x 3 columns." In "forward shift," three of the nine areas in the setting area ge (game area GE) that make up the row on the near side are set as pitfalls (opening areas OE), and the "shift direction" for the other areas (areas not set as pitfalls) is set to the near side in the Y direction (towards the pitfall). At this time, in the setting area ge, of the nine areas, an "o" (a symbol indicating a pitfall) is displayed in the areas that are set as pitfalls, and an arrow indicates the "shift direction" in the areas that are not set as pitfalls. As a result, a pitfall (opening area OE) is set in the area of the game area GE that corresponds to the area where the "o" is displayed, and the "shift direction" in the area that corresponds to the area where the arrow "↓" is displayed is set to the front side in the Y direction. Therefore, in "shift forward," when a "shift operation" is performed in any area other than the area that is set as a pitfall, the prize moving section 500 is moved toward the front side in the Y direction (toward the pitfall). The shift operation setting screen im14 also displays a shift amount selection section d6. The shift amount selection section d6 allows the user to select a "shift amount" by operating the touch panel. The "shift amount" is the amount (distance) by which the prize moving section 500 is moved in the "shift direction" during the "shift operation." The shift amount selection section d6 allows the user to select either a specific distance within a range of "1 cm" to "30 cm" or "to the pitfall." When a specific distance is selected, the prize moving section 500 is moved the selected distance in the set "shift direction" during the "shift operation." On the other hand, when "to the pitfall" is selected, the prize moving section 500 is moved in the set "shift direction" during the "shift operation" to the center of the area set as the pitfall. In addition, when "Up to the pitfall" is selected, the "shifting operation" may be configured to move the prize moving section 500 to the limit of movement in the set "shifting direction" (i.e., the limit of the movement range of the prize moving section 500 in the X and Y directions).
[0090] When "shift right" is selected, the shift operation setting screen im15 shown in FIG. 22 is displayed, and "shift right" is set as the "shift operation." That is, the shift operation setting screen im15 displays a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE. The setting area ge (game area GE) is divided into nine areas of "3 rows x 3 columns." In "right shift," three of the nine areas in the setting area ge (game area GE) that make up the right column are set as pitfalls (opening areas OE), and the "shift direction" for the other areas (areas not set as pitfalls) is set to the right in the X direction (the pitfall side). At this time, in the setting area ge, of the nine areas, an "O" (a symbol indicating a pitfall) is displayed in the areas that are set as pitfalls, and an arrow indicates the "shift direction" in the areas that are not set as pitfalls. As a result, a pitfall (opening area OE) is set in the area of the game area GE that corresponds to the area where the "O" is displayed, and the right side in the X direction is set as the "shift direction" in the area that corresponds to the area where the arrow "→" is displayed. Therefore, in "shift right", when a "shift operation" is performed in the other areas of the nine areas excluding the areas that are set as pitfalls, the prize moving section 500 is moved to the right side in the X direction (towards the pitfall). The shift operation setting screen im15 also displays a shift amount selection section d6. The shift amount selection section d6 allows the user to select the "shift amount" by operating the touch panel. The shift amount selection section d6 allows the user to select either a specific distance within a range of "1 cm" to "30 cm" or "to the pitfall." When a specific distance is selected, the prize moving section 500 is moved the selected distance in the set "shift direction" during the "shift operation." On the other hand, when "to the pitfall" is selected, the prize moving section 500 is moved in the set "shift direction" during the "shift operation" to the center of the area set as the pitfall. In addition, when "Up to the pitfall" is selected, the "shifting operation" may be configured to move the prize moving section 500 to the limit of movement in the set "shifting direction" (i.e., the limit of the movement range of the prize moving section 500 in the X and Y directions).
[0091] When "left shift" is selected, the shift operation setting screen im16 shown in FIG. 23 is displayed, and "left shift" is set as the "shift operation." That is, the shift operation setting screen im16 displays a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE. The setting area ge (game area GE) is divided into nine areas of "3 rows x 3 columns." In "left shift," three of the nine areas in the setting area ge (game area GE) that make up the left column are set as pitfalls (opening areas OE), and the "shift direction" for the other areas (areas not set as pitfalls) is set to the left in the X direction (the pitfall side). At this time, in the setting area ge, of the nine areas, an "O" (a symbol indicating a pitfall) is displayed in the areas that are set as pitfalls, and an arrow indicates the "shift direction" in the areas that are not set as pitfalls. As a result, a pitfall (opening area OE) is set in the area of the game area GE that corresponds to the area where the "O" is displayed, and the left side in the X direction is set as the "shift direction" in the area that corresponds to the area where the arrow "←" is displayed. Therefore, in "left shift", when a "shift operation" is performed in any of the nine areas other than the areas that are set as pitfalls, the prize moving section 500 is moved to the left side in the X direction (towards the pitfall). The shift operation setting screen im16 also displays a shift amount selection section d6. The shift amount selection section d6 allows the user to select the "shift amount" by operating the touch panel. The shift amount selection section d6 allows the user to select either a specific distance within a range of "1 cm" to "30 cm" or "to the pitfall." When a specific distance is selected, the prize moving section 500 is moved the selected distance in the set "shift direction" during the "shift operation." On the other hand, when "to the pitfall" is selected, the prize moving section 500 is moved in the set "shift direction" during the "shift operation" to the center of the area set as the pitfall. In addition, when "Up to the pitfall" is selected, the "shifting operation" may be configured to move the prize moving section 500 to the limit of movement in the set "shifting direction" (i.e., the limit of the movement range of the prize moving section 500 in the X and Y directions).
[0092] When "Center shift (horizontal)" is selected, the shift operation setting screen im17 shown in FIG. 24 is displayed, and "Center shift (horizontal)" is set as the "shift operation." That is, the shift operation setting screen im17 displays a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE. The setting area ge (game area GE) is divided into nine areas of "3 rows x 3 columns." In "center shift (horizontal)," of the nine areas in the setting area ge (game area GE), the right side in the X direction (the pitfall side) is set as the "shift direction" for the three areas (areas not set as pitfalls) that make up the left column, and the three areas that make up the center column are set as pitfalls (opening areas OE), and the left side in the X direction (the pitfall side) is set as the "shift direction" for the three areas (areas not set as pitfalls) that make up the right column. At this time, in the setting area ge, of the nine areas, an "o" (a symbol indicating a pitfall) is displayed in the areas that are set as pitfalls, and an arrow indicates the "shift direction" in the areas that are not set as pitfalls. As a result, a pitfall (opening area OE) is set in the area of the game area GE corresponding to the area where the "o" is displayed, the right side in the X direction is set as the "shift direction" in the area corresponding to the area where the arrow "→" is displayed, and the left side in the X direction is set as the "shift direction" in the area corresponding to the area where the arrow "←" is displayed. Therefore, in "center shift (horizontal)", when a "shift operation" is performed in three areas that make up the left column of the nine areas, the prize moving unit 500 is moved to the right side in the X direction (towards the pitfall), and when a "shift operation" is performed in three areas that make up the right column, the prize moving unit 500 is moved to the left side in the X direction (towards the pitfall). The shift operation setting screen im17 also displays a shift amount selection section d6. The shift amount selection section d6 allows the user to select the "shift amount" by operating the touch panel. The shift amount selection section d6 allows the user to select either a specific distance within a range of "1 cm" to "30 cm" or "to the pitfall." When a specific distance is selected, the prize moving section 500 is moved the selected distance in the set "shift direction" during the "shift operation." On the other hand, when "to the pitfall" is selected, the prize moving section 500 is moved in the set "shift direction" during the "shift operation" to the center of the area set as the pitfall.
[0093] When "Center shift (vertical)" is selected, the shift operation setting screen im18 shown in FIG. 25 is displayed, and "Center shift (vertical)" is set as the "shift operation." That is, the shift operation setting screen im18 displays a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE. The setting area ge (game area GE) is divided into nine areas of "3 rows x 3 columns." In "center shift (vertical)," the "shift direction" of the three areas (areas not set as pitfalls) that make up the back row of the nine areas in the setting area ge (game area GE) is set to the front side in the Y direction (toward the pitfall), and the three areas that make up the center row are set as pitfalls (opening areas OE), and the "shift direction" of the three areas (areas not set as pitfalls) that make up the front row is set to the back side in the Y direction (toward the pitfall). At this time, in the setting area ge, of the nine areas, an "o" (a symbol indicating a pitfall) is displayed in the areas that are set as pitfalls, and an arrow indicates the "shift direction" in the areas that are not set as pitfalls. As a result, a pitfall (opening area OE) is set in the area of the game area GE corresponding to the area where the "o" is displayed, the "shift direction" in the area corresponding to the area where the arrow "↓" is displayed is set to the front side in the Y direction, and the "shift direction" in the area corresponding to the area where the arrow "↑" is displayed is set to the back side in the Y direction. Therefore, in "center shift (vertical)", when a "shift operation" is performed in three areas that make up the back row of the nine areas, the prize moving unit 500 is moved toward the front side in the Y direction (toward the pitfall), and when a "shift operation" is performed in three areas that make up the front row, the prize moving unit 500 is moved toward the back side in the Y direction (toward the pitfall). The shift operation setting screen im18 also displays a shift amount selection section d6. The shift amount selection section d6 allows the user to select the "shift amount" by operating the touch panel. The shift amount selection section d6 allows the user to select either a specific distance within a range of "1 cm" to "30 cm" or "to the pitfall." When a specific distance is selected, the prize moving section 500 is moved the selected distance in the set "shift direction" during the "shift operation." On the other hand, when "to the pitfall" is selected, the prize moving section 500 is moved in the set "shift direction" during the "shift operation" to the center of the area set as the pitfall.
[0094] When "center shift" is selected, the shift operation setting screen im19 shown in FIG. 26 is displayed, and "center shift" is set as the "shift operation." That is, the shift operation setting screen im19 displays a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE. The setting area ge (game area GE) is divided into nine areas of "3 rows x 3 columns." In "center shift," the center (central) area of the nine areas in the setting area ge (game area GE) is set as a pitfall (opening area OE), and the center (center of the pitfall) of the setting area ge (game area GE) is set as the "shift direction" for the other areas (areas not set as pitfalls). At this time, in the setting area ge, of the nine areas, an "o" (a symbol indicating a pitfall) is displayed in the areas that are set as pitfalls, and an arrow indicates the "shift direction" in the areas that are not set as pitfalls. As a result, a pitfall (opening area OE) is set in the area of the game area GE that corresponds to the area where the "o" is displayed, and the center (center of the pitfall) of the setting area ge (game area GE) is set as the "shift direction" in the area that corresponds to the area where the arrow is displayed. Therefore, in "center shift," when a "shift operation" is performed in any of the nine areas other than the center area, the prize moving unit 500 is moved toward the center of the game area GE (center of the pitfall). The shift operation setting screen im19 also displays a shift amount selection section d6. The shift amount selection section d6 allows the user to select the "shift amount" by operating the touch panel. The shift amount selection section d6 allows the user to select either a specific distance within a range of "1 cm" to "30 cm" or "to the pitfall." When a specific distance is selected, the prize moving section 500 is moved the selected distance in the set "shift direction" during the "shift operation." On the other hand, when "to the pitfall" is selected, the prize moving section 500 is moved in the set "shift direction" during the "shift operation" to the center of the area set as the pitfall.
[0095] When "shift to back" is selected, the shift operation setting screen im20 shown in FIG. 27 is displayed, and "shift to back" is set as the "shift operation." That is, the shift operation setting screen im20 displays a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE. The setting area ge (game area GE) is divided into nine areas of "3 rows x 3 columns." In "deep shift," three areas that make up the back row of the nine areas in the setting area ge (game area GE) are set as pitfalls (opening areas OE), and the "shift direction" for the other areas (areas not set as pitfalls) is set to the back side in the Y direction (towards the pitfall). At this time, in the setting area ge, of the nine areas, an "O" (a symbol indicating a pitfall) is displayed in the areas that are set as pitfalls, and an arrow indicates the "shift direction" in the areas that are not set as pitfalls. As a result, a pitfall (opening area OE) is set in the area of the game area GE that corresponds to the area where the "O" is displayed, and the "shift direction" in the area that corresponds to the area where the arrow "↑" is displayed is set to the back side in the Y direction. Therefore, in "shift to back," when a "shift operation" is performed in any area other than the area that is set as a pitfall among the nine areas, the prize moving section 500 is moved toward the back side in the Y direction (toward the pitfall). The shift operation setting screen im20 also displays a shift amount selection section d6. The shift amount selection section d6 allows the user to select the "shift amount" by operating the touch panel. The shift amount selection section d6 allows the user to select either a specific distance within a range of "1 cm" to "30 cm" or "to the pitfall." When a specific distance is selected, the prize moving section 500 is moved the selected distance in the set "shift direction" during the "shift operation." On the other hand, when "to the pitfall" is selected, the prize moving section 500 is moved in the set "shift direction" during the "shift operation" to the center of the area set as the pitfall. In addition, when "Up to the pitfall" is selected, the "shifting operation" may be configured to move the prize moving section 500 to the limit of movement in the set "shifting direction" (i.e., the limit of the movement range of the prize moving section 500 in the X and Y directions).
[0096] When "Custom" is selected, the shift operation setting screen im21 shown in FIG. 28 is displayed. The shift operation setting screen im20 displays a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE. The setting area ge (game area GE) is divided into nine areas of "3 rows x 3 columns." Each of the nine areas can be set as a pitfall (opening area OE) or a "shift direction" can be set. That is, in the setting area ge, by operating the touch panel, it is possible to set each of the nine areas as a pitfall or to switch the "shift direction." In this case, in the setting area ge, a "circle" (a symbol indicating a pitfall) is displayed in the areas that are set as pitfalls, and an arrow indicating the selected "shift direction" is displayed in the areas that are not set as pitfalls. In this case, the "shift direction" can be selected from the following: right side in the X direction, left side in the X direction, far side in the Y direction, near side in the Y direction, diagonal direction 1 (right side in the X direction and far side in the Y direction), diagonal direction 2 (left side in the X direction and far side in the Y direction), diagonal direction 3 (right side in the X direction and near side in the Y direction), and diagonal direction 4 (left side in the X direction and near side in the Y direction). As a result, a pitfall (opening area OE) is set in the area of the game area GE corresponding to the area where the "circle" is displayed, and the selected "shift direction" is set as the "shift direction" in the area corresponding to the area where the arrow is displayed. Therefore, in "Custom," when a "shift operation" is performed in any of the nine areas other than the area set as a pitfall, the prize moving unit 500 is moved in the selected "shift direction." The shift operation setting screen im21 also displays a shift amount selection section d6. The shift amount selection section d6 allows the user to select the "shift amount" by operating the touch panel. The shift amount selection section d6 allows the user to select either a specific distance within a range of "1 cm" to "30 cm" or "to the pitfall." When a specific distance is selected, the prize moving section 500 is moved the selected distance in the set "shift direction" during the "shift operation." On the other hand, when "to the pitfall" is selected, the prize moving section 500 is moved to the limit of movement in the set "shift direction" (i.e., the limit of the movement range of the prize moving section 500 in the X and Y directions) during the "shift operation."
[0097] In particular, the shift operation setting screens im14 to im21 display a setting area ge indicating the game area GE, and in this setting area ge, the set pitfalls (symbols indicating pitfalls) and the "shift direction" in each area that is not set as a pitfall are displayed. This makes it easy to understand the relationship between the game area GE, the pitfalls set in the game area GE, and the "shift direction" set in the game area GE, and makes it easy to set the "shift operation" of the prize moving unit 500 in each specified area.
[0098] When the shift operation setting is reflected in the prize winning game device 1, the main control board 50 sets the operation sequence of the prize moving unit 500 during the prize winning game in accordance with the content of the shift setting. In other words, when the shift operation is set to disabled, the basic sequence is set as the operation sequence of the prize moving unit 500. On the other hand, when the shift operation is set to enabled, the shift operation sequence is set as the operation sequence of the prize moving unit 500. In particular, when the shift operation is set to enabled, in operation process I, the prize moving unit 500 operates in accordance with the content of the "shift operation" set by the shift operation setting. Here, if the lowering limit position at the completion of the "shifting operation" of the prize moving section 500 is higher than the lowering limit position at the start of the "shifting operation" of the prize moving section 500, there is a risk that the prize moving section 500 will come into contact with the prize placement mechanism 30 (prize placement surface) during the "shifting operation" of the prize moving section 500. In this case, a predetermined warning image may be displayed on the shifting operation setting screens im14 to im21. In addition, if a load of a predetermined value or more (a load in the opposite direction to the "shifting direction") is detected on the prize moving unit 500 during the "shifting operation" of the prize moving unit 500, the "shifting operation" may be stopped (aborted or interrupted). Furthermore, similar to the setting of the pushing force of the pair of arms 560, the configuration may be such that it is possible to set one of a plurality of levels for the strength of the power (hereinafter referred to as "shifting force") that moves the prize moving section 500 in the "shifting direction" in the "shifting operation" of the prize moving section 500. For example, it may be such that it is possible to select one of three levels of "normal", "weak" and "strong" as the shifting force.
[0099] (Reflection of various setting items to the prize acquisition game device 1) A setting transmission icon ic23 is displayed on the first setting item selection screen im2, the second setting item selection screen im3, the third setting item selection screen im4, the first pitfall setting screen im5, the second pitfall setting screen im6, the third pitfall setting screen im7, the area-specific operation setting screen im8, the area designation screen im9, the movement range setting screen im10, the movement range setting screen im11, the sequence setting screen im12, the sequence setting screen im13, the shift operation setting screens im14 to im21, etc. When the setting transmission icon ic23 is selected by operating the touch panel, information specifying the setting content selected on each of the screens im5 to im21 (hereinafter referred to as "setting information") is transmitted to each of the prize winning game devices 1 selected on the station selection screen im1. Here, the setting information is transmitted to each prize winning game device 1 via the network 3. When each prize game device 1 receives the setting information, the display unit 15b displays information indicating that the setting information has been received. When a setting information reflecting icon (not shown) is selected by operating the touch panel 15a, the processing unit 51 reflects the setting contents specified by the received setting information in the prize game device 1. Here, the prize winning game device 1 may be configured to have a first mode and a second mode as modes for reflecting the setting contents specified by the setting information received. In the first mode, when each prize winning game device 1 receives setting information, the setting contents specified by the received setting information are reflected in that prize winning game device 1 in accordance with the selection of a setting information reflection icon. On the other hand, in the second mode, when each prize winning game device 1 receives setting information, the setting contents specified by the received setting information are immediately (forcibly) reflected in that prize winning game device 1 without the need to select a setting information reflection icon. Here, in the second mode, when each prize winning game device 1 reaches "0", the setting contents specified by the received setting information may be reflected.
[0100] (Settings in each prize acquisition game device 1) As described above, in the game system 100, the terminal device 2 serves as a parent device, and it is possible to set various setting items (XY movement range setting, home position setting, pitfall setting, initial height setting, arm opening setting, area setting, sequence setting, offset operation setting, etc.) for one or more prize winning game devices 1 included in the game system 100. This makes it possible to set various setting items in each prize winning game device 1 even while a player is playing a prize winning game. Furthermore, in the game system 100, it is possible to set various setting items (XY movement range setting, home position setting, pitfall setting, initial height setting, arm opening setting, area setting, sequence setting, offset operation setting, etc.) for each game device 1 included in each cabinet 10 included in the game system 10. That is, it is possible to set various setting items for the two prize acquisition game devices 1 included in each cabinet 10 individually or collectively in each cabinet 10. In this case, it is possible to set various setting items using the touch panel 15a of the cabinet 10. At this time, in each housing 10, it is possible to set various setting items (XY movement range setting, home position setting, pitfall setting, initial height setting, arm opening setting, area-specific setting, sequence setting, offset operation setting, etc.) in the same manner as the terminal device 2. That is, various screens (station selection screen im1, first setting item selection screen im2, second setting item selection screen im3, third setting item selection screen im4, first pitfall setting screen im5, second pitfall setting screen im6, third pitfall setting screen im7, area-specific operation setting screen im8, area designation screen im9, movement range setting screen im10, movement range setting screen im11, sequence setting screen im12, sequence setting screen im13, shift operation setting screens im14 to im21, etc.) are displayed on the display unit 15b of each housing 10, and it is possible to set various setting items by operating the touch panel 15a. Furthermore, in the game system 100, each cabinet 10 included in the game system 100 is used as a master machine, and various setting items (XY movement range setting, home position setting, pitfall setting, initial height setting, arm opening setting, area setting, sequence setting, offset operation setting, etc.) can be set for one or more prize winning game devices 1 included in the game system 100. In other words, in each cabinet 10, various setting items can be set individually or collectively for all prize winning game devices 1 (all stations) included in the game system 100. In this case, various setting items can be set using the touch panel 15a of the cabinet 10. At this time, in each housing 10, it is possible to set various setting items (XY movement range setting, home position setting, pitfall setting, initial height setting, arm opening setting, area-specific setting, sequence setting, offset operation setting, etc.) in the same manner as the terminal device 2. That is, various screens (station selection screen im1, first setting item selection screen im2, second setting item selection screen im3, third setting item selection screen im4, first pitfall setting screen im5, second pitfall setting screen im6, third pitfall setting screen im7, area-specific operation setting screen im8, area designation screen im9, movement range setting screen im10, movement range setting screen im11, sequence setting screen im12, sequence setting screen im13, shift operation setting screens im14 to im21, etc.) are displayed on the display unit 15b of each housing 10, and it is possible to set various setting items by operating the touch panel 15a.
[0101] (Variation) Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, various modifications can be made to the above embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the movement range setting screen im10 may be configured to display a setting area ge indicating the game area GE, a movement area mr indicating the XY movement range of the prize movement section 500, a home pointer hp indicating the home position, and a pitfall (symbol indicating a pitfall) set in the pitfall setting, all superimposed on one another. In addition, the movement range setting screen im11 may be configured to display a setting area ge indicating the game area GE, a movement area mr indicating the XY movement range of the prize movement section 500, a home position pointer hpp indicating the home position, and a pitfall (symbol indicating a pitfall) set in the pitfall setting, all overlapping with each other. This makes it easier to understand the relationship between the game area GE, the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500 set in the game area GE, the home position set in the game area GE, and the pitfall set in the game area GE, making it even easier to set the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500 and also making it even easier to set the home position.
[0102] In addition, in the above embodiment, the movement range setting screen im10 may be configured to display a setting area ge indicating the game area GE, a movement area mr indicating the XY movement range of the prize movement section 500, a home pointer hp indicating the home position, a pitfall (symbol indicating a pitfall) set in the pitfall setting, and a designated area specified on the area designation screen im9 superimposed on one another. In addition, the movement range setting screen im11 may be configured to display a setting area ge indicating the game area GE, a movement area mr indicating the XY movement range of the prize movement section 500, a home position pointer hpp indicating the home position, a pitfall (symbol indicating a pitfall) set in the pitfall setting, and a designated area specified in the area designation screen im9 superimposed on one another. This makes it easier to understand the relationship between the game area GE, the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500, the home position set in the game area GE, the pitfall set in the game area GE, and one or more designated areas specified in the game area GE, making it even easier to set the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500 and also making it even easier to set the home position.
[0103] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the area-specific operation setting screen im8 displays a setting area ge indicating the game area GE, and in this setting area ge, the designated area specified in the area specification screen im9, the pitfall (symbol indicating the pitfall) set in the pitfall setting, the movement area mr indicating the XY movement range of the prize moving section 500 set in the XY movement range setting / home position setting, and the home position pointer hpp indicating the home position may be displayed superimposed. This makes it easier to understand the relationship between the game area GE, one or more designated areas specified in the game area GE, the pitfalls set in the game area GE, the XY movement range of the prize moving unit 500 set in the game area GE, and the home position set in the game area GE, making it even easier to set the operation of the prize moving unit 500 in each designated area.
[0104] In the above embodiment, a quadrangular movement area mr (XY movement range) is defined in the set area ge (game area GE) in a plan view. However, the setting area ge (game area GE) may be configured to define a movement area mr (XY movement range) that is circular or polygonal (pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, etc.) in plan view.
[0105] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each prize acquisition game device 1 may be configured to include height detection means (camera, distance measurement sensor, etc.) that detects the height of the prize placement mechanism 30 (prize placement surface) configured in the game area GE. The lowering limit position of the prize moving section 500 may be automatically set according to the height of the prize placement mechanism 30 detected by the height detection means.
[0106] In the above embodiment, a rod member extending downward from the bottom surface of the prize moving section 500 may be attached to the bottom surface of the prize moving section 500. When shifting operation is enabled, the pair of arms 560 in the prize moving section 500 can be removed and a rod member attached, thereby providing a game element in which the position of the prize P can be shifted using the lower end of the rod member. In this case, the lower end of the rod member is preferably made of a material that is capable of elastic deformation. This makes it possible to move the lower end of the rod member along the prize placement surface while the lower end of the rod member is in contact with the prize placement surface, even if the prize placement mechanism 30 (prize placement surface) is configured to be inclined. Alternatively, the entire rod member may be made of a material that is difficult to elastically deform. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a tip member that is polygonal (triangle, square, pentagon, hexagon, etc.) in front view is disposed at the lower end of the rod member. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a spherical tip member is disposed at the lower end of the rod member. In this case, a horizontally extending rotation axis may be provided at the lower end of the rod member, and the tip member may rotate around the rotation axis. For example, a tip member made of a triangular plate or block in plan view is placed at the bottom end of a rod member. In this case, the corner of the triangular tip member may be placed facing downward, or the corner of the triangular tip member may be placed facing the "shift direction." As a result, by changing the type of tip member placed at the lower end of the rod member or by changing the orientation of the tip member placed at the lower end of the rod member, it is possible to adjust the ease with which the prize P can be shifted by the lower end of the rod member during the shifting operation, and it is possible to adjust the difficulty of winning the prize P. In addition, in the shifting operation, if the prize moving section 500 does not have a rod member attached, but instead provides a game feature in which the position of the prize P is shifted using the lower end of the arm 560, the various tip members described above may be placed at the lower end of the arm 560 instead of the claw member 561.
[0107] In addition, in the above embodiment, in the "area-specific setting", the game area GE is divided into multiple designated areas, and the operation of the prize moving unit 500 (the gripping force (arm power) of each arm 560, the pushing force of the pair of arms 560, and the descent limit position of the prize moving unit 500) can be set for each designated area. However, in addition to this configuration, a configuration may be adopted in which the difficulty level of winning the prize P can be set for each designated area.
[0108] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the RAM of the terminal device 2 (or each housing 10) may store the settings of various setting items (XY movement range setting, home position setting, pitfall setting, initial height setting, arm opening setting, area setting, sequence setting, offset operation setting, etc.) that have been set in the past, and the settings of the various setting items that have been stored may be selected to enable the settings of the various setting items that have been stored to be reset.
[0109] In addition, in the above embodiment, each of the shift operation setting screens im14 to im21 may be configured to display a setting area ge indicating the game area GE, a movement area mr indicating the XY movement range of the prize movement section 500, and a home pointer hp indicating the home position superimposed on one another. This makes it easy to grasp the range to which the prize moving unit 500 will be moved when the "shift amount" is selected and the prize moving unit 500 is configured to be moved to the limit position of the set "shift direction" (i.e., the limit position of the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the X and Y directions) in the "shift operation." Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each of the shift operation setting screens im14 to im21 may be configured to display a setting area ge indicating the game area GE, a movement area mr indicating the XY movement range of the prize movement section 500, a home pointer hp indicating the home position, and a display indicating the "shift amount" superimposed on one another. The display showing the "shift amount" is a display that allows the "shift amount" to be visually grasped. For example, as a display showing the "shift amount," it is possible to display an arrow of a length corresponding to the "shift amount," or an arrow of a number corresponding to the "shift amount." This makes it possible to visually grasp the "amount of shift."
[0110] In the above embodiment, the home position is the position (position in the XY directions) where the prize moving section 500 is located at the start and end of the prize acquisition game. However, the home position may be the position (position in the XY direction) where the prize moving unit 500 is located at the start of the prize acquisition game, and the position where the prize moving unit 500 is located at the start of the prize acquisition game may be different from the position where the prize moving unit 500 is located at the end of the prize acquisition game. Alternatively, the home position may be the position (position in the XY direction) where the prize moving unit 500 is located at the end of the prize acquisition game, and the position where the prize moving unit 500 is located at the start of the prize acquisition game may be different from the position where the prize moving unit 500 is located at the end of the prize acquisition game. In the above embodiment, the position where the pair of arms 560 are opened and closed in the operation process G (the position of the trap) is different from the home position. However, the pair of arms 560 may be configured to be opened and closed at a home position in operation process G. Alternatively, the positions at which the pair of arms 560 are opened and closed in operation process G may be set to any positions.
[0111] In the above embodiment, in the operation step G, the pair of arms 560 are configured to be opened and closed at the position of the pitfall. However, the pair of arms 560 may be configured to open and close at a position other than the pitfall in operation process G. For example, the positions at which the pair of arms 560 are opened and closed in operation process G may be set arbitrarily.
[0112] In the above embodiment, the position (XY coordinates) of the home position can be set by sliding the home pointer hp displayed within the setting area ge on the movement range setting screen im10 by operating the touch panel. Alternatively, the position (XY coordinates) of the home position can be set by inputting arbitrary XY coordinates for the home pointer hp by operating the touch panel. In the above embodiment, on the movement range setting screen im11, the position (XY coordinates) of the home position can be set by operating the touch panel to slide the home position pointer hpp displayed within the setting area ge. Alternatively, the position (XY coordinates) of the home position can be set by operating the touch panel to input any XY coordinates for the home position pointer hpp. However, a configuration may be adopted in which the prize moving unit 500 is manually moved, and the position where the prize moving unit 500 is located can be set and registered as the home position. That is, a configuration may be adopted in which the prize moving unit 500 (specifically, the support unit 413) is manually moved, the position (XY coordinates) (hereinafter referred to as "prize moving unit coordinates") where the prize moving unit 500 is located (specifically, the support unit 413) can be detected, and the detected prize moving unit coordinates can be set and registered as the home position. In this case, a configuration may be adopted in which the home pointer hp is displayed at a position corresponding to the detected prize moving unit coordinates in the setting area ge of the movement range setting screen im10. Also, a configuration may be adopted in which the home position pointer hpp is displayed at a position corresponding to the detected prize moving unit coordinates in the setting area ge of the movement range setting screen im11.
[0113] In the above embodiment, operation buttons 16a, 16b, an operation lever, etc. are provided to accept physical operations by the player. The prize moving section 500 is configured to move in response to the operation of the operation buttons 16a, 16b or the operation lever by the player. However, an image corresponding to an operation button or an operation lever may be displayed on the display unit 15b, and the prize moving unit 500 may be moved in response to an operation on the touch panel 15a.
[0114] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the setting area ge (game area GE) of the right station, the right front corner is set to the origin (X="0", Y="0"), the coordinates of the left front corner are set to (X="100", Y="0"), the coordinates of the right rear corner are set to (X="0", Y="100"), and the coordinates of the left rear corner are set to (X="100", Y="100"). However, in the setting area ge (game area GE) of the right station, the left front corner may be set as the origin (X="0", Y="0"), the coordinates of the right front corner may be set as (X="100", Y="0"), the coordinates of the left rear corner may be set as (X="0", Y="100"), and the coordinates of the right rear corner may be set as (X="100", Y="100"). In such a configuration, the prize moving section 500 moves to the right in response to operation of the first operation button 16a, and the prize moving section 500 moves to the rear in response to operation of the second operation button 16a. Alternatively, in the setting area ge (game area GE) of the right station, the left rear corner may be set as the origin (X="0", Y="0"), the coordinates of the right rear corner may be set as (X="100", Y="0"), the coordinates of the left front corner may be set as (X="0", Y="100"), and the coordinates of the right front corner may be set as (X="100", Y="100"). In such a configuration, the prize moving section 500 moves to the right in response to operation of the first operation button 16a, and the prize moving section 500 moves to the front in response to operation of the second operation button 16a. Alternatively, in the setting area ge (game area GE) of the right station, the right rear corner may be set as the origin (X="0", Y="0"), the coordinates of the left rear corner may be set as (X="100", Y="0"), the coordinates of the right front corner may be set as (X="0", Y="100"), and the coordinates of the left front corner may be set as (X="100", Y="100"). In such a configuration, the prize moving section 500 moves toward the left in response to operation of the first operation button 16a, and the prize moving section 500 moves toward the front in response to operation of the second operation button 16a. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, in the setting area ge (game area GE) of the left station, the left front corner is set to the origin (X="0", Y="0"), the coordinates of the right front corner are set to (X="100", Y="0"), the coordinates of the left rear corner are set to (X="0", Y="100"), and the coordinates of the right rear corner are set to (X="100", Y="100"). However, in the setting area ge (game area GE) of the left station, the right front corner may be set as the origin (X="0", Y="0"), the coordinates of the left front corner may be set as (X="100", Y="0"), the coordinates of the right rear corner may be set as (X="0", Y="100"), and the coordinates of the left rear corner may be set as (X="100", Y="100"). In such a configuration, the prize moving section 500 moves toward the left in response to operation of the first operation button 16a, and the prize moving section 500 moves toward the rear in response to operation of the second operation button 16a. Alternatively, in the setting area ge (game area GE) of the left station, the right rear corner may be set as the origin (X="0", Y="0"), the coordinates of the left rear corner may be set as (X="100", Y="0"), the coordinates of the right front corner may be set as (X="0", Y="100"), and the coordinates of the left front corner may be set as (X="100", Y="100"). In such a configuration, the prize moving section 500 moves toward the left in response to operation of the first operation button 16a, and the prize moving section 500 moves toward the front in response to operation of the second operation button 16a. Alternatively, in the setting area ge (game area GE) of the left station, the left rear corner may be set as the origin (X="0", Y="0"), the coordinates of the right rear corner may be set as (X="100", Y="0"), the coordinates of the left front corner may be set as (X="0", Y="100"), and the coordinates of the right front corner may be set as (X="100", Y="100"). In such a configuration, the prize moving section 500 moves to the right in response to operation of the first operation button 16a, and the prize moving section 500 moves to the front in response to operation of the second operation button 16a.
[0115] Furthermore, two or more of the configurations according to the above embodiment and the configurations according to the above modified examples may be combined as appropriate.
[0116] (Function of Prize Acquisition Game Device 1) The game system 100 includes a prize moving unit 500 that moves prizes P placed in the game area GE, setting means (main control board 50 and drive board 60) that sets the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the game area GE, and display means (the display unit of the terminal device 2 or the display unit 15b of the housing 10) that can display movement range setting screens im10 and im11 that display a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE and a movement area mr corresponding to the movement range of the prize moving unit 500. The setting means can set the movement range of the prize moving unit 500 in the game area GE according to the movement area mr specified on the movement range setting screens im10 and im11. As a result, on one setting screen (movement range setting screen im10, im11), a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE and a movement area mr corresponding to the movement range of the prize movement section 500 are displayed. Then, the movement range of the prize movement section 500 in the game area GE is set according to the movement area mr specified on the one setting screen. Therefore, it becomes easy to understand the relationship between the game area GE and the movement range of the prize movement section 500, and it becomes possible to easily set the movement range of the prize movement section 500.
[0117] In the game system 100, the movement region mr is specified by a home pointer hp and an end pointer ep. The home pointer hp indicates the coordinate of the boundary on one side in the X direction within the movement range of the prize moving section 500 and the coordinate of the boundary on one side in the Y direction within the movement range of the prize moving section 500, and the end pointer ep indicates the coordinate of the boundary on the other side in the X direction within the movement range of the prize moving section 500 and the coordinate of the boundary on the other side in the Y direction within the movement range of the prize moving section 500. As a result, the movement area mr is specified by the home pointer hp and the end pointer ep. Therefore, it is possible to specify the position of the movement area mr simply by specifying the positions of the home pointer hp and the end pointer ep, making it even easier to set the movement range of the prize movement unit 500. Furthermore, in the game system 100, the movement range setting screen im11 displays a home position pointer hpp (or home pointer hp) corresponding to the home position of the prize moving unit 500. Then, the setting means can set the home position according to the position of the home position pointer hpp (or home pointer hp) specified on the movement range setting screen im11. As a result, on one setting screen (movement range setting screen im11), a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE, a movement area mr corresponding to the movement range of the prize movement section 500, and a home position pointer hpp corresponding to the home position are displayed. Then, the home position of the prize movement section 500 is set according to the position of the home position pointer hpp specified on the one setting screen. Therefore, it becomes easy to understand the relationship between the game area GE, the movement range of the prize movement section 500, and the home position, and it becomes possible to easily set the home position of the prize movement section 500.
[0118] In addition, in the game system 100, the home position pointer hpp is placed within the movement region mr. This prevents the home position pointer hpp corresponding to the home position from being set outside the movement region mr, making it possible to set the home position at an appropriate position. In the game system 100, the game area GE includes an opening area OE into which prizes P are dropped. The movement range setting screens im10 and im11 display a pitfall corresponding to the opening area OE. As a result, on one setting screen (movement range setting screen im10, im11), a setting area ge corresponding to the game area GE, a movement area mr corresponding to the movement range of the prize movement section 500, and a pitfall corresponding to the opening area OE are displayed. Therefore, it becomes easy to understand the relationship between the game area GE, the movement range of the prize movement section 500, and the opening area OE, making it even easier to set the movement range of the prize movement section 500. In addition, in the game system 100, the set area GE is divided into a plurality of designated areas, and for each designated area, the operation of the prize moving unit 500 in the area of the game area GE that corresponds to the designated area can be set. This makes it easier to understand the relationship between the game area GE, the movement range of the prize moving unit 500, and the operation of the prize moving unit 500 in the area corresponding to each designated area, making it easier to set the operation of the prize moving unit 500.
[0119] In addition, in the game system 100, the operations of the prize moving unit 500 that can be set for each designated area include at least one of the gripping force of the prize moving unit 500, the downward limit position of the prize moving unit 500, and the pushing force of the prize moving unit 500. This makes it possible to easily set at least one of the gripping force of the prize moving section 500, the lowering limit position of the prize moving section 500, and the pushing force of the prize moving section 500. In addition, in the game system 1, the display means (the display unit of the terminal device 2 or the display unit 15b of the casing 10) is configured by a touch panel display. This makes it possible to set the movement range of the prize moving section 500 even easier. The game system 1 also includes a prize winning game device 1 including a prize moving unit 500. The prize winning game device 1 is provided with a display means. This makes it possible to set the movement range of the prize moving section 500 in the prize acquisition game device 1. The game system 100 also includes a prize winning game device 1 including a prize moving unit 500, and a terminal device 2 capable of communicating with the prize winning game device 1. A display means is disposed in the terminal device 2. This makes it possible to set the movement range of the prize moving section 500 at a location away from the prize acquisition game device 1. [Explanation of symbols]
[0120] 1. Prize winning game device 500 Prize Transfer Department GE Game Area OE Opening Area ge configuration area mr moving area im1 station selection screen im2 1st setting item selection screen im3 2nd setting item selection screen im4 3rd setting item selection screen im5 1st pitfall setting screen im6 2nd pitfall setting screen im7 3rd pitfall setting screen im8 area operation setting screen im9 area specification screen im10,im11 movement range setting screen im12,im13 sequence setting screen im14~im21 Shift operation setting screen
Claims
1. a setting means for setting a movement range of the prize moving means in the game area; a display means capable of displaying a setting screen that displays a first area corresponding to the game area and a second area corresponding to the movement range; A limit that allows the second area to be designated is set based on predetermined information including information indicating the type of arm attached to the prize moving means; The game system is characterized in that the setting means is capable of setting the movement range in accordance with the second area specified on the setting screen.
2. On the setting screen, the second area can be designated by designating coordinates; the second region is partitioned by a first boundary line extending in the X direction, a second boundary line extending in the X direction, a third boundary line extending in the Y direction, and a fourth boundary line extending in the Y direction; the coordinates include a Y coordinate of the first boundary line, a Y coordinate of the second boundary line, an X coordinate of the third boundary line, and an X coordinate of the fourth boundary line; 2. The game system according to claim 1, wherein the boundary line can be slid by operating a touch panel.
3. A game system as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the initial position at which the prize moving means is placed at the start of the game can be determined by moving predetermined information displayed in the second area indicating the initial position, and the initial position can be set according to the position of the predetermined information.
4. 4. The game system according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined information can be slid by operating a touch panel.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Prize winning game device
JP2010188012A