Prize-winning game machine

Abstract

To facilitate adjustment of the gripping force of the gripping means. [Solution] The prize-winning game device 1 is equipped with a gripping means for gripping a prize and an operating means, and is characterized in that when the gripping force of the gripping means is attenuated from the state in which the prize is held by the gripping means, a value indicating the gripping force at the time when operation of the operating means is detected is displayed. When the operator confirms by visual inspection that the gripping means has released the prize, they can operate the operating means to determine that the gripping means has released the prize. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately determine that the gripping means has released the prize.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game device including gripping means for gripping a prize.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a prize acquisition game device including gripping means for gripping a prize has been known (see Patent Document 1). In this prize acquisition game device, in an elevating base portion, a plurality of gripping arms for gripping a prize, an opening / closing device for opening and closing the plurality of gripping arms, and a distance measuring sensor for measuring the distance to the tip of the gripping arm are provided. Then, after holding the prize with the plurality of gripping arms, based on the distance measured by the distance measuring sensor, the dropping of the prize from the gripping arm is recognized.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the conventional prize acquisition game device, it may be difficult to adjust the gripping force of the gripping means. That is, in the conventional prize acquisition game device, since information indicating the gripping force when the prize drops from the gripping arm is not displayed, an operator cannot adjust the gripping force of the gripping means by referring to the gripping force when the prize drops from the gripping arm, and there is a risk that it becomes difficult to adjust the gripping force of the gripping means. An object of the present invention is to facilitate the adjustment of the gripping force of the gripping means.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To achieve the above objective, the prize-winning game device according to the first invention comprises a gripping means for gripping a prize and an operating means, characterized in that a value indicating the gripping force at the time when the gripping force of the gripping means is attenuated from the state in which the prize is held by the gripping means and operation of the operating means is detected is displayed.

[0006] Furthermore, the prize-winning game device according to the second invention is characterized in that, in the prize-winning game device according to the first invention, it is provided with setting means for setting the gripping force of the gripping means according to the aforementioned value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to easily adjust the gripping force of the gripping means. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the exterior of the prize-winning game machine 1. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the prize gripping section 500, which is compatible with the "two-prong specification". [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the front side of the arm unit 520. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view showing the rear side of the arm unit 520. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view of the arm unit 520. [Figure 6] This is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system for the prize-winning game machine 1. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the settings screen im1. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart for the automatic gripping force setting process. [Figure 9] This figure shows the change in the opening degree of arm 560 during automatic gripping force setting. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart of the automatic gripping force setting process related to a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the prize-winning game device according to the present invention is applied to a prize-winning game device 1 capable of executing a prize-winning game. The "Prize Acquisition Game" is a game in which the player (user) can acquire prize P by operating the control unit 16 to activate the prize gripping unit 500, causing the prize P placed in the prize placement area AE to fall into the opening area OE. "Prize Points" can be items that are awarded to the player upon acquisition, or items that are not awarded to the player upon acquisition but can be exchanged for other items (items awarded to the player) after acquisition. Either is acceptable.

[0010] (Configuration of each prize-winning game device 1) First, let's explain the configuration of each prize-winning game device 1. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the prize-winning game machine 1. In the example shown in Figure 1, two prize-winning game machines 1 are configured within a single enclosure 10. That is, a common enclosure 10 is used for the two prize-winning game machines 1. However, it is also possible for one prize-winning game machine 1 to be configured within a single enclosure 10. Furthermore, it is also possible for three or more prize-winning game machines 1 to be configured within a single enclosure 10. In the following explanation, each prize-winning game device 1 configured within the cabinet 10 may be referred to as a "station." That is, one cabinet 10 is configured with two stations (a left station and a right station). As shown in FIG. 1, the prize-winning game apparatus 1 includes a housing 10, a prize arrangement frame unit 20 disposed within the housing 10, a prize arrangement mechanism 30 attached to the prize arrangement frame unit 20, a crane unit 40 attached to the housing 10, various light-emitting devices (not shown) attached to the housing 10, a speaker 18 (see FIG. 6) attached to the housing 10, and a main control board 50 (see FIG. 6) disposed within the housing 10.

[0011] (housing 10) Next, the configuration of the housing 10 will be described. The housing 10 is formed in a box shape. Inside the housing 10, a game area (play area) GE in which a prize-winning game is developed is configured. The housing 10 includes an upper housing 11 and a lower housing 12. The front, back, left side, and right side of the upper housing 11 are each composed of a transparent plate material such as glass or an acrylic plate. As a result, the player can visually recognize the game area GE configured inside the housing 10 from the outside of the housing 10. The front of the upper housing 11 is composed of a sliding door and can be opened and closed. As a result, the operator can perform arrangements and movements of the prizes P, configurations and changes of the prize arrangement mechanism 30, etc. in the game area GE by opening the front of the upper housing 11.

[0012] 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. The coin insertion slot 14 enables the player to insert coins. The player can obtain credits for playing the prize-winning game by inserting coins into the coin insertion slot 14. Note that an electronic money settlement device using a storage medium such as a prepaid card or a credit card may be provided, and a configuration in which credits can be obtained by electronic money settlement may also be adopted.

[0013] The touch panel display 15 has a function of displaying various images and a function of receiving operation inputs by the user. Specifically, the touch panel display 15 includes a touch panel 15a (see FIG. 6) and a display unit 15b (see FIG. 6). The touch panel 15a is an input device such as a capacitive type or a pressure-sensitive type, and receives operation inputs by the user's finger, a touch pen, or the like. The display unit 15b is realized by a liquid crystal display, an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display, or the like.

[0014] Various information such as the remaining number of credits acquired by the player is displayed on the display unit 15b. That is, each time a credit is acquired by inserting a coin into the coin insertion slot 14, the remaining number of credits displayed on the display unit 15 increases. Also, each time a prize acquisition game is played, the remaining number of credits displayed on the display unit 15 decreases.

[0015] The operation unit 16 receives operations by the player. The operation unit 16 includes a first operation button 16a and a second operation button 16b. Each operation button 16a, 16b can be pressed by the player. The first operation button 16a receives an operation of moving the prize holding unit 500 along the X direction (left-right direction) during the prize acquisition game. The second operation button 16b receives an operation of moving the prize holding unit 500 along the Y direction (depth direction) during the prize acquisition game. Note that the operation unit 16 may include a third operation button that receives an operation of moving the prize holding unit 500 along the Z direction (up-down direction) during the prize acquisition game. Alternatively, as the operation unit 16, a joystick that receives an operation of moving the prize holding unit 500 along the horizontal direction (left-right direction and depth direction) and a down button that receives an operation of moving the prize holding unit 500 along the Z direction (up-down direction) may be provided during the prize acquisition game.

[0016] Furthermore, a prize dispensing opening 17 communicating with the opening area OE is provided on the front of the lower housing 12. Below the prize placement mechanism 30, a prize slope (not shown) is provided. Below the prize placement mechanism 30, a prize acquisition sensor 17a (see Figure 6) is provided. The prize acquisition sensor 17a outputs a predetermined detection signal to the main control board 50 in response to the detection of a prize P that has fallen from the opening area OE (acquisition of prize P). In addition, a prize drop sensor 17b (see Figure 6) is provided inside the prize dispensing opening 17. The prize drop sensor 17b outputs a predetermined detection signal to the main control board 50 in response to the detection of a prize P that has fallen into the prize dispensing opening 17 (acquisition of prize P).

[0017] The processing unit 51 detects the acquisition of prize P based on the input of a detection signal from the prize acquisition sensor 17a and executes a predetermined lighting effect upon acquisition. The processing unit 51 also detects a specific error if the state in which a detection signal is input from the prize drop sensor 17b continues for a predetermined period of time. A "specific error" is detected when an unexpected drop of prize P occurs, prize P is forgotten, or a person or foreign object enters the prize dispensing opening 17. Note that the prize acquisition sensor 17a and the prize drop sensor 17b may each be arbitrarily switched between a detection state and a non-detection state. Then, the prize P that falls into the opening area OE is detected by the prize acquisition sensor 17a, guided to the prize dispensing opening 17 by the prize slope, and detected by the prize drop sensor 17b. This allows the player to acquire the prize P taken from the prize dispensing opening 17. Furthermore, a door 19 is provided on the front of the lower housing 12. Various control boards (such as the main control board 50) are arranged inside the door 19.

[0018] The prize placement frame unit 20 is located inside the enclosure 10. The prize placement frame unit 20 is configured in a frame-like shape. Inside the cabinet 10, a game area GE is configured where the prize-winning game takes place. The prize placement mechanism 30 is a mechanism for placing prizes P within the game area GE. In other words, the prize placement mechanism 30 places the prizes P within the game area GE. Depending on the configuration of the prize placement mechanism 30, various placement methods such as placing, suspending, and clamping can be selected. In particular, in this embodiment, the prize placement mechanism 30 constitutes a prize placement area AE and an opening area OE within the game area GE. "Prize placement area AE" is the area where prize P will be placed. The "Opening Area OE" is an area where prize P can be obtained by dropping the prize P into it. In this embodiment, the prize placement mechanism 30 is constructed by combining multiple floor panels (not shown). Each floor panel is flat. The multiple floor panels are supported by a prize placement frame unit 20. Prizes P can be placed on the upper surfaces of the multiple floor panels.

[0019] (Crane unit 40) Next, the configuration of the crane unit 40 will be explained. The crane unit 40 is comprised of a prize gripping section 500, a moving device 420 for moving the prize gripping section 500 horizontally, and a lifting device 430 for raising and lowering the prize gripping section 500. The moving device 420 is composed of an X-direction rail (not shown), a Y-direction rail (not shown), an X-direction motor m2 (see Figure 6), and a Y-direction motor m3 (see Figure 6). The X-direction rail is mounted on the top (inside) surface 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 along the depth direction. The Y-direction rail is moved along the X-direction rail by driving the X-direction motor m2.

[0020] The lifting device 430 is mounted on 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 includes a reel (not shown) capable of feeding out or winding up a wire, and a lifting motor m4 (see Figure 6) that drives the reel. The tip of the wire is attached to the prize gripping section 500. This allows the prize gripping section 500 to be lowered by driving the reel with the lifting motor m4 to feed out the wire. Conversely, the prize gripping section 500 can be raised by driving the reel with the lifting motor m4 to wind up the wire. As described above, the crane unit 40 is capable of moving the prize gripping section 500 in the left-right, depth, and up-down directions by driving the respective motors m2, m3, and m4. In addition, the pair of arms 560 can be opened and closed by driving the opening / closing motor m1. In the following explanation, of the pair of arms 560, the arm on the right when viewed from the front will be referred to as the "right arm," and the arm on the left will be referred to as the "left arm."

[0021] (Prize gripping section 500) Next, the configuration of the prize gripping unit 500 will be explained. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the prize gripping section 500 corresponding to the "two-claw specification". Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the front side of the arm unit 520. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the rear side of the arm unit 520. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the arm unit 520. The prize gripping section 500 is attached to the bottom surface of the lifting device 430 via an extendable support section 413. As shown in Figure 2, the prize gripping section 500 corresponding to the "two-claw specification" is composed of a catcher case 501 (see Figure 1), a base member 510, a pair of arm units 520, and a catcher circuit board 530. The catcher case 501 is a roughly cylindrical casing. The base member 510, a pair of arm units 520, and the catcher substrate 530 are housed inside the catcher case 501. In this case, the tip end of the arm 560 of each arm unit 520 protrudes to the outside of the catcher case 501 through through holes provided on the side of the catcher case 501. The base member 510 is formed from a metal plate such as stainless steel. The base member 510 may also be made of resin. The lower end of the support portion 413 is connected to the upper surface of the base member 510, as is the lower end of the wire extending from the reel of the lifting device 430. This allows the base member 510 (prize gripping portion 500) to be raised and lowered in response to the wire being fed out or wound up by the lifting device 430.

[0022] The pair of arm units 520 are attached to the lower side of the base member 510. The pair of arm units 520 have identical configurations. As shown in Figures 3 to 5, each arm unit 520 is composed of a base member 590, an opening / closing motor m1, a power transmission unit 540, an arm holding part 550, an arm 560, an arm type identification board 570, and a potentiometer 580. In particular, each arm unit 520 is constructed by integrating (unitizing) a base member 590, an opening / closing motor m1, a power transmission unit 540, an arm holding part 550, an arm 560, an arm type identification board 570, a potentiometer 580, and the like. As a result, each arm unit 520 can be attached to and detached from the base member 510 as a single 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 circuit 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 power from the opening / closing motor m1 to the arm holding part 550 (rotating shaft 551), and a gearbox 542 that houses the power transmission mechanism. The power transmission mechanism is composed of multiple gears. In particular, the power transmission unit 540 is constructed by unitizing (integrating) the power transmission mechanism and the gearbox 542. As a result, the power transmission unit 540 can be attached to and detached from the base member 590 as a single unit.

[0023] The arm holder 550 is attached to the power transmission unit 540 via a rotating shaft 551. The arm holder 550 is provided with a mounting portion 552 to which the base end of the arm 560 is attached. The mounting portion 552 is formed in a rectangular tubular shape, allowing the base end of the arm 560 to be inserted (fitted). The arm holder 550 is also provided with a locking mechanism 553 to lock the base end of the arm 560 attached to the mounting portion 552. The locking mechanism 553 comprises a cylindrical operating rod 553a and an engaging 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 portion 552 in the vertical direction. In this case, the engaging piece is located inside the mounting portion 552. When attaching the arm 560 to the arm holding portion 550, the base end of the arm 560 is inserted into the mounting portion 552. The engaging piece of the locking mechanism 553 then engages with the engaging hole (not shown) provided at the base end of the arm 560. This locks (fixes) the base end of the arm 560 in place within the mounting portion 552, thereby attaching the arm 560 to the arm holding portion 550. In other words, the arm 560 is held by the arm holding portion 550. On the other hand, when removing the arm 560 from the arm holder 550, the upper end of the operating rod 553a is pushed downward. This releases the engagement of the engaging piece of the locking mechanism 553 with the engagement hole provided at the base end of the arm 560. As a result, by pushing the upper end of the operating rod 553a downward while pulling the base end of the arm 560 out of the arm holder 550, the arm 560 can be removed from the arm holder 550. The arm holder 550 is provided with an insertion hole 554 through which the rotating shaft 551 is inserted. The arm holder 550 can be displaced (rotated) around the rotating shaft 551 within a range from a closed limit position (not shown) to an open limit position (see Figure 2). As a result, the arm 560 mounted on the arm holder 550 can be displaced within a range from a closed limit position (not shown) to an open limit position (see Figure 2) in accordance with the displacement (rotation) of the arm holder 550. In this case, when the pair of arm holding parts 550 of the prize gripping part 500 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 parts 550 are displaced toward the open limit position, the pair of arms 560 are displaced in the opening direction.

[0024] The arm 560 is formed in a roughly L-shaped rod form. The shape of the arm 560 can be changed as appropriate, such as to an arc shape, wave shape, flat plate shape, hook shape, etc. A metal claw member 561 is attached to the lower end of the arm 560. In this embodiment, multiple types of arms 560 differing in size, length, and the shape of the claw member 561 are provided. For example, the multiple types of arms 560 include a small arm 560A, a medium-sized arm 560B, and a large arm 560C. It is possible to arbitrarily select any of the multiple types of arms 560 and attach them to the arm holding part 550. In particular, as shown in Figure 5, an arm type identification section 562 is provided at the base end of the arm 560. The arm type identification section 562 is composed of a pair of identification plates 562a arranged in parallel. The pair of identification plates 562a have the same configuration as each other. Each identification plate 562a has four identification sections s1 to s4 defined. In each arm 560, the type of the arm 560 can be identified by the combination (pattern) of the identification sections s1 to s4 in which through holes are formed. In other words, in each arm 560, the combination of identification parts s1 to s4 in which through holes are formed corresponds to the type of arm 560. To put it another way, in each type of arm 560, the combination of identification parts s1 to s4 in which through holes are formed differs. For example, in the small arm 560A, a through hole is formed in identification part s1 of the four identification parts s1 to s4, while through holes are not formed in identification parts s2 to s4. On the other hand, in the medium-sized arm 560B, through holes are formed in identification parts s1 and s2 of the four identification parts s1 to s4, while through holes are not formed in identification parts s3 and s4. On the other hand, in the large arm 560A, through holes are formed in identification parts s1 to s3 of the four identification parts s1 to s4, while a through hole is not formed in identification part s4.

[0025] The arm type identification board 570 is attached to the back side of the base member 590. The arm type identification board 570 includes an arm type detection sensor (not shown). The arm type detection sensor is composed of four systems of photosensors (reflective photosensors). Specifically, the arm type detection sensor is composed of a photosensor corresponding to identification unit s1, a photosensor corresponding to identification unit s2, a photosensor corresponding to identification unit s3, and a photosensor corresponding to identification unit s4. The photosensor corresponding to identification unit s1 is composed of a light-emitting element that irradiates identification unit s1 with infrared light and a light-receiving element that receives reflected light from identification unit s1. The photosensor corresponding to identification unit s2 is composed of a light-emitting element that irradiates identification unit s2 with infrared light and a light-receiving element that receives reflected light from identification unit s2. The photosensor corresponding to identification unit s3 is composed of a light-emitting element that irradiates identification unit s3 with infrared light and a light-receiving element that receives reflected light from identification unit s3. The photosensor corresponding to identification unit s4 is composed of a light-emitting element that irradiates identification unit s4 with infrared light and a light-receiving element that receives reflected light from identification unit s4.

[0026] Here, the back surface of the base member 590 is provided with through holes n1 to n4 that allow infrared light emitted from the light-emitting parts of each photosensor to pass through. In addition, each side surface of the arm holding part 550 is provided with through holes h1 to h4 that allow infrared light emitted from the light-emitting parts of each photosensor to pass through. The through hole h1 is located at the position corresponding to the identification part s1 when the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding part 550. The through hole h2 is located at the position corresponding to the identification part s2 when the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding part 550. The through hole h3 is located at the position corresponding to the identification part s3 when the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding part 550. The through hole h4 is located at the position corresponding to the identification part s4 when the arm 560 is attached to the arm holding part 550. In this embodiment, when the arm holding portion 550 is positioned at the open limit position (when the arm 560 is positioned at the open limit position), the type of arm 560 attached to the arm holding portion 550 is determined. As a result, when the arm holding portion 550 is positioned at the open limit position, through hole n1 is provided at a position corresponding to identification portion s1 (through hole h1). Through hole n2 is provided at a position corresponding to identification portion s2 (through hole h2) when the arm holding portion 550 is positioned at the open limit position. Through hole n3 is provided at a position corresponding to identification portion s3 (through hole h3) when the arm holding portion 550 is positioned at the open limit position. Through hole n4 is provided at a position corresponding to identification portion s4 (through hole h4) when the arm holding portion 550 is positioned at the open limit position. As described above, when the arm holding portion 550 is positioned at the open limit position, infrared light emitted from the light-emitting element of each photosensor reaches the identification portion s1 to s4 corresponding to the photosensor through the through holes n1 to n4 and h1 to h4. In this case, if no through holes are formed in the identification portion s1 to s4, the infrared light that reaches the identification portion s1 to s4 is reflected by the identification portion s1 to s4, and the reflected light is received by the photo-receiving element of the photosensor. On the other hand, if through holes are formed in the identification portion s1 to s4, the infrared light that reaches the identification portion s1 to s4 passes through the identification portion s1 to s4 and is reflected by the back surface of the power transmission unit 540, and the reflected light is received by the photo-receiving element of the photosensor. In particular, in this embodiment, the arm type identification unit 562 is made of a material with a higher infrared light reflectivity compared to the back surface of the power transmission unit 540. This makes it possible for each photosensor to determine (detect) the presence or absence of through holes in the identification units s1 to s4 corresponding to the photosensor, based on the reflectivity of the reflected light received by the photodetector in response to the infrared light irradiated by the light-emitting element.

[0027] In other words, the detection signal from the light-receiving element of each photosensor is input to the catcher substrate 530. The processing unit of the catcher substrate 530 then determines, based on the detection signal input from the light-receiving element of each photosensor, whether or not through holes are formed in the identification units s1 to s4 corresponding to that photosensor. In this case, the processing unit of the catcher substrate 530 determines that if the current value of the detection signal input from the light-receiving element of each photosensor is above a predetermined threshold (i.e., the reflectivity of the identification units s1 to s4 corresponding to that photosensor is high), then no through holes are formed in the identification units s1 to s4 corresponding to that photosensor. On the other hand, the processing unit of the catcher substrate 530 determines that if the current value of the detection signal input from the light-receiving element of each photosensor is below a predetermined threshold (i.e., the reflectivity of the identification units s1 to s4 corresponding to that photosensor is low), then a through hole is formed in the identification units s1 to s4 corresponding to that photosensor. Specifically, the processing unit of the catcher substrate 530 determines whether or not a through hole is formed in the identification unit s1 based on a detection signal input from the photodetector element of the photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s1. It also determines whether or not a through hole is formed in the identification unit s2 based on a detection signal input from the photodetector element of the photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s2. It also determines whether or not a through hole is formed in the identification unit s3 based on a detection signal input from the photodetector element of the photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s3. It also determines whether or not a through hole is formed in the identification unit s4 based on a detection signal input from the photodetector element of the photosensor corresponding to the identification unit s4. The processing unit of the catcher substrate 530 then determines (detects) whether or not the arm 560 is mounted on the arm holding unit 550 and the type of arm 560 mounted on the arm holding unit 550, based on the combination (pattern) of the four identification units s1 to s4 in which through holes are formed. If it is determined that through holes are formed in all of the identification units s1 to s4, it is determined that the arm 560 is not mounted on the arm holding unit 550. On the other hand, if it is determined that a through hole is formed in identification unit s1, but not in identification units s2 to s4, the type of arm 560 mounted on the arm holding unit 550 is determined to be a small arm 560A. On the other hand, if it is determined that through holes are formed in identification parts s1 and s2 of the four identification parts s1 to s4, but not in identification parts s3 and s4, the type of arm 560 attached to the arm holding part 550 is determined to be a medium-sized arm 560B. On the other hand, if it is determined that through holes are formed in identification parts s1 to s3 of the four identification parts s1 to s4, but not in identification part s4, the type of arm 560 attached to the arm holding part 550 is determined to be a large arm 560C.

[0028] The potentiometer 580 is mounted on the front side of the power transmission unit 540. The potentiometer 580 is composed of a variable resistor. The potentiometer 580 detects the opening degree (rotation position and rotation angle) of the arm holding part 550 (arm 560). That is, the potentiometer 580 outputs a detection signal to the catcher board 530 corresponding to the opening degree (rotation position and rotation angle) of the rotating shaft 551. The processing unit of the catcher board 530 then detects the opening degree (rotation position and rotation angle) of the arm holding part 550 (arm 560) corresponding to each potentiometer 580 based on the detection signal input from each potentiometer 580. In the arm unit 520, the power of the opening / closing motor m1 is transmitted to the rotating shaft 551, which is inserted through 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 potentiometer 580 can detect the degree of opening (open / closed position) of the arm 560.

[0029] The catcher board 530 is attached to the back side of the base member 510. The catcher board 530 is composed of a processing unit (not shown). The processing unit is composed of a microcomputer including a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The catcher board 530 is capable of controlling the drive of up to three motors. In this embodiment, the catcher board 530 is capable of controlling the opening and closing of a pair of arms 560 by controlling the drive 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. At this time, by controlling the amount of current flowing to each opening and closing motor m1 and monitoring and providing feedback on the current value applied to the opening and closing motor m1, it is possible to finely adjust the gripping force of the pair of arms 560, and it is possible to determine in detail the gripping force when the prize P falls (specifically, the gripping force value at the start of the fall and the gripping force value at the time of fall, which will be described later). The prize gripping unit 500 is capable of gripping and releasing the prize P by opening and closing the pair of arms 560.

[0030] In this embodiment, the base member 510 is configured to accommodate two sets of arm units 520. However, the base member 510 may also be configured to accommodate three or more sets of arm units 520. In other words, in this embodiment, the base member 510 is configured to support a "two-claw specification" in which the prize P is gripped by two arms 560. However, the base member 510 may also be configured to support a "three-claw specification" in which the prize P is gripped by three arms 560.

[0031] (Control system configuration) Next, we will explain the configuration of the control system for the prize-winning game machine 1. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control system for the prize-winning game machine 1. As shown in Figure 6, the prize-winning game device 1 comprises 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-winning game. The main control board 50 is located inside the lower casing 12. The main control board 50 consists of a processing unit 51, a memory unit 52, a communication unit 53, an RTC (real-time clock) 54, and the like. The processing unit 51 is composed of a microcomputer that includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The processing unit 51 executes the processing necessary for the progress of the prize-winning game based on various detection signals input from the control panel 13, program data stored in the memory unit 52, etc. The processing unit 51 also executes processing related to various settings of the prize-winning game device 1 based on various detection signals input from the touch panel 15a, various information received by the communication unit 53, program data stored in the memory unit 52, etc. In particular, the processing unit 51 transmits various control commands to the drive board 660, catcher board 530, etc., in accordance with the progress of the prize-winning game. The processing unit 51 receives detection signals output in response to the pressing of each operation button 16a, 16b, detection signals output in response to the operation of the touch panel 15a, detection signals output in response to the insertion of coins into the coin slot 14, and detection signals output in response to the detection of prize P by the prize acquisition sensor 17a. The memory unit 52 is composed of non-volatile memory and the like. The memory unit 52 stores program data necessary for the progress of the prize-winning game, various settings of the prize-winning game device 1, and so on. The communication unit 53 communicates with external terminal devices (not shown) via a network (not shown). The RTC54 generates (timeskeeping) information indicating the current time (year, month, day, day of the week, hour, minute, second). The RTC54 is configured to operate on power supplied from a backup power supply. This ensures that the RTC54 continuously measures the current time even when the prize-winning game machine 1 is not powered on.

[0032] The drive board 60 controls the movement of the prize gripping unit 500 (movement in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction) by controlling the driving of the X direction motor m2, the Y direction motor m3, and the lifting motor m4. The drive board 60 is located on the top (inside) surface of the housing 10. The drive board 60 is composed of a processing unit and the like. The processing unit of the drive board 60 is composed of a microcomputer that includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The ROM of the drive board 60 stores program data necessary for controlling the movement of the prize gripping unit 500. Here, the prize-winning game device 1 is equipped with an X-position detection means 55 for detecting the position of the prize-grabbing part 500 in the X direction (left-right direction), a Y-position detection means 56 for detecting the position of the prize-grabbing part 500 in the Y direction (depth direction), a Z-position detection means 57 for detecting the position of the prize-grabbing part 500 in the Z direction (up-down direction), and so on. The processing unit of the drive board 60 receives control commands transmitted 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, and the like. In addition, the processing unit of the drive board 60 receives arm type information, which will be described later. The processing unit of the drive board 60 controls the driving of the X-direction motor m2 (movement of the prize gripping unit 500 in the X-direction) based on control commands received from the main control board 50, detection signals input from the X-position detection means 55, and the set movable range of the prize gripping unit 500 in the X-direction. Furthermore, the processing unit of the drive board 60 controls the drive of the Y-direction motor m3 (movement of the prize gripping unit 500 in the Y-direction) based on control commands received from the main control board 50, detection signals input from the Y-position detection means 56, and a preset movable range in the Y-direction of the prize gripping unit 500. Furthermore, the processing unit of the drive board 60 controls the drive of the lifting motor m4 (movement of the prize gripping unit 500 in the Z direction) based on control commands received from the main control board 50, detection signals input from the Z position detection means 57, and a preset movable range of the prize gripping unit 500 in the Z direction.

[0033] The catcher board 530 controls the opening and closing of the pair of arms 560 and the gripping force applied by the pair of arms 560 by controlling the drive 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 located inside the catcher case 501. The catcher board 530 is composed of a processing unit and the like. The processing unit of the catcher board 530 is composed of a microcomputer that includes a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. The ROM of the catcher board 530 stores program data necessary for controlling the opening and closing of the pair of arms 560. The processing unit of the catcher board 530 receives the following inputs: control commands transmitted by the main control board 50, detection signals output by the potentiometer 580 of one arm unit 520, detection signals output by the potentiometer 580 of the other arm unit 520, detection signals from the arm type identification board 570 (photosensor light receiving elements of four systems) of one arm unit 520, detection signals from the arm type identification board 570 (photosensor light receiving elements of four systems) of the other arm unit 520, and the amount of current (command value) flowing to each opening / closing motor m1. The processing unit of the catcher board 530 controls the drive of each opening / closing motor m1 (opening / closing and gripping force of a pair of arms 560) based on control commands received from the main control board 50, detection signals input from the potentiometers 580 of each arm unit 520, arm type information stored in RAM, and preset gripping force values ​​of the arms 560 (first gripping force value, basic gripping force value, second gripping force value), etc. Here, by monitoring and providing feedback on the current value applied to the opening / closing motor m1, it becomes possible to finely adjust the gripping force of the pair of arms 560, and to precisely determine the gripping force of the prize P when it falls (specifically, the gripping force value at the start of the fall and the gripping force value at the time of fall, which will be described later).

[0034] (Game processing) Next, we will explain the game processing performed by the processing unit 51. When power is turned on to the prize-winning game device 1, the processing unit 51 starts the game process. In the game's processing, the initial setup process is performed first. During the initial setup process, various initial settings are performed. Once the initial setup process is complete, the initial operation process is executed. During the initial operation process, the crane unit 40 performs an initial operation (initialization operation). The "initial operation" is performed to confirm whether the crane unit 40 is operating normally and to confirm that the crane unit 40 is positioned in a pre-set home position. In this embodiment, the initial operation also measures and determines the closed limit position and the open limit position for the pair of arms 560. During the initial operation process, control commands specifying the execution of the initial operation are sent to the drive board 60 and the catcher board 530.

[0035] Once the initial operation process is complete, the attract start process is executed. During the attract start process, the prize-winning game device 1 enters an attract state (waiting for customers). The "attract state" is a state in which the prize-winning game is not currently running, but is ready to be started. While in the attract state, the attract operation is performed by the prize-winning game device 1. During the attract state, the fulfillment of the conditions for starting the prize-winning game is monitored. In this embodiment, the conditions for starting the prize-winning game are fulfilled when the insertion of a coin into the coin slot 14 is detected. When the conditions for starting the prize-winning game are met, the attract state ends and the prize-winning game (game state) begins. At the start of the prize-winning game, the crane unit 40 is positioned in the home position. During the prize-winning game, 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 sent to the drive board 60. This starts the driving of the X-direction motor m2, and the movement of the prize-grabbing unit 500 along the left-right direction begins. Next, the cessation of the input of the detection signal from the first operation button 16a is monitored. 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. As a result, the drive of the X direction motor m2 is stopped, and the movement of the prize gripping unit 500 along the left-right direction is stopped.

[0036] Next, the input of a 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 the Y direction motor m3 to drive, and the prize gripping unit 500 starts moving along 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 sent to the catcher board 530. As a result, each opening / closing motor m1 is driven and the pair of arms 560 are opened (hereinafter referred to as the "arm opening process"). At this time, the opening of the pair of arms 560 is controlled according to the arm opening angle set in the setting screen im1, which will be described later. Next, once the pair of arms have finished releasing, a control command is sent to the drive board 60 specifying the start of movement (downward movement) in the Z direction. This stops the Y-direction motor m3 from driving, stopping the movement of the prize gripping unit 500 along the depth direction, and starts the lifting motor m4 from driving, initiating the movement (downward movement) of the prize gripping unit 500 along the vertical direction.

[0037] Next, in response to the prize gripping unit 500 being lowered to a predetermined height, 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 (hereinafter referred to as the "gripping process"). At this time, for each arm unit 520, the first gripping force value (first gripping force value of the left arm and first gripping force value of the right arm) set in the setting screen im1 is acquired, and the closing (gripping force) of each arm 560 is controlled so that the gripping force corresponds to the acquired first gripping force value. Next, in response to the completion of the closing of the pair of arms 560, a control command is sent to the drive board 60 specifying the start of movement (upward movement) in the Z direction. This starts the driving of the lifting motor m4, and the movement (upward movement) of the prize gripping unit 500 along the vertical direction begins (hereinafter referred to as the "upward movement"). At this time, for each arm unit 520, the basic gripping force value (basic gripping force value of the left arm and the basic gripping force value of the right arm) set in the setting screen im1 and the gripping force return height set in the setting screen im1 are acquired, and the closing (gripping force) of each arm 560 is controlled so that the gripping force at the acquired gripping force return height corresponds to the basic gripping force value. In this embodiment, the gripping force of each arm 569 is gradually reduced from the start of the upward movement of the pair of arms 560 until it reaches the gripping force return height so that the gripping force at the acquired gripping force return height corresponds to the basic gripping force value. Next, in response to the prize gripping unit 500 being raised to a predetermined height, a control command specifying movement to the opening area OE is sent to the drive board 60. This starts the driving of the X-direction motor m2 and the Y-direction motor m3, and the prize gripping unit 500 is moved toward the preset opening area OE (hereinafter referred to as the "horizontal movement process"). At this time, for each arm unit 520, the second gripping force value (second gripping force value of the left arm and second gripping force value of the right arm) set in the setting screen im1 is acquired, and the closing (gripping force) of each arm 560 is controlled so that the gripping force corresponds to the acquired second gripping force value. Next, in response to the prize gripping unit 500 being moved into the pit, a control command specifying the opening and closing of the pair of arms 560 is sent to the catcher board 530. This drives each opening / closing motor m1, causing the pair of arms 560 to open and close. Next, upon completion of the 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 the driving of the X-direction motor m2 and the Y-direction motor m3, and the prize gripping unit 500 is moved toward the home position. Then, as the prize gripping unit 500 moves to the home position, the prize acquisition game ends. When the prize acquisition game (game state) ends, the process transitions to the attract start process described above, and the attract state starts again.

[0038] (Setting various settings items) Next, we will explain how to configure the various settings. Figure 7 shows an example of the settings screen im1. In the prize-winning game device 1, the setting screen im1 shown in Figure 7 is displayed on the display unit 15b in response to a predetermined operation by the operator. On the setting screen im1, the operation of the prize gripping unit 500 can be set by operating the touch panel 15a. In this embodiment, the operation of the prize gripping unit 500 can be set to the arm opening angle, first gripping force value, basic gripping force value, second gripping force value, gripping force return height, etc. The "arm opening degree" is a value that specifies the degree (amount of opening) to which the pair of arms 560 are opened in the arm opening process described above. In other words, in the arm opening process, the pair of arms 560 are opened to an amount corresponding to the set arm opening degree. The arm opening degree is indicated by the ratio of the amount of opening of the pair of arms 560 that is actually opened to the amount of opening of the pair of arms 560 when each arm 560 is opened to its opening limit position. The "first gripping force value" is a value that specifies the gripping force of each arm 560 in the gripping process described above. In other words, in the gripping process, the closing (gripping force) of each arm 560 is controlled so that the gripping force corresponds to the set first gripping force value. In this embodiment, it is possible to set the first gripping force value individually for a pair of arms 560 (left arm and right arm). The "basic gripping force value" is a value that specifies the gripping force of each arm 560 during the upward movement described above. In other words, during the upward movement, the closing (gripping force) of each arm 560 is controlled so that the gripping force corresponds to the set basic gripping force value. In this embodiment, it is possible to set the basic gripping force value individually for a pair of arms 560 (left arm and right arm). The "second gripping force value" is a value that specifies the gripping force of each arm 560 in the horizontal movement process described above. In other words, in the horizontal movement process, the closing (gripping force) of each arm 560 is controlled so that the gripping force corresponds to the set second gripping force value. In this embodiment, it is possible to set the second gripping force value individually for a pair of arms 560 (left arm and right arm). The "gripping force return height" is a value that specifies the height at which the gripping force of each arm 560 is returned to a gripping force corresponding to a set basic gripping force value during the upward movement process described above. In other words, during the upward movement process, at a predetermined timing while the pair of arms 560 are rising, the closing (gripping force) of each arm 560 is controlled so that the gripping force of each arm 560 changes from a gripping force corresponding to a set first gripping force value to a gripping force corresponding to a set basic gripping force value. At this time, when the pair of arms 560 reach the set gripping force return height, the gripping force of each arm 560 is gradually reduced so that it becomes a gripping force corresponding to a set basic gripping force value.

[0039] Here, we will explain how to control the gripping force of each arm 560 based on the set gripping force values ​​(first gripping force value, basic gripping force value, second gripping force value). In this embodiment, the ROM of the processing unit 51 stores a command value table in which the correspondence between gripping force values ​​and command values ​​is registered. The processing unit 51 then obtains command values ​​corresponding to the set gripping force values ​​(first gripping force value, basic gripping force value, second gripping force value) for each arm 560 (left arm and right arm) based on the command value table, and transmits the obtained command values ​​to the catcher board 530. Then, the processing unit of the catcher board 530 calculates the current value of the switching motor m1 for each arm 560 (left arm and right arm) based on the received command value using a predetermined calculation formula, and controls the drive of the switching motor m1 according to the calculated current value. At this time, the unit monitors the value obtained by A / D conversion of the current of the switching motor m1 and controls the drive of the switching motor m1 by changing the output duty cycle of the switching motor m1 so that the current value becomes the calculated current value.

[0040] The settings screen im1 consists of a left arm first gripping force value selection section A1, a right arm first gripping force value selection section A2, a left arm basic gripping force value selection section B1, a right arm basic gripping force value selection section B2, a left arm second gripping force value selection section C1, a right arm second gripping force value selection section C2, an arm opening angle selection section D, and a gripping force return height selection section E. The left arm first gripping force value selection unit A1 displays the first gripping force value set for the left arm. The operator can then select (change) the first gripping force value of the left arm by operating the touch panel 15a. By tapping the left arm first gripping force value selection unit A1, the operator can select (change) any value (level) in increments of "1" within the range of "1" (weak) to "150" (strong) for the first gripping force value of the left arm. The right arm first gripping force value selection unit A2 displays the first gripping force value set for the right arm. The operator can then select (change) the first gripping force value of the right arm by operating the touch panel 15a. In this case, by tapping the right arm first gripping force value selection unit A2, it is possible to select (change) any value (level) in increments of "1" within the range of "1" (weak) to "150" (strong) as the first gripping force value of the right arm. The left arm basic gripping force value selection unit B1 displays the basic gripping force value set for the left arm. The operator can then select (change) the basic gripping force value of the left arm by operating the touch panel 15a. By tapping the left arm basic gripping force value selection unit B1, it is possible to select (change) any value (level) in increments of "1" within the range of "1" (weak) to "150" (strong) for the basic gripping force value of the left arm. The basic gripping force value selection unit B2 for the right arm displays the basic gripping force value set for the right arm. The operator can then select (change) the basic gripping force value for the right arm by operating the touch panel 15a. By tapping the basic gripping force value selection unit B2 for the right arm, it is possible to select (change) any value (level) in increments of "1" within the range of "1" (weak) to "150" (strong) for the basic gripping force value of the right arm.

[0041] The left arm second gripping force value selection unit C1 displays the second gripping force value set for the left arm. The operator can then select (change) the second gripping force value of the left arm by operating the touch panel 15a. By tapping the left arm second gripping force value selection unit C1, the operator can select (change) any value (level) within the range of "1" (weak) to "150" (strong) in increments of "1". The right arm second gripping force value selection unit C2 displays the second gripping force value set for the right arm. The operator can then select (change) the second gripping force value of the right arm by operating the touch panel 15a. By tapping the right arm second gripping force value selection unit C2, the operator can select (change) any value (level) within the range of "1" (weak) to "150" (strong) in increments of "1" as the second gripping force value of the right arm. The arm opening selection unit D displays the set arm opening. The operator can then select (change) the arm opening by operating the touch panel 15a. By tapping the arm opening selection unit D, the operator can select (change) any value within the range of "5%" to "100%" in "5%" increments. The gripping force return height selection unit E displays the set gripping force return height. The operator can then select (change) the gripping force return height by operating the touch panel 15a. By tapping the gripping force return height selection unit E, the operator can select (change) any value within the range of "1cm" to "60cm" in "1cm" increments as the gripping force return height.

[0042] On the settings screen im1, the operator can arbitrarily change the set values ​​(information) for each of the following: the first gripping force value of the left arm, the first gripping force value of the right arm, the basic gripping force value of the left arm, the basic gripping force value of the right arm, the second gripping force value of the left arm, the second gripping force value of the right arm, the arm opening angle, and the gripping force return height. In other words, by operating the touch panel 15a, the user can change the set value (information) in at least one of the following selection units: left arm first gripping force value selection unit A1, right arm first gripping force value selection unit A2, left arm basic gripping force value selection unit B1, right arm basic gripping force value selection unit B2, left arm second gripping force value selection unit C1, right arm second gripping force value selection unit C2, arm opening degree selection unit D, and gripping force return height selection unit E. After changing the set value (information) in that selection unit, the user can tap the confirmation icon ic1 to set (confirm) the changed value (information).

[0043] Furthermore, the operator can automatically set appropriate values ​​for the first gripping force value of the left arm, the first gripping force value of the right arm, the basic gripping force value of the left arm, the basic gripping force value of the right arm, the second gripping force value of the left arm, and the second gripping force value of the right arm on the settings screen im1, in order to improve the gameplay (hereinafter referred to as "automatic gripping force setting"). To perform automatic gripping force setting, first, place the prize P to be set in the designated position in the game area GE. Next, tap the automatic gripping force setting icon ic2 on the setting screen im1. This will execute (start) the automatic gripping force setting process described later. The automatic gripping force setting process will then measure, calculate, and set appropriate values ​​for the first gripping force value of the left arm, the first gripping force value of the right arm, the basic gripping force value of the left arm, the basic gripping force value of the right arm, the second gripping force value of the left arm, and the second gripping force value of the right arm, in order to improve the gameplay.

[0044] (Automatic gripping force setting process) Next, the automatic gripping force setting process performed by the processing unit 51 will be explained. Figure 8 is a flowchart of the automatic gripping force setting process. Figure 9 shows the change in the opening degree of arm 560 during automatic gripping force setting. As described above, when the automatic gripping force setting icon ic2 is tapped while the prize P to be subject to automatic gripping force setting is placed in a predetermined position in the game area GE, the automatic gripping force setting process shown in Figure 8 is started. When the automatic gripping force setting process is initiated, the system first proceeds to step S1-1. In step S1-1, an upper limit is set for the gripping force value during measurement for each arm 560 (left arm and right arm), and the process proceeds to step S1-2. In this embodiment, the gripping force value during measurement for each arm 560 can be changed in increments of "1" within the range of "1" (weak) to "150" (strong). Therefore, in step S1-1, the upper limit value = "150" is set for the gripping force value during measurement for each arm 560. In step S1-2, the prize gripping process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S1-3. In the prize gripping process, the prize gripping unit 500 is moved, and the prize P, which is placed in a predetermined position in the game area GE, is gripped (held) by the pair of arms 560. After that, the prize gripping unit 500 is raised to a predetermined height (see Figure 9(a)). At this time, the gripping force of each arm 560 (left arm and right arm) is controlled to a gripping force corresponding to the gripping force value (upper limit) measured in step S1-1, and the prize P is held. In addition, in the prize gripping process, after the prize P is held by the pair of arms 560, the opening degree (rotation position and rotation angle) of each arm 560 is detected based on the detection signal input from the potentiometer 580 corresponding to that arm 560, and the detected opening degree is stored (saved) in a predetermined area of ​​RAM as the initial opening degree.

[0045] In step S1-3, the process of subtracting the gripping force value during measurement is executed, and the process proceeds to step S1-4. In the process of subtracting the gripping force value during measurement, first, a predetermined value ("1" in this embodiment) is subtracted from the current gripping force value during measurement for each arm 560 (left arm and right arm). As a result, the gripping force of each arm 560 (left arm and right arm) is controlled (attenuated) to the gripping force corresponding to the gripping force value during measurement after the subtraction. In the process of subtracting the gripping force value during measurement, a predetermined time (5 [s] in this embodiment) is set in the monitoring timer, and measurement of the predetermined time by the monitoring timer is started. The value of the monitoring timer is subtracted by a process not shown. In this embodiment, in the gripping force subtraction process during measurement in step S1-3, the predetermined value subtracted from the gripping force value of the left arm and the predetermined value subtracted from the gripping force value of the right arm are the same value. However, in the gripping force subtraction process during measurement in step S1-3, it is also acceptable to configure the system so that the predetermined value subtracted from the gripping force value of one of the pair of arms 560 is greater than the predetermined value subtracted from the gripping force value of the other arm 560. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to operate the system by rolling the prize P towards the other arm 560.

[0046] In step S1-4, it is determined whether or not the prize P held by the pair of arms 560 has shifted (changed in holding state). If it is determined that the prize P has not shifted (No), the process proceeds to step S1-5. If it is determined that the prize P has shifted (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1-6. In this embodiment, in step S1-4, the opening degree (rotation position and rotation angle) of each arm 560 (left arm and right arm) is monitored based on a detection signal input from a potentiometer 580 corresponding to the arm 560. Then, it is determined whether the increase in the opening degree of at least one of the pair of arms 560 (left arm and right arm) relative to the initial opening degree has reached a predetermined amount. If the increase in the opening degree of at least one of the arms 560 relative to the initial opening degree has not reached a predetermined amount, it is determined that no displacement of the prize P has occurred (i.e., the prize P being held by the pair of arms 560 has not started to fall). On the other hand, if the increase in the opening degree of at least one of the arms 560 relative to the initial opening degree has reached a predetermined amount, it is determined that a displacement of the prize P has occurred (i.e., the prize P being held by the pair of arms 560 has started to fall) (see Figure 9(b)). In other words, when gripping a prize P that has a constricted portion, if the prize P being gripped by the pair of arms 560 shifts downward from the state in which the constricted portion of the prize P is being gripped by the pair of arms 560, the opening angle of the pair of arms 560 will increase. Therefore, the system is configured such that if the increase in the opening angle of at least one of the arms 560 relative to the initial opening angle reaches a predetermined amount, it is determined that the prize P has shifted (i.e., the prize P being gripped by the pair of arms 560 has begun to fall). Here, the system may be configured to determine whether the decrease in the opening degree of at least one of the pair of arms 560 (left arm and right arm) relative to the initial opening degree has reached a predetermined amount. If the decrease in the opening degree of at least one of the arms 560 relative to the initial opening degree has not reached a predetermined amount, it is determined that no displacement of the prize P has occurred (i.e., the prize P being held by the pair of arms 560 has not started to fall), and if the decrease in the opening degree relative to the initial opening degree has reached a predetermined amount, it is determined that displacement of the prize P has occurred (i.e., the prize P being held by the pair of arms 560 has started to fall). In other words, when gripping a prize P whose outer diameter decreases upward, if the prize P being held by the pair of arms 560 shifts downward from the state in which the prize P is being gripped by the pair of arms 560, the opening degree of the pair of arms 560 will decrease. Therefore, the system may be configured such that, if the decrease in the opening degree of at least one arm 560 relative to the initial opening degree reaches a predetermined amount, it is determined that a displacement of the prize P has occurred (i.e., the prize P being held by the pair of arms 560 has begun to fall). Alternatively, the system may be configured to determine whether the change in the opening degree of at least one of the pair of arms 560 (left arm and right arm) relative to the initial opening degree has reached a predetermined amount. If the change in the opening degree of at least one of the arms 560 relative to the initial opening degree has not reached a predetermined amount, it is determined that no displacement of the prize P has occurred (i.e., the prize P being held by the pair of arms 560 has not started to fall), and if the change in the opening degree relative to the initial opening degree has reached a predetermined amount, it is determined that a displacement of the prize P has occurred (i.e., the prize P being held by the pair of arms 560 has started to fall). In step S1-5, it is determined whether a predetermined time set on the monitoring timer has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time set on the monitoring timer has elapsed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1-3. If it is determined that the predetermined time set on the monitoring timer has not elapsed (No), the process proceeds to step S1-4.

[0047] In step S1-6, the process of saving the gripping force value at the start of the fall is executed, and the process proceeds to step S1-7. In the process of saving the gripping force value at the start of the fall, first, for each arm 560 (left arm and right arm), the current gripping force value being measured is stored in a predetermined area of ​​RAM as the gripping force value at the start of the fall. Here, the gripping force value at the start of the fall is the gripping force value being measured when a displacement occurs (the holding state changes) of the prize P being held by the pair of arms 560 (i.e., the gripping force value being measured when the fall of the prize P being held by the pair of arms 560 begins). Next, in the process of saving the gripping force value at the start of the fall, a predetermined time (5 [s] in this embodiment) is set in the monitoring timer, and measurement of the predetermined time by the monitoring timer is started. In step S1-7, it is determined whether the prize P has fallen (detached) from the pair of arms 560. If it is determined that the prize P has not fallen (No), the process proceeds to step S1-8. If it is determined that the prize P has fallen (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1-10. In this embodiment, in step S1-7, the opening degree (rotation position and rotation angle) of each arm 560 (left arm and right arm) is monitored based on a detection signal input from a potentiometer 580 corresponding to that arm 560. Then, it is determined whether each arm 560 has been closed to its closed limit position. If at least one arm 560 has not been closed to its closed limit position, it is determined that the prize P has not fallen (i.e., the prize P is being held by the pair of arms 560). On the other hand, if both arms 560 have been closed to their closed limit positions, it is determined that the prize P has fallen (i.e., the prize P is not being held by the pair of arms 560) (see Figure 9(c)). Here, the configuration may be such that it is determined whether the decrease in the opening degree of each arm 560 relative to the initial opening degree has reached a predetermined amount. Furthermore, if the decrease in the opening degree of at least one arm 560 relative to the initial opening degree has not reached a predetermined amount, it is determined that the prize P has not fallen (i.e., the prize P is being held by the pair of arms 560), and if the decrease in the opening degree of both arms 560 relative to the initial opening degree has reached a predetermined amount, it is determined that the prize P has fallen (i.e., the prize P is not being held by the pair of arms 560).

[0048] In step S1-8, it is determined whether a predetermined time set on the monitoring timer has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time set on the monitoring timer has elapsed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S1-9. If it is determined that the predetermined time set on the monitoring timer has not elapsed (No), the process proceeds to step S1-7. In step S1-9, the process of subtracting the gripping force value during measurement is executed, and the process proceeds to step S1-7. In the process of subtracting the gripping force value during measurement, first, a predetermined value ("1" in this embodiment) is subtracted from the current gripping force value during measurement for each arm 560 (left arm and right arm). As a result, the gripping force of each arm 560 (left arm and right arm) is controlled (attenuated) to the gripping force corresponding to the gripping force value during measurement after the subtraction. In the process of subtracting the gripping force value during measurement, a predetermined time (5 [s] in this embodiment) is set in the monitoring timer, and measurement of the predetermined time by the monitoring timer is started. In this embodiment, in the gripping force value subtraction process of step S1-9, the predetermined value subtracted from the gripping force value of the left arm during measurement and the predetermined value subtracted from the gripping force value of the right arm during measurement are the same value. However, it is acceptable for the predetermined value subtracted from the gripping force value of one arm 560 during measurement to be greater than the predetermined value subtracted from the gripping force value of the other arm 560. With this configuration, it becomes possible to operate the game by rolling the prize P towards the other arm 560. In step S1-10, the process of saving the gripping force value at the time of fall is executed, and the process proceeds to step S1-11. In the process of saving the gripping force value at the time of fall, the current gripping force value being measured for each arm 560 (left arm and right arm) is stored in a predetermined area of ​​RAM as the gripping force value at the time of fall. Here, the gripping force value at the time of fall is the gripping force value being measured when the prize P falls (releases) from the pair of arms 560.

[0049] In step S1-11, the gripping force value setting process is executed, and this automatic gripping force setting process is completed. In the gripping force value setting process, for each arm 560, the first gripping force value, basic gripping force value, and second gripping force value are set based on the gripping force value at the start of the fall and the gripping force value during the fall. In the gripping force value setting process, for each arm 560, the same value as the gripping force value at the start of the fall is set as the basic gripping force value, the same value as the gripping force value at the time of the fall is set as the second gripping force value, and a predetermined value (10 in this embodiment) is added to the gripping force value at the start of the fall (basic gripping force value) as the first gripping force value. In this embodiment, if the number of consecutive prize-winning games in which prize P was not won reaches a first predetermined number of times, the second gripping force value is changed to the same value as the gripping force value at the start of the fall (basic gripping force value). Furthermore, if the number of consecutive prize-winning games in which prize P was not won reaches a second predetermined number of times (second predetermined number of times > first predetermined number of times), the basic gripping force value and the second gripping force value are each changed to the same value as the first gripping force value. Furthermore, in the gripping force value setting process, for each arm 560, the first gripping force value and the basic gripping force value may be set to the same value as the gripping force value at the start of the fall, and the second gripping force value may be set to the same value as the gripping force value at the time of fall. Furthermore, if the number of consecutive prize-winning games in which prize P was not won reaches a first predetermined number of times, the second gripping force value may be changed to the same value as the gripping force value at the start of the fall (basic gripping force value). In addition, if the number of consecutive prize-winning games in which prize P was not won reaches a second predetermined number of times (second predetermined number of times > first predetermined number of times), the first gripping force value, the basic gripping force value, and the second gripping force value may be changed to the gripping force value at the start of the fall (basic gripping force value) plus a predetermined value (for example, "5").

[0050] This sets a first gripping force value, a basic gripping force value, and a second gripping force value for each arm 560. Then, the set first gripping force value for the left arm is displayed in the left arm first gripping force value selection unit A1, the set first gripping force value for the right arm is displayed in the right arm first gripping force value selection unit A2, the set basic gripping force value for the left arm is displayed in the left arm basic gripping force value selection unit B1, the set basic gripping force value for the right arm is displayed in the right arm basic gripping force value selection unit B2, the set second gripping force value for the left arm is set in the left arm second gripping force value selection unit C1, and the set second gripping force value for the right arm is displayed in the right arm second gripping force value selection unit C2. In other words, in this embodiment, the left arm basic gripping force value selection unit B1 displays the gripping force value of the left arm at the start of the fall, measured by the automatic gripping force setting process; the right arm basic gripping force value selection unit B2 displays the gripping force value of the right arm at the start of the fall, measured by the automatic gripping force setting process; the left arm second gripping force value selection unit C1 displays the gripping force value of the left arm at the time of the fall, measured by the automatic gripping force setting process; and the right arm second gripping force value selection unit C2 displays the gripping force value of the right arm at the time of the fall, measured by the automatic gripping force setting process.

[0051] As described above, in the automatic gripping force setting, first, as shown in Figure 9(a), the prize P is gripped by the prize gripping unit 500 with the gripping force of the pair of arms 560 controlled to the upper limit. Then, the gripping force of each arm 560 (left arm and right arm) is gradually reduced. Then, as shown in Figure 9(b), when the increase in the opening degree of at least one arm 560 relative to the initial opening degree reaches a predetermined amount, it is determined that a displacement (change in holding state) of the prize P being gripped by the prize gripping unit 500 has occurred, and the gripping force value measured at that point is saved and displayed as the gripping force value at the start of the fall. After that, the gripping force of each arm 560 (left arm and right arm) is further gradually reduced. Then, as shown in Figure 9(c), when both arms 560 are closed to their closed limit position, it is determined that the prize P has fallen (detached) from the prize gripping unit 500, and the gripping force value measured at that time is saved and displayed as the gripping force value at the time of fall. As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to set a first gripping force value for each arm 560 that is sufficient to securely hold the prize P with the pair of arms 560, to set a basic gripping force value for each arm 560 that determines whether or not the prize P being held by the pair of arms 560 will shift (whether or not it will start to fall), and to set a second gripping force value for each arm 560 that determines whether or not the prize P being held by the pair of arms 560 will fall. This makes it possible to easily set appropriate values ​​for the first gripping force value, basic gripping force value, and second gripping force value that can improve the gameplay. Here, in the settings screen im1, after the automatic gripping force setting process has been executed, it is possible to fine-tune (correct / change) the values ​​set by the automatic gripping force setting process for the first gripping force value, basic gripping force value, and second gripping force value of each arm 560.

[0052] Furthermore, the settings screen im1 displays the operation confirmation icon ic3. When the prize P is placed in a predetermined position in the game area GE, the operator can tap the operation confirmation icon ic3 to check the operation of the prize gripping unit 500 based on the set arm opening angle, the first gripping force value of each arm 560, the basic gripping force value of each arm 560, the second gripping force value of each arm 560, and the gripping force return height. This allows users to fine-tune (modify / change) the arm opening angle, the first gripping force value of each arm 560, the basic gripping force value of each arm 560, the second gripping force value of each arm 560, and the gripping force return height on the settings screen im1 after confirming the operation of the prize gripping unit 500.

[0053] (Operation of prize-winning game device 1) The prize-winning game device 1 is equipped with a prize gripping unit 500 that grips the prize P. The gripping force of the prize gripping unit 500 is reduced from the state in which the prize P is held by the prize gripping unit 500, and the gripping force when the prize gripping unit 500 releases the hold on the prize P is displayed as the basic gripping force value and the second gripping force value. Here, "released hold" includes both meanings: "a slippage has occurred in the prize P being held by the prize gripping unit 500 (it has started to fall)" and "the prize P being held by the prize gripping unit 500 has fallen (detached)." This allows the operator to adjust the gripping force of the prize gripping unit 500 by referring to the displayed gripping force value at the start of the fall and the gripping force value during the fall, thereby making it easier to adjust the gripping force of the prize gripping unit 500. Furthermore, the prize-winning game device 1 is equipped with a potentiometer 580 that detects the opening degree of multiple arms 560 that constitute the prize-grabbing unit 500. Based on the change in the opening degree of the multiple arms 560, it is determined whether the prize-grabbing unit 500 has released its hold on the prize P. In other words, it is determined whether the prize-grabbing unit 500 has released its hold on the prize P based on the detection result of the potentiometer 580 that detects the opening degree of the multiple arms 560. Here, the potentiometer 580 is a detection means that is generally provided in the prize-winning game device 1. This eliminates the need to add new components to determine whether the prize gripping unit 500 has released the prize P, thereby suppressing an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0054] Furthermore, in the prize-winning game device 1, if an increase in the opening degree of multiple arms 560 is detected (step S1-4), and then a decrease in the opening degree of multiple arms 560 is detected (step S1-7), it is determined that the prize gripping unit 500 has released its hold on the prize P (the prize P has fallen from the prize gripping unit 500). This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of misjudgments regarding the release of the prize P from the prize gripping unit 500, thereby improving judgment accuracy. Furthermore, the prize-winning game device 1 displays at least one (both in the above embodiment) of the gripping force value at the start of the fall, which indicates the gripping force when an increase in the opening degree of the multiple arms 560 is detected (step S1-4), and the gripping force value at the time of fall, which indicates the gripping force when a decrease in the opening degree of the multiple arms 560 is detected (step S1-7). This allows the operator to adjust the gripping force of the prize gripping unit 500 by referring to at least one of the following: the gripping force value at the start of the fall, which indicates the gripping force when the prize P held by the prize gripping unit 500 shifts, and the gripping force value at the time of fall, which indicates the gripping force when the prize P falls from the prize gripping unit 500.

[0055] (Variation 1) Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications can be made to the above embodiments. For example, in the above embodiment, two sets of arm units 520 are attached to the base member 510 to form a prize gripping section 500 that corresponds to a "two-claw specification". However, in a base member with a "three-prong specification," three sets of arm units 520 may be attached to constitute a prize gripping section 500 corresponding to the "three-prong specification." Alternatively, in a base member corresponding to the "four-prong specification," four sets of arm units 520 may be attached to constitute a prize gripping section 500 corresponding to the "four-prong specification."

[0056] (Modification 2) Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the setting screen im1 is configured such that the measured gripping force value at the start of the fall is displayed as the basic gripping force value, and the measured gripping force value at the time of the fall is displayed as the second gripping force value. However, in the settings screen im1, the measured gripping force value at the start of the fall may be displayed separately from the basic gripping force value, and the measured gripping force value at the start of the fall may be displayed separately from the second gripping force value.

[0057] (Variation 3) Furthermore, in the above embodiment, both the gripping force value at the start of the fall and the gripping force value during the fall are measured and displayed. However, the configuration may also be such that either the gripping force value at the start of the fall or the gripping force value during the fall is measured and displayed. In other words, in the automatic gripping force setting process, only the gripping force value at the start of the fall is measured, and the measured gripping force value at the start of the fall is displayed on the setting screen im1. In such a configuration, the first gripping force value, the basic gripping force value, and the second gripping force value are set based on the measured gripping force value at the start of the fall. For example, the first gripping force value is set to the measured gripping force value at the start of the fall plus a predetermined value, the basic gripping force value is set to the same value as the measured gripping force value at the start of the fall, and the second gripping force value is set to the measured gripping force value at the start of the fall minus a predetermined value. Alternatively, in the automatic gripping force setting process, only the gripping force value at the time of fall may be measured, and the measured gripping force value at the time of fall may be displayed on the setting screen im1. In this configuration, the first gripping force value, the basic gripping force value, and the second gripping force value are set based on the measured gripping force value at the time of fall. For example, the first gripping force value is set to the measured gripping force value at the time of fall plus a first predetermined value, the basic gripping force value is set to the measured gripping force value at the time of fall plus a second predetermined value (second predetermined value < first predetermined value), and the second gripping force value is set to the same value as the measured gripping force value at the time of fall.

[0058] (Modification 4) Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the prize gripping unit 500 is configured as a motor-driven prize gripping unit in which the arm 560 is opened and closed by the motor m1. However, instead of the prize gripping unit 500, a solenoid-type prize gripping unit in which the arms 560 are opened and closed by a solenoid may be used. In a solenoid-type prize gripping unit, the opening and closing of multiple arms are controlled simultaneously by the drive of a single solenoid. That is, when no current signal is applied to the solenoid, the solenoid plunger is positioned in the protruding position, and all arms are opened via the link mechanism. On the other hand, when a current signal is applied to the solenoid, the solenoid plunger is positioned in the retracted position, and all arms are closed via the link mechanism. Furthermore, the ROM of the processing unit 51 stores a command value table in which the correspondence between gripping force values ​​and command values ​​is registered. Based on the command value table, the processing unit 51 acquires command values ​​corresponding to the set gripping force values ​​(first gripping force value, basic gripping force value, second gripping force value) and transmits the acquired command values ​​to the catcher board 530. The processing unit of the catcher board 530 then calculates the current value to be applied to the solenoid using a predetermined calculation formula based on the received command values, and controls the drive of the solenoid according to the calculated current value. In this way, the opening and closing of multiple arms is controlled simultaneously. In particular, when a solenoid-type prize gripping unit is used instead of the prize gripping unit 500, it is preferable to perform automatic gripping force setting by the modified automatic gripping force setting process (see Figure 10) instead of the automatic gripping force setting process shown in Figure 8. The modified automatic gripping force setting process differs from the configuration of the automatic gripping force setting process shown in Figure 8 in that when the operator operates the first operation button 16a, it is determined that the gripping unit has released its hold on the prize P. In other words, when the modified automatic gripping force setting process is executed, after the prize P is held by the prize gripping unit, the operator visually monitors for the release of the prize P by the prize gripping unit, and operates the first operation button 16a when it is confirmed that the gripping unit has released its hold on the prize P. When the operation of the first operation button 16a is detected, it is determined that the gripping unit has released its hold on the prize P, the gripping force being measured at that time is saved, and the first gripping force value, the basic gripping force value, and the second gripping force value are set based on the saved gripping force being measured. The following describes in detail the automatic gripping force setting process related to the modified example.

[0059] Figure 10 is a flowchart of the automatic gripping force setting process related to a modified example. In the modified prize-winning game device, when the prize P to be subject to automatic gripping force setting is placed in a predetermined position in the game area GE, and the automatic gripping force setting icon ic2 is tapped on the setting screen im1, the automatic gripping force setting process according to the modified version shown in Figure 10 is started. When the automatic gripping force setting process for the modified example is started, the process first proceeds to step S2-1. In step S2-1, an upper limit is set for the gripping force value of the arm during measurement, and the process proceeds to step S2-2. In this embodiment, the gripping force value of the arm during measurement can be changed in increments of "1" within the range of "1" (weak) to "150" (strong). Therefore, in step S2-1, the upper limit value = "150" is set for the gripping force value of the arm during measurement. In step S2-2, the prize gripping process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S2-3. In the prize gripping process, the prize gripping unit is moved, and the prize P, which is placed in a predetermined position in the game area GE, is gripped (held) by multiple arms, after which the prize gripping unit is raised to a predetermined height. At this time, the gripping force of the multiple arms is controlled to a gripping force corresponding to the gripping force value (upper limit) measured in step S2-1, and the prize P is held.

[0060] In step S2-3, the process of subtracting the gripping force value during measurement is executed, and the process proceeds to step S2-4. In the process of subtracting the gripping force value during measurement, first, a predetermined value (1 in this modified example) is subtracted from the current gripping force value during measurement. As a result, the gripping force of multiple arms is controlled (attenuated) to the gripping force corresponding to the gripping force value during measurement after the subtraction. In the process of subtracting the gripping force value during measurement, a predetermined time (5 [s] in this embodiment) is set in the monitoring timer, and measurement of the predetermined time by the monitoring timer begins. The value of the monitoring timer is subtracted by a process not shown. In step S2-4, it is determined whether or not the operation of the first operation button 16a has been detected. If it is determined that the operation of the first operation button 16a has not been detected (No), the process proceeds to step S2-5. If it is determined that the operation of the first operation button 16a has been detected (Yes), the process proceeds to step S2-6. During the automatic gripping force setting process, the operator visually monitors whether the prize gripping unit has released its hold on the prize P. Upon confirming that the prize gripping unit has released its hold on the prize P, the operator operates the first operation button 16a. At this point, "release of hold" can mean either "that the prize P being held by the prize gripping unit has shifted (started to fall)" or "that the prize P being held by the prize gripping unit 500 has fallen (released)."

[0061] In step S2-5, it is determined whether a predetermined time set on the monitoring timer has elapsed. If it is determined that the predetermined time set on the monitoring timer has elapsed (Yes), the process proceeds to step S2-3. If it is determined that the predetermined time set on the monitoring timer has not elapsed (No), the process proceeds to step S2-4. In step S2-6, the process of saving the gripping force value during measurement is executed, and the process proceeds to step S2-7. In the process of saving the gripping force value during measurement, the current gripping force value during measurement is stored as a specific gripping force value in a predetermined area of ​​RAM. Here, the specific gripping force value is the gripping force value during measurement when a displacement occurs (the holding state changes) of the prize P being held by multiple arms (i.e., the gripping force value during measurement when the prize P being held by multiple arms begins to fall), or the gripping force value during measurement when the prize P falls (releases) from the multiple arms. In step S2-7, the gripping force value setting process is executed, and the automatic gripping force setting process for the modified example is terminated. In the gripping force value setting process, the first gripping force value, the basic gripping force value, and the second gripping force value are set based on the specific gripping force value. In the gripping force value setting process, for example, the same value as the specific gripping force value is set as the basic gripping force value, the same value as the specific gripping force value is set as the second gripping force value, and the value obtained by adding a predetermined value (in this embodiment, "10") to the specific gripping force value (basic gripping force value) is set as the first gripping force value.

[0062] Based on the above, the first gripping force value, the basic gripping force value, and the second gripping force value are set. Then, the set gripping force values ​​(first gripping force value, basic gripping force value, and second gripping force value) are displayed on the settings screen im1. In other words, in this modified version, the setting screen im1 displays the specific gripping force value measured by the automatic gripping force setting process related to the modified version as the basic gripping force value and the second gripping force value. As described above, in this modified example, it becomes possible to set a value as the first gripping force value that allows multiple arms to securely hold the prize P, and to set a value as the basic gripping force value and second gripping force value that determines whether or not the prize P held by multiple arms will shift (whether or not it will start to fall), or whether or not the prize P held by multiple arms will fall. This makes it possible to easily set appropriate values ​​for the first gripping force value, basic gripping force value, and second gripping force value that can improve the gameplay.

[0063] The modified prize-winning game device is equipped with a first operation button 16a that can be operated by an operator. When operation of the first operation button 16a is detected, it is determined that the prize gripping unit has released its hold on the prize P. This allows the operator to visually confirm that the prize gripping unit has released its hold on the prize P, and then, by operating the first operation button 16a, determine that the prize gripping unit has released its hold on the prize P. Therefore, it becomes possible to appropriately determine that the prize gripping unit has released its hold on the prize P.

[0064] (Variation 5) The prize-winning game machine 1 may be configured to include a reference device that is set to drop with a gripping force corresponding to a predetermined gripping force value according to the manufacturer's standards (in this modified example, gripping force value = 50). Furthermore, by using the reference device as the prize P to be subject to automatic gripping force setting and executing an automatic gripping force setting process, it may be possible to equalize the difference in gripping force for each prize-winning game machine 1. In other words, in the prize-winning game device 1, if the gripping force of the pair of arms 560 is normal, executing the automatic gripping force setting process using the reference device will result in a drop gripping force value of 50 being saved in the drop gripping force value saving process. On the other hand, in the prize-winning game device 1, if the gripping force of the pair of arms 560 is weak, executing the automatic gripping force setting process using the reference device will result in a drop gripping force value of >50 being saved in the drop gripping force value saving process. On the other hand, in the prize-winning game device 1, if the gripping force of the pair of arms 560 is strong, executing the automatic gripping force setting process using the reference device will result in a drop gripping force value of <50 being saved in the drop gripping force value saving process. Therefore, when the automatic gripping force setting process is executed using a reference instrument, if the gripping force value at the time of fall saved in the gripping force value saving process is different from "50", the gripping force values ​​corresponding to each gripping force are rewritten so that the gripping force corresponding to the gripping force value saved in the gripping force value saving process becomes the gripping force corresponding to gripping force value = 50. For example, when the automatic gripping force setting process is executed using a reference instrument, if the gripping force value at the time of fall saved in the gripping force value saving process is 52, the gripping force values ​​corresponding to each gripping force are rewritten so that the gripping force corresponding to gripping force value = 52 becomes the gripping force corresponding to gripping force value = 50. This makes it possible to calibrate the gripping force of the prize acquisition game device 1.

[0065] (Experimental variation 6) Furthermore, two or more configurations from the above embodiment and the above modified configurations may be combined as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1. Prize-winning game machine 50 Main control board 500 Prize gripping part 501 Catcher's Case 510 Base component 520 Arm Unit 530 Catcher circuit board 540 Power transmission unit 550 Arm holding part 560 Arm 580 Potentiometer 590 Base member m1 Opening / Closing Motor

Claims

1. A gripping mechanism for holding the prize, Equipped with an operating means, A prize-winning game device characterized in that, from a state in which the prize is held by the gripping means, the gripping force of the gripping means is reduced, and a value indicating the gripping force at the time when the operation of the operating means is detected is displayed.

2. The prize-winning game device according to claim 1, further comprising setting means for setting the gripping force of the gripping means according to the aforementioned value.

Images