Item acquisition game device

Abstract

To simplify the procedures for performing various settings in an item acquisition game device. [Solution] The item acquisition game device 1 includes a control means 60 that controls a game mode in which the player can acquire items and a maintenance mode in which the settings related to the game mode can be adjusted, and a detection means 70 that detects the state of the door 21 that opens and closes the item storage section 20. When the control means 60 is controlling the maintenance mode and the detection means 70 detects that the door 21 is closed, the control means 60 performs control to switch from the maintenance mode to the game mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an article acquisition game device capable of acquiring an article stored inside an article storage unit.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known an article acquisition game device that moves an article acquisition device in the vertical direction based on a player's operation to acquire an article stored inside an article storage unit.

[0003] When an administrator (for example, a store clerk in a store where the article acquisition game device is installed) who manages such an article acquisition game device performs various settings for a game in which a player acquires an article, the article acquisition game device is shifted from a game mode for the player to play the game to a maintenance mode in which various settings of the game mode can be performed.

[0004] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for displaying an interlock change mode icon for switching the validity / invalidity of an interlock change mode in which when a set value is changed from a set value change icon on a touch panel of an article acquisition game device in a maintenance mode, each set value is changed while maintaining the difference between the set values before the change.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] In a conventional item acquisition game device as shown in Patent Document 1, the administrator performing maintenance work unlocks the maintenance control panel door in the center of the casing, switches an internal switch to transition from game mode to maintenance mode, opens the glass door of the item storage section where the items are stored, and performs work to change setting items and various counter values ​​displayed on a touch panel, etc., while manipulating the prize / floor configuration, etc. Then, once the work is finished, the administrator switches the device from maintenance mode to game mode and closes the glass door. Thus, conventional item acquisition game devices have the problem of complicated procedures for performing various settings.

[0007] This invention was made to solve the aforementioned problems in the prior art, and aims to simplify the procedure for performing various settings in an item acquisition game device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] (1) In an item acquisition game device that allows the acquisition of items stored inside an item storage section, A control means for controlling a first mode in which a player can acquire the item, and a second mode in which settings related to the first mode can be adjusted, The system includes a detection means for detecting the state of the door that opens and closes the article storage section, The item acquisition game device is characterized in that, during control of the second mode, when the detection means detects that the door is closed, it performs control to switch from the second mode to the first mode.

[0009] In configuration (1), the item acquisition game device capable of acquiring items stored inside the item storage section comprises control means and detection means. The control means controls a first mode in which the player can acquire items, and a second mode in which the settings related to the first mode can be adjusted. The detection means detects the state of the door that opens and closes the item storage compartment. Furthermore, if the detection means detects that the door is closed while the control is in the second mode, the control means performs control to switch from the second mode to the first mode.

[0010] According to configuration (1), in the second mode, in which the settings for the first mode in which the player can acquire items can be adjusted, if the closed state of the door is detected, it becomes possible to switch from the second mode to the first mode.

[0011] This means that, for example, an administrator who manages an item acquisition game device (e.g., an employee of a store where the item acquisition game device is installed) can switch from a second mode (e.g., maintenance mode) where various settings for the game in which players acquire items are completed, to a first mode (e.g., game mode) where players can acquire items, simply by closing the door of the item storage compartment. Therefore, it becomes possible to simplify the procedures for performing various settings in the item acquisition game device.

[0012] (2) The control means is further equipped with a switching means that enables an operation that triggers a transition to the second mode, and transmits operation information indicating that the operation has been performed, The aforementioned detection means is When it is detected that the door is in a closed state, the control means transmits closed information. Even if the closed information is not received in the first mode, the control means Unless the aforementioned operation information is received, the first mode is maintained. The item acquisition game device according to (1), characterized in that when the aforementioned operation information is received, control is performed to transition from the first mode to the second mode.

[0013] In configuration (2), the item acquisition game device further comprises a switching means. The switching means is capable of performing an operation that triggers a transition to the second mode, and transmits operation information to the control means indicating that the operation has been performed. When the detection means detects that the door is closed, it transmits closed information to the control means. Furthermore, the control means maintains the first mode even if it has not received closed information, unless it has received operation information, and when it receives operation information, it performs control to transition from the first mode to the second mode.

[0014] In this scenario, the administrator may not want players to see the various settings in a second mode (for example, maintenance mode) where the administrator configures the game's settings for acquiring items. However, if opening the door to the item storage compartment triggers a second mode where various settings can be configured, then, for example, if a player requests that items be rearranged, simply opening the door while the player is nearby could immediately trigger the second mode, potentially allowing the player to see the various settings.

[0015] According to the configuration of (2), in the first mode (e.g., game mode), even if the detection means does not receive closed information indicating that the door is closed, the control means maintains the first mode (e.g., game mode) unless operation information is received (unless the switching means is operated), and when operation information is received (when the switching means is operated), it performs control to transition from the first mode to the second mode (e.g., maintenance mode). This means that, for example, if a player requests that items be rearranged and the player is nearby, even if the door is opened, the system will not switch to the second mode (e.g., maintenance mode) unless the switching mechanism is operated, so that nearby players cannot see the various settings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to simplify the procedures for performing various settings in an item acquisition game device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] This is a diagram for explaining the appearance of an article acquisition game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of an article acquisition game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the key part of an article acquisition game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a diagram for explaining the operation of the key part of an article acquisition game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a diagram for explaining the switching means of an article acquisition game device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a flowchart for explaining the mode switching process by the control means of an article acquisition game device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically using preferred embodiments. However, the following embodiments are merely examples embodying the present invention, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The configuration of an article acquisition game device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the appearance of an article acquisition game device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] The article acquisition game device 1 includes a base 10 installed on the floor, an article storage unit 20 disposed on the base 10 and having articles (such as prizes) stored therein and formed of a material (e.g., glass, etc.) with a light-transmissive wall surface, a moving device 30 provided at the upper part inside the article storage unit 20, a vertical moving device 40 attached to the moving device 30 for moving an article acquisition device 50 described later in the vertical direction, and an article acquisition device 50 capable of acquiring articles.

[0020] The item acquisition game device 1, for example, based on the player's operation of an operating unit 11 such as a switch provided on the base 10, moves the vertical movement device 40 in the left-right and front-back directions using a moving device 30 provided in the upper part of the inside of the item storage unit 20, then moves the item acquisition device 50 downward using the vertical movement device 40, grasps an item (not shown) placed inside the item storage unit 20 with a pair of arms 51 of the item acquisition device 50, moves the item onto a drop-off opening 12 provided on the base 10, then opens the pair of arms 51 and drops the item into the drop-off opening 12, thereby discharging the item to the outside. In this way, the player can acquire an item placed in the item storage unit 20.

[0021] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 1, the item acquisition game device 1 includes a plurality of booths 5 (two in the example shown in Figure 1) arranged in a predetermined direction (left and right in the example shown in Figure 1). The item acquisition game device 1 has an item storage section 20 that is partitioned into booths 5, and each booth 5 is equipped with an operation section 11, a moving device 30, an up and down moving device 40, an item acquisition device 50, and a drop-off opening 12. With this configuration, one item acquisition game device 1 can accommodate as many players as there are booths 5 (two in the example shown in Figure 1), each playing the item acquisition game.

[0022] The base 10 is provided with a lock mechanism 13 near the item storage section 20, which allows the door 21 that opens and closes the item storage section 20 to be locked and unlocked. The base 10 is also provided with detection means 70, which will be described in more detail later, to detect the open / closed state of the door 21 and the locked / unlocked state of the lock mechanism 13. Furthermore, the item storage section 20 is provided with a switching mechanism 80 inside, which will be described in more detail later.

[0023] Door 21 can be locked and unlocked by an administrator (for example, an employee of a store where an item acquisition game device is installed), and can be unlocked and opened, for example, when replenishing items in the item storage section 20 or rearranging items.

[0024] Next, we will explain the functional configuration of the item acquisition game device 1. Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of an item acquisition game device in one embodiment of the present invention. The item acquisition game device 1 comprises an operation unit 11, a moving device 30, a vertical moving device 40, an item acquisition device 50, a control means 60, a detection means 70, and a switching means 80.

[0025] The operation unit 11 is located on the front side of the base 10 and includes switches and the like to receive player input in the item acquisition game. The operation unit 11 transmits various information (for example, information regarding the operation of the item acquisition device 50) in response to the player's input to the control means 60.

[0026] The moving device 30 moves the vertical moving device 40 and the item acquisition device 50 in a predetermined direction (for example, left-right direction or front-back direction) under the control of the control means 60. The vertical movement device 40 moves the item acquisition device 50 in a predetermined direction (for example, vertically) under the control of the control means 60. The item acquisition device 50 opens and closes a pair of arm sections 51 under the control of the control means 60.

[0027] The control means 60 controls the operation of the item acquisition game device 1. Specifically, the control means 60 switches between a game mode in which the item acquisition game device 1 can be played and a maintenance mode, and controls the operation of the item acquisition game device 1 in each mode.

[0028] In this embodiment, "game mode" is a mode in which a player can play an item acquisition game, and is an example of a first mode. That is, the first mode is not limited to the so-called "game mode," but is a mode in which the item acquisition game device 1 is operated based on the player's actions.

[0029] Furthermore, "Maintenance Mode" is a mode in which the administrator of the item acquisition game device 1 (for example, an employee of the store where the item acquisition game device 1 is installed) can perform various settings on the item acquisition game device 1 (for example, settings to adjust the amount of movement of the movement device 30, the vertical movement device 40, and the item acquisition device 50, etc.), and is an example of the second mode. In other words, the second mode is not limited to the so-called "maintenance mode," but is a mode in which various settings can be performed on the item acquisition game device 1.

[0030] In game mode, the control means 60 controls the operation of the moving device 30, the vertical moving device 40, and the item acquisition device 50 based on various information transmitted from the operation unit 11 in response to the player's operations.

[0031] Furthermore, the control means 60 performs control to switch from game mode to maintenance mode, or from maintenance mode to game mode, based on information indicating the status of the door 21 (see Figure 1) of the item storage unit 20 transmitted from the detection means 70 (described later) and operation information transmitted from the switching means 80.

[0032] Furthermore, in maintenance mode, the control means 60 performs various settings on the item acquisition game device 1 (for example, settings to adjust the amount of movement of the moving device 30, the vertical moving device 40, and the item acquisition device 50, etc.) based on direct operation from an administrator (operation on the item acquisition game device 1) or indirect operation (operation via a server to which the item acquisition game device 1 is connected via a network), and stores these settings in the storage means.

[0033] The detection means 70 detects the state of the door 21. In this embodiment, the state of the door 21 detected by the detection means 70 includes the open / closed state of the door 21 itself, the locked state of the door 21 (closed state), and the unlocked state (state in which the door 21 can be opened).

[0034] Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the operation of the key mechanism in an item acquisition game device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The key mechanism 13 comprises a cylinder 131 and a movable part 132. The cylinder section 131 rotates when a key managed by an administrator (for example, an employee of a store where an item acquisition game device is installed) is inserted, causing the shaft extending in the front and rear directions to rotate. The movable part 132 moves vertically in accordance with the rotation of the axis of the cylinder part 131, and has an engaging piece 132a that engages with the door 21 when it moves upward.

[0035] Door 21 has an engagement hole 21a formed on its side edge, through which an engagement piece 132a can be inserted. The engagement hole 21a is formed in a position directly above the engagement piece 132a when the door 21 is in the closed position.

[0036] Door 21 becomes unable to open and enters a closed state when the engaging piece 132a is inserted into the engaging hole 21a (see Figure 3). On the other hand, door 21 becomes able to open when the engaging piece 132a is removed from the engaging hole 21a (see Figure 4).

[0037] Returning to Figure 2, the detection means 70 transmits closed information to the control means 60 when it detects that the door 21 is in a closed state. The detection means 70 may also transmit open information to the control means 60 when it detects that the door 21 is in an open state or in a state where the door can be opened.

[0038] Specifically, the detection means 70 is composed of a microswitch capable of contact detection or a reflective sensor capable of non-contact detection. For example, when the door 21 is closed, it detects a predetermined portion of the door 21 at predetermined intervals and transmits closed information to the control means 60 at predetermined intervals. The detection means 70 may also transmit open information to the control means 60 if the door 21 actually opens (the predetermined portion moves) and the predetermined portion can no longer be detected.

[0039] Furthermore, the detection means 70 is composed of a sensor that detects the position of the engaging piece 132a (see Figures 3 and 4), and for example, it can detect the engaging piece 132a at its uppermost position (the position in which the engaging piece 132a is inserted into the engaging hole 21a of the door 21 (see Figures 3 and 4)), and if this state (the locking mechanism 13) is detected, it may transmit closed information to the control means 60. Also, if the detection means 70 detects that the locking mechanism 13 is unlocked, it may transmit open information to the control means 60.

[0040] Furthermore, if the detection means 70 transmits only closed information to the control means 60, the control means 60 may determine that the door 21 is in an open state when the closed information is interrupted.

[0041] Figure 5 illustrates a switching mechanism for an item acquisition game device in one embodiment of the present invention. The switching mechanism 80 is located inside the item storage section 20 (in a position where it cannot be operated unless the door 21 (see Figure 1) is open). It is preferable that the switching mechanism 80 be located near the opening 21b formed when the door 21 is opened. This allows the administrator to open the door 21 and smoothly operate the switching mechanism 80 when performing maintenance work in maintenance mode, thereby switching the item acquisition game device 1 from game mode to maintenance mode.

[0042] The switching means 80 includes, for example, an operating unit 81 (e.g., a switch) that can be operated by an administrator to trigger a transition to maintenance mode, and transmits operation information to the control means 60 indicating that an operation has been performed on the operating unit 81.

[0043] Returning to Figure 2, the control means 60 performs the following controls in accordance with the various information received from the detection means 70 and the switching means 80. In game mode, the control means 60 maintains the game mode even if it receives open information from the detection means 70 or if closed information from the detection means 70 is interrupted, as long as it does not receive operation information from the switching means 80. Furthermore, in game mode, when the control means 60 receives open information from the detection means 70 or when closed information from the detection means 70 ceases, it receives operation information and performs control to switch from game mode to maintenance mode, and then performs control to execute the maintenance mode.

[0044] Furthermore, if the control means 60 receives closed information from the detection means 70 while performing control to execute the maintenance mode, it performs control to switch from the maintenance mode to the game mode and then performs control to execute the game mode.

[0045] Next, the mode switching process by the control means 60 will be described. Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating the mode switching process by the control means of the item acquisition game device in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] In step S1, the control means 60 performs control to execute the game mode. Specifically, in the game mode, the control means 60 controls the operation of the moving device 30, the vertical moving device 40, and the item acquisition device 50 based on various information transmitted from the operation unit 11 in response to the player's operations.

[0047] In step S2, the control means 60 determines whether it has received open information transmitted from the detection means 70, or whether the closed information transmitted from the detection means 70 has ceased. If the control means 60 determines that it has received open information or that the closed information has ceased, it proceeds to step S3; otherwise, it returns to step S1.

[0048] In step S3, the control means 60 determines whether or not it has received operation information transmitted from the switching means 80. If the control means 60 determines that it has received operation information, it proceeds to step S4; otherwise, it returns to step S1.

[0049] In step S4, the control means 60 controls the state of the item acquisition game device 1 from game mode to maintenance mode.

[0050] In step S5, the control means 60 performs control to execute maintenance mode. Specifically, the control means 60 performs various settings on the item acquisition game device 1 (for example, settings to adjust the amount of movement of the moving device 30, the vertical moving device 40, and the item acquisition device 50, etc.) based on direct operation from an administrator (operation on the item acquisition game device 1) or indirect operation (operation via a server to which the item acquisition game device 1 is connected via a network), and stores these settings in the storage means.

[0051] In step S6, the control means 60 determines whether or not it has received closed information transmitted from the detection means 70. If the control means 60 determines that it has received closed information, it proceeds to step S7; otherwise, it returns to step S5.

[0052] In step S7, the control means 60 controls the state of the item acquisition game device 1 from maintenance mode to game mode, returns to step S1, and in step S5, controls the execution of the game mode with the settings stored in the memory means.

[0053] As described above, with the item acquisition game device 1 of this embodiment, in the maintenance mode, in which the settings for the game mode in which the player can acquire items can be adjusted, it is possible to switch from the maintenance mode to the game mode when the closed state of the door 21 is detected.

[0054] This allows, for example, an administrator managing the item acquisition game device 1 (e.g., an employee of a store where the item acquisition game device is installed) to switch from the maintenance mode, where various settings for the game in which players acquire items are completed, to the game mode in which players can acquire items, simply by closing the door 21 of the item storage unit 20. Therefore, it becomes possible to simplify the procedures for performing various settings in the item acquisition game device.

[0055] Furthermore, according to the item acquisition game device 1, in game mode, even if the control means 60 does not receive closed information from the detection means 70 indicating that the door 21 is closed, it maintains the game mode unless it receives operation information (unless the switching means 80 is operated), and when it receives operation information (when the switching means 80 is operated), it performs control to switch from game mode to maintenance mode. As a result, for example, if a player requests that items be rearranged and the player is nearby, even if the door 21 is opened, the system will not switch to maintenance mode unless the switching mechanism 80 is operated, so that nearby players cannot see the various settings.

[0056] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiments. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments. Furthermore, it is clear from the claims that such modified or improved forms are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0057] 1. Item Acquisition Game Device 5 booths 10 bases 11 Control section 12 Drop-off 13 Key section 20. Item storage section 21 Doors 21a Engagement hole 21b opening 30 Mobile device 40 Vertical movement device 50 Goods acquisition device 51 Arm section 60 Control means 70 Detection means 80 Switching means 81 Operation section 131 Cylinder section 132 Mobile section 132a Engagement piece

Claims

1. In an item acquisition game device that allows the acquisition of items stored inside an item storage section, A control means for controlling a first mode in which a player can acquire the item, and a second mode in which settings related to the first mode can be adjusted, The system includes a detection means for detecting the state of the door that opens and closes the article storage section, The item acquisition game device is characterized in that, during control of the second mode, when the detection means detects that the door is closed, it performs control to switch from the second mode to the first mode.

2. The control means is further equipped with a switching means that enables an operation that triggers a transition to the second mode, and transmits operation information indicating that the operation has been performed. The aforementioned detection means is When it is detected that the door is in a closed state, the control means transmits closed information. Even if the closed information is not received in the first mode, the control means The first mode is maintained unless the aforementioned operation information is received. The item acquisition game device according to claim 1, characterized in that when the aforementioned operation information is received, control is performed to transition from the first mode to the second mode.

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