Crane game machine

Abstract

The goal is to develop a crane game machine that provides a reset process that is less time-consuming and requires less labor. [Solution] A crane game device that uses a crane to drop prizes from a playfield where prizes are displayed into a drop-off point, comprising: a detection unit that detects when a prize has fallen into the drop-off point; a prize receiving unit that seals the drop-off point and receives the prize; a traction unit connected to the prize receiving unit; and an action unit that tilts the prize receiving unit via the traction unit from a first position where the prize receiving unit receives the prize to a second position where the prize receiving unit moves the prize to the playfield.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a crane game device. More specifically, the present invention is a crane game device having a configuration for automatically collecting prizes (such as stuffed toys, etc.) in a crane game.

Background Art

[0002] Generally, when a crane game device is operating, a player controls two or three claws mounted on the crane game device, grabs a prize such as a stuffed toy inside the crane game device, and moves it to a predetermined location.

[0003] In particular, current crane game devices further have a function that can be remotely operated by a player. The player can select one of a plurality of crane game devices from home, and thus can play a crane game at home. When a prize such as a stuffed toy inside the crane game device is grabbed under the control of the player, the obtained prize such as a stuffed toy is mailed to the player's home by the crane game provider.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a crane game device that omits the manual operation of returning a prize that has fallen into the prize acquisition port back into the prize placement area. Specifically, the crane game device described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a first operating unit that discharges in a first direction and a second operating unit that discharges in a second direction. When a prize falls into the prize acquisition port, the crane game device operates the first operating unit or the second operating unit to discharge the prize onto the game field. Further, Patent Document 2 discloses a crane game device provided with an auxiliary key. A player can use the auxiliary key to perform special techniques, thereby improving the success rate of obtaining a prize.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] However, the crane game device described in Patent Document 1 is equipped with multiple operating parts, which increases the material and processing costs required to manufacture the crane game device, and makes assembly and repair time-consuming, thus tending to increase the overall cost. In addition, the crane game device described in Patent Document 2 does not have a function to automatically reset the prizes such as stuffed animals, so the owner of the crane game device has to reset it at the appropriate time, which is time-consuming.

[0007] Therefore, the present invention aims to develop a crane game device with a simple structure that can be used in both online and offline crane game devices, and that automatically dispenses prizes placed inside the crane game device onto the playfield. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, a crane unit is used to drop prizes from a playfield where prizes are displayed into a drop-off opening, and the device may further include: a detection unit for detecting when a prize has fallen into the drop-off opening; a prize receiving unit for sealing the drop-off opening and receiving the prize; a traction unit connected to the prize receiving unit; and an operation unit for tilting the prize receiving unit via the traction unit from a first position where the prize receiving unit receives the prize to a second position where the prize receiving unit moves the prize to the playfield.

[0009] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the operating unit may tilt the prize receiving unit from a second position to a first position via a pulling unit.

[0010] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the traction unit is a wire, and the wire may be suspended from a pulley that transmits the movement of the operating unit.

[0011] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the prize receiving section may be a resin plate having multiple folds.

[0012] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the resin plate may be a transparent resin plate.

[0013] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the prize receiving section may be folded and housed inside the drop-off opening.

[0014] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, a wall portion may be provided to separate the play field from the drop-off area.

[0015] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the crane game device may include a control unit that controls the operation of the operating unit based on the detection of a detection unit.

[0016] In a crane game device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the crane game device may further include a remote control unit that receives operation commands for the crane unit from a user terminal connected to the Internet and drives the crane unit, a photography unit that photographs the operating status of the crane game device, and a notification unit that notifies the user terminal of the operating status of the crane game device acquired by the photography unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] A crane game device that uses the crane part of the present disclosure to drop a prize from a playfield where the prize is displayed into a drop hole, comprising a detection unit that detects that the prize has dropped into the drop hole, a prize receiving unit that seals the drop hole and receives the prize, a traction unit connected to the prize receiving unit, and an operating unit that tilts the prize receiving unit through the traction unit from a first position where the prize receiving unit receives the prize to a second position where the prize receiving unit moves the prize to the playfield. Therefore, it is possible to automatically place prizes such as stuffed animals into the playfield inside the crane game device with fewer components and recover them.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a configuration diagram including the crane game device and related configurations of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a front view and a side view of the crane game device of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the crane game device of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing an example of the operating state of the prize receiving unit of the crane game device of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] It is a diagram showing an example of the operating state of the prize receiving unit of the crane game device of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing an example of the operating state of the prize receiving unit of the crane game device of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing an example of the operating state of the prize receiving unit of the crane game device of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart diagram showing an example of the process flow realized by the prize receiving unit of the crane game device of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a system related to the crane game device of the present disclosure.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] <Summary> Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the crane game device 10 when playing the crane game according to this disclosure. The crane game device 10 according to this embodiment is connected to a user terminal 20, a game service provider terminal 30, and a delivery company terminal 40 so that they can communicate with each other via a network NW. The number and types of crane game devices 10, user terminals 20, game service provider terminals 30, and delivery company terminals 40 connected to the network NW are not limited. For example, multiple user terminals 20 may be connected to the same crane game device 10 via a network NW.

[0020] The crane game device 10 is also known to players as a prize acquisition device or catcher game machine, and is a game device played with the aim of grabbing prizes such as stuffed animals and dropping them into a drop-off point. Depending on the type of crane game device 10, players may activate the crane game device by inserting coins into the coin slot, or they may activate it by scanning a two-dimensional code, such as a QR code (registered trademark), attached to the crane game device 10 using a mobile terminal (for example, a smartphone).

[0021] Furthermore, the crane game machine 10 is equipped with an operating lever and operating buttons. The player moves the operating lever forward, backward, left, right, and up and down to move the crane or arm (such as a two-pronged or three-pronged crane) to a predetermined position, and then presses the operating button to lower the crane or arm and try to grab the prize. In addition, if there are rules specific to the type of crane game machine, such as "reaching the time limit" or "reaching the maximum number of operations on the operating lever and operating buttons," the crane game machine may automatically operate and acquire the prize after the player inputs the prescribed operation command.

[0022] The user terminal 20 is connected to the crane game machine 10 via a network NW and has a transmission and reception function that sends operation commands to the crane game machine 10 and receives information from the crane game machine 10. Each player inputs various commands to control the crane game machine 10 on their respective user terminal 20 (20a, 20b, 20c, ...). For example, when a player wants to play the crane game machine 10 online, the player selects the crane game machine that has the prize they want to win on their user terminal (e.g., smartphone, laptop, tablet, etc.). The player may then operate the crane game machine at home by operating virtual control levers and virtual control buttons on the user terminal 20. On the other hand, the user terminal 20 in this disclosure is not mandatory, and a player may operate the crane game machine 10 offline without using the user terminal 20.

[0023] The game service provider terminal 30 is configured to provide crane game services and receive information from the crane game machine 10, and may also transmit mailing information to the delivery company terminal 40. For example, when a player inputs various commands at the user terminal 20 to operate the crane game machine 10 and attempts to obtain a prize such as a stuffed animal, the game service provider terminal 30 may receive a signal from the crane game machine 10 indicating that "the player has obtained a prize" and transmit that signal to the delivery company terminal 40. However, the functions of the game service provider terminal 30 in this disclosure are not limited to the above, and a provider of crane game services may freely adjust the operating rules of the crane game machine 10 at the game service provider terminal 30. For example, if the provider wants to limit the number of times a player can operate the crane game machine 10, the crane game service provider may input a command to limit the number of operations at the game service provider terminal 30, or if the provider wants to limit the time a player can operate the crane game machine 10, the crane game service provider may input a command to limit the operation time at the game service provider terminal 30. Therefore, the game service provider terminal 30 may be configured to process and analyze information indicating various services related to the crane game machine 10 (such as operating rules for the crane game machine and sending delivery information).

[0024] The delivery terminal 40 is configured to manage information regarding the delivery of prizes to the user's home when a player wins a prize. The delivery terminal 40 in this disclosure may be an external terminal or an internal terminal of the system associated with the crane game machine 10 owned by the provider of the crane game service. Various information managed by the delivery terminal 40 can be freely accessed by the delivery company, and the delivery company may deliver the prize to the player's address based on the delivery information received from the game service provider terminal 30.

[0025] The network NW in this disclosure may include wireless networks and wired networks. For example, the network NW may be a wireless LAN (WLAN), a wide area network (WAN), wireless LANs, 4G, 5G, and 6G and later mobile communication systems. However, the network NW is not limited to these examples and may also be a public switched telephone network (PSTN), optical fiber, satellite communication network, etc. Furthermore, the network NW may be a combination of these.

[0026] <Configuration of crane game machine 10> The configuration of the crane game device 10 according to this embodiment will be described below using Figure 2. Figure 2(a) is a front view of the crane game device 10 according to this embodiment. The crane game device 10 of this disclosure includes a retrieval device 1, a play field 100, a crane unit 120, a drop-off opening 130, a retrieval opening 140, and prizes 2 located in the play field 100, and a camera 110 for photographing the operation of the crane game device 10 is located outside the crane game device 10. Furthermore, each component of the crane game device 10 of this disclosure can be deleted or added depending on the function of the crane game device. For example, the camera 110 of this disclosure may be located inside the crane game device 10, or operating levers and operating buttons for manually operating the crane game device 10 may be further arranged.

[0027] Figure 2(b) is an example of a side view of the crane game device 10 according to this embodiment. From the viewpoint of Figure 2(b), the retrieval device 1 is attached to the wall of the crane game device 10, and the crane unit 120, which has the ability to lift prizes 2 with claws or hook prizes 2 with hooks, is installed above the crane game device 10. In addition, a plurality of guide rails are arranged on the upper part of the crane game device 10 to move the crane unit 120, and when the crane game device 10 receives a signal indicating an operation command from the user terminal 20, the crane unit 120 moves along the plurality of guide rails according to the operation command. The configurations of the crane game device 10 of this disclosure will be described in detail below.

[0028] Playfield 100 refers to the area where prize 2 is displayed and where players attempt to retrieve it. Typically, Playfield 100 is covered with transparent glass or acrylic, on which the prizes are arranged. If the crane game machine 10 is not operating, or if the player is unable to obtain prize 2, the prizes that the crane game machine could obtain are left in Playfield 100. Furthermore, the size, material, and shape of Playfield 100 are not limited and can be freely adjusted for each type of crane game machine 10.

[0029] The camera 110 is configured to capture the operating status of the crane game machine 10. Specifically, after the camera 110 of this disclosure captures the operating status of the crane game machine 10, the acquired video showing the operating status of the crane game machine 10 may be transmitted to the user terminal 20 or the game service provider terminal 30. Furthermore, the type, installation location, and function of the camera 110 of this disclosure are not limited, and the camera 110 may be installed inside the crane game machine 10 or placed outside the crane game machine 10. This allows the player to remotely control the crane game machine 10 while viewing the video acquired by the camera 110.

[0030] The crane unit 120 is configured to grasp and lift or lower prizes. Specifically, the crane unit 120 of this disclosure has an arm with two or three claws, and may move up and down, left and right, or forward and backward according to operation commands entered by the player on the user terminal 20. However, it is not limited to these configurations, and the crane unit 120 may also be equipped with a hook, and may be configured to hook the prize 2 with the hook. Furthermore, the gripping force of the crane unit 120 of this disclosure may be freely set by the owner of the crane game device 10. For example, if the gripping force of the crane unit 120 is set to be weak, the crane unit 120 will have difficulty grasping the prize 2, requiring more precise operation from the player.

[0031] The drop-off opening 130 is installed at the edge or corner of the playfield 100, and is configured to allow prizes 2 to roll down naturally. The drop-off opening 130 in this disclosure is similar to the drop-off openings provided in general crane game machines, and is surrounded by transparent acrylic or plastic. A sensor (not shown) for detecting prizes may be placed inside the drop-off opening 130. Furthermore, it is not necessary to install a drop-off opening 130 for each type of crane game machine, nor is it possible to freely change its position, and the variations of the drop-off opening 130 are not limited. As an example, the drop-off opening 130 in this disclosure may be a simple box type in which prizes fall smoothly, a type with a small door or flap that is pushed open when taking out a prize, or a type with lighting effects around or inside the drop-off opening 130.

[0032] The retrieval opening 140 is a device installed to allow the player to retrieve the prize 2 that has fallen into the drop-off opening 130. The retrieval opening 140 in this disclosure is in communication with the drop-off opening 130, and when the prize 2 falls into the drop-off opening 130, the player may retrieve the prize 2 from the retrieval opening 140. Also, similar to the drop-off opening 130, the retrieval opening 140 may not be provided depending on the type of crane game device. In this embodiment, the crane game device 10 automatically retrieves the prize 2 into the playfield 100, so the retrieval opening 140 does not need to function.

[0033] <Configuration of Recovery Device 1> The configuration of the retrieval device 1 according to this embodiment will now be described. Figure 3 shows an example of the configuration of the retrieval device 1 of this disclosure. The retrieval device 1 of this disclosure consists of an operating unit 200, a motor 2001, a pulling unit 2002, a motor-side pulley 2003, a prize-receiving unit-side pulley 2004, a prize-receiving unit 300, and a wall unit 400. The wall unit 400 of the retrieval device 1 is arranged to surround the drop-off opening 130 mounted on the crane game machine 10, and one end of the operating unit 200 is fixed to the wall surface of the crane game machine 10. However, the placement position of the retrieval device 1 is not limited; it can be any position where the prize 2 is dropped into the drop-off opening 130 and retrieved by the retrieval device 1. The configurations of the retrieval device 1 will be described in detail below.

[0034] The operating unit 200 is configured to tilt the prize receiving unit 300 from a first position (see Figure 3) for receiving the prize 2 to a second position (see Figure 6) for moving the prize 2 to the playfield 100, or to tilt it from the second position (see Figure 6) back to the first position (see Figure 3), via the pulling unit 2002. The operating unit 200 in this disclosure consists of a motor 2001, a pulling unit 2002, a motor-side pulley 2003, and a prize receiving unit-side pulley 2004. One end of the operating unit 200 is fixed to the wall surface of the crane game device 10 (see Figure 2), and the prize receiving unit 300 is raised or lowered by the operation of each component. In this embodiment, the first position (see Figure 3) is the position in which the prize receiving unit 300 is kept in standby when the crane game device 10 is not in operation. In this case, the prize receiving unit 300 may be stored in the drop-off opening 130. Furthermore, the second position in this embodiment (see Figure 6) is the position in which, when the crane game device 10 is in operation, the prize receiving section 300 is lifted by the operation of the motor 2001 and the traction section 2002, and the prize 2 is discharged to the playfield 100. In this case, the prize receiving section 300 is tilted at a certain angle by the traction section 2002, and the prize 2 loaded on the prize receiving section 300 is discharged to the playfield 100.

[0035] The prize receiving section 300 is configured to seal the drop-off opening 130 and receive the prize 2. Specifically, the prize receiving section 300 of this disclosure is a transparent resin plate with multiple folds, one end of which is connected to the traction section 2002, and the other end is connected to the drop-off opening 130. When the crane game device 10 is not operating, the prize receiving section 300 is folded and stored inside the drop-off opening 130. Furthermore, when the crane game device 10 receives an operation command from the user terminal 20 and the crane section 120 grasps and lifts the prize 2 and drops it into the drop-off opening 130, the prize receiving section 300 receives the prize 2 and unfolds to prevent it from falling into the retrieval opening 140. In addition, the material of the prize receiving section 300 of this disclosure is not limited to a resin plate, but may be a resin plate that is easy to fold or a wire mesh.

[0036] The wall section 400 is positioned connected to the glass wall section of the crane game device 10, and is configured to separate the playfield 100 from the drop-off point 130, enclosing the drop-off point 130. Specifically, the wall section 400 may prevent the prize 2 from falling directly from the playfield 100 into the drop-off point 130. Furthermore, the wall section 400 of this disclosure may be made of the same material and shape as a typical crane game device, and may mainly be made of a resin plate such as transparent acrylic resin, allowing the player to see the position information of the playfield 100 or the prize 2. Also, the height of the wall section 400 is not limited, and should be of an appropriate height so that the prize 2 does not easily fall into the drop-off point 130, and may be perpendicular to the playfield 100, or may have a slope or smooth curve in some parts.

[0037] The motor 2001 is configured to supply power to the operating unit 200. Specifically, the motor 2001 of this disclosure is wrapped around a wire or cable and adjusts the length of the wire or cable by operating. Furthermore, the rotational speed of the motor 2001, the weight of the load, the rotational angle, and the pulling direction for pulling the traction unit 2002 are not limited and may be freely adjusted for each type of prize 2.

[0038] The traction unit 2002 is connected to one end of the prize receiving unit 300 and suspended from the motor-side pulley 2003 and the prize receiving unit-side pulley 2004. It is a wire that raises or lowers the prize receiving unit 300 by controlling the operation unit 200 and the motor 2001. Specifically, when the motor 2001 is rotating forward, the traction unit 2002 shortens in length due to the forward rotation of the motor 2001, raising the prize receiving unit 300. Conversely, when the motor 2001 is rotating backward, the traction unit 2002 extends in backward, lowering the prize receiving unit 300. However, it is not limited to this, and the method of changing the length of the traction unit 2002 by the way in which the traction unit 2002 is wrapped around the motor 2001 may be freely adjusted.

[0039] The motor-side pulley 2003 and the prize-receiving section-side pulley 2004 are components that efficiently transmit and change the direction of force to the operation of the traction section 2002 and the prize-receiving section 300. Specifically, the traction section 2002, which is wrapped around the motor 2001, enters from one end of the outer circumference of the motor-side pulley 2003 and enters the prize-receiving section-side pulley 2004 along a groove provided on its outer circumference. After that, the traction section 2002 exits from one end along a groove provided on the outer circumference of the prize-receiving section-side pulley 2004 and connects to the prize-receiving section 300. Furthermore, the distance between the motor-side pulley 2003 and the prize-receiving section-side pulley 2004, which are located at the top of the operating section 200, is not limited, and the position where the traction section 2002 is lowered should be adjusted to the center of the drop-off opening 130.

[0040] <Explanation of the operating status of recovery device 1> From here, the operating state of the retrieval device 1 will be explained using Figures 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the retrieval device 1, but it also shows an example of the state when the retrieval device 1 is not operating. Before the crane game machine 10 receives an operation command from the user terminal 20, the prize 2 is left on the playfield 100, and the prize receiving section 300 is folded and stored inside the drop-off opening 130. In this case, the position where the prize receiving section 300 is located may be the first position (see Figure 3), or it may not be limited to these, and the owner of the crane game machine 10 may freely set the first position.

[0041] Figure 4 shows an example in which the crane unit 120 drops prize 2 into the drop-off point in response to an operation command entered by the player. Specifically, the crane unit 120 operates in response to an operation command entered by the player on the user terminal 20, lifting prize 2 which is left on the playfield 100 and dropping it into the drop-off point 130. The crane unit 120 may return to its original state after operating in accordance with the operation command.

[0042] Figure 5 shows an example of lifting the prize receiving unit 300 that is holding the prize 2. Specifically, the prize 2 falls into the drop-off opening 130 and is placed on the prize receiving unit 300. A sensor installed inside the drop-off opening 130 determines whether or not the prize 2 is caught by the prize receiving unit 300. If the prize 2 is caught by the prize receiving unit 300, the sensor detects the prize 2 and transmits information indicating the sensing result (hereinafter referred to as sensing information) to the crane game device 10 to activate the operation unit 200. Conversely, if the prize 2 is not caught by the prize receiving unit 300, the sensor transmits the acquired sensing information to the crane game device 10, and the operation unit 200 does not need to be activated.

[0043] Figure 6 shows an example of how the prize receiving unit 300 moves from a first position (see Figure 3) to a second position (see Figure 6) for dispensing the prize 2. Specifically, when the prize 2 is received by the prize receiving unit 300, the rotation of the motor 2001 provided on the operating unit 200 causes the pulling unit 2002 to lift one end of the prize receiving unit 300, pulling it up to the second position (see Figure 6) for moving the prize 2 to the playfield 100. In this case, the prize receiving unit 300 in the second position may be tilted at a certain angle in order to move the prize 2 to the playfield 100. Furthermore, the operating unit 200 may be further divided into an upper operating unit (not shown) and a lower operating unit (not shown). The upper operating unit according to this embodiment may include a motor-side pulley 2003, a prize-receiving unit-side pulley 2004, a slide rail for mounting the motor-side pulley 2003 and the prize-receiving unit-side pulley 2004, an upper limit switch, and a cylindrical marker for pressing the aforementioned upper limit switch. In this case, the prize-receiving unit-side pulley 2004 and the motor-side pulley 2003 can move horizontally on the aforementioned slide rail, and the owner of the crane game device 10 may adjust the position for raising or lowering the prize-receiving unit 300 by adjusting the distance between the prize-receiving unit-side pulley 2004 and the motor-side pulley 2003 on the slide rail. On the other hand, the lower operating unit may include a motor 2001, a lower limit switch, and a cylindrical marker for pressing the aforementioned lower limit switch. The upper limit switch, the lower limit switch, and the cylindrical marker according to this embodiment may be designed to be attached to the traction unit 2002, and the operating unit 200 can be moved by physical action.

[0044] Figure 7 shows an example in which the prize receiving section 300 returns from the second position (see Figure 6) to the first position (see Figure 3) after the prize 2 has been discharged into the playfield 100. Specifically, after the prize 2 is discharged from the prize receiving section 300, the motor 2001 provided in the operating section 200 reverses direction to pull the pulling section 2002, and the prize receiving section 300 is moved from the second position (see Figure 6) to the first position (see Figure 3) by the pulling section 2002 and housed inside the drop-off opening 130. Also, since the prize receiving section 300 has multiple folds, when it is housed in the drop-off opening 130, the prize receiving section 300 may be folded according to its multiple folds.

[0045] <Explanation of the operating status of the recovery device 1> From here, the operating state of the retrieval device 1 will be explained using Figure 8. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing flow realized by the prize receiving unit 300 of the crane game device 10 of this disclosure. After the player inputs an operation command for the crane unit 120 (that is, the arm for grasping prizes provided on the upper part of the crane game device 10) at the user terminal 20, the crane game device 10 controls the crane unit 120 to activate the prize 2 according to the operation command received from the user terminal 20 (S801). The operation command according to this embodiment may include a command to move the crane unit 120 forward, a command to move the crane unit 120 backward, a command to move the crane unit 120 to the left, a command to move the crane unit 120 to the right, a command to move the crane unit 120 upward, and a command to move the crane unit 120 downward.

[0046] Next, a sensor installed inside the drop-off opening 130 detects whether or not the prize 2 has fallen into the drop-off opening 130 (S802). If the detection unit (i.e., the sensor) does not detect that the prize 2 has fallen into the drop-off opening 130 (YES in S802), the crane game device 10 does not need to activate the retrieval device 1. In other words, since the crane unit 120 has not acquired the prize 2 according to the operation command entered by the player, there is no need to have the retrieval device 1 retrieve it.

[0047] Conversely, if the detection unit detects that prize 2 has fallen into the drop-off opening 130 (YES in S802), the detection unit transmits information indicating the detection result to the operation unit 200 to activate the operation unit 200 (S803). The detection unit is not limited in its method of detecting whether or not prize 2 has fallen into the drop-off opening 130. If the detection unit is an optical sensor (photoelectric sensor), the optical sensor may use the reflection or blocking of light to detect whether or not prize 2 is in the prize receiving unit 300. If the detection unit is an ultrasonic sensor, the distance may be measured by the reflection time of the ultrasonic sensor to detect whether or not prize 2 is in the prize receiving unit 300.

[0048] When it is detected that prize 2 is in the prize receiving section 300, the motor provided in the operating section 200 rotates forward to shorten the length of the pulling section 2002, thereby lifting one end of the prize receiving section 300 and pulling prize 2 from the first position (see Figure 3) where the prize receiving section 300 is located when the retrieval device 1 is not operating, to a second position (see Figure 6) that has an angle for tilting the prize 2 toward the playfield 100 (S804).

[0049] When the prize receiving section 300 is tilted to a certain angle by the forward rotation of the motor 2001, the prize 2 held by the prize receiving section 300 is discharged to the playfield 100 (S805). In this embodiment, the method of discharging the prize 2 to the playfield 100 is not limited; the prize 2 may be discharged to the playfield 100 via the force generated by the rotation of the motor 2001, or the prize 2 may be rolled from the prize receiving section 300 to the playfield 100 by pulling up the traction section 2002 with the rotation of the motor 2001, thereby creating a certain angle with respect to the playfield 100.

[0050] After the prize receiving unit 300 moves the prize 2 to the playfield 100, the motor provided in the operating unit 200 reverses direction, extending the length of the pulling unit 2002 and pulling down one end of the prize receiving unit 300. In this case, the operating unit 200 moves the prize receiving unit 300 from a second position (see Figure 6) that has an angle for tilting the prize 2 towards the playfield 100 to a first position (see Figure 3) where the prize receiving unit 300 is located when the retrieval device 1 is not operating (S806).

[0051] <System configuration related to crane game machine 10> The following describes the various configurations for realizing the functions of the crane game device 10 of this disclosure, using Figure 9 as an example. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a system related to the crane game device 10 of this disclosure. The crane game device 10 connects to the user terminal 20 via a network NW to exchange information. Specifically, after the crane game device 10 receives an operation command from the user terminal 20, it realizes the function corresponding to that operation command. The system related to the crane game device 10 of this disclosure consists of the crane game device 10 and the user terminal 20, but is not limited to these, and may include other external terminals (e.g., delivery company terminals, game service provider terminals). The following describes each configuration in detail.

[0052] The crane game device 10 comprises a remote control unit 111, a control unit 112, a notification unit 113, and a second storage unit 114. The remote control unit 111 is connected to the user terminal 20 via a network NW and is configured to receive operation commands entered by the player on the user terminal 20 and to drive the crane unit 120 according to those operation commands. For example, if the remote control unit 111 receives an operation command from the user terminal 20 to "move the crane unit 120 forward," the remote control unit 111 may move the crane unit 120 provided on the crane game device 10 forward according to that operation command.

[0053] The control unit 112 is configured to control the operation of the operating unit 200 based on the detection of the detection unit. Specifically, when the detection unit detects that the prize 2 has fallen into the drop-off opening 130, the control unit 112 controls the rotation of the motor based on the detection result to enable the operating unit 200 to perform its function. Conversely, if the control unit does not detect that the prize 2 has fallen into the drop-off opening 130, the control unit 112 does not need to enable the operating unit 200 to perform its function based on the detection result. Furthermore, the control unit 112 in this disclosure is a microcomputer or the like for driving the crane game device 10, and may further have a physically structured electrical circuit, which may function as a control circuit.

[0054] The notification unit 113 is configured to notify the user terminal 20 of the results of the crane game. For example, if prize 2 falls into the drop-off point 130 due to the player's operation command, the notification unit 113 may transmit information that prize 2 has been acquired to the user terminal 20. Conversely, if prize 2 does not fall into the drop-off point 130 due to the player's operation command, the notification unit 113 may transmit information that prize 2 was not acquired to the user terminal 20. Furthermore, the information that the notification unit 113 notifies the user terminal 20 is not limited to information indicating the results of the game, and may also notify the user terminal 20 of information such as the number of times the crane game has been played, the operation time of the crane game device, and the remaining play time of the crane game.

[0055] The second storage unit 114 is a storage medium that stores various programs and data necessary for the operation of the crane game machine 10. The second storage unit 114 may be implemented using, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory, but is not limited to these. The second storage unit 114 may also be implemented using cloud storage.

[0056] The user terminal 20 comprises a command input unit 211, a command output unit 212, a display unit 213, and a first storage unit 214. The user terminal 20 in this disclosure may also be a general mobile terminal, a computer, a tablet, etc. The player simply needs to transmit operation commands to the crane game machine 10 via remote control from the user terminal 20. The configurations of the user terminal 20 will be described in detail below.

[0057] The command input unit 211 is configured to allow the player to input various operation commands for the crane unit 120. Specifically, the command input unit 211 of this disclosure may be a keyboard or touch pod connected to the user terminal 20, but is not limited to these, and may also be a microphone that acquires voice-type operation commands (operation commands). Furthermore, the operation commands input by the player may be voice commands, tap commands, long-touch commands, swipe commands, pinch commands, or drag commands.

[0058] The command output unit 212 is configured to output operation commands entered by the player on the user terminal 20 to the crane game machine 10. For example, if the player enters the command to "move the crane unit 120 forward," the command output unit 212 may output that operation command to the crane game machine 10. Conversely, if the player enters the command to "move the crane unit 120 backward," the command output unit 212 may output that operation command to the crane game machine 10.

[0059] The display unit 213 is configured to display the operating status of the crane game machine 10, the results of the crane game, etc., on the user terminal 20. The display unit 213 of this disclosure implements the functions of a screen or monitor, and after the player inputs and transmits an operation command to the crane game machine 10, it displays the operating status of the crane game machine 10 in accordance with that operation command on the user terminal 20. For example, the display unit 213 may display the operating status of the crane game machine 10 (for example, the movement status of the crane unit 120, the operating status of the retrieval device 1, the operating status of the prize receiving unit 300, etc.) on the user terminal 20, or it may display information notified from the notification unit 113 (for example, information indicating the game result, suggestions regarding game operation, etc.) on the user terminal 20.

[0060] The first storage unit 214 is a storage medium that stores various information such as the history of operation commands given by the player on the user terminal 20 and the result history indicating whether or not the player has acquired a prize. The first storage unit 214 may be implemented by, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), or flash memory, but is not limited to these. In addition, similar to the second storage unit 114, the first storage unit 214 may be implemented by cloud storage.

[0061] The above describes the configurations and embodiments of the crane game device 10 and the retrieval device 1. The same or equivalent components, processes, and signals shown in each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations are omitted as appropriate. Furthermore, some components that are not important for explanation are omitted from each drawing.

[0062] <Supplementary explanation> Although the operating state of the recovery device 1 according to the above embodiment has been described, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. Various modifications will be described below.

[0063] (1) In the above embodiment, the crane game device 10 of the Disclosure may be further equipped with a configuration to enhance entertainment value. For example, to enhance the visual presentation of the crane game device 10, LED lights and light bulbs with dynamic lighting effects may be installed inside the crane game device 10. In this case, the crane unit 120 may create a spectacular effect with the LED lights at the moment it grasps the prize 2 and drops it into the drop-off opening 130, thereby enhancing the atmosphere of the crane game. As another example, to enhance the auditory presentation of the crane game device 10, sounds and background music may be played inside the crane game device 10, thereby enhancing the atmosphere of the crane game.

[0064] (2) In the above embodiment, the crane game device 10 may further include a learning unit that learns operation commands received from the user terminal 20 as learning data. Typically, beginners acquire prize 2 after more attempts than experienced players. Therefore, the learning unit installed in the crane game device 10 may adjust the difficulty of the crane game by timing the player's operation commands. For example, if a player plays the crane game a certain number of times but does not acquire prize 2, the crane game device 10 learns the operation commands received from the user terminal 20 (so-called history information) as learning data. After that, the movement speed of the crane unit 120 and the gripping force may be adjusted according to the player's operation characteristics to lower the difficulty of the crane game.

[0065] (3) In the above embodiments, the user terminal 20 of the Disclosure may be equipped with a function to freely select a crane game machine 10, a function to deposit and withdraw funds to an account owned by the player, etc. The player may have the user terminal 20 execute various functions related to the crane game machine 10.

[0066] (4) Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and the components may be modified and implemented in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of this invention. In addition, the configurations relating to the recovery device 1, the crane game device 10, and the user terminal 20 of this disclosure can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple means and steps can be combined into one or separated. [Explanation of symbols]

[0067] 1. Recovery device 2 Prizes 10 Crane game machines 20 User Terminals 30 Game service provider terminals 40 Delivery company terminal 100 playfields 110 Camera 120 Crane Section 130 Drop-off opening 140 Dispensing opening 200 Operating Unit 2001 Motor 2002 Traction section 2003 Motor-side pulley 2004 Prize receiving side pulley 300 Prize Collection Department 400 Wall section 111 Remote Control Unit 112 Control Unit 113 Hochi Department 114 2nd memory section 211 Command Input Section 212 Command Output Unit 213 Display section 214 1st memory section

Claims

1. A crane game device that uses a crane to drop prizes from a playfield where prizes are displayed into a drop-off point, A detection unit that detects when the prize falls into the drop-off opening, A prize receiving section that seals the drop-off opening and receives the prize, A traction unit connected to the prize receiving unit, The prize receiving section includes an operating section that tilts the prize receiving section via the pulling section from a first position in which the prize receiving section receives the prize to a second position in which the prize receiving section moves the prize to the playfield. A crane game device characterized by the following features.

2. The operating unit causes the prize receiving unit to tilt from the second position to the first position via the pulling unit. The crane game device according to feature 1.

3. The crane game device according to claim 1, wherein the traction unit is a wire, and the wire is suspended from a pulley that transmits the operation of the operating unit.

4. The crane game device according to claim 1, wherein the prize receiving section is a resin plate having multiple folds.

5. The crane game device according to claim 4, wherein the resin plate is a transparent resin plate.

6. The crane game device according to claim 4, wherein the prize receiving section is folded and housed inside the drop-off opening.

7. The crane game device according to claim 1, further comprising a wall separating the playfield and the drop-off point.

8. The crane game device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls the operation of the operating unit in response to detection by the detection unit.

9. The aforementioned crane game device is A remote control unit that receives operation commands for the crane unit from a user terminal connected to the internet and drives the crane unit, A camera unit for photographing the operating status of the crane game machine, The system further includes a notification unit that notifies the user terminal of the operating status of the crane game device, as acquired by the aforementioned imaging unit. The crane game device according to feature 1.

Images