Prize-winning game machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a prize-winning game device configured to improve the work efficiency of workers in a falling space. [Solution] The prize acquisition game device 10, which realizes a game in which prizes 14 stored in storage space 12 are acquired and dropped into a drop space 18 provided below storage space 12, comprises a housing 20 having storage space 12 and drop space 18 inside, a prize acquisition unit 16 positioned in storage space 12 and performing the operation of acquiring prizes 14, a control unit 40 that controls the operation of the prize acquisition unit 16, and a detection unit (for example, a left door sensor 27A) that detects an operation from the outside that is different from an operation by the player. When the detection unit detects an operation, the control unit 40 changes the prize acquisition unit 16 from a first mode to a second mode and moves it to a predetermined retracted position in storage space 12.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a prize acquisition game device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a prize acquisition game device that realizes a game in which a prize stored in a storage space is dropped into a dropping space provided below the storage space by operating a prize acquisition unit to acquire the prize (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Some of such prize acquisition game devices provide large prizes. When providing a large prize, since the device itself becomes large, the storage space also becomes large. Therefore, when an operator carries in and out prizes with respect to the storage space or performs an operation of arranging prizes in the storage space from outside the prize acquisition game device, it becomes difficult to perform operations on the inner side of the storage space. On the other hand, when the prize becomes large, the dropping space also becomes large, so that an operator can enter this dropping space and perform an operation on the storage space. However, since the prize acquisition unit in a standby state is located above the dropping space, there has been a problem that every time an operator enters the dropping space to perform an operation, the prize acquisition unit has to be moved to a position that does not interfere with the operation.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a prize acquisition game device configured to improve the workability of an operator in the dropping space.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a prize acquisition game device that realizes a game in which a prize stored in a storage space is acquired and dropped into a drop space provided below the storage space, comprising: a housing having the storage space and the drop space inside; a prize acquisition unit disposed in the storage space and performing the operation of acquiring the prize; a control unit that controls the operation of the prize acquisition unit; and a detection unit that detects an operation from the outside that is different from an operation by a player, wherein when the detection unit detects the operation, the control unit changes the prize acquisition unit from a first mode to a second mode and moves it to a predetermined retracted position in the storage space.

[0007] With this configuration, when the detection unit detects an operation that is from an external source and different from an operation performed by a player, the control unit moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position within the storage space. As a result, even if a worker enters the drop space to perform work, the prize acquisition unit does not obstruct the worker's work, thereby improving the worker's work efficiency in the drop space within the prize acquisition game machine. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The prize acquisition game device according to the present invention can improve the work efficiency of workers in a falling space. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the prize acquisition game device according to this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of the prize-winning game machine shown above, with the left door open. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view of the prize-winning game machine shown above, with the left opening door and opening / closing plate in the open position. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of the prize-winning game machine shown above, viewed from a different direction, with the left opening door and opening / closing plate in the open position. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the prize acquisition section and the movement section of the prize acquisition game device described above. [Figure 6] This is a magnified view of the display and operation area of ​​the prize-winning game machine shown above. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit and its surroundings for the prize acquisition game device described above. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart of the game processing performed by the control unit. [Figure 9] This is a flowchart of the automatic retraction and automatic recovery process executed by the control unit, showing the process up to the start of automatic retraction. [Figure 10] This is a flowchart of the automatic retraction and automatic recovery process performed by the control unit, showing the automatic retraction process. [Figure 11] This is a flowchart of the automatic retraction and automatic recovery process performed by the control unit, showing the automatic recovery process. [Figure 12] This is an explanatory diagram for illustrating the positional relationship between the storage space, the drop space, and the prize acquisition unit, where (a) shows the case where the prize acquisition unit is in the standby position, and (b) shows the case where the prize acquisition unit is in the retracted position. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the movable range of the prize acquisition unit and the display range when the storage space is viewed from above, where (a) shows the case where the entire storage space is the movable range, (b) shows the case where a display range is provided by a panel member, and (c) shows the case where the display range is further expanded. [Figure 14] This is an explanatory diagram showing the orientation of the gripping claws of the prize acquisition unit, where (a) shows the gripping claws rotated 30° to the left when viewed from above, (b) shows the standard state of the gripping claws (0° state), (c) shows the gripping claws rotated 30° to the right, and (d) shows the gripping claws rotated 60° to the right. [Figure 15] This block diagram shows a configuration in which the above-mentioned prize-winning game device is managed by a management server via a network. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, a prize acquisition game device 10 realizes a game in which a player (user) acquires a prize 14 such as a stuffed toy housed in a storage space 12 by the prize acquisition unit 16 and dropping it into a drop space 18 provided below the storage space 12. Hereinafter, the prize acquisition game device 10 will be simply abbreviated as "device 10". As shown in FIG. 1, when the device 10 is viewed from the front, the horizontal direction from left to right is defined as the X-axis direction, the horizontal direction from front to back is defined as the Y-axis direction, and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction (vertical direction) is defined as the Z-axis direction for explanation.

[0011] The device 10 includes, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped housing 20. The housing 20 includes a base 22 and a container 24.

[0012] First, the container 24 will be described. The container 24 is provided on the base 22. The container 24 includes a ceiling surface 24A, side surfaces 24B, and a floor surface 24C, and forms a storage space 12 inside surrounded by these. In addition to the prize 14 stored in the storage space 12 as described above, other items such as balls may be stored.

[0013] Inside the ceiling surface 24A, a prize acquisition unit 16 for gripping the prize 14 is suspended via a moving unit 60. As shown in FIG. 5, the prize acquisition unit 16 is movable in, for example, the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in the figure by a moving unit 60 composed of a rail, a motor, etc. The prize acquisition unit 16 includes a support portion 16A formed of a telescopic pipe suspended vertically (Z-axis direction) from the inner upper surface, and a gripping portion 16B provided at the lower end thereof. The gripping portion 16B is provided with a plurality of gripping claws 16C for gripping the prize 14. In the present embodiment, the number of gripping claws 16C is designed to be three. The prize acquisition unit 16 is configured to be movable in the Z-axis direction by extending and contracting the support portion 16A, thereby moving the gripping portion 16B and the gripping claws 16C in the Z-axis direction.

[0014] The prize acquisition unit 16 is attached to the movable table 62 of the movable unit 60 and is movable in both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction by the movable unit 60. The movable unit 60 is, for example, a so-called H-shaped XY stage. Thus, the movable unit 60 comprises a Y-axis unit 64 consisting of a Y-direction guide 64A extending in the Y-axis direction and a Y-drive unit 64B that moves the movable table 62 in the Y-axis direction along the Y-direction guide 64A, and an X-axis unit 66 consisting of two X-direction guides 66A and 66B extending in the X-axis direction and supporting the Y-direction guide 64A at both ends, and an X-drive unit 66C that moves the Y-direction guide 64A in the X-axis direction together with the movable table 62 along the X-direction guides 66A and 66B. Here, linear motors or ball screws can be used for the X-drive unit 66C and the Y-drive unit 64B.

[0015] Further, on the X-direction guide 66A of the X-axis unit 66, three X-position sensors 68 are arranged for detecting the position of the Y-direction guide 64A on the X-direction guide 66A. Also, on the Y-direction guide 64A of the Y-axis unit 64, three Y-position sensors 70 are arranged for detecting the position of the stage 62 on the Y-direction guide 64A. In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the dropping space 18 is formed at the left end on the front side of the apparatus 10. Therefore, when the Y-direction guide 64A is located at the left end of the X-direction guides 66A and 66B, and the stage 62 is located at the front end of the Y-direction guide 64A, the prize acquisition unit 16 performs an operation of releasing the prize 14 and waits until the start of the next game. This position is called the standby position or the home position (see Fig. 12(a)). The X-position sensor 68 includes a home-side X sensor 68A for detecting that the prize acquisition unit 16 (Y-direction guide 64A) is at the end on the standby position side (home end) of the X-direction guide 66A, an end-side X sensor 68C for detecting that it is at the end on the side opposite to the standby position (end end), and a center X sensor 68B for detecting that it is in the middle (center) of the X-direction guide 66A. The Y-position sensor 70 includes a home-side Y sensor 70A for detecting that the prize acquisition unit 16 (stage 62) is at the end on the standby position side (home end) of the Y-direction guide 64A, an end-side Y sensor 70C for detecting that it is at the end on the side opposite to the standby position (end end), and a center Y sensor 70B for detecting that it is in the middle (center) of the Y-direction guide 64A. The detection results by the X-position sensor 68 and the Y-position sensor 70 are output to the control unit 40.

[0016] The position (coordinates in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction) of the prize acquisition unit 16 in the accommodation space 12 can be determined (acquired) based on control signals and the like output from the control unit 40 to the X-driving unit 66C and the Y-driving unit 64B. However, it may be shifted due to mechanical errors or the like. By correcting the information regarding the position based on the detection results by the above-described X-position sensor 68 and Y-position sensor 70 (whether it is at the home end, the center, or the end end in the X-axis direction, and whether it is at the home end, the center, or the end end in the Y-axis direction), an accurate position can be acquired.

[0017] The front and side surfaces of the side 24B are formed from transparent resin or glass plate-like members so that the player can visually inspect the prizes 14 and other items stored inside the container 24. In particular, the front of the container 24 is composed of an opening / closing door 26. Here, the opening / closing door 26 includes two sliding opening / closing doors (the left opening / closing door 26A, which is the first opening / closing door, and the right opening / closing door 26B, which is the second opening / closing door). The opening / closing doors 26A and 26B are provided on the container 24 so that they can be opened and closed. These opening / closing doors 26A and 26B are each provided with pull handles 26C and 26D. In this embodiment, the opening / closing doors 26A and 26B can be opened and closed by a worker (or manager) gripping the pull handles 26C and 26D. Specifically, the left opening / closing door 26A is opened by gripping the pull handle 26C and sliding it to the right, and closed by sliding it to the left. Furthermore, the right-hand opening door 26B opens when a worker (or manager) grasps the handle 26D and slides it to the left, and closes when they slide it to the right. When these opening doors 26A and 26B are opened, the internal storage space 12 is exposed, and an opening 12A communicating with the storage space 12 is formed (see, for example, Figure 2).

[0018] Furthermore, the back of the side surface 24B is formed of a mirror-like plate-like member or a plate-like member with decoration. Although not shown, one or more support parts for supporting shelves for placing prizes 14, etc., may be provided on the inside of the side surface or back surface. Note that "front" refers to the side of the base 22 on which the operating section 46, described later, is provided.

[0019] The floor surface 24C functions as a prize display stand on which prizes 14 are placed. A drop space 18 is formed in one of the front corners of the floor surface 24C (the corner on the left opening / closing door 26A side) where the prizes 14 fall. The top view of the drop space 18 is, for example, rectangular. Two sides of the rectangular shape are formed by the floor surface 24C. A first partition 30 and a second partition 32 are provided on the two sides of the floor surface 24C that are in contact with the drop space 18. A third partition 34 is also provided on the front side of the floor surface 24C, excluding the drop space 18. The overall top view shape of the first partition 30, the second partition 32, and the third partition 34 is, for example, crank-shaped.

[0020] Next, the base 22 will be described. The base 22 forms the drop space 18 described above. The base 22 includes, for example, a control unit 40, an input box 42, a display unit 44, an operation unit 46, a locking unit 48, and an opening / closing plate 50.

[0021] The control unit 40 is connected to each component of the device 10, such as the prize acquisition unit 16 (movement unit 60), the display unit 44, and the operation unit 46, and controls the operation of each component. The control unit 40 is connected to door sensors 27 (left door sensor 27A and right door sensor 27B) that detect the opening and closing of the opening and closing doors 26, which are provided in the corners between the front and side surfaces. The control unit 40, except when set to a predetermined control state (as described later, the "work mode" transitioned from the "setting mode" and with automatic retraction permitted), receives a detection signal from the door sensors 27 indicating that one of the opening and closing doors 26 (at least one of the left opening and closing door 26A and the right opening and closing door 26B) is open, and performs control to prohibit the automatic movement of the prize acquisition unit 16. This prevents the prize acquisition unit 16 from coming into contact with the worker (or manager) who opens the opening and closing door 26. In addition, the control unit 40 may be used to physically fix the prize acquisition unit 16 and prevent its manual movement, but in this embodiment, manual movement is permitted. Furthermore, in this embodiment, even when the opening / closing door 26 is open, the prize acquisition unit 16 can be moved to the standby position (home position) by operating the display unit 44, which will be described later.

[0022] The input box 42 is into which the game medium is inserted to start the game. This input box 42 is located on the base 22 in a place other than the opening / closing plate 50. The input box 42 includes an input slot 42A into which the game medium is inserted, an internal space for storing the inserted game medium (not shown), and a coin chute that connects the input slot 42A and the internal space and guides the game medium inserted from the input slot 42A into the internal space. While coins are common as game mediums, banknotes, cards or balls exchanged for coins or banknotes may also be used.

[0023] The display unit 44 is composed of a touch panel or the like, and displays and inputs various information, such as the settings information of the device 10. For example, when the device 10 is in a control state that accepts operations from a player and provides a game in which the player can win a prize ("game mode"), the control unit 40 displays information about the currently running game (for example, the remaining time of the currently running game) on the display unit 44 and provides it to the player. On the other hand, when the device 10 is in a control state that allows settings to be made ("setting mode"), the control unit 40 displays items and menus for settings for the device 10 on the display unit 44 and accepts operations from an operator (or manager) on this display unit 44.

[0024] To enter setting mode, a setting key (not shown) must be inserted into the key slot 72 located at the bottom of the display unit 44 (see Figure 6). When the control unit 40 detects that a setting key has been inserted into the key slot 72, it verifies whether the setting key is a legitimate key set for this device 10. If it is a legitimate key, the control unit 40 switches the control state to setting mode. On the other hand, when the setting key is removed from the key slot 72, the control unit 40 switches the control state to game mode.

[0025] The operation unit 46 is an operation unit related to acquiring the prize 14, and inputs, for example, the player's movement operations to the prize acquisition unit 16. The operation unit 46 is provided on the base 22 at a location other than the opening / closing plate 50. In this embodiment, the operation unit 46 has a first operation unit 46A which is a joystick and a second operation unit 46B which is a button (see Figure 6). By tilting the joystick, which is the first operation unit 46A, the player can move the prize acquisition unit 16 in the direction it is tilted (X-axis and Y-axis), and by pressing the button, which is the second operation unit 46, the player can cause the prize acquisition unit 16 to grab the prize at the position where the operation was performed.

[0026] Thus, the apparatus 10 according to this embodiment has a display unit 44 and an operation unit 46 as input units that receive operations to the control unit 40.

[0027] The locking mechanism 48 locks the opening / closing door 26 with a key (not shown). The locking mechanism 48 is provided on the outer surface of the base 22. In this embodiment, the base 22 has two locking mechanisms: a left locking mechanism 48A for locking the left opening / closing door 26A, and a right locking mechanism 48B for locking the right opening / closing door 26B.

[0028] The opening / closing plate 50 is provided on the base 22 so as to be openable and closable. The method of "opening and closing" is not particularly limited, but examples include rotation, sliding, folding, and detachment. In this embodiment, the opening / closing plate 50 is opened from a closed state by rotating towards the front on one end in the width direction of the housing (for example, the left end in the figure) as an axis (see Figure 3 or Figure 4). In addition, a prize collection opening 52 that communicates with the drop space 18 is formed in the center of the opening / closing plate 50, for example. A flap 54 is attached to the back surface of the opening / closing plate 50 as a covering member that covers this prize collection opening 52. The plate-shaped flap 54 is configured to be rotatable in the depth direction on an axis at its upper end (the lower end is movable back and forth). As a result of the rotation of this flap 54, the drop space 18 is exposed through the prize collection opening 52.

[0029] Passage sensors 74 are provided on the left and right sides of the upper end of the drop space 18 to detect prizes 14 falling from the storage space 12 into the drop space 18. These passage sensors 74 consist of, for example, a light source unit that emits light such as infrared light, which is located on one of the left and right sides, and a light receiving unit located on the other side that receives and detects the light from the light source unit. The detection signal from the passage sensors 74 is output to the control unit 40. Therefore, when a prize 14 falls from the storage space 12 towards the drop space 18 and crosses the light from the passage sensors 74, this light is blocked, and during that time, the light receiving unit is unable to detect the light. The control unit 40 can detect that a prize 14 has fallen from the storage space 12 into the drop space 18 by detecting when the output from the passage sensors 74 changes from a light receiving state (on) to a state where it cannot receive light (off), and then back to a light receiving state (on).

[0030] Furthermore, the device 10 has a notification unit 78 for informing players and workers (or managers) of the status of the device 10 and the status of the game being played on the device 10 using sound and light. As an example of the notification unit 78, the device 10 has left lamps 78A and right lamps 78B on the left and right sides of the upper front end of the housing 24, corresponding to the left and right opening doors 26A and 26B, as shown in Figure 1, etc. The control unit 40 can inform players and workers (or managers) of various information by lighting or flashing these left and right lamps 78A and 78B, or by changing the color and brightness of the light emitted. In addition, speakers (not shown) can be provided on the base 22 and housing 24 as part of the notification unit 78, and various information can be informed by sound (music, sound effects, messages, etc.). The control unit 40 can also use the notification unit 78 to create visual and auditory effects during the game.

[0031] As shown in Figure 7, the control unit 40 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 82, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 84, a ROM (Read-only Memory) 86, a drive device 88, and a network I / F (Interface) unit 90. These components are connected to each other via a bus 92, enabling data transmission and reception. Furthermore, these components are also connected via the bus 92 to the prize acquisition unit 16 (movement unit 60), sensors 27, 68, 70, 74, display unit 44, operation unit 46, key slot 72, notification unit 78, etc., enabling data transmission and reception.

[0032] The CPU 82 is a control unit that controls the operation of the prize acquisition unit 16 (movement unit 60) based on input from the operation unit 46, controls setting information, and performs calculations and processing of data. The CPU 82 is also an arithmetic unit that executes control programs (setting programs) stored in the RAM 84 or ROM 86.

[0033] RAM84 is, for example, the main memory. RAM84 is a storage device that stores or temporarily stores programs and data such as the OS (Operating System) and application software, which are the basic software executed by the CPU82, as well as configuration information for the device 10.

[0034] ROM86 is a memory device that stores data related to, for example, a control program.

[0035] The drive device 88 reads programs and data from the recording medium 96, such as a CD-ROM or SD card, and installs or saves them to the storage device.

[0036] Furthermore, the recording medium 96 stores a predetermined program, and the program stored in this recording medium 96 is installed in the device 10 via the drive device 88. The installed predetermined program becomes executable by the device 10. The recording medium 96 also stores predetermined data, and the data stored in this recording medium 96 is saved in the prize acquisition game device 10 via the drive device 88.

[0037] The network interface unit 90 is an interface with other devices connected via the network.

[0038] The control unit 40 is configured to manage and switch between multiple control states, including the "game mode" and "setting mode" described above. For example, as described above, when the control unit 40 detects that a setting key has been inserted into the key slot 47, it determines whether or not this setting key is a valid key, and if it determines that it is a valid key, it changes the mode of the device 10 to setting mode. On the other hand, when the control unit 40 detects that the setting key has been removed from the key slot 47, it changes the control state of the device 10 to game mode.

[0039] First, the control of the game by the control unit 40 in game mode will be explained using Figure 8. When the system switches to game mode, the control unit 40 receives credits (game media) from the player (step S100). Specifically, the control unit 40 sets the number of games according to the number of game media inserted into the input box 42. For example, if one game media is inserted, the number of games (credits) is set to 1, and if three game media are inserted, the number of games (credits) is set to 5.

[0040] The control unit 40 subtracts 1 from the current number of credits (consuming 1 credit) and starts the game (step S102). When the game starts, the control unit 40 receives the player's operation on the first operation unit 46A and moves the prize acquisition unit 16 by the movement unit 60 in the direction of the operation (X-axis and Y-axis) (step S104). It also repeatedly determines whether a predetermined amount of time has elapsed since the start of the current game (step S106) and whether the second operation unit 46B has been operated (step S108). If it determines that the predetermined amount of time has not elapsed (step S106:N) and the second operation unit 46B has not been operated (step S108:N), the control unit 40 returns to step S104 and repeats the process thereafter.

[0041] On the other hand, if a predetermined time has elapsed (step S106:Y) or if the second operating unit 46B has been operated (step S108:Y), the control unit 40 extends the support unit 16A vertically downward at the current position of the prize acquisition unit 16 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and begins to move the gripping unit 16B and gripping claws 16C downward (step S110). Then, in step S110, the control unit 40 extends the support unit 16A and repeatedly determines whether the second operating unit 46B has been operated (step S112), and whether the support unit 16A has been extended to a predetermined length (step S114). If the control unit 40 determines that the second operating unit 46B has not been operated (step S112:N) and that the support unit 16A has not been extended to a predetermined length (step S114:N), the control unit 40 returns to step S110 and repeats the subsequent processing.

[0042] On the other hand, if the second operating unit 46B is operated while the support unit 16A is extending (step S112:Y), or if the control unit 40 determines that the support unit 16A has been extended to a predetermined length (step S114:Y), the control unit 40 stops the extension of the support unit 16A, closes the gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16 to grasp the prize 14 (step S116), and then retracts the support unit 16A to its shortest state (step S118). In this embodiment, the system is configured such that by operating the second operating unit 46B while the support unit 16A of the prize acquisition unit 16 is extended, the extension of the support unit 16A stops at that point, and the system proceeds to the next prize-grabbing operation. This allows the prize acquisition unit 16 to perform the grasping operation at the height (position in the Z-axis direction) desired by the player.

[0043] Furthermore, the control unit 40 moves the prize acquisition unit 16 to the drop position in the drop space 18 using the moving unit 60 (step S120). Here, the drop position is in the drop space 18 and is a position in which the prize 14 can fall into the drop space 18 when the gripping claws 16C open and release the prize 14. This position may be the same as the standby position described above, or it may be a different position from the standby position. When the prize acquisition unit 16 reaches the drop position, the control unit 40 causes the gripping claws 16C to open and release the prize 14 (step S122). When the prize 14 falls into the drop space 18, the control unit 40 can detect that the player has acquired the prize 14 based on the output from the passage sensor 74 described above. Therefore, the control unit 40 can use the notification unit 78 to perform sound and light effects in response to the acquisition of the prize 14.

[0044] Finally, if the drop position and the standby position are different, the control unit 40 moves the prize acquisition unit 16 to the standby position, and if the drop position and the standby position are the same, it puts the prize acquisition unit 16 into a standby state at that position (step S124). Then, the control unit 40 determines whether or not there are remaining credits (step S126), and if it determines that there are remaining credits (step S126:Y), the control unit 40 returns to step S102 and repeats the process described above (execution of the next game). On the other hand, if it determines that there are no remaining credits (step S126:N), the control unit 40 returns to step S100 and transitions to a state where it accepts credits from the player.

[0045] In the above explanation, the first operation unit 46A is described as a joystick and the second operation unit 46B as a button, but the first operation unit 46A may also be a button. In this case, when the first operation unit 46A is being operated (the button is pressed) on the prize acquisition unit 16 which is in standby mode, the control unit 40 moves the prize acquisition unit 16 in the X-axis direction (to the right in the left-right direction), and when the operation of the first operation unit 46A is released (the button is released), the control unit 40 stops the prize acquisition unit 16 at that position. Next, the control unit 40 controls the prize acquisition unit 16 in the Y-axis direction (towards the back in the front-to-back direction) when the second operation unit 46B is operated (the button is pressed). When the operation of the second operation unit 46B is released (the button is returned), it stops the prize acquisition unit 16 at that position, extends the support unit 16A, closes the gripping claws 16C to grasp the prize 14, retracts the support unit 16A, moves the prize acquisition unit 16 to the drop space, opens the gripping claws 16C to release the prize 14, and then puts it into standby position.

[0046] Furthermore, in the above description, the gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16 are in the open state when it transitions to the standby state. However, the control unit 40 may, after causing the prize acquisition unit 16 to release the prize in step S122, close the gripping claws 16C and then transition to the standby state in step S124. In this case, since the gripping claws 16C are in the closed state at the start of the next game, the control unit 40 causes the gripping claws 16C to open before starting the extension of the support unit 16A in step S110.

[0047] Furthermore, although the support section 16A of the prize acquisition section 16 was constructed using an extendable pipe in the above description, the support section 16A may also be constructed using a wire, and the support section 16A may be extended or retracted by unwinding and winding this wire using a drum.

[0048] Next, the control of the control unit 40 in setting mode will be described. As mentioned above, when a worker inserts the correct setting key into the key slot 72, the control unit 40 switches the control state to setting mode. When in setting mode, the control unit 40 displays information and menus for setting the device 10 on the display unit 44. Since the display unit 44 is a touch panel, the worker can operate this menu to make the desired settings. In setting mode, it is possible to set whether to allow or disallow automatic retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16 (described later) to the retraction position, whether to allow or disallow automatic return to the standby position, and whether to allow or disallow detection of whether a worker is in the drop space 18 by the passage sensor 74. However, in order to set automatic return and automatic retraction to allow, detection by the passage sensor 74 must be permitted in order to prevent the prize acquisition unit 16 from moving unintentionally when a worker is working in the drop space 18.

[0049] Furthermore, in setting mode, the control unit 40 can accept operations on the display unit 44 to pre-set the retraction position (coordinates in the X-axis and Y-axis directions within the storage space 12) for when the prize acquisition unit 16 is automatically retracted. The retraction position is set to a location within the storage space 12 where the prize acquisition unit 16 can be located without interfering with the work of a worker who has entered the drop space 18, and is therefore set to at least the right side of the standby position (the end of the platform in the X-axis direction) (between the center and the end).

[0050] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the device 10 viewed from above. Figure 12(a) shows the prize acquisition unit 16 in the standby position, and Figure 12(b) shows the prize acquisition unit 16 in the retracted position. In the figures, the area R enclosed by the dotted line indicates the range (movable area) in which the prize acquisition unit 16 can move from the moving unit 60 on the X-direction guides 66A, 66B and the Y-direction guide 64A. As shown in Figure 12(b), the retracted position can be set, for example, to the end end of the X-direction guide 66A and the end end of the Y-direction guide 64A (the position at the back right when viewed from the front). In Figures 12(a) and (b), the area R' indicated by the dashed line indicates the movable range of the entire prize acquisition unit 16.

[0051] When in setting mode, the worker can open the left and right opening doors 26A and 26B to load, unload, and arrange prizes 14 in the storage space 12. As described above, in order to work on the storage space 12, the worker may enter the drop space 18 to work, but as shown in Figure 12(a), the prize acquisition unit 16, which is in a standby state, is located above this drop space 18 and gets in the way of the work. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the control unit 40 detects an operation that is different from the operation of the player on the device 10 (the player's operation in game mode), it is configured to automatically move the prize acquisition unit 16 to a position (retracted position) that does not interfere with the work of the worker in the drop space 18, depending on whether automatic retraction and automatic return are permitted or not.

[0052] Figures 9 to 11 show the process by which the control unit 40 automatically retracts and returns the prize acquisition unit 16. As mentioned above, the automatic retraction and return process is configured to be executable when the control state is in setting mode. Therefore, the explanation will be based on the assumption that the current control state is in setting mode. Furthermore, this explanation will describe the case where the automatic retraction and return are triggered by the opening and closing of the left opening / closing door 26A.

[0053] As shown in Figure 9, when the control state is in setting mode, the control unit 40 monitors the open / closed state of the left door 26A using the detection signal from the left door sensor 27A (step S200). If it determines that the left door 26A has been opened (step S200:Y), the control unit 40 switches the control state to work mode (step S202). This work mode is a control state that indicates that an employee is performing work on the accommodation space 12. The control unit 40 then determines whether the prize acquisition unit 16 is moving (step S204). If it determines that it is moving (step S204:Y), it stops the movement of the prize acquisition unit 16 by the movement unit 60 (step S206), does not perform automatic retraction, and proceeds to the automatic return process described later (step S234).

[0054] Furthermore, the control unit 40 sequentially determines whether automatic retraction is permitted (step S208), whether the current position of the prize acquisition unit 16 is to the right of the center in the X-axis direction (step S210), whether the current control state is in work mode (step S212), whether the right opening / closing door 26B is open (step S214), and whether the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (step S216). The control unit 40 monitors the open / closed state of the right opening / closing door 26B using the detection signal from the right door sensor 27B. In addition, whether the current position of the prize acquisition unit 16 is to the right of the center in the X-axis direction can be determined, for example, from the outputs of the central X sensor 68B and the end-side X sensor 68C of the X position sensor 68 described above.

[0055] If the control unit 40 determines that automatic retraction is not permitted (step S208:N), if it determines that the prize acquisition unit 16 is located to the right of the center (step S210:Y), if it determines that the current control state is not in work mode (step S212:N), if it determines that the right opening / closing door 26B is open (step S214:Y), or if it determines that the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (step S216:Y), the control unit 40 will not perform automatic retraction and will proceed to the automatic recovery process described later (step S234).

[0056] Here, when the prize acquisition unit 16 is located to the right of the center in the X-axis direction (towards the end end), that is, when it is in the right-hand region RR of the movable region R of the prize acquisition unit 16 shown in Figure 12, regardless of its position in the Y-axis direction, even if a worker enters the drop space 18, they will not come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16, and therefore, automatic retraction is not performed. With this configuration, when the prize acquisition unit 16 is to the right of the center in the X-axis direction, the worker can start working immediately without waiting for the prize acquisition unit 16 to move to its standby position. Also, when the right opening / closing door 26B is open, there is a possibility that a worker has entered the storage space 12 through the right-hand opening 12A and is working. If automatic retraction is started in this state, there is a possibility that the worker may unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16, so in this embodiment, automatic retraction is not performed. Furthermore, when a worker enters the falling space 18, the light emitted from the light source of the passage sensor 74 is blocked by the worker and does not enter the light receiving unit (the output of the passage sensor 74 is turned off). By detecting this state, the control unit 40 can determine that there is a possibility that a worker is in the falling space 18. If the prize acquisition unit 16 is moved while a worker is in the falling space 18, there is a possibility that the worker may unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16. Therefore, in this embodiment, automatic retraction is not performed.

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined that automatic retraction is permitted (step S208:Y), that the prize acquisition unit 16 is located to the left of the center, that is, that the prize acquisition unit 16 is in the left region RL of Figure 12 (step S210:N), that the current control state is work mode (step S212:Y), that the right opening / closing door 26B is closed (step S214:N), and further determined that the output of the passage sensor 74 is not off (step S216:N), then, as shown in Figure 10, the control unit 40 executes the retraction start process (step S218). In this retraction start process, the control unit 40 displays, for example, on the display unit 44 that the prize acquisition unit 16 is in the process of automatic retraction, and also displays a button (emergency stop button) to cancel the automatic retraction (stop the movement of the prize acquisition unit 16), and makes it possible to accept operation from an operator on this button.

[0058] Furthermore, if the support portion 16A of the prize acquisition unit 16 is extended when automatic retraction is initiated, the control unit 40 will shorten the support portion 16A to its shortest length in step S218.

[0059] Then, the control unit 40 starts moving the prize acquisition unit 16 to the retracted position (step S220). At this point, the control unit 40 is configured to repeatedly perform the following actions in addition to controlling the movement of the prize acquisition unit 16 in step S220: determining whether the right opening / closing door 26B has been opened (step S222), determining whether the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (step S224), determining whether an emergency stop operation has been performed, such as pressing the emergency stop button displayed on the display unit 44 as described above (step S226), determining whether the left opening / closing door 26A has been closed (step S228), and determining whether the prize acquisition unit 16 has reached the retracted position (step S230).

[0060] If the control unit 40 determines that the right opening / closing door 26B has been opened (step S222:Y), that the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (step S224:Y), that an emergency stop operation has been performed (step S226:Y), or that the left opening / closing door 26A has been closed (step S228:Y), the control unit 40 cancels the automatic retraction and stops the prize acquisition unit 16 (step S232), and proceeds to the automatic recovery process described later (step S234).

[0061] If the right opening / closing door 26B is opened while the prize acquisition unit 16 is being moved to the retracted position, there is a possibility that a worker entering the storage space 12 through the right-side opening 12A to perform work may unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16. Therefore, the control unit 40 is configured to cancel automatic retraction and stop the prize acquisition unit 16. Similarly, if a worker enters the drop space 18 while the prize acquisition unit 16 is being moved to the retracted position, there is a possibility that they may unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16. Therefore, the control unit 40 is configured to cancel automatic retraction and stop the prize acquisition unit 16 when it determines that the output of the passage sensor 74 has turned off. Furthermore, if an emergency stop operation is performed, the control unit 40 is configured to cancel automatic retraction and stop the prize acquisition unit 16. Note that the emergency stop operation can include not only operations on the emergency stop button displayed on the display unit 44 as described above, but also operations on the operation unit 46 (first operation unit 46A, second operation unit 46B). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the prize acquisition unit 16 is configured to automatically return to its standby position when the left opening / closing door 26A is closed. Therefore, when the control unit 40 detects that the left opening / closing door 26A has been closed, it is configured to cancel the automatic retraction and stop the prize acquisition unit 16.

[0062] On the other hand, if the control unit 40 determines that the right opening / closing door 26B is not open (step S222:N), that the output of the passage sensor 74 is not off (step S224:N), that no emergency stop operation has been performed (step S226:N), and further determines that the left opening / closing door 26A is not closed (step S228:N), then, as described above, in step S230, it determines whether or not the prize acquisition unit 16 has reached the retracted position. If it determines that the prize acquisition unit 16 has not reached the retracted position (step S230:N), the control unit 40 returns to step S220 and repeats the processing from there onward. On the other hand, if it determines that the prize acquisition unit 16 has reached the retracted position (step S230:Y), the control unit 40 terminates the automatic retraction and stops the prize acquisition unit 16 (step S232), and proceeds to the automatic return process (step S234) described later.

[0063] As shown in Figure 11, when the automatic return process is initiated, the control unit 40 first determines whether automatic return is permitted (step S234). If it is determined that automatic return is not permitted (step S234:N), the control unit 40 returns the control state from work mode to setting mode (step S266) and terminates the automatic retraction / automatic return process. On the other hand, if it is determined that automatic return is permitted (step S234:Y), the control unit 40 monitors whether the left opening / closing door 26A has been closed (step S236), and if it is determined that the left opening / closing door 26A has been closed (step S236:Y), the control unit 40 executes the return start process (step S238). In this return start process, the control unit 40, for example, displays on the display unit 44 that the prize acquisition unit 16 is in the process of automatic return, and also displays a button (emergency stop button) to interrupt the automatic return (temporarily stop the movement of the prize acquisition unit 16), and makes it possible to accept operation from an operator on this button.

[0064] Furthermore, if the support portion 16A of the prize acquisition unit 16 is extended when the automatic return is initiated, the control unit 40 will shorten the support portion 16A to its shortest length in step S238.

[0065] The control unit 40 sequentially determines whether the current control state is in work mode (step S240), whether the left opening / closing door 26A is open (step S242), whether the right opening / closing door 26B is open (step S244), whether the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (step S246), and whether the emergency stop operation has been released (step S248). If it determines that the current control state is not in work mode (step S240:N), if it determines that the left opening / closing door 26A is open (step S242:Y), if it determines that the right opening / closing door 26B is open (step S244:Y), if it determines that the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (step S246:Y), or if it determines that the emergency stop operation has not been released (step S248:N), the control unit 40 returns to step S240 and repeats the processing thereafter. If the left door 26A is opened immediately after being closed, or if the right door 26B is open, or if the output of the passage sensor 74 is off, there is a possibility that a worker is working in the containment space 12 or the drop space 18. If the prize acquisition unit 16 is automatically reset in this state, there is a possibility that the worker may unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16, so the system is configured not to perform automatic reset. Also, as mentioned above, the work mode is a control state that indicates a worker is working in the containment space 12, but this work mode can be changed to other control states by operating the display unit 44. Therefore, even when the control state is not the work mode, the control unit 40 is similarly configured not to perform automatic reset. Furthermore, if the emergency stop operation for automatic reset has not been released, the control unit 40 is also configured not to perform automatic reset.

[0066] On the other hand, if the control unit determines that the current control state is in work mode (step S240:Y), that the left opening / closing door 26A is not open (step S242:N), that the right opening / closing door 26B is not open (step S244:N), that the output of the passage sensor 74 is not off (step S246:N), and further determines that the emergency stop operation has been released (or that the emergency stop operation has not been performed) (step S248:Y), the control unit 40 starts moving the prize acquisition unit 16 to the standby position using the moving unit 60 (step S250). Here, the control unit 40 is configured to repeatedly perform the following steps in addition to controlling the movement of the prize acquisition unit 16 in step S250: determining whether the left opening / closing door 26A has been opened (step S252), determining whether the right opening / closing door 26B has been opened (step S254), determining whether the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (step S256), determining whether an emergency stop operation has been performed, such as pressing the emergency stop button displayed on the display unit 44 (step S258), and determining whether the prize acquisition unit 16 has reached the standby position (step S260).

[0067] If the control unit 40 determines that the left door 26A has been opened (step S252:Y), that the right door 26B has been opened (step S254:Y), that the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (step S256:Y), or that an emergency stop operation has been performed (step S258:Y), the control unit 40 interrupts the automatic recovery and temporarily stops the prize acquisition unit 16 (step S262), and is configured to wait for automatic recovery to become possible by repeating the processing from step S240 onward. If the left door 26A or the right door 26B is opened, or if the passage sensor 74 is turned off, there is a possibility that a worker may enter the storage space 12 or the drop space 18 to perform work, and if automatic recovery continues, there is a possibility that the worker may unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16, so the control unit 40 is configured to temporarily stop the prize acquisition unit 16. The same applies if an emergency stop operation is performed. Furthermore, the emergency stop operation can include not only operations on the emergency stop button displayed on the display unit 44 as described above, but also operations on the operation unit 46 (first operation unit 46A, second operation unit 46B). Also, when an emergency stop operation is performed, automatic recovery cannot be resumed until the cause of the emergency stop is resolved. Therefore, in step S262, when the prize acquisition unit 16 is temporarily suspended, it is desirable to display on the display unit 44 that an emergency stop has occurred, and to display a button for canceling the emergency stop operation, and to accept operation from an operator by pressing this button.

[0068] On the other hand, if the control unit 40 determines that the left opening / closing door 26A is not open (step S252:N), that the right opening / closing door 26B is not open (step S254:N), that the output of the passage sensor 74 is not off (step S256:N), and further determines that an emergency stop operation has not been performed (or the emergency stop operation has been released) (step S258:N), then, as described above, in step S260, it determines whether or not the prize acquisition unit 16 has reached the standby position. If it determines that the prize acquisition unit 16 has not reached the standby position (step S260:N), the control unit 40 returns to step S250 and repeats the processing from there onward. On the other hand, if it determines that the prize acquisition unit 16 has reached the standby position (step S260:Y), the control unit 40 stops the prize acquisition unit 16 and ends the automatic return (step S264), returns the control state from work mode to setting mode (step S266), and ends the automatic retraction / automatic return process.

[0069] Thus, according to this embodiment, when the control state is in setting mode, opening the left opening / closing door 26A on the side of the falling space 18 allows the prize acquisition unit 16, which is waiting in the standby position above the falling space 18, to be automatically moved to the retracted position. Therefore, there is no need for the worker to operate the prize acquisition unit 16, and since the prize acquisition unit 16 is automatically retracted, even if a worker enters the falling space 18 to work, the prize acquisition unit 16 will not obstruct the worker's work. Furthermore, when the left opening / closing door 26A and the right opening / closing door 26B are closed to prevent workers from entering the storage space 12 or the falling space 18, the prize acquisition unit 16 automatically returns to the standby position, eliminating the need for the worker to operate the prize acquisition unit 16 back to the standby position after completing their work.

[0070] Here, the control unit 40 is configured to change the control state to work mode and manage the system when it starts the automatic retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16. However, since the work mode can be deactivated by operating the menu displayed on the display unit 44, as described above, when the control state is changed from work mode to another mode, the control unit 40 is configured not to perform automatic retraction and automatic return. This prevents workers from unintentionally coming into contact with the moving prize acquisition unit 16.

[0071] Furthermore, when the prize acquisition unit 16 is automatically retracted or automatically returned to its original position, the control unit 40 may be configured to notify (warn) the worker that the prize acquisition unit 16 is moving using the notification unit 78 with sound or light. For example, when the control state is in setting mode, if the left door sensor 27A or the right door sensor 28B detects that the left opening / closing door 26A or the right opening / closing door 26B has been opened, the control unit 40 will light up or flash the left and right lamps 78A and 78B corresponding to the opened door (when the left opening / closing door 26A is opened, the left lamp 78A will light up or flash, and when the right opening / closing door 26B is opened, the right lamp 78B will light up or flash). Similarly, if the left door sensor 27A or the right door sensor 27B detects that the left opening / closing door 26A or the right opening / closing door 26B has been closed, the control unit 40 will turn off the corresponding left and right lamps 78A and 78B. With this configuration, the worker (or manager) can recognize that the left and right opening doors 26A and 26B are open by the illumination or flashing of the left and right lamps 78A and 78B. The control unit 40 may illuminate or flash the corresponding left and right lamps 78A and 78B when the left and right opening doors 26A and 26B are opened, not only when the control state is in setting mode but also when it is in game mode. In this case, the left and right lamps 78A and 78B may illuminate or flash with different colors or brightness depending on whether it is in game mode or setting mode to indicate the currently set control state, and in the case of flashing, the flashing interval may be changed according to the control state.

[0072] Alternatively, the control unit 40 may be configured to detect when the left and right locking parts 48A and 48B are unlocked or locked, rather than detecting when the left and right opening / closing doors 26A and 26B are opened or closed by the left and right door sensors 27A and 27B and turning the left and right lamps 78A and 78B on or off.

[0073] The above explanation describes a configuration in which the automatic retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16 is initiated when the left opening / closing door 26A located on the side of the falling space 18 is opened. However, the trigger for initiating automatic retraction is not limited to this configuration.

[0074] The left opening / closing door 26A and the right opening / closing door 26B are locked by the locking units 48A and 48B when a game is being offered to the player (when the control state is game mode). Therefore, a locking sensor 76 (for example, a left locking sensor 76A that detects the state of the left locking unit 48A and a right locking sensor 76B that detects the state of the right locking unit 48B) (not shown) is provided to detect the locking status of the locking units 48A and 48B (whether they are locked or unlocked). The control unit 40 monitors the locking status of the locking units 48A and 48B, and the system may be configured to start the automatic retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16 when the left locking unit 48A corresponding to the left opening / closing door 26A is unlocked. As described above, the automatic retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16 is a process that is executed when a worker performs work on the storage space 12. Therefore, if the automatic retraction is started when the left locking unit 48A for the left opening door 26A is unlocked, the worker can smoothly transition to the subsequent work (opening the left opening door 26A and performing work on the storage space 12). In this configuration, it is desirable that the automatic retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16 be stopped or the automatic return interrupted not by the unlocking of the right locking unit 48B, but by the opening of the right opening door 26B. This is because the likelihood of a worker entering the storage space 12 at the time the right locking unit 48B is unlocked is low. On the other hand, it is desirable that the automatic return of the prize acquisition unit 16 be started when the left locking sensor 76A and the right locking sensor 76B detect that the left locking unit 48A and the right locking unit 48B are locked. When the left and right locking parts 48A and 48B are locked, the possibility of workers entering the storage space 12 or the drop space 18 is reduced, allowing the prize retrieval unit 16 to be safely returned to its standby position.

[0075] Furthermore, in addition to or instead of the open / closed state of the left opening / closing door 26A and the locked state of the left locking unit 48A described above, the control unit 40 may be configured to initiate retraction to the retracted position or return to the standby position in response to an operation on a menu displayed on the display unit 44 in the setting mode. Specifically, the control unit 40 can be configured to display buttons on the display unit 44 that instruct the retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16 to the retracted position or return to the standby position (home position), and when these buttons are operated, the retraction or return described above will be performed.

[0076] In addition to the operations described above, the control unit 40 may be configured to detect when the prize acquisition unit 16 is pushed in (for example, when the worker pushes the prize acquisition unit 16 inwards in the Y-axis direction) and automatically retract to the retracted position. The control unit 40 can determine whether the prize acquisition unit 16 has been pushed in, for example, by the output (detection signal) of the X-position sensor 68 and Y-position sensor 70 of the moving unit 60.

[0077] Furthermore, although the above explanation described a device 10 having two opening / closing doors 26A and 26B, the same applies when there is only one opening / closing door. In this case, the control unit 40 will automatically retract and return the prize acquisition unit 16 when the opening / closing door corresponding to the left opening / closing door 26A is opened or closed.

[0078] Furthermore, although the above-described device 10 was explained in the case where the prize acquisition unit 16 moves in the X-axis and Y-axis directions and extends and retracts in the Z-axis direction to grasp the prize 14, for example, even if the prize acquisition unit 16 is configured to move in the X-axis direction (or Y-axis direction) and Z-axis direction and extend and retracts in the Y-axis direction (or X-axis direction) to grasp the prize 14, the automatic retraction and automatic return of the prize acquisition unit 16 can be performed in the same manner.

[0079] Furthermore, in the device 10 according to this embodiment, even if the above-mentioned sensor malfunctions, the safety of the worker is maintained during the automatic recovery and automatic retraction process.

[0080] Specifically, if only the left door sensor 27A malfunctions and it is detected that the left opening / closing door 26A is always open, when the control state enters the setting mode, the control unit 40 changes the control state from the setting mode to the work mode and moves the prize acquisition unit 16 to the retracted position. However, at the point when the control state enters the setting mode, the left opening / closing door 26A is not yet open, so the possibility of a worker coming into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16 is low. Also, since the left door sensor 27A has detected that the left opening / closing door 26A is open, the control unit 40 does not perform an automatic reset. Therefore, even if a worker opens the left opening / closing door 26A and works on the storage space 12, they will not unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16.

[0081] If only the right door sensor 27B malfunctions and the right opening / closing door 26B is detected as being constantly open, when the left opening / closing door 26A is opened, the control unit 40 changes the control state to work mode. However, because the right opening / closing door 26B is open, the automatic retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16 is not performed, nor is the automatic return to its original position. Therefore, even if a worker opens the right opening / closing door 26B and performs work on the storage space 12, they will not unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16.

[0082] Furthermore, if both the left door sensor 27A and the right door sensor 27B fail, as described above, the control unit 40 will determine that the left opening / closing door 26A is open and change the control state to work mode, but will determine that the right opening / closing door 26B is open and will not automatically retract or automatically return the prize acquisition unit 16. Therefore, even if an employee opens either the left or right opening / closing door 26A or 26B and performs work, they will not unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16.

[0083] Furthermore, if the passage sensor 74 malfunctions and the light receiving unit cannot detect light from the light source (the output of the passage sensor 74 is off as described above), when the left opening door 26A is opened, the control unit 40 changes the control state to work mode, but because the output of the passage sensor 74 is off, neither the automatic retraction nor the automatic return of the prize acquisition unit 16 is performed. Therefore, even if an employee opens either the left or right opening door 26A or 26B and performs work, they will not unintentionally come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16.

[0084] Note that the "on" and "off" states of the sensor output in the above explanation are merely examples, and the logic can be reversed.

[0085] Furthermore, the device 10 according to this embodiment is configured to allow setting the state of the prize acquisition unit 16 when it is in standby mode. For example, as described above, the prize acquisition unit 16 can be set to wait with the gripping claws 16C open (in a state where the prize 14 has been released) or to wait with them closed (in a state where the prize 14 has been grasped).

[0086] Furthermore, while the above-described configuration explains the case where the prize acquisition unit 16 is set to wait in the shortest possible position (with the gripping portion 16B and gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16 moved to their highest position), it is also possible to set it to wait in the extended position (with the gripping portion 16B and gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16 lowered to a predetermined position). For example, if the prize 14 is small, it is difficult to aim at the small prize 14 from the gripping portion 16B and gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16, which are located at a high position. In order to allow aiming from a somewhat lower position, the device 10 according to this embodiment allows the height (position in the Z-axis direction) of the gripping portion 16B and gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16 to be set lower by extending the support portion 16A. Conversely, if the prize 14 is large, setting the gripping part 16B and gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16 to a low position would cause them to come into contact with the prize 14 during gameplay, making it difficult to move the prize acquisition unit 16 to the desired position. Therefore, the support part 16A can be shortened to raise the height (position in the Z-axis direction) of the gripping part 16B and gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16. Specifically, the control unit 40 can set the range of movement of the prize acquisition unit 16 in the Z-axis direction as how far the support part 16A of the prize acquisition unit 16 can be shortened from its most extended state (the state in which the gripping part 16B and gripping claws 16C are moved to their lowest position) (the maximum range of movement in the Z-axis direction is when the support part 16A is shortened to its most shortened state).

[0087] The open / closed state of the gripping claws 16C in the standby state of the prize acquisition unit 16, and the height (position in the Z-axis direction) of the gripping unit 16B and gripping claws 16C may be set in advance, or they may be configured to be set by an operator (or manager) in setting mode. Specifically, in setting mode, the control unit 40 displays an operation screen on the display unit 44, and displays buttons to set the open / closed state of the gripping claws 16C in the standby state, and the movement range indicating the height (position in the Z-axis direction) of the gripping unit 16B and gripping claws 16C, allowing the operator (or manager) to select. When the system switches to game mode, the control unit 40 moves the prize acquisition unit 16 to the set state and puts it into standby mode.

[0088] As mentioned above, if the gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16 are in an open position while waiting, even if the prize acquisition unit 16 is moved to the retracted position by the automatic retraction process, the gripping claws 16C will remain open and spread within the storage space 12, thus obstructing the work of the worker in the storage space 12. Therefore, when the automatic retraction process is executed while the gripping claws 16C are in an open position, the unit can be configured to move to the retracted position while closing the gripping claws 16C (or to close the gripping claws 16C at the current position before moving to the retracted position, or to move to the retracted position and then close the gripping claws 16C), and when the automatic return process is executed, the unit can be configured to move to the waiting position and return while opening the gripping claws 16C (or to open the gripping claws 16C at the current position before moving to the waiting position, or to move to the waiting position and then open the gripping claws 16C). Note that this operation is unnecessary when the gripping claws 16C are in a closed position while waiting. Furthermore, if the gripping claw 16C is set to remain open, the system may also be configured to allow setting via the display unit 44 in the setting mode whether or not it retracts in the closed position when automatically retracting.

[0089] Furthermore, even when the gripping portion 16B and gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16 are waiting below the highest position (when the support portion 16A is at its shortest), the gripping portion 16B and gripping claws 16C protrude into the storage space 12, thus obstructing the worker's work. Therefore, when the automatic retraction process is executed while the gripping portion 16B and gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16 are in a lowered state, the support portion 16A is moved to the retracted position while being retracted from the start of the automatic retraction process (while moving the gripping portion 16B and gripping claws 16C upward from the start of the automatic retraction process) (or the support portion 16A is retracted before moving to the retracted position, or the support portion 16A is retracted after moving to the retracted position). When the automatic return process is executed, the support portion 16A is extended while moving to the standby position and returning (or the support portion 16A is extended at the current position before moving to the standby position, or the support portion 16A is extended after moving to the standby position). This operation is unnecessary when the gripping portion 16B and gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16 are set to wait at the highest position (when the support portion 16A is at its shortest length). Furthermore, when the gripping portion 16B and gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16 are set to wait below the highest position (when the support portion 16A is at its shortest length), the system may be configured in setting mode via the display unit 44 to specify whether or not to retract the support portion 16A to a shorter length than the start of the automatic retraction process when it automatically retracts. Furthermore, during automatic retraction, the working space within the worker's accommodation space 12 can be widened by moving the gripping portion 16B and gripping claws 16C higher than the starting point of the automatic retraction process (shortening the support portion 16A compared to the starting point of the automatic retraction process). However, the working space within the worker's accommodation space 12 can be widened most effectively by moving the gripping portion 16B and gripping claws 16C to their highest position (shortening the support portion 16A to its shortest position).

[0090] Furthermore, the device 10 according to this embodiment may be configured to allow the layout of the storage space 12 to be changed. For example, as shown in Figure 4, two opposing panel members 36 are placed on the left and right sides at the back of the storage space 12 (inside the left and right sides 24B of the storage body 24), and shelves (not shown) are attached to these panel members 36. Prizes can then be placed on these shelves to manage the inventory of prizes or to display the prizes that can be obtained.

[0091] However, if a shelf is placed at the back of the storage space 12 in this way, the player's actions may cause the shelf or the prizes placed on it to come into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16, potentially interfering with the game. Therefore, in the device 10 according to this embodiment, the control unit 40 may be configured to allow setting the movable range of the prize acquisition unit 16 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions within the storage space 12, in other words, the range in which the prize acquisition unit 16 cannot move (referred to as the "display range"), via the display unit 44 when the control state is in setting mode. For example, as shown in Figure 13(a), if the entire range within the storage space 12 is set as the movable range R' of the prize acquisition unit 16, the display range is not set. Also, as shown in Figure 13(b), if the movable range R' of the prize acquisition unit 16 is reduced to the front side considering the arrangement of prizes by the panel member 36, the space between this movable range R1' and the rear side surface 24B is set as the display range D1. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 13(c), if the movable range R' of the prize acquisition unit 16 is further reduced to the front, the space between this movable range R2' and the rear side 24B is set as the display range D2. The worker (or manager) can place shelves or the like in these display ranges D1 and D2. Note that the arrangement of the movable ranges R', R1', R2' and display ranges D1 and D2 shown in Figure 13 is just an example and is not limited to this arrangement. Also, the retraction position when the prize acquisition unit 16 is automatically retracted can be set within the set movable ranges R', R1', R2'.

[0092] Furthermore, the device 10 according to this embodiment may be configured to allow the use of interchangeable gripping claws 16C of different sizes (lengths) depending on the size of the prize 14. By making the gripping claws 16C interchangeable with those of different sizes (lengths), the difficulty of obtaining the prize 14 in the game can be changed. As a mechanism for replacing the gripping claws 16C, the gripping claws 16C can be configured to be detachably attached to the gripping part 16B, or the gripping part 16B having gripping claws 16C of different sizes (lengths) can be configured to be detachably attached to the tip of the support part 16A. Note that if the above-mentioned movable ranges R′, R1′, R2′ are set assuming a small (short) gripping claw 16C, replacing it with a large (long) gripping claw 16C may cause contact with the side surface 24B, etc. Therefore, the control unit 40 can be configured to acquire information regarding the size (length) of the attached gripping claw 16C so that the movable ranges R′, R1′, R2′ can be adjusted according to the size (length) of the attached gripping claw 16C. For example, when the control state is in setting mode, the control unit 40 can be configured to display a selection screen for the gripping claw 16C on the display unit 44, and to allow input of information about the currently attached gripping claw 16C. Alternatively, an IC chip or the like that stores information such as size in a replaceable gripping claw 16C, and the control unit 40 can be configured to read the information from the IC chip or the like and set it when it is attached to the gripping unit 16B. Alternatively, the gripping claw 16C can be provided with pins that match its size, and the control unit 40 can be configured to determine the information of the gripping claw 16C from the position of the pins when the gripping claw 16C is attached to the gripping unit 16B.

[0093] Furthermore, the device 10 according to this embodiment may be configured to allow setting the orientation of the gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16. For example, as shown in Figure 14(b), if 0° is defined as the position where one of the gripping claws 16C extends towards the front when the prize acquisition unit 16 is viewed from above, the orientation can be set to a state rotated 30° to the left as shown in Figure 14(a), a state rotated 30° to the right as shown in Figure 14(c), or a state rotated 60° to the right as shown in Figure 14(d). The orientation of the gripping claws 16C may be set manually by an operator (or manager), and the operator (or manager) may input (or select) the orientation from a screen displayed on the display unit 44 by the control unit 40 when the control state is in setting mode. Alternatively, the gripping unit 16B may be provided with a mechanism to detect the orientation of the gripping claws 16C, and the detection result may be output to the control unit 40, which may manage the orientation of the gripping claws 16C. Furthermore, a mechanism may be provided to rotate the gripping part 16B so that it faces the orientation input (or selected) by the worker (or manager) via the display unit 44 of the control unit 40. The control unit 40 may also be configured to adjust the above-mentioned movable range R' depending on the orientation of the gripping claws 16C. By changing the orientation of the gripping claws 16C, the difficulty of the game can be changed. Also, by changing the orientation of the gripping claws 16C, the range that the gripping claws 16C can reach within the storage space 12 can be changed when the prize acquisition unit 16 is moved within the storage space 12 (when the prize acquisition unit 16 is moved in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, and the support unit 16A is extended to move the gripping part 16B and gripping claws 16C in the Z-axis direction). This makes it possible to set the gripping claws 16C to be able to reach the prize 14 more easily, depending on the size and shape of the prize 14. For example, even if the prize 14 rolls to a position in the storage space 12 that cannot be reached with the current angle of the gripping claw 16C due to the player operating the prize acquisition unit 16, the angle of the gripping claw 16C can be changed to make it reachable, thus saving the worker the trouble of returning the rolled prize 14 to its initial position in the storage space 12.

[0094] Furthermore, the device 10 according to this embodiment has a network I / F unit 90, and as shown in Figure 15, by connecting to a network 99 such as a LAN installed in a store (game center, etc.), and by configuring the game system 100 together with a management server 98 connected to this network 99, the status of the device 10 can be managed by the management server 98. For example, as described above, the control unit 40 of the device 10 can detect when a player wins a prize 14 using the passage sensor 74. When the control unit 40 detects the acquisition of a prize 14 from the output of the passage sensor 74, it transmits the acquisition information to the management server 98 via the network 99. The management server 98 can be configured to count the number of prizes 14 acquired for each device 10, and when the number of acquired prizes reaches a certain number, it can notify the worker (or manager) of this information via a monitor 98A connected to the management server 98. As a method of notification, a schematic diagram of the store is displayed on the monitor 98A, and an icon of the device 10 is displayed at the installation location on the schematic diagram. This allows the worker (or manager) to understand which device 10 is installed where in the store. Furthermore, when a certain number of prizes 14 have been acquired, the icon of the device 10 can be flashed, its color can be changed, or information can be displayed as text near the icon to notify the user. This notification allows the worker (or manager) to, for example, check whether there are enough prizes 14 in the storage space 12 of the device 10.

[0095] Furthermore, the control unit 40 of the device 10 can detect the opening and closing of the left and right opening doors 26A and 26B using the outputs of the left and right door sensors 27A and 27B (or detect the unlocking and locking of the left and right locking parts 48A and 48B), and transmit the detection results to the management server 98 for management. When either of the left and right opening doors 26A and 26B is opened (or when either of the left and right locking parts 48A and 48B is unlocked), the control unit 40 notifies the device 10 by flashing the icon of the device 10 displayed on the monitor 98A, changing its color, or displaying information as text near the icon. The management server 98 then measures the elapsed time since the left and right sliding doors 26A and 26B were opened (or when either the left or right locking mechanism 48A or 48B was unlocked), and when it determines that the left and right sliding doors 26A and 26B have remained open (or the left and right locking mechanisms 48A and 48B have remained unlocked) for a predetermined time, it can warn the worker (or manager) that the left and right sliding doors 26A and 26B remain open (or the left and right locking mechanisms 48A and 48B remain unlocked) by changing the display mode of the icon for the device 10 displayed on the monitor 98A (blinking, changing color, etc.).

[0096] The following summarizes the characteristic configuration and effects of the prize acquisition game device 10 according to this embodiment.

[0097] In this embodiment, the prize acquisition game device 10 is configured such that when the control unit 40 detects an operation from an external source, such as the left door sensor 27A, that is different from an operation performed by a player (for example, the left opening / closing door 26A being opened), it moves the prize acquisition unit 16 to a predetermined retracted position within the storage space 12. When a worker is performing work within the storage space 12, the prize acquisition unit 16, which is waiting in front of the device 10 (above the drop space 18), would obstruct the work. By automatically retracting the unit through a predetermined operation, the worker does not need to move the prize acquisition unit 16, thereby reducing the burden on the worker.

[0098] In particular, if the control unit 40 is configured to detect when the opening / closing door separating the storage space 12 from the outside is opened and to retract the prize acquisition unit 16, the prize acquisition unit 16 will retract in conjunction with the first operation performed on the storage space 12 (the operation to open the opening / closing door 26), thereby improving the worker's work efficiency. In this case, if the opening / closing door 26 consists of two doors arranged on the left and right (left opening / closing door 26A and right opening / closing door 26B), it is desirable to configure the control unit 40 to retract the prize acquisition unit 16 in conjunction with the operation to open the left opening / closing door 26A, which is located on the side of the falling space 18. If the prize 14 is large, the storage space 12 will also be larger, and even if the opening / closing doors 26A and 26B are opened and the worker puts their upper body into the storage space 12 through the opening 12A to perform the work, they may not be able to reach the back of the storage space 12. Therefore, when a worker enters the falling space 18 to perform their work, they open the left opening / closing door 26A to enter the falling space 18. If the control unit 40 retracts the prize acquisition unit 16 in conjunction with the operation of opening the left opening / closing door 26A, the worker does not need to move the prize acquisition unit 16, and work efficiency is improved. In addition, the prize acquisition unit 16 in standby mode is located above the falling space 18, and if the control unit 40 retracts the prize acquisition unit 16 in conjunction with the opening of the left opening / closing door 26A located on the falling space 18 side, the retracting prize acquisition unit 16 moves away from the left opening / closing door 26A (falling space 18) (to the right when viewed from the front). Therefore, the possibility of a worker unintentionally coming into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16 when entering the falling space 18 is reduced.

[0099] Alternatively, instead of the control unit 40 detecting when the opening / closing door 26 (left opening / closing door 26A) is opened, it may be configured to detect the locked state of the locking unit 48 (left locking unit 48A) that locks the opening / closing door 26 (left opening / closing door 26A) and retract the prize acquisition unit 16. When a worker performs work on the storage space 12, they open the opening / closing door 26 (left opening / closing door 26A), but before that, they unlock the locking unit 48 (left locking unit 48A). If the prize acquisition unit 16 is retracted when the locking unit is unlocked, the worker can start working on the storage space 12 sooner, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0100] On the other hand, since the retracted prize acquisition unit 16 moves to the right side of the storage space 12, if a worker performs work from the opening 12A on the right opening door 26B side, there is a high possibility of unintentionally coming into contact with the moving prize acquisition unit 16. For this reason, it is desirable for the control unit 40 to stop the prize acquisition unit 16 when it detects that the right opening door 26B has opened while the prize acquisition unit 16 is moving. Similarly, it is desirable for the control unit 40 not to retract the prize acquisition unit 16 even if the left opening door 26A is opened when the right opening door 26B is open. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to prevent workers from unintentionally coming into contact with the moving prize acquisition unit 16.

[0101] Furthermore, the drop space 18 is equipped with a passage sensor 74 for detecting the prize 14 that is released from the prize acquisition unit 16 and falls from the storage space 12 into the drop space 18. Since this passage sensor 74 detects the passing prize 14, when a worker enters the drop space 18, the output of the passage sensor 74 continues to detect the prize 14. Specifically, if the passage sensor 74 is composed of a light source and a light receiving unit that detects the light emitted from the light source, when the prize 14 passes between the light source and the light receiving unit, the light receiving unit will only be in a state where it cannot detect light (off) at that time, but will remain off when a worker is in the drop space 18. Therefore, by configuring the control unit 40 not to retract the prize acquisition unit 16 when the output of the passage sensor 74 is off (when an object is detected), the prize acquisition unit 16 will not move when a worker is in the drop space 18, thus preventing the worker from unintentionally coming into contact with the prize acquisition unit 16.

[0102] Furthermore, the control unit 40 may be configured to retract the prize acquisition unit 16 to a retracted position when it detects that an employee has pressed the prize acquisition unit 16. With this configuration, when an employee presses the prize acquisition unit 16, the prize acquisition unit 16 automatically moves to the retracted position as a result of this operation, eliminating the need for the employee to move the prize acquisition unit 16 to the back of the storage space 12, thus improving work efficiency. Alternatively, the control unit 40 may be configured to display a button (retraction means) on the display unit 44 to retract the prize acquisition unit 16 to the retracted position, and to retract the prize acquisition unit 16 when this button is pressed.

[0103] Furthermore, if the support portion 16A is extended while the prize acquisition unit 16 is moving (for example, when it is being moved to a safe position), there is a high possibility of it coming into contact with a worker. Therefore, it is desirable that the control unit 40 be configured to retract the support portion 16A before moving the unit.

[0104] Furthermore, by configuring the control unit 40 to stop the prize acquisition unit 16 when it receives an operation of a button displayed on the display unit 44 (an emergency stop button which is a stopping means) or when it receives an operation of the first operation unit 46A or the second operation unit 46B of the operation unit 46 while the prize acquisition unit 16 is moving, the prize acquisition unit 16 can be stopped in the event of an unexpected situation, thereby improving safety.

[0105] Furthermore, by enabling the control unit 40 to set whether to allow or disallow automatic retraction, which detects when the left opening / closing door 26A is opened and automatically retracts the prize acquisition unit 16, workers who are aware of automatic retraction can set it to allow, thereby improving work efficiency. For workers who are not aware of automatic retraction, setting it to disallow can prevent the prize acquisition unit 16 from moving unintentionally, thereby improving safety.

[0106] Furthermore, if the control unit 40 is configured to return the prize acquisition unit 16, which had been retracted to the retracted position, to the standby position (home position) when no operation that would trigger the retraction of the prize acquisition unit 16 is detected, for example, when the left opening / closing door 26A is closed, then the worker can avoid the trouble of moving the prize acquisition unit 16 to the standby position when the work on the storage space 12 is completed, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0107] Furthermore, when the prize acquisition unit 16 is in a standby state with its gripping claws 16C open, or with its support portion 16A extended so that the gripping portion 16B and gripping claws 16C are positioned downwards, if automatic retraction is performed in that state, the gripping claws 16C will be spread out or protruding within the storage space 12, which will obstruct the work of workers in the storage space 12. Therefore, when automatically retracting the prize acquisition unit 16, the prize acquisition unit 16 is moved from a state where the gripping claws 16C are open or with the support portion 16A extended so that the gripping portion 16B and gripping claws 16C are positioned downwards (first mode) to a state where the gripping claws 16C are closed or with the support portion 16A retracted from the starting point of automatic retraction, so that the gripping portion 16B and gripping claws 16C are moved upwards (second mode), thereby securing workspace for workers in the storage space 12. Furthermore, when automatically returning to its original state, the prize acquisition unit 16 is changed from the second state to the first state and moved to the return position, thereby setting the prize acquisition unit 16 to its configured state (first state) and allowing the game to start.

[0108] Furthermore, as described above, when the automatic retraction and automatic return of the prize acquisition unit 16 is performed by opening and closing the left and right opening doors 26A, 26B (or by unlocking and locking the left and right locking parts 48A, 48B), an notification unit 78 (left and right lamps 78A, 78B) may be provided on the housing 24, etc., and this notification unit 78 (left and right lamps 78A, 78B) may be configured to notify the opening and closing of the left and right opening doors 26A, 26B (or the unlocking and locking of the left and right locking parts 48A, 48B) (to notify the status of the left and right opening doors 26A, 26B or the left and right locking parts 48A, 48B). This makes it clear to the worker (or manager) that they are working on the housing space 12 by opening the left and right opening doors 26A, 26B (or unlocking the left and right locking parts 48A, 48B). Furthermore, it can warn the user if they have forgotten to close the left and right opening doors 26A and 26B after completing the work (i.e., if they have forgotten to lock the left and right locking parts 48A and 48B).

[0109] Furthermore, when a prize-winning game machine 10 installed in a store such as an arcade is managed by a management server 98 via a network 100, the management server 98 can manage the open / closed state of the left and right opening / closing doors 26A, 26B (or the unlocked / locked state of the left and right locking parts 48A, 48B). If it is determined that the left and right opening / closing doors 26A, 26B remain open (or the left and right locking parts 48A, 48B remain unlocked) for a predetermined time, the management server 98 may be configured to warn that the left and right opening / closing doors 26A, 26B remain open (or the left and right locking parts 48A, 48B remain unlocked) by changing the display mode (flashing, changing color, etc.) of the icon for the machine 10 displayed on the monitor 98A connected to the management server 98.

[0110] [Note] From the above description of embodiments and modifications, the following invention can be understood. A1. A prize acquisition game device that realizes a game in which prizes stored in a storage space are acquired and dropped into a drop space provided below the storage space, A housing having the aforementioned storage space and the aforementioned drop space inside, A prize acquisition unit is located within the aforementioned storage space and performs the action of acquiring the prize, A control unit that controls the operation of the prize acquisition unit, A detection unit that detects operations that are performed from an external source and are different from operations performed by the player, It has a news department, The aforementioned enclosure is A housing that forms the aforementioned housing space, It has a base located below the aforementioned housing, in which the drop space is formed, The side of the housing is provided with an opening that communicates with the housing space and an opening / closing door that opens and closes the opening. The detection unit is configured to detect when the opening / closing door is operated and the opening is opened. When the detection unit detects that the opening has been opened as a result of the operation, the control unit moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position within the storage space and notifies the state of the opening using the notification unit. A game machine where you can win prizes. A2. A prize acquisition game device that realizes a game in which prizes stored in a storage space are acquired and dropped into a drop space provided below the storage space, A housing having the aforementioned storage space and the aforementioned drop space inside, A prize acquisition unit is located within the aforementioned storage space and performs the action of acquiring the prize, A control unit that controls the operation of the prize acquisition unit, A detection unit that detects operations that are performed from an external source and are different from operations performed by the player, It has a news department, The aforementioned enclosure is A housing that forms the aforementioned housing space, It has a base located below the aforementioned housing, in which the drop space is formed, The side of the housing is provided with an opening that communicates with the housing space and an opening / closing door that opens and closes the opening. The aforementioned opening and closing door has a locking mechanism that can be locked when the opening is closed. The detection unit is configured to detect when the locking mechanism of the opening / closing door has been unlocked. When the control unit detects that the locking mechanism of the opening has been unlocked as a result of the operation, it moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position within the storage space and uses the notification unit to notify the state of the locking mechanism. A game machine where you can win prizes. A3. A prize acquisition game device that realizes a game in which prizes stored in a storage space are acquired and dropped into a drop space provided below the storage space, A housing having the aforementioned storage space and the aforementioned drop space inside, A prize acquisition unit is located within the aforementioned storage space and performs the action of acquiring the prize, A control unit that controls the operation of the prize acquisition unit, A detection unit that detects operations that are performed from an external source and are different from operations performed by the player, It has a news department, The aforementioned enclosure is A housing that forms the aforementioned housing space, It has a base located below the aforementioned housing, in which the drop space is formed, The housing has an opening that communicates with the housing space, a first opening / closing door that opens and closes the opening on the side of the opening that faces the falling space, and a second opening / closing door that opens and closes the opening on the opposite side of the opening that faces the falling space. The detection unit is configured to detect when the first opening / closing door is operated and the opening on the fall space side is opened. When the detection unit detects that the first opening / closing door has been operated and the opening on the drop space side has been opened as part of the operation, the control unit moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position in the storage space and uses the notification unit to notify the status of the first opening / closing door and the second opening / closing door. A game machine where you can win prizes. A4. The second detection unit has a second opening / closing door that detects when the second opening / closing door is operated and the opening on the opposite side of the falling space is opened. When the control unit detects that the first opening / closing door has been operated as described above and the opening on the drop space side has opened, and has moved the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position in the storage space, the control unit stops the movement of the prize acquisition unit when the second detection unit detects that the second opening / closing door has been operated and the opening on the opposite side of the drop space has opened. Prize-winning game device as described on A3. A5. The second detection unit has a second opening / closing door that detects when the second opening / closing door is operated and the opening on the opposite side of the falling space is opened. When the control unit detects that the second opening / closing door has been operated by the second detection unit and the opening on the opposite side of the drop space has opened, the control unit will not move the prize acquisition unit even if the detection unit detects that the first opening / closing door has been operated as the operation and the opening on the drop space side has opened. Prize-winning game device as described on A3. A6. The notification unit is a lamp positioned in the housing corresponding to the opening / closing door or the locking unit. A prize-winning game device as described in any one of items A1 to A6. A7. Network and A prize acquisition game device described in any one of A1 to A6 connected to the aforementioned network, It includes a management server connected to the aforementioned network, The control unit of the prize acquisition game device notifies the management server of the status of the opening / closing door or the locking unit. The management server, upon notification from the prize-winning game machine, will issue a warning if it determines that the opening / closing door or the locking mechanism has remained open or unlocked for a predetermined period of time or longer. Game system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10 Prize-winning game machine 12 Containment space 12A opening 16 Prize acquisition part 16A Support part 16B Gripping part 16C Gripping claw 18 Falling space 20 cabinets 22 base 24 containment units 26 Opening and closing doors 26A Left-hand opening door (first opening door) 26B Right-hand opening door (second opening door) 27 Door Sensor 27A Left Door Sensor 27B Right Door Sensor (Detection Unit) 40 Control Unit 44 Display Unit (Input Unit, Detection Unit) 46. ​​Operation Unit (Input Unit, Detection Unit) 48 Locking mechanism 48A Left locking mechanism 48B Right locking mechanism 60 Moving part 68 X position sensor 70 Y position sensor (detection part) 74. Passage Sensor (Passage Detection Unit) 76 Locking sensor 76A Left locking sensor 76B Right locking sensor (detection unit) 78 News Department 78A Left Lamp 78B Right Lamp 98 Management Server 98A Monitor 99 Network 100 Game Systems

Claims

1. A prize acquisition game device that realizes a game in which prizes stored in a storage space are acquired and dropped into a drop space provided below the storage space, A housing having the aforementioned storage space and the aforementioned drop space inside, A prize acquisition unit is located within the aforementioned storage space and performs the action of acquiring the prize, A control unit that controls the operation of the prize acquisition unit, It has a detection unit that detects operations performed from an external source that are different from operations performed by the player, When the detection unit detects the operation, the control unit changes the prize acquisition unit from the first mode to the second mode and moves it to a predetermined retracted position within the storage space. A game machine where you can win prizes.

2. When the detection unit no longer detects the operation, the control unit changes the prize acquisition unit from the second configuration to the first configuration and moves it to a predetermined standby position within the storage space. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1.

3. The prize acquisition unit has a gripping claw that performs an opening and closing operation to release and grasp the prize. In the first embodiment of the prize acquisition unit, the gripping claws are in an open state, and in the second embodiment, the gripping claws are in a closed state. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The prize acquisition unit is configured to be extendable and retractable in the vertical direction. The first embodiment of the prize acquisition unit is in a state where it is extended to a predetermined position. The second embodiment of the prize acquisition unit is in a more retracted state than the first embodiment. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The aforementioned enclosure is A housing that forms the aforementioned housing space, It has a base located below the aforementioned housing, in which the drop space is formed, The side of the housing is provided with an opening that communicates with the housing space and an opening / closing door that opens and closes the opening. The detection unit is configured to detect when the opening / closing door is operated and the opening is opened. When the detection unit detects that the opening has opened, the control unit moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position within the storage space. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1.

6. The aforementioned enclosure is A housing that forms the aforementioned housing space, It has a base located below the aforementioned housing, in which the drop space is formed, The side of the housing is provided with an opening that communicates with the housing space and an opening / closing door that opens and closes the opening. The aforementioned opening and closing door has a locking mechanism that can be locked when the opening is closed. The detection unit is configured to detect when the locking mechanism of the opening / closing door has been unlocked. When the control unit detects that the locking mechanism of the opening has been unlocked, it moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position within the storage space. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned enclosure is A housing that forms the aforementioned housing space, It has a base located below the aforementioned housing, in which the drop space is formed, The housing has an opening that communicates with the housing space, a first opening / closing door that opens and closes the opening on the side of the opening that faces the falling space, and a second opening / closing door that opens and closes the opening on the opposite side of the opening that faces the falling space. The detection unit is configured to detect when the first opening / closing door is operated and the opening on the fall space side is opened. When the control unit detects that the first opening / closing door has been operated and the opening on the drop space side has opened, it moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position within the storage space. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1.

8. The second detection unit has a second opening / closing door that detects when the second opening / closing door is operated and the opening on the opposite side of the falling space is opened. When the control unit detects that the second door has been operated and the opening on the side of the drop space has opened, and has moved the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position in the storage space, the control unit stops the movement of the prize acquisition unit when the second door has been operated and the opening on the side opposite to the drop space has opened. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 7.

9. The second detection unit has a second opening / closing door that detects when the second opening / closing door is operated and the opening on the opposite side of the falling space is opened. When the control unit detects that the second opening / closing door has been operated by the second detection unit and the opening on the opposite side of the drop space has opened, the control unit will not move the prize acquisition unit even if the detection unit detects that the first opening / closing door has been operated and the opening on the drop space side has opened. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 7.

10. The detection unit is configured to detect the operation of pressing the prize acquisition unit. When the detection unit detects that the prize acquisition unit has been pushed in, the control unit moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position within the storage space. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1.

11. It has an input unit that receives operations for the control unit, The detection unit is configured to detect that the retraction means of the input unit has received an operation. When the control unit detects that the retraction means has been operated, it moves the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retraction position within the storage space. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1.

12. It has an input unit that receives operations for the control unit, The detection unit is configured to detect that the stop means of the input unit has received an operation. When the control unit is moving the prize acquisition unit to a predetermined retracted position within the storage space, if the detection unit detects that the stopping means has been operated, the control unit stops the movement of the prize acquisition unit. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1.

13. It has a passage detection unit that detects an object and detects that the object has fallen from the containment space into the drop space, When the passage detection unit detects the object, the control unit will not move the prize acquisition unit even if the detection unit detects the operation. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1.

14. The control unit is configured to allow or disallow automatic evacuation, When automatic retraction is permitted, the detection unit, upon detecting the operation, moves the prize acquisition unit to the predetermined retraction position. When automatic retraction is not permitted, the detection unit is configured not to move the prize acquisition unit to the predetermined retraction position even if it detects the operation. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1.

Images