Crane game machine with easily adjustable parameters

Abstract

We provide crane game machines with easily adjustable parameters. [Solution] The control device 2 stores a shortcut table that includes catcher setting shortcut commands related to setting catch parameters and catch setting command sets that correspond to the catcher setting shortcut commands and are used to generate output catch setting parameter sets related to a predetermined catch target 9. When a catch parameter setting signal is received from the input means 21, the catch setting command set corresponding to the catcher setting shortcut command is executed, and an output catch setting parameter set is generated that relates to the catcher means moving in the game space 11 based on the predetermined catch target 9 to catch the predetermined catch target 9 and then releasing the predetermined catch target from the catcher means, resulting in a crane game machine with easily adjustable parameters.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a crane game machine, and more particularly to a crane game machine with adjustable parameters. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, when making fine adjustments to the equipment of a conventional crane game machine, as described in Patent Document 1, parameters of the crane game machine's equipment, such as the drive voltage, are changed by operating an electronic device. Typically, the electronic device of a crane game machine has a display interface, and the display interface displays the equipment parameters that can be changed by the user, i.e., the manager of the crane game machine, so that the user can adjust the equipment parameters they want to change from among the equipment parameters displayed on the display interface.

[0003] However, in order to manually adjust equipment parameters, the difficulty of the display interface must first be overcome. In other words, since there are usually many configurable equipment parameters and the display interface is complex, it is time-consuming and inconvenient for users to find the equipment parameter they want to change from the display interface, and it takes even more time to learn this complex and inconvenient operation. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Taiwan Patent Application Publication No. 202421241A Specification [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a crane game machine in which parameters can be easily adjusted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the present invention is a crane game machine in which parameters used to obtain a set of catch setting parameters related to the catch and release process for a predetermined catch target are easily adjustable. A cabinet having a game space in which the catch target is contained, The device comprises an input means disposed in the housing, a processor module signalably connected to the input means, and a catcher means signalably connected to the processor module, and is disposed in the housing. The control device stores a shortcut table that includes catcher setting shortcut commands related to setting catch parameters, and a catch setting command set that corresponds to the catcher setting shortcut commands and is used to generate an output catch setting parameter set related to the predetermined catch target. The control device is configured such that when the processor module receives a catch parameter setting signal related to the catcher setting shortcut command from the input means, the processor module obtains the catch setting command set based on the catcher setting shortcut command related to the catch parameter setting signal and using the shortcut table. Furthermore, the control device is configured to cause the processor module to execute the acquired catch setting command set, thereby generating an output catch setting parameter set related to the process in which the catcher means moves within the game space in response to a predetermined catch target, catches the predetermined catch target, and then releases the predetermined catch target from the catcher means, providing a crane game machine with easily adjustable parameters. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] In this invention, the processor module generates an output catch setting parameter set when it obtains a catch setting command set via a shortcut table based on the catch parameter setting signal. Therefore, with a simple and easy-to-operate input method, when the user operates the input means to send a catch parameter setting signal to the processor module, the catch setting command set containing multiple commands can be executed via the shortcut table. Thus, by simply learning how to operate the shortcuts, parameters can be easily adjusted instead of the conventional, complex operation method. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing an embodiment of a crane game machine in which the parameters of the present invention are easily adjustable. [Figure 2] This flowchart shows the process for acquiring catch setting parameters in an embodiment of the present invention, which features easily adjustable parameters for a crane game machine. [Figure 3] This is a rear view showing the catcher adjustment shortcut button being pressed in an embodiment of the crane game machine in which the parameters of the present invention are easily adjustable. [Figure 4] This flowchart illustrates the catch setting parameter generation process performed by an embodiment of the present invention, which features easily adjustable parameters for a crane game machine. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram showing how multiple catch setting parameter sets are selected for the display interface in an embodiment of the present invention, which features an easily adjustable parameter for a crane game machine. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] In order to more clearly explain the objects, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be described clearly and in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. It is obvious that the described embodiments are some, but not all, embodiments of the present invention. Generally, the components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings does not constitute any limitation to the protection scope of the present invention, and merely illustrates selected embodiments of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 1 shows an embodiment of the claw game machine with easily adjustable parameters of the present invention. As illustrated, the claw game machine comprises a housing 1 and a control device 2 disposed on the housing 1, and further has a sensor unit (not shown) disposed on the housing 1 and used for detecting an object.

[0011] The housing 1 encloses a game space 11 for accommodating catch targets 9, and is provided with a discharge outlet 12 for discharging the catch targets 9 out of the game space 11, and the aforementioned sensor unit which is disposed at the discharge outlet 12 and detects an object passing through the discharge outlet 12. In this embodiment, an ultrasonic sensor is used as the sensor unit; however, any other sensor capable of detecting an object discharged from the game space 11, such as a weight sensor or a pressure sensor, can be used as the sensor unit in the present invention, and the sensor unit can also be disposed at a position other than the discharge outlet 12.

[0012] The control device 2 comprises an input means 21 disposed on the housing 1, a processor module (not shown) signal-connected to the input means 21, and a catcher means 22 signal-connected to the processor module.

[0013] The control device 2 stores a valid catch setting parameter set and a shortcut table. The shortcut table includes catcher setting shortcut commands related to the setting of catch parameters, which are control parameters for the operation of the catcher means 22, and a catch setting command set that corresponds to the catcher setting shortcut commands and is used to generate an output catch setting parameter set associated with a predetermined catch target 9.

[0014] Specific examples of this catch parameter include the drive voltage output to the catcher means 22 when the catcher means 22 catches the catch target 9, the drive voltage output to the catcher means 22 when performing an operation of releasing the catch target 9 from the catcher means 22, and the drive voltage output to the catcher means 22 after the catcher means 22 releases the catch target 9.

[0015] Furthermore, the processor module of the control device 2 is configured such that, upon receiving a catcher operation signal corresponding to an operation on the catcher means 22 from the input means 21, it drives the catcher means 22 to move within the game space 11 based on the valid catch setting parameter set and the catcher operation signal, catch the catch target 9, and then perform an operation of releasing the catch target 9 from the catcher means 22.

[0016] The input means 21 includes a lever 211 that is signal-connected to the processor module and for operating the movement of the catcher means 22, a button 212 that is signal-connected to the processor module and for operating the movement of the catcher means 22 to catch the catch target, a display interface 214 that is signal-connected to the processor module and used to display setting parameters, and a catcher adjustment shortcut button 215 that is signal-connected to the processor module. The catcher means 22 includes, but is not limited to, a drive unit 221 that is signal-connected to the processor module and located in the housing 1, and a catcher unit 222 that is driven by the drive unit 221.

[0017] In this embodiment, the processor module is a microcontroller, such as an Arduino® board. The processor module can be configured to receive input signals from the lever 211 and button 212 as catcher operation signals by signaling to the lever 211, button 212 and drive unit 221, and to control the drive unit 221 to operate the catcher unit 222 based on the received catcher operation signals, but is not limited to this configuration.

[0018] In this embodiment, the shortcut table is data stored in the memory unit of the microcontroller as a processor module, thereby allowing the microcontroller as a processor module to cause the drive unit 221 and the catcher unit 222 to execute the corresponding catch setting command set in response to the input signals related to the catcher setting shortcut command. The input signals related to the catcher setting shortcut command are the individual operations or combinations thereof of the lever 211, button 212, and catcher adjustment shortcut button 215.

[0019] Figures 1 and 2 show the catch setting parameter acquisition process for an embodiment of the present invention, in which the parameters of the crane game machine are easily adjustable. Through this catch setting parameter acquisition process, the crane game of the present invention can acquire catch setting parameters corresponding to the process of catching and releasing a predetermined catch target 9 by shortcut operation.

[0020] In step 31, when the processor module receives a catch parameter setting signal related to a catcher setting shortcut command from the input means 21, the processor module obtains a set of catch setting commands corresponding to the received catch parameter setting signal from the shortcut table. In other words, as shown in Figure 3, the catcher setting shortcut command in this embodiment is obtained by a single action, which is pressing the catcher adjustment shortcut button 215. This operation sends a catch parameter setting signal to the microcontroller, which acts as a processor module. Upon receiving the catch parameter setting signal, the microcontroller retrieves the catch setting command set corresponding to this catch parameter setting signal from a pre-stored shortcut table.

[0021] In step 32, the processor module executes the acquired catch setting command set to generate an output catch setting parameter set related to the process of moving the catcher means 22 in the game space 11 to catch (lift) a predetermined catch target 9, and then releasing the predetermined catch target 9 from the catcher means 22.

[0022] Here, as shown in Figure 4, the catch setting parameter generation process in an embodiment of the crane game machine in which the parameters of the present invention are easily adjustable, i.e., step 32, includes substeps 321 to 324.

[0023] In substep 321, the processor module executes a catch setting command set to set a holding voltage V that allows the catcher means 22 to stably hold the predetermined catch target 9. max This causes the device to perform the action of catching and holding the designated catch target 9.

[0024] In substep 322, the processor module holds a voltage V that drives the catcher means 22. max For example, by gradually lowering the voltage by a voltage change of ΔV per second, the catcher means 22 is ultimately made to release the predetermined catch target 9.

[0025] In substep 323, when the sensor unit detects that a predetermined catch target 9 released from the catcher means 22 has been discharged from the discharge port 12, the sensor unit records the voltage driving the catcher means 22 at the time of detection as the detection voltage V1. Furthermore, based on the height difference y from the catcher means 22 to the discharge port 12 at the moment the catch target 9 is released by the catcher means 22, the time t required from the moment the catch target 9 is released by the catcher means 22 to the moment the sensor unit detects that the catch target 9 has been discharged from the discharge port 12 is stored in advance. The time t is calculated as y = (1 / 2)gt 2 It can be calculated using the following formula. Here, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and its specific value is 9.8 m / s². 2 You can use it.

[0026] This results in a release voltage V that drives the catcher means 22 at the moment when the catch target 9 is released by the catcher means 22. loose This can be calculated using the following formula. V loose =V1+(ΔV×t)

[0027] As another example, release voltage V loose It can also be calculated using the following nonlinear formula. Vloose =V1+(ΔV×t 2 )

[0028] In this embodiment, the initial position of the catcher means 22 is above the discharge port 12 as shown in FIG. 1, and the catch setting command set refers to a holding voltage V that can stably hold the predetermined catching target 9 max drives the catcher means 22 to hold the predetermined catching target 9 (sub-step 321), and then the voltage for driving the catcher means 22 is changed from the holding voltage V max to be gradually decreased by a voltage change amount ΔV per second, so that the voltage for driving the catcher means 22 finally reaches the release voltage V loose at the moment when the voltage reaches, the predetermined catching target 9 is released from the catcher means 22 (sub-step 322). However, since it is difficult to identify the moment when the catching target 9 is released from the catcher means 22, based on the detection time point voltage V1 for driving the catcher means 22 at the time point when the sensor unit detects that the predetermined catching target 9 released from the catcher means 22 has passed through the discharge port, V loose =V1+(ΔV×t) or V loose =V1+(ΔV×t 2 ), the processor module is caused to calculate the release voltage V at which the predetermined catching target 9 is released loose which is a series of commands (sub-step 323).

[0029] In sub-step 324, the processor module automatically generates an output catch setting parameter set based on the release voltage V calculated in sub-step 323 loose and the holding voltage V that can stably hold the catching target 9 max .

[0030] In step 33, the processor module overwrites the active catch setting parameter set with the selected default catch setting parameter set or output catch setting parameter set based on a parameter selection signal that selects one of the pre-saved default catch setting parameter set and the output catch setting parameter set generated in step 32 (substep 324). In other words, as shown in Figure 5, in an embodiment of the crane game machine of the present invention in which the parameters are easy to adjust, the output catch setting parameter set P1 and the default catch setting parameter set P2 are displayed on the display interface 214 as shown in the figure. The user can then operate the lever 211 and the button 212 to select one of the output catch setting parameter set P1 and the default catch setting parameter set P2. Based on the parameter selection signal corresponding to this user selection, the effective catch setting parameter set that serves as the basis for controlling the catcher means 22 when the player operates the machine is overwritten with the selected default catch setting parameter set or output catch setting parameter set.

[0031] Furthermore, the present invention can also employ a configuration in which, each time the processor module generates an output catch setting parameter set, the generated output catch setting parameter set is saved to the control device 2 as a new catch setting parameter set log, and in step 33, all or part of the catch setting parameter set logs, including the default catch setting parameter set and the output catch setting parameter set, are displayed on the display interface 214, thereby overwriting the valid catch setting parameter set based on the parameter selection signal corresponding to the user's selection.

[0032] Thus, the processor module of the control device 2 of the crane game machine of the present invention, which has parameters that are easy to adjust, is configured such that when it receives a catch parameter setting signal related to a catcher setting shortcut command from the input means 21, the processor module acquires a catch setting command set based on the catcher setting shortcut command related to the catch parameter setting signal and using a shortcut table, and then causes the processor module to execute the acquired catch setting command set, thereby generating an output catch setting parameter set related to the operation in which the catcher means 22 moves in the game space 11 based on a predetermined catch target 9 to catch the predetermined catch target 9 and then releases the predetermined catch target 9 from the catcher means 22.

[0033] In summary, the present invention generates an output catch setting parameter set when the processor module obtains a catch setting command set via a shortcut table based on the catch parameter setting signal. Therefore, with a simple and easy-to-operate input method, when a user operates the input means to send a catch parameter setting signal to the processor module, the catch setting command set containing multiple commands can be executed via the shortcut table. Thus, by simply learning how to operate the shortcuts, parameters can be easily adjusted instead of the conventional, complex operation method.

[0034] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible without departing from its essence. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0035] 1 cabinet 11 Game Space 12 Outlet 2 Control device 21 Input means 211 Lever 212 buttons 214 Display Interface 215 Catcher adjustment shortcut button 22 Catcher's methods 221 Drive Unit 222 Catcher Unit Steps 31-33 321-324 Substeps 9. Designated target for capture P1 Output Catch Setting Parameter Set P2 Default Catch Configuration Parameter Set

Claims

1. A crane game machine with easily adjustable parameters, used to obtain a set of catch setting parameters related to the catch and release process for a predetermined catch target. A cabinet having a game space in which the catch target is contained, The device comprises an input means disposed in the housing, a processor module signalably connected to the input means, and a catcher means signalably connected to the processor module, and is disposed in the housing. The control device stores a shortcut table that includes catcher setting shortcut commands related to setting catch parameters, and a catch setting command set that corresponds to the catcher setting shortcut commands and is used to generate an output catch setting parameter set related to the predetermined catch target. The control device is configured such that when the processor module receives a catch parameter setting signal related to the catcher setting shortcut command from the input means, the processor module obtains the catch setting command set based on the catcher setting shortcut command related to the catch parameter setting signal and using the shortcut table. Furthermore, the control device is configured to generate an output catch setting parameter set related to the process in which the catcher means moves within the game space in response to a predetermined catch target, catches the predetermined catch target, and then releases the predetermined catch target from the catcher means, thereby providing a crane game machine with easily adjustable parameters.

2. The control device stores an effective catch setting parameter set, and the processor module is configured to, upon receiving a catcher operation signal from the input means, drive the catcher means to move within the game space based on the effective catch setting parameter set and the catcher operation signal to catch the predetermined catch target and then release the predetermined catch target from the catcher means. Furthermore, the processor module controls the processor module, which is configured to overwrite the active catch setting parameter set with the selected default catch setting parameter set or the output catch setting parameter set, based on a parameter selection signal that selects one of the default catch setting parameter set and the output catch setting parameter set after the processor module has generated the output catch setting parameter set, the crane game machine according to claim 1, in which parameters are easily adjustable.

3. Each time the processor module generates the output catch setting parameter set, the generated output catch setting parameter set is saved to the control device as a new catch setting parameter set log. The parameter selection signal selects one from the default catch setting parameter set and at least one catch setting parameter set log as the output catch setting parameter set, the crane game machine according to claim 2, which allows for easy parameter adjustment.

4. The housing is configured to include an outlet from which the object to be caught is discharged from the game space, and a sensor unit positioned at the outlet for detecting objects passing through the outlet. The catch setting command set executed by the processor module is a series of commands that drive the catcher means with a holding voltage capable of stably holding the predetermined catch target to hold the predetermined catch target, then gradually lower the voltage driving the catcher means from the holding voltage to release the predetermined catch target from the catcher means, and then cause the processor module to calculate the release voltage at which the predetermined catch target is released from the catcher means based on the voltage driving the catcher means at the time the sensor unit detects that the predetermined catch target released from the catcher means has passed the discharge port. Furthermore, the processor module automatically generates the output catch setting parameter set based on the calculated release voltage and the holding voltage, making the parameters of the crane game machine according to claim 2 or 3 easily adjustable.

5. The voltage used to drive the catcher means at the time the sensor unit detects that the predetermined catch target has passed through the discharge port is V １ year, Let t be the time difference from the moment the predetermined catch target is released from the catcher means until the moment the sensor unit detects it. Let ΔV be the amount of voltage change per unit time that reduces the voltage driving the catcher means. The release voltage is V ｌｏｏｓｅ So, The aforementioned processor module V ｌｏｏｓｅ =V １ +(ΔV×t) A crane game machine in which the parameters described in claim 4 are easily adjustable, wherein the release voltage is calculated using the formula.

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