Game Device

Abstract

To provide a game device with improved operability. [Solution] The game device 1 comprises a main body unit 10, a placement unit 20 provided on the main body unit 10 and capable of placing a game item P associated with a character, an acquisition unit 18 provided on the main body unit 10 and capable of acquiring information about the game item P placed on the placement unit 20, a presentation unit 30 provided on the main body unit 10 and capable of presenting a game based on the information acquired from the game item P, and an operation unit 40 provided on the main body unit 10 and operable in accordance with the progress of the game, wherein the placement unit 20 is provided on a horizontal surface and the operation unit 40 is provided on an inclined surface 15.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a game device. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a conventional game device including a first reading device that reads a unique code of a game card, a game board and a second reading device that reads a fixed code of a game card on the game board, a storage device that assigns a reading number to the unique code and stores it, and a card recognition means that, after the first reading device reads the unique code of a game card, causes the second reading device to read the fixed code of a game card on the game board before the first reading device reads the unique code of the next game card, extracts position and angle information of the game card, and associates the extracted position and angle information with the unique code and reading number of the game card, thereby recognizing the reading number, unique code, and position and angle information of the game card, and a game progression means that progresses the game. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-199132 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration for reducing the processing load on the processing device of the game device, but does not disclose a configuration for improving the operability of the device itself for the user.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a game device with improved operability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A game device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a main body unit, a mounting unit provided on the main body unit and capable of placing game items associated with characters, an acquisition unit provided on the main body unit and capable of acquiring information about the game items placed on the mounting unit, a presentation unit provided on the main body unit and capable of presenting a game based on the information acquired from the game items, and an operation unit provided on the main body unit and operable in accordance with the progress of the game, wherein the mounting unit is provided on a horizontal surface and the operation unit is provided on an inclined surface. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a game device with improved operability can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of a game device of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the game device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the game device shown in FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a plan view showing the front and back sides of the game item shown in FIG. 1. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a placement portion of the game device. [Figure 6] 2 is a vertical sectional view showing the internal structure of the main body shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] 2 is a top view of the game device shown in FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, a game device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing showing a game device, up and down, left and right, and front and back (front side, rear side) are described as directions seen by a user operating the device, and these directions will be used in the explanation. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of game device 1, and FIG.

[0010] The game device 1 is a device that allows a game to be played using a card-like game item P (see FIG. 4) that is associated with a character C (see FIG. 4). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the game device 1 includes a main body 10 that is a box-like housing, a placement section 20 on the upper surface side of the main body 10 on which the game item P can be placed, and a presentation section 30 that includes a plurality of displays that can present game images based on information about the game item P.

[0011] The main body 10 is provided with an inclined surface 15 inclined downward toward the front side on the front side of the horizontally arranged placement part 20, that is, on the side where the user 80 stands and operates. The inclined surface 15 is provided with an operation part 40 consisting of, for example, three first operation parts 41, second operation part 42, and third operation part 43. In addition, a recess 16 recessed toward the rear side in a range slightly longer than the arrangement range (length in the left-right direction) of the operation part 40 is provided on the edge 15e on the lower end side of the inclined surface 15. If the recess 16 is formed, for example, when the user 80 uses the game device 1, the user 80 can be positioned in the recess 16 as shown in FIG. 2, and the user 80 can get closer to the operation part 40 located between the recess 16 and the placement part 20 and the placement part 20. In addition, the first operation part 41, the second operation part 42, and the third operation part 43 are provided with a light emitting part 40a therein, and are configured to be able to emit light in different colors.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 2, the inclined surface 15 is configured to be inclined at an angle (θ) between 5 degrees and 45 degrees toward the lower front side with respect to the horizontal plane. The operation unit 40 is inclined following the inclination of the inclined surface 15. This angle range corresponds to people of short stature to people of tall stature. That is, a short person can operate the operation unit 40 by moving the forearm along the inclined surface 15 from the front lower side of the edge 15e. On the other hand, a tall user can operate the operation unit 40 by approaching the forearm from the upper side of the inclined surface 15 and moving the wrist along the inclined surface 15.

[0013] A coin slot 3 for inserting game media such as medals or coins, or a value detection unit 4 for detecting payment of a value by a communication card or the like when using the game device 1 is provided at a position toward the right side of the inclined surface 15. That is, when using the game device 1, a value is paid by inserting a coin or a communication card or the like. As a result, the game device 1 can be used. When playing a game, a predetermined game can be executed based on the operation of the operation unit 40 by the user 80 and the game item P used by the user 80.

[0014] An opening 9 is provided at the lower left of the front side of the main body 10. This opening 9 is a dispenser through which, for example, a product or a prize related to the character C is dispensed based on the progress or result of the game or the payment of a price.

[0015] FIG. 3 is a front view of the game device 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the presentation unit 30 is provided at a slight distance above the placement unit 20. The second presentation unit 32 in the center is located corresponding to the rear end of the placement unit 20 (see FIG. 2), and is provided at the same height as the first presentation unit 31 and the third presentation unit 33 on the left and right, and is continuous horizontally. The left and right ends of the first presentation unit 31 and the third presentation unit 33 on the left and right are inclined toward the front at a predetermined angle. The first presentation unit 31, the second presentation unit 32, and the third presentation unit 33 can form a screen that is continuous vertically and horizontally. The presentation unit 30 is supported by a rear support unit 35 erected at the rear of the main body unit 10 so as to be perpendicular to the placement unit 20.

[0016] As described above, the placement unit 20 is disposed horizontally, and a game item P (see Figs. 1 and 5) is placed on the upper surface during game progress. The game progress is enabled by reading predetermined information from the game item P. Depending on the game progress format, the game item P may be slid and moved on the placement unit 20. In this manner, during game progress, when the user 80 is standing in a position where he or she can operate the operation unit 40, the viewing environment is such that the user 80 is surrounded in front and diagonally to the left and right by the presentation unit 30 on the front side.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the front and back sides of the game item P. As shown in FIG. A game item P used in a game is, for example, a rectangular card as shown in Fig. 4(a). This game item P has, for example, a specific character C drawn on the front side. Meanwhile, the game item P has, for example, a two-dimensional code Pc printed on the back side as shown in Fig. 4(b). Appropriate information that enables game progress is written in this two-dimensional code Pc, corresponding to the character C on the front side of the game item P.

[0018] FIG. 5 is an enlarged perspective view of the placement unit 20. As shown in FIG. 5, the placement portion 20 has a placement portion periphery 25 that prevents the game item P from falling off. That is, the surface of the placement portion 20 is covered with a transparent front glass plate portion 20a and configured as a flat surface, and the placement portion periphery 25 is configured to be slightly lower than the front glass plate portion 20a by a step (h). Therefore, the front glass plate portion 20a of the placement portion 20 is configured to easily slide the card-shaped game item P.

[0019] The games include, for example, a first type of main game (first game) and a second type of sub game (second game) presented during the first type of game. For example, the first type of game progresses in response to the movement of the game item P placed on the placement unit 20, and the second type of game progresses in response to the operation of the operation unit 40.

[0020] In the operation unit 40, the first operation is an operation that reflects the operation content in the second game according to the progress of the game, for example, when the game item P placed on the placement unit 20 is not moved, and the second operation is an operation that does not reflect the operation content in the second game. The second operation is an operation for making various settings in the main game.

[0021] 6 is a vertical sectional view showing the internal structure of the main body portion 10. 6, the placement unit 20 is provided with a placement presentation unit 21 capable of forming an image parallel to and close to the front glass plate 20a inside the front glass plate 20a. The placement presentation unit 21 is configured, for example, by providing a transmissive liquid crystal and a light guide plate on a transparent supporting plate glass. The placement presentation unit 21 can display an instruction image instructing the player to place or move a game item P on the front glass plate 20a.

[0022] Furthermore, the placement unit 20 has a structure that allows light to pass through, so that the game item P on the placement unit 20 can be recognized. For example, an acquisition unit 18 of a photographing camera that optically reads the game item P on the front glass plate unit 20a via, for example, a reflecting mirror 22 is provided at the bottom of the main body unit 10. That is, the acquisition unit 18 can acquire information on the two-dimensional code Pc of the game item P placed on the placement unit 20. Furthermore, the acquired information is processed by a control unit 23 provided in the main body unit 10, and image control of the presentation unit 30 and game progress are performed.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a top view of the game device 1 as seen from above. In the presentation unit 30, as shown in Fig. 7, the second presentation unit 32 in the left-right center is not located directly above the placement unit 20, but is located directly above the rear end. Also, as shown in Fig. 7, the first presentation unit 31 and the third presentation unit 33 are provided so that a part of them is located directly above the rear corner 20k of the placement unit 20. Here, when viewed from above, the presentation unit 30 is located so as to block the screen of the placement unit 20 as shown in Fig. 7, but when viewed from the user 80 side on the front side, the corner 20k is not blocked, and the placement allows the placement unit 20 to be used widely.

[0024] The three operation units 40 described above are configured so that their width (L3) is greater than the width (L1) of the game item P. The first operation unit 41, the second operation unit 42, and the third operation unit 43 are arranged close to each other with a small distance (L2) between them. This reduces the distance the hand needs to move sideways, improving operability. The distance (L2) between each operation unit is also configured to be smaller than the width (L1) of the game item P.

[0025] As described above, in the game device 1 of this embodiment, when the user 80 operates the game device 1, the inclined surface 15 is inclined downward toward the front side of the mounting portion 20, which is provided on a horizontal surface, so that the angle of the forearm, wrist, and hand can be easily changed relative to the operation portion 40, improving the operability of the operation portion 40. In addition, the game item P placed on the mounting portion 20 and the operation portion 40 can be easily viewed at the same time.

[0026] Furthermore, in the game device 1 of this embodiment, the operation unit 40 is positioned adjacent to the end of the mounting unit 20 on the front side thereof, so that when the user 80 is positioned in front of the mounting unit 20, the operation unit 40 is close by and easy to operate.

[0027] In the game device 1 of this embodiment, the recess 16 is provided on the edge 15e on the near side, which can implicitly indicate the position where the user 80 should stand. Furthermore, the recess 16 allows the user 80 to stand closer to the placement unit 20. This makes it easier to operate when placing or moving the game item P on the placement unit 20. Furthermore, the operation unit 40 is provided between the recess 16 and the placement unit 20 and close to the recess 16, so that the operation unit 40 can be brought closer to the position of the user 80, improving operability.

[0028] In the game device 1 of this embodiment, the inclined surface 15 on which the operation unit 40 is arranged is configured to be inclined at an angle (θ) between 5 degrees and 45 degrees downward toward the front side with respect to the horizontal plane. The operation unit 40 is also inclined following this inclination, and when the operation unit 40 is operated while positioned on the front side of the inclined surface 15, an inclination angle that is generally preferable from an ergonomic perspective for the elbow, wrist, hand, and entire forearm can be provided. For example, a short user 80 can operate the operation unit 40 with the forearm along the inclined surface 15. On the other hand, a tall user can operate the operation unit 40 with the wrist along the inclined surface 15.

[0029] In the game device 1 of this embodiment, the width (L3) of the operation unit 40 is configured to be larger than the width (L1) of the game item P, thereby providing an operation unit 40 that is easy to operate. Even if the game item P is dropped when attempting to place it on the placement unit 20, the game item P can be caught and held by the operation unit 40 protruding from the inclined surface 15. In particular, in a configuration in which the operation units 40 are arranged side by side and adjacent to each other, the operation units 40 are arranged at intervals (L2) smaller than the width (L1) of the game item P, thereby improving the holding function of the game item P. Furthermore, the operation units 40 are arranged at small intervals adjacent to each other, thereby improving the operability.

[0030] Furthermore, in the game device 1 of this embodiment, the first operating unit 41, the second operating unit 42, and the third operating unit 43 are each configured to be able to emit light in different colors, making it easy to recognize the type of operating unit 40 and improving operability.

[0031] In the game device 1 of this embodiment, the placement presentation unit 21 provided on the placement unit 20 on which the game article P can be placed can directly indicate the placement location of the game article P by the image, and therefore it is possible to give accurate instructions to the user 80. Furthermore, when instructing the user 80 to move the placed game article P, it is possible to approach the game article P and use a direct image display, and therefore it is possible to give accurate instructions to move the game article P.

[0032] In the game device 1 of this embodiment, the operation unit 40 is configured to enable a first operation in which the operation content is reflected in the sub-game, and a second operation in which the operation content is not reflected in the sub-game, thereby enabling a variety of operations.

[0033] Furthermore, in the game device 1 of this embodiment, when the game item P is not being moved (when the game item P is placed), the first operation for game progress on the operation unit 40 is possible, allowing the player to concentrate on operating the operation unit 40 and enjoy the progress of the game.

[0034] In addition, in the game device 1 of this embodiment, the operation unit 40 is configured to be able to perform either the first operation or the second operation depending on the progress of the game, which increases the operation options and makes the game more complicated. For example, in addition to the first type of main game, it is possible to launch a sub-game during the first type of game, which makes the game more interesting as it becomes more complicated.

[0035] Furthermore, by progressing the first type of game in accordance with the movement of the game item P placed on the placement unit 20, it is possible to produce a presentation in which the character of the game item P is associated with the progress of the game. Also, since the game item P is owned by the user 80, the possession of the user 80 is involved in the progress of the game, and it is possible to produce a complementarity (or interaction) in which the game device 1 and the user 80 make up for each other's shortcomings.

[0036] In the game device 1 of this embodiment, a mounting portion periphery 25 is provided as a detachment prevention portion that prevents the game item P from detaching from the mounting portion 20 when the game item P moves horizontally, so that the game item P does not come off the mounting portion 20, improving operability.

[0037] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention can be modified as appropriate within the scope of its technical concept. For example, in the above embodiment, the operation unit 40 is configured with three operation units, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration and may be configured with three or less operation units or more than three operation units.

[0038] In addition, in the above embodiment, a card-shaped item is used as the game item P, but the game item P is not limited to this configuration, and may be an item with a three-dimensional configuration as long as it has a flat surface from which specified information can be read by the acquisition unit 18 arranged under the placement unit 20.

[0039] As described above, the present specification discloses the following:

[0040] (1) A gaming device, A main body portion, a placement section provided on the main body section and capable of placing a game item associated with a character; an acquisition unit provided in the main body and capable of acquiring information on the game items placed on the placement unit; a presentation unit provided in the main body unit and capable of presenting a game based on information acquired from the game item; an operation unit provided in the main body and operable in accordance with the progress of the game; Equipped with A game device, wherein the placement portion is provided on a horizontal surface, and the operation portion is provided on an inclined surface.

[0041] (2) A game device according to (1), The operation unit is provided in front of the placement unit when viewed from a user's perspective in the gaming device.

[0042] (3) A game device according to (2), The operation unit is provided adjacent to a front end of the placement unit when viewed from a user's perspective.

[0043] (4) A game device according to (2) or (3), The main body of the game device has a recess formed on the front edge of the inclined surface on which the operation unit is provided.

[0044] (5) A game device according to (4), The main body is configured to enable a user to operate the operation unit and the game item placed on the placement unit when the user is in contact with or close to the recess.

[0045] (6) A game device according to (4) or (5), The operation unit is provided adjacent to the recess.

[0046] (7) A game device according to any one of (4) to (6), The operation unit is provided between the recess and the placement unit.

[0047] (8) A game device according to any one of (1) to (7), A game device, wherein the operation unit is provided on an inclined surface inclined at an angle between 5 degrees and 45 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane.

[0048] (9) A game device according to any one of (1) to (8), The inclined surface is configured such that, when viewed from the user's perspective, the height position on the rear side is higher than the height position on the front side.

[0049] (10) A game device according to any one of (1) to (9), The operation unit has a width greater than a width of the game item.

[0050] (11) A game device according to any one of (1) to (10), the operation unit includes a first operation unit, a second operation unit, and a third operation unit; A game device, wherein the first operation unit, the second operation unit, and the third operation unit are provided adjacent to each other.

[0051] (12) A game device according to (11), The first operation unit and the second operation unit are configured such that the distance therebetween is smaller than the width of the game item; The second operating section and the third operating section are configured so that the distance between them is smaller than the width of the game item.

[0052] (13) A game device according to (11) or (12), The game device, wherein the first operation section, the second operation section, and the third operation section are each configured to be capable of emitting light in different colors.

[0053] (14) A game device according to any one of (1) to (13), the placement unit includes a placement and presentation unit for a game image; The game device, wherein the placement indication unit is capable of presenting an instruction image that instructs the player to place or move the game item.

[0054] (15) A game device according to any one of (1) to (14), The game device, wherein the game includes a first game and a second game included in the first game, and the operation unit is configured to enable a first operation that reflects operation content in the second game and a second operation that does not reflect operation content in the second game.

[0055] (16) A game device according to (15), The operation section is configured to be able to perform the first operation when the game item placed on the placement section is not moved.

[0056] (17) A game device according to (15) or (16), The operation unit is configured to be able to perform either the first operation or the second operation depending on the progress of the game.

[0057] (18) A game device according to any one of (1) to (17), The above games include a first type of game and a second type of game, The first type of game is the main game, A gaming device, wherein the second type of game is a sub-game presented during the first type of game.

[0058] (19) A game device according to (18), The first type of game progresses in response to movement of the game items placed on the placement unit, and the second type of game progresses in response to operation of the operation unit.

[0059] (20) A game device according to any one of (1) to (19), the placement section is configured to be able to move the game items placed thereon; The operation unit of the game device is configured to be immovable.

[0060] (twenty one) A game device according to any one of (1) to (20), the placement section is configured to horizontally move the game items placed thereon; The game device is provided with a separation prevention portion (step portion) that prevents the game from separating from the placement portion during horizontal movement. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1. Game device 10 Main body 15 Slope 16 Recess 18 Acquisition Department 20 Placement section 21 Display unit 25 Placement area periphery (anti-detachment area) 30 Presentation section 31 First presentation part 32 Second presentation part, 33 Third presentation part 40 Control section P Game items

Claims

1. A gaming device, A main body portion, a placement section provided on a horizontal surface of the main body section, the placement section being capable of placing a game item associated with a character; an acquisition unit provided in the main body and capable of acquiring information on the game item placed on the placement unit; a presentation unit provided on the main body unit and capable of presenting a game based on information acquired from the game item; an operation unit provided on the inclined surface of the main body unit and operable in accordance with the progress of the game; The main body portion has a recess formed on a front edge of the inclined surface on which the operation portion is provided, The operation section is provided between the recess and the placement section and adjacent to the deepest part of the recess.

2. 2. The game device according to claim 1, The operation unit is provided in front of the placement unit when viewed from a user's perspective.

3. 3. The game device according to claim 2, The operation unit is provided adjacent to a front end of the placement unit when viewed from a user's perspective.

4. 2. The game device according to claim 1, The main body is configured to enable a user to operate the operation unit and the game item placed on the placement unit when the user is in contact with or close to the recess.

5. 5. The game device according to claim 4, The operation unit is provided adjacent to the recess.

6. 6. The game device according to claim 5, A game device, wherein the operation unit is provided on an inclined surface that is inclined at an angle between 5 degrees and 45 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane.

7. 7. The game device according to claim 6, The inclined surface is configured so that, when viewed from the user's perspective, the height position on the rear side is higher than the height position on the front side.

8. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A game device, wherein the operation unit is configured so that its width is larger than the width of the game item.

9. 9. The game device according to claim 8, the operation unit includes a first operation unit, a second operation unit, and a third operation unit, A game device, wherein the first operation unit, the second operation unit, and the third operation unit are provided adjacent to each other.

10. 10. The game device according to claim 9, The first operation unit and the second operation unit are configured so that a distance therebetween is smaller than a width of the game item, A game device, wherein the second operating portion and the third operating portion are configured so that the distance between them is smaller than the width of the game item.

11. The game device according to claim 10, A gaming device, wherein the first operation unit, the second operation unit, and the third operation unit are configured to be capable of emitting light in different colors.

12. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the placement unit includes a placement and presentation unit for a game image, The game device, wherein the placement indication unit is capable of presenting an instruction image that instructs a player to place or move the game item.

13. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, A game device, wherein the game includes a first game and a second game included in the first game, and the operation unit is configured to enable a first operation that reflects the operation content in the second game and a second operation that does not reflect the operation content in the second game.

14. 14. The game device according to claim 13, The operation section is configured to be able to perform the first operation when the game item placed on the placement section is not being moved.

15. 15. The game device according to claim 14, The operation unit is configured to enable either the first operation or the second operation depending on the progress of the game.

16. The game device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The games include a first type of game and a second type of game; The first type of game is a main game, The second type of game is a sub-game presented during the first type of game.

17. 17. The game device according to claim 16, A gaming device, wherein the first type of game progresses in response to movement of the game items placed on the placement section, and the second type of game progresses in response to operation of the operation section.

18. 18. The game device according to claim 17, the placement section is configured to be able to move the game items placed thereon, A game device, wherein the operation unit is configured to be immovable.

19. 20. The game device according to claim 18, the placement section is configured to horizontally move the game item placed thereon, A game device provided with a separation prevention section that prevents the game object from separating from the placement section during horizontal movement.

Images