Prize acquisition game device

Abstract

To provide a prize acquisition game device which enables a player to play a game efficiently. [Solution] The prize acquisition game device 10 has a prize acquisition unit 16, an operation unit (display unit 44 or operation unit 46), and a control unit 40, and a single prize acquisition operation controlled by the control unit 40 has a first game state in which, when an operation is received on the operation unit, the prize acquisition unit 16, which is in a standby state, performs a prize capture operation including an operation of capturing a prize, and a second game state in which the prize acquisition unit 16 performs a prize release operation including an operation of releasing a prize 14 and then goes into a standby state, and when the control unit 40 receives a predetermined operation on the operation unit while in the second game state, it cancels at least a part of the prize release operation that occurs after the predetermined operation is received, and transitions to the first game state for the next prize acquisition operation from the point of cancellation.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a prize capture game device that realizes a game in which at least a part of a prize contained in a storage space is dropped into a drop space provided below the storage space and captured (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-162255 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such a prize acquisition game device, one prize acquisition operation is composed of a first game state in which, when an operation is received from the operation unit, the prize acquisition unit in a standby state performs a prize capture operation including an operation of capturing a prize by the prize acquisition unit, and a second game state in which the prize acquisition unit performs a prize release operation including an operation of releasing the prize by the prize acquisition unit and further places the prize acquisition unit in a standby state. Therefore, if the prize acquisition unit is unable to capture a prize in the prize capture operation in the first game state, the next prize acquisition operation cannot be started until the prize release operation in the second game state is completed, and there is a problem in that the player feels that the waiting time is wasted.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a prize acquisition game device that is configured so that, when a specified operation is received on an operation unit in a second game state, at least a part of the currently being executed prize acquisition operation that follows the reception of the specified operation (at least a part of the prize release operation), is stopped, and from the point of stopping, the first game state for the next prize acquisition operation is transitioned to (the prize capturing operation for the next prize acquisition operation is started). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention First aspect of The prize acquisition game device according to the present invention is a prize acquisition game device that realizes a game in which at least a part of the prizes stored in a storage space are acquired by dropping at least a part of the prizes stored in the storage space into a drop space provided below the storage space, and has a prize acquisition unit, an operation unit that accepts operations by a player, and a control unit that controls the operation of the prize acquisition unit, and a single prize acquisition operation controlled by the control unit includes a first game state in which, when an operation is accepted on the operation unit, the prize acquisition unit, which is in a standby state, performs a prize capture operation including an operation of the prize acquisition unit to capture the prize; Following the first gaming state, and a second game state in which the prize acquisition unit performs a prize releasing operation including an operation of releasing the prize by the prize acquisition unit, and the prize acquisition unit is placed in the standby state. When the control unit is in the second game state, A predetermined operation can be received by the operation unit while the prize capture unit is moving, When a specified operation is accepted, at least a part of the prize releasing operation that occurs after the specified operation is accepted is stopped, and a transition is made to the first game state for the next prize obtaining operation from the point where it was stopped. Furthermore, a prize acquisition game device according to a second aspect of the present invention is a prize acquisition game device that realizes a game in which at least a part of a prize stored in a storage space is dropped into a drop space provided below the storage space and acquired, and has a prize acquisition unit, a support unit capable of changing the support position of the prize acquisition unit, an operation unit that accepts operations by a player, and a control unit that controls the operation of the prize acquisition unit, and a single prize acquisition operation controlled by the control unit is an operation of the prize acquisition unit, which is in a standby state, to capture the prize when an operation is accepted on the operation unit. and a second game state in which, following the first game state, a prize release operation including an operation of releasing the prize by the prize acquisition unit is performed, and further, the prize acquisition unit is placed in a standby state. The control unit is capable of accepting a predetermined operation on the operation unit when in the second game state including a period during which the support unit is being raised, and upon accepting the predetermined operation, the control unit cancels at least a part of the prize release operation that follows the acceptance of the predetermined operation, and transitions to the first game state for the next prize acquisition operation from the point of cancellation.

[0007] According to this configuration, when the control unit receives a predetermined operation on the operation unit in the second game state, it stops at least a part of the prize acquisition operation currently being performed after the predetermined operation is received (at least a part of the prize release operation), and transitions to the first game state of the next prize acquisition operation from the point of the stop (starts the prize capture operation of the next prize acquisition operation), so that the player can start the next prize acquisition operation without waiting for the end of the second game state, allowing the player to play the game efficiently and without feeling the stress of waiting for the end of the second game state. Also, since the next prize acquisition operation can be started by omitting at least a part of the prize acquisition operation after the predetermined operation on the operation unit, the operation rate of the prize acquisition game device can be improved. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the prize acquisition game device of the present invention, the player can play the game efficiently. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a prize acquisition game device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the prize acquisition game device with the left door open. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the prize acquisition game device with the left door and the plate open. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the prize acquisition game device as seen from a different direction, with the left door and the plate open. [Diagram 5] 2 is a perspective view of a prize acquisition section and a moving section of the prize acquisition game device. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is an enlarged view of the display unit and operation unit of the prize acquisition game device. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control unit of the prize acquisition game device and its peripherals. FIG. [Figure 8]1 is a flowchart of game processing executed by the control unit, showing processing of a 1-1 game state constituting a first game state. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart of game processing executed by the control unit, showing processing of a 1-2 game state constituting the first game state. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart of game processing executed by the control unit, showing processing in a second gaming state. [Figure 11] This shows the process for starting the next prize acquisition action among the game processes in the second gaming state. [Figure 12] 11 shows a first modified example of the game processing in the second gaming state. [Figure 13] 11 shows a second modified example of the game processing in the second gaming state. [Figure 14] An explanatory diagram to explain the positional relationship between the storage space and the drop space and the prize capture section, where (a) shows the prize capture section in the standby position and (b) shows the prize capture section in the innermost position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figs. 1 to 6, the prize acquisition game device 10 realizes a game in which a player acquires a prize 14 (see Fig. 4), such as a stuffed toy housed in a storage space 12, by using a prize acquisition section 16 and dropping the prize 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 the X-axis direction (first direction), the horizontal direction from front to back is the Y-axis direction (second direction), and the direction perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis directions (vertical direction) is the Z-axis direction (third direction).

[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 is configured to include a ceiling surface 24A, a side surface 24B, and a floor surface 24C, and defines a container space 12 inside surrounded by these. In addition to the prizes 14 as described above, the container space 12 may also contain other objects such as balls.

[0013] A prize capturing unit 16 that captures the prize 14 is suspended from the inside of the ceiling surface 24A via a moving unit 60. As shown in FIG. 5, the prize capturing unit 16 is movable in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction in the figure by the moving unit 60 that is composed of a rail, a motor, etc. This prize capturing unit 16 includes a support unit 16A made of an expandable pipe suspended vertically (Z-axis direction) from the inner upper surface, and a gripping unit 16B provided at the lower end thereof. The gripping unit 16B is provided with a plurality of gripping claws 16C for gripping the prize 14. In this embodiment, the number of gripping claws 16C is designed to be three. The prize capturing unit 16 is capable of moving the gripping unit 16B and the gripping claws 16C in the Z-axis direction by expanding and contracting the support unit 16A.

[0014] The prize acquisition unit 16 is attached to the moving table 62 of the moving unit 60 and can be moved in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction by the moving unit 60. The moving unit 60 is, for example, a so-called H-shaped XY stage. Therefore, the moving unit 60 includes 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 moving 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 that extend in the X-axis direction and support 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 moving table 62 along the X-direction guides 66A and 66B. Here, a linear motor or a ball screw can be used for the X drive unit 66C and the Y drive unit 64B. As shown in FIGS. 14( a ) and 14 ( b ), the prize capturing unit 16 is configured to be movable within a rectangular area (movable area) R within the accommodation space 12 by a moving unit 60 .

[0015] In addition, three X position sensors 68 for detecting the position of the Y direction guide 64A on the X direction guide 66A are arranged on the X direction guide 66A of the X axis unit 66, and three Y position sensors 70 for detecting the position of the stage 62 on the Y direction guide 64A are arranged on the Y direction guide 64A of the Y axis unit 64. In this embodiment, as described later, the drop space 18 is formed at the left end of the front side of the device 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 capture unit 16 performs an operation to release the prize 14 and waits until the start of the next game, and this position is called a waiting position or a home position (see FIG. 14(a)). The X-position sensor 68 is composed of a home-side X-sensor 68A that detects that the prize capture unit 16 (Y-direction guide 64A) is at the end (home end) of the X-direction guide 66A on the waiting position side, an end-side X-sensor 68C that detects that the prize capture unit 16 (Y-direction guide 64A) is at the end (end end) opposite the waiting position, and a central X-sensor 68B that detects that the prize capture unit 16 is at the middle (center) of the X-direction guide 66A. The Y-position sensor 70 is composed of a home-side Y-sensor 70A that detects that the prize capture unit 16 (stage 62) is at the end (home end) of the Y-direction guide 64A on the waiting position side, an end-side Y-sensor 70C that detects that the prize capture unit 16 is at the end (end end) opposite the waiting position, and a central Y-sensor 70B that detects that the prize capture unit 16 is at 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 and Y-axis directions) of the prize capture unit 16 within the storage space 12 can be determined (acquired) based on control signals output from the control unit 40 to the X drive unit 66C and the Y drive unit 64B, but there may be deviations due to mechanical errors, etc., and an accurate position can be obtained by correcting the positional information based on the detection results of the above-mentioned X position sensor 68 and Y position sensor 70 (whether it is at the home end, center, or end end in the X-axis direction, and whether it is at the home end, center, or end end in the Y-axis direction).

[0017] The front and side surfaces of the side surface 24B are formed from a transparent resin or glass plate-like member so that the player can visually check the prizes 14 and the like contained inside the container 24. In particular, the front surface of the container 24 is configured with an opening and closing door 26. Here, the opening and closing door 26 includes two opening and closing doors (a left opening and closing door 26A which is a first opening and closing door and a right opening and closing door 26B which is a second opening and closing door) which can be slid. The opening and closing doors 26A, 26B are provided in the container 24 so as to be openable and closable. These opening and closing doors 26A, 26B are provided with pull handles 26C, 26D, respectively. In this embodiment, the opening and closing doors 26A, 26B can be opened and closed by an operator (or manager) holding the pull handles 26C, 26D. Specifically, the left opening and closing door 26A opens by holding the pull handle 26C and sliding it to the right, and closes by sliding it to the left. The right door 26B opens when an operator (or manager) grasps the handle 26D and slides it to the left, and closes when the operator slides it to the right. When the doors 26A and 26B are opened, the storage space 12 inside is exposed, and an opening 12A that communicates with the storage space 12 is formed (see FIG. 2, for example).

[0018] The back surface of the side surface 24B is formed of a mirror-like plate-like material or a plate-like material with decoration. Although not shown, one or more support parts for supporting a shelf for placing prizes 14 and the like may be provided on the inside of the side surface or the back surface. Note that the "front surface" refers to the surface of the base 22 on which the operation unit 46 described below is provided.

[0019] The floor surface 24C functions as a prize placement platform on which the prizes 14 are placed. A drop space 18 into which the prizes 14 fall is formed in one corner (the corner on the left opening and closing door 26A side) on the front side of the floor surface 24C. The drop space 18 is, for example, rectangular in top view. 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 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 shape of the first partition 30, the second partition 32, and the third partition 34 in top view is, for example, crank-shaped.

[0020] Next, the base 22 will be described. The base 22 forms the above-mentioned drop space 18. The base 22 includes, for example, a control unit 40, a throw-in 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 capture unit 16 (movement unit 60), the display unit 44, the operation unit 46, etc., and controls the operation of each component. The control unit 40 is connected to the door sensor 27 (left door sensor 27A and right door sensor 27B) that detects the opening and closing of the opening and closing door 26 provided at the corner between the front and side. When the control unit 40 receives a detection signal indicating the open state of the opening and closing door 26 (at least one of the left opening and closing door 26A and the right opening and closing door 26B) from the door sensor 27, it performs control to prohibit the automatic movement of the prize capture unit 16. This makes it possible to prevent the prize capture unit 16 from coming into contact with the worker (manager) who opens the opening and closing door 26. Note that the control unit 40 may physically fix the prize capture unit 16 to prohibit manual movement of the prize capture unit 16, but in this embodiment, manual movement is possible. In addition, in this embodiment, even when the opening and closing door 26 is open, the prize capturing section 16 can be moved to the standby position (home position) by operating the display section 44 described later.

[0022] Into the insertion box 42, game media to start a game are inserted. This insertion box 42 is provided at a location on the base 22 other than the opening and closing plate 50. In addition to an insertion port 42A through which the game media is inserted, the insertion box 42 is provided with an internal space for storing the inserted game media, and a coin shooter (not shown) that connects the insertion port 42A to the internal space and guides the game media inserted from the insertion port 42A to the internal space. Note that coins are generally used as game media, but they may also be paper money, or cards or balls exchanged for coins or paper money.

[0023] The display unit 44 is configured with a touch panel or the like, and displays and inputs various information, such as setting information of the device 10. For example, when the device 10 is in a control state in which it accepts an operation from a player to provide a game in which a prize is acquired (in a "game mode"), the control unit 40 displays information on the currently executed game (for example, the remaining time of the currently executed game, etc.) on the display unit 44 and provides it to the player. The display unit 44 also accepts an operation from the player (for example, an operation for starting the next prize acquisition operation in the middle of the current prize acquisition operation, as described later). On the other hand, when the device 10 is in a control state in which settings, etc., of the device 10 are performed (in a "setting mode"), the control unit 40 displays items and menus for settings, etc. for the device 10 on the display unit 44, and accepts an operation from an operator (manager) on the display unit 44.

[0024] To switch to the setting mode, a setting key (not shown) must be inserted into key slot 72 provided below display unit 44 (see FIG. 6). When control unit 40 detects that a setting key has been inserted into key slot 72, it verifies whether the setting key is a genuine key set for this device 10, and switches the control state to the setting mode if it is a genuine key. On the other hand, when the setting key is removed from key slot 72, control unit 40 switches the control state to the game mode.

[0025] The operation unit 46 is an operation unit related to the acquisition of the prize 14, and inputs, for example, a player's movement operation for the prize acquisition unit 16. The operation unit 46 is provided at a location on the base 22 other than the opening and 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 FIG. 6). When the player tilts the joystick which is the first operation unit 46A, the prize acquisition unit 16 can be moved in the tilted direction (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction), and when the player presses the button which is the second operation unit 46B, the prize acquisition unit 16 can be caused to capture the prize at the position where the operation was performed.

[0026] Thus, in the device 10 according to this embodiment, the control unit 40 has the display unit 44 and the operation unit 46 as an operation unit (input unit) that accepts operations from the player.

[0027] The locking unit 48 locks the door 26 with a key (not shown). The locking unit 48 is provided on the outer surface of the base 22. In this embodiment, the locking unit 48 is provided in two places on the base 22: a left locking unit 48A for locking the left door 26A, and a right locking unit 48B for locking the right 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 turned from the closed state to the open state by being turned toward the front side about one end in the width direction of the housing (for example, the left end in the paper in the figure) as an axis (see FIG. 3 or FIG. 4). In addition, a prize collection port 52 communicating with the drop space 18 is formed, for example, in the center of the opening / closing plate 50. As a covering member covering the prize collection port 52, a flap 54 is attached to the back surface of the opening / closing plate 50. The plate-shaped flap 54 is configured to be rotatable in the depth direction about the upper end as an axis (the lower end can move back and forth). As a result of the turning of the flap 54, the drop space 18 is exposed through the prize collection port 52.

[0029] A passing sensor 74 is provided on the left and right side surfaces of the upper end of the drop space 18 to detect the prize 14 dropping from the storage space 12 into the drop space 18. The passing sensor 74 is composed of, for example, a light source unit that emits light such as infrared light and a light receiving unit that is disposed on the other side and receives and detects the light from the light source unit. A detection signal from the passing sensor 74 is output to the control unit 40. Therefore, when the prize 14 drops from the storage space 12 toward the drop space 18 and crosses the light of the passing sensor 74, the light is blocked, and during that time, the light receiving unit cannot detect the light. The control unit 40 can detect that the prize 14 has dropped from the storage space 12 into the drop space 18 by detecting that the output from the passing sensor 74 changes from a light receiving state (on) to a state in which light cannot be received (off) and then returns to the light receiving state (on).

[0030] 7, the control unit 40 has 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 so as to be able to transmit and receive data. In addition, each component is also connected to the prize acquisition unit 16 (movement unit 60), sensors 27, 68, 70, 74, display unit 44, operation unit 46, key slot 72, etc. via the bus 92 so as to be able to transmit and receive data.

[0031] 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 calculates and processes data. The CPU 82 is also a calculation device that executes a control program (setting program) stored in the RAM 84 or ROM 86.

[0032] The RAM 84 is, for example, a main storage unit, etc. The RAM 84 is a storage device that stores or temporarily saves programs and data such as an OS (Operating System) that is basic software executed by the CPU 82 and application software, and setting information for the device 10.

[0033] The ROM 86 is a storage device that stores, for example, data related to the control program.

[0034] The drive device 88 reads out programs, data, etc. from a recording medium 96, such as a CD-ROM or an SD card, and installs or saves them in a storage device.

[0035] 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 can be executed by the device 10. The recording medium 96 stores predetermined data, and the data stored in this recording medium 96 is saved in the device 10 via the drive device 88.

[0036] The network I / F unit 90 is an interface with other devices connected via a network.

[0037] In addition, although not shown, the device 10 is provided with a production section that executes effects using sound and light, and the control section 40 is configured to cause the production section to execute effects according to the game situation.

[0038] The control unit 40 is configured to manage and switch between a plurality of control states including the above-mentioned "game mode" and "setting mode." 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 the setting key is a valid key, and if it determines that the setting key is a valid key, it changes the control state of the device 10 to the 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 the game mode.

[0039] First, the control of the normal game executed by the control unit 40 will be described with reference to Figs. 8 to 10. The control unit 40 is configured to execute the game when the control state is in the game mode. In this embodiment, the case where the prize acquisition operation is performed once per game (credit) will be described.

[0040] Here, the prize acquisition operation refers to an operation consisting of a first game state in which, when the control unit 40 receives an operation on the operation unit 46, the control unit 40 causes the prize acquisition unit 16, which is in a standby state, to perform a prize capture operation, including an operation of the prize acquisition unit 16 capturing a prize 14, and a second game state in which the control unit 40 causes the prize acquisition unit 16 to perform a prize release operation, including an operation of releasing the prize 14, and further causes the prize acquisition unit 16 to be in a standby state. However, in this embodiment, the first game state is composed of a 1-1 game state in which, when an operation is received on the operation unit 46 (first operation unit 46A), the prize acquisition unit 16, which is located at a standby position (in a standby state) within the storage space 12, is moved in the X-axis direction and Y-axis direction (first and second directions perpendicular to each other) within the storage space 12 in response to the operation of the operation unit 46, and a 1-2 game state which is entered when an operation is received on the operation unit 46 (second operation unit 46B), in which the gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16 are caused to grasp the prize 14 (to capture the prize 14).

[0041] 8, when the mode is changed to the game mode, the control unit 40 accepts 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 insertion box 42. For example, when one game medium is inserted, the number of games (credits) is set to 1, and when three game media are inserted, the number of games (credits) is set to 5.

[0042] The control unit 40 sets the game state to the 1-1 game state of the first game state, subtracts 1 from the current credit amount (consumes 1 credit), and starts the game (prize acquisition operation) (step S102). When the control unit 40 starts the game (prize acquisition operation), it causes the prize acquisition unit 16 to perform a prize capture operation. First, the control unit 40 accepts the player's operation on the first operation unit 46A, moves the prize acquisition unit 16 by the movement unit 60 in the direction of the operation (X-axis direction and Y-axis direction) (step S104), and repeatedly executes a determination of whether a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the current game (step S106) and a determination of whether the second operation unit 46B has been operated (step S108). When it is determined that the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S106: N) and that the second operation unit 46B has not been operated (step S108: N), the control unit 40 returns to step S104 and repeats the subsequent processes. In other words, until the second operating unit 46B is operated within a specified time, the player can move the prize acquisition unit 16 to a desired position within the movable area R shown in Figure 14 by operating the first operating unit 46A.

[0043] On the other hand, when it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed (step S106: Y) or the second operation unit 46B has been operated (step S108: Y), the control unit 40 transitions the game state from the 1-1 game state to the 1-2 game state, and at the current position of the prize capture unit 16 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, extends the support unit 16A vertically downward to start the downward movement of the grip unit 16B and the grip claws 16C (step S110). Then, the control unit 40 extends the support unit 16A, and repeatedly executes a determination of whether the second operation unit 46B has been operated (step S112) and a determination of whether the support unit 16A has been extended to a predetermined length and the extension is completed (step S114). If it is determined that the second operating unit 46B has not been operated (step S112: N) and that the support unit 16A has not been extended to the specified length and extension has not been completed (step S114: N), the control unit 40 continues the extension operation of the support unit 16A, returns to step S112, and repeats the subsequent processes.

[0044] On the other hand, when the control unit 40 determines that the second operating unit 46B is operated during the extension operation of the support unit 16A (step S112: Y), or that the support unit 16A is extended to a predetermined length and the extension operation is completed (step S114: Y), the control unit 40 stops and ends the extension operation of the support unit 16A (step S116), and closes the gripping claws 16C of the prize capturing unit 16 to perform an operation of gripping the prize 14 (step S118). In this embodiment, when the support unit 16A of the prize capturing unit 16 is extended, the second operating unit 46B is operated to stop the extension of the support unit 16A at that point and move to the operation of gripping the next prize 14. This allows the gripping claws 16C of the prize capturing unit 16 to perform a gripping operation (an operation of capturing the prize 14) at a height (position in the Z-axis direction) desired by the player.

[0045] When the gripping action by the gripping claws 16C of the prize capturing unit 16 is completed, the control unit 40 ends the prize capturing action, transitions the game state from the 1-2 game state to the 2nd game state, starts accepting the next game operation, and starts the prize releasing action of the prize capturing unit 16. The prize releasing action of this embodiment is composed of a series of actions (called the "first stage"), in which the gripping claws 16C of the prize capturing unit 16 are closed, the gripping unit 16B is contracted until the support unit 16A is at its shortest and moved upward, and the prize capturing unit 16 with the support unit 16A at its shortest is moved by the moving unit 60 to a drop position above the drop space 18, the gripping claws 16C are opened to release the prize 14, and if the drop position and the standby position are different, the prize capturing unit 16 is moved to the standby position (if the drop position and the standby position are the same, the position is maintained).

[0046] As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 40 contracts the support 16A vertically upward, which is the first stage of the prize release operation, and starts the upward movement of the gripping part 16B and the gripping claws 16C (step S120). Then, the control unit 40 contracts the support 16A, and judges whether or not the player has performed an operation (hereinafter referred to as a "next game operation") to end the current game and start the next game (interrupt the current prize acquisition operation and start the next prize acquisition operation) (step S124), and judges whether or not the support 16A has been contracted to its shortest state and the contraction has been completed (step S130). If the control unit 40 judges that the next game operation has not been performed (step S124: N) and that the support 16A has not been contracted to its shortest state and the contraction has not been completed (step S130: N), the control unit 40 continues the contraction operation of the support 16A, returns to step S124, and repeats the subsequent processes. Details of the next game operation will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that the support portion 16A has been contracted to its shortest length and the contraction operation is completed (step S130: Y), the control portion 40 stops and ends the contraction operation of the support portion 16A (step S132).

[0047] Furthermore, the control unit 40 starts the latter stage of the prize release operation (step S134). Here, the drop position is a position above the drop space 18 where the prize 14 can drop into the drop space 18 when the gripping claws 16C open and release the prize 14, and may be the same as the standby position described above or a position different from the standby position. Also, when the gripping claws 16C open and the prize 14 drops 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 may be configured to execute an effect using sound or light by the effect unit in response to the prize 14 being acquired.

[0048] The control unit 40 causes the prize acquisition unit 16 to perform the latter part of the prize releasing operation, and repeatedly executes the following: determining whether or not a next game operation has been performed (step S136), and determining whether or not the prize acquisition unit 16 has moved to a standby position and stopped (whether the prize releasing operation has been completed) as a result of performing the latter part of the prize releasing operation (step S140). If it is determined that the next game operation has not been performed (step S136:N) and that the prize releasing operation of the prize acquisition unit 16 has not been completed (step S140:N), the control unit 40 continues the execution of the latter part of the prize releasing operation of the prize acquisition unit 16, returns to step S136, and repeats the subsequent processes.

[0049] On the other hand, when it is determined that the latter stage of the prize release operation of the prize acquisition unit 16 is completed (step S140: Y), the control unit 40 puts the prize acquisition unit 16 into a standby state, and further, ends the acceptance of the next game operation (step S142). Then, the control unit 40 determines whether or not there is any credit remaining (step S144), and when it is determined that there is any credit remaining (step S144: Y), the control unit 40 returns to step S102, transitions the game state from the second game state to the 1-1 game state of the first game state, and repeats the above-mentioned process (execution of the next game or the next prize acquisition operation). On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no credit remaining (step S144: N), the control unit 40 returns to step S100 and transitions to a state in which credit is accepted from the player.

[0050] In the above description, the first operation unit 46A is a joystick and the second operation unit 46B is a button, but the first operation unit 46A may be a button. In this case, when the first operation unit 46A is operated (the button is pressed) for the prize capturing unit 16 in the standby state, the control unit 40 moves the prize capturing unit 16 in the X-axis direction (the direction toward the right in the left-right direction), and when the operation of the first operation unit 46A is released (the button returns), the control unit 40 stops the prize capturing unit 16 at that position. Next, when the second operation unit 46B is operated (the button is pressed), the control unit 40 moves the prize capturing unit 16 in the Y-axis direction (towards the rear in the front-to-rear direction), and when the operation of the second operation unit 46B is released (the button is returned), the control unit 40 stops the prize capturing unit 16 at that position (ending the 1-1 game state), extends the support unit 16A and closes the gripping claws 16C to grab the prize 14, contracts the support unit 16A, moves the prize capturing unit 16 to a drop position, opens the gripping claws 16C to release the prize 14, and causes it to wait in a standby position (executing the 1-2 game state and the second game state).

[0051] In the above description, the gripping claws 16C of the prize capturing unit 16 are in an open state when the unit transitions to the standby state, but the control unit 40 may cause the prize capturing unit 16 to perform an operation to release the prize in the prize releasing operation (later stage), close the gripping claws 16C, and then transition to the standby state in step S142. In this case, since the gripping claws 16C are in a closed state at the start of the next game (the start of the next prize capturing operation), the control unit 40 causes the gripping claws 16C to be opened before starting the extension of the support unit 16A in step S110.

[0052] In addition, in the above explanation, the support portion 16A of the prize acquisition portion 16 is constructed of an extendable pipe, but the support portion 16A may also be constructed of a wire and configured to be extendable and retractable by unwinding and winding this wire using a drum.

[0053] (Next game operation) Next, the next game operation will be described. As described above, when the game state is shifted to the second game state, the next game (next prize acquisition operation) cannot be started until the prize acquisition unit 16 performs an operation to release the prize, returns to the standby position (home position), and shifts to the standby state. For example, when the second operation unit 46B is operated to cause the gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16 to perform an operation to grab a prize, if the prize 14 cannot be grabbed (if the prize 14 cannot be captured), the player may feel that the time it takes to return to the standby position is a waste. Therefore, in this embodiment, the control unit 40 is configured to be able to accept the next game operation when the game state is the second game state. When a next game operation is accepted from the player, the control unit 40 is configured to end the current game (prize acquisition operation) and start the next game (next prize acquisition operation) (transition from the second game state of the current game (prize acquisition operation) to the first game state (1-1 game state) of the next game (next prize acquisition operation) when the conditions described below are satisfied, at the time when the first part of the prize release operation is completed if the first part is being executed, or at the time when the control unit 40 accepts that operation if the second part of the prize release operation is being executed.

[0054] The process of the control unit 40 when the next game operation is performed will be described below. The process will be described separately for a case where the next game operation is performed while the support part 16A of the prize capturing part 16 is shrinking (during the first stage of the prize releasing operation) in the second game state, and a case where the next game operation is performed after the shrinking is completed (during the second stage of the prize releasing operation).

[0055] As described above, when the control unit 40 transitions to the second gaming state, it starts accepting the next game operation, and shrinks the support unit 16A vertically upward, which is the first stage of the prize release operation, and starts moving the grip unit 16B and the grip claws 16C upward (step S120 in FIG. 10). At this time, in order to notify the player that it has started accepting the next game operation, the control unit 40, for example, displays (notifies) that the next game operation is possible on the display unit 44 as a notification unit, and displays a button for accepting the next game operation (referred to as the "next game button"), making it possible to accept this next game button. At this time, the control unit 40 may notify the player that the next game operation is possible by executing a sound or light effect by the effect unit.

[0056] Then, the control unit 40 repeatedly executes the following steps: determining whether or not a next game operation has been performed (whether or not the next game button on the display unit 44 has been pressed) while the support unit 16A of the prize acquisition unit 16 is being reduced (step S124); and determining whether or not the reduction has been completed by reducing the support unit 16A to its shortest state (step S130). If it is determined that a next game operation has been performed during the reduction operation of the support unit 16A (step S124: Y), the control unit 40 first determines whether or not there are any credits remaining (step S126). If there are no credits remaining (step S126: N), the next game (next prize acquisition operation) cannot be started, so the control unit 40 returns to step S130 and repeats the subsequent processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that there are any credits remaining (step S126: Y), the control unit 40 waits until the reduction of the support unit 16A is completed (until the first stage of the prize release operation is completed) (step S128). This is because if the next game (next prize capturing operation) is started with the support portion 16A extended, the player may not be able to lower the gripping portion 16B and gripping claws 16C of the prize capturing portion 16 to the desired position in the next game (next prize capturing operation). If it is determined that the contraction of the support portion 16A is completed (the first stage of the prize releasing operation is completed) (step S128: Y), the control portion 40 proceeds to step S146 and executes processing to start the next game (next prize capturing operation).

[0057] If it is determined in step S126 that there are no credits remaining (step S126: N), the control unit 40 may be configured to display a message on the display unit 44 prompting the player to insert credits and wait for a predetermined time. If the player inserts credits within the predetermined time, the control unit 40 executes a process for starting the next game (next prize acquisition operation) after the support unit 16A has been reduced.

[0058] On the other hand, when the reduction of the support part 16A of the prize acquisition part 16 is completed, the control part 40 starts the latter part of the prize release operation by the prize acquisition part 16 (step S134 in FIG. 10). At this time, the control part 40 causes the prize acquisition part 16 to perform the latter part of the prize release operation, and judges whether or not the next game operation has been performed (whether the next game button of the display part 44 has been pressed) (step S136), and judges whether or not the prize acquisition part 16 has moved to a waiting position and stopped as a result of performing the latter part of the prize release operation (step S140). If it is judged that the next game operation has been performed during the execution of the latter part of the prize release operation by the prize acquisition part 16 (step S136: Y), the control part 40 judges whether or not there are any credits remaining (step S138). As described above, if there are no credits remaining (step S138: N), the next game (next prize acquisition operation) cannot be started, so the control part 40 returns to step S140 and repeats the subsequent processes. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is credit remaining (step S138: Y), the control unit 40 proceeds to step S146 and executes a process for starting the next game (next prize acquisition operation).

[0059] If it is determined in step S138 that there are no credits remaining (step S138: N), the control unit 40 may be configured to display on the display unit 44 a message prompting the player to insert credits and wait for a predetermined time. If the player inserts credits within the predetermined time, the control unit 40 executes a process to start the next game.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 11, in the process for starting the next game (the next prize acquisition operation), the control unit 40 first stops the prize release operation (later stage) of the prize acquisition unit 16 (step S146). Then, the control unit 40 causes the prize acquisition unit 16 to execute an operation to release the prize at the current position, opening the gripping claws 16C (step S148), and notifies the player that the game will move to the next game (the next prize acquisition operation will start) (step S150). The notification that the game will move to the next game (the next prize acquisition operation will start) may be, for example, displayed on the display unit 44 by the control unit 40, or may be produced by using sound or light via the production unit. When announcing that the next game (next prize obtaining operation) is about to begin, the control unit 40 returns to step S102 and transitions the game state from the second game state of the current prize obtaining operation to the first game state (1-1 game state) of the next prize obtaining operation, and repeats the above-mentioned processing (execution of the next game or next prize obtaining operation).

[0061] Note that acceptance of the next game operation is not limited to an operation on the next game button displayed on the display unit 44. For example, the control unit 40 may be configured to end the current game (current prize acquisition operation) and start the next game (next prize acquisition operation) (transition from the second game state of the current prize acquisition operation to the first game state (1-1 game state) of the next prize acquisition operation) when the above-mentioned conditions are satisfied upon accepting an operation on the operation unit 46 (first operation unit 46A or second operation unit 46B) in the second game state.

[0062] In the above description, the prize capturing unit 16 is configured to be movable in the X-axis and Y-axis directions in response to the operation of the operation unit 46 within the storage space 12, but the prize capturing unit 16 may be configured not to move in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, but to extend and retract in the Z-axis direction in response to the operation of the operation unit 46 at a fixed position in the X-axis and Y-axis directions within the storage space 12 to capture a prize (first game state) and release a prize (second game state). In this case, the prize capturing operation in the first game state is performed as the above-mentioned 1-2 game state, and the prize release operation in the second game state is performed as the above-mentioned operation to release the front stage (operation to shrink the support unit 16A) and the rear stage prize (operation to open the gripping claws 16C). Alternatively, in the 1-1 game state, the prize capture section 16 may be rotated (the gripping section 16B and the gripping claws 16C may be rotated around the support section 16A as the rotation axis) so that the player can determine the direction of the gripping claws 16C.

[0063] In addition, in the above explanation, the prize capturing operation is configured to grasp the prize 14 by extending the support portion 16A of the prize capturing unit 16 and closing the gripping claws 16C provided on the gripping portion 16B, but the control unit 40 may also be configured to perform an operation to scoop up the prize 14 with the prize capturing unit 16 in response to operation of the operation unit 46 in the prize capturing operation, and to drop the prize 14 scooped from the prize capturing unit 16 at a drop position in response to operation of the operation unit 46 at a later stage of the prize releasing operation.

[0064] In addition, in the above explanation, a prize 14 is captured by the prize capturing section 16 and dropped (released) towards the drop space 18 at the drop position, thereby being captured. However, the prize 14 may also be released at a position other than above the drop space 18 within the storage space 12 (so that prize 14 falls into the storage space 12), and the released prize 14 may be pushed into the drop space 18 to be captured.

[0065] (First Modification) In this embodiment, the control unit 40 is configured to inform the player that the next game operation is possible when the game state is shifted to the second game state, and to end the current game (the current prize acquisition operation) and execute the next game (the next prize acquisition operation) when the next game operation is received. However, if the player mistakenly performs the next game operation and the next game (the next prize acquisition operation) is started, the player may be disadvantaged. For example, if the next game operation is performed while the prize 14 is being held by the gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16, or while the prize 14 is being held up by the gripping claws 16C or the like, the gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16 are opened, and there is a risk that the prize 14 will be dropped (released). A first modified example for preventing such a mistaken next game operation by the player will be described with reference to FIG. 12. FIG. 12 shows the process in the second gaming state (FIG. 10) described above, and the same processes as those in FIG. 10 are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations are omitted, and different processes will be explained.

[0066] As described above, when the control unit 40 determines that the next game operation has been performed during the shrinking operation of the support unit 16A of the prize capture unit 16 (during the execution of the first stage of the prize release operation) (step S124: Y), it is configured to determine whether or not credits remain (step S126). As shown in FIG. 12, in this first modified example, when it is determined that credits remain (step S126: Y), the control unit 40 displays, for example, a message on the display unit 44 to confirm whether or not to proceed to the next game (next prize capture operation), and a button to approve the transition and a button to not approve the transition, and makes it possible to accept operations on these buttons (step S127a). Then, the control unit 40 waits for the completion of shrinking of the support unit 16A, that is, the end of the first stage of the prize release operation (step S128), and when it determines that the shrinking has been completed (the first stage has ended) (step S128: Y), it determines whether or not the player has approved the transition to the next game (next prize capture operation) (step S129a). When it is determined that the player has operated a button to approve the transition of the display unit 44 and that the transition has been approved (step S129a: Y), the control unit 40 executes processing for starting the next game (next prize acquisition operation) from step S146 onward. On the other hand, when it is determined that the player has operated a button to not approve the transition of the display unit 44 and that the transition has not been approved, or that no operation has been performed on the display unit 44 by the time the reduction of the support unit 16A is completed (by the end of the previous stage) (step S129a: N), the control unit 40 returns to step S132, stops and ends the reduction operation of the support unit 16A, and transitions to the latter stage of the prize release operation by the prize acquisition unit 16.

[0067] In addition, after the support part 16A of the prize acquisition part 16 is reduced (after the first stage of the prize release operation is completed), if the control part 40 determines that the next game operation has been performed during the execution of the second stage of the prize release operation (step S136: Y), it determines whether or not there is any credit remaining (step S138). If it determines that there is any credit remaining (step S138: Y), for example, it displays a message on the display part 44 to confirm whether it is OK to move to the next game (next prize acquisition operation), and a button to approve the move and a button to not approve the move, and makes it possible to accept the operation of these buttons (step S139a). Then, the control part 40 determines whether or not the move to the next game (next prize acquisition operation) has been approved by the player (step S139b). If it determines that the move has been approved by the player operating the button to approve the move on the display part 44 (step S139b: Y), the control part 40 executes the process for starting the next game (next prize acquisition operation) from step S146 onward. On the other hand, if the control unit 40 determines that the player has operated a button on the display unit 44 not to approve the transition and the transition has not been approved, or that no operation has been performed on the display unit 44 within a predetermined time since the display unit 44 displayed a button for confirming transition to the next game (step S139b: N), the control unit 40 returns to step S140 and continues execution of the latter part of the prize release operation by the prize acquisition unit 16. Note that, when a next game operation is performed, the control unit 40 continues to accept buttons for approving and not approving the transition to the next game until the prize acquisition unit 16 transitions to a standby state (until the latter part of the prize release operation is completed and transitions to a standby state), and if the button for approving the transition is operated during that time, the control unit 40 transitions to a process for starting the next game (next prize acquisition operation), and if the button for not approving the transition is operated or the player has not operated the display unit 44 until the latter part of the prize release operation of the prize acquisition unit 16 is completed, the control unit 40 may determine that the transition to the next game (next prize acquisition operation) has not been approved, and continue execution of the latter part of the prize release operation.

[0068] In this way, in the first variant, when the next game operation is performed, the control unit 40 confirms with the player whether or not he or she approves the execution of the next game (next prize acquisition action), so that even if the player mistakenly performs the next game operation, the next game (next prize acquisition action) will not be executed until this operation is authenticated.

[0069] (Second Modification) In the first modified example described above, a case was described in which the player is required to approve the transition to the next game (transition to the next prize acquisition action) in order to prevent the next game (the next prize acquisition action) from being executed due to the player's erroneous next game operation. In the second modified example, a prize detection unit 78 is provided that detects that the prize acquisition unit 16 is grabbing the prize 14 (the prize acquisition unit 16 has captured the prize 14) and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 40, and the control unit 40 judges whether the prize acquisition unit 16 is grabbing the prize 14 based on the detection signal from the prize detection unit 78, and when it judges that the prize acquisition unit 16 is grabbing the prize 14, the control unit 40 does not transition to the next game (the next prize acquisition action) even if the player performs a next game operation. Note that FIG. 13 shows the process in the second game state described above (FIG. 10), and the same processes as those in FIG. 10 are assigned the same reference numerals and detailed explanations are omitted, and different processes are explained.

[0070] The prize detection unit 78 may be configured to be provided in the gripping portion 16B of the prize capturing unit 16, for example, as shown in Fig. 5, and detect the prize 14 gripped by the gripping claws 16C or caught in the gripping claws 16C. As an example of such a prize detection unit 78, it may be configured to detect the prize 14 by emitting light such as infrared rays downward from the lower surface of the gripping portion 16B and receiving and detecting the light reflected by the prize 14 gripped by or caught in the gripping claws 16C. Alternatively, the prize detection unit 78 may be configured to be provided with a camera that captures an image downward from the lower surface of the gripping portion 16B, and to detect the prize 14 gripped by (or caught in) the gripping claws 16C by image analysis of the image of the camera.

[0071] Alternatively, the prize detection unit 78 may be configured to detect a change in the combined weight of the gripping portion 16B and the gripping claws 16C, and may be configured to detect that the prize 14 is being gripped (or caught) by the gripping claws 16C when the combined weight of the gripping portion 16B and the gripping claws 16C increases.

[0072] Alternatively, the prize detection unit 78 may be configured to have a camera within the storage space 12 capable of capturing an image of the prize capturing unit 16, and to detect the prize 14 being grasped (or caught) by the gripping claws 16C by performing image analysis on the image captured by the camera.

[0073] Alternatively, the prize detection unit 78 may be provided with a sensor (e.g., a contact sensor) that detects the prize 14 gripped at the tip of the gripping claw 16C of the prize capturing unit 16, and the prize 14 may be detected by this sensor. Also, when the prize 14 is gripped by the gripping claw 16C, the gripping claw 16C will not close completely even if the prize capturing unit 16 is caused to perform an operation to grip the prize 14. Also, when the prize 14 is caught at the tip of the gripping claw 16C, the gripping claw 16C may be pulled in the direction of opening due to the weight of the prize 14. Therefore, the prize detection unit 78 may be provided with a sensor that detects whether the gripping claw 16C is completely closed or not, and the prize 14 may be detected by the output of this sensor.

[0074] As in the first modified example, when the control unit 40 determines that the next game operation has been performed during the shrinking operation of the support unit 16A of the prize acquisition unit 16 (during the execution of the first stage of the prize release operation) (step S124: Y), it determines whether or not the credit remains (step S126). As shown in FIG. 13, in this second modified example, when it determines that the credit remains (step S126: Y), the control unit 40 waits for the completion of shrinking of the support unit 16A, that is, the end of the first stage of the prize release operation (step S128), and when it determines that the shrinking has been completed (the first stage has ended) (step S128: Y), it determines whether or not the prize detection unit 78 has detected the prize 14 (step S129b). When the prize detection unit 78 does not detect the prize 14 (step S129b: N), the control unit 40 executes the process for starting the next game (next prize acquisition operation) from step S146 onward. On the other hand, if the prize detection unit 78 detects a prize 14 (step S129b: Y), the control unit 40 returns to step S132, stops and ends the shrinking operation of the support unit 16A, and proceeds to a later stage of the prize release operation by the prize capture unit 16.

[0075] In addition, after the support part 16A of the prize capture unit 16 is reduced (after the first stage of the prize release operation is completed), if the control unit 40 determines that the next game operation has been performed during the execution of the second stage of the prize release operation (step S136: Y), it determines whether or not the credit remains (step S138), and if it determines that the credit remains (step S138: Y), it determines whether or not the prize detection unit 78 detects the prize 14 (step S139c). If the prize detection unit 78 does not detect the prize 14 (step S139c: N), the control unit 40 executes the process for starting the next game (next prize capture operation) from step S146 onwards. On the other hand, if the prize detection unit 78 detects the prize 14 (step S139c: Y), the control unit 40 returns to step S140 and continues the execution of the second stage of the prize release operation by the prize capture unit 16.

[0076] In the above description, the control unit 40 is configured not to execute the next game (next prize acquisition operation) when the prize detection unit 78 detects the prize 14 (continues the second game state of the current prize acquisition operation and does not transition to the first game state (1-1 game state) of the next prize acquisition operation), but when the prize detection unit 78 detects the prize 14 when a next game operation is performed, the control unit 40 may be configured to display on the display unit 44 a message confirming that the prize 14 has been detected and whether it is OK to transition to the next game (next prize acquisition operation), as well as a button to approve the transition and a button to disapprove the transition, so as to accept operations on these buttons. In this case, the control unit 40 is configured to transition to the next game (next prize acquisition operation) when it determines that the approve button has been operated by the player, and not to transition to the next game (next prize acquisition operation) when it determines that the disapproval button has been operated.

[0077] In this way, in the second variant, when the next game operation is performed, the prize detection unit 78 detects the prize 14 being grasped (or caught) by the gripping claws 16C of the prize capturing unit 16, so that when the prize 14 is detected, the next game (next prize capturing action) will not be executed even if the player mistakenly performs the next game operation.

[0078] It should be noted that either the first modified example or the second modified example may be implemented in the device 10, or both may be implemented in the device 10.

[0079] Also, the above-mentioned configuration may be such that it is possible to switch whether or not the next game operation by the player is acceptable (permission / non-permission of the next game operation). As described above, when the worker inserts the regular setting key into the key slot 72, the control unit 40 transitions the control state to the setting mode. When transitioning to the setting mode, the control unit 40 displays information, menus, etc. for setting the device 10 on the display unit 44. Since the display unit 44 is configured as a touch panel, the worker can operate the menus, etc. to perform the desired settings. In this setting mode, the permission / non-permission of the next game operation can be set.

[0080] Furthermore, the above-mentioned device 10 has been described as being configured so that the prize capturing unit 16 moves in the first and second directions, the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and expands and contracts in the third direction, the Z-axis direction, to capture the prize 14. However, for example, the first direction may be the X-axis direction (or the Y-axis direction), the second direction may be the Z-axis direction, the prize capturing unit 16 moves in the X-axis direction (or the Y-axis direction) and the Z-axis direction, and further the third direction may be the Y-axis direction (or the X-axis direction), and the prize capturing unit 16 may expand and contract in the Y-axis direction (or the X-axis direction) to capture the prize 14.

[0081] In addition, the above-mentioned device 10 has been described as performing one prize acquisition operation in one game (one credit), but it may be configured to repeatedly perform the prize acquisition operation until the prize 14 can be acquired within a predetermined time in one game (one credit), or to perform the prize acquisition operation any number of times in one game (one credit) within a predetermined time. In this case, whether or not the next game operation is performed and the next prize acquisition operation can be started is determined not by determining whether or not credits remain (steps S126 and S138 in FIG. 10) but by whether or not a predetermined time has passed. In addition, in a configuration in which the prize acquisition operation can be repeatedly performed until the prize 14 is acquired, when the prize 14 is acquired (when it is detected that the prize 14 has been acquired by the detection signal of the passing sensor 74), the game ends after waiting for the prize acquisition operation to end.

[0082] (Characteristics and Effects of the Present Embodiment) The features and effects of the prize acquisition game device 10 according to this embodiment will be summarized below.

[0083] In the prize acquisition game device 10 according to this embodiment, the control unit 40 is configured to, when receiving a predetermined operation (next game operation) on the operation unit (display unit 44 and operation unit 46) during the second game state, halt at least a part of the prize release operations constituting the currently executed prize acquisition operation that are performed after receiving the predetermined operation, and transition to the first game state of the next prize acquisition operation from the point of suspension. In this way, when transitioning to the second game state, the control unit 40 is enabled to receive the next game operation, so that when the prize acquisition unit 16 is unable to capture the prize 14, the player can execute the next prize acquisition operation without waiting for the completion of the currently executed prize acquisition operation, and the player is not stressed that he or she cannot execute the next prize acquisition operation without waiting for the completion of the current prize acquisition operation. Furthermore, with this configuration, the player can start the next prize capturing operation at or near the position aimed at in the current prize capturing operation (the position of the prize capturing unit 16 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions), which may make it easier for the player to aim (position) the prize capturing unit 16 at the prize 14. Also, when a next game operation is performed, at least a part of the operations following that operation in the currently executed prize capturing operation are omitted, which shortens the time required for one game (one prize capturing operation) and improves the operating rate of the device 10.

[0084] In addition, the prize acquisition game device 10 according to this embodiment can be configured such that, when the next game operation is performed while the support part 16A of the prize acquisition part 16 is contracted in the second game state (the first stage of the prize release operation is being executed), the control part 40 does not proceed to the next prize acquisition operation (the first game state of the next prize acquisition operation) until the contraction of the support part 16A is completed (until the first stage of the prize release operation is completed). If the next prize acquisition operation is started in a state in which the contraction of the support part 16A is not completed (the support part 16A is extended), the grip part 16B and the grip claw 16C cannot be stopped above the current position in the next prize acquisition operation, that is, the player may not be able to lower the grip part 16B and the grip claw 16C of the prize acquisition part 16 to the desired position, so the game device is configured not to proceed to the next prize acquisition operation until the contraction of the support part 16A is completed.

[0085] Furthermore, the prize acquisition game device 10 of this embodiment can be configured such that when the next game operation is performed in the second game state, it does not transition to the first game state for the next prize acquisition action, but instead notifies the player that they will transition to the next prize acquisition action via the display unit 44, which is the notification unit (displaying a message confirming whether it is OK to transition to the next prize acquisition action, and a button to approve the transition and a button to not approve the transition), and continues the execution of the current prize acquisition action (second game state), and transitions to the first game state for the next prize acquisition action when the display unit 44, which is the operation unit, receives an operation to approve transition to the next prize acquisition action (when the approve button is operated by the player). For example, if a player mistakenly performs the next game operation while capturing a prize 14 in the prize capturing unit 16, there is a possibility that the prize 14 will fall from the prize capturing unit 16 (the gripping claws 16C will open and cause the prize 14 to fall). However, with this configuration, even when the next game operation is performed, the player's intention is confirmed (confirmation is made that the approval button has been operated), thereby preventing the player from moving on to the next prize capturing action due to an incorrect operation.

[0086] Furthermore, the prize acquisition game device 10 according to this embodiment has a prize detection unit 78 that detects the state in which the prize acquisition unit 16 has captured the prize 14 (the prize acquisition unit 16 is gripping the prize 14 (or the prize 14 is caught by the gripping claws 16C of the prize acquisition unit 16)), and the control unit 40 can be configured so that when the prize detection unit 78 detects the prize 14, it will not proceed to the next prize acquisition operation even if the next game operation is performed. This configuration makes it possible to prevent a situation in which, when the prize acquisition unit 16 has captured the prize 14, the player's erroneous operation causes the game to proceed to the next prize acquisition operation, resulting in the prize 14 being dropped (or the prize 14 being released somewhere other than above the drop space 18 (other than the drop position)).

[0087] In addition, the control unit 40 of the prize acquisition game device 10 according to this embodiment may be configured to continue the second game state by notifying the player of the transition to the next prize acquisition operation using the display unit 44 as the notification unit when the prize 14 is detected by the prize detection unit 78 when the next game operation is performed, (displaying a message to confirm whether to transition to the next prize acquisition operation, and a button to approve the transition and a button to not approve the transition), and to transition to the first game state of the next prize acquisition operation when an operation to approve the transition to the next prize acquisition operation is added using the display unit 44 as the operation unit (when the button to approve is operated by the player). This configuration prevents the above-mentioned erroneous operation by the player, and allows the player to transition to the next prize acquisition operation when the prize detection unit 78 erroneously detects the prize 14 or when the player wishes to perform the next prize acquisition operation even if the prize 14 has been captured. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10 Prize acquisition game device 12 Containment Space 16 Prize Collection Section 16A Support part 16B Gripping part 18 Falling space 40 Control section 44 Display unit (operation unit, notification unit) 46 Control section 78 Prize detection section

Claims

1. A prize acquisition game device for realizing a game in which at least a part of a prize accommodated in a storage space is dropped into a drop space provided below the storage space and acquired, A prize acquisition department; An operation unit that accepts operations by a player; A control unit that controls the operation of the prize acquisition unit, The control unit controls the prize acquisition operation once, a first game state in which, when an operation is received from the operation unit, the prize capture unit in a standby state is caused to perform a prize capture operation including an operation of the prize capture unit to capture the prize; a second gaming state in which, following the first gaming state, a prize releasing operation including an operation of releasing the prize by the prize capturing unit is performed, and the prize capturing unit is placed in a standby state; The control unit, when in the second game state, can receive a predetermined operation on the operation unit while the prize acquisition unit is moving, and when the predetermined operation is received, cancels at least a part of the prize release operation that is performed after the predetermined operation is received, and transitions to the first game state for the next prize acquisition operation from the point of cancellation. A prize-winning game device.

2. A prize acquisition game device for realizing a game in which at least a part of a prize accommodated in a storage space is dropped into a drop space provided below the storage space and acquired, A prize acquisition department; A support part capable of changing a support position of the prize capture part; An operation unit that accepts operations by a player; A control unit that controls the operation of the prize acquisition unit, The control unit controls the prize acquisition operation once, a first game state in which, when an operation is received from the operation unit, the prize capture unit in a standby state is caused to perform a prize capture operation including an operation of the prize capture unit to capture the prize; a second gaming state in which, following the first gaming state, a prize releasing operation including an operation of releasing the prize by the prize capturing unit is performed, and the prize capturing unit is placed in a standby state; The control unit is capable of receiving a predetermined operation on the operation unit when in the second game state including the period during which the support unit is being raised, and when the predetermined operation is received, at least a part of the prize release operation that is performed after the predetermined operation is received is stopped, and the game state transitions to the first game state for the next prize acquisition operation from the point of the stop. A prize-winning game device.

3. The prize acquisition unit includes: A support portion that is expandable and contractable in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction; a gripping portion attached to a tip of the support portion and configured to grip the prize; The control unit is In the first gaming state, when an operation is received from the operating unit, the support unit is extended, and then the grip unit is caused to perform an operation of capturing the prize; In the second game state, after the support portion is contracted, the grip portion is caused to perform an operation of releasing the prize, and further, the prize capture portion is caused to enter a standby state. In the second gaming state, when the predetermined operation on the operating unit is received while the support unit is being contracted, the game state transitions to the first gaming state when the contraction of the support unit is completed.

3. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A notification unit that notifies information, When the control unit receives the predetermined operation on the operation unit in the second gaming state, The second gaming state is continued without transitioning to the first gaming state, by notifying the player that a next prize acquisition operation will be performed by the notification unit; When an operation for approving the transition to the next prize acquisition operation is performed by the operation unit, the game state is transitioned to the first game state.

3. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. a prize detection unit that detects whether the prize capture unit has captured the prize; When the control unit receives the predetermined operation on the operation unit in the second game state and detects that the prize detection unit has captured the prize, the control unit does not transition to the first game state and continues the second game state.

3. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. A notification unit that notifies information; a prize detection unit that detects that the prize capture unit has captured the prize; When the control unit receives the predetermined operation on the operation unit in the second gaming state, When the prize detection unit detects that the prize has been captured, the game does not transition to the first game state, but continues the second game state by informing the player of a transition to a next prize acquisition operation through the notification unit; When an operation for approving the transition to the next prize acquisition operation is performed by the operation unit, the game state is transitioned to the first game state.

3. The prize acquisition game device according to claim 1 or 2.

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